You spend most of your life asleep – why wouldn’t you make it the healthiest it can be? Yes, making the leap to an organic mattress can come at a hefty cost to many. Start digging into the potentially harmful materials in a conventional mattress. One may see how the health benefits that come with organic mattresses will far outweigh its cost.
Runner Up
Cedar Natural Luxe Mattress
Winner
Avocado Green Mattress
Runner Up
Energie Opus by Essentia
In this guide, we will shed light on known toxic materials used in conventional mattresses. Using what we learned so far, we will examine 4 things to look for when purchasing an organic mattress. We will round things off with our review of some of the best organic mattresses in the market. Easy peasy!
Harmful Chemicals in Mattresses
Harmful VOCs:
Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are minute amounts of gaseous chemicals mattresses release. VOCs usually come from polyurethane, plastic, and other chemicals used in mattress production. You can’t find VOCs listed on the label since they’re byproducts of the mattress components. VOCs’ release is highest when lying on the mattress since our body’s heat stimulates the off-gassing. Most mattresses’ VOC emission is at no significant risk levels or can only cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. Others emit benzene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde, which are linked with increased cancer risk. Opting for mattresses made out of cotton, wool, and latex decreases your chances for VOC exposure.
Toxic Flame Retardant Materials:
You can find more than 175 fire retardants in appliances or furniture around your house. One of the most dangerous fire retardants are polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs. They’re associated with cancer, brain damage, reproductive health problems, etc. After much research, the PBDEs got globally banned, but a sub-group decaBDE is still subject to voluntary phase-out. Babies, children, and teenagers exposed to PBDEs have a higher risk of health consequence, like developing allergies, diabetes, liver and thyroid problems, and cancer. Even though PBDEs are banned, you can still find them in some products. To protect yourself and your family best, look for mattresses made from natural fibers and avoid products treated with formaldehyde.
Low Quality Poly Foams:
Polyurethane foam is what makes your couch or mattress comfortable. Polyurethane foam is the product of the reaction between polyols and diisocyanates. The most common diisocyanate used in flexible polyurethane foam production is toluene diisocyanate (TDI). Polyol, on the other hand, is a product of propylene oxide. Both TDI and propylene oxide are listed as carcinogenic, linked to breast cancer, disrupt the hormonal and reproductive system, and cause respiratory problems. But polyurethane foam is not toxic by default. A CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foam is safe to use, since it has passed the test for off-gassing TDI and propylene oxide, among other harmful compounds.
Summary of the Best Organic Mattresses
- Best Organic Mattress: Avocado Green Mattress »
- Best Mattress for Back Pain: Cedar Natural Luxe Mattress »
- Best Organic Cooling Mattress: Energie Opus by Essentia »
- Best Mattress for Side Sleeper: The Botanical Bliss® »
- Best Hybrid: Nest Certified Organic Hybrid Latex »
How to Choose the Best Organic Mattress
A better understanding of the materials that go into our mattress goes a long way! We now know what to avoid in theory, but how can we be sure the end product meets our health and purchase standards? Are there other criteria we should consider when purchasing an organic mattress? Let’s examine the top considerations next.
Non-Toxic
OEKO-Tex Standard 100, Green Guard, and Eco-Insitut are some labels that help identify if the mattress is non-toxic.
Certified Organic
GOLS and GOTS certification verifies the latex and natural fibers used are organic and manufactured sustainably.
Comfort
Labels aside, the mattress’s firmness, support, and feel should match your unique requirements and comfort standards.
Affordability
As with anything organic, you should expect to pay more. Fortunately, some organic mattresses remain affordable.
