• We spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
  • Our testers evaluated over 100 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
  • We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process.
  • We’ve found that the natural materials used in organic mattresses can be a better choice for sleepers with allergies or sensitivities to certain chemicals, while some people choose organic because these mattresses align with their values of buying products that are eco-friendly.

Learn more about how we tested the best organic mattresses.

Key takeaways

  • The Birch Natural mattress is our pick for the best organic mattress because it is made from environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic materials, like organic cotton and wool, and tested well in categories we’ve found important to sleeper comfort, including cooling capabilities, pressure relief, and bounce. 
  • Based on over 1,000 hours of testing and our survey of 600 mattress owners, we found that some sleepers choose organic mattresses because they are eco-friendly and made from naturally derived materials that biodegrade over time, while others are looking for a mattress that won’t expose them to harmful chemicals. 
  • Organic mattresses can cost around $899 to over $4,500, depending on size, construction, and materials.

The best organic mattresses are made with materials certified by an official organization that oversees practices and sources. Latex rubber is sourced from tree milk, but the latex alone is not enough to build a mattress; synthetic or man-made materials are also part of the final product. Organic testing for mattresses includes testing the materials for harmful emissions and determining how much synthetic material has been added to the latex. Other materials may be certified based on cruelty-free sourcing and whether the source is sustainable.  

Eco-conscious shoppers will be happy to know that there are several high-quality organic beds available. Sleeping on an organic mattress can help you to sleep easier, knowing that you’re not exposed to unnecessary chemicals or contributing to the destruction of forests and animal lives. But with so many choices, finding the best organic mattress may feel overwhelming. 

In this review, our Handbook Team recommends organic mattresses that have held up to our own testing standards and have been certified organic by official governing bodies. However, if you’re purchasing a new mattress to help address pain or medical conditions, the wrong mattress can potentially worsen your pain. Our HandBook Team recommends consulting your health care provider for advice.

“People’s sleeping positions and surfaces can significantly impact pain,” says Peter Hinz, doctor of chiropractic at Cool Springs Chiropractic in Franklin, Tennessee. “An improper sleeping position or a mattress that is too firm or soft can put added pressure on certain areas, leading to pain and discomfort.”

Buying a mattress is highly personal; what feels best for our testers may not feel right for you. We encourage you to visit a mattress showroom to see the mattresses in person, where possible, and after purchase, use the mattress’s full trial period before committing to it. Most brands offer a trial period of 100 nights or more. 

What to look for in an organic mattress

  • Natural materials: The fabric components of each mattress are naturally derived, meeting standards for organic certifications. Mattresses containing foam opt for latex, a memory foam alternative sourced from responsibly grown and harvested rubber trees.
  • Low VOC: New mattresses often have a strong smell immediately after they are unpackaged, caused by VOCs that vaporize in room temperature air. Many organic mattresses have lower VOC ratings, avoiding chemicals that harm indoor air quality.
  • Certification: Because we know that misleading marketing practices called greenwashing are commonly practiced to justify charging more for a mattress, it is important to consider if the value of the mattress matches its price. Organic and eco-conscious certification, along with third-party reviews, can help you determine if the mattress is worth the premium price tag.

6 best organic mattresses of 2024

Best organic mattress overall: Birch Natural 

Best organic mattress overall
9.0 Very Good
Birch Natural
Key product features
  • Material: Latex and coil hybrid.
  • Cost: $1,373-$2,248.
  • Warranty: 25 years.
  • Trial period: 100 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 7/10.
  • Organic certifications: GOTS and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
  • Our experience: We love how this mattress combines with support of an innerspring core with the pressure relief and cushion of naturally derived latex foam. During testing, we gave Birch Natural a high score in the cooling category, which we attribute to the use of natural materials throughout the mattress.
Pros and cons
Pros Good option for back and stomach sleepers. Cooling and breathability. Responsive and provides lift. Cons Strong off-gassing smell. Lacks body contouring. Too firm for many side sleepers. Little sinkage.
Our top pick

Why Birch Natural is our pick for best overall

The Birch Natural mattress uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create an environmentally friendly and comfortable bed with excellent bounce and cooling properties. The Birch performed well in several test categories, making this all-natural bed our pick for the best organic mattress overall.

Who should consider the Birch Natural: Back sleepers will appreciate the medium-firm support of the Birch Natural, which does an excellent job maintaining a neutral spine while providing plenty of pressure relief.

