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Years ago, as we were perusing our online shopping carts or even shopping in person, we started to realize that it was more than just our produce that has an organic option. No longer did we just have to (or want to) check our broccoli to see if it was on the top ten most offensive produce lists—the best mattresses now have an organic option most of the time. If you’re shopping for a mattress, you can expect to hit a point where you need to decide if you want an organic mattress, and then contend a bit with what that means, as people have varying definitions of “organic.”
“An organic mattress has fewer chemicals [see “Mattress material certifications” section towards the end of this article] so is less likely to cause adverse reactions or health effects,” says Dr. Purvi Parikh, allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. “There is some data to show it may help with dust mites, too, but I would still recommend dust mite-proof covers for mattress box springs and pillows. Organic mattresses are also better for the environment.”
Parikh recommends checking that the company’s marketing team isn’t just using “natural” and “organic” interchangeably, and says consumers should look for something that, “is 95% or more organic, and fits all the certifications for organic, such as Green Guard or GOTS [Global Organic Textile Standard].”
Consumers should carefully read mattress material lists for potential purchases, and talk to their own doctors if they have medical concerns related to mattress buying. To get a head start on whittling down the list, though, here’s our pick of the best organic mattresses on the market.
What to consider when buying an organic mattress
Value
Organic mattresses can get pricey, due to the elevated materials, ethically sourced items, and processes used to make them. So, we considered how budget-friendly certain organic mattress picks were without sacrificing quality.
Certifications
We looked for products that carried proof of their organic nature, such as GOTS-certifications and GOLS-certified latex, among others. But, we did consider others that didn’t have as many certifications in making our decisions, as well.
Brand promises
Mattresses are hard to buy, let alone when you can’t try them out first. That’s why we opted for companies with lenient return policies, free trial windows, and minimal fees to return or replace mattresses that weren’t quite right. Ideally this takes off a bit of the pressure for readers who might be on the fence about making a large purchase, and help them rest easier in their decisions.
Support
Organic materials shouldn’t mean flimsy or unsupportive: We opted for products with excellent ratings in the areas of support, pain reduction, and pressure relief. Moving away from traditional mattress styles and materials to organic mattresses doesn’t make sense if you wake up feeling achy, right?
Longevity
Companies that stand behind their mattresses often offer at least a ten-year warranty, sometimes even 25, or a lifetime warranty. We opted for companies who wanted to stand behind their product, guaranteeing quality, for a lot longer than most consumers would ever want to keep their mattress anyway.
Our top picks for the best organic mattresses
Best organic mattress for side sleepers: Birch Natural Mattress by Helix
This bouncier mattress supports side sleepers better than super firm or soft options, but some report that it runs a bit hotter than others. For life-long side sleepers, though, it can be worth it to ease the aches and pains in joints such as the hips, that come from sleeping like this over time. Shopping tip: Birch’s Plush Organic Mattress Topper made our list of the best mattress toppers.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Materials: GOLS-certified organic Talalay latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton, organic wool
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Trial Period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 25 year limited warranty
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Price Range: $1,498.80 - $2,498.80
Pros:
- This hybrid mattress promises comfort for side sleepers at a reasonable price point
- Eco Institut and Greenguard Gold certified
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain about sagging and a lack of durability over time; others say they could feel the innerspring layer through the foam
- $99 return fee
The bottom line:
This mattress is tailored to side sleepers and offers a good value for the price point.
Birch Natural Mattress by Helix
Best organic mattress for back pain: Nolah Natural 11” Latex Hybrid Mattress
If you’re looking for a not-too-hard, not-too-soft organic mattress, this mattress—one of the best mattresses for back pain—could be for you. The type of latex the brand is using is sometimes associated with more pressure relief than others, so if you have back or hip pain, it’s worth checking out.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Materials: OEKO-TEX 100-certified Talalay latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton, GOTS-certified organic wool
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial Period: 120 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King, Split Cal King
- Price Range: $1,499 - $3,398
Pros:
- Side handles make this mattress easier to move
- Zoned innerspring system and two latex layers help relieve pressure on joints (this mattress is rated 5-6 out of 10 on the firmness scale)
Cons:
- $99 return fee
The bottom line:
For those who need somewhere in between soft and firm to help alleviate back pain while sleeping.