Top 5 Organic Mattresses Compared
While each organic mattress we review is unique in its own way, what happens when we level the playing field? From material certifications to trial periods, let’s see how the key features of each mattress match up against each other.
| Brand | Organic Certifications | Non-Toxic Certifications | Firmness Rating | Free Trial Period | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Avocado Green Mattress | GOTS & GOLS Certified | Formaldehyde-Free MADE SAFE® Certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® Eco-INSTITUT tested GREENGUARD Gold | 7/10 (Firm Mattress) | 365 nights trial period | |
 Cedar Natural Luxe Mattress | GOTS & GOLS Certified | STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® GREENGUARD Gold | 7/10 (Firm Mattress) | 365 nights trial | |
 Energie Opus by Essentia | GOTS & GOLS Certified | GREENGUARD Certified adhesives STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® EuroLatex ECO-Standard | 5/10 (Medium Firmness) | 120-night trial | |
 The Botanical Bliss | GOTS & GOLS Certified | Eco-INSTITUT tested STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® GREENGUARD Gold Control Union Certified | 6 to 6.5/10 (Choice of Medium to Medium-Firm Mattress) | 100 night trial | |
 Nest Certified Organic Hybrid Latex | GOTS & GOLS Certified | GREENGUARD Gold certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® | 3 Firmness Options: 8/10 (Firm Mattress) 5.5/10 (Medium Firmness) 3.5/10 (Plush) | 100 nights free trial |
Best Organic Mattress for Sleeping
1. Avocado Green Mattress – Best Organic Mattress
Avocado Green Mattress
Rated as the best organic mattress Avocado Green Mattress is GOLS, GOTS, Greenguard Gold, and Oeko-Tex certified latex mattress. A fantastic mix of affordability, luxury, and durability in one. With internal zoning, you get excellent support, whether you’re a back or stomach sleeper.
Highlights:
- Zoned support in 5 areas
- GOLS certified organic latex, GOTS certified organic cotton and wool
- Wool fire barrier and hand-tufting in-lieu of chemical adhesives
- No polyfoam and certified formaldehyde-free
- Optional pillow-top for added plush feel
- Made in USA
Avocado Green Mattress is an organic, non-toxic mattress made out of certified organic materials like latex, wool, and cotton. This mattress features a zoned support system that offers pressure support in five areas. It’s hand-tufted, which makes it firmer, more stable, and more durable. For a more plush feel, you can upgrade it with a 2-inch pillow top.
Avocado Green Mattress dominates the list as the mattress with most certificates and accreditations for organic production. Even though it’s made in the USA, it’s one of the most affordable organic mattresses. Keen to please the indecisive, this brand offers 365 nights trial period.
Pros and Cons of the Avocado Green Mattress:
Pros
- Received the most accreditations for non-toxicity of all mattresses we’ve seen.
- Surprisingly, it’s also one of the most affordable organic mattresses.
- Super generous sleep trial.
- Zoning support and optional pillow-top are a huge plus for those that need it.
- Socially and environmentally responsible. Avocado is the only Certified B Corporation® reviewed.
Cons
- Like all coil and latex mattresses, motion isolation is a bit lacking.
Switch not only to an organic but a latex mattress too with the Avocado Green Mattress. Affordable and guaranteed to help you sleep with a clear conscience.
2. Cedar Natural Luxe Mattress – Best Organic Mattress for Back Pain
Cedar Natural Luxe Mattress
Brentwood Home Cedar Natural Luxe is an eco-conscious organic luxury mattress with seven strategic zones for maximum comfort. Made out of organic latex and flame resistant Alpaca wool with hand-stitched handles and recycled steel coils, this mattress is a real indulgence.
Highlights:
- 3-zone support in comfort layer & 7-zone innerspring support
- GOLS certified organic latex, GOTS certified organic cotton and wool
- Alpaca wool as flame retardant
- No polyfoam or chemical adhesives used
- Optional topper for a softer feel
- Made in USA
Any Cedar Natural Luxe mattress review tells you it’s the ultimate choice for those with back support problems. That’s thanks to the latex zoning support in three targeted zones and 975 pocketed coils that release pressure from your back, shoulders, and hips. Since it’s a firm mattress, side sleepers can add a 3-inch latex topper for a softer feel.
