10 Best Organic Mattresses For Non-Toxic Sleep – 2024

Best For | Best overall
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS Certified organic cotton, GREENGUARD Gold Certified & OEKO-TEX Certified Talalay latex, eco-INSTITUT Certified
Features | Made in the USA, 100-night trial, 0% financing options, 25-year warranty
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattresses
Firmness Options | 6–7/10 (medium firm)
Sizes Available | Kids Twin, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Queen Price | $1405

Birch’s natural and organic mattress may just be the coziest mattress ever. The NYC-based brand boasts OEKO-TEX and Rainforest Alliance certifications and, for every mattress sold, Birch plants one tree through the National Forest Foundation. This green mattress is made with organic, natural, hypoallergenic, and anti-microbial materials, including a natural cotton cover, hygroscopic wool (from New Zealand), and sustainably-tapped latex to keep even the warmest sleeper cool. For support, the individually wrapped steel coils (steel made in the USA) offer extra comfort and optimized pressure relief. We’ve personally tested this mattress and found it soft and springy, while still feeling supportive (see that it’s a medium firmness) and offering excellent edge support. We especially love the support of the Birch Luxe! With all its awards and natural mattress components, Birch makes it easy to sleep soundly and safely.

Our Editor’s Review | “This mattress helps me sleep better, so much so that I’ve gone from avoiding bedtime to looking forward to it. Now, I just have a more challenging time getting up. After my first night on the Birch Luxe, my daughter had to wake me up, and I typically don’t even need an alarm clock. In addition to deeper, better-quality sleep, I’ve also noticed my body feels refreshed and ache-free. I also went from a restless side sleeper to a comfy combo sleeper — spending a good part of the night on my back and sans any pillow between my knees.” – Randi Donahue, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

Discounts Available | Use code BF25 at checkout to save 25% off sitewide during the Black Friday sale, plus get two free pillows with any mattress purchase

Best For | Most comfortable
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS Certified organic cotton & wool, GOLS Certified organic latex, GREENGUARD Gold, MADE SAFE, OEKO-TEX, EWG Certified, Climate Neutral Certified, PETA-Approved Vegan option available
Features | Awarded #1 Consumer Reports ratings, handmade in the USA, up to a 1-year mattress trial, 25-year warranty
Mattress Types | Organic hybrid mattresses and organic latex mattresses
Firmness Options | Multiple firmness options available
Sizes Available | Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Queen Price | $1169

Avocado Green Mattress is high on our list for its organic ingredients, range of products, and comfort. (I’ve literally napped on my daughter’s crib mattress because, you guessed it, it’s an Avocado and it’s that dreamy). Consumer Reports polled its users on over 100 mattress brands and ranked Avocado #1 by a wide margin.

Co­-founders Alex and Jeff D’Andrea couldn’t find an affordable, safe, and non­toxic mattress for their family (specifically one without petroleum-based polyurethane foam, toxic fire retardants, chemical adhesives, dangerous pesticides, or other off­gassing chemicals). Even in a crowded marketplace, a truly green mattress at an affordable price point didn’t exist, so they set out to make one.

While many bed-in-a-box companies white-label products from the same factories and greenwash their eco-claims, Avocado owns their entire supply chain and meets the most stringent standards for ecology and social responsibility. Every mattress is handmade in California with GOTS Certified organic cotton and wool from India, and GOLS Certified organic latex from India and Guatemala. All of Avocado’s mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low emissions, and extremely comfortable for a wide range of sleepers.

The brand also offers a vegan-certified mattress, organic cotton mattress pad protectors, and bedroom furniture, handmade from reclaimed or sustainably sourced wood. As members of 1% for the Planet, Avocado gives back to environmental and social nonprofits, is a Certified B Corporation, and is even a Climate Neutral Certified brand. Our editors have personally reviewed the flagship mattress, the luxurious plush mattress, and the more affordable Eco Organic mattress!

