Best Natural Organic Mattresses in 2023

By Alesandra Woolley

May 23rd, 2023

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Finding truly organic products made with natural materials can be a challenge, especially for mattresses. Fortunately, some of today’s top mattress brands have made it easier than ever to sleep green.

We’ve made our top picks for the best organic mattresses you can buy. You can also check out our buyer’s guide to learn more about the benefits of an organic mattress and how you can find out which one is right for you.

Our Top Picks: Best Organic Mattresses of 2023

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Zenhaven Latex

zenhaven new
Zenhaven Natural Latex

Best Mattress for Back Pain

Best for:

  • Sleepers who need various firmness options
  • Hot sleepers who want cooling layers
  • Combination sleepers with back pain
customer rating

4.9/5

our score

8.4/10

firmness

Soft side: 4-5/10; Firm side: 7-8/10

trial period

365 days

Zenhaven is Saatva’s eco-friendly, all-organic mattress line, headlined by the Zenhaven Latex. The Zenhaven Latex mattress is crafted with sustainably harvested 100% natural American latex, certified organic wool and organic cotton.

The mattress boasts a natural 100% organic New Zealand wool layer, which creates a flame-retardant barrier without the use of harmful chemicals. In addition, there are no chemical sprays used on a Zenhaven mattress. Even the organic cotton cover is made with natural wool lining to help with breathability and moisture wicking.

You get a ton of bang for your buck with the Zenhaven; it’s toxin free, certified pure, and supports the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC)—which means it’s good for you, and the environment. On top of that, this mattress naturally resists mold and microbes and comes with a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty.

Read our full Zenhaven mattress review.


Birch Natural

birch lifestyle
Birch Natural Mattress

Best Value Mattress

Best for:

  • All sleeping positions
  • Side sleepers who need a durable mattress
  • Couples who toss and turn
customer rating

4.6/5

our score

9.2/10

firmness

Firm: 8/10

trial period

100 days

The Birch Natural Mattress is a high-quality natural and organic mattress made by Helix. Thanks to the individually wrapped coils in the support layer, the Birch mattress provides fantastic motion isolation, so you and your sleep partner are safe to rest without disturbing one another.

All of the materials in the Birch are thoughtfully sourced and carefully constructed for long-lasting durability. The organic cotton and high-quality steel come from right here in the USA. The natural talalay latex is tapped from rubber trees in Southeast Asia, and the wool comes all the way from New Zealand. Together, these materials make a universal mattress, great for all sleep positions.

Because of Helix’s trust in their sustainable materials and careful mattress construction, they offer both a 100-night trial and a 25-year warranty with purchase.

Read our full Birch Natural Mattress review.


Awara

Awara updated mattress
Awara

Best Mattress for Couples

Best for:

  • Couples and co-sleepers
  • Combination sleepers
  • Hot sleepers who needs a breathable mattress
customer rating

4.8/5

our score

8.8/10

firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

trial period

365 days

The Awara mattress is a fan favorite with its eco-friendly features and a competitive price point. It falls at medium-firm on the firmness scale, making it a mattress that works for all types of sleepers. It’s also an especially good mattress for couples, with a 9/10 motion transfer score indicating that it does a great job of containing movement rather than letting it ripple across the whole surface.

Related: Best Mattresses for Couples

This hybrid mattress is constructed with premium 100% organic Dunlop latex that is GOLS certified and 5-zoned pocket-coils to create the perfect blend of support and contour. The interior of the mattress has two chemical-free core layers topped with an all-natural cotton and wool cover.

Plus, with the Awara, you can rest assured that you’re sleeping on quality materials that will last for years to come.

Read our full Awara mattress review.


Owl Natural Latex Hybrid

owl hybrid latex lifestyle
Owl Hybrid Latex

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Best for:

  • Side sleepers with allergies
  • People who want different firmness options
  • Sleepers who wake up with aches and pains
customer rating

4.5/5

our score

8.7/10

firmness

Available in plush, medium and firm

trial period

365 days

Rated as our top pick for the best natural mattress for side sleepers, the Owl Natural Latex Hybrid by Nest Bedding offers superior pressure relief and spinal alignment—two of the most important mattress features for side sleepers. The latex foam is OEKO-TEX certified and made in the USA

The Owl, formerly known as the Natural Hybrid Latex, comes in three firmness levels: plush, medium, and firm. For side sleepers, we recommend plush or medium, depending on the sensitivity in your pressure point areas. Medium firmness allows for your body to stay in proper alignment while the plush top hugs your hips and shoulders.

This natural latex mattress will have a long lifespan thanks to the cover zipper that allows you to adjust your top layer. During your 365-night trial, you can adjust this layer for another firmness feel. After that, you are free to purchase one after years of wear, so you could triple the life of your mattress!

