To get the recommended eight hours of sleep per night would mean we spend ⅓ of our life in bed (around 26 years for the average American adult), so it makes sense to try and get the best sleep setup possible.
There are some incredibly comfortable eco-friendly mattresses on the market these days to suit every need and budget. Check out our Best Eco-Friendly Mattress article to read our in-depth thoughts on the U.S. mattress market.
However, what if your existing mattress is still in good shape and maybe just needs a bit of a helping hand in terms of comfort? In that case, it doesn’t make economic or eco-friendly sense to trash it for a new one.
A natural latex mattress topper made with eco-friendly materials by sustainable companies supporting healthy working conditions and a fair trade view might just be the answer you’re looking for. It will boost the quality of your sleep and your eco-friendly credentials at the same time.
I’ve tested a wide range of natural mattress toppers so you can make a better-informed purchase decision when the time arrives to give your mattress a boost.
I’ll go into more depth about exactly what you should be looking for when shopping for the best organic mattress toppers.
Before I do, let me introduce you to the overall winner.
They Say: We handcraft our Avocado Green Mattress Toppers with the finest natural and organic materials, including GOLS organic certified latex harvested from our own tree farms; GOTS organic and OEKO-TEK Standard 100 certified wool from our own sheep farms; and GOTS certified organic cotton. Designed to rest on top of your existing mattress, they change the comfort of your existing mattress — contouring to your body's natural curves with added cushioning and luxury. Available in Plush (D65 Soft) and Firm (D75 Medium Firm) latex.
We Say: Those of you who’ve read my Best Organic Crib Mattresses article will know that I really like most of what Avocado produces and what they stand for as a company.
Their green credentials and eco certifications are off the chart. This also applies to their range of mattress toppers.
It was a close-run race (check out the rest of this article to read more about some of the other best organic mattress toppers I tested), but the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper takes the crown for me.
This latex mattress topper is handmade in California to Avocados exacting standards using only the very best materials. It boasts double-stitched seams, reinforced top and bottom perimeters, and an organic cotton canvas base. The quality of the workmanship on this natural latex mattress topper is something to behold.
Two inches of GOLS organic certified Dunlop latex is used in this topper, and it’s available in two firmness options. Personally, I preferred the extra support of the medium-firm D75 option.
There is a layer of GOTS certified organic wool between the cotton ticking and the latex core. This layer did a great job of regulating body temperature during the night.
The high-quality, eco-friendly wool and natural latex are encased in a cloud-soft 100% GOTS certified organic cotton cover. It’s wonderfully soft to the touch. It’s also breathable, cool, and moisture-wicking.
Avocado as a company has some of the best green credentials I’ve come across.
They ship all mattress toppers in packaging containing a minimum of 60% recycled content. It’s also fully recyclable.
Avocado are members of 1% for the Planet. This means they give back 1% of gross sales to environmental charities, projects, and initiatives.
Their customer service is also excellent. Online chat is available, and you can arrange a sales appointment via Zoom.
Your purchase is covered by a 1-year trial (simply return within 365 days for a full refund if you’re not happy) and a 10-year warranty. Free shipping is also available.
Avocado are B Corp and Climate Neutral registered. They voluntarily offset more than 100% of their emissions by supporting carbon offset projects run by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.
This organic mattress topper is an incredibly comfortable product, made with health-enhancing and planet-friendly materials, and produced by a green company using sustainable manufacturing practices.
It’s also priced just right, in my opinion. Not cheap, but also not the most expensive of the best organic mattress toppers out there.
I feel all of this added together makes this offering from Avocado the best organic mattress topper currently available in the U.S.
In my review of the best organic crib mattresses, I explained why I firmly believe that mattresses should be natural and, where possible, organic. The same applies when reviewing the best organic mattress toppers.
The main reason for this is the potential off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their negative impact on human health.
VOCs can emit hundreds of chemicals into the air while we’re sleeping. Once inhaled, they can trigger several health problems.
There is an easy way to avoid inhaling toxic chemicals while you sleep. Simply ensure that your mattress and mattress topper are made from natural, organic materials.
Look for a topper made from a combination of natural latex, certified organic cotton, and organic wool.
Natural latex comes from rubber trees. It needs to be processed without any synthetic materials to be classed as natural or organic. Natural latex does not off-gas VOCs.
Natural, organic products are usually more breathable than their synthetic counterparts. This enables air to move more freely, which in turn helps keep you cool all night. If your existing mattress causes you to wake up sweating during the night, a breathable, organic mattress topper, made from natural latex, might be just what you need.