Our Editor’s Review | “Since receiving the Green Mattress six months ago, I’ve been getting better rest, and my sleep scores have reflected that. My chiropractor has noticed my spine health is looking great, too. My husband loves the mattress as well, and he’s a hard sell when it comes to mattresses and pillows! […] I feel confident in saying that Avocado is the real deal when it comes to safe, non-toxic, and quality mattresses.” – Kayti Christian, Senior Content Strategist [Read her full review]

Discounts Available | Save up to 20% on mattresses during Avocado’s Veteran’s Day sale, with the highest discount available on the luxury organic mattress

Best For | Most affordable, and good for muscle recovery
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US Certified foam, eco-INSTITUT Certified
Features | Made in the USA, 100-night trial
Mattress Type | Memory foam mattresses and natural latex hybrid mattresses
Firmness Options | 7/10; multiple firmness options available
Sizes Available | Kids Twin, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Queen Price | $699

The Bear Hybrid is a GREENGUARD Gold Certified mattress designed for athletes and the most active people. A luxury mattress with coils and cooling foams, it boasts a Celliant Sleep Technology to promote better sleep and faster muscle recovery. Bear’s mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring low VOCs and beds that are free from toxic chemicals and harsh flame retardants. In our testing, we’ve found the Bear Original to be an excellent budget-friendly option for back sleepers who prefer a firmer feel. The Bear Natural offers a cozy pillowtop feel on top of a firm base — which would also make it a good option for folks who toss and turn, since there’s low motion transfer.

Bear Mattress Review | “After switching from a softer mattress to the Bear Elite Hybrid in a medium firmness, I’ve noticed fewer restless nights of sleep. I find myself sleeping comfortably in positions I don’t usually sleep in, like on my back or belly, and the mattress is easy to move around on without too much motion transfer. I’ve also experienced shorter recovery times after strenuous exercise. If you’re looking for performance- and recovery-forward sleep, Bear has a variety of options at a range of price points that all offer support without sacrificing comfort!” – Emily McGowan, Editorial Director (Read her full review)

Discounts Available | Save 30% off Bear mattresses when you use code FALL30 at checkout

Best For | Side sleepers and customizable mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS Certified cotton & wool, GOLS Certified organic latex, USDA Certified Organic, eco-INSTITUT Certified, GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Features | Handmade in the USA, 100-night trial, lifetime warranty, Vegan Certified mattresses available
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattresses and organic latex mattresses
Firmness Options | Multiple firmness options available
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Split Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King and kids mattresses
Queen Price | $949

PlushBeds is a leading online luxury mattress manufacturer and retailer, specializing in organic mattresses and bedding. All products are handcrafted in their GOLS and GOTS Certified organic production facility in California, with free shipping within the contiguous USA. The company offers a thorough selection of certified organic and eco-friendly mattresses at accessible prices, especially through key holidays, so keep an eye out for their promotions. Each of the brand’s mattresses is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, ensuring your bed has met some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low chemical emissions (plus, the brand never uses PFAS in its production). The company also provides environmental scholarships for college students, gives back to environmental and social nonprofits, and offsets 100% of its carbon emissions via TerraPass. For us side sleepers, we especially love PlushBeds memory foam options, which is one of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers. It doesn’t give us too much — or too little — firmness. Medium is just right!

PlushBeds Mattress Review | “After our first night of sleep on our Signature Bliss mattress, I noticed it was the first morning in weeks that I’d woken up without any aches and pains. Sometimes I’m not aware I’m not sleeping well until I get one really good night of sleep — anyone else? That’s how this particular morning was. Noticing how deeply I’d slept made me realize how poorly I’d been sleeping leading up until that point. […] Another noteworthy anecdote: Since sleeping on our new mattress, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in motion transfer. With a husband who tosses and turns and two little children who occasionally end up in between us, more nights than not I can feel at least one family member or another shifting around in our bed […] since upgrading to our PlushBeds mattress, the motion transfer is at an all-time low.” – Kate Arceo, Community Manager [Read her full review]

Discounts Available | Use code GOODTRADE100 for an additional $100 off your purchase.

Best For | Hot sleepers
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOLS Certified organic latex, GOTS Certified wool, OEKO-TEX and GREENGUARD Gold Certified materials, Repreve Certified materials
Features | 365-night trial, lifetime warranty, free shipping
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid
Firmness Options | 6–7/10 (medium firm)
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Queen Price | $999

Purchasing a quality mattress is an investment, and it can feel like a daunting decision. But Awara makes it easy to take the leap with a 365-night trial, premium customer service, and a forever warranty. Our editor took the plunge with an Awara (and in her dream size, the Cal King!) and she and her husband have slept like babies and never looked back.

We love Awara’s natural luxury hybrid mattress for its breathability and organic components, as well as the nine-inch contouring support core for pressure relief. It’s firm yet plush, and we feel confident the mattress is supporting our bodies and aiding in a healthy night’s sleep. Its ability to keep hot sleepers cool at night is outstanding (hello, fellow sweaty sleepers! 👋), the latex is breathable and the coils boost airflow. The mattress comes straight to your door in a cardboard box, and it’s as easy as rolling it out and using the fabric handles to place it on your bed frame for a supremely cool and comfortable night’s sleep.