The reinforced edges are ideal if you prefer sleeping near the edge of the bed. The Alpaca wool makes for a luxurious mattress cover and excellent fire resistance. Due to the latex and coils combination, there is slight motion transfer, so it’s not the best choice for couples.
Pros and Cons of the Cedar Natural Luxe:
Pros
- Excellent pressure relief from zoning within pocket coils.
- Zoned latex in the comfort layer further distributes pressure across shoulders, hips, and lower back.
- Optional euro-top is great for side and combination sleepers.
- Generous sleep trial period.
Cons
- Slight off-gassing from packaging which dissipated within half a day of airing out.
- Not so great for partners who sleep light. The combo of latex and pocket coils make for a bouncy bed.
Love luxury but don’t want to be rushed into settling? Take your time; Brentwood Home offers a 365 night trial period on their Cedar Luxe Mattress!
3. Energie Opus by Essentia – Best Organic Cooling Mattress
Energie Opus by Essentia
Energie Opus is an organic cooling mattress that’s environment friendly and has no VOCs emission. With patented natural memory foam and latex support foam and 3 degrees cooler than room temperature, this is a night-sweating side sleeper’s best choice.
Highlights:
- Patented natural memory foam made from hevea latex
- GOLS certified organic latex, GOTS certified organic cotton & bucaneve (yarn) liner
- No chemical flame retardants or polyfoam
- No VOC emission. Independently tested by Exova Labs.
- Made in Canada
Energie Opus is handcrafted in GOLS and GOTS certified factories, with natural memory foam made from hevea latex. The memory foam adjusts to your body to eliminate any pressure from hips and shoulders, providing uninterrupted sleep. This organic cooling mattress allows you to sleep 3 degrees cooler by pulling heat from your body through the mattress during the night.
Essentia guarantees no fire retardants, polyurethane foam, or other unsafe chemicals were used during manufacturing. Energie Opus comes at a steep price compared to other organic mattresses, but you can test it out for 120 nights and see if it’s worth the splurge.
Pros and Cons of the Energie Opus:
Pros
- The only mattress reviewed that offers a memory-foam type contour without the sinkage.
- Unlike many memory foam mattresses, the Energie Opus sleeps cool.
- No off-gassing.
- Great for those that prefer an all-natural latex mattress with a gentler feel.
- Fully biodegradable mattress.
Cons
- It’s a heavy mattress. Handles would be handy during set up.
Wave the night sweats goodbye with Energie Opus. Save yourself from tossing and turning, and finally wake up fresh and rested.
4. The Botanical Bliss® – Best Mattress for Side Sleeper
Botanical Bliss®
Botanical Bliss Mattress offers luxurious comfort and superior support, making it the best organic mattress for side sleepers. The organic Talalay and Dunlop latex provide exceptional pressure relief, while the organic cotton and wool serve as great temperature and moisture regulators.
Highlights:
- Customizable layers, firmness & height
- GOLS certified organic latex, GOTS certified organic cotton & wool
- No PBDE Flame Retardants or harmful chemicals used in adhesives
- Made in USA
Botanical Bliss is an organic latex mattress made from two layers of Dunlop and one layer of Talalay latex for a softer feel and a 25 years durability guarantee. This mattress perfectly adjusts to your pressure points to release any pain or discomfort. There’s around 10lb of GOTS certified New Zealand wool used in the mattress that helps regulate your sleep temperature.
Finding a certified organic mattress that’s affordable is a rarity, and Botanical Bliss is one of them. It’s not only the best organic mattress for side sleepers; you can unzip the cover and adjust the firmness from medium to firm by rotating the latex layers.
Pros and Cons of the Botanical Bliss®:
Pros
- Can’t decide which firmness level works best? Just swap layers around.
- Talalay latex makes the mattress more ‘cushy’ and bouncy.
- High profile option is great for individuals with problems getting out of bed.
- Overall, a good and affordable mattress for someone trying out a latex mattress for the first time.