To keep costs down, most mattress toppers have a 2-inch thickness. This is usually more than enough for back and side sleepers with no underlying health issues.
However, some side sleepers may have difficulties falling asleep if the mattress topper is not thick enough and they can feel the mattress underneath. A 3-inch thickness might be required in this instance.
A 4-inch thickness might suit those on the heavier side or people who suffer from chronic pain and need more support.
When shopping for new organic mattress toppers, official certifications give you peace of mind that the topper was made with eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices.
A few to look out for are:
You can find out more about certifications and ecolabels here, in our A-Z guide covering nearly 200 green labels currently used in the U.S.
It’s not just the materials used to make the mattress topper that you need to consider. The eco-credentials of the company that made it are also important.
Look for manufacturers who sustainably source their materials and commit to safe and healthy working conditions for all employees.
Choose a mattress topper with a 100% organic cotton cover.
An organic cotton cover will help reduce the environmental impact of the topper.
It will also help enhance the cooling effect of the topper because organic cotton is more breathable than synthetic fibers.
Developed by Leon, Joseph, and Anselm Talalay, Talalay latex is produced by filling a closed mold with liquid latex rubber. The mold is then frozen, and carbon dioxide gas is added. The result is a plushier latex that is ideal for mattress toppers and mattresses.
Dunlop latex, first developed in 1929, is denser than Talalay, making it firmer, heavier, and more durable. Dunlop latex is predominately used as a base core in mattress construction due to these properties. Still, softer versions can be found in modern toppers.
There are many toppers on the market using some form of bio-foam.
This is a semi-organic product that takes synthetic latex foam and replaces some of the more unhealthy ingredients with plant-based ones.
While this might make the foam greener than before, it will more than likely still contain many chemicals that you don’t want anywhere near your sleep environment.
Now you know what you’re looking for when choosing organic mattress toppers, I’ll run down a list of six other organic mattress toppers that might be better suited to your needs or budget than the overall winner.
They Say: Add our plush latex topper to your mattress for an additional layer of comfort and pressure point relief. Our latex toppers are made with two inches of GOLS certified organic latex and covered with a GOTS certified organic cotton cover.
We Say: When shopping for truly non-toxic organic mattress toppers, the costs can escalate quickly.
Ethically and sustainably produced organic products cost more to make. They take longer to produce, and the entire workforce is paid a living wage in a safe working environment. All this adds to the retail price of the finished product.
I set myself a challenge to find a genuinely organic natural latex mattress topper for under $300. It took some searching, but I managed to scrape under budget by a buck!
The My Green Mattress Organic Latex Topper is made to order and shipped free to addresses in the U.S. Shipping fees apply to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. It comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 5-year warranty.
This mattress topper is handmade in a family-owned, GOTS and GOLS organic certified factory using certified organic cotton, wool, and latex.
Two inches of GOLS certified organic and OEKO-TEX certified Dunlop latex is covered with a soft
GOTS certified organic cotton.
I like the fact that the cover can be removed to be hand-washed and air-dried.
There is no wool in this topper, and that did make it quite warm to sleep on. Nothing like the night sweats caused by a memory foam mattress, but something to bear in mind if you like a cool sleeping surface.
A strong smell initially filled the room when I opened this latex topper, but it cleared within a few hours.
All things considered, this is a solid offering at a fair price.
They Say: Avocado Green Vegan Mattress Toppers are made with the finest natural and organic materials, including GOTS certified organic cotton and GOLS organic certified latex that we harvest from our own responsibly-managed tree farm.
Designed to rest on top of your existing mattress, the topper changes the comfort of your existing mattress — contouring to your body's natural curves with added cushioning and luxury. Available in Plush (D65 Soft) and Firm (D75 Medium Firm) latex. It's exactly the same as our Avocado Green Mattress Topper, but uses cotton instead of wool.
We Say: This organic mattress goes one step further than the overall winner and is not only 100% organic, but also Certified Vegan.
This is basically exactly the same product as the overall winner, but the cooling wool layer has been replaced with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton batting.
I feel that the loss of wool does impact the cooling properties of the topper, which is why it didn’t make it as my overall winner.
However, suppose you’re following a vegan lifestyle and want to continue it in the bedroom. In that case, the Avocado Organic Vegan Mattress Topper could be the perfect choice for you.
They Say: We use organic materials sourced from nature, including our proprietary Birch Wool, organic cotton, and high-quality natural latex. No cutting corners with synthetic materials. Soft latex for the perfect amount of plushness and deep body contouring. Each material is chosen for its high breathability and ability to maximize airflow.
