Club Benefits
Organic mattresses are made with certified natural materials such as latex, wool and cotton, and without the use of harmful chemicals. This makes them a popular non-toxic choice for those avoiding manmade materials as well as those seeking greener sleep. But there are more benefits to organic mattresses than an eco-friendly build.
For a start, the latex foams found in most organic beds are incredibly durable, so organic mattresses are likely to have a longer lifespan: the average mattress will last for 7-10 years, while latex beds can keep going for up to 25. And latex is known for its responsive feel, meaning organic beds can contend with the best mattresses we've tested when it comes to full-body support.
The downside is that the best organic mattresses tend to be expensive due to their premium materials, such as GOLS-certified latex and GOTS-certified cotton. Yo help you make an informed decision, we've gathered the organic beds that performed best throughout our rigorous mattress testing process. It's a limited but growing market, so we've included options to suit a variety of sleep styles and budget requirements; you'll find many of them discounted in this this month's mattress sales, too.
How we test organic mattresses
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Our mattress methodology uses seven standardized tests, conducted in our Sleep Lab, that are designed to capture objective data on how well a mattress performs in the key areas that will influence your quality of sleep: pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation and edge support. Our testers also sleep on each mattress they review for at least three weeks, as well as receiving feedback from our wider testing panel. We also assess value for money and customer ratings before putting the data into our bespoke scoring system to calculate the overall review score. See all our mattress reviews here.
1. Best organic mattress overall
The Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress is top of our organic mattress rankings because it's a beautifully-made latex bed that should suit every kind of sleeper, thanks to its flippable design with a gentle firm side and a luxury plush side. It's Saatva's second most expensive mattress, with a queen typically selling for over $3,000, but our reviewer rated it as one of the best mattresses she's ever tested, finding it to be luxurious, supportive and breathable and noting that after getting the best sleep of her life on it she woke up with fewer aches and pains.
We tested the Zenhaven according to our older mattress review process, but its test results still indicate an impressive mattress. Our pressure relief tests found that the gentle firm side is likely too firm for side sleeping, while the luxury plush side is far more comfortable and better for combination and side sleepers. We rated its temperature regulation as excellent with a 4.5/5 score, thanks to its breathable latex with ventilated channels. In our motion isolation tests the gentle firm side scored full marks while the luxury plush wasn't quite as impressive; basically on the softer side you're slightly more likely to feel a partner's heavier movements. And the edge support was a winner on both sides, making this a bed where you can sleep right up to the sides and sit comfortably on the edges.
The Saatva Zenhaven is an outstanding organic mattress, but if you're unlikely to want to change sides the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss has a comparable build and comes in a choice of firm or medium-firm, all for a much lower price. Alternatively, if you'd like a bit more bounce plus the cachet of owning a Saatva mattress, the Saatva Latex Hybrid has a layer of springs and a lower price point, although it may prove to be too firm for side sleepers.
The flippable design means that the Saatva Zenhaven should be an excellent fit for every sleep style, and its breathable design and excellent motion isolation make it a strong choice for hot sleepers and couples. Essentially it's an all-round winner that scored highly in our testing; the only downside is its undeniably high price. However there are always Saatva mattress deals to be had, and right now you can save $400 off the Zenhaven when you follow our link.
Best affordable organic mattress
The one thing that's likely to put a lot of people off investing one of the best organic mattresses is the price. There's no getting around the fact that if you want a quality bed packed with materials such as latex and wool, you're not going to fijnd it among the best cheap mattresses. There's one notable exception to this rule, however: the Awara Classic Hybrid. It's a 10" mattress made with organic wool and latex and a queen will cost you just $799, but despite its low price it performs well, providing a medium-firm responsive feel that will suit side sleepers. Our tester describes it as "a winning combination for a very reasonable price".
The Awara Classic is currently in the hands of our reviewer and it's yet to undergo our full battery of tests, but we've still formed some solid impressions of its performance in the meantime. In terms of pressure relief it does really well: you won't sink into it but it's responsive with plenty of give, making it a comfortable fit for side sleepers. It also isolate motion well and we've found the edges to be rock solid. And while we haven't yet tested its temperature regulation, its combination of wool, latex and springs means that we'd very surprised if it didn't put put in a strong performance.
