The best organic mattress for a sound slumber
We spend a third of our lives sleeping (or trying to), so it only makes sense that we’d want to catch those Z’s on the best mattress—one made without harmful chemicals. More and more people concerned about sustainable manufacturing practices are saying goodbye to traditional mattresses and hunting down the best organic mattress instead. And the options aren’t limited: Organic mattress come in all shapes and sizes, from memory foam mattresses to cooling mattresses to boxed beds and hybrid mattresses.
Any textile products that claim to be organic must meet rigorous standards. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a USDA-recognized program that certifies mattresses and other textile-based consumer products as organic. To achieve organic certification, GOTS requires a product to contain at least 95 percent organic fibers. That means materials such as cotton and wool must be grown or raised on organic farms without the use of pesticides. But that’s not all.
“GOTS has strict criteria, which [specify] allowable and prohibited substances, [such as] dyes, finishes, and flame retardants,” explains Lori Wyman, a spokeswoman for the organization. The absence of chemical flame retardants often means the cover is removable and easy to clean. “Additionally,” Wyman says, “the springs or zippers must not contain heavy metals, and the packaging may not contain PVC plastic.” The Environmental Working Group notes that the best mattresses also have low-VOC certifications and no added fragrances or antimicrobials.
Because of these standards for organic and non-toxic mattresses, polyurethane foams common in nonorganic memory foam beds also are not allowed. Most organic manufacturers use latex instead, which is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Latex, which is a renewable material made from the sap of rubber trees, is naturally breathable and cooling, and it naturally repels dust mites and mold. It also offers the bounce and responsiveness many consumers look for in a mattress.
What to look for when buying an organic mattress
As with any mattress purchase, the first thing to consider is what kind of sleeper you are. Do you sleep on your side, stomach, or back? Side sleepers tend to prefer a softer mattress that cushions common pressure points, like the hips and shoulders. Back and stomach sleepers require more pain-relieving support, often found in firmer mattresses. The good news is that organic mattress brands like Avocado Green offer mattresses of different firmness levels.
It’s also important to understand that some mattresses contain organic materials (and promote that fact) but don’t meet GOTS’ criteria for the entire product to be considered organic. These are more accurately classified as “natural” instead of organic. One of the main factors that affects whether a mattress meets the “95 percent organic” marker is the choice of latex. Broadly speaking, there are two types of latex: Dunlop and Talalay.
Technically, only Dunlop latex can be considered organic. Talalay starts as natural latex, but manufacturers add resins and other chemicals. While Talalay latex is still far healthier than most petrochemical foams, mattresses that use it can’t be strictly considered organic. On the other hand, some consumers find that Talalay offers better pressure relief and breathability. Dunlop latex tends to be springier and more durable.
People looking for the best organic mattress may also be concerned with labor and environmental practices. To check whether a product meets fair labor standards and environmental requirements, look for the certifications below.
- Eco Institut: This European organization certifies that a product meets strict requirements on pollutants and emissions.
- Fairtrade America: Certifies producers that adhere to a blend of social, environmental, and economic principles that promote sustainable development.
- Forest Stewardship Council: Certifies that products are environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and made with products from responsibly managed forests.
- Greenguard Gold: This certification ensures a product meets UL’s highest standard for low emissions, VOCs, and pollutants.
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100: This stamp indicates that every component of a product has been tested and found to be free of harmful substances like formaldehyde, chemical flame retardants, colorants, and allergenic dyes.
How we chose the best organic mattress
We used a combination of expert analysis and hundreds of consumer reviews to determine the best organic mattress for different sleeping priorities. Comfort, durability, ease of setup, and a host of other features factored into our decisions, so you can rest assured our choices speak to your sleep needs. While the best mattress is always a personal choice, you can’t go wrong with any of the organic mattresses below. Top it all off with a lightweight comforter, cooling blanket, or cooling weighted blanket to ensure an optimal night’s sleep.