Our Editor’s Review | “In terms of comfort, the experience was immediate. I could feel it was a fit. I like a firm mattress, so the Awara mattress was perfect for me. It had just enough give (admittedly, I did do a bounce test and it passed with flying colors) while retaining its shape. I’ve been a tosser and turner my whole life, but I slept like a stone on my Awara. A cool stone, at that — [since I’m a hot sleeper, that] was the most satisfying part. From someone who has also been called a restless sleeper by everyone I have shared a bed with, this was a monumental achievement.” – Langa Chinyoka, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

Best For | Memory foam-like mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS Certified organic cotton & wool, GOLS Certified organic latex, Fair Trade Certifications, OEKO-TEX Certified materials
Features | Responsibly made in USA, 1-year sleep trial, 25-year warranty, in-home delivery, free shipping
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattresses and organic latex mattresses
Firmness Options | Multiple firmness options available
Sizes Available | Crib, Kids Twin, Kids Twin XL, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, 11″ and 13″ height options available on select mattresses
Queen Price | $719

A California brand through and through, Brentwood Home has been handcrafting natural luxury mattresses here in Los Angeles since 1987. The company sources its natural, organic, and nontoxic materials directly — following rigorous standards for environmental responsibility and the health of the consumer. You’ll get your dreamiest (and greenest) sleep on Brentwood’s Hybrid Latex Mattress, it represents the pinnacle of eco-conscious mattress design and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Brentwood Home also gives back to several social and environmental initiatives and partners with Carbonfund to offset its carbon footprint. They are your best if you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on the organic certifications, their twin mattress is the most affordable on our list and makes going organic more reasonable for the whole family.

Brentwood Home Review | “After sleeping on firm mattresses for most of my life, I tried Brentwood’s Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress to ease my aches and pains. The Oceano’s hybrid construction with memory foam significantly improved my hip and neck pain, helped me to sleep cooler (no AC needed!), and was luxuriously comfortable. The brand’s ethical manufacturing and safe materials sweetened the experience.” – Ashley D’Arcy, Senior Editor [Read her full review]

Discounts Available | Save 10% sitewide for the Veteran’s Day Sale, no code needed

Best For | Luxury shoppers, or heavy people who prefer additional support
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOLS Certified organic latex, 100% natural New Zealand wool, GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Features | Made in the USA, made with recycled steel coils, Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment, 180-day trial, eco-friendly production, gives back to charity
Mattress Type | Organic innerspring mattresses and hybrid mattresses
Firmness Options | Multiple firmness options available
Sizes Available | Crib, Kids Twin, Kids Twin XL, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Queen Price | $1645

Saatva is a leading disruptor in the mattress industry. From latex to memory foam, the company has an impressive collection to fit every person’s sleep needs and, by cutting out retail commissions, the company can sell to consumers at a fraction of the cost. Saatva’s disruptive model goes even further than distribution as the mattresses are made with plant-based, eco-friendly materials and crafted in the USA. The company also gives back, donating hundreds of natural mattresses to high-need organizations around the country.

Several of our editors rave about the luxury innerspring mattress — it’s their forever pick. For a memory foam mattress comparable to iComfort and Tempur-Pedic (but at a fraction of the cost), we love Loom & Leaf, Saatva’s memory foam line. While memory foam is not an all-natural material, these mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning the foam is low in VOCs. For a latex option, Saatva’s Zenhaven Mattress is 100% all-natural Talalay latex, which is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, microbes, and dust mites. The Talalay manufacturing process is entirely water-based, minimizing the amount of environmentally harmful byproducts. 