The big draw of the Awara Classic Hybrid is its price, and you'll struggle to find a good organic mattress for a similar amount of money. So if you want an alternative you'll have to shell out more for something like the Birch Natural Mattress, an 11-inch organic bed that delivers similar levels of comfort and support but may not provide enough pressure relief for lighter side sleepers. And while we've yet to test the Avocado Eco Organic mattress, it has a fine pedigree (see the Avocado Vegan Mattress at #4 to learn more) and promises a medium-firm feel that should suit most sleepers.
The Awara Classic Hybrid is a safe buy for most eco-conscious sleepers on a budget. It's comfortable enough for side sleeping with enough support for back and stomach sleepers, while its impressive motion isolation makes it a great choice for couples and its sturdy edge support tells us that this is a really well-made bed. The price rarely changes, so it's a safe buy at any time, and a 356-night trial and forever warranty both help to seal the deal.
Best luxury organic mattress
If you want the best luxury mattress and it has to be organic, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss is an all-latex bed to seek out. At $1,949 for a queen when discounted (which is pretty much most of the time) it might not seem that expensive, but that's the price for the basic 9" model. It also comes in 10" and 12" options, with the 11" coming in at $2,649 in the sale, plus you get a choice of medium and medium-firm feel. And it's largely worth the expense: our reviewer found it to be incredibly comfortable and noted that it relieves pressure and pain in ways that many other mattresses she has tested does not.
It should be no surprise, then, that the Botanical Bliss scored 5/5 in our pressure relief tests, thanks to an impressive balance of comfort and support that has helped with our tester's lower back pain. Temperature regulation is also strong, scoring 4.5/5 for enabling our tester to sleep comfortably cool even during a hot Texan summer, and the Botanical Bliss also clocked up a 4.5 for its motion isolation, acing our drop tests and consistently deadening motion from other people on the bed. In fact the only weaker point is its edge support: it lacks reinforced edges and scored 3/5. While it feels supportive when lying up to the edge, sitting on the edges makes them squish down almost completely, so this mattress may not suit people with mobility issues.
The best alternative to the Botanical Bliss is without doubt the Saatva Zenhaven at #1. While the Botanical Bliss comes in a choice of firmnesses (as well as three height options), the Zenhaven's flippable design means that it performs well for most sleepers, and it's beautifully made. For a similarly-priced alternative, the 11.5" Birch Luxe Natural Mattress below has a well-balanced feel, great motion isolation and better edge support, but it might not be soft enough for some side sleepers.
Whatever type of sleeper you are, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss should be an excellent fit, providing oodles of pressure relief that anyone with back problems will appreciate, as well as fantastic motion isolation and temperature-regulating properties. In fact its only downside is mixed edge support, and our reviewer notes that she tested the 9" version, and that the 10" and 12" could well perform better in that regard. And while the price of the Botanical Bliss might look high in comparison with most all-foam beds, it's pretty reasonable in terms of an organic bed, so if a bit of eco-friendly luxury is what you want, this one's a winner.
Best vegan organic mattress
The vast majority of organic mattresses tick all the eco-conscious boxes except for one: if you're vegan they're an absolute no-no because of their use of wool. There is, however, an option for vegans who want an organic bed, and it's the Avocado Vegan Mattress. We haven't reviewed this bed, but because it's essentially the Avocado Green Mattress, our previous top organic mattress pick, without the wool and at the same price (a queen is currently $2,039, down from $2,399). Instead it uses a layer of GOTS-certified organic cotton batting as a cushioning layer between the cover and its organic latex, and it's both vegan certified and PETA-approved.
Obviously we haven't been able to test the performance of this mattress, but we have tested the Avocado Green Mattress. So for reference, in terms of pressure relief we scored it 4/5, finding it to be best suited to back and stomach sleeping as it didn't provide enough cradling for the shoulders and hips (it's worth bearing in mind, though, that the Green now comes in a medium option and also with a plush pillow-top upgrade, something that you can also get for the Vegan Mattress). It scored 4.5/5 for motion isolation, passing all our drop tests, and a full 5/5 for both temperature control and edge support. While we can't guarantee the same results for the Vegan Mattress, we'd definitely expect similar levels of performance.
Want an alternative? The PlushBeds Natural Bliss is an all-latex vegan alternative to the Botanical Bliss. It comes in 8", 10" and 12" options, and we'd expect it to match the Botanical Bliss in terms of performance. And while the Nolah Natural further down isn't specifically sold as vegan, its comfort layers are all latex and it should hit the spot for more budget-conscious vegans. If money's no issue, though, the Essentia Stratami at the bottom of the page is vegan, organic and a superb luxury choice.
