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We personally reviewed nearly a dozen organic mattress toppers for comfort and durability — these are our top 9 selections.
Mattress toppers provide an additional layer of comfort and support to your mattress while removing pressure points and reducing motion transfer each time your partner (or pet!) makes a move. If you wake up in the morning with aches and pains like a sore shoulder or hip, it might be time to consider adding a mattress topper. 💭
Organic mattress toppers also have the bonus of creating a safe and comfy barrier between you and an old, nonorganic mattress. This offers a nice stopgap if you’re not ready to invest in an organic mattress. Since we all want to sleep peacefully without inhaling flame retardants, let’s have a look at what constitutes the best organic mattress toppers on the market.
Why consider an organic mattress topper?
Conventional toppers are made of synthetic materials like polyester blends — both fiberfill and memory foam are popular in this category. But synthetic materials trap heat more than natural ones do. Moreover, polyester materials are bad news for the environment and our health. They’re potentially carcinogenic, can cause respiratory issues, and are especially harmful to factory workers. Polyester’s production is incredibly polluting, too.
These are all reasons why folks are starting to stay away from polyester, and not only in clothing. “A growing number of shoppers are prioritizing natural and organic sleep products over traditional materials like polyurethane foams,” explains Adam Tishman, co-founder of natural bedding brand Birch.
If you have a synthetic mattress that you can’t afford to replace quite yet, consider one of these natural toppers to offer yourself a healthy barrier. Upgrading your entire bed setup? Check out our favorite organic sheets, organic pillows, and the best organic mattress protectors to protect your new topper.
Read on for more about what to look for when choosing a natural mattress topper, including materials and how to shop according to your preferences.
What should you look for when shopping?
Tishman notes three major factors that shoppers should take into account when shopping for a topper: The feel or firmness level the topper will add to your mattress, the materials used, and the certifications earned by the brand. We completely agree!
First, let’s discuss what you want your topper to feel like. This is where our testing will come in. In general, latex toppers have a springy, spongy feel that provides both softness and support. They range from more plush to more firm, though, and some brands offer multiple firmness options. Wool and down toppers are typically a little softer and squishier than latex. Note the feel of your current mattress, and what firmness level tends to leave you the most refreshed. You’ll want to compare that to our reviews below and choose your preferred topper from there.
Here’s a quick debriefing on common materials used before we get into reviews: Natural toppers are typically made of latex, a squishy, naturally occurring sap-like material that comes from the rubber tree. Some toppers also utilize wool which is great for its temperature regulating and antimicrobial properties; down feathers which make for a nice soft, squishy topper; and organic cotton which is soft, sustainable, and cooling. (For more information on sustainable fabrics, check out our sustainable fabrics guide.)
Finally, let’s talk certifications. Keep an eye out for sustainably produced latex with the GOLS label, which certifies that a product meets the Global Organic Latex Standard. Similarly, GOTS certifies organically produced cotton that meets environmental and labor standards. Some other certifications to keep an eye out for: Fair Trade, which ensures responsible business practices, and Oeko-Tex 100, which means there are no harmful substances present in a final product.
Our criteria:
The Good Trade was sent these nine toppers for review and I personally slept on each of them for at least three nights each to compare and contrast. Additionally, our team scoured thousands of online reviews and drew on over ten years of experience testing and corresponding with organic bedding brands. Our criteria for our top selections falls into the below categories, and we regularly update this list with emerging favorites.
- ORGANIC | All of these toppers are made of exclusively natural, organic, and nontoxic materials like latex, wool, cotton, and/or down. None contain harsh flame retardants, and all are free from toxic chemicals (we especially look for toppers that do not use PFAS in their production).
- COMFORT | A topper has to be comfortable based on your personal preference. We’ve included a range of plush and firm toppers, and noted the feel of each so you can see what will work best for you. Plus we’ve only selected toppers we love sleeping on.
- AFFORDABLE | We’ve included a range of toppers at various price points — and have been sure to note the value of each topper. After all, you get what you pay for.
- SMELL | Wool and latex are known for having a bit of a scent. Latex has this sort of sweet, stale, vanilla-y scent that’s not particularly offensive — but wool can be a bit earthy. I’ve noted which toppers had stronger scents for those sensitive to smell. Note: All scents dissipated after a few weeks, in my experience.
- DURABILITY | Some of these toppers were extremely well-made, while others make better budget options, but all score high enough on durability to make the list.
- ECO-FRIENDLY & GIVE BACK | Each of these brands employ eco–friendly production practices. Many are made in the USA and give back to their communities too.
