The Best Eco-Friendly Mattresses & Sustainable Bedding of 2023
Did you know that up to 70 million Americans struggle with sleep disorders? One in every three adults in the United States is not getting sufficient quality sleep, according to a recent Gallup poll. And if sinking into slumber wasn’t hard enough already, our sleep surfaces may be doing more to prevent our zzz’s than we know. The average mattress is made from a flame retardant and toxic chemical blend that can damage our nervous, immune, reproductive and endocrine systems, not to mention trigger asthma and allergies while negatively impacting childhood development.
Before you stay up all night worrying about the potentially carcinogenic surface beneath your tired body—we know, it’s terrifying to think about!—our editors have spent countless hours making sure you can rest easy. The good news is that your options for eco-friendly mattresses are ever-increasing, and we’ve combed the exhaustive list of available inventory to present to you our Top 10 Eco-Friendly Mattresses of 2023, plus a bonus: the best organic bedding of the year. Keep reading for adults, kids, and budget-conscious organic picks for the whole family.
What’s in a good night’s sleep?
If you’re a proud night owl prone to pulling all-nighters and find yourself rejecting the notion that sleep matters, keep in mind what Dr. Maiken Nedergaard, a sleep scholar at the University of Rochester, says the benefits of getting good rest are: “Sleep helps prepare your brain to learn, remember, and create.” More importantly, Nedergaard and her colleagues liken the brain’s function during sleep to the critical role of our kidneys, removing toxins from our body’s system at twice the rate of waste removal from the brain during our waking hours.
You can think of your sleep time as a moment to repair. From the immune system to our blood vessels, many restorative processes work at their peak capacity during sleep. Without enough sleep, those repair processes will suffer and cause disturbances elsewhere in the brain and body. One sleep expert at the National Institutes for Health (NIH), Dr. Marishka Brown, says that healthy sleep is a three-part equation: “One is how much sleep you get,” she says, “Another is sleep quality—that you get uninterrupted and refreshing sleep. The last is a consistent sleep schedule.”
To master the three key sleep pillars, we’ve rounded up some top recommendations for deep sleep aids that are good for you, your family, and Mother Earth. While how much sleep you get and keeping a solid sleep schedule may require some effort on your part, our editors are here to help you tackle the part of the equation that today’s leading sustainable brands can support.
Editor’s Picks: Top 5 Deep Sleep Aids
Did you know that over 50% of U.S. adults are deficient in magnesium, a key component for sleep, brain and cellular health? Studies have demonstrated that taking magnesium supplements can help adults with insomnia go to sleep faster, stay asleep longer, increase melatonin, and reduce nighttime wakings. Magnesium is also a way to regulate your nervous system during the day so that easing into restful sleep is a breeze. Editor’s Pick: Moon Juice’s Magnesi-OM with L-Theanine to help relax and restore cellular balance.
Wind down screen-free with a cup of tea like rooibos, a naturally caffeine-free tea that’s also low in tannins. Soothing for the mind and body, rooibos is an ideal digestive aid to sip mindfully before bedtime. Editor’s Pick: Mudwtr’s REST: Rooibos Chai with functional adaptogens and other anti-inflammatory herbs to promote calm and relaxation.
Ditch blue light one hour before bed, or after sunset. Studies have shown that blocking blue and green light enhances melatonin production, aligns circadian rhythm, and improves sleep. Recently, blue light blocking glasses have come into fashion for more than their stylish frames; wearing these lenses for two to three hours prior to bedtime can bring better sleep from the first use, leaving you instantly more refreshed and energized. Editor’s Pick: BON CHARGE’s blue light blocking glasses, the original blue light blockers.
Light can be one of sleep’s greatest enemies, but sleep masks have recently been proven to do way more than just slay the dragon of illumination. In studies, wearing an eye masks has been linked to improved episodic learning and alertness, a boost in memory retention and cognitive function, promoting hormone balance, and more slow wave sleep (the body’s most restful state). Editor’s Pick: Lunya’s Washable Silk Sleep Mask that doubles as a headband for your nighttime beauty rituals, is noise-reducing and thermoregulating, and is made from 100% washable silk with sustainable dyes—there’s even one for kids!
