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Getting a mattress-in-a-box is all the rage these days, with literally hundreds of companies out there telling you that theirs is the best, most comfortable, or has the longest sleep trial.
What they don't tell you is that most are made with synthetic materials - and that means harmful toxic chemicals that you can breathe in while you sleep!
I totally get the attraction of this type of product. Everyone loves convenience - but surely not at the expense of your health.
That's why, using my years of experience testing all the best natural mattress brands, I set out to find the best mattress in a box that combines the convenience you want with certified organic and non-toxic materials.
Everything on this list is 100% free from VOCs, chemical flame retardants, stain guards, and any synthetic materials that can harm the environment.
Oh - and they're AMAZINGLY comfortable too...
✔ Certified Organic Materials
✔ Unrestricted Airflow
✔ Guaranteed for Life
Why it's the best overall: The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress is a standout for its focus on breathability and ethical sourcing. The certified organic cotton knit cover ensures that there are no harmful chemicals or pesticides seeping into your body during sleep. This cover also provides excellent moisture absorption and unrestricted airflow, making it ideal for those who sleep hot or live in warmer climates.
Out of all the mattresses I tested, this is the one I still sleep on.
I find the breathability to be exceptional. The organic cotton knit cover does an excellent job of wicking away moisture and allowing for free airflow, ensuring a comfortable and dry sleep environment.
The fact that all the cotton is ethically grown without the use of harsh chemicals adds an extra layer of peace of mind.
While we're talking about peace of mind, how about the lifetime warranty? The fact that PluushBeds can do this is a testament to their confidence in the quality of their product. It shows you're getting great value for money over the long term, even if the upfront cost is slightly higher than some.
PlushBeds offers (as an optional extra) an in-home setup service where you can have your new mattress carried to and set up in a room of your choice. They will also remove all packaging AND remove and recycle your old mattress. I think this is a great option for less physically able people who might be concerned about getting a heavy mattress box upstairs, and I love the recycling aspect as well.
If you're looking for an organic mattress that excels in breathability, made from the highest quality natural materials, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress is my #1 pick.
✔ No Off-Gassing Smell
✔ Built to Last
✔ Temperature Regulating
Why it's the best luxury: Luxury mattresses tend to either lean into plush comfort at the expense of support or dial up firmness so high that they sacrifice coziness. The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress strikes the perfect balance. The plush Euro-top gives instant, cloud-like comfort. But beneath that soft top is a layered system of two different natural latexes to deliver serious support.
I loved testing the Birch Luxe, and it very nearly made it as the overall winner. From the first night, it was a joy to sleep on. I woke up every morning fully refreshed and without that usual tension across my lower back.
I also noticed I was cooler at night. I used to wake up sweaty no matter the season, but the wool layers in the Birch Luxe wicked moisture and regulated temperature so effectively that even on warmer nights, I stayed dry and comfortable.
The build quality really stood out during testing. After two months of nightly use, the edge support was still firm (I often sit there to tie my shoes), and the mattress did not develop any body indentations. This is definitely a mattress built to last!
The Birch Luxe beat all other mattresses I tested regarding off-gassing smell. You should expect a small amount of 'factory smell' with all new mattresses (no matter how good their eco-credentials). But I was amazed that there was zero smell when I released the Birch Luxe from its vacuum packaging. Impressive!
This mattress expanded quickly and looked ready to sleep on within a few minutes. However, Birch recommends giving it at least two hours to expand fully and states that you should expect slight firmness adjustments over the first 48 hours. During testing, I let the mattress expand for around eight hours before sleeping on it, and the support level was perfect.
The Birch Luxe delivers incredible eco-luxury for back, stomach, and side sleepers. The luxurious comfort, cooling hybrid design, and ethical manufacturing justify the price tag. This mattress is an excellent investment for eco-conscious households looking to prioritize healthy sleep.
Why it's the best for edge support: The Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress by Naturepedic is a standout in the organic mattress market for several reasons.
First, the company's proprietary method of heat-sealing coils eliminates the need for adhesives, which are often toxic. This is a significant advantage for people like myself who will not tolerate any chemical exposure. The coils also provide superior edge support. The perimeter of the mattress felt extremely sturdy and allowed me to get in and out of bed with ease.
Second, the mattress offers two firmness options: firm and cushion-firm, allowing you to choose based on your comfort preference. The cushion-firm feels soft on the surface but provides deep-down support, ensuring you won't sink into the mattress.
