Mattresses are subjective. What works for someone else might not be best for you. Keeping these factors in mind will help you find the best organic mattress.
Material
All materials in organic mattresses are sustainably sourced, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about them triggering your allergies or asthma. Organic latex foam is also great for people who are hot sleepers because it’s perforated for better airflow.
Organic mattresses include several materials like latex foam, recycled steel coils and organic cotton or wool. Each material will impact how a mattress feels, so it’s important to understand what you’re getting before you buy. For example, organic latex foam beds feel firmer and dense. Not to mention, some materials may increase the price, like Dunlop latex.
Certifications
When shopping for an organic mattress, third-party certifications ensure that you’re getting a bed that contains organic, sustainably sourced materials.
Here are some of the important certifications to look for when comparing organic mattresses:
- EWG Verified: This certification states that the mattress was made without harmful chemicals, flame retardants, fiberglass, PVCs and “forever” chemicals.
- FSC: The Forest Stewardship Council certifies that wood-based products are sourced in a suitable way from responsibly managed forests.
- CertiPUR-US: This certification ensures that the mattress foams are free of toxic flame retardants, heavy metals and other harmful substances. It also means the bed has low volatile organic compound emissions.
- GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard is a third-party organization with established criteria for organic fibers. A mattress with a GOTS seal has at least 95% organic fibers.
- GOLS: Global Organic Latex Standard certifications mean that the mattress contains at least 95% raw and organic latex.
- GreenGuard Gold: This certification means that the mattress meets chemical emission standards.
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100: This certification is specific to the textile of mattresses. Seeing a mattress with an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means textiles have been tested for harmful substances.
Body type
Your body type also matters when shopping for an organic mattress. Some materials, like steel coils and multiple layers of latex foam, are better suited for heavier body types because they offer the support and durability they need.
Your body type also will influence how the mattress feels to you. A petite person will put less pressure on the mattress, which means it will feel firmer to them. Someone over 230 pounds will sink further into the mattress, making it feel softer. It’s important to keep your body type in mind to choose a firmness level that best suits your needs and preferences.
Sleeping position
Based on your sleeping position, here’s how firm you want your organic mattress:
- Side sleepers need a softer mattress that relieves pressure points at the shoulders, hips and knees. We suggest a plusher organic mattress like the Organica Plush by Amerisleep or the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss.
- Back and stomach sleepers should seek a firmer mattress that will keep their spine in neutral alignment throughout the night. Most organic mattresses are firmer, so you can’t go wrong with the Avocado Green, Birch or Awara Natural Hybrid mattresses.
- Combination sleepers have the most flexibility, but you should choose firmness based on the position you spend the most time in. If you are someone in the middle, we suggest a mattress with around a medium firmness — like the WinkBed EcoCloud.