Best organic mattress 2024 – 6 non-toxic options, tried and tested

You don't need to be an eco-warrior to invest in the best organic mattress. In fact, I'd recommend an organic mattress for just about anyone, however you sleep and whatever the size of your budget. Natural, non-toxic mattresses are breathable and durable, unlike those stuffy, synthetic foam models that end up in landfill every few years.

The best organic mattress is free from toxic-chemicals found in plastics and flame retardants, such as fiberglass, which can irritate your airways and scratch your skin. Instead of polyurethane foam, which emits potentially harmful VOCs and pollutes your indoor air quality, you're shopping for an organic latex model or natural innerspring.

As H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I lead a team of expert testers in the search to find the world's best mattress. Together, we've tested more than 30 models, eight of which are organic. We assess each mattress, organic or otherwise, against the same criteria: pressure relief; thermoregulation; motion isolation; and edge support. We also consider the practical aspects of buying a mattress, from the length of the sleep trial to the extent of the mattress warranty. For custom comfort and excellent customer service, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress is the best organic mattress. Still, you might find that another one of our tested options is a better fit for you.

Best organic mattress 2024 − 6 tested options, at a glance

Below, you'll find a bite-size summary of each mattress, detailing what it costs, how it feels, and who it suits. To learn more about a particular mattress, keep scrolling, or press 'read more below' to shortcut straight to that section. There, I've outlined the need-to-know specs, along with the most important pros and cons, before diving into the details of our testing experience.

The best organic mattress overall

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The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress is made to order to minimize waste, handcrafted by a team of 26 skilled sewers and delivered in as little as five business days: talk about a quick turnaround. That's how they make each mattress to your exact specifications: you get to choose your ideal size, firmness, and height.

One of our expert testers, Alex Temblador, slept on the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress last summer, and she raves about it. 'Since I struggle with back and hip pain, I opted for the medium-firm comfort level to better support my body. On a firmness scale of 1 to 10, I'd give this mattress a 7. It's supportive without feeling hard, the way that synthetic foam often does. I'd recommend it for all sleep positions, whether you lie on your front, back, or side.'

This mattress is filled with organic latex arranged in an open-cell structure, which leaves plenty of room for air to flow. It's topped with organic wool and cotton to enhance thermoregulation and moisture-wicking. Alex sleeps in a hundred-year-old house in North Texas, so she needs a mattress to keep the night sweats at bay. 'Since I sleep with a tracker, I can confirm that my body temperature stayed pretty constant overnight,' she says.

Two practical points to bear in mind before you buy: natural latex is very heavy, so you might want to ask a friend to help you lift, flip, or rotate the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress. In fact, this mattress is so heavy that PlushBeds delivers it in two boxes: the base layer and the comfort layer arrive separately. 'At first, I found this a little frustrating,' says Alex, 'but once I followed the PlushBeds guidance on how to assemble your latex mattress, I'd set up my mattress in minutes.'

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Alex Temblador

Alex is one of our more prolific mattress testers. She's ranked and reviewed three mattresses and two toppers for H&G. As a hot sleeper living in North Texas, Alex needs a mattress to keep her cool. Read the full review: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress

The best organic mattress for side sleepers

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When you're shopping for a mattress, make sure to consider your sleep positions: whether you lie on your front, back, or side. How you tend to lie on the mattress tells me a lot about which mattress is best for you. Side sleepers need a mattress with plenty of give to cushion their joints yet sufficient support to keep their spine straight. The Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress fits the bill.

'The search for a firm-but-soft mattress ends here,' declares expert tester Alex Frost. 'The Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress is springy and responsive, designed to bear your weight then snap back into shape. Before I started testing the Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress, I was sleeping on an overly firm, inflexible mattress that wasn't doing my back ache any favors. I couldn't believe the difference in pressure relief and contouring comfort when I switched over.'

Good news for light sleepers and anyone who shares a bed with a pet or partner: the Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress boasts excellent motion isolation. To test it out, Alex 'filled a cup with water and set it in the center of the bed. Then, I let all four of my toddlers jump around the open cup. In spite of their shenanigans, no water spilled over the sides of the glass, which barely even tottered.' In practice, Alex couldn't feel it when her partner switched positions or got into and out of bed in the night.

