TheRoundup is reader supported. We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase via links on this site, at no cost to you.
All products are personally reviewed and tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
Mattress toppers add an extra layer of comfort and support to your mattress and (if you want) transform the feel of it completely. They make hard mattresses feel softer, soft mattresses feel firmer, and help make any mattress last longer.
But if you choose the wrong one, it comes at a cost to the environment AND your health.
Unfortunately, most toppers are made from synthetic memory foam. They can contain chemical flame retardants that emit toxic VOCs while you sleep.
Over the last 6 months, I’ve tested a range of natural mattress toppers made with non-toxic, eco-friendly materials. They'll boost the quality of your sleep and extend the life of your mattress. All without exposing you to harmful chemicals.
Later, I’ll reveal exactly what to look for when shopping for the best organic mattress toppers.
Before I do, let me introduce you to the outstanding overall winners...
✔ Hand-crafted in the USA
✔ Temperature Regulating
✔ Great for Stomach, Side or Back Sleepers
Why it's my #1 Pick: The PlushBeds 4" quilter topper ticks all the boxes. It is made in the USA from high quality organic latex, wool, and cotton. With a choice of plush and firm finishes, it's suitable for all types of sleepers and is competitively priced too.
Personal Experience: Wow, what a fantastic mattress topper! The first time I lay on it, I could tell just how comfortable it felt. I even tested it on top of an old bumpy mattress. It was instantly transformed into a wonderfully inviting pillow-topped sleep surface.
I found it conformed to my body perfectly. I got excellent support and pressure relief. I was impressed by the build quality of the organic cotton and quilted gusset sides.
That's why I made this superb environmentally-friendly mattress topper my joint overall winner. I highly recommend it.
Free shipping is available for customers in the continental USA. A five-year warranty covers your purchase.
Why it's Recommended for Allergy Sufferers: The Green Mattress Topper is handmade in California. They use only premium quality materials - and it shows! Several customers have commented that their allergies have improved after buying this topper.
Personal Experience: After unboxing the Avocado topper, I instantly noticed the double-stitched seams. Not to mention the reinforced perimeters and organic cotton canvas base. I found that the quality of the workmanship is something to behold.
The topper contains two inches of GOLS organic certified Dunlop latex. It’s available in two latex firmness options. Personally, I preferred the extra support of the medium-firm D75 option. But stomach or side sleepers will appreciate the extra softness of the plush finish.
I like the fact that there is a wool layer between the cotton ticking and the latex core. For me, this layer did a great job of regulating my body temperature during the night. It’s breathable, cool, moisture-wicking, and feels wonderfully soft to the touch.
Avocado ships all mattress toppers in packaging containing a minimum of 60% recycled content. I was pleased to see that the packaging was also fully recyclable. We had no problem with curbside pickup where we live.
Considering the quality and certifications, I feel this offers a good deal for the price.
✔ GOLS, GOTS & GREENGUARD Gold Certified
✔ Choice of 2" or 3" Thickness
✔ Affordable Price
Why it's my Recommended Budget Option: This is an excellent product with all the green certifications you could wish for. But what I really liked is that it comes in at a very affordable price.
Personal Experience: I preferred the PlushBeds and Avocado toppers. But this Brentwood Home alternative certainly delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
They certainly haven't skimped on materials. The inner core is made from 100% GOLS-certified organic latex. That comes wrapped in a 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton outer cover.
The Brentwood Home mattress topper is GREENGUARD Gold and OEKO-TEX certified. So you can be completely confident that the product contains zero synthetic materials. I wouldn't sleep on anything less.
It comes in a choice of thicknesses, so you can be confident of getting the support you need at a price you'll like.
I found the 2" version to be perfectly comfortable and I could barely feel the mattress beneath. But the 3" feels just like having a brand new mattress! It also offers more than enough support if you're heavier or a side-sleeper.
There's also free shipping and a 1-year sleep guarantee. Plus a 5-year limited warranty for absolute peace of mind.