Who should consider other options: During testing, we noticed that this mattress doesn’t contour to the body, and may not be soft enough for side sleepers.

Birch Natural tester insights

The Birch Natural is a well-rounded and reasonably priced organic mattress that stands out from the pack thanks to its cooling capabilities. It’s also incredibly breathable, with organic wool to help keep you cozy while also helping to regulate your body temperature, making this a good choice for people who sleep hot.

We recommend this comfortable mattress for back and stomach combination sleepers because the bouncy latex helps them to change positions more easily while still being well supported in either of their preferred sleep positions. The mattress feels tight and springy and provides excellent lift and support.

From our tester

“The Birch Natural is a great bed for sex. Sexually active people should enjoy how easy it is to move around. You don’t have to worry about feeling stuck in this mattress.”

Conversely, the firmness of this bed may be a little unforgiving for side sleepers. There isn’t a lot of body-contouring or sinking into the Birch Natural, as it gives a more “on top” of the mattress feel. This could cause pressure to build up around the hips and shoulders for side sleepers.

Birch Natural mattress with 20-pound weight laid on top to demonstrate the firmness of the mattress
The firmness of the Birch Natural has very little sinkage, which may be unforgiving for some side sleepers.

When our testers unpacked the Birch Natural, they noted that the mattress had a strong off-gassing, a chemical smell that isn’t harmful, but which can be unpleasant for some people. The Birch’s off-gassing scent lingered for over 24 hours. If possible, allow your mattress to air out in a well-ventilated area before using it.

The Birch Natural is available in a children’s version, making it a great mattress for kids.

To learn more, read our Birch Natural review.

Best organic mattress for side sleepers: WinkBed EcoCloud

Best organic mattress for side sleepers
9.3 Excellent
WinkBed EcoCloud
Key product features
  • Material: Latex and coil hybrid.
  • Cost: $1,399-$2,399.
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 120-nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 6.5/10.
  • Organic certifications: GOTS and OEKO-TEX® certified.
  • Our experience: We love how breathable the natural materials of this mattress are, promoting temperature regulation for sleepers who run hot. During testing, we noticed this mattress does a great job keeping’ spines aligned.
Pros and cons
Pros Sustainable and responsive. Promotes neutral spinal alignment. Good option for hot sleepers. Cons Lacks firmness for stomach sleepers. Expensive. Little sinkage and body contouring. Pronounced motion transfer.

Why WinkBed EcoCloud is our pick for side sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper and want a bed made with sustainable materials, check out the WinkBed EcoCloud. Constructed with Talalay latex and recycled steel, the EcoCloud features zoned support that provides varying degrees of lift and stability. Our testers found this mattress to be responsive and comfortable.

Who should consider the WinkBed EcoCloud: Sleepers who run hot will appreciate the breathability of the natural materials in this mattress which contribute to temperature regulation.

Who should consider other options: Stomach sleepers may find their hips sink uncomfortably into this mattress, and we suggest a firmer mattress from this list.

WinkBed EcoCloud tester insights

WinkBed has gone above and beyond to make the EcoCloud an environmentally friendly mattress. It uses natural Talalay latex, organic cotton and wool, and recycled coils, making it incredibly sustainable. The zoned support system provides more support around heavier body parts and a softer touch around the shoulders and hips.

Many side sleepers should find both the support and sinkage a great fit for their preferred sleep position. Additionally, we think couples will enjoy this bed thanks to its bounce, cooling, and edge support. On the other hand, too much mattress bounce can lead to high motion transfer, which may give pause to those who are easily awakened by the movements of a restless partner.

From our tester

“The WinkBed EcoCloud is one of the most sustainable mattresses we’ve tested.”

WinkBed recommends rotating the EcoCloud 180 degrees a couple of times a month for the first three months and then once a month afterward. This isn’t a requirement, of course, but a suggestion for ensuring your mattress gets even wear and doesn’t prematurely sag in areas that get the most body weight. Considering this mattress is heavy due to the latex material, it may be unwieldy to move, especially if you’re doing it by yourself.

While we appreciate this mattress’s eco-friendly materials, they do affect the price tag. If you’re shopping on a budget, there may be a better fit for you.