Saatva Mattress Review | “Saatva’s Classic Mattress in Luxury Firm is the gold standard for sleeping like you’re in a luxury hotel. The brand has a patented Lumbar Zone® Technology and responsive dual-coil design made of recycled carbon steel meaning it’s super supportive and will never sag. It helped with my lower back pain, and since I insist on a nontoxic mattress for my family, Saatva’s GREENGUARD Gold certification means this mattress ticked all the boxes.” – Trinity Wilbourn, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

Best For | Medium-firm mattresses that are just right, with breathable & moisture-wicking options
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS Certified organic cotton, OEKO-TEX Certified Talalay latex, low-VOC & CertiPUR-US certified foam
Features | Designed & assembled in the USA, made with sustainable Joma Wool® and recycled steel supports, no PFAS added, risk-free 100-night trial, 10-year limited warranty, free no-contact delivery, payment plans available
Mattress Types | Hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses
Firmness Options | 6/10 (medium firm)
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King; options available for plus size sleepers
Queen Price | $1574

For a cooling and supportive rest for our medium-firm mattress lovers, you can’t get better than Leesa’s Natural Hybrid Mattress! Made in conjunction with home decor icons West Elm, this premium mattress is consciously crafted using sustainable materials for a healthy and nourishing sleep. Each layer of this hybrid mattress serves a unique function; this includes a thick responsive support layer made from nearly 1,032 active response springs alongside a buoyant and breathable Talalay latex layer that’s naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial, and temperature-neutral. All this and more is topped with pure New Zealand wool made from sustainably sourced Joma Wool® to wick away moisture and odor — and help promote a restorative and comfortable snooze! When we tested the Leesa Natural, we found it to be temperature-stable (while still feeling cozy), and have low motion transfer (no bouncy interruptions if you sleep with someone who tosses and turns.) With every purchase, Leesa gives back to both social and environmental initiatives, including donating mattresses to families in need and recovering ocean-bound plastic. Give this mattress a whirl risk-free for 100 nights and see why this eco-friendly and expertly made latex mattress is a hot sleeper’s dream!  

Our Editor’s Review | “After sleeping on it for a couple of weeks, our Leesa x West Elm Natural Hybrid Mattress feels even more comfortable and slightly contoured to our bodies. My husband and I have both been sleeping more soundly, and any of those minor neck or shoulder pains we’ve had have gone away (!). We credit this to the uniquely designed, individually encased springs. They adjust to the body during the night, so you’re supported in any position you find yourself in. I’ve found it makes a huge difference in how good I’m feeling in my body during the day.” – Courtney Jay Higgins, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

Discounts Available | Through November 19th, save 25% off select mattresses and receive two free pillows with your purchase (you can save 25% off bedding and bases, too!)

Best For | Child & crib mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS organic certified cotton & wool, GOLS Certified organic latex & coconut coir, MADE SAFE Certified, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, OEKO-TEX Certified
Features | Made in the USA, 365-night sleep trial, 20-year warranty, free shipping, hand button tufting, financing available
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattresses and organic latex mattresses
Firmness Options | 7/10 (medium firm)
Sizes Available | Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King
Queen Price | $1124

As a brand with an impressive number of certifications including GOLS, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD, and MADE SAFE, My Green Mattress offers two hybrid mattresses, a children’s mattress and a crib option crafted from organic coconut coir. Fully hypoallergenic and toxin-free, this Illinois-based company fits its high-quality mattresses with a custom-design Madison spring system. This includes a 7-zone innerspring and nearly 1,140 pocketed coils alongside a thick layer of 2-inch Dunlop latex for a supportive yet comfy rest. My Green Mattress is backed by a 20-year warranty and a year-long sleep trial, so you can rest easy committing to your purchase (trust us, it’s worth it!). Go for these mattresses if you have bunk beds or trundle beds in your home, as My Green Mattress specially designs options that work with these setups, at an affordable price!

My Green Mattress Review | “The Pure Eco mattress has just enough plushness on top to give that delicious, sinking-into-a-cloud feeling without being a bean bag that destroys your back. The feeling of this mattress is on par with memory foam, only it’s not made of the synthetic, chemical stuff. Instead, this mattress features a pocketed coil spring system that provides added lumbar and edge support designed for overall comfort for kids and adults up to 400 lbs. The 1 1/4″ layer of GOTS-certified organic and OEKO-TEX certified dunlop latex gives that sink-your-toes-in feeling while being eco-friendly and PFAS-free. After about an hour of too-excited-to-sleep zoomies, our daughter crashed into one of her deepest sleeps on her first night. She’s reported nothing but love for her bed every night since!” – Stephanie Fallon, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

Discounts Available | Save 10% on your order, automatically applied at checkout (this offer does not include the Pure Eco Organic Kids Mattress)

Best For | Hypoallergenic organic latex mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS organic certified cotton & wool, GOLS Certified organic latex, MADE SAFE Certified, EWG Verified, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, UL verified formaldehyde-free, PETA-approved vegan options available
Features | Adjustable firmness, 100-night trial, free shipping, 25-year warranty program, free returns, made in USA, gives back
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattresses and organic latex mattresses
Firmness Options | Multiple firmness options available (including customized)
Sizes Available | Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King
Queen Price | $1999