During my time testing this mattress, I found both firmness options to be exceptionally comfortable. The natural latex layer adds a touch of plushness without compromising on support.
While a foundation is not required, if your bed frame has slats, make sure they are spaced no more than 3" apart to avoid potential grooves in the mattress.
The limited retail availability means you might not be able to try it in a store. But who needs stores? The 100-day risk-free trial means you can order it online and still get ample time to decide if this mattress is the right fit for you. Also, Naturepedic offers a 25-year warranty which is above average for this type of product.
Despite these minor drawbacks, if you're looking for an organic mattress that offers both comfort and peace of mind, the Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress is definitely a product I would recommend.
✔ GOTS-Certified Organic
✔ Zoned Support System
✔ Vegan Option Available
Why it's the best for back support: The Avocado Green Mattress is a top-tier offering in the organic mattress market. It comes with multiple certifications, including GOTS and GOLS, ensuring that you're sleeping on genuinely organic materials.
This latex hybrid mattress features a zoned support system that offers enhanced back support and extended durability, making it ideal for those who suffer from back pain or require extra support. The low motion transfer means you won't be disturbed if your partner is a restless sleeper (or vice-versa).
I have to say I was particularly impressed by the zoned support system. It provides targeted pressure relief and support where you need it most, ensuring a restful and pain-free sleep.
The option for a vegan mattress without wool is also a unique feature that sets Avocado apart, catering to a broader range of ethical and lifestyle choices.
Avocado's 25-year warranty stands up against that offered by Naturepedic in terms of overall length, however, it's important to note that it becomes a limited warranty after the first 10 years.
The standard mattress is rated firm, which could be a drawback for those who have specific needs (such as side sleepers). You do have the option of changing this to medium or plush by adding a pillow top layer, but this costs extra.
The mattress is also on the pricier side, but given its features and certifications, it's a worthy investment that is best suited for those looking for superior back support in an organic mattress.
Why it's the best for pressure relief: The Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress is a standout for its focus on both comfort and sustainability. The mattress comes with multiple certifications, ensuring that you're sleeping on genuinely eco-friendly materials. The Rainforest Alliance Certified Dunlop latex is less processed and more durable than other types of latex, offering excellent pressure relief for your muscles, joints, and back.
During my time testing this mattress, I was particularly impressed by its ability to relieve pressure points. The adaptive latex foam layer beneath the plush Euro top does an excellent job of aligning the spine and relieving pressure on the shoulders, hips, and legs.
The 365-night trial is a significant benefit, offering ample time to decide if the mattress is the right fit for you.
The medium-firm comfort level is cited by the National Institute of Health as potentially beneficial for reducing back and shoulder pain. However, given that medium-firm is the only option offered, you need to know your sleep position before you buy, to ensure it's the right fit for you.
The mattress is affordably priced at $1399 for a Queen size, making it a great value for the features and certifications it offers.
Why it's the best budget option: Well, you can't have a list of the best mattresses in a box without mentioning BedInABox! They did invent the compression and rolling technology after all.
The BedInABox Eco-Lux Mattress is here on merit though. It's a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality or safety standards.
The mattress comes with multiple certifications, including CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX®, ensuring that you're sleeping on materials that meet high standards for content, emissions, and durability.
The 120-night trial and 20-year warranty aren't as generous as those offered by PlushBeds and Awara, but they're still enough to give you ample time to decide if this mattress is the right fit for you.
It's also worth noting that this is a latex-free mattress, so it's a good choice if you have a latex allergy.
I found the Eco-Lux to be a solid choice for those looking for an eco-friendly mattress without breaking the bank. The BioLux® Gel Memory Foam and BioLux® Support Foam layers offer a comfortable sleep experience with a medium-firm feel, which is ideal for a wide range of sleepers.
The mattress is also made in America, adding an extra layer of trust in terms of manufacturing quality.
It's worth noting that the mattress is not 100% made with organic materials. Only the cotton is certified organic, which might be a drawback for some eco-conscious consumers. However, the certifications do ensure that the materials used are non-toxic so it is completely safe to use.
Taking into account the trial period and warranty, I consider the Eco-Lux to be a safe and risk-free option, especially for those on a budget.
Why it's the best VFM: The Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress is a standout for its commitment to all-natural, single-source latex at a comparatively low price point. This ensures a level of consistency that blended latex can't offer. The mattress is free from harmful toxins, polyurethane, chemical adhesives, and fire retardants, making it a safe and eco-friendly option..