Read our full Owl Natural Latex Hybrid mattress review.


Avocado Green

avocado green mattress
Avocado Green

Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers

Best for:

  • Those who prefer the feel of a traditional mattress
  • Sleepers with poor alignment
  • People who sleep hot
customer rating

4.6/5

our score

8.5/10

firmness

Medium-firm to firm: 7/10 (6/10 with European pillow-top option)

trial period

1 Year

The Avocado Green mattress is made with natural, organic materials, including 100% natural Dunlop latex from tree-tapped and sustainable sources, pure wool, and certified organic cottonThere are no polyurethane foams, solvent-based adhesives, or chemical flame retardants. Just about the only thing that doesn’t come from the earth is the layer of innerspring steel coils, but even those are recycled.

What makes the Avocado Green a good choice for combination sleepers is its blend of responsiveness and firmness (7/10, or 6/10 if you add the optional pill0w-top). You’ll appreciate the firm/responsive combo if you alternate between side sleeping and back sleeping, or between side sleeping and stomach sleeping.

Related: Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers

Because of the inner coils and latex top support, this mattress is also going to provide great edge support; however, it is not going to contour your body the same way a foam mattress will. 

Read our full Avocado Green mattress review.


PlushBeds Botanical Bliss

plushbeds botanical bliss 1
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss

Best Latex Mattress

Best for:

  • People who want adjustable mattress options
  • Cooling hot sleepers
  • Relieving your back pain through alignment
customer rating

4.9/5

our score

8.1/10

firmness

Customizable firmness anywhere from 5-9 out of 10

trial period

100 days

The Botanical Bliss mattress is made with 100% Pure New Zealand Wool, GOTS certified organic cotton, and three layers of premium APRICO organic Dunlop latex. ARPICO’s organic latex’s dense cell structure is uniquely resilient—allowing your mattress to absorb pressure while simultaneously being supportive. These benefits help ensure the mattress supports the body and spine correctly, with natural buoyancy and elasticity—without being too soft or too firm.

The main difference between organic Dunlop and natural Talalay latex is how the sap is processed. As a result, the product that results from organic Dunlop comfortably supports your body, while providing resistance to sagging or body impressions. 

The Botanical Bliss is often recommended by orthopedic specialists and chiropractors and is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified by UL Environment.

Read our full PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress review.


Nolah Natural

Nolah Natural Overview
Nolah Natural

Best Hypoallergenic Mattress

Best for:

  • Those with allergies
  • Parents looking for a durable mattress for their kids
  • Versatility
customer rating

4.9/5

our score

8.7/10

firmness

Meidum-Firm: 5.5/10

trial period

120 days

For some folks, the discomfort of allergies worsens at night, which is why it can be important to buy a hypoallergenic mattress. Although it’s designed for kids, the Nolah Natural can also help adults rest assured that they have protection from microorganisms like pollen and dust mites.

The Nolah Natural is not only hypoallergenic, but also organic. It includes an organic cotton cover, a natural Talalay latex comfort layer, and moisture-wicking wool. All of the foam in this bed is GOTS-certified. The Nolah Natural is also OEKO-TEX 100 Class 1 certified for being chemical-free. Lightweight sleepers under 160 lbs should be comfortable on this mattress. It’s flippable, with both a Soft and Firm side. This is good news for kids, since they can flip the mattress to the Firm side as they grow and need more support.

You get a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty with this mattress, so you don’t have to commit right away. Nolah is also known for having exceptional customer service (9.5/10 Mattress Advisor score).

Read our full Nolah Natural mattress review.


Buyer’s Guide to the Best Organic Mattress

The move toward organic goods has made its way into the bedroom, and concerned sleepers searching for the best mattress now have a wealth of information when it comes to choosing their new nest.

It can be a bit overwhelming to find a mattress made of 100% certified organic materials at an affordable price. But, we took the guesswork out of the process and will help you find an organic mattress that’s best for you.

In this buyer’s guide, we’ll address the following:

What is an Organic Mattress?

An organic mattress is made of a mix of natural and certified materials that are used to create a bed as free of harsh, chemically altered textiles and elements as possible. Much like other organic products, there are rigorous standards that must be met by certifying organizations in order for a mattress to bare the title of organic. This could mean the mattress is free of any synthetic fillers, or does not contain flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE).

An organic mattress can be layered with certified organic wool and cotton combined with latex or hybrid materials made from natural sources. This eco-friendly mix reduces the amount of chemicals that can be found in other mattresses, without sacrificing quality.

Related: What Makes a Mattress Organic?

