Many shoppers enjoy the peace of mind of knowing their mattress was sustainably produced without chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. If you value sustainability and you’re looking for a way to reduce chemicals in the bedroom, an organic mattress might be right for you.
Organic materials such as latex, cotton, and wool are highly breathable and durable, and organic mattresses are typically free of chemical dyes, flame retardants, and adhesives.
We’ll examine the best organic mattresses and discuss factors to look for when selecting an organic model. If you’re interested in latex beds specifically, check out our guide to the best latex mattresses. Or, explore other types of mattresses in our general guide to the best mattresses of 2025.
The Birch Mattress pairs natural latex and robust coils to create a sturdy, responsive sleep surface with considerable bounce and excellent overall support. Breathable and moisture-wicking materials make the mattress particularly well-suited to hot sleepers.
Ideal forPeople With Back Pain
FirmnessMedium Firm (6)
FeelBouncy Responsive Feel
ValueGood Value
Pros
Natural latex is responsive and helps maintain a neutral temperature
Reinforced perimeter coils provide sturdy edge support
Sustainable certifications from GOTS, Fair Trade, GREENGUARD Gold, and eco-INSTITUT
Cons
Latex and coils may transfer some movement from one side of the bed to the other
May cause pressure buildup for side sleepers under 130 pounds
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.0/10
130-230 lbs
7.5/10
Above 230 lbs
7.5/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.5/10
130-230 lbs
8.0/10
Above 230 lbs
7.5/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.0/10
130-230 lbs
8.0/10
Above 230 lbs
7.0/10
The Birch Mattress is a hybrid that offers comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers. This makes it a good fit for couples who have different sleep positions and body types as well as those who tend to sleep hot.
Why We Like It
The mattress is certified low in chemical emissions by GREENGUARD Gold and the eco-INSTITUT. The latex also adheres to Rainforest Alliance criteria for sustainable production. The wool is certified by Wool Integrity NZ, which sets standards for animal welfare. As with most latex hybrids, the Birch delivers strong edge support and features a bouncy surface that doesn’t hamper movement. Wool, latex, and coils allow ample airflow to minimize heat retention. We found the mattress performed well for all sleep positions and weight groups, particularly individuals between 130 and 230 pounds.
How Does It Feel?
A GOTS-certified organic cotton cover encases the mattress. A wool-rayon fire barrier and a second layer of wool are designed to help maintain temperature neutrality by drawing warmth and moisture away from the sleeper. The principal comfort layer is constructed with natural Talalay latex that our testers found had a buoyant, airy feel. A pocketed coil support core with reinforced edges provides stability and support for the mattress. This sits on a final layer of wool and rayon. Altogether, the mattress measures 11 inches and has a medium firm (6) firmness level.
The Leesa Natural Hybrid offers a comfy combination of cushioning, support, and bounce thanks to its foam-over-latex design. This helps ensure better pressure relief and motion isolation than most traditional latex hybrids without sacrificing temperature control or durability.
Ideal forSide and Back Sleepers
FirmnessMedium Firm (6)
FeelResponsive Latex
ValueGood Value
Pros
Latex and memory foam create a soothing, pressure-relieving combo
Perimeter coils are reinforced to bolster edge support
Above-average pressure relief for a latex hybrid
Cons
Too soft and adaptive for most heavier back and stomach sleepers
Foam layers make the design less eco-friendly compared to other leading organic mattresses
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.0/10
130-230 lbs
8.5/10
Above 230 lbs
7.5/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
8.5/10
130-230 lbs
7.5/10
Above 230 lbs
6.5/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.5/10
130-230 lbs
6.0/10
Above 230 lbs
5.0/10
Although comfort is a subjective mattress quality, beds that offer a balance of cushioning, support, bounce, and breathability tend to earn the most favorable ratings across different sleeper groups. The Leesa Natural Hybrid is a prime example, with memory foam and latex to cushion its comfort system and responsive support coils that push back against your weight to keep you on an even plane. This mattress impressed our testing team across the board.