Best overall: Nest Certified Organic Hybrid Latex
Best for babies and kids: Naturepedic Classic Seamless Lightweight Two-Stage Crib Mattress
Best for back pain: Avocado Green
Best for back sleepers: My Green Mattress Natural Escape
Best cooling: Spindle Organic Latex
Best for couples: OMI OrganicPedic Duo
Best customizable: Naturepedic EOS Organic Latex Mattress
Best plush: Avocado Organic Luxury Plush
Best for side sleepers: OMI OrganicPedic Cascade
Best value: Happsy Organic Mattress
Best mattress topper: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Overall best organic mattress
Nest Certified Organic Hybrid Latex
This mattress offers some of the highest levels of purity and sustainability as well as the ability to customize comfort levels. The Nest Certified Organic Hybrid Latex mattress is made from certified organic cotton, organic wool, and organic latex, plus a layer of eight-inch coils encased in organic cotton. The materials are treated in a chemical-free ozone chamber to remove any microbes and then manufactured in the same California eco-factory as OMI mattresses (more on those below). Nest’s hybrid mattress comes in three interchangeable firmness levels (plush, medium, and firm). And if after 30 days you’d prefer a different firmness, you can request a new comfort layer; simply unzip the cover for easy replacement. You can also replace the comfort layer when it starts to wear down, so you won’t have to spend money on an entirely new mattress and you keep more materials out of landfills.
Pros:
- Handmade in the United States
- Users report a cool sleep and minimal off-gassing
- 365-night trial
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- can’t be used with an adjustable base
- $100 cost to exchanging a layer
Best organic mattress for babies and kids
Naturepedic Classic Seamless Lightweight Two-Stage Crib Mattress
Naturepedic’s line of organic waterproof mattresses for babies and kids is a dream come true for parents. The Classic Seamless Lightweight Two-Stage Crib Mattress garners 4.8 stars from nearly 500 shoppers. Made from organic cotton fabric and fill, the mattress repels moisture and fits standard-size cribs. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to strip the bed when you need to wash the sheets. Choose the two-stage option and, when your baby starts to become a toddler, you can flip the mattress over for a slightly softer feel. It also has reinforced edges for when your toddler discovers the fun of jumping on their mattress.
Pros:
- Reasonable price for quality
- Lifetime warranty
- Handmade in the United States
Con:
- Short trial period (30 nights)
Best organic mattress for back pain
Avocado Green
The Avocado Green mattress is firmer than most, rating seven out of ten on a firmness scale, though adding a pillow top can bring it down to a six. That makes it ideal for sleepers who spend the night on their backs. It’s constructed with distinct zones to support the hips, back, and shoulders, resulting in excellent spinal alignment. Users report that sleeping on the Avocado mattress relieves pressure and reduces long-standing issues with back pain. For another tried-and-tested option for back pain, read our Helix mattress review.
Pros:
- nearly 100% recyclable material
- Sleeps cool
- Available in a vegan option
- 365-night trial
- 25-year warranty
Cons:
- Motion transfer could affect partner sleep quality
- May be too firm for side sleepers, lightweight individuals
Best organic mattress for back sleepers
My Green Mattress Natural Escape
Started by parents hoping to find a solution for their infant daughter with eczema, this company likens its organic mattress to that of Avocado, perhaps the most well-known name in this landscape. While it’s plenty firm, the My Green Mattress Natural Escape uses a thicker layer of latex to create a slightly more forgiving feel. It also claims to use more wool than Avocado—resulting in better cooling, so you don’t need to invest in a separate cooling mattress pad—and a wider distribution of support zones for a wider range of back and side sleepers. The mattress is made in an organic-certified factory and uses three inches of organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool on top of a pocketed eight-inch coil innerspring system.
Pros:
- Family-owned business
- More affordable than others
- 120-night trial
- 20-year warranty
Con:
- Motion transfer could affect partner sleep quality
Best cooling organic mattress
Spindle Organic Latex
Using nine inches of 100 percent organic Dunlop latex, organic cotton, and organic wool, the Spindle Organic Latex mattress is cool and naturally breathable. Users report that this cooling mattress does a great job at regulating body temperature and helping moisture evaporate. Best of all, it ships with one layer of firm latex and two layers of medium, so you can stack and reposition them to your preference. And if at any time you want to switch things up, you can buy another layer of latex at a 30 percent discount.
Pros:
- Small responsive family-run business
- 365-night trial
- 10-year limited warranty
- Additional mattress layers available at a discount
Cons:
- May be too bouncy for some.
