Best Organic Mattresses

Written by Loren Bullock, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Methodology

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed hundreds of mattresses and sleep products for over eight years using hands-on testing. We assess each sleep product for comfort, support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more. Learn more.

In This Article

We tell you everything you need to know about our picks for the best organic mattresses from their performances during our hands-on testing.

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Whether you prefer to buy products that are eco-friendly or your concern is that the mattress you buy is made with natural materials that are not toxic for you and your family, an organic, non-toxic mattress will achieve that goal. Luckily, manufacturers are recognizing the plea of consumers who want their beds to be easy on the environment, and safe to sleep in at night. 

We will answer all your questions about organic mattresses—what kinds of mattresses are organic, how to know if a mattress is truly 100 percent organic or just marketed as organic, why you should care about the materials in your mattress—and finally share eight mattresses that meet those criteria, are durable and comfortable and would make an excellent choice for your next bed! 

The Best Organic Mattresses of 2023

• WinkBeds EcoCloud – Nerd’s Pick
• Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep – Best Affordable Organic Mattress
• Birch – Best for Back Sleepers
• GhostBed Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Combination Sleepers
• Saatva ZenHaven – Best Eco-Friendly Latex Mattress 
• PlushBeds Natural Bliss – Best Vegan Mattress
• Avocado Green – Best Organic Mattress for Sleepers with Back Pain
• Joybed – Best Organic Hybrid Mattress
• PlushBeds Botanical Bliss – Best All-Natural Latex Mattress

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

If you are interested in purchasing one of these mattresses, it is first important to understand what exactly an organic mattress is. What makes it organic? What standard are they using to measure themselves as organic, “green,” or eco-friendly? Our team at Mattress Nerd established criteria in order to verify the claims of these brands, and the mattresses included on this list not only qualify as organic, but they’re also wonderful products in many other respects. To learn more, check out our review process.

WinkBeds EcoCloud – Nerd’s Pick

Pros of the WinkBed EcoCloud Mattress

Great edge support

Sleeps cool

Eco-friendly

Cons of the WinkBed EcoCloud Mattress

Poor motion isolation

Expensive

Earning the top spot on our list is the WinkBeds EcoCloud, a latex hybrid mattress with a medium-firm feel, fantastic responsiveness, and impressive temperature regulation. 

Organic cotton, non-toxic Talalay Latex, and New Zealand wool are just some of the high-quality materials used in the EcoCloud’s environmentally friendly construction. While being organic and sustainable, the materials in this bed also contribute to some of its notable qualities of excellence. 

The EcoCloud’s responsiveness, which ensures that switching positions and moving around will not be a problem for you, can be at least partially chalked up to the Talalay Latex, while the wool and cotton cover do a good job of wicking away moisture and keeping you cool at night. 

The WinkBed EcoCloud comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a generous lifetime warranty.

What Our Testers Say:

“The EcoCloud is for eco-conscious shoppers wanting a medium-firm organic mattress. Its latex layers and coil core make it extra cooling too. Next, the EcoCloud is ideal for back sleepers. Some side sleepers and lightweight sleepers may find it too firm, while some heavyweight stomach sleepers may need more firmness.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress

• Combination sleepers
• Eco-friendly shoppers
• Hot sleepers

Who Might Not Like the WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress

• Couples
• Sleepers needing pressure relief
• Budget

Other User Reviews

At 4.8 out of 5 stars on WinkBed’s site, the EcoCloud has an overwhelmingly positive response. The few negative reviews cite preferences that the bed is either too soft or too firm for their specific needs. The majority of positive reviews praise the organic, hypo-allergenic materials and comfort the bed provides, some even saying they found pain relief.

Read our full WinkBed’s EcoCloud mattress review to learn more.

Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep – Best Affordable Organic Mattress

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep Mattress

Affordable cost

Cooling

Flippable design

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep Mattress

Firmness

Firmness

Earning the spot of best affordable organic mattress is the Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep—a flippable hybrid mattress constructed with organic materials such as sustainably sourced Joma wool and natural latex.  

Since the EcoSleep is flippable, you don’t have to be certain of your firmness preference before you buy it. One side has a medium-firm feel (6/10) and the other side has a firmer feel (7/10). If you prefer back sleeping, then the medium-firm side is for you, whereas stomach sleepers should find a lot to love about the firmer side.

The EcoSleep has a relatively affordable price ($1,249 for a Queen) and comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

What Our Testers Say:

“With eco-friendly materials, excellent cooling features, and a flippable design, the EcoSleep is a great mattress for eco-conscious shoppers who sleep hot and want the choice between two firmness settings in their mattress. ” – Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep Mattress

• Back and stomach sleepers
• Average-weight and heavyweight sleepers
• Eco-conscious shoppers on a budget
• Hot sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep Mattress

• Most lightweight sleepers
• Strict side sleepers
• Those with joint pain who need lots of pressure point relief
• Couples who are sensitive to one another’s movements

Other User Reviews

On the Brooklyn Bedding website, this mattress scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 83 reviews. Praise is given to the flexibility of this mattress for customers to choose what they want and the sustainability of the product. There were not reviews below 3 stars, showing the overwhelming positive opinions.

Read our full EcoSleep mattress review to learn more.

Birch – Best Organic Mattress for Back Sleepers

Pros of the Birch Mattress

Sleeps cool

Great edge support

Easy to move around on

Cons of the Birch Mattress

Poor motion isolation

Stong off-gassing odor

If you’re after an organic mattress with a bouncy, responsive feel that performs well for back, stomach, and combination sleepers, the Birch by Helix will make your dreams come true. 

The Birch is a hybrid natural mattress made of organic materials that are especially good at wicking away moisture and heat. It is built with a top layer of organic wool and a second layer of natural Talalay latex. Finally, it is completed with a support core of pocketed coils reinforced by a layer of natural wool batting. The result of this construction is a mattress with fantastic durability and comfort.

The Birch mattress comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 25-year warranty.

What Our Testers Say:

“The Birch Natural is for eco-conscious shoppers who like a firmer latex mattress and want a reasonable price point. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper who isn’t lightweight or are a combination sleeper who enjoys a firmer feel, this mattress is a great choice to consider.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Birch Mattress

• Back sleepers
• Stomach sleepers
• Combination sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Birch Mattress

• Lightweight sleepers
• Side sleepers
• Couples

Other User Reviews

According to Birch’s website, the Birch Natural scores a 4.6 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews seem to focus on the possible lingering odor, some shipping woes, and the occasional complaint of back pain. Otherwise, customers praise the combination of sustainable and comfortable materials.

Read our full Birch mattress review to learn more.

GhostBed Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Combination Sleepers

Pros of the GhostBed Natural

Great temperature control

Good edge support

Easy to move on and isolation motion well

Pros of the GhostBed Natural

Expensive

The GhostBed Natural is a latex hybrid mattress with a high-quality design. It boasts a five-layer construction that features organic cotton, natural wool, and both Talalay and Dunlop latex! The mattress is certified USDA Organic, OEKO-TEX, and many others.

The GhostBed Natural has a very nice medium firmness that offers a balance of comfort and support. This makes it an excellent option for combination sleepers. Whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, you should find what you need on the GhostBed Natural. Being a latex hybrid, this mattress is also going to be a great match for hot sleepers. Breathable cotton, wool, and latex should keep you cool all night! 

What Our Testers Say:

The GhostBed Natural mattress is a latex mattress with coils for added support. It performed almost perfectly in every single category, meaning it works for a wide range of people including heavy, combo, and hot sleepers. One thing that may give you pause is the price: latex can be expensive.

 

Who Might Like the GhostBed Natural Mattress

• Combination sleepers
• Hot sleepers
• Eco-conscious shoppers

Who Might Not Like the GhostBed Natural Mattress

• Budget-conscious shoppers
• People who want to sink into their mattress
• Lightweight side sleepers

Other User Reviews

On the GhostBed website, this mattress scored a 4.9 out of 5 stars, from 60 reviews. This mattress received a 100% would recommend score from these reviews, showcasing the satisfaction with this mattress.

Read out full review on the GhostBed Natural Mattress. Check out our Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers roundup to find more great options!

ZenHaven – Best Eco-Friendly Latex Mattress

Pros of the ZenHaven Mattress

Sleeps cool

Eco-friendly

Great responsiveness

Cons of the ZenHaven Mattress

Not great at isolation movement

Poor pressure relief

The ZenHaven is a 100% pure Talalay latex mattress, making it our pick for the best eco-friendly mattress. It is constructed with two comfort layers that share a latex support core and an organic cotton cover. The eco-friendly Talalay latex improves spinal alignment and relieves pressure points. This organic mattress also uses a cooler material than many other types of foam. This mattress is dual-sided with one side being ‘Luxury Plush’ and the other side ‘Firm’, making it customizable for a wide variety of sleepers.