Unfortunately, the Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress underperformed in our edge support test. 'Although it felt comfortable to lie on the side of the bed, the mattress edge could not hold me steady when I sat on it and concentrated my weight in a smaller surface area,' says Alex. If you're looking for an organic mattress with excellent edge support, I suggest the Woolroom Hebridean 3000 Mattress.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Alex Frost

Alex has reviewed eight mattresses for H&G, from plush memory foam models to high-tech hybrids. As someone who suffers from recurring backache, Alex needs a soft yet supportive mattress to take the weight off her joints. Read the full review: Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress

The best affordable organic mattress

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Making this list got me thinking: your standard organic mattress is seriously expensive. When you shop at PlushBeds, for example, you have to drop thousands of dollars just to get a Twin-sized bed. If you're buying on a budget, I suggest you steer clear of the big-name brands and consider the Earthfoam Organic Mattress.

Made from natural rubber, tapped from trees, then frothed into foam, this mattress is breathable, durable, and sustainable. Out of all the mattresses on this list, the Earthfoam Organic Mattress boasts the most comprehensive eco-credentials. The latex is GOLS certified, the wool and cotton are GOTS certified, and the production process is certified Fair for Life.

The Earthfoam Organic Mattress boasts a 4.8 average star rating on the Earthfoam site. One stand-out review: 'I feel as if I'm sleeping on the world's most comfortable rock!' If you're a back or stomach sleeper, and you appreciate firm support, then you should opt for the Firm feel. Our expert tester, Alex Frost, tried the Medium, and found that 'it's a true medium: if you're looking for sturdy spinal support, I recommend you stick with the firmer feel.

Unfortunately, the Earthfoam Organic Mattress falls down in our motion isolation test. 'I could feel my partner tossing and turning in bed beside me,' complains Alex. If you're looking for a latex mattress with minimal motion transfer, I recommend the Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress, instead.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Alex Frost

Alex had reviewed eight mattresses for H&G. The Earthfoam Organic Mattress is by far the cheapest mattress she's tested, and it's a top performer for pressure relief and thermoregulation, but Alex thinks it lacks a little structure. Read the full review: Earthfoam Organic Mattress

Earthfoam Organic Mattress | $999 at Earthfoam

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The best firm organic mattress

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According to an expert panel of physical therapists and sleep scientists, the best mattress firmness for most sleepers is medium-firm. That's firm enough to stop your hips from sinking and keep your spine straight, but not so firm that your neck and shoulders will get crushed against the surface. Out of all the organic mattresses we've tested, the Woolroom Hebridean 3000 offers the most consistent firm support.

'I found the Woolroom Hebridean 3000 pretty comfortable,' says expert tester Sophie Edwards, 'though it did take me a while to get used to its medium-firm feel. It all depends on your sleep positions: if you sleep on your back or stomach, and you prefer a firmer surface, then this natural innerspring is a great shout. There is organic wool and cotton in the comfort layers to shield your joints against the springs.'

Wool is naturally thermoregulating and moisture-wicking. According to the Woolroom Clean Sleep Report 2024, organic wool can hold up to a third of its weight in water overnight, keeping your bed and your body clean and dry. It's the material of choice for eco-conscious shoppers who are keen to keep cool.

A word of warning: the combination of 3,000 metal coils and thick layers of wool and cotton makes a very heavy mattress. Sophie recommends you ask a friend to help you lift, flip, or rotate the Woolroom Hebridean 3000. 'If you can afford it, I'd pay a little extra for white glove delivery,' says Sophie. 'The drivers who delivered my mattress went above and beyond to get me set up within five minutes.'

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Sophie Edwards

Sophie writes for our celebrity style team. As a combination sleeper, Sophie switches between her front, back, and side in the night, so she needs a mattress with firm support to keep her spine aligned. Read the full review: Woolroom Hebridean 3000 Mattress

Woolroom Hebridean 3000 Mattress | Was $2,323.50, now $1,510.28 at Woolroom

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The best organic latex mattress

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As H&G's resident sleep editor, I'm often asked: 'is it good to sleep on latex?' My answer is almost invariably 'yes'. Natural latex combines the pressure relief and contouring comfort of memory foam with the airflow of an innerspring and far superior eco-credentials. For supple springiness and sustainable practice, I rate the Avocado Green Mattress.

