So, you’ve finally decided to ditch the harmful chemicals and flame retardants in your “average Joe” mattress and get an organic one. If you still haven’t decided, then this is the time to change your mind. Keep in mind that we spend more than 2,500 hours each year sleeping, which adds up to almost a third of our lives getting in the zzzs. Are you having a difficult time choosing the best organic mattress? We have you covered. Read on, and discover the best of the best.
Before we get started with our list of the leading mattresses available on the organic bed market, let’s preview how the products have been ranked from top to bottom. As a disclaimer, you should definitely check out all of these products. Certain mattresses may appeal to your specific needs better than others.
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Even though it was a tough pick, we believe the number-one spot among organic mattresses belongs to the Avocado Green Mattress. In fact, the company offers authentic, handmade mattresses with 100% GOTS organic certified wool and cotton straight from California. Also, an Avocado mattress features 100% GOLS organic certified latex manufactured in a facility owned by the brand and sourced from India.
What we love about the Avocado company is that they are GOLS and GOTS organic certified, which means that they respect the most demanding standards for social responsibility and ecology. Not only that, but as the best organic mattress of 2020, it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified. What’s more, it also features a vegan-certified option created without wool for individuals who are looking for anti-animal cruelty products.
Bonus point for Avocado: all of the company’s materials are biodegradable and recyclable. If this didn’t impress you enough, then the fact that it donates 1% of its total revenues to environmental nonprofits surely will.
Second on our list is PlushBeds, which offers a wide array of eco-friendly and certified organic mattresses and organic bed sheets at reasonable price points. Even though we believe that they can be a bit pricey, the quality makes up for it.
What we really liked about PlushBeds is that each of their affordable non-toxic mattress products is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Keep in mind that less than 1% of every mattress you’ll come across has this certification. Furthermore, we love the fact that the company offers a full 100-day trial and even a warranty of 25 years. Also, buyers get free shipping, cost-free return pickups, and even APR financing of 0%.
All in all, Plushbed mattresses are created from organic and natural latex, and they’re low VOC, harmless, and just simply comfortable. We recommend this company for individuals looking for options and variety, as they offer the ability to fully customize the firmness of the mattress.
If you want to keep your options open, then your best bet is checking out Saatva, the number-one disruptor in the mattress industry. As a matter of fact, Saatva manufactures products ranging from memory foam to latex, and they have something for everyone’s needs. Furthermore, we liked the fact that the company distributes some of the best natural mattresses created with fully plant-based and environmentally friendly materials in America.
We wanted to highlight their amazing lux innerspring created from certified organic cotton covers. It’s one of the best organic beds out there. Individuals who prefer a latex variety can inquire about their Zenhaven Mattress, created from 100% completely natural Talalay latex. In addition, they have top-quality memory foam mattresses comparable to Tempur-Pedic and iComfort.
This is a natural memory foam mattress, so even though memory foam is an artificial and controversial material, the mattress by Saatva is CertiPUR-US certified. All in all, the Saatva HD mattress is a supportive and comfortable pillow top mattress that has an airy quality. However, for heavier individuals, it may feel medium firm.
Buying a top–rated organic mattress is a worthwhile investment, and Awara made sure buyers could feel confident in making this decision. This company offers a jaw-dropping 365-night trial, as well as premium customer service and a lifetime warranty. With that out of the way, we also need to shower Awara with praise for its organic and breathable latex hybrid mattresses. We are in love! The contouring support core is ideal for pressure relief—firm but still plush.
If you were wondering, the company’s mattresses are made by hand in Ohio using the highest quality, most sustainable materials possible. In fact, Awara also made it to the best non-toxic mattress of 2019 list due to its features of being completely eco-friendly and chemical-free.
So who’s going to love Awara? We recommend this organic mattress for people who enjoy sleeping on their stomach and back, and it’s also great for combo sleepers. However, it may be a “miss” for individuals who are side sleepers because their trunks and hips won’t easily sink into the surface.