Why We Like It
As a medium firm hybrid, the Leesa Natural fared well among a large subset of our mattress testing team. Side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed with the design, which offers moderate cushioning for sore spots and pressure points, but doesn't hug the body too closely. The ventilated latex and open coils both promote steady internal circulation, while the cover made of breathable organic cotton and moisture-wicking wool helps the surface stay cool. We also gave the mattress high marks for edge support, which can be attributed to the reinforced perimeter coils.
How Does It Feel?
The Leesa Natural Hybrid nails that sweet spot between adaptive and responsive. Since the mattress contains foam layers in its comfort system, the surface is much cushier compared to that of a traditional latex hybrid. You'll feel the top layers molding to your figure as you settle into the mattress, but the springy latex and dense transitional foam push back against your weight to keep your body on an even plane. The coils also contribute to the bouncy, stable feel. A GOTS-certified organic cotton cover encases the mattress, while a thin layer of wool batting sewn to the top cover acts as a natural fire barrier.
With a below-average sticker price compared to other latex hybrids on the market, the Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid should appeal to shoppers with limited budgets. This mattress is also fairly firm, so it provides just enough cushioning to promote even alignment and reduce pressure for back and stomach sleepers.
Ideal forBack Sleepers
FirmnessFirm (7)
FeelDurable, Supportive Latex
ValueGood Value
Pros
Firm support and extra bounce for back and stomach sleepers
Reinforced perimeter coils protect the edges from excessive sinkage
Below-average pricing for a latex hybrid
Cons
Too firm for most side sleepers
Extra-springy surface may produce motion transfer and disrupt sleep for couples
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.0/10
130-230 lbs
7.5/10
Above 230 lbs
8.5/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.0/10
130-230 lbs
8.5/10
Above 230 lbs
9.0/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.5/10
130-230 lbs
7.5/10
Above 230 lbs
8.5/10
Pressure buildup is a nightly nuisance for millions of sleepers, and your mattress may alleviate – or contribute to – this issue. The Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid is a firm (7) latex-over-coil model with gentle cushioning on the surface and a strong bounce in response to movement. Our hands-on tests show this design is well equipped for back and stomach sleepers – particularly those who weigh at least 130 pounds.
Why We Like It
During hands-on tests of the Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid, we found this mattress quite firm and supportive. This may not be suitable for side sleepers, but most of our back and stomach sleepers thoroughly enjoyed this mattress for its light contour, strong bounce, and multi-zone support with extra pushback around the midsection. This was especially true of back and stomach sleepers weighing 130 pounds or more.
This mattress also sleeps exceptionally cool thanks to breathable materials in its cover, comfort system, and support core. The perimeter feels sturdy thanks to reinforced coils along the edges, and the latex is bouncy enough to withstand compression and promote movement on the mattress surface. On the other hand, the responsive construction can lead to movement-related sleep disturbances for couples.
How Does It Feel?
The Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid is firm (7), so it's a bit more supportive than the average mattress and doesn't provide much surface-level cushioning. A comfort layer of ventilated, GOLS-certified Dunlop latex delivers moderate conforming without the hug of memory foam. This material also doesn't retain as much heat as foam, and a layer of moisture-wicking wool sewn to the cover keeps you cool and dry.
Pocketed coils make up the support core. These coils are reinforced along the perimeter for extra edge support. A cover made from a rayon blend encases the mattress, which stands a total of 10 inches tall and won't require a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
The luxurious EcoCloud latex hybrid from WinkBeds hits that sweet spot for sleepers who want plush cushioning for their body and strong underlying support. A thick comfort layer of zoned Talalay latex keeps the surface cushy and buoyant, pushing back against the extra weight in your torso and hips to keep you on an even plane.