If you are a side sleeper, then the Luxury Plush side of the mattress gives you extra pressure relief for your shoulders. If you are a stomach sleeper, the Firm side of the mattress gives you the extra support to help keep your spine aligned.  It comes in multiple sizes and is 11 inches deep. The ZenHaven comes with a 120-night trial period, free in-home set up, and a 20-year warranty.

What Our Testers Say:

“The Zenhaven is a luxury latex mattress that’s made with natural Talalay latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. You’ll pay more for these quality materials, but can expect 20 years of life in return, not to mention that you’re essentially getting two mattress in one: one medium-soft and one medium-firm.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the ZenHaven Mattress

• Hot sleepers 
• All sleeping positions
• People who toss and turn at night
• Eco-conscious consumers

Who Might Not Like the ZenHaven Mattress

• Those who like the contouring feel of memory foam
• Lightweight side sleepers
• Heavyweight stomach sleepers

Other User Reviews

On the Saatva website, this mattress scored a 4.9 out of 5 stars, from 315 reviews. The majority of reviews are positive saying that it eliminated back pain and its performance has held up over the years. Some complaints were given to this mattress being too firm.

Read our full ZenHaven Mattress Review for more details! Check out our best latex mattress page to see more options like the ZenHaven.

PlushBeds Natural Bliss – Best Natural Vegan Mattress

Pros of the PlushBeds Natural Bliss Mattress

As clean, organic and responsibly sourced a line of mattresses as you’ll find

Great motion isolation due to the latex

Good option for stomach sleepers

Cons of the PlushBeds Natural Bliss Mattress

Expensive

Heavy weight

Does not have fantastic edge support

When looking for an organic mattress you will find that many of them contain materials like ethically sourced wool. Harvesting materials like this may not have a negative impact on the environment, but they still qualify as animal products, meaning vegans may not feel comfortable sleeping on mattresses in which they are used.

The PlushBeds Natural Bliss, on the other hand, delivers an entirely natural and sustainably produced mattress that does not contain animal products of any kind. Not only does it check those boxes, the PlushBeds Natural Bliss also has exceptional cooling and pressure relief abilities to the table with its organic cotton cover and all-natural latex comfort layer.

What Our Testers Say:

“The PlushBeds Natural Bliss mattresses are made of three layers of natural latex with a thick cover of organic cotton. That makes this bed a true option for vegans. Remember that latex naturally yields to pressure, yet supports areas of less pressure. It molds to your body.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the PlushBeds Natural Bliss Mattress

• All sleeping positions because of the range of firmness levels
• People who are environmentally conscious
• People ready for a long-term bedding solution

Who Might Not Like the PlushBeds Natural Bliss Mattress

• Budget-conscious shoppers
• Those who are looking for a light bed

Other User Reviews

On the PlushBeds website, this mattress scored a 4.9 out of 5 stars, from 344 reviews. There were no reviews below 3 stars, making this mattress have overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Read our full PlushBeds Mattress Reviews to learn more!

Avocado Green – Best Organic Mattress for Sleepers with Back Pain 

Pros of the Avocado Green Mattress

Great at controlling temperature

Good pressure relief

Cons of the Avocado Green Mattress

Not the best edge support

Doesn’t isolate motion that well

The Avocado mattress is a latex hybrid handmade in the USA. Its comfort layers are made with 100% GOTS organic wool and natural Dunlop latex comfort layers. Avocado has met the excellence standards of being GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it meets very strict emission and chemical standards.