If you aren’t afraid of spending a bit over your budget on a natural mattress, or you just want to splurge, then you will fall in love with Brentwood Home’s mattresses. Brentwood Home is based in California, and it has been crafting mattresses by hand from natural materials since 1987. Even though all of its mattresses are superb and worth checking out, we would like to highlight the recently launched Cedar Natural Luxe Mattress, which is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
The Cedar Natural Luxe mattress features a coil support system with five zones, perfect for aligning the spine while diffusing the right amount of tension around the shoulders and hips. As the best organic mattress in 2018, its comfort layers are created from GOLS certified organic latex, while the pillow top is made of New Zealand Joma wool. So what’s not to like about Brentwood Home mattresses? Well, judging by some of the customer reviews, some disliked the overall feel of the product.
One of the coziest natural mattresses on this list belongs to Birch, a brand based in NYC. Not only does Birch boast Rainforest Alliance and OEKO-TEX certifications, but the company plants a tree through the National Forest Foundation for each mattress sold. Birch’s mattresses are created with all-natural, organic, hypoallergenic materials, including hygroscopic wool, sustainable latex, and the organic cotton cover.
Also, Birch mattresses feature US-developed steel coils for optimized pressure relief and added comfort. We recommend these top organic mattresses for every single person out there, as they’re suitable for side, back, stomach, and combo sleepers. Furthermore, Birch’s mattresses are known for being durable and will remain supportive for over eight years.
So who won’t be impressed with these mattresses? Well, people who weigh less than 130 pounds may not enjoy it, as the surface of the mattress may feel very firm to slimmer individuals. Also, people who sleep with a partner will have trouble, because the mattresses do not completely get rid of motion transfer.
Next, we have Tuft & Needle, an eco- and budget-friendly company, born out of an idea by founders Daehee Park and John-Thomas Marino in 2013. The mattresses manufactured and sold by this company are not only created in the United States, but they’re also shipped right to the buyer’s doorstep. Most importantly, buyers can rest assured that they’ll receive a high-quality product that’s been Certi-Pur certified, void of any chemicals or flame retardants.
Why do we believe a Tuft & Needle chemical-free mattress stands out from the rest? Well, firstly, their products are highly durable and suitable for everyone, no matter the weight or sleep position. Secondly, the motion isolation is excellent, making it ideal for buyers who share their organic beds with their partner or who frequently change sleep positions. Above all, for the low price, their mattresses are must-haves!
However, we believe Tuft & Needle could improve the edge support in their mattresses, as a few organic mattress reviews claim that the mattress sinks down farther along its edges. Furthermore, since the mattresses are slightly on the firm side, we believe side sleepers will find it a bit too firm.
What’s there not to love about this next company and its organic mattresses? DreamCloud is a famous luxury mattress business based in New York, known for its innovative, luxurious hybrid mattresses. What’s more, we’ve added it to our list of the best organic mattress companies because it not only offers a 365-night sleep trial, but also a life-long warranty, free shipping, and even financing.
The certification is there to back the quality claims up: all DreamCloud mattresses possess a CertiPur certification, which means they are free of mercury, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and flame retardants. Furthermore, their foams are low in VOC.
So who is DreamCloud perfect for? In short, basically everyone. It’s ideal for both back and side sleepers, as well as people who sleep hot during the night. In fact, the cooling gel found in the memory foam prevents the eco-friendly mattress from trapping heat. On the flip side, people who prefer a bit of a “bounce” will hate this one. Also, the edge support isn’t too fantastic either.
At this point, we can say that Bear Mattress is a veteran when it comes to the best organic mattress industry. Luckily for us, Bear is constantly adding and updating its product portfolio, giving us the highest-quality mattresses at reasonable prices.
First, we love the fact that it ships its mattresses right to the buyer’s doorstep and that it offers a 100-night trial as well as a 10-year warranty. Second, they offer three different types of mattresses, the standard Bear Mattress, the Bear Pro, and the Bear Hybrid.
