Yahoo Finance This Is the Only Way to Tell If Your Mattress Is Actually Organic
- 1/13
This Is the Only Way to Tell If Your Mattress Is Actually Organic
We updated this article in December 2022 to add recommendations based on recent mattress testing. The Avocado Green Mattress remains our pick for the best overall organic mattress, thanks to its standout ratings from our testers and the brand's commitment to sustainable sourcing.
Shopping for a mattress can be tricky enough, but finding one that's truly organic without sacrificing quality and comfort can be much more complicated. Some mattress brands use the word “organic” because they contain a fiber that’s grown organically, but a truly organic mattress follows strict production standards. When it comes to organic mattresses, the gold standard certifications are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for fabrics like cotton and wool, and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) for latex. GOTS uses strict standards throughout the entire supply chain and certifies the final product (not just the material), which must contain at least 95% organic fibers. GOLS also requires a product to have at least 95% organic material, ensuring responsible practices at every step of the latex production process.
The bedding pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab review models of all kinds to help you choose your perfect mattress, including latex mattresses and coil mattresses that are most common when shopping for organic beds. We research the brands and materials used, then our product analysts and editors try them out in real life to get firsthand experience. We also survey our consumer tester panel to get user feedback; our recent surveys have had more than 10,000 respondents with thorough feedback for our review. Our top organic picks are GOTS or GOLS certified, with additional picks that use natural materials and/or sustainable production practices that we feel confident recommending as alternatives.
Our top picks:
When we review organic and natural mattresses, we make sure that eco marketing callouts are backed up with legitimate data and certifications to cut through greenwashing claims. You can learn more about how to shop for organic mattresses at the end of this article, but first, here are the best organic mattresses you can buy, with prices listed for queen size.
Hearst Owned - 2/13
1) Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado
avocadogreenmattress.com
$1900.00
Not only is the Avocado Green Mattress one of the best mattresses you can buy, but it's also certified by GOTS and GOLS, so you know the entire manufacturing process follows strict standards. It's fairly firm — the brand calls it a 7 out of 10 — but you can opt to add a pillow top for an extra cost if you prefer a soft, plush surface. Plus, the brand also makes a vegan version without wool, an entirely latex version without springs that feels even firmer and a less expensive hybrid model with fewer layers.
What it's made of: This hybrid mattress combines organic cotton, wool, latex and coils. It uses the cotton as the outer cover, with button tufts to avoid synthetic glue, a layer of organic wool that's naturally temperature regulating, organic latex for comfort and pocketed coils that are zoned to promote proper alignment. It also has added edge support so it won't sink in at the sides and another layer of latex on the bottom for even more support.
Tester notes: Our panel said it's both comfortable and supportive and that they sleep well on it night after night. They also noticed how well it distributes their body weight to keep them in alignment, and most say it's better than any mattress they've slept on in the past.
Though it's pricey, users told us it was well worth the cost. In fact, one even said, "For the price, I am just blown away," while another summarized her experience by saying, "I like that it's made of organic and natural materials, that it's extremely comfortable and that it's held up even after two years, when other expensive mattresses we've purchased were already showing signs that they'd need to be replaced."
Avocado - 3/13
2) Kiwi Organic Mattress
My Green Mattress
mygreenmattress.com
$1099.00
Organic mattresses can cost several thousands of dollars because they're more expensive to produce than ones made of memory foam, but this pick from My Green Mattress is more affordable, starting at just $749 for a twin. It's ideal for kids with parents who prefer to buy natural and nontoxic materials, as well as adults who are looking to save on their organic bedding. For an extra $125, you can upgrade to a two-sided mattress, which gives you the option to flip it over time. And if you're willing to spend even more, the brand also has the Natural Escape mattress that's made with extra support.
What it's made of: It uses certified organic cotton, wool and latex, along with pocketed coils. It doesn't have zoned areas of support, but this allows you to rotate it over time to prevent indents. It also has the edge support to prevent sinking on the sides and is button-tufted, as opposed to using glues to hold it together.