Updated July 2024: We’ve updated the prices to reflect the current offerings, and have added the most recent details about 4th of July Sales for every brand.
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Plush
1. PlushBeds
Best for | Comfort and temp regulation
Temperature regulating | Yes
Prices start at | $464
Filled with 100% ethically sourced wool, this topper from PlushBeds kind of looks and feels like a thick quilt. It adds plush softness to the bed, but what I really loved was how it protected the integrity of my mattress’s feel — you don’t just sink right into it like you do a piece of foam. And wool is excellent at temp regulation, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It had a definite wool smell to it, but it wasn’t as strong as other wool toppers I’ve used. While it’s the priciest option here, the topper is made in California using sustainably sourced wool and organic cotton, and it just feels luxurious — from the stitching to the sateen cover to the springy loft. PlushBeds also never uses PFAS in its production!
Customer Review | “For anyone who loves their memory foam mattress, but misses the luxurious plushness or is bothered by how hot they sleep, this is the perfect solution. Well made and generously sized. The only problem is you might not want to get out of bed in the morning.” – C.E. (Read more reviews.)
Discounts Available | Use code GOODTRADE100 for an additional $100 off your purchase.
PlushBeds is my #1 pick for supportive comfort and temperature regulation. It’s luxurious.
2. Earthfoam
Best for | All-around performance
Temperature regulating | Yes
Prices start at | $299
Earthfoam’s two-inch topper is made of rubber (aka latex) covered in wool batting to keep it cool and to meet flammability requirements (without retardants!), and quilted organic cotton for softness and breathability. It fits exactly what I’m looking for in a topper — a gentle plushness that still provides support, covered in airy, natural fibers. It contours to your body rather than letting you sink right in, providing pressure point relief along with that firmness our bodies crave. The topper had a noticeable but subtle latex and wool smell that dissipated with time, and was cool to the touch.
Customer Review | “Feels like I’m floating on a cloud as I drift off to sleep. My existing mattress is a bit too firm, but not old enough to warrant a replacement. Very happy with this eco-friendly upgrade!” – T.R. (Read more reviews.)
Earthfoam is my favorite for all-around performance with its mix of rubber and organic cotton.
3. Birch
Best for | A more supportive feel
Temperature regulating | Yes
Prices start at | $437
Similar to Earthfoam’s topper but slightly less plush, Birch’s topper fit the bill for me. It’s made of natural latex covered in organic wool and cotton for a total of two inches of thickness, providing a firmer support that paired perfectly with my already-plush-enough mattress. It contoured to the body more than it squished, which I prefer, and its latex-y scent was gone in a week or two. Its organic quilted cotton cover was soft to the touch, and the whole thing just felt luxe — it’s no wonder the topper has won awards from Readers’ Digest, Refinery 29, and the Strategist.
Customer Review | “This has totally changed my sleeping! No more night sweats or aching back/neck. It has really helped my husband also, who suffers from bulging disk in neck. I would buy this product over and over!” – C.W. (Read more reviews.)
Birch’s topper is slighly less plush than its counterparts and has a supportive feel that contoured to my body.
4. Happsy
Best for | Beautifully quilted cotton outer
Temperature regulating | Yes
Prices start at | $249
A more affordable option, this topper from Happsy wasn’t noticeably any less comfy or cooling. Its two inches of GOLS-certified latex are covered by organic cotton that’s quilted into a beautifully textured pattern — a nice little plus. It had almost no smell, just that subtle vanilla-y latex scent when you put your nose up to it. It’s nice and plush, making it great for side or back sleepers (like me!), but it isn’t so squishy that it lacks support. Another plus: It came wrapped in paper and just a thin layer of plastic, making it one of the more sustainably packaged options.
Customer Review | “I was so happy to have a well made product without the chemical smell. The topper was great for some added softness with a really nice thick covering. I am very pleased with my purchase.” – S.B. (Read more reviews).
Happsy’s topper is a great option for its beautiful cotton outer, supportive feel for side sleepers, and sustainable packaging.
5. Avocado
Best for | Plushness
Temperature regulating | Yes
Prices start at | $549
While Climate Neutral Certified brand Avocado carries mattress toppers for all needs, I tried the organic latex topper in “plush” (rather than “firm”), and it certainly lived up to that designation. At the same thickness as most of the other toppers, two inches, its latex has more give for a satisfyingly squishy layer that you sink right into — but it remains just as breathable. The handmade topper’s latex hardly has a scent and is covered in certified organic cotton and organic wool that wicks moisture and gives it a subtle wool smell. A bit too plush for me (especially on top of my already somewhat-plush mattress), it’s a great option for a super hard mattress or for someone who loves a super plush feel.