And if all else fails, heed the research findings of what might be the world’s coziest sleep accessory: the weighted blanket. Among its ability to model the experience of being held or hugged, the pressure of weighted blankets has been shown in studies to help relax the nervous system, relieve the perception of physical pain and symptoms of depression, and improve sleep quality. Editor’s Pick: Quince’s Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket made from a recycled soft jersey material and 15-lb fill to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. To sweeten the sustainability of this couch topper, it comes in a recycled bag.
Why do I need an organic mattress?
We’ve established the key reasons typical commercial bedding is problematic: they are produced with harmful chemicals, leaching plastics, non-recyclable materials, flame retardants, and other toxic components that are far from environmentally friendly and may pose serious health risks. Toxin-free, potentially more affordable, sleep promoting organic mattresses use non-synthetic materials like cotton, latex, and wool and favor packaging that is recyclable or biodegradable.
Since the average adult will spend approximately 26 years sleeping throughout their lives, and sleep is undeniably critical to our very survival, there’s no doubt that having a lasting sleep surface (and bedding!), which also positively contributes to the longevity of our Earth Mama by easing the burden on landfills, is the epitome of green living. Organic materials also help cool you down in the summer and stay warm in the winter because these sustainable fibers allow for better airflow, thus maintaining a comfortable homeostasis for your body, promoting deeper rest.
Here are our Editors’ Picks for the Top Eco-Friendly Mattresses of 2023, and a brief explanation of why we’ve chosen each one on the list to help you invest mindfully in better sleep.
Editors’ Picks: The Top 10 Eco-Friendly Mattresses of 2023
Most Affordable | Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress
Available in seven different sizes up to a luxurious California King, the Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress is constructed from earth made materials: dunlop latex (organic certified from rubber trees), mindfully-harvested organic cotton, and organic New Zealand wool “sourced from happy sheep”. Why it matters: wool is one of the only certifiably organic materials on the market today that is a natural flame retardant. Awara ups their sustainability ante by using a premium natural Sri Lankan latex foam that’s free of ozone-depleting substances, mercury, lead, and other toxins, and by incorporating water-based adhesives in lieu of chemical compounds. We especially love that for every Awara purchase, 10 fast-growing trees are planted in Kenya, Senegal, Uganda or Tanzania, providing farming families with sustainable food and income sources.
Firmest | Plank Firm Natural
Plank Firm’s Natural Mattress is guaranteed and warranty-backed to last you 10 years, so if you love a firm sleep surface, this is an easy first choice. With 100% GOTS Certified organic cotton, 100% natural FSC Certified Talalay latex, and 100% organic wool, you get the benefits of wool’s natural fire retardant and pressure point relief benefits while also being able to flip the mattress for a firm feel on one side and a medium-firm feel on the other. Offering high breathability, subtle stretch, soft touch and natural shape retention for long-lasting comfort, we love the Plank’s Firm Natural option for also supporting us in getting the pain-free backs and shoulders that we deserve. With the GOTS stamp of approval, these ethical sleep products are rooted in care for the people who harvest Plank’s eco-friendly materials. From fair wages and safe working conditions to a pledge to never use child labor, we’re impressed that you can breathe and dream more deeply on this sustainably sourced and moisture-wicking mattress for at least a decade.
Softest | PlushBeds Organic Latex Mattress - The Botanical Bliss
Who said the ‘green life’ must be devoid of luxury? PlushBeds’ Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress is handcrafted in California, using the world’s finest organic materials and high quality GOLS certified organic latex, GOLS certified organic cotton, and GOTS certified organic wool. We love that many chiropractors and orthopedic specialists have given their seal of approval thanks to the luxurious customized comfort, soothing pressure relief, and superior support offered by The Botanical Bliss mattress. With nine size options, two firmness selections, and three heights to choose from, it’s easy to see why PlushBeds offers a lifetime warranty on these sleep surfaces. Rated as the top mattress by over 100 media outlets, it’s the ultimate comfort without compromise. Its chemical-free barrier helps safely protect your family from melting, dripping, or releasing toxic fumes, unlike the synthetic alternatives among most commercial mattresses.
