6 Best Organic Mattresses (Review) In 2021
Last Updated: January 15, 2021When you’re shopping for the best mattress for your needs, there are a whole plethora of factors to consider. Getting the right size, shape, and firmness haunt the dreams of any mattress shopper, and knowing that your mattress should last up to 10 years really just adds to the pressure! Do you want a green mattress for example or are you looking for something invested with memory foam? These days, there are a whole host of options available including avocado green mattress, eco-friendly mattress as well as a natural organic mattress. The choice can seem somewhat bewildering!
In addition to finding the most comfortable mattress, eco-conscious shoppers are now also considering the environmental impact of their purchases, including where you sleep! An all-natural mattress can be the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make the responsible choice and switch to an eco-friendly mattress that won’t just last you years, but will also enable you to act sustainably and responsibly even while you sleep. With a choice of organic materials available, you can even opt for a birch mattress! Yes, really.
But even if you’ve decided that a natural and organic mattress is the right thing to buy, this doesn’t necessarily make shopping any easier! Do you want a natural latex mattress? Are you a natural memory foam fiend? Are you desperate for New Zealand wool or an organic cotton cover? Whatever your preferences and priorities, there’s sure to be the perfect mattress for you out there somewhere!
To help you on your quest to locate the best green mattresses, we’ve spent countless hours rounding down a selection of all-natural mattresses to suit a range of budgets and preferences. We’ve done the hard work for you, so you can sleep soundly on a bed of eco-friendly, natural, organic goodness.
While you’re at it, why not also take a look at our buying guides for the best mattress options on a wide basis, or check out our guide to the best air mattress for overnight guests. Whenever you need to rest, we’ve got your back (or your side, or your front)! Yes, all you side sleepers reading this review are also in for a bedtime treat!
We’ve considered a wide range of factors when creating our list of the very best organic mattress options available. We’ve aimed to include natural mattresses that will suit a wide range of budgets, styles, and preferences, with a variety of different luxury materials to allow you to sleep soundly. All of these mattresses are certified organic and non-toxic, and many include a sleep trial period for you to check you’re getting the perfect mattress for your needs.
Our detailed mattress reviews should help you narrow down your search for the perfect natural mattress. We think we’ve covered every major green mattress type, but if you prefer a type of mattress that’s not on our list, why not get in touch? So get ready to rest your weary head and sleep better once you've reviewed and selected your favorite from our range of best organic mattress options.
The Best Organic Mattress
1. Happsy Organic Mattress - Best Choice
HIGHLIGHTS:
Made from organic cotton
sewn-in organic wool batting and organic cotton lining
Non-toxic and free from artificial additives such as glue or adhesives
Smart use of natural materials ensures non-flammable without the use of chemical flame retardants
Certified organic and non-toxic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
120 night trial with free shipping and returns
20-year warranty
1.
Happsy Organic Mattress - Best Choice
The Happsy Organic Mattress is designed for performance and promises a better night's sleep for every user. It utilizes the most innovative technology and creative use of natural materials to create a comfortable mattress from certified organic, sustainably harvested, and environmentally friendly materials. Every single organic mattress made by Happsy is completely non-toxic and free from any harsh chemicals, foams, or adhesives that can be found in other mattress types. The green initiative is vital to the manufacturers, and they've put effort into ensuring every mattress made has a positive effect on the environment. Not only is this mattress natural and organic and therefore what we would describe as a green mattress, but it's also inspired by nature to provide the ultimate support while you sleep. Components such as organic latex are more bio-compatible than alternative options and provide you with superior luxury every night.
If that's not enough, Happsy also manufacturers its pocket springs in-house, enabling them to be less 'bouncy' and more supportive. There is no glue or adhesive used in the coil units, so you can enjoy the perfect eco-friendly pocketed coils in a natural latex mattress that's perfect straight out of the box. If all that is not enough to convince you already, the manufacturer also offers a night sleep trial.