Cons
- The ability to flip layers around is great but there’s no way to do it ergonomically.
Join the best sleepers club with an affordable and ergonomic organic latex mattress. With 100 trial nights, you have plenty of time to change your mind!
5. Nest Certified Organic Hybrid Latex – Best Hybrid
Nest Hybrid Latex Mattress
Nest Bedding comes through with the best organic latex hybrid mattress. Made from certified organic cotton, wool, and latex and free from synthetic fillers and fire retardants. All material is treated in a zero chemical Ozone chamber, making the mattress free of microbes.
Highlights:
- Choose between 2 different firmness ratings
- No polyurethane foams or synthetic material
- Wool batting used as a flame barrier
- Made in USA
To get the best of both worlds, Nest Bedding crafted the best organic latex hybrid mattress. Made exclusively from GOTS certified cotton and wool and GOLS certified latex to keep you safe from polyurethane foams and other toxic materials. Each mattress comes with a limited lifetime warranty as a reassurance of the craftsmanship quality.
Depending on your sleep position, you can choose between three firmness levels, Plush, Medium, and Lux Firm. The brand recommends to unzip the cover and rotate the layers periodically, to ensure a longer mattress life. If you’re having doubts, Nest Bedding offers a 100 nights sleep trial to gain your trust in their hybrid mattress.
Pros and Cons of the Nest Hybrid Mattress:
Pros
- Choose between 2 firmness levels.
- You can extend the lifespan of the mattress simply by swapping worn-out layers down the road.
- No odors. No off-gassing at all.
- Coil and latex combo helps the sleeper stay cool.
Cons
- Comes at the highest price point of all mattresses reviewed.
- At the current price, we wished they would’ve reinvested back into social programs.
Investing in an organic mattress is investing in your health. Nest Organic Hybrid Latex comes at a steep price but they offer prolonged payment plans and a generous trial period.
Choosing the Best Organic Mattress
Non-Toxic
Certificates are a seal of approval for the mattress’s safety, and an independent 3rd party must conduct them. Manufacturers do try and craft the certificates themselves, so beware and double-check.
Certified Organic
While remarkably similar to GOTS, which refers to cotton wool and silk, GOLS certificates can be found in latex mattresses. A USDA organic seal is another great certificate to look for in a mattress since it proves that your mattress is at least 95% organic.
Comfort
Mattress zoning is something that can help with particular preferences since it matches the shape of your body. If you’re not clear of what will be the most comfortable mattress for you, look for brands that offer free trials. You can often test the mattress for up to 30 days before deciding if you want to keep it.
Affordability
Organic mattresses are an investment in your and your family’s well-being. But an organic mattress shouldn’t break the bank. Some brands offer payment plans where you can pay in several installments, so you won’t have to sacrifice much to obtain your well deserved organic mattress.
FAQ
What is ‘Greenguard Gold certified’?
GreenGuard Gold is a certification by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL for short) that helps consumers identify products with low VOC emissions. To be designated GreenGuard Gold, the product’s total VOC emission should not exceed 220 μg/m3.
What is GREENGUARD Formaldehyde-Free?
Products certified as Formaldehyde-Free must meet the same emission standards as GreenGuard Gold in addition to 5 µg/m2hr at 24 elapsed exposure hours or 3 µg/m2•hr at 336 elapsed exposure hours. This is the strictest of all GreenGuard standards.
What are Eco-INSTITUT tested products?
Products with the eco-INSTITUT label are low in hazardous substances, odor, and emissions. The designation helps consumers narrow down healthy and environmentally-friendly products. To verify if the label is genuine, you can always look for the product’s certification number.
What does STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® mean?
The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification applies to textiles ranging from raw fabrics to finished products. Each component has to be clear of regulated and non-regulated substances hazardous to human health in order to be certified.
What are MADE SAFE® products?
MADE SAFE® screens household products for hazardous materials to human health, the environment, and animals. MADE SAFE®’s holistic approach to product certification is geared towards building a safe and sustainable future