Nolah Natural 11” Latex Hybrid Mattress
Best firm organic mattress: Plank Firm Natural by Brooklyn Bedding
This mattress promotes a two-sided approach with varying firmnesses, which is great if your needs change over time (or your bed partner’s needs). So, you can sleep on a firm side, or a medium-firm side, both of which have a soft-to-the-touch topper above the firmness, because nobody wants to sleep on an actual rock. (And if you’re just interested in a topper, Brooklyn Bedding made our list of the best latex toppers for any bed.)
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Materials: FSC-certified Talalay latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton, organic wool
- Firmness: Medium-firm; firm
- Trial Period: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Price Range: $1,399 - $2,665
Pros:
- Dual-sided design lets you flip between “moderately firm” (6.5-8 out of 10 on the firmness scale) on one side and “notably firm” (7.5-9.5 out of 10) on the other
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the mattress still wasn’t firm enough for their needs
- $99 return fee
The bottom line:
Created for those who prefer a firm night’s sleep, or whose firmness needs may change over time.
Plank Firm Natural
Best value organic mattress: Ecosleep by Brooklyn Bedding
Although organic mattresses can be expensive, it’s vital to put your health first, on any budget, as Parikh points out. “Some flame retardant chemicals, formaldehyde, benzenes, or adhesives in mattresses can release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and can cause worsening asthma or development of asthma, or lead to a higher risk of developing asthma,” she says. This mattress is made from natural materials, including organic wool, organic cotton, and natural latex, atop a supportive coil center, and is GOTS, Greenguard Gold, eco-INSTITUT, and Fair Trade USA certified. All that, and it’s still less expensive than most options on this list.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Materials: Organic wool, organic cotton, natural latex
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Trial Period: 120 days
- Warranty: 10 years
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Price Range: $695.25 - $1,295.25
Pros:
- A more affordable option
- Comfortable but supportive hybrid mattress
- Made using natural materials with multiple eco-friendly certifications
- Free shipping and returns
Cons:
- A handful of customer reviews say they wish it was firmer
The bottom line:
A more affordable mattress, made with natural and organic materials with multiple eco- and health-friendly certifications.
Ecosleep by Brooklyn Bedding
Most comfortable organic mattress: Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
Saatva has long been a trusted brand in the vast world of mattress shopping, and their comfortable organic latex mattress, which offers cooling features and hypoallergenic latex, lives up to that promise. Its responsive feel, courtesy of inner springs that hybrid mattresses have but memory foam mattresses lack, makes it feel more supportive. The one-year trial will help you feel confident in considering the investment.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: GOLS-certified organic natural latex, GOTS-certified organic New Zealand wool, organic cotton
- Firmness: Mattress conforms to your body
- Trial Period: 365-night home trial
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King
- Price Range: $1,101 - $2,542
Pros:
- Repels dust mites with hypoallergenic materials, potentially reducing indoor allergies
- Responsive inner spring
- Cooling
Cons:
- A few users report some delivery issues, such as difficulty narrowing down a time slot or wishing for better communication
The bottom line:
A comfortable, cooling option offering an extensive home trial so you can be sure you love it.
Saatva Latex Hybrid - Organic, Natural, & Hypoallergenic Mattress
Best luxury organic mattress: Plush Beds Pillowtop Mattress - The Signature Bliss
Customers describe this mattress as like, “sleeping on a cloud,” and the multiple certifications means it’s a toxin-free cloud, too. There weren’t any complaints of smells upon opening it, which is a good sign: Aeroflow Sleep’s Sleep Science Advisor, Dr. Carleara Weiss, Ph.D., MS, RN, points to such odors as a red flag for chemical compounds. “When you unbox a product, that typically awful, strong smell indicates polyurethane in the product,” she says. “One suggestion is to unbox the mattress or pillow outside the bedroom, preferably in an open space, to let the gas dissipate before sleeping. Of course, you’re also bringing this chemical into the environment if you do that. So, ultimately, do not purchase products with this chemical.”
Specifications:
- Mattress type: GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic wool, GOTS-certified organic cotton
- Firmness: Medium to medium-firm
- Trial Period: 100-night money back guarantee
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
- Price Range: $1,699 - $3,498
Pros:
- Customers applaud the delivery service and customer service experience
- Responsive latex and cooling features
Cons:
- Larger options are pricey
The bottom line:
Everything you’d expect from a luxury latex mattress, including excellent customer service.