Ideal forHot Sleepers
FirmnessMedium (5)
FeelStrong and Bouncy Support
ValueGood Value
Pros
Zoned comfort and base layers feel firmer and more supportive beneath the midsection
Above-average pressure relief for a latex hybrid
Excellent breathability and temperature control
Cons
Couples and co-sleepers may notice motion transfer
Mattress is fairly heavy and difficult to move or rotate
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
9.0/10
130-230 lbs
9.5/10
Above 230 lbs
7.5/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
8.5/10
130-230 lbs
9.0/10
Above 230 lbs
7.0/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.5/10
130-230 lbs
8.0/10
Above 230 lbs
6.0/10
The term "luxury mattress" gets thrown around a lot, but true high-end models live up to their name with top-tier construction and solid long-term performance. WinkBeds' EcoCloud is a prime example. A durable latex hybrid design provides enduring, long-lasting support, and our hands-on tests show the versatile medium (5) build is suitable for a wide range of sleeper types. And unlike many competing luxury mattresses, the EcoCloud has a sticker price that isn't too steep.
Why We Like It
After a thorough review from our testing team, we've determined the WinkBeds EcoCloud is a solid match for side sleepers up to 230 pounds, back sleepers under 130 pounds, and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. These testers enjoyed the gentle cushioning and bouncy response of the latex, as well as the zoned design in the comfort and support systems to prevent excessive sinkage around the midsection.
Since the EcoCloud is softer than the average latex hybrid, it should provide decent pressure relief and promote even spinal alignment. There's also less motion transfer, though some people may still notice ripples of movement when their sleep partner changes positions or gets up during the night. Breathable materials from top to bottom make this mattress a great pick for hot sleepers.
How Does It Feel?
The EcoCloud contains a 4-inch comfort layer of zoned, ventilated Talalay latex. This material provides some cushioning without hugging the body like memory foam or adaptive polyfoam. Air passes through this layer to keep the surface cool, and the cover is made from breathable organic cotton sewn to sweat-wicking organic wool to aid with moisture control.
The EcoCloud's pocketed coils are also zoned, and the perimeter is reinforced to minimize compression when you lie close to the edges or get in and out of bed. At 12.5 inches thick, the EcoCloud is a high-profile mattress, but it shouldn't require a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
The Bear Natural combines springy latex and adaptive foam to create a hybrid design that excels at promoting even alignment and alleviating pain and pressure points. A breathable cover, ventilated comfort layers, and steady airflow through the coils also makes this mattress a great option for hot sleepers.
Ideal forHot Sleepers
FirmnessMedium Firm (6)
FeelBouncy and Responsive Latex
ValueGood Value
Pros
Talalay latex creates a responsive, invitingly bouncy surface
Coils are zoned for extra lumbar support and perimeter reinforcement
Breathable materials and steady internal airflow ensure excellent thermoregulation
Cons
Couples may experience movement-related sleep disruptions
Larger sizes are somewhat pricey
Mattress is heavy and difficult to lift
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.0/10
130-230 lbs
7.0/10
Above 230 lbs
7.0/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.0/10
130-230 lbs
7.0/10
Above 230 lbs
6.0/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.0/10
130-230 lbs
6.0/10
Above 230 lbs
6.0/10
If sharp pressure points along your spine are impacting your sleep, the Bear Natural may provide the relief you need. The mattress’ comfort system contains a top layer of Talalay latex, followed by adaptive foam. This combo creates a comfy balance of contouring and bounce, and sturdy coil support means most people won’t sink too deeply into the mattress.
Why We Like It
During hands-on tests, the Natural earned favorable ratings across the board from our team. Side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, back sleepers up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds were particularly impressed with the balanced medium firm (6) feel. By including a foam layer in the comfort system, the mattress contours more closely and evenly than many competing organic hybrid models.
The Natural received high marks during most of our performance tests, as well. Temperature control, ease of movement, and edge support proved to be major strengths. We also noticed little to no off-gassing odor. Light sleepers who share their bed with a partner should consider a mattress that absorbs movement and produces less motion transfer — the Natural’s surface is fairly springy, and this may lead to sleep disruptions for couples.
How Does It Feel?
The Natural is both responsive and cushy, resulting in a light bounce when you get into bed and a deep cradle as your body settles. This extra cushioning makes the mattress more comfortable for people with pressure points compared to hybrids that only use latex comfort layers. Thanks to the zoned coils, you’ll also notice strong pushback around the lumbar region and less sinkage when you lie or sit along the perimeter. A breathable organic cotton cover completes the design.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Spindle Organic Latex Mattress
8.5/10
$700 off Spindle mattresses with code: SLEEPDOCTOR
The Spindle Organic Latex Mattress is slightly cushy on the surface and reinforced with robust support layers to keep your body on an even plane. If you still feel pressure buildup after using the mattress, you can rearrange the order of the latex layers and make the surface feel even firmer.