Best organic latex mattress: Saatva Latex Hybrid

Best organic latex mattress
9.8 Exceptional
Saatva Latex Hybrid
Key product features
  • Material: Latex and coil hybrid.
  • Cost: $1,495-$3,190.
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Shipping: Free delivery.
  • Firmness: 7.5/10.
  • Organic certifications: GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold, and eco-INSTITUT® certified.
  • Our experience: This latex mattress is very responsive, snapping back quickly after compression, which made it easy for our testers to move around and switch positions. Earning a 7.5 on the firmness scale, we found this mattress to do an excellent job maintaining spine alignment in a stomach sleeping position.
Pros and cons
Pros GOLS-certified latex. Durability. Responsive and bouncy. Great choice for stomach sleepers. Cons On the pricier side. Too firm for some side sleepers. Lacks motion isolation. May not provide enough pressure relief.

Why Saatva Latex Hybrid is our pick for best latex mattress

Saatva uses eco-friendly GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standards) certified, all-natural Talalay latex that is void of toxic chemicals. The sturdy coils are made of recycled steel, and thistle pulp replaces fiberglass to make the bed’s fire-retardant barrier. Saatva’s dedication to quality materials and comfortable construction makes its Latex Hybrid our pick for best organic latex mattress.

Who should consider the Saatva Latex Hybrid: Stomach sleepers will find this mattress does a great job supporting their hips to maintain a neutral spine.

Who should consider other options: Light sleepers who share a bed with a partner, child, or pet, may find their sleep disturbed because of the poor motion isolation we observed in this mattress.

Saatva Latex Hybrid tester insights

Of the latex mattresses the Handbook Team has tested, we believe the Saatva Latex Hybrid stands above the rest. In addition to its environmentally friendly approach to materials, this bed scored very well on performance tests for responsiveness, cooling, and edge support. The medium-firm surface of the mattress allows for the spine to stay naturally curved—also called neutral spinal alignment—with neither too much sinkage or firmness, which helped reduce back pain for our testers. While the medium-firmness of this mattress could work for people who sleep mostly on their back or stomach, it may be too firm for side sleepers.

From our tester

“Combining cozy latex layers with sturdy, individually pocketed coils, the Saatva Latex Hybrid has excellent bounce, and allows for easy movement.”

The responsive nature of latex can have an adverse effect on motion isolation. With the Saatva Latex Hybrid, we found that although the responsiveness was great for moving from one position to another, it might not be an advantage for people who sleep with restless partners or pets.

The Saatva Latex Hybrid is recommended for back and stomach sleepers, and we feel it is the best mattress for couples.

To learn more about this brand, read our in-depth Saatva review.

Most affordable organic mattress: Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep

Most affordable organic mattress
9.2 Excellent
Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep
Key product features
  • Material: Latex and coil hybrid.
  • Cost: $899-$1,898.
  • Warranty: 10-years.
  • Trial period: 120-nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 6.5/10
  • Organic certifications: GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold, eco-INSTITUT, and RainForest Alliance certified.
  • Our experience: We love that this mattress is flippable, with two firmness levels, making it a good fit for different body types and sleeping positions. This mattress is one of the more affordable options we reviewed, which can be difficult to find in an organic mattress.
Pros and cons
Pros Affordable. Good spinal support. Responsive. Keeps stomach sleepers’ hips lifted. Flippable design with two firmness levels. Cons Too much motion transfer. Side sleepers may find it too firm. Weak edge support.

Why Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep is our pick for most affordable

If you have been looking for an organic mattress but haven’t found one that fits your budget, we recommend taking a look at the Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep. This mattress is flippable, comfortable, supportive, eco-friendly, and affordable.

Who should consider the Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep: Because this affordable mattress features natural materials, it is a good fit for someone on a budget who has allergies or chemical sensitivities.

Who should consider other options: We observed weak edge support in this mattress, which could make it difficult to get out of bed if you have chronic pain or mobility limitations.

 Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep tester insights

The best organic mattresses are made with top-of-the-line materials that are safe from toxic chemicals. As a result, the price tag for an organic, non-toxic mattress can be considerably higher than a non-organic mattress. The EcoSleep, however, is an organic mattress that provides sustainability and comfort at an affordable price—a queen size mattress is priced around $1,000 during sales. It also has the extra advantage of being flippable, with medium on one side and firm on the other, so you can vary your sleep experience.

This medium-firm bed is appealing to many different types of sleepers, but we think that back and stomach sleepers will benefit the most from the supportive nature of the EcoSleep. The latex is responsive and cool, allowing for easy mobility and exceptional temperature regulation.