While its support core is constructed with more than 1,000 pocketed support coils. No polyester, polyurethane, or toxic flame retardants are used in its construction. It comes in multiple sizes, is 11-13 inches thick depending on whether you add their luxury top pillow top. It also comes in two firmness options, ‘Medium’ and ‘ Medium Firm.”  The Avocado Mattresses come with free shipping and free returns as well as a one-year sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

What Our Testers Say:

“The Avocado Green is a hybrid mattress made from organic materials that’s great for back sleepers, hot sleepers, and combination sleepers too. However, this mattress doesn’t have the strongest motion isolation or edge support, making it less than ideal for couples and seniors.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

 

Who Might Like the Avocado Green Mattress

• Back sleepers—When it comes to back sleeping, lumbar support is everything, regardless of body type. With that in mind, most back sleepers will get an ideal sleeping experience on the softer, but supportive Avocado Green.
• Heavier side sleepers—Side sleepers benefit mostly from pressure relief, especially in their hips and shoulders. But, on the other hand, heavier sleepers benefit from more firmness and lift. Ultimately, the Avocado Green provides a great balance of heavier side sleepers looking to maximize relief without compromising on support.
• Hot sleepers—The Avocado Green is top of the line when it comes to cooling. Thanks to this mattress’s breathable hybrid design and naturally cooling materials, hot sleepers won’t find a bed with better temperature control.

Who Might Not Like the Avocado Green Mattress

• Couples—The Avocado Green, simply put, is made from a lot of bouncy materials (like springs and latex).
• Heavier stomach sleepers—The Avocado Green is a relative soft mattress, which is a problem for heavyweight sleepers who lay on their stomach.
• Seniors—Seniors and sleepers with mobility concerns can benefit from having a supportive and sturdy edge to their mattress.

Other User Reviews

The Avocado Green Mattress scores a 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Avocado site. Users love the pain relief and comfortable sleep they get from the mattress. Some users point out a “breaking-in” period for the mattress and others found it to be too firm. 

Read our full Avocado Green Mattress Review to learn more! Or, our best mattresses for back pain article has more great options for pain relief.

Joybed – Best Organic Hybrid Mattress 

Pros of the Joybed Mattress

Sleeps cool

Good at isolating motion

Pros of the Joybed Mattress

Doesn’t contour body like memory foam

Expensive

The Joybed mattresses are hybrid models constructed with organic, eco-friendly materials. Its comfort layers are made of plant fiber, organic cotton, and wool, as well as a and support core of pocketed coils, that provide active edge support. It has received numerous certifications to verify its organic materials.

It comes in multiple sizes as well as an option for each firmness preference: plush, medium, and firm. The Joybed is 11 to 13 inches deep depending on which option you choose and comes with free delivery and free returns as well as a 120-night sleep trial.

What Our Testers Say:

“Joybed offers a mattress for every sleeper. It may not cradle your body like memory foam or support your curves like latex, but it offers exceptional support, breathability and durability. Not to mention it is a clean, naturally hypoallergenic bed.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Joybed Organic Hybrid Mattress

• All sleeping positions, particularly side sleepers that need pressure relief around the hips and shoulders
• Couples
• People who sleep hot
• Individuals ready to invest in a long-term bedding solution

Who Might Not Like the Joybed Organic Hybrid Mattress

•  People prefer the contour of memory foam

Other User Reviews

On the Joybed website, this mattress scored a 4.6 out of 5 stars, from 353 reviews. From these users, 57 percent would recommend this mattress to a friend. Reviews say that this mattress is on the firmer side and that they are impressed with the company’s commitment to people’s health and the environment. There were complaints that this mattress began to sag and break down quickly leading to pain.

Read our entire JoyBed Mattress Review for full details! Interested in a hybrid mattress? Check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses for more great options.

PlushBeds Botanical Bliss – Best All-Natural Latex Mattress 

Pros of the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress

As clean, organic and responsibly sourced a line of mattresses as you’ll find

Great motion isolation due to the latex

Hypoallergenic

Cons of the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress

Expensive

Heavy weight

Does not have fantastic edge support

The Botanical Bliss by Plushbeds is a 100% natural latex mattress. It is composed of a breathable organic cotton cover, a top layer of organic New Zealand wool that helps to regulate temperature, and a layer of organic latex that provides pressure relief. It has received numerous certifications to back up its claims.

It comes in a wide variety of sizes and is available in 9, 10, or 12-inch height. It is offered in ‘Medium’ or ‘Medium-Firm’ firmness levels. Plushbeds offers free shipping and free returns, a 100-night trial, and a 25-year warranty and is also USDA certified organic.

What Our Testers Say:

“The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattresses are constructed with three different widths of organic latex. You can buy either a medium or a firm version, and then you can arrange those three latex sections to create a medium, medium-firm or firm mattress.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress

• All sleepers with options to fit so many needs
• People who care about how they use the earth’s resources
• People ready for a long-term bedding solution

Who Might Not Like the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress

• Budget-conscious shoppers
• Seniors and children due to poor edge support

Other User Reviews

On the PlushBeds website, this mattress scored a 4.9 out of 5 stars, from 4423 review. Customers say that this mattress is as good as it sounds and that many people sleep in comfort and satisfaction every night.