Founded specifically with family-safe nontoxic materials in mind, Naturepedic has been one of the leaders in the organic mattress space for over 20 years. With a range of options, including mattresses for kids, vegan mattresses, as well as luxury customizable and split mattress options, we can see why the brand is so well-loved. Naturepedic mattresses are particularly favorites for hot sleepers and folks who are sensitive to smells or have allergies, thanks to being hypoallergenic. Plus, all of their mattresses are formaldehyde-free, and made without PFAS or chemical flame retardants while still maintaining flammability standards. (Psst — the brand’s crib mattresses are waterproof without the use of harmful chemicals, too!)

While Naturepedic mattresses do run on the more expensive side, you can count on the fact you’re getting a great nontoxic mattress, made responsibly and sustainably in the USA, that will last you decades.

Naturepedic Mattress Review | “In my research, I found the hypoallergenic properties of latex mattresses are good for people who are sensitive to smells and have allergies (aka me). Since switching to Naturepedic, my sleep has been great (and my fiancé reported his sleep has improved too!). We both noticed the lack of motion transfer — feeling each other move in the middle of the night — and loved the luxury feel of it. And when I had a two-day migraine, it was fantastic to have a mattress that kept me cool and supported my head, neck, and back while I rested — especially because I feel extra sensitive to pressure, heat, and other stimuli during those times. “ – Brianna Schubert, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]

There are now over 175 bed-in-a-box mattress brands to choose from 🤯. Selecting a new mattress is totally daunting! Mattress shopping is an incredibly personal decision — and a steep investment — so it’s important to find the perfect fit. (Of course, our favorite brands listed above offer sleep trials to make sure you’re completely satisfied, but it’s never fun having to coordinate the return of a mattress that didn’t work out for you.) Here’s a look at what factors you might consider depending on the type of sleep preferences you have!

Start your search with a budget and mattress size in mind, which may help you narrow down the type of mattress within your price range. We’ve listed the types of mattresses below in order from least expensive to most expensive.

Which type of mattress should you choose?

• Innerspring mattresses are ideal for people who prefer a more traditional mattress feel (think: a little bouncy), and for folks who tend to sleep hot thanks to the good airflow around the springs.
  • Pros: Often more affordable, supportive, and breathable
  • Cons: You might notice squeaking or creaking, there’s not much motion isolation (so you’ll feel it if your partner tosses and turns), and innerspring mattresses may wear out faster than other types 

• Memory Foam mattresses are excellent for side sleepers and people who deal with joint pain. The foam offers greater motion isolation than innersprings do, which means you won’t wake up if your bedmate moves or gets up a lot.
  • Pros: Contours to your body, offering motion isolation and pressure relief
  • Cons: Can retain heat (watch out, hot sleepers), and depending on the materials you might experience off-gassing odors

• Hybrid mattresses offer a balance of innerspring and foam mattresses. We think of them as the “Goldilocks beds” because they’re just right for a wide range of people. You’ll get support and comfort no matter how you sleep (especially if you sleep in multiple positions!).
  • Pros: A balance of support and comfort (not too firm or soft)
  • Cons: Can be heavy depending on the materials used, and more expensive because of the multiple components

• Latex mattresses offer similar contouring and support to memory foam, which makes them a good choice for smell-sensitive people or folks with allergies. Latex is also naturally well-ventilated, making it a great choice for hot sleepers. And, of course, latex is a natural material so you can feel better about the eco-impact of your mattress. You can find a complete list of all-latex mattresses here.
  • Pros: Hypoallergenic, responsive without being too bouncy (or making you feel like you’ve sunk into quicksand, like some memory foam), and has impressive durability for many years of use
  • Cons: All-natural latex mattresses can get very heavy if they’re not mixed with other materials and often carry the highest price tags

Which firmness should you look for?

• Back Sleepers typically enjoy medium-firm to firm mattresses. For support and spinal alignment, look for memory foam, latex, and firmer hybrid mattresses.
• Side Sleepers will typically sleep well on soft to medium mattresses. Look for softer memory foam and hybrid mattresses to get relief when you’re lying on your shoulders and hips.
• Stomach Sleepers will likely snooze best on firm mattresses. Look for firm innerspring and foam mattresses that reduce sinking so you can keep your spinal alignment.

What certifications ensure a mattress is organic?