Our Plush Pillow Topper is GreenGuard Gold and GOTS certified. It's free of any polyurethane based foams and harmful chemicals. We ensure each pillow top is designed with your complete safety in mind.
We Say: Boasting an impressive three-inch thickness, Birch mattress toppers are a good option for heavier individuals or those who simply need/want more support.
This organic topper is handmade in the U.S. using organic cotton, organic wool, and natural Talalay latex. It comes with a 100-night sleep trial, a 5-year warranty, and free shipping within ten business days is available.
Sandwiched between the Talalay latex and the organic cotton cover are two layers of Birch Wool. This chemical-free and naturally fire-retardant material retains its shape due to the natural elasticity of each fiber.
The Birch wool does appear to add to the cooling properties of this topper. It was the coolest topper to sleep on that I tested.
If you’re in the market for a thicker topper with excellent temperature regulating properties, then this is the product for you.
They Say: Featuring certified organic materials without the harmful chemicals, the Happsy organic mattress topper provides a healthier alternative to conventional foam brands. Use with any size mattress for added comfort, pressure point relief, and a plush, pillow-top feel..
We Say: This topper consists of a two-inch thick piece of GOLS and FSC certified Dunlop natural latex wrapped in a GOTS certified organic cotton cover.
You get a 120-night trial, and the topper is covered by a 20-year limited warranty.
This was one of the firmest organic toppers I tested
The lack of a wool layer is a disappointment for me. I would definitely spend the $50 extra to get the cooling effect of the Avocado.
However, if cooling is not high on your list of priorities, and you prefer a firm sleep surface, you should give this natural mattress topper some serious consideration.
They Say: Add a layer of cushioning and comfort to your mattress with the Adagio 2" certified organic mattress topper. The Adagio is perfect for those seeking a simple and elegant solution to making their mattress a touch softer or adding a layer of pressure-point relieving organic latex for the "smooth as butter" feel.
Works great in combination with any firm, cushion-firm or medium mattress. Made with organic latex and our signature organic cotton stretch knit fabric. Offers that added luxurious touch and comfort for kids, teens, and adults without the harmful chemicals
We Say: Naturepedic is a company that never cuts corners regarding the quality of its materials and the sustainability of its manufacturing processes.
Two inches of soft organic latex is covered in luxurious stretch-knit organic cotton fabric, resulting in an incredibly luxurious feeling organic topper.
This is the most expensive option I tested, and I have to say I’m slightly surprised at the price. Especially considering it doesn’t contain a wool layer.
That said though, the Naturepedic Adagio 2" Organic Mattress Topper was one of the coolest options I tested.
If money is no object, then you might want to give this a try. It’s covered by a 90-day trial, free returns, and a 10-year limited warranty.
They Say: To protect your new mattress or mattress topper from spills, stains, sweat, skin oils, and life's little accidents, we highly recommend our Organic Quilted Mattress Pad Protector. Soft, absorbent, and completely non-toxic, it’s a natural (absorbent, non-waterproof) alternative to traditional plastic-based waterproof mattress protectors.
No polyurethane, spandex, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), formaldehyde, PVCs, vinyls, laminates, adhesives, chemical finishes, or waterproof coatings. It is as pure and natural as possible. In fact, our Quilted Pad Protector uses only GOTS certified organic cotton inside and out. This means it meets the highest ecological and social standards, with a verifiable chain of custody across our entire supply chain to ensure quality and purity — from our farms to your bedroom.
We Say: A high-quality certified organic mattress or mattress topper is a significant investment. I’ve included this mattress pad protector for those of you who are interested in spending a bit more to protect that investment.
I realize I’ve recommended three Avocado products in this article, and I make no apology for doing so. They’re an ethical company producing some of the best eco-friendly and organic products you’ll find in the sleep space.
Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and can add many excellent properties to a mattress topper. Just ensure you’re looking to buy from a brand that does not use toxic chemicals during the manufacturing process. Keep an eye out for the certifications mentioned in this article, and you won’t go far wrong.
Lucid mattress toppers are not considered toxic. The company uses CertiPUR-US certified foams that are free from a variety of harmful chemicals. Shop around though. A natural latex topper is always a better choice than a chemical ladened piece of memory foam.
Getting enough sleep is important, as is making sure you’re not breathing in toxic chemicals for eight hours every night.
The best way to do this is to make the bed you sleep on as organic as possible.
If the time is not yet right for a new organic mattress, then maybe consider an organic mattress topper instead.
I hope you’ve found this article useful, and it helps you navigate the world of organic toppers to find the best organic mattress topper for your needs and budget.