Learn more about Happsy Organic Mattress
2. Brentwood Home Cedar Natural Luxe Organic Mattress - Best Value
HIGHLIGHTS:
Rated 7/10 for firmness
Certifications from GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold, and Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Non-toxic and free from artificial adhesives, VOCs, and any other harmful chemicals
Includes free shipping and returns
One-year night sleep trial period
Donation made to the Natural Forest Foundation with every purchase
2.
Brentwood Home Cedar Natural Luxe Organic Mattress - Best Value
Combine your eco-friendly principles with the height of sophistication and style thanks to this stunning luxury mattress from Brentwood Home. The Cedar Natural Luxe Organic Mattress is 100% non-toxic and made completely from renewable and sustainable materials. It has been fully certified by GOTS and GOLS (the Global Organic Latex Standard) to evidence only 100% organic materials are used in every step of the manufacturing process. The mattress is also completely free from chemical adhesives and glues, with nothing artificial snuck in between comfort layers and no polyurethane foams. Even the processing plant in India uses completely renewable energy including wind power, rainwater, and biomass from trees at the end of their lives, to ensure a totally responsible end product that's been ethically sourced. What's more, the Cedar Natural Luxe mattress from Brentwood is also GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure there's no risk of indoor air pollution when using this type of mattress.
On a scale of 1 - 10, the Cedar Natural Luxe organic mattress has been rated a '7' for a medium-firm feel that offers plenty of support no matter what sleep style you prefer. If this is a little too firm for you, you could choose to add an eco mattress topper that has a plus feel and changes the rating to a 6. Whether you are one of the man side sleepers out there or prefer o sleep on your back, this natural organic mattress is an exceptional choice.
Learn more about Brentwood Home Cedar Natural Luxe Organic Mattress
3. PlushBeds The Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
Handcrafted in the USA
Fully comprehensive certifications in place
Comes in a range of sizes in medium or firm
Recommended by chiropractors and orthopedic specialists
Free delivery and returns
100-night trial period
This stunning, luxury, organic mattress includes a free plush luxury sheet set with every purchase to help you create the perfect space for dreaming. The Botanical Bliss Organic Mattress from PlushBeds is handcrafted in the USA and uses only the highest-quality, certified organic latex, cotton, and wool. The mattress comes in a range of sizes, heights, and allows you to choose between medium or firm mattress support as required. The mattress is formed from the most luxurious GOTS certified organic cotton knitted cover, GOTS certified organic New Zealand wool, and one layer of GOLS certified organic Talalay latex plus two layers of Dunlop latex for the perfect firmness and comfort you've only dreamed of.
This all-natural mattress is recommended by chiropractors and orthopedic specialists for its unique ability to accurately cradle the pressure points in your body while you sleep (even if you're a side sleeper!) to effectively relieve aches and pains and promote a deeper, more rewarding sleep. What's more, the organic latex mattress is also completely anti-microbial, so you don't need to worry about mold or mildew aggravating any allergies. It's also dust-mite resistant and is free from off-putting smells or irritants and doesn't include any heat-trapping foams.
Learn more about PlushBeds The Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress
4. Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress - Premium Pick
HIGHLIGHTS:
Available in a range of sizes, types of mattress, and firmness options
Handcrafted in the USA with sustainably sourced materials
Free global delivery and returns
180-night sleep trial
Certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard
Flippable design with breathable materials
Regulates body temperature and provide premium pressure relief
4.
Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress - Premium Pick
Offering pure, effortless sleep, this 100% natural latex mattress provides the perfect amount of pressure and firmness to relieve back and joint pain with 5-zone natural Talalay latex that provides enhanced support where you need it the most. The breathable organic cotton, latex, and New Zealand wool used in the creation of this mattress work together to provide cooling comfort and regulate your body temperature to the ideal setting for a peaceful sleep. The Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress is also completely flappable to reduce any sagging and provide you with two distinct comfort options for you to enjoy. The naturally hypoallergenic premium latex materials ensure you won't be bothered by allergens, so you can enjoy a premium relaxing bedtime experience.