Ideal forHot Sleepers
FirmnessAdjustable - Medium (5) to Firm (7)
FeelResponsive Latex
ValueGood Value
Pros
Owners can rearrange order of the layers and adjust the firmness
All-latex design is breathable, bouncy, and long-lasting
Low mattress profile does not require a deep-pocket fitted sheet
Cons
Latex layers are pretty heavy and require at least two people to lift and move
Couples may notice strong motion transfer that disrupts their sleep
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.0/10
130-230 lbs
8.5/10
Above 230 lbs
7.0/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.5/10
130-230 lbs
9.0/10
Above 230 lbs
7.5/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.0/10
130-230 lbs
7.5/10
Above 230 lbs
6.0/10
Pressure points are a nightly nuisance for millions of sleepers, and using a mattress that doesn't provide proper support can exacerbate this issue. The Spindle Organic Latex Mattress mitigates the problem with an adjustable design. While the mattress comes with a standard medium (5) design, you can unzip the cover and rearrange the latex layers to make the surface feel less adaptive and more supportive — a major perk for back and stomach sleepers.
Why We Like It
While the latex layers are quite heavy and awkward to reposition, our team appreciate the Spindle's customizable design. We noticed a distinct feel with each layer configuration, and rearranging the order can make the mattress better suited to certain body types and sleep positions. Our side sleepers preferred the "standard-issue" medium feel, while back and stomach sleepers felt more comfortable on the medium firm (6) and firm (7) arrangements with the firmer layers stacked higher.
Temperature control is one of the Spindle's clearest strengths. All three latex layers are ventilated to promote ample air circulation throughout the interior, while the cover is made of breathable organic cotton and the bed's fire barrier is moisture-wicking natural wool. Ease of movement is another major pro — the latex layers are quite bouncy, so most people shouldn't sink as they scoot across the mattress. By the same token, motion isolation is limited on this bed, and this can be problematic for light or easily-aroused sleepers who share their bed with a partner.
How Does It Feel
Like many all-latex mattresses we've tested, the Spindle is remarkably springy. Each of the three 3-inch layers has a different firmness, but they share a high point of elasticity and respond to movement with a strong bounce. Spindle uses ventilated Dunlop latex to ensure excellent temperature regulation, and a GOLS certification indicates the mattress has been evaluated using global standards for sustainable latex production.
A cover made of organic cotton encases the mattress. This fabric is soft and naturally breathable. A thin layer of natural wool sewn to the cover's top panel acts as a fire barrier, but this material also has cooling and moisture-wicking properties. At 10 inches thick, the Spindle is a low- to medium-profile mattress, so you won't need a fitted sheet with deep pockets.
The Avocado Green boasts luxurious, eco-friendly craftsmanship with thick latex layers over coils composed of recycled steel. Gentle contouring and exceptional support make this mattress particularly well-suited to people who deal with frequent or chronic back pain.
Ideal forCouples
FirmnessMedium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
FeelBouncy, responsive Latex
ValueGood Value
Pros
Composed of organic and recycled materials
Zoned coils push back against the midsection and protect the perimeter
Optional Euro-top and box-top designs create a gentler feel on the surface
Cons
Bouncy design can create disruptive motion transfer for couples
Pillow-top and box-top designs cost extra
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.0/10
130-230 lbs
8.0/10
Above 230 lbs
8.0/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.5/10
130-230 lbs
8.5/10
Above 230 lbs
8.5/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.5/10
130-230 lbs
8.5/10
Above 230 lbs
8.5/10
The Avocado Green checks all of the important boxes for shoppers seeking a high-quality organic mattress that alleviates pain, sleeps cool, and feels secure along the perimeter. Responsive latex over multi-zone coils also makes the Green feel exceptionally supportive. Standard models are on the firmer side, but you can upgrade to a softer design with the Euro-top and box-top options.