Customer Review | “The mattress topper truly is the icing on the Avocado Green cake. It’s not too soft, not too firm, not too warm, not too cool. Just a sumptuous layer of all-natural, nothing-nasty, chemical-free, totally sustainable, freshly scented goodness…” – E.F. (Read more reviews)
Avocado is my pick for plushness. You really sink into this breathable option for soft mattress lovers.
6. Naturepedic
Best for | Least latex smell
Temperature regulating | Yes
Prices start at | $499
Naturepedic’s topper had a similar feel to that of Happsy’s. It’s also made of latex covered in cotton — but the two-inch topper’s soft, cushiony latex is covered by a layer of stretch-knit cotton that moves with the certified organic latex, conforming to your body and adding to its buttery soft feel. The topper came with next to no smell, was as temperature regulating as the best of them, and had the perfect plushness level without feeling too squishy. The company has great customer service, too, with 100-day free trials, free shipping and returns, and a 10-year warranty. We love Naturepedic’s commitment to transparency — especially when it comes to never using PFAS in their products.
Customer Review | “I have searched high and low for a comfortable mattress cover. I recently received my naturepedic topper and have never slept better. I have neck and back injuries and this pad helps relieve all my pressure points. Highly recommend!” – M. (Read more reviews.)
Naturpedic had no discernable smell, offered contouring support, and was temperature regulating. Great customer service too!
7. Silk & Snow
Best for | Affordability
Temperature regulating | Somewhat
Prices start at | $175
I tried out Silk & Snow’s medium-weight topper, but note that they also have a firm option. This two-inch latex topper is covered in a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover that can be removed and machine washed — a huge plus. It has that vanilla-y, inoffensive latex smell, and a nice rubbery give without being overly plushy. Its cotton cover was noticeably thin, and it didn’t have the same luxe feel that some of the other toppers had, both in materials used and sleeping experience, but this makes for a really solid organic and affordable option to soften up a too-hard mattress.
Customer Review | “What a game changer it has been! I have had back pain for a few years and thought that I just had to live with it. After a week of sleeping on the mattress topper, I’ve noticed that my morning aches and pains are either much milder or not at all!” – G.B. (Read all reviews.)
Silk & Snow is my affordable pick. It’s slightly less luxe but still supportive and machine washable!
8. Brentwood Home
Best for | Thickness
Temperature regulating | Yes
Prices start at | $179
Brentwood carries a few different mattress toppers — a memory foam one that comes in two- and three-inch options, and a latex one that’s also available in two- or three-inch options. I tested out the latter, and it was super plushy. Too plushy for me, personally. If I were to do it over, I’d go for two inches. But it’d be great for a super firm mattress or someone who prefers a plusher feel. The three inches of latex hardly smelled at all, and was covered by a thin layer of GOTS-certified organic cotton. The cotton was nice and stretchy to add to the topper’s plushness, but it’s super thin, which might not make for the most durable topper over time. Like Silk & Snow’s, this is a great affordable option with surprisingly little scent.
Customer Review | “My main problem was waking up with hip pain due to a hard older mattress. That hasn’t happened since I added this topper. It’s also cooler and I no longer wake up hot. I was impressed for the price. I’m 100lbs side sleeper and the 2″ was enough cushion for me. I also love having a non-toxic layer between me and the mattress and won’t ever go back.” – J.H. (Read more reviews.)
Brentwood Home’s three-inch latex topper is my pick for those who want a really soft feel. It’s affordable and super thick but its thin cotton outer might not hold up over time.
9. Boll & Branch
Best for | Down topper
Temperature regulating | Somewhat
Prices start at | $469
Another latex-free option, Boll & Branch’s Cloud Cover featherbed is filled with over three inches of RDS-certified down. You really do sink into it like a cloud, but it was a little too much fluff for my bed! This topper gave my bed so much puffiness that it was difficult to fit my sheets on. ☺ That said, it definitely feels luxurious, with nice touches like four side handles that make it easy to fluff, piping, and a top layer of extra high-quality down. It comes in a reusable plastic case (hello, sustainable packaging!) and the topper’s organic cotton shell is as cool and crisp as a hotel sheet. I’d recommend it for someone who loves sinking into an extra fluffy bed.
Customer Review | “We are obsessed with the Cloud Cover. It has totally transformed our bed into something beyond extraordinary. Wow, every product you make seems to be better than the last. Thank you!” – S.T. (Read all reviews.)
Boll & Branch’s down topper was cloud-like, adding a noticeable fluff to my bed. It was difficult to fit my sheets over it!
Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram!