✔ Certified Vegan & PETA Approved
✔ GOTS Certified Organic Cotton (Does Not Contain Wool)
✔ 100% Non-Toxic
Why it's my Recommended Vegan Mattress Topper:The comfort and support of the Avocado vegan mattress is on a par with the latex version. The only difference is that the cooling wool layer has been replaced with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton batting. As a result it has been certified vegan.
Personal Experience: On first examination, it was clear that the Avocado Vegan topper is made to the same exacting standards as Avocado's other products. I found it just as well made and just as comfortable to lie on.
The lack of wool was an issue for me though. I felt that the loss of wool did impact the cooling properties of the topper. This is a feature I need because I often sleep hot, so that is the main reason why I didn’t make it my overall winner.
I know that many of you are following a vegan lifestyle and want to continue it in the bedroom. In that case, this could be the perfect choice for you.
Why it's Recommended for Extra Firmness: This is a decent quality mattress topper, featuring organic materials at a budget price. The very firm feel is best suited to heavy individuals and back sleepers who will really appreciate the extra support it offers.
Personal Experience: The Happsy topper consists of a two-inch thick piece of GOLS and FSC-certified Dunlop latex wrapped in a GOTS-certified cotton cover.
I prefer a medium-firm feel, so this was a bit on the hard side for me but certainly not uncomfortable. Mrs Miller did find it too hard though, but it's all a matter of preference.
The quality felt good, and made me confident that the topper won't sag even after heavy use.
It's fully organic, at a competitive price, but I did find some potential drawbacks you need to be aware of.
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.
Why it's my Recommended Thin Topper: The Naturepedic Adagio uses just two inches of soft latex covered in luxurious stretch-knit organic cotton fabric. The result is an incredibly luxurious feeling topper that is still light and low-profile, perfect if space is at a premium.
Personal Experience: Naturepedic is a company I like because it never cuts corners regarding the quality of its materials and the sustainability of its manufacturing processes.
This is one of the most expensive options I tested, and I have to say I’m slightly surprised at the price. Especially considering it's only 2 inches thick, and doesn’t contain a wool layer.
That said though, the Naturepedic Adagio 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.
Why It's Recommended for Hot Sleepers: I tested several mattress toppers that had excellent cooling properties, but the Birch topper had the edge just because of its double hypoallergenic organic wool layer. If you suffer from night sweats then this small addition could make a big difference.
Personal Experience: Last on my list is this organic topper, handmade in the United States. At just 3" it's thinner than some, and I found it didn't have quite the transformative effect that the PlushBeds or Avocado toppers had. Even the Naturepedic Adagio, which is thinner, had a more luxurious feel.
That doesn't mean the Birch topper has no effect because it certainly does make a hard mattress feel softer - just not quite to the same extent as some of the others.
Sandwiched between the Talalay latex and the organic cotton exterior are two layers of Birch Wool. I was impressed to find that this chemical-free and naturally fire-retardant material retains its shape due to the natural elasticity of each fiber, even after prolonged use.
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 want to try it out, it comes with a 100-night sleep trial, a 10-year warranty, and free shipping within ten business days is available.
If you’re in the market for a topper with excellent temperature-regulating properties, then this is the product for you.
Organic mattress toppers are worth buying if your existing mattress has degraded and you want to extend its life until you can afford to buy a new one. They are also a great solution for making a mattress more comfortable when it feels too hard or too soft.
The other pros and cons of mattress toppers include the following.
A good mattress topper can prolong the life of your mattress and make your sleep far more relaxing and comfortable, at just a fraction of the cost.
But what is the best mattress topper, and how can you tell the difference between good and bad ones? These are the criteria we looked for.
To keep my family safe and healthy, I firmly believe that all bedroom furnishings should be natural and, where possible, organic.
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.
As Made Safe's sleep report confirms, there is an easy way to avoid inhaling toxic chemicals while you sleep. Simply ensure that both your mattress and topper are free from synthetic materials.