Why We Like It
As a firm (7) mattress, the Green scored stellar ratings from back and stomach sleepers on our testing team. Those weighing 130 to 230 pounds were particularly impressed. If you’re a side sleeper, the Euro-top upgrade may be necessary — this add-on makes the surface feel medium firm (6) for a closer contour and more cushioning beneath the shoulders and hips. Adding the box-top creates even more plushness. This medium (5) feel is well suited to side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.
Ease of movement and edge support were two of the standout qualities we noticed during our hands-on tests. The surface is very bouncy, and most of us encountered little to no sinkage when getting on and off the mattress. Temperature control was another testing highlight. The materials promote plenty of airflow to help maintain a comfortable interior temperature, while the breathable organic cotton cover and moisture-wicking wool batting beneath the surface help you stay cool and dry.
How Does It Feel?
The Green is highly responsive. You’ll notice a strong bounce whenever you change positions, and you shouldn’t feel any resistance when moving on the surface. Two layers of Dunlop latex over zoned pocketed coils create an impressive support system. Adding the Euro-top or box-top makes the mattress feel softer without sacrificing robust reinforcement from the underlying layers.
The latex holds GOLS certification, the cotton cover and wool batting are GOTS-certified, and the coils are made using recycled steel. Keep in mind that adding the Euro-top or box-top increases the profile, so you may need a fitted sheet with deep pockets if you go this route.
The Brentwood Home Oceano cushions your body with breathable wool batting, adaptive foam, and a coil-on-coil support system. With a medium soft (4) feel, this is one of the softest hybrids we’ve tested and a great option for side sleepers who prefer deep contouring.
Ideal forSide Sleepers
FirmnessMedium Soft (4)
FeelResponsive Memory Foam
ValueGood Value
Pros
Zoned microcoils provide targeted support
Plush surface is ideal for side sleepers under 230 pounds
Company offsets carbon emissions
Cons
Stomach and back sleepers over 130 pounds may experience excessive sinkage
Contains some synthetic materials
14-inch profile may make it difficult to find fitted sheets
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
9.0/10
130-230 lbs
8.0/10
Above 230 lbs
7.0/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.5/10
130-230 lbs
6.5/10
Above 230 lbs
5.5/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.5/10
130-230 lbs
5.5/10
Above 230 lbs
4.5/10
The Brentwood Oceano is a 14-inch hybrid mattress with a medium soft (4) feel. With a layer of memory foam, ease of movement, and coil construction that allows for breathability, the Brentwood Oceano is likely to suit side sleepers under 230 pounds who prefer a balance of contouring and responsiveness.
Why We Like It
The mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions. Because it’s on the softer side, the Brentwood Oceano was most suitable for our testers who weigh less than 130 pounds. For our side-sleeping testers, the plush memory foam provided excellent pressure relief. With its responsive coil layers, the mattress didn’t cause the “stuck” feeling that can sometimes occur with memory foam. The coils also help strengthen the edges and keep heat buildup to a minimum.
How Does It Feel?
A Tencel cover encases the mattress. This smooth plant-based fabric is made using a process designed to minimize environmental waste. A GOTS-certified organic wool layer acts as a non-chemical flame barrier and temperature regulator. This is followed by a layer of polyester and silk fibers meant to add airiness. The principal comfort layer consists of medium-density memory foam that allows some sinkage, providing contouring and pressure relief. This memory foam is partially made using soy-based polypol, and it features an open-cell construction with gel infusions intended to reduce heat retention. Beneath this layer is a 2.5-inch layer of microcoils for added bounce and breathability. A 1-inch polyfoam layer provides a transition to the pocketed coil support core. The coils are 8 inches tall and divided into seven zones with a reinforced perimeter. A final layer of polyfoam rounds out the base.
When shopping for an organic mattress, it can be easy to focus on the materials used to construct each mattress, but it’s important to also consider how those materials will perform for you and your unique sleep needs.
What Makes a Mattress Organic?