PlushBeds Pillowtop Mattress - The Signature Bliss, Twin XL / Medium
Best organic mattresses for kids: Kiwi Organic Mattress
The Kiwi Organic Mattress works for most kids, and although it’s on the firmer side, it has a must-have benefit for parents—it’s two-sided, so you can flip it over if that red Sharpie was smuggled into their room for a midnight art experiment, or if they break down the first side. Parents of kids with allergies can rest easy thanks to the mattress’ organic, GOTS-certified ingredients, as well as the extensive trial period.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: GOTS-certified organic cotton, GOTS-certified organic wool, GOLS certified organic Dunlop latex
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial Period: 365 night sleep trial
- Warranty: 20-year warranty
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, Cal King
- Price Range: $799 - $1,599
Pros:
- It’s two-sided, which is excellent for unsightly spills and stains, or if your child breaks down one side by being rough on it
- Affordable compared to some others
Cons:
- It’s on the firmer side, which might bother pickier kids
The bottom line:
A great option for kids, as long as they don’t mind a more firm feel.
Kiwi Organic Mattress
Best affordable organic mattress: Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress
Awara promotes this mattress as everything you want from an organic luxury item, without the “luxurious price tag.” For under or near $1,000, customers wanting to prioritize their health can try this forever-warrantied product for a year-long trial period. The latex is formed from real rubber trees and the wool is from New Zealand sheep, so customers can rest assured they’re sleeping on natural and organic materials.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Premium natural latex (Dunlop latex), organic cotton, organic New Zealand Wool
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Trial Period: 365 nights
- Warranty: Forever warranty
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Price Range: $699 - $1,299
Pros:
- Specifics from the brand about their material sourcing
- More manageable price point
Cons:
- It has fewer layers than some other options, at three (excluding the cover), compared to some others with at least five
The bottom line:
A more affordable option compared to others on this list, and you can be sure you know where the mattress materials come from.
AWARA Natural Hybrid Twin Mattress 10 Inch - Certified Natural Latex - Sustainable New Zealand Wool - Steel Springs - 365-Night Trial,White
Best organic mattress for combination sleepers: Brentwood Home Hybrid Latex Mattress
If you could turn plastic trash into a bed, would you? Brentwood hopes so—this bed is made from recycled water bottles, along with natural hemp, denim cuttings, and other organic materials. We love the convenient handles that make this bed more movable than others, especially as mattresses can be bulky and unwieldy to move. This mattress also made our list of the best hybrid mattresses you can buy online.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic wool
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial Period: One year
- Warranty: 25-year warranty
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CAA King, Split King
- Price Range: $1,149 - $2,398
Pros:
- The brand supports eco-friendly initiatives and uses recycled plastic in their products
- Includes technology that helps the edges to be more supportive
Cons:
- Some users report that it’s too firm, while others report it to be too bouncy
- It has to inflate upon unboxing, and some complain about the directions
The bottom line:
This eco-friendly option combines both technology and comfort to create a mattress two people can both agree on.
Hybrid Latex Mattress - Queen
Best cooling organic mattress: EcoCloud Hybrid by WinkBeds
If you run hot at night, this organic mattress might be for you. In addition to its cooling system, it features support coils in specific zones to help with better ergonomic positioning during sleep. Plus, EcoCloud has prioritized their edge support system technology, so support doesn’t end before the bed does. For an even more comfortable night’s sleep, check out our lists of the best cooling pillows and best cooling sheets.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Materials: OEKO-TEX 100 certified Talalay latex, organic cotton, New Zealand wool
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial Period: 120 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Price Range: $1,399 - $2,399
Pros:
- Aerated 4” Talalay latex layer stays temperature-neutral as you sleep
- Zoned innerspring system (firmer at the hips, softer at the shoulders and feet) promotes comfort and airflow
- No return fees
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the mattress was firmer than they expected
- Relatively high motion transfer (you might feel a partner or pet moving in bed)
The bottom line:
A great option for those who need better temperature regulation to fall asleep and prefer a mattress with superb airflow.
The EcoCloud Hybrid - Twin XL
Best hybrid organic mattress: Avocado Green Mattress
This mattress hopes to appease a variety of users with multiple firmnesses, as well as the option to go “plush,” but it will cost you, since the luxurious plush option is made from sustainable Alpaca fur. If you’ve recently seen this brand in the news for not being as organic as they claim, you can rest assured that the suit was dismissed and resolved. But continue to be vigilant with all brands, as Parikh recommends distinguishing between natural and organic claims: “The natural mattresses just have fewer environmental chemicals [see “Mattress material certifications” section below] whereas an organic one has none.” Avocado continues to make our lists for the best places to buy a mattress, best queen mattresses, best mattress in a box, best soft mattresses, and best firm pillows.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Materials: GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex (standard and pillow-top models); FSC-certified Talalay latex (plush box-top model); GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton (all models)
- Firmness: Plush, medium, and firm models available
- Trial Period: One year
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King (order two Twin XLs for a Split King)
- Price Range: $1,399 - $3,999
Pros:
- Plush (box-top), medium (pillow-top), and firm (standard) models suit a range of firmness preferences and sleeping styles
- Every finished Avocado mattress is certified formaldehyde-free and Greenguard Gold-certified for low chemical emissions
Cons:
- The plush models are pricey (they cost an additional $1,200 - $1,300, depending on mattress size)
- $99 return fee
The bottom line:
A luxurious option for those who prefer pillowy plushness and don’t mind paying for it.