'While many bed-in-a-box companies white-label products from the same factories and ‘greenwash’ their eco-friendly claims, Avocado owns their entire supply chain,' explains expert tester Antonia Santoro. 'This way, you can feel good about using a product that meets the most stringent standards for environmental and social responsibility. You’ll also feel good because the Avocado Green is an incredibly comfortable mattress. My first impression of the Avocado Green Mattress was that it felt soft to the touch, but firm when I laid down on it for enhanced neck and back support.'

Good news for vegan shoppers, or anyone who prefers to purchase vegan products: the Avocado Vegan Mattress just launched. In terms of look and feel, it's almost identical to the Avocado Green Mattress, only it's made without wool.

Antonia loves almost everything about the Avocado Green Mattress − except for the price. The Avocado Green Mattress in Firm goes for less than $2,000 for a Queen, but when you add on a Pillow-Top or Box-Top, the price goes up to more than $3,000. 'As a combination sleeper, I don't think you need the extra layers, and the Avocado Green Mattress in Firm suits me just fine.'

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Antonia Santoro

Antonia used to work as Senior Audience Development Manager at Future, our parent publishing company. As an eco-conscious shopper and a hot sleeper, her favorite mattress type is latex. Read the full review: Avocado Green Mattress

The best organic mattress for back pain

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If you consistently wake up with aches and pains, then your mattress might be part of the problem. Most sleepers need a firm, supportive surface to stop their hips and shoulders from sinking and throwing their spines out of alignment. The Naturepedic Chorus gets the job done.

'This isn't your grandmother's innerspring,' says expert tester Courtney Irwin. 'Each coil is individually pocketed to stop any squeaking and minimize motion transfer. Plus, it's filled with organic materials that are better for your body and for the environment. That means no polyurethane foam, no flame retardants, and no glues or adhesives – just organic wool and cotton for 100% chemical safety. If you don't like the look or feel of latex, but you're keen to shop sustainably, then the Naturepedic Chorus Mattress is your best bet.'

Unfortunately, the Naturepedic Chorus Mattress falls down in the edge support test. 'I weigh 120 lbs and sitting on the side of the bed still requires effort,' complains Courtney: 'I could have slid right off. I noticed an imprint once I stood up, though this faded within a few minutes.' If you're looking for an organic mattress with excellent edge support, I suggest the Woolroom Hebridean 3000.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Courtney Irwin

Courtney is one of our freelance writers and reviewers. As someone who shares a bed with her partner, she needs a mattress with excellent motion isolation to sleep undisturbed. Read the full review: Naturepedic Chorus Mattress

Naturepedic Chorus Mattress | $1,999 at Naturepedic

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Best organic mattress 2024 − Side by side

Best organic mattress 2024 – Honorable mentions

Over the years, our expert team has tested more than 30 mattresses, eight of which are organic. My top 6 represents the best for comfort, cooling, and cost. Still, I wanted to shout out two more mattresses that performed well in our tests that might meet your needs.

• Birch Luxe Natural Mattress: 'This mattress proves that you don't have to sacrifice your comfort for your conscience,' says expert tester Kaitlin Madden. 'Filled with natural latex and topped with organic wool, cotton, and cashmere, the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress looks and feels premium. It's a lot more supportive than my old memory foam mattress: my hips don't sink into the surface, which puts less strain on my lower back.' Although the latex in the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is not certified organic, the Department of Agriculture would still class it as an organic mattress, due to the presence of organic wool and cotton.
• Essentia Classic REM5 Mattress: The only reason why this mattress didn't make it into the main buying guide is because it's so expensive. 'A Queen costs more than $4,000,' says expert tester Alex Temblador: 'more, if you opt for the 10-inch version and upgrade for EMF protection. Still, the Essentia Classic REM5 Mattress ticks all my boxes. Filled with organic latex, this firm mattress kept me cool, aligned my spine, and minimized motion transfer for restful sleep. It comes in two firmnesses for custom comfort and two heights to fit any bed frame. Made without wool, it's even suitable for vegan shoppers.'

How we test mattresses

I lead a 10-strong team of mattress testers across the country. Together, we represent a wide range of ages, sleep styles, and body types. We sleep on each mattress for a minimum of 30 nights in our own homes before we publish our initial reviews. This should give an accurate indication of long-term performance. To find out more about how we test mattresses, consult our expert guide.