Many sellers can claim natural materials, slapping the buzzword on beds and calling it a day. The truth is that unless a mattress passes a 95% organic materials standard, any mattress can be called natural and not be organic. Keep in mind that natural does not equal organic.

And 95%? While technically U.S. regulations allow a mattress to claim it’s organic if it’s made of 95% organic materials (even if the other 5% is processed with or contains potentially dangerous chemicals), we think you deserve the best. We reviewed the top mattress brands that boast 100% organic materials, and list the certifying standards that they meet.

Here is some more terminology when it comes to the natural and organic mattress world.

Eco-friendly Mattress

Eco-friendly mattresses are made with what is considered environmentally friendly materials, but they are not 100% organic. Eco-friendly mattresses usually have organic or all-natural covers, and the foams inside are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning they are free from harmful chemicals and air pollutants.

Non-Toxic Mattress

Non-toxic mattresses are free from chemicals that can be hazardous to your health. A lot of these toxins are found in the chemicals that flame retard your mattress, so non-toxic mattresses will usually have a natural alternative for fire retardation. An OEKO-TEX certification is a great way to check and see if your mattress is non-toxic.

But of course, just because a mattress is non-toxic, it doesn’t make it organic.

Green Mattress

A green mattress is made with either natural materials, organic materials, or both in most layers. A lot of mattresses will use this tag to refer to the cover or one layer, but a true green mattress should be at least 95% natural. And, as you may know by now, just because a mattress is green doesn’t make it organic.

Benefits of Organic Mattresses

One of the most appealing things about eating an organic diet is that you can reduce, or eliminate altogether, the presence of harmful pesticides in your food. A similar principle applies to using an organic mattress. You spend a third of your life in bed sleeping, which is a lot of time in close contact with whatever kind of material your mattress is made of.

Here’s a list of substances that can be found in non-organic mattresses:

  • Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)
  • Formaldehyde
  • Decabromodiphenyl oxide
  • Boric acid
  • Antimony trioxide
  • Melamine
  • Silicone
  • Polyvinylidene chloride
  • Lead

For people who have breathing problems, allergies, or certain skin conditions, sleeping on a mattress full of potential chemical irritants can be a huge problem. If you compare the above list with some of the common ingredients of organic mattresses, you’ll notice quite a difference:

  • Certified organic wool
  • Organic cotton
  • Natural latex made from rubber trees
  • Non-toxic adhesives
  • Rayon fibers from bamboo and other organic sources

Other benefits of organic mattresses derive from the fact that their materials are largely obtained by non-extractive methods. Wool from organically raised sheep leaves a much smaller environmental footprint than synthetic foam made from petrochemicals, for instance. Some organic mattresses with innersprings even use recycled steel to make the coils.

Are Organic Mattresses Fire-Resistant?

All new mattresses are required to meet federal standards to prevent fire hazards, but the chemicals traditionally used to make mattresses flame retardant can be problematic. Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) is the main culprit. While an excellent flame retardant, the long-term effects of PBDE exposure are uncertain.

Related: Do Mattresses Contain Flame Retardants?

Not to worry though. Mattresses can be made with organic, non-toxic flame retardants that pass federal standards while still providing an excellent place to sleep and dream. Wool, for example, is naturally fire-resistant.

Organic Certifications for Your Mattress

How do you know for sure a mattress is natural or organic? Mattress companies seek out different certifications to prove that their mattresses are natural, organic, non-toxic, or without human risk. Here are a few mattress certifications to look out for when it comes to your health.

CertiPUR-US

You’ve probably seen this certification around before because it is a common certification for most foam mattresses. CertiPUR-US certification focuses on testing foam-based products for their content, emissions, and durability. If a mattress gets the certification, it is made without or has very low levels of

  • VOC emissions
  • Heavy metals
  • Ozone depleters
  • PBDEs, TDCPPs, or TCEPs
  • Certain phthalates
  • Formaldehyde

It’s important to note that mattresses with this certification are most likely not organic; this is the base-level certification for an eco-friendly mattress.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Because many of the materials used in mattresses are made and sourced from all over the world, it becomes hard to monitor the toxicity and safety of them all. That is what the OEKO-TEX Standard attempts to do. They evaluate every step of the manufacturing process when it comes to making mattresses.

OEKO-TEX doesn’t monitor mattress materials for being organic; instead, they test against harmful chemicals and emissions, assuring that beds emit low VOC levels that can cause toxic off-gassing effects.