The combination of natural latex and calibrated coils offers dynamic support that aligns your back, hips, and shoulders, regardless of your sleep position
I found the Eco-Terra mattress offers a balanced level of comfort and support. The natural latex contours well to the body, while the coils provide the necessary support for a restful sleep.
However, the 15-year limited warranty, while decent enough, does not compare favorably to those offered by PlushBeds and Awara. The 90-night sleep trial is also lower than that of comparable products.
Despite these minor drawbacks, if you're looking for an all-natural mattress that offers excellent value for the price, the Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress is a solid choice.
✔ Organic Materials
✔ Breathable Coil System
✔ Pressure Point Relief
Why it's the best for hot sleepers: The Happsy Organic Mattress stands out for its use of GOTS-certified organic materials and its breathable coil system. The organic wool and coil systems work in tandem to wick away moisture and regulate temperature, making it ideal for hot sleepers.
The mattress also offers pressure point relief, thanks to its certified latex layer and pocketed springs, which contour to your body and distribute weight evenly.
I was quite impressed by how breathable and supportive the Happsy mattress is. The coil system does an excellent job of providing the right level of firmness while allowing for airflow, making it ideal for hot sleepers.
The GOTS certification adds an extra layer of trust, confirming that the materials are genuinely organic.
A 120-night trial and 20-year warranty are mid-range, and should both be enough for most people.
However, the choice of either medium-firm or plush seems a little haphazard to me. To get a medium feel, you need to add the optional topper which is sold separately, adding to the overall cost. But if one of the options works for you then it's not a necessary add-on to enjoy the mattress's benefits.
If you're a hot sleeper looking for an organic mattress that offers both breathability and pressure point relief, I'm confident that the Happsy Organic Mattress will keep you cool and supported - and it's affordably priced too!
A mattress in a box is a modern innovation in the bedding industry that allows for easier shipping and handling.
These mattresses are compressed, rolled, and vacuum-sealed into a compact box, making it convenient for customers to receive them via standard shipping methods. Once unboxed, the mattress expands to its full size within a few hours.
Organic mattresses are made from materials that are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.
This not only makes them better for the environment but also ensures that you're not breathing in toxic fumes as you sleep. Organic options often come with certifications like GOTS and GOLS, providing an extra layer of assurance.
Your sleeping position largely dictates the firmness level you should opt for:
Look for companies that offer generous trial periods, often ranging from 100 to 365 nights, and straightforward return policies. This is particularly important for online purchases where you can't try the mattress beforehand.
The brands I listed above generally offer free shipping and free returns, meaning you can order with confidence and try the product out at home with no risk.
For non-toxic mattresses, there is no off-gassing because they do not contain any harmful chemicals. Latex mattresses may occasionally give off the classic "new mattress" smell, but in my experience, this is minimal and should dissipate within a few hours to a couple of days.
Organic mattresses often last longer than their synthetic counterparts, with many having lifespans of more than 20 years.
Yes, mattresses in a box often offer the same quality and comfort as traditional mattresses but come with the added convenience of easy shipping and handling. They are also generally more cost-effective.
The primary difference is in the packaging and delivery. A bed in a box is compressed and vacuum-sealed which reduces shipping costs, while traditional mattresses are delivered in their full size, often requiring specialized delivery services.
Most mattresses in a box are designed to work with a variety of bed frames and foundations, including slatted platforms and adjustable bases. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal support.
If you are creating a non-toxic sleeping environment, be sure to pair your new mattress with a chemical-free bed frame.
While some mattresses can be slept on almost immediately, it's generally recommended to allow 4-6 hours for the mattress to fully expand and all wrinkles to flatten out. Some may take up to 48 hours to reach their full size.
Their popularity stems from the convenience they offer: easy shipping, doorstep delivery, and simpler setup. Additionally, they often come with generous trial periods, allowing you to test the mattress in the comfort of your home.
Manufacturers generally recommend unboxing a new mattress within a few weeks of delivery. Leaving it compressed for an extended period could risk the integrity of the materials and affect its ability to fully expand to its original shape. Always consult the manufacturer's guidelines for specific time frames.
By avoiding potentially toxic materials such as synthetic latex and memory foam, you can get a convenient non-toxic bed in a box shipped to your home, and know that it is 100% safe and chemical-free.
Having tested most of the organic options on the market, I'm confident that this list contains the best of the best. You will find an option here to meet your needs, whatever type of sleeper you are, and whatever your budget.
I'll see you in the next guide. Until then, sleep well.
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.
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