Is the Avocado Vegan Mattress right for you? From our experience with the Green Mattress, we'd suggest that it would be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers, although side sleepers should consider paying extra for the plush pillow-top version. All sleepers can expect top-class performance, however, thanks to an outstanding combination of motion isolation, temperature control and edge support. Be careful about when you buy, however, as Avocado doesn't run deals all the time; right now, though, you can get 15% off the Vegan Mattress in the Avocado mattress sale.
Best organic mattress for a firmer feel
The latex you'll find in the best organic mattresses can usually be depended on to provide a firmer, springier feel than you'll get with standard foam and hybrid beds. All of the organic mattresses listed here will have a firmer feel, but if you're after the best firm mattress, the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is worth prioritizing. It's 11.5" tall and rated medium-firm, and it delivers support in spades, although not to the extent that our side-sleeping tester felt uncomfortable on it. She reports that throughout testing she remained on top of the bed without compromising comfort and it never felt too firm.
The Birch Luxe's Euro top helps give it a good balance of support and comfort, and we scored it 4/5 for pressure relief; it's possibly not quite supportive enough for stomach sleepers, but its buoyant surface will make back and side sleepers feel lifted and elevate. We gave the Birch Luxe 5/5 for temperature regulation thanks to its naturally breathable design, while it scored 4/5 for both edge support and motion isolation. The edges were measurably sturdy except at the foot of the bed, while our motion tests showed that a partner's movement is unlikely to disturb you, and it pass all but our most demanding drop test.
The Birch Luxe definitely lives up to its name, but if the price is a little rich for you the standard Birch Natural Mattress is a worthy alternative, providing a bouncy feel that'll suit most sleepers at a more agreeable price point. If you want a really firm bed, the firm version of the Avocado Green Mattress is a cheaper option, but it's definitely not one for side sleepers. And another great choice would be the Saatva Latex Hybrid, which is rated medium-firm and delivers bouncy support for stomach and back sleepers. as well as fantastic edge support and motion isolation.
Because of its firmer feel the Birch Luxe Hybrid isn't for everyone — lighter side sleepers in particular should probably look elsewhere. But back sleepers especially will find this one to be a perfect fit, and its impressive test scores indicate that it's a quality bed that'll serve you well in pretty much all respects. And if you buy at the right time you can get 27% off by using our TOMS27 code at the checkout. It's running at the time of writing, and it means that a queen is reduced to $1,915.52, down from $2,624. One sticking point is that you only get a 100-night trial, but this balanced by a lifetime warranty.
Also tested and recommended
We've picked out the best options on sale now, but if nothing you've seen so far is quite what you're looking for, below we've lined up some more organic mattresses that are still good but didn't quite make the cut. You'll also find some organic choices in our other specialist buying guides if there's a particular sleep factor that you want to address.
Here are some more organic mattresses that are definitely worth your attention:
How we test organic mattresses
The Tom’s Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks — that's roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress — and spend hours scientifically testing the performance of each product.
Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, with lighter, average and heavier bodies, who rate each mattress using a specific set of performance criteria.
Together, these processes enable us to produce accurate, well-balanced and data-backed mattress reviews, to help you easily decide whether the mattress you’re interested in really is the best choice for you. Read our full mattress methodology for more.
Organic mattresses we're testing right now
Avocado Grand Luxe: Released last month, this 17-layer organic mattress caught our eye. We have it out on test now and are super-excited to hear what it feels like to sleep on. ‘Luxuriate with the pillow top’ is now our unofficial team motto (thanks, Avocado).
Birch Elite Natural mattress: Released this week, the Birch Elite mattress promises true luxury while remaining organic and natural. Our Sleep Features Editor, Lauren Jeffries, has called this mattress in to begin testing, so watch this space for an update once she’s slept on it.
Why trust Tom’s Guide reviews
At Tom’s Guide we are completely editorially independent. This means that we choose what mattresses to review, what guides they appear in and where they rank within those guides.
This is determined by our mattress methodology, followed by our team of expert mattress testers. This is a guide we use to assess a mattress’s performance, which is standardized across all of our reviews and includes tests for edge support, motion isolation and pressure relief.
We live and breathe mattresses. Lauren Jeffries, our Sleep Features Editor, reports on everything in the organic mattress industry, from new mattress releases and detailed guides about mattress certifications, to news stories uncovering the damaging effects of VOCs in non-organic beds. This means we know our mattresses inside and out, and how they compare to competitors.