From our tester

“Compared to other organic mattresses, Brooklyn Bedding’s EcoSleep provides sustainable, chemical-free materias at an affordable price.”

As with all beds, this affordable mattress works better for some sleep positions and body types than others. The EcoSleep is likely to be too firm for side sleepers and lightweight people. These folks often need a softer surface that allows for some contouring or sinkage, and may experience excess pressure build-up around their pressure points. The responsiveness of the latex makes this a great bed for people who change positions during sleep, but its lack of motion isolation can mean that people with restless partners may have trouble getting quality sleep. Couples may also be adversely affected by the lack of strong edge support.

Learn more in our Brooklyn Bedding mattress review.

Best hybrid organic mattress: Nolah Natural

Best hybrid organic mattress
9.5 Excellent
Nolah Natural
Key product features
  • Material: Latex and coil hybrid.
  • Cost: $1,499-$3,398.
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping, in-home setup and removal available for an extra fee.
  • Firmness: 6/10.
  • Organic certifications: GOLS and Greenguard Gold.
  • Our experience: We love that the layers of latex provide an enjoyable, cushioning feel for the lower back, which could help relieve chronic back pain. During testing, we also noticed this mattress does a great job keeping sleepers cool.
Pros and cons
Pros Keeps sleepers cool. Helps relieve back pain. Sturdy side handles. Eco-friendly luxury. Cons Lacks motion isolation. Too soft for stomach sleepers. Higher-weight sleepers may not get needed lift.

Why Nolah Natural is our pick for best hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine elements of all-foam and traditional innerspring mattresses, making them the best of both worlds. When it comes to mattresses made with all organic materials, we picked the Nolah Natural for its organic and hypoallergenic materials that offer both responsiveness and pressure relief for side sleepers.

Who should consider the Nolah Natural: Sleepers who tend to run hot will appreciate the cooling capabilities of this organic mattress.

Who should consider other options: Sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds will find this mattress isn’t supportive enough to maintain a neutral spine.

Nolah Natural tester insights

The Nolah Natural is a comfortable and durable eco-friendly hybrid mattress made with organic cotton and GOTS-certified wool, Talalay latex, and support coils. Our testers loved the responsiveness and bounce of the latex, and we feel the coils make it an excellent bed for sexual activities. These features can also benefit people with mobility issues and combination sleepers as they change positions through the night. Additionally, the combination of naturally cooling latex and the open structure of the coils helps dissipate body heat to keep sleepers cool.

We also liked the pressure-relieving sinkage for side and back sleepers, though stomach sleepers and higher-weight people may find the softness allows for too much sink in the middle of the body, which can potentially result in back pain due to the curvature of the spine.

The Nolah Natural has strong edge support, which provides stability when sitting on the edge of the bed and allows sleepers to utilize the whole sleeping surface without feeling like they’ll fall out.

The Nolah stood out to our team for another reason, too: mattress handles. Mattress handles may seem inconsequential. A lot of mattress companies don’t include them, or they’re made of light material, making it awkward to flip, rotate, or relocate the mattress. However, we were impressed with the sturdy handles on the Nolah Natural, as they made moving the mattress around our testing lab more convenient.

From our tester

“The hypoallergenic and organic Nolah Natural hybrid is made with high-end materials, including Talalay latex and coils that provide breathability, coolness, and pressure relief.”

The Nolah Natural uses durable, high-quality, organic materials. As you may expect, this places the Nolah on the higher end of the price range, which may put it out of reach for some shoppers. Also, although it has great responsiveness and solid edge support, the Nolah Natural lacks motion isolation. Therefore, while it works well for couples across some categories, for those who are easily awakened by restless partners or pets, it may be best to avoid this bed.

Learn more in our Nolah mattress review.

Best luxury organic mattress: Zenhaven by Saatva

Best luxury organic mattress
9.8 Exceptional
Zenhaven by Saatva
Key product features
  • Material: Latex.
  • Cost: $1,995-$4,545.
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Shipping: Free white glove delivery.
  • Firmness: Multiple firmness options.
  • Organic certifications: GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold, and eco-INSTITUT® certified.
  • Our experience: During testing, we observed excellent bounce and responsiveness, but felt that significant motion transfer was one downside of this mattress. We love that Saatva prioritized natural materials to provide a hypoallergenic mattress with the same luxury feel their brand is known for.
Pros and cons
Pros Flippable design with two firmness levels. Hypoallergenic. Great for hot sleepers. Bouncy and responsive. Cons Minimal motion isolation. Lacks pressure-relieving capabilities. Expensive.