Not only is this hypoallergenic natural mattress better for your own health, but it's also better for the planet. The mattress is fully created from only sustainably sourced latex, cotton, and wool that meets the highest certification standards. We couldn't curate a mattress review without ensuring that this best mattress made it onto the list.
Starting with a five-zone latex comfort layer that provides premium pressure-point relief, this mattress also incorporates a highly resilient and durable latex support core that's made from 100% natural latex and no harmful chemicals. Topping the support core is a GOTS certified organic wool layer that's naturally flame retardant and provides breathability to help regulate your natural body temperature. Next, the 100% GOTS certified organic mattress cover is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic, treated with a unique botanical antimicrobial treatment.
Learn more about Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress
5. Nest Bedding Natural Hybrid Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
Made from natural Dunlop latex & organic knitted cotton
Features Joma wool, eco-friendly comfort foam, and pocketed support coils
Made in the USA
Certified by Oeko-Tex and CertiPUR-US
Designed to reduce waste
Zipper feature and the ability to replace the comfort layer
Convenient handles to make transportation simple
Features a 100-night trial and lifetime warranty
Made from natural latex that instantly responds to your body and supports you in all the places you need it most, the Nest Bedding Natural Hybrid Mattress provides unparalleled comfort in a bed that is as good for the planet as it is for your sleep. The eco memory foam mattress is made from super soft organic knitted cotton, Joma wool, eco-friendly comfort foam, Oeko-Tex certified 100% natural Dunlop latex, pocketed support coils, and a base support foam to provide you with a premium night's sleep. All memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified and made right here in the USA. Every inch of latex is 100% natural and certified by the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, also made in the USA. There are no chemical fire retardants used in the creation of this mattress, and the entire thing is 100% non-toxic, free from harmful chemicals or artificial additives and flame retardants.
The Natural Hybrid mattress has been lovingly designed with a zipper to help reduce waste as the mattress wears down. You can also purchase new comfort layers to increase the lifespan of this hybrid mattress, which is already impressive! Little wonder then that this mattress review has made it onto today's best mattress shortlist.
The mattress comes in a range of sizes and firmness levels include firm, medium, and soft to ensure you're always able to find the perfect level of support and luxury. Every aspect of the mattress is made here in the USA and comes from sustainable sources. The latex is fully aired before forming part of the mattress to ensure there are no scents to worry about and you can sleep soundly on your new mattress straight out of the box.
Learn more about Nest Bedding Natural Hybrid Mattress
6. Saatva Loom and Leaf Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
Made from a hypoallergenic 100% organic cotton cover treated
Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment
A proprietary spinal zone gel layer
Premium 5lb high-density memory foam, and multi-layer support
Range of sizes with firmness levels available from 5 - 8
Reduced carbon footprint
Handcrafted in America with sustainably sourced products
Certified by CertiPUR-US
Utilizing ultra-premium 5lb natural memory foam and high-density organic foam layers that contour to your body, this loom, and leaf organic mattress offers stable support while relieving pressure points in your back and joints. The Saatva Loom and Leaf Mattress is handcrafted in the US and never placed in a box, so you can guarantee a luxury experience. The organic mattress features ultra-breathable gel-infused foam that helps to regulate your body temperature naturally, keeping you cool at night and providing a little extra support for your lower back.
The mattress has been carefully designed and manufactured to promote healthier sleep with a hypoallergenic and antimicrobial organic cotton cover in addition to a nontoxic natural thistle flame barrier and CertiPUR-US certified foams that are healthier for you and the planet. It frequently tops the best mattress reviews.