For the sake of a fair fight, we assess each mattress against the same criteria: pressure relief; thermoregulation; motion isolation; and edge support. To assess pressure relief, we lie on the mattress and switch between our stomachs, backs, and sides, considering how comfortable the mattress feels in each position. To assess thermoregulation, we switch off our HVAC and sleep, making note of any times we wake up in a sweat.

To assess motion isolation, we fill a glass with water and set it in the middle of the mattress. Then, we take a weight and place it on the mattress, moving incrementally closer to the glass. The more the glass moves, and the more water spills, the worse the motion isolation, and the less suitable the mattress for couples and light sleepers. To assess edge support, we sit on the side of the mattress and measure how far we fall. The further we sink, the worse the edge support, and the harder it might be to get into and out of bed.

We also consider all the practical parts of buying a mattress, from the details of delivery to the length of the warranty. We like to compare our findings against verified reviews to pick out common customer concerns. Finally, we bring it all back to the price of the mattress to help you determine value for money.

How to choose the best organic mattress

Materials

Some mattress types are more environmentally friendly than others. Here's what you need to know about all the major mattress materials, including where they're found and how they're made. Don't worry if you come across any unfamiliar terms: you can always cross-check against my mattress jargon buster.

• Memory foam: a subcategory of polyurethane foam. Likely to contain and emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which could irritate your airways and pollute your indoor air quality.
• Latex: natural latex comes from rubber trees, so it's a good option for eco-conscious shoppers. Synthetic latex is made from petroleum-based chemicals, so if you're keen to sleep on natural materials, make sure you read the fine print on the care tag.
• Innerspring: lined with metal coils in the base layer. You might find organic materials, including cotton, wool, silk, or cashmere, in the comfort layer.
• Hybrid: lined with metal coils in the base layer, then topped with some sort of foam. If you find memory foam in the comfort layers, the mattress isn't organic. If you find latex, it might be.

Flame retardants

Also known as a fire barrier, a flame retardant is any sort of material that prevents or slows the spread of fire. One common flame retardant is fiberglass, because it's cheap and heat-resistant, but it can irritate your skin and eyes. If you've got sensitive skin, and you're keen to sleep on natural materials, I suggest you shop for a mattress with a wool or cotton flame retardant.

Eco accreditations

As H&G's resident sleep writer, I'm occasionally asked: 'are organic mattresses a hoax?' I can understand the skepticism: with so many makes and models online, it's more important than ever to do your research before you buy. Here are a few certifications to look out for.

• GOLS: stands for 'Global Organic Latex Standard'. Certifies products made from organically grown, natural rubber latex. Ensures clear path and procedure from farm to factory.
• GOTS: stands for 'Global Organic Textiles Standard'. Certifies products, e.g. wool and cotton, responsibly made from natural raw materials.
• GREENGUARD: certified for low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
• Fairtrade: ensures decent working conditions and fair pay for farmers and workers.
• OEKO-TEX: there are two OEKO-TEX certificates. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 signifies that the materials in your mattress are non-toxic, but it doesn't mean that they're organic. OEKO-TEX Made in Green means that the materials and manufacturing process are inspected and independently accredited for sustainable practice.

FAQs

Is organic the same as non-toxic?

No. 'Organic' is a highly regulated term, so an organic mattress must be independently verified and certified by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). Some USDA-approved mattresses are 100% organic (completely free from all chemical fertilizers and pesticides), while others are made with organic ingredients.

'Non-toxic' is an unregulated term, which means that any mattress brand can use it without fear of repercussion. The term indicates that a mattress is free from toxic ingredients such as parabens, petroleum, formaldehyde, and more.

Why are organic mattresses so expensive?

It takes much more time, energy, and money to harvest raw materials, such as natural latex, than it does to whip up a formula for polyurethane foam in a lab. Where much of the mattress industry is unregulated, so manufacturers can cut corners and save money, organic mattresses must meet strict certification standards from farm to factory.

On the plus side, organic mattresses tend to be more durable, so they make a better investment. An organic mattress could last you anywhere between 10 and 20 years, if you look after it. You might be spending a fair sum of money now, but it should save you spending even more on a replacement for your cheap foam mattress.

If you'd love to buy an organic mattress, but you just can't afford a brand new bed, then you could always invest in one of the best organic mattress toppers. I've ranked and reviewed three options from Avocado, Birch, and Turmerry to help you get better sleep, naturally.