Why Zenhaven by Saatva is our pick for best luxury

Falling into a luxurious mattress after a long day is like a dream come true. Knowing that you’re also being eco-friendly makes your dream even better. The durable and sustainable materials, flippable comfort options, comforting construction, and eye for detail make the Saatva Zenhaven our pick for the best luxury organic mattress.

Who should consider the Zenhaven by Saatva: Sleepers with allergies will benefit from the hypoallergenic materials used in the Zenhaven.

Who should consider other options: Sleepers with chronic pain may find that the poor pressure relief of this mattress causes discomfort or pain at pressure points.

Zenhaven by Saatva tester insights

The Zenhaven is an organic, hypoallergenic mattress made with high-quality natural ingredients like Talalay latex to provide a luxurious sleeping surface. This mattress is flippable, an uncommon feature that allows you to choose from two firmness options: luxury plush and gentle firm.

This eco-friendly mattress pulls out all the stops when it comes to luxury touches, and it caters to many different sleepers. In addition to its high-end characteristics, the Zenhaven is solidly built, and we think it would be a good choice for plus-size sleepers who weigh up to 300 pounds.

From our tester

“The versatility of having two firmness levels available in one mattress, along with durable, organic materials, make this luxury bed an exceptional choice for many sleepers.“

Luxurious, organic materials aren’t cheap. The best luxury mattresses will be more expensive than many others on the market. While the durable, high-quality materials justify the cost, they may be out of some people’s budgets. Also, those who like to sleep more “in the bed” than “on top of it” may find the bounciness of the latex off-putting.

How we test and choose the best organic mattresses

Good sleep is foundational to a healthy lifestyle, helping us maintain the well-being of our body and mind. The right mattress, along with mindful sleep habits, can play an important role in getting restful sleep each night. Because we believe this to be true, and we know that each person has a unique set of needs to feel comfortable in their mattress, our Reviews Team has devoted more than 1,000 hours researching over 100 of the best mattresses. We also surveyed over 600 mattress owners, interviewing 7, and consulted with 21 experts about what is most important in an organic mattress.

of research
1000+   hours
of research
evaluated
130+   models
evaluated
interviewed
7   people
interviewed
consulted
21   experts
consulted

First-hand testing experience

Before recommending the best organic mattresses, we use a standardized, 42-question testing form to document our first-hand testing experience with each model. The questions on this form guide our testers in considering each model’s mattress features, affordability, materials used, and brand policies. For example, we know that many mattress shoppers look for organic mattresses because they have allergies or chemical sensitivities, so we documented off-gassing in each new mattress on a 1 to 5 scale so these buyers would know what to expect.

Mattress surveys & interviews

We surveyed over 600 mattress owners about what is most important to them when shopping for a new mattress, including how important organic and eco-friendly materials are in their decision-making. We found that many shoppers opt for an organic option because they have concerns about the impact of chemicals and synthetic materials on their health. In contrast, others value purchases with lower environmental impact. We also interviewed both mattress owners and experts to better understand what features are most important in an organic mattress.

Objective and honest ratings

We created a mattress rating system using the results of our survey, along with information we collected from research, interviews, and consultation. In our mattress scorecard, we rate each model objectively in categories like customer service, features, and user experience. Then, by weighing the individual scores, we calculate an overall rating for each model we recommend. Every model in this roundup scored a minimum of 8/10 for their overall rating.

FactorWeightDescription
Customer Service15%Customer care center hours, support options
Brand Reputation10%Years in business, lawsuits & class actions against this company
Features20%Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, add-ons included (free sleep accessories)
User Experience35%White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials
Affordability20%Price, warranty, promotions

Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.

Our organic mattress testing process

Our Mattress Testing Process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers. Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab. Set up mattress in testing lab.
Document off-gassing after unpackaging. Document off-gassing after unpackaging.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness. Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position. Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage. Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading. Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences. Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score. Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation. Test motion isolation.
Test edge support. Test edge support.
Calculate composite “sex” and family scores. Calculate composite “sex” and family scores.

What makes a mattress organic?

Organic mattresses are made with certified organic and all-natural materials, such as latex, wool and cotton, hemp fibers, and other sustainable materials, which are used in place of synthetic. Specific certifications indicate that the substances in a mattress are indeed organic. These include the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which uses independent third-party testing to look at the entire supply chain and ensure cotton is grown and processed in a manner that meets specific ecological and social benchmarks, and the Global Organic Latex Standard, which is a similar process for latex.