Read our full PlushBeds Mattress Review to learn more! 

Why Purchase an Organic Mattress?

It is true that organic mattresses have become more popular in recent years, with more and more companies offering organic varieties of their already successful products. While there is no one reason why people are interested in organic mattresses, the origin of them can be traced back to 2007, when it was passed into law that a mattress must be flame resistant.

We can all agree that it is important for our mattresses to be resistant to open flames, but this law led to some mattress companies utilizing toxic chemicals known as flame retardants to meet this new standard. Naturally, the inclusion of these highly toxic chemicals led to pushback, which led to wide public interest in organic, nontoxic mattresses that achieved flame resistance by healthier means.

But personal health is only one reason that consumers became interested in this type of product. As folks realized that some of these mattresses could have negative effects on their health, they also realized that the production of said mattresses could have negative effects on the environment. And so now we have two extremely worthwhile explanations for the popularity of organic mattresses: personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of the planet. 

What Makes A Mattress Organic?

An organic mattress is one that makes a low environmental impact during the manufacturing process and is constructed of natural, raw materials that are eco-friendly and are chemical-free. In most cases, since they are made with high-quality organic materials, they are naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and protect against dust mites.

The materials used in organic mattresses are very similar to that of non-organic mattresses; think memory foam mattress, latex, and pocketed coil (innerspring). The difference is in how the materials themselves are formulated. Is the mattress created with raw materials in their natural form? Or are they made from compounds that include chemicals and additives that may be harmful to users and the environment?

Some Examples of Materials You Might Find in an Organic Mattress Include:

• 100% organic cotton and wool
• 100% natural latex or organic latex
• Certified organic cotton cover
• Certified memory foam vs. traditional polyurethane foam
• Plant-based materials

UL Environmental is one organization that tests the safety of materials used in the manufacturing of certain processes. If a mattress passes their rigorous safety tests it earns GREENGUARD Certification, which you can learn more about in our article, “What Is GREENGUARD Certification?“

Organic Mattress Certifications

Be warned, any mattress companies can say that they are organic, “green,” or eco-friendly. So we are going to break down how you can tell if a mattress is truly 100% organic or just marketed as such.

To verify whether or not a mattress is organic, environmental and regulatory bodies provide unbiased third-party testing to verify that a mattress is in fact organic, and made of natural materials. This includes testing the mattress, as well as visiting the facilities where they are produced to make sure environmental safety standards are met. 

You can look at our article on toxic mattress chemicals for a comprehensive breakdown, but here is a quick overview of many of the common certifications and designations you will want to keep an eye out for when shopping for an organic bed:

CertiPUR US

CertiPUR-US is a certification that you may have seen on many mattresses, not just all-natural ones. In order to get the CertiPUR thumbs-up, a company’s mattress must be made without toxic flame retardants like PBPEs, or TDCPP, heavy metals like mercury and lead, formaldehyde, ozone depleters, and other harmful substances, as well as emitting a low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

For more info, read our full breakdown of what CertiPUR-US certification means.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Like the CertiPUR-US certification, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 measures textile products at all levels of processing, testing for things like harmful chemicals and banned colorants, and making sure that all products are aligned with the requirements of the European Chemicals and the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, specifically its regulations on lead. 

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

The Global Organic Textile Standard is what’s going to help you identify mattresses that are truly organic. In order to get the GOTS ‘organic label’, a product must contain no less than 95% organic fibers. For the GOTS ‘made with organic’ label, a product must contain at least 70% organic fibers. If you come across a mattress that claims to be organic but does not make mention of the GOTS anywhere on its page, then the claim may be dubious.

Global Organic Latex Standard

The GOLS certification is managed by the same organization that handles the GOTS, but it is specific to latex products. The requirements are the same—in order to meet the requirements to be considered organic latex a product must contain 95% certified organic material.

The eco-INSTITUTE

The eco-INSTITUTE examines mattresses for toxic substances, odors, and emissions. While there is no legal requirement for mattresses in terms of these items, manufacturers can volunteer their product for testing of pollutants to prove they are environmentally friendly.