A mattress is considered organic when it is made of plant-based materials that have been produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. It may also contain animal-derived materials, such as wool. Generally, the final product must also meet strict criteria for nontoxic dyes and other chemicals.
Most commonly, organic mattresses use cotton, wool, and organic latex. A primarily organic mattress may also incorporate some non-organic materials, such as steel coils, that are sustainable and do not emit chemical off-gassing odors. Manufacturers may choose to hand-tuft the layers together instead of using chemical adhesives.
The majority of organic mattresses carry third-party certifications to back up their claims, though these certifications may only apply to some of the materials in the mattress. If finding a fully organic mattress is important to you, you’ll need to verify the materials used in each layer. Bear in mind certain components such as zippers may need to be made from non-organic materials.
Organic Mattress Materials
Materials often found in organic mattresses include Dunlop or Talalay latex, cotton, wool, and, less commonly, hemp. All of these materials originate from a plant or an animal.
Material
Description
Dunlop Latex
Dunlop latex is produced using a saplike liquid from the rubber plant, which is frothed up, poured into a mold, and baked into solid form. Dunlop latex is generally considered organic if it is produced from organic rubber trees and contains less than 5% non-rubber curing agents in the end product. With its dense yet responsive feel, Dunlop latex can be used in the comfort system or the support layers of a mattress.
Talalay Latex
The Talalay process for manufacturing latex is similar to the Dunlop process, except that after being frothed, the liquid is expanded in a vacuum and flash frozen before baking. This gives Talalay latex a springier, more uniform feel.
While Talalay latex can be made with almost all natural materials, there are some extra ingredients required during the manufacturing process. Because it’s not currently possible to process Talalay latex without these materials, it technically cannot qualify as organic, though it’s still quite environmentally friendly.
Cotton
Cotton is produced from the white tufts of the cotton plant, which are spun out and woven into fabric. This breathable material is often found in mattress covers, and cotton batting may be used in the comfort layers to add pressure relief.
Not all cotton is organic, as many farmers use pesticides to keep the plants free of diseases. Cotton is considered organic when it is grown without GMOs or synthetic pesticides and processed without chemicals.
Wool
Due to the crimped shape of its fibers, organic wool provides excellent resilience and temperature regulation. Because wool is naturally flame-resistant, organic mattresses often include a thin wool layer in place of a chemical fire retardant. Though sheep wool is most common, you may also see mattresses made with wool from goats, alpacas, or other animals.
Hemp
Recently legalized in the U.S., hemp is made from the fiber and stems of the cannabis plant. The plant grows quickly and is resistant to pests, making it a carbon-friendly option that doesn’t require pesticides. Like cotton, hemp can be woven into a mattress cover or kept in batting form to add cushioning and breathability.
Other Materials Found in Organic Mattresses
A substance can only be considered organic if the raw material comes from a plant or an animal. Materials such as metals or synthetic foams are therefore not organic, although some of these materials may still be environmentally friendly.
Material
Description
Synthetic Latex
Instead of using natural tree polymers, synthetic latex is made from petrochemicals. This makes it impossible for synthetic latex to be organic.
Some manufacturers blend natural and synthetic latex to benefit from the more affordable cost of synthetic latex while reaping some of the advantages of natural latex.
Foam
Polyfoam and memory foam are typically made from petrochemicals, although some manufacturers add a percentage of plant-based substances to lower their carbon footprint.
Metal Coils
Hybrid mattresses include steel coils in the support core. Although steel is not an organic material, this metal is considered fairly sustainable as it can be upcycled from other steel products and recycled into new steel products in the future.
Should You Buy an Organic Mattress?
An organic mattress might be the right choice for you if you’re environmentally conscious or if you’re sensitive to the chemicals in beds containing polyfoam. Most organic mattresses include latex as well as other premium materials such as wool and steel coils. These components boast outstanding durability, responsiveness, and temperature control.
On the other hand, organic mattresses tend to cost more than synthetic foam mattresses. Latex also conforms less closely than memory foam, so it doesn’t offer the same level of pressure relief for side sleepers and people under 130 pounds. You may also want to steer clear of latex mattresses if you have a latex allergy.