Editors’ Pick | Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress
From California with love comes the Brentwood Home Oceano, a luxury hybrid mattress with 2,700 cushioning coils that you can enjoy for a whole year without committing! With a year-long trial and a 25-year warranty to guarantee your satisfaction, Oceano also avoids overseas shipping and the toll of environmental, labor, and social responsibility standards being low among its countless competitors. Handcrafted in their GOS-certified factory on the outskirts of Los Angeles, many of the company’s craftspeople have been with them for over 20 years, helping to pioneer the brand’s innovative materials for healthier sleep. Cooling gel memory foam made with patented technology, natural silk fibers, organic cotton and wool, and sustainably sourced, plant-based Tencel fibers from eucalyptus trees are among the hallmarks of Brentwood Home’s chemical-free manufacturing processes. We love that the Oceano is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low emissions, preventing prolonged chemical exposure and pollutants that are typically found in many other mattresses. And for our memory foam lovers, the plant-based BioFoam formula reduces the environmental impact of traditional memory foam without sacrificing the luxurious, supportive comfort of this best-selling and top-of-class mattress.
Best For Side Sleeping | Helix Birch Natural Mattress
We all know Arizona keeps it hot! This made in Arizona natural latex mattress cradles comfort in all sleep positions, but is optimized for pressure relief. Using premium hypoallergenic and organic materials from nature, Helix’s Birch Natural Mattress contours the body with a medium-firm feel that’s ideal for side sleepers, and is a great match for stomach sleepers and back sleepers, too. We love the option for in-home set up and removal, and the added bonus of an organic cotton top layer—made of hygroscopic organic wool and breathable natural Talalay latex—that comes free of charge with each organic mattress. Third party certified, its subtle stretch is soft to the touch and the quality of every product is closely monitored in a GOTS certified Arizona factory.
Best Overall | Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress
Choose from firm, cushion-firm, or plush in this perfectly simple and elegant Serenade, an organic hybrid mattress that is certified organic and non-toxic. Not only are the Serenade’s materials and factory certified, the entire finished product is, too—we’re seeing green! Here’s one of the coolest features in our book: Naturpedic’s exclusive 8” glueless encased coils provide a balanced support system without toxic adhesives, and the coils are produced in-house. No flame retardants, 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and wool, plus organic approved latex. You’ve got 100 nights to sleep on it before you’re certain you want to keep it for the next 25 years (that’s how long the warranty lasts), plus Naturepedic offers free returns in case the silky smooth organic latex comfort isn’t to your liking. If you’re looking for a cloud-like feel, go plush. The cushion-firm is suitable for most sleepers, while the firm gives an extra level of support if that’s your vibe. Did you know most foam mattresses actually trap heat and act as insulators? The Serenade keeps you cool and comfortable all night long thanks to its real, breathable fibers that wick away moisture! We love that we can trust all of Naturpedic’s organic cotton is U.S. grown and certified organic, plus their super soft stretch knit fabrics just hug the body perfectly to ease into sleep.
Best For Kids | My Green Mattress Kiwi Organic
Parents will delight in a comfortable option that’s also affordable, because isn’t getting our kids to sleep hard enough already? Give your children the gift of flame retardant-, toxin- and chemical-free bedding that’s also got over 1,000 pocketed coil springs and a 7-zone lumbar support system for a luxurious sleep for the whole family. My Green Mattress is the only Made in the USA certified organic mattress in its class with hand-tufted, GOLS certified organic latex, GOTS certified organic cotton and a wool quilted cover with a 365-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty. If you’ve been looking for a contouring hybrid mattress that’s medium-firm and budget friendly, this is also a great option for co-sleepers. Its individually pocketed coils ensure superior motion isolation, minimizing disruptions from the movements of the other sleepers in your bed.