While the standard is more on the budget-conscious side, what really caught our attention is the luxurious Bear Hybrid. Not only is this all-natural mattress GREENGUARD Gold Certified, but it features Celliant Sleep Technology, making it ideal for active people and athletes who struggle with muscle aches and sleep issues. Keep in mind that all Bear Mattresses are both CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that they’re low in VOCs and devoid of chemicals or flame retardants.
Last but certainly not least, we have Happsy, a fairly new addition to the industry but deserving of a place on our best organic mattress list. Happsy’s goal is to provide high-quality, organic products that are not only budget-friendly but also eco-conscious. The company doesn’t just focus on creating the healthiest possible products for clients, but also for the planet.
Obviously, we love the fact that this mattress is created in the United States and that it offers not only a 120-night trial but also a 10-year warranty. Furthermore, Happsy donates a portion of the profits from sold mattresses to 1% for the Planet.
So who is the Happsy mattress for? This is, in fact, the best natural mattress for people who are looking for an eco-friendly bed. All of Happsy’s products are made from entirely safe, sustainable, and organic materials certified by demanding evaluators. Keep in mind, this mattress possesses GOTS and GOLS certifications. Furthermore, it’s suitable for buyers who are looking for a bit of a “bounce” (the mix of latex and coils provides an excellent deep-level bounce surface).
However, if you’re looking for an all-foam bed, then this is not the best non-toxic mattress for you. Unfortunately, motion isolation is not as great as what you’ll find in most all-foam beds, but it’s still worth checking out. Furthermore, the mattress may be uncomfortable for larger sleepers, as it comes without a topper.
Why should you look for a healthy mattress without chemical flame retardants? In short, flame retardants are chemicals that are applied to different materials in order to prevent the start or at least the growth of a fire. Unfortunately, due to their ability to build up or bioaccumulate, they can stay in the environment for years and years.
It’s well known that flame retardants are associated with negative health effects in both humans and animals, including cancer, reproductive toxicity, endocrine and thyroid disruption, disrupted fetal and child development, as well as neurologic function. Sadly, fire retardants are commonly found in furnishings like upholstery, carpets, fabric blinds, curtains, and mattresses.
Many facts about what makes the best all-natural mattress note that back in 2007, a new flammability standard targeting mattresses was passed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Under the present-day regulation, mattresses produced in the United States are required to be fire and flame resistant. Unfortunately, a large number of mattress businesses have tried to address the issue of fire-related deaths by turning to dangerous flame retardants.
In our humble opinion, any quality green mattress that deserves to be on our list won’t contain any hazardous flame retardants. Instead, the majority of the best organic mattress models have fire socks that protect them from flame. Typically, fire socks are manufactured from silica, but there are some mattresses that utilize more natural materials such as thistle or wool.
All in all, a truly green mattress worth purchasing and sleeping on has a fire sock and is completely chemical-free. Of course, there are some mattresses on the market that skip chemical treatments altogether and don’t feature a flame barrier or a fire sock. These mattresses are created from materials that take time to burn, and they’re thus able to meet the demanding federal and state flammability standards.
The best organic mattresses that are natural and safe for both humans and animals will have certifications. These are awards given at various stages of the manufacturing process. Remember, certifications mainly focus on environmental impact and human health risks.
The following certifications focus on risk factors concerning human health:
This certification analyzes chemical emissions from the polyurethane foam (or polyfoam) utilized in a mattress’s layers. Also, it tests for dangerous materials such as lead and PBDEs. Keep in mind that the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) won’t award even the best organic mattress models with a certification if the polyurethane foam emits any chemicals.
This certification is the standard for the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, or OEKO-TEX for short. This certification incorporates 18 individual testing and research institutes in Japan and Europe. This standard doesn’t test the mattresses for being natural or organic, but rather it ensures that the product doesn’t pose health risks to living beings.
As an independent certification, the Eco-Institute tests building materials and textiles for dangerous emissions and harmful chemical substances. When it comes to the best natural mattresses, the Eco-Institut certification is most frequently associated with mattresses made from latex.
