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Between my adjustable memory foam pillows and white-noise machine, I take my sleep hygiene very seriously—but I had yet to splurge on my mattress. When I moved to a different state, I was in desperate need of a mattress so I didn’t have to spend my first night in my new apartment in a sleeping bag. I impulse-bought a 10-inch Simmons mattress from Costco, and honestly, it’s served me well for nearly three years. But when I was offered the chance to try the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper, I was thrilled to upgrade my bed.
This product is made with organic, ethically sourced cotton, wool, and latex. I slept on this natural mattress topper for the past few weeks and I’m finally ready to share all of my thoughts.
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Opening up this mattress topper was one of my more pleasant unboxing experiences, mainly because I was impressed by the smell—or more accurately, lack thereof. I figured I’d have to air this pad out to get rid of the chemical smell, like I’ve done with others before, but there was hardly an odor. This was an extremely pleasant surprise (for both me and my roommates).
It was also easy to get out of the box and unfurl to air out. Although it was tightly wrapped, it was packaged in such a way that once I broke the seal, the topper didn’t jump open like a plushy Jack in the box. I was able to gradually remove the plastic wrapping for a straightforward unboxing.
When it comes to mattress toppers, this one definitely falls on the pricier side of the spectrum. It ranges from $348.80 for a twin to $623.80 for a California king. However, there are often discounts on the site for up to 25% off.
Even with the discount, this mattress topper is more of a splurge than my past ones (which generally were always less than $100).
Birch’s website doesn’t list this topper’s firmness beyond describing it as “plush comfort.” After sleeping on it for several weeks, I’d deem it decently soft, but not so much as several memory foam pads I’ve used. I can definitely feel the added cushion while lying down, but I don’t feel like I’m sinking into my bed, either.
The top-most cover is made out of allergen-free, organic cotton to regulate the temperature and keep you cool at night. Underneath that lies a fire-retardant cover of hypoallergenic wool fibers, designed to maintain its shape to help back and side sleepers. And Birch uses natural Talalay latex (domestically made and eco-INSTITUT certified for low emissions) for the plush contour layer to cushion pressure points. This material also repels dust mites.
Additionally, the product is two inches thick, which is definitely enough to make a difference. After making my bed for the first time with the topper, I immediately noticed that my mattress looked taller and felt plusher.
Really, I’ve only found one drawback in the design: There’s nothing to keep the pad in place. The topper fits perfectly atop my full mattress, but every few days, it slips to one side, unevenly covering my bed. If you toss and turn at night (as I do), be ready to realign the topper once or twice a week.
Though I’m wary that admitting this will tempt the universe otherwise, I feel compelled to disclose I don’t have any major back issues. That said, I’m still prone to waking up sore if I fall asleep in a position I once thought impossible. While sleeping on this topper, I haven’t experienced one of those achey mornings.
I also would say my bed is definitely more comfortable than it was. I’ve slept on my current mattress for nearly three years and was content with it, but the moment I laid down on this topper, I knew I was in for a much-awaited taste of luxury. Everything felt softer, plushier, and cozier. I may act like a princess, but if there was a pea under this pad, I wouldn’t have noticed.
Overall, this Birch Plush Organic Mattress topper is indeed as plush as promised, and my bed is that much cozier because of it.
I was thrilled there wasn’t any lingering smell (and hardly one to start with). I’m used to waiting days for the topper to stop smelling like chemicals. I also like its height and firmness—it’s definitely comfortable, but I don’t feel like I’m sinking into my bed when I lie down. It’s the right amount of cushion to elevate my sleeping experience without defining it.
The topper’s main drawback is that it often slips out of place. I suppose you could add straightening it into your bed-making routine, but I’d rather not have to. It’d be great if it had some kind of attachment to keep it from moving around.
Personally, I may have been converted to organic toppers. I’d previously used memory foam mattress pads, but the lack of smell and consistent cushion are definite pros.
Since the firmness isn’t listed on the website, it’s difficult to say whether it would suit your exact sleeping (and back-health) needs, but the topper’s wood fibers maintain their natural elasticity to be comfortable for both back and side sleepers.
And while this point might be niche, it’s relevant. When I lived in Chicago, my memory foam mattress topper would get rock-solid during the winter—like it froze. I can appreciate a firm bed, but this took that a bit too far. So if you live in a colder climate, this pad might be a good option for you.
Birch’s commitment to using sustainable and organic components allows me to rest easy on my new bed. If natural, ethically sourced materials are a priority for you, Birch meets these standards with flying colors. The company’s products are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade, GREENGUARD Gold, and eco-INSTITUT certified, so they’re organic, socially responsibly manufactured, and free of volatile organic compounds.
This topper is the only one Birch sells, but the brand offers plenty of other sleep essentials. Notably, you can purchase the natural mattress, the luxe natural mattress (which boasts a plush Euro Top) and the kids natural mattress. Birch also carries mattress pads and protectors, as well as bed frames, sheets, and pillows.
Since I cannot personally vouch for whether this is a mattress topper for back pain, I took to the reviews. The answer I found was a resounding yes. Many customers praised Birch’s products for their support and pressure relief. Some reviewers even mentioned that, while they had experienced back pain before, it has decreased or vanished since using the Birch topper. So if you want to suit up your mattress for back pain, this is a promising option.
While the topper’s lifespan isn't guaranteed, its 10-year limited warranty speaks to its durability. This warranty covers any issues due to faulty workmanship or materials, such as rips, tears, or stains. It does not, however, include wear and tear, like dipping.
The topper is shipped directly from the United States manufacturer with FedEx. It comes in a plastic sleeve tightly wound by an additional layer of plastic. The box it comes in is 28 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 16 inches tall.
Birch recommends spot cleaning the topper with a mild detergent as needed since the natural latex and wool cannot be machine washed.
This is a great mattress topper, so at the end of the day, you’re paying for quality. It’s designed to work for both side or back sleepers and those with back problems—and you’ll have a 100-night trial to make sure of that. While the slippage isn’t ideal, there are surely fixes (such as a tighter top sheet). Even with that inconvenience, I can rest easy out of pure comfort and the knowledge that I’m sleeping on organic, ethically sourced materials.
If you want an alternative to memory foam—especially if you live in a colder climate—this is a great option that offers the same plush comfort without the lingering odor.
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