Select your mattress type, shape, size, and firmness from 5 to 8 to ensure the perfect night's sleep, and enjoy eco-friendly foams made with renewable oils that produce fewer greenhouse gases so you can sleep soundly knowing you've made a responsible choice. What's more, the nationwide manufacturing network used by this mattress ensures most mattresses only travel an average of under 100 miles from the factory to your home, further lowering the carbon footprint of this eco mattress choice. If you're looking for one of the best foam mattress options around that combines certified organic cotton then this is a wonderful option.
Learn more about Saatva Loom and Leaf Mattress
Features To Consider With Organic Mattresses
When looking at the best organic mattress, there are a whole load of factors to consider. In addition to finding an eco-friendly and non-toxic mattress, you're also going to need to consider more practical applications. This could include the size and shape of your bed, whether it will be the right level of firmness for you to sleep comfortably, whether you'd prefer a memory foam mattress, a natural latex mattress, or a more traditional coil mattress, and whether the mattress you're looking at provides suitable pressure relief.
Use our handy cheat-sheet below to help you figure out some key considerations when mattress shopping, so you can get the perfect nights' sleep that you deserve.
Size
Natural and organic mattresses come in all the same sizes as standard mattresses, so you'll be able to find the perfect organic queen mattress alongside singles, doubles, and kings. If you already have a bed frame waiting for your new green mattress, then it might be worth measuring the space to ensure you're getting the right size. Although most mattress sizes are standardized, it is possible to get some that are more bespoke, although this can cost more.
Firmness
Side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers all have different requirements when it comes to mattress firmness, so figuring out what type you are should be your first step in ensuring you get sufficient pressure relief and an appropriate comfort layer for your needs. Remember, firmness levels are specified by the manufacturer and don't conform to any sort of standardization, so an ultra-firm mattress from one manufacturer might translate to a medium by another. The best way to establish whether you're getting the right levels of firmness for your needs is simply to try the mattress out in-store. If you can't get to the store, many companies offer a generous sleep trial period, so you can take the bed home and return it if you're not finding it as comfortable as you'd hoped.
Construction and Material
Whether you're looking for a gorgeous mattress made from New Zealand wool, featuring an organic cotton cover, or you're intrigued by a Dunlop latex mattress, the type of mattress you go for will really depend on your personal preference. Going for an eco mattress type doesn't mean you need to sacrifice comfort or style, and you can even find organic mattresses made from natural memory foam or pocketed coils to suit your preferences. Look out for certification labels (we've highlighted some of the best ones below) to ensure every comfort layer and element of your new mattress is natural and organic, and be sure to check you're getting a non-toxic mattress that's free from chemical flame retardants.
Types Of Certificates For Organic Mattresses
We've mentioned certifications a few times and will look at some of the best organic mattress reviews and certifications available in a moment. But it is important when you're shopping for an eco-friendly mattress to look out for labels. This is particularly important as many companies will claim to be selling natural and organic mattresses, but without the certification, you really have no way of knowing whether they're legit. Certification providers will also look at human safety elements in addition to the environmental impact of your mattress to ensure it's non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals.
Understanding the Different Certifications
Although thousands of products label themselves as 'organic' there are so many different certifications and processes to go through it can be difficult to establish whether an item is genuinely organic or not. To make matters more complicated, not all certifications actually look at whether or not a product uses natural, organic, or eco-friendly materials in the construction.
Although most certifications will look at different criteria, below we've included what we consider to be the most respectable and best certifications a product can produce.
Please take your time to familiarise yourself with these, as some will be testing more for human health than environmental impact. It's a good idea to look for mattresses that offer more than one certification to demonstrate they adhere to your ethics without having any unintended effects on your health.
CertiPUR-US Certified
This certification is most commonly used in relation to the foam materials used in mattresses. It shows that the mattress has been tested for specific characteristics that will ensure improved air quality in your bedroom in addition to using only natural flame retardants.