Tester notes: Users told us they're thrilled with the quality. It earned high scores across the board from parents who own it for their children, and one adult said, "It's very supportive, yet comfortable and not too hard." He also noted, "I sleep very well on it and have no back pain or issues upon waking."
My Green Mattress - 4/13
3) Happsy Organic Mattress
Happsy
amazon.com
$1399.00
A good side-sleeper mattress should offer pressure relief to avoid putting excess weight on your shoulders and hips, and this model stands out for its foamlike feel that conforms to the shape of your body. For a few hundred dollars more, you can add its coordinating mattress topper made with two inches of soft latex. Another perk: This model is available on Amazon as a compressed mattress in a box that ships within days for DIY assembly, which is great if you don't want to wait weeks for a delivery.
What it's made of: While most plush boxed mattresses are made of memory foam, this one is foam-free and certified by GOTS and GOLS, using entirely organic materials (latex, wool and cotton) and coils. It's made without any glue or added flame retardants.
Tester notes: This model gets glowing reviews from those who own it. One tester told us, "I like that it doesn't have toxic chemicals and is organic. But the best part is that it is so comfortable! This is the best mattress I have ever owned!" Another user noted, "The plush, contouring, pressure-relieving feel was really comfortable, especially with the topper. It felt really good for side sleeping."
Editor's Note: The queen size is temporarily out of stock on Amazon. You can also purchase it directly from Happsy.
Happsy - 5/13
4) Nolah Natural 11"
Nolah
nolahmattress.com
$1329.00
Doctors often recommend memory foam mattresses for back pain, but this latex model from Nolah is a great alternative if you prefer one with natural materials. It's a hybrid model that combines comfort and support, and its latex layers offer excellent pressure relief for superior cushioning. It ships in a box for DIY setup, though you can add a delivery service for $125 that will also remove your old mattress.
What it's made of: Though it's not entirely certified organic, it still uses the natural materials found in certified mattresses and is made without synthetic foams. There's an organic cotton outer cover, a layer of wool, a layer of soft latex and a layer of supportive latex. The bottom is made up of support coils, which sit on a cotton and wool foundation layer.
Tester notes: Our analyst noted that although it didn't have as much edge support or bounce compared with other latex mattresses, it contoured well to various body shapes. "It offers good pressure relief that seems ideal for side-sleepers," she said. Its DIY setup was also easier than that of other mattresses: "It has handles that make it easy to move, and the packaging had perforations that were easy to open. And it didn't smell at all!"
Nolah - 6/13
5) EOS Organic Pillow Top Mattress
Naturepedic
naturepedic.com
$4799.00
Each side of this luxury mattress has the option for five interchangeable firmness levels — ranging from Ultra Plush to Firm — so couples with different preferences can comfortably share a bed. Plus, you can easily exchange your firmness layer during a free 100-day trial period to make sure you love the level you choose.
This model is pricey and has a pillow top, but the EOS Classic version is made without the topper for a lower cost. And for even more customization, the brand offers a latex-free version that uses microcoils instead and a vegan version that's made without wool. And on top of these personalized features, Naturepedic is a pioneer in the organic bedding industry and offers natural choices for the entire family, from baby crib mattresses and mattresses for kids to plenty of options for adults.
What it's made of: The substantial 15-inch model includes a quilted organic cotton cover with wool and PLA (a plant-based plastic material) on top of an organic cotton pillow top. Then there's a layer of organic latex for comfort over the unique coil support system, which is the part of the mattress that can be swapped out for a different firmness level. (Just note that the twin, twin XL and full sizes select one firmness for the entire mattress.)
Tester notes: Our reviewers gave it high scores across the board. Their only complaints were that DIY setup was more work than expected and that it's heavy to lift when tucking in fitted sheets, but that's typical for a taller luxury mattress. One tester was blown away by how easy it was to swap the firmness layer and noted, "It's very comfortable and supportive. I love that it's organic, and I'm not sleeping on a bed of chemicals!" She also noted that because each side has a separate fill, she couldn't feel her sleeping partner move around.
Naturepedic - 7/13
6) Birch Natural Mattress
Birch
birchliving.com
$1499.00
Though it doesn't have any added cooling technology (which typically isn't found in organic mattresses), Birch's construction provides good breathability, and testers said they maintained comfortable temperatures while sleeping on it. It's also designed ergonomically to cushion your pressure points, and it's fairly affordable compared with other latex mattresses.
What it's made of: It uses steel coils for support with latex, wool and a cotton outer cover. Just note that it's not entirely natural or organic: Its flame-retardant layer is made of rayon, a fiber that's chemically processed from a natural raw material. Also, its latex layer is certified by eco-INSTITUT, which means it's been tested for indoor air quality but doesn't mean it's certified organic.
Tester notes: Besides its comfort and support, one tester noticed that she doesn't overheat on this mattress the way she did with more traditional beds: "It helps me maintain an even temperature, which in turn makes for a great night's sleep!" She also said it felt firmer and bouncier than foam mattresses, which is typical of latex.
Birch - 8/13
7) Eco Comfort Mattress
Parachute Home
parachutehome.com
$2199.00
If you prefer a firmer feel without any cushy latex or foam, this innerspring mattress is made up entirely of coils, wool and organic cotton. It has ergonomic zones to promote spine alignment, with a softer feel at the shoulders and legs for pressure relief and a firmer zone for the back. It doesn't list any organic certifications, but it's sustainably made with natural materials and doesn't use synthetic adhesives.
What it's made of: A quilted organic cotton outer cover, two layers of wool for comfort and temperature regulation, three layers of microcoils for pressure relief, a transitional layer of wool to separate the springs, a layer of zoned support coils and, finally, a bottom layer of wool.
Tester notes: Our analyst had a great experience testing this and loved the luxurious attention to detail. "The outer fabric on the top is crazy soft, and I could feel it through my sheets," she noted. She also liked that it wasn't as hard as other innerspring mattresses and said, "I used to toss and turn a lot because I couldn't find a position I was comfortable in, but I find that I'm comfortable in any position on this one."
Parachute - 9/13
8) Organic Bliss 2.0
PlushBeds
plushbeds.com
$2699.00
To help you build your perfect mattress, this luxury model offers nine sizes, two firmness levels (even more if you call the company for customization!) and your choice of the mattress alone or with a pillow top. And unlike most organic mattresses that are a hybrid of latex and coils, this one is spring-free, with layers of latex throughout for pressure relief, comfort and resilience.
What it's made of: Its cover is organic cotton, and there's a layer of temperature-regulating wool on top, followed by three separate layers of latex. These layers have varying firmness levels that you can swap out on your own over time.
Tester notes: Testers noticed this mattress had less "bounce" than ones with coil, so it's a good option to reduce motion transfer from sleeping partners. One user appreciated that it contours nicely without sinking in too much, calling it "a do not disturb feeling." Another tester described it as feeling "soft yet supportive."
PlushBeds - 10/13
9) Organica
Amerisleep
amerisleep.com
$1299.00
Though you could use this mattress on a regular bed frame, it stands out for being compatible with adjustable beds, thanks to its flexible construction that can change position without sliding around. It's a hybrid model with latex, wool and coils. The mattress is certified organic, though the brand says it uses organic cotton that meets GOTS standards.
What it's made of: Organic cotton for the outer cover, a top layer of wool, a two-inch layer of soft latex, a one-inch layer of medium latex, an eight-inch unit of coils with added edge support and a bottom layer of wool.
Tester notes: We don't have as much feedback on this model as we do with others, but our tester loved sleeping on it. In particular, she highlighted the contouring capabilities and motion isolation, saying, "We noticed a difference the first night we slept on it. It's very comfortable and hugs in the right places. I noticed I wake up well rested and don't find myself tossing and turning. My husband wakes up a lot earlier than me, and I am not awakened."
Amerisleep - 11/13
10) Latex Hybrid Mattress
Saatva
saatva.com
$1866.00
Offering top-notch mattresses in a direct-to-consumer model, Saatva's beds always impress both our experts and tester panel. This model in particular focuses on more natural materials, with cotton, wool and latex, plus coils for support. Just note that although the brand says it's organic, we weren't able to support that claim with certifications during our review. Still, if you're looking for a high-quality mattress made of natural materials, this one is certainly an excellent choice.
What it's made of: Like other models, this one has an organic cotton cover, a layer of wool, a layer of latex and pocketed coils for support. The latex and coils have ergonomic zones to help keep your spine aligned as you sleep.
Tester notes: Our panel respondents especially love the edge support on Saatva mattresses, making it easier to get in and out of bed. Plus, one user of this particular mattress told us, "There is more support in the right places." She also appreciated the medium firmness and the fact that it doesn't overheat like memory foam, saying it's "the best I’ve ever slept on."
Saatva - 12/13
11) How we test organic mattresses
The fiber scientists and engineers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluate mattresses of all kinds to find the best options for every sleeper. We review the materials, research the brands to ensure they can be trusted and have our analysts try them out firsthand. We also survey our proprietary panel to get long-term feedback from real mattress owners. In recent years, we've surveyed 10,000 consumers about their mattresses and reviewed more than 170,000 data points before recommending best mattresses.
When it comes to organic mattresses, we review the materials and claims even more extensively to ensure the materials are truly organic and not just promoting greenwashing claims. Here's what we consider for each:
- Materials and certifications: Our textile pros check whether the mattresses are made of natural materials (i.e., no memory foam or synthetic fabrics used). We also check to ensure they're GOTS and GOLS certified, and if they're not, we make sure it's transparent in our reviews. While we do consider other certifications that address nontoxic and health-related interests, these can be misleading because they may not validate organic claims.
- Ordering and delivery: Users weigh in on the entire process, from shopping to speed of delivery to ease of setup.
- Firmness level: Our reviewers give the mattress a firmness rating so we can tell whether the perceived firmness varies from the description on the mattress listing.
- Comfort and support: Our respondents rate the mattresses for comfort and support, including edge support and whether or not it sinks under their weight. They also note how well they liked sleeping on it initially, then over an extended period, and we continue to follow up with respondents over the years.
- Temperature regulation: We ask reviewers to rate how comfortable their body temperature remained while sleeping on the mattress, regardless of cooling claims.
- Sleep quality: Users share whether they feel the mattress affects their sleep quality and whether or not they wake up feeling sore. They can compare the mattress to previous beds they've slept on and share any specific likes, dislikes and additional comments they have about their experiences.
Lexie Sachs - 13/13
15) What else to keep in mind when shopping for organic mattresses
On top of making sure the organic claims are accurate, you also want to make sure your mattress will be comfortable and last for years — especially because organic beds are pricier. Here's what to consider when you shop:
✔️ Sleep position: Stomach-sleepers need a firm mattress, side-sleepers need a softer surface to avoid adding weight to joints and pressure points, and back-sleepers (or anyone who changes positions) would fall somewhere in between at a medium firmness.
✔️ Body type: Heavy people need a firmer bed for support to avoid sinking, while lightweight frames are better suited with a softer mattress to conform to their bodies. Take into account both your body type and sleep position when deciding on the right firmness level.
✔️ Back pain: A pressure-relieving mattress is ideal for anyone suffering, especially from lower-back or hip pain. Medical experts also advise to look for medium firmness for a balance of cushioning and support.
✔️ Temperature: Memory foam tends to sleep hot, so organic mattresses are beneficial in this aspect, and our testers noticed less overheating. Hot sleepers or anyone dealing with night sweats would benefit from a mattress with cooling properties.
✔️ Trial period: Most mattress companies offer an any-reason return period for at least 100 nights so you can make sure you love it before you fully commit to your purchase. Make sure to check whether there are any hidden return fees and how you go about making the return to ensure a smooth process.
Hearst Owned