OEKO-Tex is another certification that indicates a mattress has been tested to ensure it’s free of harmful substances. Both Greenguard Gold and the UL Environment’s Formaldehyde Free label certify that a mattress is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde.

Organic mattress certifications

It’s not enough for a company to simply call a mattress organic. Look for specific certifications as you compare organic mattresses, including:

  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): This third-party certification is a trusted indicator that at least 95% of the fibers in a mattress are organic. It ensures that the mattress meets strict ecological and social criteria throughout the entire textile supply chain, from harvesting of the raw materials to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing. A GOTS-certified mattress not only supports organic agriculture but also promotes sustainability and ethical practices in the textile industry.
  • GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard): The GOLS certification signifies that at least 95% of the latex used in a mattress is raw and organic, confirming that the latex is sourced from organically grown rubber trees. This certification also ensures that the entire production process, from latex harvesting to the finished product, adheres to stringent environmental and social regulations. A GOLS-certified mattress offers a natural, chemical-free sleep surface, making it a safer choice for those seeking an organic and eco-friendly option.
  • Greenguard Gold: This certification indicates that a mattress has met rigorous standards for low chemical emissions, contributing to healthier indoor air quality. Greenguard Gold-certified mattresses have been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), ensuring they meet strict emissions limits. This certification is especially important for families with children, as it offers an extra level of assurance that the mattress is safer and less likely to contribute to indoor air pollution.
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100: This textile-specific certification means that a mattress has been tested for harmful substances and is free from chemicals that can pose health risks. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is recognized worldwide and covers all stages of production, from raw materials to the finished product. A mattress with this certification has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it does not contain harmful levels of substances such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, or pesticides, providing peace of mind for those concerned about chemical exposure.

Mattress eco certifications 

Organic mattresses are primarily concerned with avoiding materials and practices that can be harmful to humans. Many of these companies also prioritize eco-friendly practices, seeking certifications that indicate they have avoided manufacturing practices and materials associated with harm to the environment.

  • GOLS: This certification also indicates that the materials used meet minimum requirements to avoid chemicals and materials that are harmful to the environment.
  • Forest Stewardship Council®: A third-party certification for products made with latex or wood derived from responsibly managed forests.
  • B-corp:  This certification indicates that the mattress company as a whole complies with standards that require them to operate transparently and honor requirements concerning their environmental impact. 
  • CertiPUR-US: This certification requires mattresses be made without chemicals known to deplete the ozone.
  • eco-INSTITUT: In order to be eco-INSTITUT certified, companies must exceed what is legally required of them by avoiding pollutants and harmful emissions.

Greenwashing and organic mattresses 

As consumers have prioritized health-conscious and eco-friendly purchases over the last several years, some companies have seen this as one more way to make money by charging a premium price. Unfortunately, many companies engage in the practice of greenwashing or using buzzwords and misleading marketing to charge more for a product that isn’t truly organic or mindfully produced.

You may have already noticed it with products labeled as “green,” “eco,” or “all-natural” and no data or certifications to back those claims. To avoid being misled by greenwashing, look for certifications and in-depth descriptions of the materials used in each mattress you consider buying.

What to consider when buying the best organic mattress for you

The best mattress is one that meets your personal needs and preferences. A good night’s sleep is crucial for maintaining mental health, as it directly impacts your mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop.

Mattress type 

Mattresses are made with a variety of materials, which influence how it feels and performs.

  • Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses use steel coils to create a durable and supportive bed, but it is rare to find an innerspring mattress that is entirely organic. See our full innerspring mattress guide.
  • Memory foam: You won’t find organic memory foam mattresses because memory foam is a synthetic material, but you can find organic beds made with multiple layers of latex.  See our full memory foam mattress guide.
  • Hybrid: Many organic picks are hybrid mattresses, combining organic materials in the comfort layers with recycled steel coils in the support layer. See our full hybrid mattress guide.
  • Latex: Latex is a naturally derived foam alternative commonly used in organic mattresses. The Saatva Zenhaven and the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss are both latex mattresses. See our full latex mattress guide.
  • Organic: Organic mattresses use natural materials that are both eco-friendly and free from chemicals that are harmful to humans. See our full organic mattress guide.