The eco-INSTITUT is an approved testing lab for a large number of national and international quality labels. Each certifier is responsible for awarding the quality labels after testing at the eco-INSTITUT.

In addition, the eco-INSTITUT offers its own quality label, which marks indoor products as being non-hazardous to health and the environment.

Organic vs. Sustainable Mattresses

Before we distinguish between designations of “organic” and “sustainable,” it’s important to note that both of these things are very much positive. As we’ve covered, a certified organic mattress is one that has been constructed in such a way that causes the minimal amount of harm to humans and nature. This is achieved through use of materials that contain no detrimental chemicals, as well as manufacturing processes that keep the overall health of the environment in mind.

A certified sustainable mattress does not have to meet quite as rigorous of standards. Sustainability can mean many different things, but frequently it is applied to a mattress that was produced without depleting scarce resources or impacting global health in a meaningfully negative way. There might be elements of a sustainable mattress that keep it from being certified organic, but that does not mean it should be written off. Sustainability is an important factor in the overall wellbeing of the planet.

What Type of Mattresses Can Be Organic? 

While all of the major mattress types can be made organic to some extent, some are much better suited for it than others. Here we’ll breakdown what to look out for in each mattress type if you’re looking to get the most organic experience possible.

Memory Foam

Many shoppers gravitate towards memory foam for its contouring ability which creates a hugging feeling. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for 100% organic, you’re not going to find it with memory foam, as in order to be considered memory foam it must be made with polyurethane. That said, some companies replace a portion of the polyurethane with plant-derived oil. Maybe it isn’t entirely organic, but it’s closer. 

When shopping for memory foam you’ll also want to look out for the CertiPUR certification, as it is possible for memory foam to be free of harmful chemicals that CertiPUR tests for. For some of our favorites, take a look at the best memory foam mattresses.

Innerspring

Like memory foam, you aren’t going to find innerspring mattresses that are all-natural. But also like memory foam, there are ways in which spring mattresses can achieve a certain percentage of organic makeup.

Innerspring mattresses are made with a durable base layer of coils, and comfort layers made of soft materials like cotton or foam. If this cotton or foam is all-natural or organic, then so too is a percentage of the mattress.

Related: Best Innerspring Mattress

Latex and Latex-Hybrid

To be a truly organic mattress, you’ll want to look for latex and latex-hybrid models. However, not all latex mattresses are entirely organic. When shopping, you’ll want to look for natural latex as opposed to synthetic latex. Natural latex is made from rubber tree sap, while synthetic latex is petroleum based and made from a kind of rubber. 

There are two methods used to create natural latex: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop is a block of latex that is created by pouring a large amount into a mold. Talalay is a smaller amount of latex that has air pumped into it, creating a lightweight sort of latex foam. Dunlop latex is a bit more solid and Talalay has a springy sort of feel. Which one you decide on should depend on personal preference, and if you want it broken down further, head over to our article on Dunlop vs. Talalay latex.

All-natural latex mattresses are by no means cheap, but if you feel strongly about going organic then, as you can see from our top picks, latex is the way to go. And if you want the full experience, take a look at our best latex pillows and best latex mattress roundups.

Related: How is Latex Density Measured?

Benefits of Organic Mattresses

Non-toxic

The main selling point of an organic mattress is that they use natural materials without harsh chemicals and toxic. A major benefit of not using these chemicals is that you are not going to experience the strong smell that typical bed in a box mattresses are known for giving off when you first open it. In addition, the lack of harsh chemicals also makes these mattresses safe for infants and children since they are much more sensitive to exposure to harsh chemicals.

Hypo-Allergenic

If you are someone who is prone to allergies, then you might want to consider picking an organic mattress. The chemicals and flame retardants in typical mattresses can potentially lead cause allergic reactions, skin irritations, and even respiratory problems in some cases. Organic mattresses do not have these add chemical substances, making them hypo-allergenic.

Eco-Friendly

If you are an environmentally conscious person, then you should consider picking up a non-toxic, organic mattress. The materials in an organic mattress are sustainable and biodegradable, making them much better for the environment. Most manufacturers of organic mattresses highlight their efforts in helping out the environment, so these brands are easy to get behind. And don’t forget to keep the environment in mind when disposing if your old mattress by checking out our article on mattress recycling.

