Mattresses are subjective. What works for someone else may not be best for you. Keeping these factors in mind will help you find the best organic mattress.

Material

All materials in organic mattresses are sustainably sourced, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about them causing your allergies or asthma. Organic latex foam is also great for hot sleepers because it is perforated for better air flow.

Organic mattresses include many materials such as latex foam, recycled steel coils and organic cotton or wool. Each material has an effect on how a mattress will feel, so it’s important to understand what you’re getting before you buy. For example, organic latex foam beds feel more durable and dense. Not to mention, some materials can increase the price, such as Dunlop latex.

Certifications

When shopping for an organic mattress, third party certifications make sure you get a bed that contains organic, sustainably sourced materials.

Here are some of the important certifications to look for when comparing organic mattresses:

• EWG verified: This certification states that the mattress is made without harmful chemicals, flame retardants, fiberglass, PVC and “forever” chemicals.
• FSC: The Forest Stewardship Council certifies that wood-based products are sourced appropriately from responsibly managed forests.
• CertiPUR-US: This certification ensures that mattress foams are free of toxic flame retardants, heavy metals and other harmful substances. It also means that the bed has low emissions of organic compounds.
• GOTS: The Global Organic Textile Standard is a third-party organization that has established criteria for organic fibers. A mattress with the GOTS seal contains at least 95% organic fibers.
• OBJECTIVES: Global Organic Latex Standard certifications mean the mattress contains at least 95% raw and organic latex.
• GreenGuard Gold: This certification means the mattress meets chemical release standards.
• Oeko-Tex Standard 100: This certification is specific to the fabric of the mattresses. Seeing a mattress with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means that the fabrics have been tested for harmful substances.

Body type

Your body type is also important when shopping for an organic mattress. Other materials, such as steel coils and multiple layers of latex foam, are better suited to heavier body types because they offer the support and stability they need.

Your body type can also influence how the mattress feels on you. A smaller person will put less pressure on the mattress, which means it will feel firmer for them. A person over 230 pounds will sink further into the mattress, making it feel softer. It’s important to keep your body type in mind in order to choose a fitness level that best suits your needs and preferences.

Sleeping position

Based on your sleeping position, here’s how firm you want your organic mattress to be:

• Side sleepers need a softer mattress that relieves pressure points in the shoulders, hips and knees. We suggest a plusher organic mattress such as Organica Plush by Amerisleep or the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss.
• Back and stomach sleepers should look for a firmer mattress that will keep their spine in neutral alignment throughout the night. Most organic mattresses are more durable, so you can’t go wrong with Avocado Green, Birch or Awara Natural Hybrid mattresses.
• Combination sleepers have the most flexibility, but you need to choose the stability based on the position you spend the most time in. WinkBed EcoCloud.