Some of the characteristics this certification checks for include:
- No ozone depleters used in manufacturing
- No heavy materials present in the product (including mercury and lead)
- No prohibited phthalates found in the product
- Low levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- No PBDE (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers) used in flame retardant properties or chemical flame retardants
- Free from formaldehyde
OEKO-TEX Certification
The Oeko-Tex certification relates to how raw materials are processed and requires the components of the mattress to be completely free from harmful chemicals and to be safe for human use[3]. This can include anything from dyes, sewing threads, linings, prints, buttons, and more.
The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification takes this a step further, testing materials to ensure they're free from harmful levels of over 100 different substances. This certification is more about health and safety than establishing whether or not a mattress is organic or natural, but is definitely a good thing to look out for.
Organic Exchange
The Organic Exchange Certification Program is all about tracking materials from their source to the end product. Mattresses that have acquired this certification will be able to produce a certificate that shows exactly where the organic fibers have come from and the journey they took to become a part of your mattress.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The Global Organic Textile Standard was developed with the intention of establishing a set of defining characteristics to establish whether particular textiles classify as organic that can be used worldwide. This certification shows that a product has been created in accordance with environmentally friendly and socially responsible methods, from harvesting the raw materials to labeling, and every step along the way. This certification is the leading textile processing standard for organic fibers and requires a product to be made from at least 70% certifiable, organic, natural materials.
Eco-Institut Certification
The Eco-Institut organization is based in Germany and is well respected globally. This certification looks at the pollutants and emissions of a product and also deals with hazardous chemicals and outgassing.
To achieve an Eco-Institut certification, a product must be 100% free from even the smallest amounts of chemicals that could be considered hazardous and must not produce any off-gassing that could harm you or your family.
USDA Organic Certification
To be granted a USDA Organic Certification, manufacturers must produce a thorough list of every ingredient, textile, and fiber used in the production of their product. If the product is found to be made of 95% or higher levels of organic materials, only then will they receive this certification. To receive this certification, the product must be free from:
- Synthetic additives including pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and dyes
- Industrial solvents
- Irradiation
- Genetic engineering
- Additives that are not on the approved list.
GREENGUARD Gold
The GREENGUARD Certification Program uses scientific principles to establish whether a product adheres to chemical emissions standards, reduces indoor air pollution, and offers minimal risk of chemical exposure.
In more simple terms, this certification takes a product through rigorous scientific testing to ensure it's as safe as possible to have in your home by ensuring there are no harmful chemicals or off-gases for you to worry about.
The GREENGUARD certification offers two tiers: GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold. To achieve the Gold level of certification, a product must undergo testing for health-based criteria for additional chemicals and requires lower VOC emission levels than the standard certification. It also requires compliance with California's Department of Public Health (California Section 01350), which relates to testing and evaluating Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions (VOCs) from indoor sources.
Cradle to Cradle
Cradle to Cradle is a relatively young organic certification but is globally recognized for its ability to accurately measure the use of safer and more sustainable products designed for a circular economy.
In order to obtain a Cradle to Cradle certification, a product must be tested for its environmental and social performance. This is assessed across five categories of sustainability.
- Material health
- Material resue
- Renewable energy and carbon management
- Water stewardship
- Social fairness
Products that have undergone the Cradle to Cradle testing process will be given a graded certification (Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) for each of the five categories, with the overall certification being provided based on their lowest achievement. To maintain a Cradle to Cradle certification, companies are required to submit their products for renewal and re-testing every two years.
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
This certification specifically relates to organic latex and finished latex foam, and also focuses on the impact of these materials on human health, safety and welfare, plus the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. In order to achieve a GOLS certification, a product must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic raw material (calculated against the total weight of the product).
Organic Mattress FAQ
Q: What makes a mattress "organic"?
It's not always straightforward to figure out whether a mattress is truly organic, due to the numerous different certifications and meanings this word can carry. Some companies may label a product as 'organic' without it really subscribing to the true meaning of the word.