Mattress Certifications to Look For
Several third-party organizations provide certifications to back up a manufacturer’s claims about being organic, sustainable, or free of harmful emissions. These organizations usually establish a set of criteria that must be followed in order to earn the certification.
A textile product may qualify for the GOTS label if it contains at least 95% organic fibers, such as organic cotton or wool. Textiles that contain at least 70% organic fibers can apply to use a similar label, “made with organic materials.”
In addition to banning the use of certain colorants and other chemicals, both labels require that companies meet a set of stringent criteria covering everything from workers’ rights to wastewater treatment.
The GOLS label indicates that the latex contains at least 95% organic polymer from rubber trees. A small amount of curing agents are permitted as part of the manufacturing process.
The CertiPUR-US label does not certify that a product is organic. Instead, this label is generally used for mattresses with synthetic polyurethane foams, where it certifies that the foam is free of certain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and ozone depleters.
Textiles or foams with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label are not necessarily organic, but they have been tested and found to be free of certain harmful substances.
The OEKO-TEX Made in Green label lays out additional criteria for sustainable manufacturing and fair working conditions, while the OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton label applies to organic cotton specifically.
GREENGUARD and the stricter GREENGUARD Gold certification certify that a mattress meets established limits for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, commonly known as off-gassing. This certification does not imply anything about whether a mattress is organic.
Similar to GREENGUARD, the eco-INSTITUT label doesn’t certify a mattress is organic, but rather that its emissions fall within certain permissible limits. The eco-INSTITUT also tests for the presence of certain harmful compounds, such as heavy metals and pesticides.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
Similar to this guide to the best organic mattresses, our team has tested and selected the best-performing beds across a wide range of specialty categories.
The Sleep Doctor team has many years of experience testing sleep products, and we only recommend mattresses that have performed well during our in-house tests.
To find the best organic mattresses, we also considered organic certifications and brand transparency regarding materials and sourcing. Because many organic mattresses are built from similar materials, we strove to gather opinions from testers with different body types and preferred sleeping positions to include models that work for a wide range of people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an organic mattress cost?
You can expect a queen size organic mattress to set you back at least $1,000, with the average model costing $1,500 to $3,000. Because of the extra cost of organic materials and certifications, organic mattresses tend to start at a higher price-point than other mattresses. However, they also tend to feature durable materials that should ensure a longer lifespan.
Are organic mattresses good for allergies?
If you have allergies, there are several considerations to take into account when buying an organic mattress. Models with solid latex cores resist dust and mold buildup, and they don’t produce off-gassing odors in the traditional sense. By contrast, organic mattresses with a coil support core may offer more room for dust to accumulate, which can trigger symptoms in people with dust mite allergies.
People with latex allergies should consult their doctor before buying a latex mattress. Although latex is washed during the manufacturing process and there is less chance of touching or inhaling the particles when the latex is encased in a mattress cover, there is still a chance that a latex mattress might provoke an allergic reaction or worsen allergy symptoms over time.
Are organic mattresses worth it?
Organic mattresses contain minimal chemicals, meaning they are safer for the planet and for your health. These mattresses also tend to be made with durable natural materials that may outlast other mattress types. For these reasons, many shoppers find that organic mattresses offer excellent value for the money. Of course, the best mattress for you ultimately depends on your personal needs and preferences.
Is there a difference between an organic and a natural mattress?
Organic and natural mattresses are both made with natural materials such as cotton and latex, but not all natural mattresses are organic. A mattress is only organic if there were no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, or other harmful substances involved in its production.
What is the best material for organic mattresses?
There’s no single best material for an organic mattress, but there are several materials that are commonly used due to their attractive properties. For example, cotton offers breathability and can also be used for cushioning. Wool is a strong fiber that helps with responsiveness and temperature regulation, as well as providing a natural fire barrier. Latex is a bouncy, durable material that works well in both the mattress comfort layers and the support core. These materials are often used in combination with one another.
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity. Since then, David has researched everything from bedtime routines to mattress toppers in his quest for a great night’s sleep.