Furthermore, the following certifications focus on risk factors related to the environment:
The GOLS certification evaluates products created from latex, and for a product to be awarded it, the latex is required to be at least 95% organic. Presently, there are zero prohibitions for materials that fall into the remaining 5%. Natural, organic latex can receive GOLS and GOTS certification.
According to organic mattress reviews, this certification is similar to the previous one, but GOTS evaluates organic fibers as well as the raw materials and products derived from them. For a product to receive a GOTS certification, it must be created with a minimum of 70% organic materials. In addition, the other 30% must not contain materials like formaldehyde or polyfoam.
The GREENGUARD Gold certification evaluates mattresses for VOC emissions just like GREENGUARD, but the standards are much stricter. Both certifications ensure buyers that they’re choosing from among the leading natural mattresses with minimal VOC emissions. However, buyers need to keep in mind, these certifications do not completely guarantee that when the mattress is removed from its original packaging, the off-gassing odors won’t be present.
Even though you may have already seen the United States Department of Agriculture certification on organic food labels, it’s also used for evaluating the agricultural materials and products utilized in mattresses. Instead of raw material derivatives, a USDA Organic certification is used to exclusively evaluate materials that are raw.
Which mattresses are non-toxic? In order for a mattress to receive a Rainforest Alliance certification, the products must utilize latex from forests that support environmental conservation and that protect indigenous peoples as well as endangered species. Also, sustainable harvesting methods are a must, as well as providing workers with living salaries.
This type of certification comes from an independent organization called the Textile Exchange. The mentioned certification ensures buyers that certain materials have been manufactured using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Next, we will look at the different types of affordable organic mattress models on the market, as we believe variety matters. There are four different types of mattresses that interest us:
The majority of mattresses considered green are models that fit into the latex category. To recap, latex is a natural material derived from rubber tree sap. Keep in mind that there are two distinct types of processes companies use to create latex:
This method involves vacuum-sealing the rubber tree sap, which is later frozen and finally baked. Talalay latex is utilized in the comfort layer of fully latex mattresses, as well as hybrid eco-friendly mattress models.
This method involves the stirring, molding, and stem-baking of rubber tree sap. Dunlop latex is typically heavier than Talalay latex, and it’s utilized in the support core of fully latex mattresses.
However, another thing to keep in mind is that latex cannot be 100% organic and natural because companies need to add certain chemicals to create latex foam. Nevertheless, some of these latex mattresses are still advertised as “completely natural,” even when the latex the manufacturers used was mainly artificial.
There are two types of mattress materials that can create a natural foam mattress:
This material is also called “polyfoam.” It’s a substance that hasn’t been chemically treated for temperature response and extra softness. You can find polyfoam in a mattress’s main support core layers, though it can also be present in the comfort layer. These types of mattresses are relatively inexpensive.
This type of foam mattress material is also called “memory foam,” a substance manufacturers treat with different petrochemicals for added softness. A viscoelastic polyurethane organic foam mattress is known for reacting with the sleeper’s body temperature, and it can become much softer as it comes into contact with a source of heat. Manufacturers usually utilize memory foam in the comfort layer, and it”s typically absent in the support core.
Another thing to keep in mind: even though polyfoam and memory foam mattresses are certified and tested to make sure they do not cause health problems with humans, they do contain polyurethane components. This means that they do not meet the standards for GOLS and GOTS certifications. However, don’t let this completely discourage you, as there are plant-based organic queen mattress options out there that are considered greener alternatives.
Steel coils make up the majority of the support core in innerspring mattresses. Their comfort layer is usually composed of one or more memory or polyfoam layers. Innerspring mattresses that feature over two inches of viscoelastic polyurethane foam are categorized as hybrids. However, research into the best organic mattress of 2019 reveals that even though many innerspring mattresses that are called “green,” the majority of comfort layer materials and spring production methods are not the greenest.