For a mattress to be considered truly 'organic' it should be wholly assembled in a certified-organic environment, using only ingredients that are also certified as organic. This means no artificial chemicals, pesticides, or other non-natural products are used in either the farming or manufacturing processes. If you can replace the word 'organic' in a product description with the word 'natural' then you're on to a good start.
Coil mattresses can be a difficult middle-ground as it's challenging to create organic coils. That said, many companies will offset a coil mattress with other organic materials and recyclable coils to improve the sustainability rating of the product. If you prefer a coil mattress, then you can check out our buying guide for the best coil mattress here.
Q: What's the difference between an Organic, Non-Organic, and Eco-Friendly bed?
With modern society's focus on natural, organic, and eco-friendly products, it can be tempting to use these terms interchangeably. However, doing so could leave you with a product that's not as in-line with your ethics as you might have hoped.
- Organic
In its simplest form, 'organic' means 'derived from living things'. This means your organic mattress should be free from artificial, man-made, and harmful chemicals throughout the farming and manufacturing processes. The down-side to an organic mattress is that there are so many different certifications available that it can be difficult to establish whether a mattress is truly organic. You also need to be careful regarding the safety implications of an organic mattress, as often mattresses are treated with chemicals flame retardants and other additives.
- Non-Organic
Non-organic mattresses are quite literally what you'd expect… Any mattress that doesn't qualify for an 'organic' label. The products can be treated with chemicals and substances to "improve safety", which are most commonly rationalized due to fire safety requirements. But the dark side of this chemical infusion is that you may be resting your body for 8+ hours against something that's high in chemicals and could even be toxic. There are many health issues related to non-organic mattresses, some of which can have long-lasting effects.
- Eco-Friendly
When looking at mattresses (or any other product) it's common these days to prioritize an eco-friendly option as a way of reducing our environmental footprints. An eco-friendly mattress, therefore, should have less of an impact on natural resources and involve less pollution than regular bedding. Eco-friendly options also tend to be healthier for the sleeper, with no chemical danger to you or your family. The manufacturing methods should also pose less threat to the environment than standard mattress production. The down-side to eco-friendly mattresses, however, is that they do not guarantee a chemical-free end product.
- Natural
In the same way, eco-friendly and organic labels can be attached to a range of products that might not meet our expectations for the label, 'natural' products are also often difficult to verify. For a mattress to qualify as truly natural, you'll need to check for appropriate certifications from independent third parties to ensure every component is made without the use of artificial ingredients.
Q: What materials make the best organic and natural mattresses?
Organic doesn't necessarily mean eco-friendly, although there tends to be a lot of crossover between the two terms. While organic focuses on natural ingredients and processing methods, eco-friendly products prioritize minimizing their environmental impact and carbon footprint as much as possible.
If you're looking for the best organic, natural, eco-friendly mattresses, you're going to want to avoid anything that uses chemicals at any stage and keep an eye out for materials that don't produce much off-gas and have a low carbon footprint. These types of mattresses also tend to be easier to recycle, and/or can be biodegradable so as not to cause more pollution during disposal.
Some of the best materials for your organic and natural mattress (keeping in mind eco-friendly principles) include:
- Kapok
- Organic wool
- Organic cotton
- 100% natural latex
- Hemp
These tend to be the best materials for a long-lasting bed that provides the best combinations of breathability, comfort, durability, and are generally healthier than most other materials. Every mattress material, organic or otherwise, comes with its own set of pros and cons, so it's vital to complete your own research to ensure you're getting the perfect mattress for your needs and priorities.
Q: Should I expect any sagging with an organic mattress?
No matter what materials your mattress is made from, any mattress with one or more comfort layer that is under two inches of thickness will almost certainly sag eventually. So, an organic mattress with two layers of thick natural latex thicker than two inches should be more than sufficient to stand up to any amount of use.
Memory foam layers can also influence sagging, so it's a good idea to speak to the manufacturer about the durability of the mattress before making your purchase.
If you're looking for the best memory foam mattress that won't sag or let you down, check out our buying guide here.