7 Best Organic Mattresses for an Eco-Friendly Night’s Sleep

How we test mattresses

We started our process by researching the market. What mattresses are popular and why? Who has the best customer reviews — and are the reviews legitimate? After talking with medical experts, we brought more than 50 mattresses to our testing lab for in-depth assessments.

To identify the beds’ strengths and weaknesses, our lab testers performed a series of controlled, objective tests to assess metrics like edge support, bounce and temperature regulation. We also recruited more than 15 independent testers ages 45 and older, with varying body types, sleep positions, health considerations and personal preferences, to provide their unbiased feedback.

These testers answered questions like: Does the mattress provide good pressure relief? Do you feel supported in every sleeping position? Does your spine feel aligned? 

For more details, see our mattress testing methodology.

How to choose the best organic mattress

Organic certifications are objective, but mattress comfort is not. In addition to looking for beds made with certified organic materials, you’ll want to consider individual factors such as your firmness preference, primary sleeping position and health concerns.

Certifications

Keep an eye out for generic greenwashing terms such as “natural” or “eco-friendly.” Instead, look for mattresses made with certified organic materials that are backed by reputable third-party testing certifications. These include:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for textiles like cotton and wool.
• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) for certified organic latex. 
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which tests materials for harmful substances, ensuring safety (but not necessarily organic status).
• UL GREENGUARD Gold certifies that a material has undergone rigorous testing and meets strict indoor air quality standards.

Firmness 

Consider your primary sleeping position and firmness preference. The ideal firmness level is whatever feels most comfortable to you. But generally, side sleepers benefit from softer mattresses with more cushioning to relieve pressure on the joints. Back and stomach sleepers typically prefer a more supportive surface, around medium-firm. Experts generally recommend the guidelines below for firmness levels based on different sleep positions, though these guidelines are not intended as clinical advice. Mattress firmness is measured on a scale of 1 through 10, with 10 being the most firm. 

• Side sleepers: Soft to medium-firm (4 to 6.5 out of 10)
• Back sleepers: Medium to medium-firm (5 to 6.5 out of 10)
• Stomach sleepers: Medium-firm to firm (6.5 to 9 out of 10)
• Combination sleepers: Whichever firmness level matches your most common sleep position

Material and construction

Organic mattresses are made with different materials and come in various constructions, so knowing what matters to you can help narrow down the options. Do you prefer one with reinforced edges for extra stability? Then consider the WinkBeds EcoCloud or Saatva Latex Hybrid.

Is having certified organic wool, cotton and latex important to you? Then check out the Silk & Snow Organic or Avocado Eco Organic. 

Here are a few common types of organic materials used in mattresses.

• Organic latex is a plant-based foam made from the sap of rubber trees. To be considered organic, it must pass strict third-party testing, such as the GOLS certification.
• Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or GMO seeds. It’s harvested using sustainable farming methods that promote soil health, and no harsh chemicals are used during processing.
• Organic wool comes from sheep raised in accordance with strict livestock standards, such as those set by the USDA, GOTS or the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).

How much do the best organic mattresses cost?

The best organic mattresses on our list range from $1,450 to $2,856 for a queen. Mattresses made with organic and natural materials often have a higher price tag due to the cost of sourcing premium raw materials and labor-intensive harvesting practices. Additionally, companies must pay fees to obtain and maintain certifications.

FAQs

What does it mean for a mattress to be organic?

For a bed to be considered organic, at least 95 percent of its materials must be organically grown and processed without the use of synthetic pesticides or toxic chemicals. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is one standard for verifying organic materials like cotton and wool, while the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) is the certification for organic latex mattresses. GOLS guarantees that the rubber tree sap used in the latex meets environmental and social standards. 

What materials are used in an organic mattress?

Organic mattresses use natural, sustainably sourced materials such as organic latex, cotton and wool. They are free of synthetic foams, fiberglass and harsh chemicals, and hybrid models often feature recycled steel coils. Some mattress companies may use other natural fibers such as horsehair or hemp.

What is the healthiest mattress to sleep on?

“For patients who have sensitivities, such as asthma, it may be better for them to opt for all-natural and organic materials,” says Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a board-certified sleep medicine physician in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

Mattresses made with natural, nontoxic materials are healthier than those with synthetic foams, toxic adhesives, chemical flame retardants or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Latex foam, for instance, naturally repels mold, mildew, dust mites and bacteria without the need for chemical treatments or antimicrobial sprays. Some older adults with specific sensitivities or concerns about materials may prefer organic mattresses. However, many people sleep well on a variety of mattress types. 

Look for mattresses with third-party testing and certified labels such as UL GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS and GOLS.

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.