Most Unique | Home Of Wool Split Wool Mattress
Finally, a fully customizable option that empowers you to select the most comfortable thickness, fabric, and a personalized edge design. This Japanese-style floor mattress comes with handles for easy flipping and moving, wool bows on tufts for durability and is hand-tufted with natural linen thread; plus, the complimentary mending kit ensures you’re all set for better rest. Choose from 100% organic cotton, 100% linen, or 100% virgin wool—all are natural, biodegradable, renewable, breathable, and durable—keeping in mind the wool option offers the best temperature regulation and natural flame resistant bang for your buck. Springy wool fibers support the body and promote a healthy posture while remaining chemical and VOC-free. For those who are new to floor sleeping, rest assured that the Home of Wool Split Wool Mattress is naturally dust mite and mildew-resistant, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, not to mention filled with only sustainable renewable materials. Ground yourself to the Earth while helping to sustain it!
Multifunctional | Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
We’re down to the tiniest details here—since all of the options on this list are truly excellent, we want to be specific about why Saatva’s Zenhaven offers the most diverse multifunctionality. First, it’s dual-sided and features New Zealand wool, breathable organic cotton and natural latex for buoyant, pressure-relieving comfort. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic and offers two distinct types of firmness for maximum back and joint pain relief. We especially love the 5-zone natural latex for enhanced lower back support, vented airflow, and ergonomic pressure relief beyond the typical natural offerings. It’s giving peak versatility, and its washing process removes all allergy-causing proteins, which couldn’t be more needed as the colder months approach. Luxury Plush is the way to go for side, back, and combination sleepers. It’s also great to settle disputes among co-sleepers who can’t agree on firmness. For stomach sleepers and those who like a more firm sleep surface, go for the Gentle Firm, with 18% more firmness than the Luxury Plush, more push back support and responsiveness. We think Saatva makes choosing a side a winning battle!
* Bonus: The Best Organic Bedding of 2023
Eucalyptus | Buffy Breeze Comforter
It’s time to chill out without the silk price tag. Eucalyptus sheets are rising in popularity because they are considered the best cooling fabric. Perhaps that’s why this comforter is an Architectural Digest 2023 award-winning pick for better sleep, temperature control, and premium natural fibers that are free of animal by-products, not to mention fully biodegradable and compostable!
Down | Sol Organics Comforter
Responsibly sourced Canadian White Down wrapped in a 100% organic certified cotton shell is sure to enhance your bedding experience and your admiration for the process of seed to sheet.
Cotton | Pact Organic Cotton Bedding
Pact is bringing the hotel experience to your bedroom with these premium organic cotton sateen sheets that feel buttery soft to the touch and aim to please even the pickiest of sleepers.
Linen | Quince’s Organic Linen Bedding Bundle
We know you’re busy, so make Quince your one-stop shop for linen bedding when you knock out all your organic upgrades in one go! Sexy earth tones in tons of durable yet luxurious sateen varieties are crafted using windmill-powered green energy and of course, are totally toxin-free.
Percale | Quince Classic Organic Sheet Set
Cool and crisp, these sheets only get softer with each wash while resisting fading. Quince starts off with 100% long-staple organic cotton that gets meticulously woven into a 270 thread count fabric that will keep even the hottest of sleepers dozing peacefully through the night.
Key Takeaways: Rest Easy
→ In a culture that overly glorifies being busy, rest is often overlooked as critical to maintaining optimal health. But if you’re serious about taking proper care of your mind, body and spirit, there are few things quite as essential to your mood, brain performance, and overall well-being.
→ Conversely, if you skip out on quality sleep, you are putting yourself at risk for countless disorders, from heart disease and dementia to strokes and obesity, to name just a few health concerns that are greatly exacerbated (or outright caused) by poor sleep hygiene.
→ The average mattress is made from a flame retardant and toxic chemical blend that can damage our nervous, immune, reproductive and endocrine systems, not to mention trigger asthma and allergies while negatively impacting childhood development.
→ Organic bedding is not only infinitely better for your mind-body health in the long-term, it can also be a more affordable option, with many brands offering 20+-year warranties and up to a year trial period to guarantee your non-toxic sleep feels as good for you as it does for the planet.
→ Ultimately, informed consumers have the power to change the marketplace for the better. Follow us @urbanwellnessmag and subscribe to our newsletters to receive honest recommendations for sustainable products, health-conscious recipes, great reads, and of-the-moment things to learn, listen to, and watch—all with your holistic well-being in mind.