Body type

Individual body types and weights can steer you toward mattresses made with appropriate materials and constructions. The best mattress for heavy people is specifically engineered to support more weight. The best mattresses for heavy people feature a combination of latex and reinforced recycled steel springs in an organic mattress.

Body type also affects how soft or firm a mattress feels. The heavier you are, the more you’ll sink into a mattress and the softer it will feel. Lightweight sleepers, on the other hand, often find many mattresses feel quite firm because they lack the weight to sink in sufficiently. Being mindful of your body type and weight can help you choose a mattress with the right firmness level.

Sleeping position

Your dominant sleeping position can help you choose the most appropriate mattress firmness.

  • Stomach sleepers: If you prefer to sleep on your stomach, a mattress with zoned support in the midsection and hips that has a medium to firm firmness level will facilitate healthy spine alignment by preventing your hips from sinking into the mattress. See our full stomach sleeper mattress guide.
  • Side sleepers: Side sleepers benefit from a mattress that’s soft enough to yield around the hips and shoulders without sacrificing support that keeps the spine aligned. See our full side sleeper mattress guide.
  • Back sleepers: A medium-firm mattress works well for most back sleepers, who often find they need a combination of lumbar support with a little cushion to contour to the lower back. See our full back sleeper mattress guide.
  • Combination sleepers: If you’re a combination sleeper, medium-firm mattresses are often a good choice, but it’s important to consider the position you sleep in the most. See our full best mattress for combination sleepers guide.

Temperature

One of the features of many organic mattresses is excellent cooling capabilities thanks to the use of natural materials, which tend to be more breathable. If you are someone who runs hot, the best cooling mattress will use natural materials like latex foam, wool, and cotton that can help regulate your temperature and innerspring coils, promoting airflow.

Our final verdict

Our overall pick for the best organic mattress is the Birch Natural because it offers excellent support for neutral spine alignment, while the natural materials and innerspring core help keep sleepers cool. During testing, we appreciated the responsiveness of this model, because it bounces back quickly to make repositioning a breeze.

Compared to other organic hybrids, the Birch Natural is mid-priced, with a queen-size model costing $1,873.80 before discounts. Birch regularly discounts their mattresses by as much as 25% and includes a 100-night sleeper trial and free shipping with each new mattress. This mattress is protected by a 25-year warranty.

Compare the best organic mattresses of 2024

Price $1,373–$2,248 $1,399–$2,399 $1,495–$3,190 $899–$1,898 $1,499–$3,398 $1,995–$4,545
Firmness Medium-firm (7/10) Medium-firm (6.5/10) Firm (7.5/10) Multiple firmness levels Medium-Soft (6/10) Multiple Firmness Options
Material Organic Latex Latex Hybrid Latex Hybrid Latex
Cooling Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Warranty 25 years Lifetime Trial Lifetime warranty 10 years Lifetime Lifetime Trial
Trial period 100 nights 120 nights 365 nights 120 nights 120 nights 365 nights
Best for Back and stomach combination sleepers Side and combination sleepers Back sleepers Most sleepers Back and side sleepers Back and side sleepers
Certifications GOTS and GREENGUARD Gold Certified OEKO-TEX100 certified GOTS certified organic wool, GOLS certified latex foam, eco-INSTITUT certified latex foam, GREENGUARD Gold certified latex foam GOTS certified Global Organic Latex, GREENGUARD Gold certified GOTS certified organic wool, GOLS certified latex foam, eco-INSTITUT certified latex foam, GREENGUARD Gold certified latex foam

*Cost of mattress excluding promotions, discounts, and shipping charges.

Frequently asked questions

For a mattress to be considered organic, it should be made with certified organic and other all-natural materials. Latex, organic wool and cotton, hemp fibers, and other sustainable materials are used in place of synthetic materials. For a bed to be called organic, it should be free of toxins and chemicals.

Sleeping on an organic mattress is a way for people to avoid exposure to toxins, which makes them safer. Organic mattresses are free from harsh chemicals and are typically made with materials such as naturally sourced latex, organic cotton, organic, cruelty-free wool, and recycled steel (for spring coils).

Organic mattresses are eco-friendly and chemical free. Therefore, they can be an excellent choice for both the planet and you. The materials and construction of organic mattresses are not as taxing on the environment and they can help limit your exposure to unnecessary chemicals.

  1. Scott, A.J., Webb, T.L., Martyn-St James, M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. Link