We’re constantly updating our guides. Behind the scenes, the Tom’s Guide Sleep Team are busy ordering in new mattresses, testing them in our studio and taking them home to sleep on in order to get a full picture of how they perform. This means we’re always updating our guides with new information, new top picks and any important news and updates that will help our readers choose the perfect mattress for them.
Organic mattress FAQs
When is the best time to buy an organic mattress?
While all natural beds are pricey, most are usually discounted throughout the year thanks to holiday sale events. The biggest sales of the year are usually the Black Friday mattress deals in late November and the Cyber Monday mattress deals in early December.
Other shopping events where we expect big discounts include the Presidents' Day mattress sales in February and the Memorial Day mattress sales towards the end of May, and this is a good chance to save on an organic mattress before the prices are generally increased over the summer period.
All of that said, we have noticed a continuing trend among the best organic mattress brands to offer similar price cuts each month, as a way to make these normally more expensive beds a little more accessible to buy. Brands such as Plush Beds, Saatva and Awara offer evergreen discounts, and these normally comprise money off and free bedding.
What's better, Talalay or Dunlop latex?
Our Talalay vs Dunlop latex explainer goes through it in more detail, but here's the short version. Both types are made from the same raw material, but manufactured in slightly different ways. Talalay latex is typically softer, less dense and more expensive. It's better for comfort layers. Dunlop latex is typically firmer, denser, and cheaper. It's ideal for support layers, but is also sometimes found in comfort layers. Because of the way it's produced, Talalay latex cannot be GOLS certified organic.
How to choose the best organic mattress
Before investing in a new organic mattress, carefully consider your current sleeping habits. Think about what you enjoy about your current mattress and what you would like to see improved. For example, waking in the night because you’ve overheated could be rectified with a mattress with cooling properties, like the Amerisleep Organica mattress. Or perhaps you’ve recently started waking up with back pain, in which case you might benefit from a mattress that specifically delivers targeted spinal support, such as the Nolah Natural 11 mattress. Whatever your sleep needs, make sure you opt for a mattress that meets them.
Of course, you can’t really know how comfortable a mattress is until you start sleeping on it. Choosing a mattress with a long trial period, such as the Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex, which comes with a 365 night trial, will allow you to purchase your mattress with peace of mind.
How much does a good organic mattress cost?
Organic mattresses command a slightly higher price tag, and the most affordable options in our list start from around $1,100 for a queen size. However, a queen size Awara Natural Hybrid mattress, America’s most affordable organic mattress, is currently on sale for $999, which is the cheapest we’ve ever seen it. On the other end of the spectrum, a queen size Saatva Zenhaven Latex — which is crafted by New Zealand wool, natural latex and organic cotton — is currently on sale for $2,945. so prices really vary. Just like the best non-organic mattresses, prices vary in line with different features and specifications.
Are organic mattresses fiberglass free?
Yes, organic mattresses don't contain fiberglass, which is generally considered as a toxic substance. Fiberglass is made from glass and plastic and is used as a fire retardant in mattresses. When used in mattresses, it is encased within the mattress cover, which means it's not dangerous for sleepers. However, if fiberglass escapes the mattress it can pose severe risks for your health.
Organic mattresses opt for natural alternatives to fiberglass, like wool and thistle pulp. This reduces the risk of toxic substances escaping and ensures the whole mattress is organic and eco-friendly.
Should you buy a sustainable mattress?
Let's put aside the environmental benefits for a moment – can your sleep benefit from buying a sustainable mattress? Mattress brands that opt for sustainable builds might not have the full range of materials to choose from, but these beds aren't simplistic or uncomfortable. Sustainable mattresses can still be made using the latest technology and with a comfort level that mimics even the best memory foam mattresses.
Before choosing a sustainable mattress, consider your sleep style. From my experience – both using on an eco-friendly bed and working as a sleep writer – sustainable mattresses tend to have a firmer feel that suits back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers might struggle to find a softer sustainable bed, but the market is growing, and firmness is subjective. Otherwise, investing in a mattress topper can help soften a firm organic bed – our guide to the best mattress toppers can help you get started.
To return to those environmental benefits, if you do prioritize sustainability, you shouldn't have to compromise when it comes to your sleep. A green bed doesn't have to mean someone has forgotten to clean their mattress – it could be just what your rest needs.