Best latex organic mattress: Stratami Organic Mattress by Essentia
A word of warning first: This one is super pricey, topping out at $5,000. But those who love this mattress are Stratami fans for life. The difference is in the top layer, which most companies make with cotton or wool, but in this case is all latex, which is designed to increase the comfort level drastically.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Foam
- Materials: GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Trial Period: 120 nights
- Warranty: 20 year limited warranty
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
- Price Range: $2,915 - $6,198
Pros:
- 8- and 10-inch mattress heights available
- Low motion transfer makes this a good option for couples
Cons:
- One of the priciest options available
- If returned, a 9% deduction of the retail price is taken from your refund
The bottom line:
For those who want a 100% latex mattress option, but with the comfort benefits of memory foam.
Stratami Organic Mattress by Essentia
How we selected the best organic mattresses
To make our selections, we talked to our experts about the best methods for choosing an organic mattress, and noted the following processes and considerations.
Mattress material certifications
According to Weiss, some materials to watch out for ahead of buying include:
- Polyurethane
- Methyl benzene
- Acetone
- Formaldehyde
- Chlorofluorocarbons
Weiss says to pay attention to one ingredient from this list in particular: “It is crucial to note that memory foam was made of polyurethane back in the day. However, the modern industry no longer includes polyurethane in memory foam composition, as research has linked it to respiratory problems and cancer.” In addition, she warns that those with a latex allergy should proceed with caution and avoid mattresses with latex when shopping for an organic mattress.
Price
Organic mattresses can get pricey, up to $5,000 and beyond. We kept an eye on this, mostly opting for more affordable options (except for a few splurges), to ensure more people could access these products and their health benefits.
Customer Service
Delivering a mattress and coordinating set up can take some planning and excellent communication. So, we prioritized companies whose reviews pointed to excellent customer service, where you weren’t left wondering all day on the delivery date when this massive product would actually show up.
Warranties and trial periods
Shopping online for a mattress is very different to shopping in a store, since you can’t try them out in person before you buy. That’s why we chose companies with trial periods, many of them lasting up to a year, so you can really get multiple nights’ sleep before deciding if it's really for you. In addition, beds should last, so we looked at warranty periods, and some even have “forever” warranties, though experts typically recommend changing your mattress every ten years or less. If you’re curious about replacing an old mattress, read our guide to how to dispose of a mattress.
What makes a mattress organic?
Both mattress producers and consumers, along with experts, have varying definitions of what constitutes an “organic” mattress. Generally, organic mattresses are non-toxic, meaning they don’t contain harmful chemicals that have been linked to increased risk of illness. Additionally, they are often made with higher quality, natural ingredients, and often are more ethically sourced and/or environmentally friendly, though not always. Our experts recommend choosing a product with over 95% organic materials if possible.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are organic mattresses really worth it?
Our experts say yes, and when it comes to deciding how to choose a mattress, your health is an aspect you should consider. For example, Weiss explains that you can have multiple symptoms coming from a non-organic mattress and not even make the connection. “The impact includes non-life-threatening issues such as upper airway irritation, cough, sneezing, eye irritation, skin rashes, and serious consequences such as cancer.” So, they are worth considering.
Why are organic mattresses so expensive?
Even when you find the best places to buy a mattress, you’ll find that organic mattresses have a higher price tag. That’s because they’re made of more expensive materials that require more money to source, from those recycled water bottles to certain types of expensive latex, and more. In addition, some guarantee longer warranties than other mattresses, even up to a lifetime, and others cost a bit more so they can support sustainable initiatives.
How do I know if my mattress is toxic?
First, consider what you mean by toxic. If it contains harmful chemicals linked to cancer and other diseases, it might just be, and you should try another one. Or, you might mean “not organic,” in which case you want to check out if the above chemicals are included or not, and if they have certifications proving they are organic.
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