Hybrid mattresses are categorized as a mix of foam, latex, and innerspring. When it comes to design, a hybrid mattress features a support core that’s coil-based, as well as a minimum of two inches of memory foam. Furthermore, hybrid mattresses have latex in the comfort system.
Firmness is one of the most important features that need to be taken into consideration when selecting and purchasing the right organic wool mattress or any other mattress. Typically, different types of sleepers have different preferences when it comes to firmness, as sleep position and body weight are important.
In brief, lightweight sleepers who are less than 130 lbs may require a mattress that’s softer, whereas heavier sleepers will enjoy a mattress that may provide enough support. Furthermore, your sleep position is extremely important. For instance, individuals who prefer sleeping on their side may like their mattresses to be firmer, as this may enable the spine to remain straight from the head to the hips.
For side sleepers: Soft to medium
For back sleepers: Medium soft to medium firm
For stomach sleepers: Medium soft to medium firm
For side sleepers: Medium soft to medium firm
For back sleepers: Medium to firm
For stomach sleepers: Medium firm to firm
For side sleepers: Medium to medium firm
For back sleepers: Medium firm to firm
For stomach sleepers: Medium firm to firm
As you may already know, anything in life that’s top quality and worth it has a high price. The same is true for organic, all-natural mattresses, as the manufacturers use more sustainable production practices, sourcing, and higher-quality materials than they do in standard mattresses. This is especially valid for the best organic memory foam mattress models that don’t have any toxic materials but do have a much higher number of certifications.
Typically, customers can expect to cash in anywhere between $1,300 and $1,900 for a green queen-size mattress. Of course, remember this doesn’t mean that if the price of the product is higher, you’re guaranteed a better-quality product.
Besides the price tag, individuals looking for a quality mattress need to pay attention to the following points:
Even though the majority of the best organic twin mattress brands offer free shipping for their buyers, deliveries to Hawaii or Alaska almost always come with extra fees. On the other hand, there are brands that offer a delivery service called White Glove Delivery, where workers from the company bring the chosen mattress to your very doorstep. Not only that, but they offer to take your old mattress away and prepare it for recycling.
All of the brands on our list featuring the top-rated organic mattresses offer sleep trials for first-time users. This is good news for customers, as they’re able to test out the product for a period and, if it isn’t what they want, exchange or return it before the trial period comes to an end. Remember to check with the brand—some sleep trials last for up to a year, whereas others are only for 30 nights or less. Another thing to keep in mind is that even the best organic mattresses may require a couple of weeks for you to break them in and get used to them.
A warranty exists to ensure customers that the product won’t be faulty for as long as the warranty is legally binding (usually it lasts for 10 years or more). Warranty coverage comes in two variations:
In order to have a faulty mattress be replaced or repaired, the customer is required to pay for shipping, handling, and a percentage of the initial price. Even for the best all-natural mattress model, a prorated percentage will typically increase with each year the customer owns the product.
This warranty coverage is different from the previous one because the customer is only responsible for shipping and handling charges. In sum, mattress owners who have a non-prorated warranty have complete protection and won’t be required to cover any additional costs for the product’s repair or replacement.
So why bother purchasing an organic mattress? Well, not only is it an excellent way to care for the well-being of the planet, but it also comes with countless benefits, such as biodegradability and decreased exposure to fire retardants and chemicals. Hopefully, this article on choosing the best organic mattress for your needs will help you narrow down your options.
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is often yes. Mattresses have been proven to release small amounts of chemicals, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs for short). The polyurethane present in a mattress is the main culprit for these VOCs, but various other chemicals utilized in plastics and flame retardants are also to blame. According to researchers, the heat emitted from the human body increases a mattress’s VOC emissions.
There are a couple of good reasons why we believe you should invest in an organic mattress. To start, these types of mattresses are created with much higher quality fabrics and materials. Even though they’re more expensive than synthetic ones, they contain materials that do not ignite. Instead, the natural materials in organic mattresses smolder. Also, organic mattresses don’t contain dangerous off-gas chemicals that may pose a threat to a person’s health.