USDA Organic Certification

USDA Organic certifications are technically for food and plants; so, when mattresses have them, they are often testing the cotton, wool, or latex materials. There are three different USDA Organic certifications a mattress can have:

  1. 100% organic certification
  2. 95% organic certification
  3. Made with organic materials

Eco-Institut

The Eco-Institut is a German organization that certifies textiles and tests for emissions. If you’re worried about off-gassing or VOC levels, this is the badge you want to look for. They rigorously test against flame retardant chemicals, heavy metals, pollutants, and other harmful emissions.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

The GOTS evaluates organic fibers in every step of the process to make sure it maintains its organic status. In order to get this certification, the textiles only have to be certified 70% organic; the other 30% of the material cannot contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde.

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)

Similar to GOTS, the GOLS certification tests latex on whether or not it is made of organic materials. In order to get this certification, the latex must be found at least 95% organic.

GreenGuard and GreenGuard Gold

The GreenGuard certifications test finished mattresses on emission levels. GreenGuard Gold simply has stricter standards and minimal off-gassing effects and odors. GreenGuard certification is good; GreenGuard Gold is great.

Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle has some of the most rigorous standards for testing organic fibers and sustainable raw materials. They look at five categories:

  1. Material health
  2. Material reutilization
  3. Renewable energy and carbon management
  4. Water stewardship
  5. Social fairness

Every category is awarded a rating of either basic, bronze, silver, gold, or platinum (from worst to best), and the lowest rating will be awarded to the mattress.

Fitting nicely with their name, the Cradle to Cradle certification is a great one to look for in crib mattresses for your baby and when shopping for beds for kids.

What Kind of Mattresses Can Be Organic?

Memory Foam

Memory foam beds are comfortable, contouring, pressure relieving, and great for couples. The thick foam layers keep motions transfer at bay and hug your pressure points in just the right places.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to have a completely 100% organic memory foam mattress, but there are natural foam hybrids that offer the same comfort. Memory foam can, however, be eco-friendly; make sure to check the foam bed you’ve been eying for a CertiPUR-US or an OEKO-TEX certification.

Latex

Natural latex is made from rubber trees, and brands passing eco-friendly standards will source their latex using the sap of approved trees. Latex mattresses are great for people who want many of the benefits of a foam mattress but don’t want to feel as engulfed or “contoured.” These mattresses tend to have great cooling properties and the longest lifespans, although they can be problematic for people with latex allergies.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses usually refer to a combination of latex, memory foam, or innerspring mattresses but can include other materials and combinations as well. The best hybrid beds tend to offer a good balance of support and pressure relief, while having responsiveness and cooling features. Motion transfer will also be better on a hybrid than an innerspring with the help of more motion-absorbing layers.

A hybrid tends to be a “best of both worlds” option. If you and your significant other want different things in a mattress, then a hybrid might be the best option for you. However, getting the best of both worlds can sometimes mean a higher price point. Hybrid mattresses can also be extremely heavy, making transporting and handling challenging in some cases.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are iffy when passing the organic test—while there may be organic materials used, the inner springs or coils are commonly made with steel. Luckily, there are options for sustainable practices and recycled steel coils, creating a cozy hybrid mattress that gains high marks for organic shoppers.

Organic Mattress Accessories

Mattresses aren’t the only bedroom items that can be natural or organic. If you want a green bed all around, check out some of these organic mattress accessories:

  • Organic Mattress Topper: Typically made of latex foam, organic mattress toppers cushion your body and provide cooling pain relief.
  • Organic Mattress Pad: Organic mattress pads are usually made of organic wool or cotton.
  • Organic Mattress Protector: Also made from cotton or wool, organic mattress protectors guard from dust mites, bacteria, and humidity, but unfortunately, not spills.

FAQ

Organic mattresses are made from sustainable materials and are very durable. Premium materials like organic cotton, wool and latex will last longer and provide a healthier sleeping surface.

Mattresses made with organic materials are more eco-friendly than synthetic mattress constructions. Check for organic certifications and the manufacturing process to determine if your mattress purchase is by an eco-friendly company.

As with most mattress purchases, shoppers should consider their sleeping position and desired firmness before choosing a mattress. Organic mattresses are available in most construction types.

Recap: Our Picks for Best Organic Mattresses

Knowing that you are sleeping on a mattress free of harsh chemicals and toxins can be a relief. Knowing that you found your mattress within your price range is even sweeter.

Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important as eating healthy, and there’s no reason that you should settle for a low-quality product when there are safe, environmentally friendly options for your home and health.

As a reminder, here are our top-rated organic mattress picks:

Mattress Award MA Rating
Zenhaven Latex Best Mattress for Back Pain 8.4/10
Birch Natural Mattress Best Value Mattress 8.2/10
Awara Best Mattress for Couples 8.8/10
Owl Natural Latex Hybrid Best Mattress for Side Sleepers 8.7/10
Avocado Green Best for Combination Sleepers 8.5/10
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Best Latex Mattress 8.1/10
Nolah Natural Best Hypoallergenic Mattress 8.7/10