Choosing the correct thickness is crucial, and different thicknesses will suit people with different needs and circumstances:
When shopping for a mattress topper, official organic certifications give you peace of mind that the product was made with eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices.
A few to look out for are:
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.
The cover of your mattress topper should be made with 100% organic cotton.
Breathable organic cotton will help reduce the environmental impact of your purchase.
This will also help enhance the topper's cooling effect because organic cotton allows more air to pass through 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 sleeping on.
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 hybrid material 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.
A mattress topper is essentially an added layer of padding that sits on top of your mattress, but under your sheets, It is designed to provide extra cushioning and support.
They come in a variety of materials, including memory foam, down feathers, and latex. They are usually between 2 and 4 inches thick.
Yes, organic mattress toppers are often hypoallergenic. They do not contain the same synthetic chemicals or allergens that can irritate some people's skin or respiratory systems.
However, it is important to note that individual allergies and sensitivities vary, so it is always a good idea to check the specific materials used in any product before purchasing, especially if you have a known sensitivity or allergy to any particular substance.
No, thicker mattress toppers are not necessarily better. It depends on your personal preference and what you want it for.
If you have a very firm or uncomfortable mattress, a thicker topper may be necessary to provide enough cushioning and support. Similarly, if you are a side sleeper or suffer from painful pressure points, a 3" or 4" thickness may provide more relief by contouring to your body.
If you're a back or stomach sleeper, or if you simply want improved support when sleeping, then a thinner 2" topper may be more suitable to add a slight layer of cushioning while still maintaining its structural integrity.
Yes, it's generally okay to put a mattress topper on a memory foam mattress. In fact, doing so can provide extra cushioning, support, or temperature regulation, depending on the material and density.
Some people find that their foam or gel mattress is too firm or too hot. A softer topper can add extra cushioning and pressure relief, while a cooling one made from gel-infused foam, latex, or Global Organic Textile Standard wool can help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating.
However, it's important to choose eco-friendly mattress toppers that are compatible with your memory foam mattress. Make sure they're the same size as your bed and are breathable, so they won't trap heat.
You should also consider the density and thickness, as well as the firmness level, to ensure that it provides the right level of support and comfort for your needs.
If you're looking for a firm mattress topper that doesn't sink in, you need to get one made from either natural latex or organic wool. These materials are naturally resilient and provide a firm and supportive sleeping surface that can hold up well over time.
Do not get a memory foam topper as these will sink and mold to your body shape.
So-called "egg crate" mattress toppers (those with one smooth and one bumpy side) are designed to be used with the points facing up.
This is particularly true for models with smaller, more pronounced bumps or peaks, which are intended to provide additional support and pressure relief for your shoulders and hips.
The peaks or points also create space between your body and the mattress, allowing air to circulate and helping to regulate body temperature, which can be particularly beneficial for those who tend to sleep hot.
Yes, some synthetic polyurethane foam mattress toppers have been known to off-gas harmful VOCs including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene. These have been known to cause some sleep disorders, headaches, and even an increased risk of cancer.
But formaldehyde isn't the only chemical nasty that could be lurking in your bedding.
All mattress covers are required to comply with part 1632 of the Code of Federal Regulations, requiring them to be fire-resistant when exposed to the flame of an unlit cigarette. But because many synthetic materials contain polyurethane, which is flammable, the manufacturers add substances such as TCEP, a chemical flame retardant.
Some synthetic mattress covers have also been reported to contain over 50% fiberglass which poses a risk to your health if it is not properly contained.
If the time is not yet right to replace your current mattress, then adding a mattress topper provides an easy way to make it more comfortable and last longer.
But that doesn't mean you should introduce toxic chemicals into your bedroom.
Organic mattress toppers, such as the PlushBeds Quilted 4" Topper, offer a luxurious sleep enhancement without any of the harmful side effects associated with synthetic memory foam.
But if you prefer a thinner, firmer, or even a vegan topper, my recommendations above will help you find the perfect option for your sleep position and budget.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
TheRoundup.org - As Seen On