Why The Materials In Your Mattress Matter 

Now you might be thinking, “Why does any of this matter? Why should I care?” For starters, a pile of chemicals isn’t where you should want to sleep. Additionally, there is new research that suggests that our body heat could be triggering the release of potentially harmful chemicals from the material in our mattresses. 

We already know that mattresses are known to release small amounts of a chemical gas called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This occurs mostly with polyurethane foam mattresses but can also occur from the chemicals used in chemical flame retardants that are applied to mattresses. It appears as though our body heat is fueling the further emission of these VOCs from our mattresses.

Often when you open a new mattress, there is a slight chemical smell. This is called off-gassing. While it is estimated that the doses still remain well below levels that can cause health effects in adults, there may be a concern for infants and young children that are exposed. An organic, eco-friendly mattress will have significantly less chemical smell when first opened. 

To reduce VOC emissions, you can make sure your home is well-ventilated, by opening your windows and turning on the fan. Similar to what you would do if you were painting an interior room. This is particularly important when you first take a foam bed-in-a-a-box, out of the box.

Also, keep in mind that mattresses containing cotton, wool, and natural latex produce less of these emissions than a 100% polyurethane foam mattress. For more reasons why you should consider wool for your mattress, take a look at our benefits of a wool mattress article.

Related: Guide to Natural, Non-Toxic Bedroom Products

Other Mattress Considerations

Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position is one of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress. A mattress that is great for a stomach or back sleeper may not work well for a side sleeper, and vice versa. For this reason, we test mattresses in all possible sleeping positions before giving it a score. 

Pressure Relief

If you suffer from aches and pains in your hips or shoulders, pressure relief is an essential quality to look for in a mattress. If it is good at relieving pressure, it can help mitigate or even prevent pain in sensitive areas of your body. 

Temperature

If you’re already prone to overheating at night then a mattress that doesn’t regulate temperature well can make getting good sleep difficult. Thankfully, many of the organic mattresses on this list are made with latex and innerspring coils: two materials that do a good job of promoting airflow and keeping you cool. 

Firmness

Your ideal firmness will come down to personal preference, body type, and sleeping position. Take all of these things into consideration before choosing a firmness level, and be sure to check out our mattress firmness guide for more information. 

Budget

Unfortunately, most organic mattresses are on the pricier side. If you have a strict budget and you’re willing to forego something organic, consider checking out our list of the best affordable mattresses.

Is an Organic Mattress Right for You?

Choosing responsibly sourced products can be a responsible choice for ourselves and the environment, and so buying an organic mattress might go a long way towards putting your mind at ease. Plus, at the end of the day, the materials used in these organic products make for high-quality, durable, comfortable mattresses. The largest drawback is, of course, the cost.

While not every mattress on this page costs more than the average price of a Queen size bed, we still wouldn’t consider all of them easy on your wallet. If these mattresses exceed the high end of your price range, then  organic simply may not be the right choice for you. Check out our list of the best affordable mattresses for some budget-friendly options.

FAQs on the Best Organic Mattresses

Are organic mattresses eco-friendly?

It’s not enough for a mattress to simply be dubbed organic. In order to ensure the product you are buying was sourced and manufactured in an eco-friendly, sustainable way you’ll want to look out for certain certifications. If it has the approval of organizations such as the eco-Institute, CertiPUR US, and the Global Organic Textile Standard then you can feel good about the mattress you’re purchasing. 

Are organic mattresses worth it?

If you’re an eco-conscious shopper then an organic mattress is worth the cost. Not simply because they’re better for the environment, but also because the materials that go into them (natural latex, organic cotton, etc)  are high-quality and make for a comfortable, supportive mattress. 

Are organic mattresses hot?

It depends on the organic mattress. If you want one that will help keep you cool at night, look out for organic mattresses with hybrid constructions that include latex, as latex hybrids are known to promote breathability and temperature regulation. 

Recap: Best Rated Organic Mattresses

Model	Award
WinkBeds EcoCloud	Nerd’s Pick
Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep	Best Affordable Organic Mattress
Birch	Best Organic Mattress for Back Sleepers
GhostBed Natural	Best Organic Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Saatva ZenHaven	Best Eco-Friendly Latex Mattress
PlushBeds Natural Bliss	Best Vegan Mattress
Avocado Green	Best for Organic Mattress for Sleepers with Back Pain
Joybed	Best Organic Hybrid Mattress
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss	Best All-Natural Latex Mattress