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I personally reviewed nearly a dozen organic mattress toppers — these are my top nine picks for a nontoxic mattress topper that is natural, comfortable, and durable, too.
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.
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.
How to choose the right topper for you:
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.)
What certifications ensure a mattress topper is organic or nontoxic?
Finally, let’s talk certifications. Unfortunately it’s common to fall for many of the greenwashing claims that brands use — which is why we like to look for certifications to ensure the mattress toppers we purchase are clean, safe, and environmentally friendly. Keep an eye out for the following:
- GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard): This certifies that the product is made out of at least 95% organically grown natural rubber latex alongside other approved materials. The latex is also responsibly harvested and processed under fair labor conditions, and free from harmful chemicals like PFAS, flame retardants, and synthetic fillers.
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): This ensures the product is made with at least 95% organic materials and is free from harmful chemicals like PFAS, flame retardants, pesticides, and synthetic additives. Additionally, GOTS upholds sustainable manufacturing practices and labor standards.
- Fair Trade: This certification ensures workers are paid fair wages, work in safe conditions, and ethical labor practices are followed.
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100: This certification means no harmful substances are present in a final product such as PFAS, flame retardants, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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 employs eco–friendly production practices. Many are made in the USA and give back to their communities, too.
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.
Table of Contents
Our Overall Favorite: Plushbeds, $999
Most Plush: Avocado, $329
Most Affordable: Silk & Snow, $270
Best Temperature Regulation: Earthfoam, $399
Most Supportive: Birch, $532
Best Latex Without The Smell: Naturepedic, $749
Best For Side Sleepers: Happsy, $399
Best Minimalist Mattress Pad: Coyuchi, $298
Best Down Topper: Boll & Branch, $699
1. PlushBeds
Best for | Comfort and temp regulation
Materials | Ethically sourced virgin wool, GOTS-certified organic cotton
Temperature regulating | Yes
Firmness rating | Medium-soft
Prices start at | $999 for a Queen
Discounts Available | Now through November 20th, save up to 50% off bedroom mattresses, 25% off toppers/bedding, and save an extra $100 off with code GOODTRADE100
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 one of 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!
Our Editor’s Review | “This topper kind of looks and feels like a thick quilt. It definitely 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. It had a definite wool smell to it, but it wasn’t as strong as other wool toppers I’ve used. While it’s one of the priciest options here, it just feels luxurious — from the stitching to the sateen cover to the springy loft.”


PlushBeds is my #1 pick for supportive comfort and temperature regulation. It’s luxurious.
2. Avocado
Best for | Plushness
Materials | GOLS-certified Dunlop latex, FSC-certified Talalay latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton
Temperature regulating | Yes
Firmness rating | Medium-soft — medium-firm
Prices start at | $329 for a Queen
Discounts Available | We’re officially in holiday season! During Avocado’s holiday sale, you can save up to 20% off sitewide
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.
Our Editor’s Review | “I had no idea a mattress could be so comfortable until I tried Avocado’s Eco Organic Mattress Topper. I tried both their medium and plush — and I found both offer something for different kinds of sleepers. I loved the comfort, temperature control, and mattress protection this topper offers, and it’s now a staple in my bedding lineup. If you’re looking to upgrade or tailor your existing mattress without replacing it, this topper is an ideal option.” – Courtney Jay Higgins, Contributing Editor [Read our full review]


Avocado is my pick for plushness. You really sink into this breathable option for soft mattress lovers.
