- Storing extra latex may pose a problem for some
Best organic mattress for couples
OMI OrganicPedic Duo
The OrganicPedic Duo arrives with two separate latex layers that can be stacked or repositioned for maximum comfort and support. Even better, they can be divided vertically so each partner gets their perfect level of firmness. The top comfort layer is sculpted to provide pressure-point relief. OMI was the first U.S. manufacturer to achieve GOTS organic certification, and its chemical-, smoke-, and fragrance-free eco-factory is state of the art. Once you get this mattress home, you’ll just need some fluffy down pillows or organic pillows and a down comforter to make your bed snuggle-worthy.
Pros:
- Safe for people with latex allergy
- Able to sample material before buying
- Handmade in the United States
- 20-year limited warranty
- Free white-glove shipping and delivery
Cons:
- Expensive ($6,499 for a queen)
- Shortetrial period (90 nights)
Best plush organic mattress
Avocado Organic Luxury Plush
With 17 layers of organic latex, wool, mohair, silk, hemp, and cotton, the Avocado Organic Luxury Plush mattress will have you feeling like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Though the mattress is soft and decadent, you won’t sacrifice support, thanks to more than 3,000 individually wrapped coils distributed across five support zones. Reviewers say it’s comfortable for both back and side sleepers alike.
Pros:
- Company is climate-neutral certified
- 365-night trial
- 25-year warranty
- Free in-home setup
Cons:
- Requires deep-pocket bedsheets
- Expemsive
Best customizable organic mattress
Naturepedic EOS Organic Latex Mattress
The FSC Label certified that this mattress comes from responsible environmental sources. Made of organic cotton, wool, and latex, plus the classic and pillow-top versions include eight inches of encased coils. Five firmness levels ensure you’ll find the right fit, and customizable left and the right sides means that both partners can rest easy. For more bed options, check out our Zinus mattress review.
Pros:
- Handmade by Amish craftsmen in organic-certified factory
- Excellent edge support
- Exchange latex layers for free within 90 days
- 20-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Some motion transfer could affect partner sleep quality
- Shorter 90 day trial period
Best organic mattress for side sleepers
OMI OrganicPedic Cascade
Side sleepers who want pressure point relief without sacrificing a firm feel will love OMI’s low-profile OrganicPedic Cascade. Built with seven inches of medium-firm organic latex and no metal, this mattress for side sleepers has a texturally sculpted surface that offers pressure relief for hips and shoulders. The organic knit quilted cover keeps the surface cool. The mattress is flippable, too, with the non-sculpted side offering a slightly firmer slumber. Still shopping? Check out our Nectar Mattress review for another great side-sleeper option.
Pros:
- Free white-glove shipping and delivery
- 20-year limited warranty
- Handmade in the United States
Cons:
- May not have ideal edge support without coils.
- Short trial period (90 days)
Best value organic mattress
Happsy Organic Mattress
You may have noticed that Organic boxed beds aren’t cheap. But not everyone who prioritizes health for themselves and the planet is made of money. That’s why we were thrilled to discover that the Happsy Organic Mattress offered high-quality construction and comfort at one of the lowest prices around. In addition to using organic materials, Happsy says it manufactures its own pocketed springs to be less bouncy and more supportive than most.
Pros:
- Ccompany gives 1% of profits to Planet
- 120-night trial
- 20-year warranty
Cons:
- More coarse cotton cover than some.
- Latex smell may last longer than in others
Best organic mattress topper
Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Whether you want to add a layer of plushness (or firmness!) to your existing bed or customize a new organic bed, organic mattress toppers can be a wise choice. The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper supplies two inches of organic latex (available in either firm or plush options), plus a layer of organic wool (from the company’s own sheep) beneath an organic cotton cover. The bottom surface has a cotton canvas base to prevent the topper from slipping.
Pros:
- Available in a vegan and alpaca wool
- Company offset more than 100% of carbon emissions.
- 365-night trial
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Might be too bouncy for some
- Trial period is a minimum of 30 days
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Sources:
- Lori Wyman, spokeswoman for Global Organic Textile Standard
- Eco Institute: “Certification”
- Fairtrade America: “How to Get Fairtrade Certified”
- Fairtrade America: “Fairtrade Textile Standard”
- Forest Stewardship Council: “Certification”
- UL: “UL Greenguard Certification Program”
- Oeko-Tex: “Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex”