These are the 3 best organic mattress toppers I've ever tested – an essential for clean and comfy sleep

Your average mattress topper is a thick slab of polyurethane foam. It's a short-term fix for an uncomfortable mattress, but it could wreak havoc on your health and the air quality of your indoor environment.

Polyurethane foam emits VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which could irritate your skin and airways while polluting the atmosphere. For cleaner, safer sleep, you need an organic mattress topper.

As H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I lead a team of expert testers in the search to find the world's best mattress toppers. We sleep on each topper for eight hours a night, seven nights a week, which amounts to hundreds of hours of testing for pressure relief, thermoregulation, motion isolation, and edge support. Breathable and durable, the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper is our reigning champion, but you might find that another one of our tested toppers better meets your needs.

Best organic mattress toppers − 3 non-toxic options, at a glance

Below, you'll find a bite-size summary of each topper, outlining who it suits, how it feels, and what it costs. If you're keen to find out more about a particular topper, keep scrolling, or hit 'read more below' to shortcut to that section. There, you'll find the most important specs, including thickness and firmness, as well as the details of our test experience. Don't worry if you encounter any unfamiliar terms: just cross-check them against my mattress jargon buster.

The best organic mattress topper overall

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The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper is a leading contender for the title of 'best mattress topper', just pipped to the post by the Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper. The Tempur topper isn't organic, though, and the Avocado one is. Breathable, supportive, and sustainable, it's the best option for eco-conscious shoppers.

'As I laid down on the topper, I could feel the latex conform around my curves to bear my weight,' says expert tester Antonia Santoro. 'With just enough sink to feel supportive, Talalay latex feels a lot like memory foam, only without the heat retention.' Environmentally speaking, it's far superior: there are no nasty smells from the mattress off-gassing. The latex is GOLS certified, the cotton is GOTS certified, and the whole topper is certified Made Safe for sustainable working conditions.

The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper recently relaunched. Now, it's available in two heights and two firmness levels to support various sleep styles. I recommend the Plush (filled with springy Talalay latex) for side sleepers and anyone who wants to soften up a hard mattress. If you sleep on your back or stomach, and you're looking for a firmer feel, I suggest the Medium (filled with dense Dunlop latex).

There's only one thing Antonia didn't like about the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper: the lack of corner straps. There is a grip pad on the underside of the topper, she acknowledges, but 'I've had to get out of bed in the middle of the night once or twice to reposition it.' It's worth learning how to stop a mattress topper from sliding before you buy.

Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper | $329 at Avocado

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Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Antonia Santoro

Antonia tested the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper alongside the Avocado Green Mattress. As a hot sleeper, she needs a cooling mattress topper to regulate her temperature and wick away her night sweats. Read the full review: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper

The best organic mattress topper for side sleepers

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If you sleep on your side, then you need a mattress topper that's soft enough to cushion your joints but not so soft that you start to sink into the surface. 'Latex offers softness without that sinking feeling you get from memory foam,' says expert tester Kaitlin Madden. 'The Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper feels more supportive than a traditional down or cotton pillow top, and more responsive than your average memory foam mattress topper.'

The Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper is certified free from VOCs by the eco-INSTITUT. The cotton is Fair Trade certified for sustainable production and safe working conditions. The topper comes with a free carbon offset credit to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.

'I had low expectations for the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper in the edge support test,' admits Kaitlin. 'I thought I'd fall right through the plush pillow top and start to slide. When I actually sat on the side of the topper, I found that the support core of Talalay latex managed to bear my weight and keep me upright.' Edge support is especially important if you like to sit on the side of the bed to nurse a baby or get dressed in the mornings.

'I couldn't review the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper without mentioning the price,' says Kaitlin. 'At full price, a Queen retails for $498.66. That's a lot of money to spend on a mattress topper. Even if you're dead-set on organic, there are more affordable alternatives at Earthfoam and Avocado.'

Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper | Was $498.66, now $374 at Birch Living

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Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Kaitlin Madden

Kaitlin is one of our freelance reviewers whose work features in Martha Stewart Living, Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and more. As a combination sleeper, Kaitlin needs a mattress topper to cushion her joints while keeping her spine straight. Read the full review: Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper

The best organic mattress topper for back pain

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There's no one-size-fits-all solution for back pain: everybody holds tension in different places. You might have pain in your hips and lumbar region, or you might feel soreness in your shoulders in the morning. Whether you feel the ache up top, down low, or all over your back, the secret is finding a mattress topper to keep your spine straight.

'What feels right for you largely depends on your sleep position,' explains expert tester Louise Oliphant. 'As a side sleeper, I need something soft enough to cushion my knees and hips, but not so soft that my shoulders start to fall forward, throwing my spine out of alignment. That's the problem I was having on my old memory foam mattress topper. I found the Earthfoam Mattress Topper was a true medium-firm, well-suited for my sleep needs. I'd happily recommend it to back and stomach sleepers who like a little more support.'

'I was a little worried about the Earthfoam Mattress Topper sliding on my bed, since it doesn't come with corner straps,' Louise recalls. 'Turns out, my fitted sheet was enough to keep the Earthfoam Mattress Topper in place.'

Louise acknowledges that the Earthfoam Mattress Topper isn't perfect. Like any latex product, there's a bit of bounce through the topper, which might disturb couples or light sleepers. On the flip side, the edge support is solid: 'the springy, responsive feel of the latex extends all the way around the sides of the bed,' Louise explains.

Earthfoam Organic Mattress Topper | $399 at Earthfoam

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Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Louise Oliphant

Louise is our former Sleep Editor. Before she joined Homes & Gardens, she worked on the other side of the aisle in PR for a luxury bedding brand. Read the full review: Earthfoam Organic Mattress Topper.

Best organic mattress toppers – Side by Side

Best organic mattress toppers − honorable mentions

Over the years, our expert team has tested lots of mattress toppers, five of which are organic. My top three represents the best for comfort, cooling, and cost, but I wanted to shout out two more mattress toppers that might meet your sleep needs.

• Saatva Organic Quilted Mattress Topper: 'I can't overstate how well I slept on this topper,' says expert tester Jamie Davis Smith. 'It's soft yet supportive to suit every sleep position and made from organic materials for natural breathability. If I saw the Saatva Organic Quilted Mattress Topper listed for less in the mattress sales, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Still, at full price, I struggle to justify the cost.' Out of all the mattress toppers we've tested, this is by far the most expensive, retailing for $995 for a Queen. For that price, you could skip a mattress topper and buy an affordable mattress instead. I suggest the Earthfoam Organic Mattress, which goes for $999 for a Queen.
• Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper: 'The Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper is perforated with thousands of tiny holes, which optimize airflow throughout the foam to keep you cool,' explains expert tester Jamie Davis Smith. 'As a hot sleeper testing through a heatwave, I was seriously impressed with the breathability of latex, which slept far cooler than memory foam. In fact, I'd put it up there with the best cooling mattress toppers and pads.' The reason the Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper didn't make the main list is because of the lack of edge support, which makes it harder to get in and out of bed, especially for people who struggle with mobility.

How we test mattress toppers

I lead a team of mattress testers across the country. Together, we represent a wide range of ages, body types, and sleep styles. We sleep on each topper for a minimum of 30 nights in our own homes to give the best indication of long-term performance. To learn more about how we test mattress toppers, consult our expert guide.

We assess each mattress topper for pressure relief, thermoregulation, motion isolation, and edge support. To assess pressure relief, we lie on the mattress topper and flip between our back, side, and stomach, considering how comfortable we feel in each position. To assess thermoregulation, we switch off our AC and sleep through all weathers, making note of any time we wake up in a sweat.

To assess motion isolation, we fill a glass with water and set it in the center of the mattress topper. Then, we take a weight and place it on the topper, moving it 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 light sleepers and couples. To assess edge support, we sit on the side of the topper and measure how far we sink. The further we fall, the worse the edge support, and the less suitable the topper for anyone who likes to sit or sleep on the side of the bed.

We also consider all the practical considerations of buying a mattress topper, from the length of the sleep trial to the extent of the mattress warranty, as well as the details of delivery. We like to compare our findings against verified reviews to uncover common customer concerns. Finally, we bring it all back to the price of the topper to help you determine value for money.

How to choose an organic mattress topper

An organic mattress topper could set you back several hundred dollars. To make the most of your money, you want to get it right first time. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind while you shop. Follow my mattress topper buying rules and you won't go far wrong.

The current state of your mattress

As H&G's resident sleep writer, I'm often asked when to buy a mattress topper. My answer varies from person to person. It depends on how long you've had your mattress and what state it's in.

If you've had your mattress for seven years or longer, and you can feel the foam deforming and hear the coils creaking, then it might be time to replace your mattress.

If you've only had your mattress for a few years, but you don't like how it looks or feels, then a mattress topper might be able to help. If you feel that your mattress is soft and sagging, you need a firm mattress topper to support your spine (I recommend Dunlop latex). If you feel that your mattress is too hard, then you'll appreciate a softer topper to cushion your joints (I suggest Talalay latex).

Your sleep position

Whether you lie on your stomach, back, or side, your sleep position makes a big difference to your spinal alignment and influences which sort of mattress topper might feel best for you.

The best way to understand how a mattress topper might feel on your bed is to talk in terms of mattress firmness. Some brands rate their toppers using words, from Soft to Medium to Firm, while others use a numerical scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is super-soft and 10 is ultra-supportive.

Side sleepers need a softer surface to cushion their hips, knees, shoulders, and ankles to keep their spine straight. Back sleepers prefer a firmer surface to keep their hips from sinking beneath their shoulders, while stomach sleepers need it firmer still to keep their backs from arching.

Your aches and pains

Whether you suffer from a chronic pain condition, or you deal with everyday aches, you'll likely appreciate a slightly softer topper with pressure-relieving properties. I recommend Talalay latex, which feels supple and responsive, over Dunlop latex, which feels firmer.

Your sleep temperature

If you suffer from night sweats or hot flashes, or you live in a warmer climate, then you should narrow the search to one of the best cooling mattress toppers (or pads). Latex is naturally breathable, and a comfort layer of cotton and wool should work to mop up moisture.

Your budget

I'm often asked how much you should spend on a mattress topper. I normally suggest somewhere between $200 and $400 for a Queen.

When you're shopping for an organic mattress topper, you need to adjust your upper limit. I'd expect to spend up to $500 for organic materials and sustainable manufacture. After all, some of the best organic mattress toppers are seriously expensive: the Saatva Organic Quilted Mattress Topper retails for almost $1,000 for a Queen.

Your values

Here's the good news: it's possible to shop in a way that aligns with your personal values. You just have to be prepared to spend a little more time and money.

If you're vegan, or you prefer to purchase vegan products, then you should look for a mattress topper filled with latex and cotton, rather than wool or cashmere. If you want to support companies that treat their workers fairly, then keep an eye out for the Made Safe label. The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper fits the bill.

FAQs

Which is the best organic cooling mattress topper?

The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper is one of the best cooling mattress toppers for hot sleepers and summer nights. Latex has an open-cell structure with plenty of air pockets, so it's highly breathable. Inside the comfort layer, you'll find organic wool and cotton, which are naturally moisture-wicking to control your night sweats.

Which is the best organic soft mattress topper?

The Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper comes in Soft, Medium, Firm, and Extra Firm to support all sleep positions. I recommend the Soft for side sleepers, anyone in need of pressure relief, and anyone who sleeps on a firm, inflexible mattress.

A mattress topper should only ever be a short-term solution. If you've had your mattress for seven years or more, and it's starting to lose support, then you'd be better off skipping a mattress topper and buying the best organic mattress, instead. I've ranked and reviewed six of my favorites from PlushBeds, Saatva, Woolroom, and more.