While there are a range of natural materials that offer nontoxic sleep, we look for brands that carry additional certifications to ensure their mattresses are as safe as they claim to be. Here are the certifications we look for when it comes to organic (and sustainable) mattresses.

While you can find more affordable mattresses than the options on this list, it’s important to recognize that not all mattresses are created equal. Most conventional mattresses available online and in-store contain harmful substances that impact your home’s air quality as well as your health with chronic, long-term exposure. Here are a few to look out for:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gasses emitted from certain solids or liquids, including many synthetic materials used in mattresses. (They’re also common in paints!) VOCs have health impacts ranging from mild irritation and nausea to liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Some VOCs are even known carcinogens.
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals used in some mattresses and furniture for their water and stain-resistant properties. Research on these “forever chemicals” by the CDC and the EPA has linked PFAS to liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression, and cancer.
• Chemical flame retardants, like brominated or halogenated flame retardants, are added to mattresses to ensure they meet fire safety standards. These flame retardants have been linked to health issues such as endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental issues, and cancer, especially in vulnerable populations like infants or the elderly.
• Fiberglass is used in some mattresses as an inexpensive flame retardant, but fiberglass fibers can be released into the air and environment if the mattress cover is removed or torn. Aside from short-term irritation, chronic inhalation of fiberglass can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
• Polyurethane is a commonly used foam in mattresses, but it can release VOCs through off-gassing. (That new mattress smell? It might be the polyurethane!) This can cause respiratory irritation and headaches, and some research suggests potential endocrine disruption.

Other important considerations when choosing a mattress:

• Are you a sweaty sleeper? Hot sleepers will like the breathability of latex, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses. If you do opt for foam, look for gel-infused or open-cell foam for extra airflow. If looking into hybrid mattresses, we recommend looking for ones with natural fabrics in the top layers — like organic cotton, wool, and natural latex.
• For cold sleepers, beds that you sink into will cover a larger surface area of your body (so think soft!), and you’ll benefit from the heat retention qualities of memory foam and other foam mattresses.
• If you snore, you might want to look for mattresses compatible with adjustable bed frames to elevate your head and breathe more easily. Research has shown that even a 12-degree incline can be an unobtrusive way to reduce snoring and help you sleep through the night.
• If you have allergies, consider hypoallergenic mattresses made from organic latex and bamboo viscose or rayon. These materials also help protect against dust mites!

How to care for an organic mattress (and why they last longer!) 

A mattress can be a steep investment — especially when you opt for an organic or natural one. But the perks of a well-crafted mattress include longevity, with many of our favorite mattresses lasting for 25+ years while still maintaining quality and comfort. (And, compared to more “mainstream” brands that release more VOCs and can crumble as they age, you won’t get that funky smell or degradation with natural mattresses). That doesn’t mean you don’t have any upkeep; in order to keep your mattress cozy for the long haul, here’s how to best take care of it:

• Always use a mattress protector to prevent spills from absorbing into the mattress (the number of times we’ve spilled coffee in bed has taught us this lesson firsthand).
• Rotate and flip the mattress according to the manufacturer’s suggested timeline. Each timeline may differ, but the standard is to rotate once every three to six months.
• Snuggle up with natural and organic bedding to get the most breathability out of your new mattress — it’s a game-changer!
• Clean spills immediately (and use a mattress protector, as noted above) to keep your mattress dry and mold-free. If you live in a humid environment, consider getting a dehumidifier to reduce moisture retention.

Why trust The Good Trade editorial team? 

The Good Trade’s editors are a diverse team of writers and sustainable product enthusiasts who offer trusted brand recommendations based on our own hands-on testing and extensive research of third-party verifications, certifications, and accreditations. We rigorously test the products featured in our guides so we can provide you with sincere recommendations that meet our standards for sustainability and health.

We’ve slept on mattresses from these brands for over ten years, and have recommended them to friends and family based on our own experience. Additionally, we’ve met with the teams of each and every brand — often the founders and makers of the mattresses — and even toured massive mattress manufacturing facilities to see just how each mattress is made. We’re especially proud to be able to offer direct feedback to each brand to push their sustainability and nontoxic certifications further to ensure our readers can *actually* get a healthier night’s sleep. 

We’ve also personally tested and reviewed the best organic bedding brands, including mattress toppers, protectors, and pillows, so you can make the most informed decision. If you have any questions or are in search of a recommendation, drop a note in the comments and we’ll point you in the right direction!