In short, no, memory foam can only be created artificially, and it’s regarded as a chemically treated material. Hence, it is unable to meet the demanding standards of organic certification. Also, do not be fooled by words such as “all-natural” or “non-toxic.” Many companies add natural features to their memory foam, like essential oils, but in the end, we’re still left with a man-made product.
Memory foam is polyurethane combined with chemicals that have been added to increase its density and viscosity. A number of mattresses made from memory foam contain harmful chemicals such as benzene, naphthalene, and formaldehyde. Also, memory foam may have isocyanates, which are known for irritating the throat, eyes, skin, and nose. Not only that, but exposure to this substance can lead to asthma and chest tightness.
When choosing the healthiest mattress possible, you should look out for a couple of things.
Your best bet is choosing a quality mattress made out of organic cotton that hasn’t been bleached. Also, make sure the fill is organic, as well as the dyes.
There are different types of organic and healthy mattress models made from latex, ranging from synthetic to blends. Even though all types can last up to 20 years or more, we recommend going all-natural.
What is batting? It’s a type of soft padding that latex and springs are covered with inside the mattress. Remember to clean the fibers in the mattress once a year at a minimum.
Why, you may ask? According to a study, there’s a powerful correlation between melanoma cancer and spring mattresses. In fact, the study concluded that the springs in the mattress may act as an antenna, making the intensity of a TV broadcast or FM radio stronger.
Unfortunately, each mattress sold in America is required to contain just enough fire retardant to endure the heat and flame of a blowtorch for 70 seconds. Keep in mind that there are some fire retardants out there that have been proven to cause birth defects and even cancer.
When choosing the least toxic, healthiest choice on the mattress market, make sure to keep an eye out for certifications. There are two important certifications the product needs to have: GOTS (for textiles) and GOLS (for latex).
Products that have a GOTS certification contain a minimum of 95% organic materials that are also certified. Furthermore, some chemicals are forbidden completely, even for the remaining 5%. When it comes to the GOLS certification, mattresses need to contain a minimum of 95% of all-organic latex.
If you’re still not convinced, then these points will make you change your mind.
Standard mattresses utilize different chemicals during manufacturing. On the other hand, organic mattresses contain zero dangerous fire retardant chemicals and pesticides. As we’ve already pointed out, fire retardants have been proven to be carcinogenic.
Organic mattresses are perfect for individuals suffering from asthma or other breathing-related issues—or for people who want to avoid these problems in the first place. Because these mattresses are pesticide- and chemical-free, they’re excellent for people who have sensitivities to different chemicals. Furthermore, organic wool mattress models resist mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust.
You can say goodbye to sweaty nights if you own an organic mattress. While memory foam is known to become extremely hot during the night, cotton, wool, and organic latex ward away moisture and help you stay cool. However, in the winter, organic mattresses are capable of keeping you warm due to their all-natural insulation features.
The simple answer is one that’s biodegradable and sustainable. This is mainly due to the techniques of growing organic cotton, as fewer natural resources and fewer lands are used compared to growing cotton that’s non-organic. Furthermore, it’s possible to extract organic latex from rubber trees without the need to cut them down.
If you made it this far in our review, you probably already know that the answer to this question is Avocado Green Mattress. We believe that the Avocado Green mattress is the best because this cotton wool/ organic latex bed is suitable for nearly everyone and it is created from fully recyclable and biodegradable materials. Furthermore, the company offers a return policy after a trial of 100 nights, and the shipping is free of charge. Check out Avocado for yourself!
Even though we didn’t include mattresses for babies in our review, we wanted to let you know that there are heaps of excellent products on the market for the tiniest member of the family as well. For instance, we believe that the Emily Organic coil mattress is a perfect choice for a baby or a toddler.
The Emily Organic coil mattress is GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and Greenguard Gold Certified and it comes with a two-sided design. Furthermore, this firm mattress comes with a 10-year warranty. On the downside, we believe the mattress is a bit heavy (it is over 24 pounds).