The Best Organic, Non-Toxic & Natural Mattress Toppers
Whether you’re looking for a natural or organic latex mattress topper or a non-toxic mattress topper made with organic cotton or wool, we’ve got the ultimate guide to customizing your mattress with a non-toxic mattress topper.
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There have been two times in my life that I’ve had health issues from sleeping on brand new memory foam mattress toppers, and these instances were spaced 15 years apart. I didn’t make the connection until I bought a new memory foam mattress topper (from a well-known company) before my back surgery.
Despite the fact that the box had a warning to “off-gas” the topper for 72 hours, I was desperate for a comfortable sleeping situation due to a herniated disc. It was definitely comfortable, but I started experiencing neurological symptoms, headaches and trouble breathing once I started sleeping on the mattress topper. I’ve been very thoroughly tested by a neurologist and many other doctors that found nothing wrong with me, and the minute I switched to a non-toxic natural latex mattress topper and organic mattress, my symptoms disappeared.
This post goes into detail about non-toxic mattress toppers, but I also recommend sleeping on an organic mattress. In general, swapping out toxic products in your home for non-toxic products will give you optimal health benefits.
Why use a mattress topper?
A mattress topper provides extra plushness and cushioning beyond what your mattress may provide. After having back surgery, I cannot imagine sleeping on a bed without a mattress topper, since it really helps to alleviate pressure on my joints.
A mattress topper can also extend the life of your mattress – if the topper experiences wear and tear and sagging, it can be replaced every few years, which is more budget-friendly than replacing a mattress in that time frame.
Mattress toppers also help to reduce motion transfer, so if two people sleep in the same bed there will be way less bouncing and jolting if one person switches positions or gets in or out of bed.
What is memory foam?
Memory foam is a common foam material for mattress toppers. Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that contains added chemicals, giving it a characteristic feel that contours and molds to your body as it heats up. Memory foam returns to its original form when pressure is released.
What harmful chemicals are found in memory foam mattress toppers?
Memory foam is made from Polyurethane foam and other added chemicals to give the foam characteristic contouring properties. Some of the harmful chemicals include:
Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) is a chemical compound commonly used to make memory foam. Toluene Diisocyanate has many health risks, including skin and respiratory irritation and nerve damage. Toluene Diisocyanate is recognized as a carcinogen by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the State of California, and other states like Massachusetts and Vermont recognize TDI as a possible carcinogen.
Formaldehyde is not intentionally added to a memory foam topper, but it can be a byproduct of foam manufacturing. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
Methylene Chloride is a colorless liquid used in the production of memory foam. It can cause dizziness and numbness and tingling in the limbs, as well as other health issues.
Methyl Chloroform is also used in the production of memory foam. Exposure can affect memory, concentration and muscle coordination.
Synthetic Fragrances- This is a personal observation. The conventional mattress topper that I bought had a lemon scent that would not go away, and my theory is that the scent was used to cover any other chemical off-gassing smells. Exposure to phthalates and other endocrine disruptors in fragrance can potentially cause an array of health issues.
Unlike mattresses, mattress toppers are not required by law to have flame retardants and are not burn tested with an open flame to meet 16 C.F.R. That’s less chemicals we have to worry about!
Memory Foam Toppers And Off-Gassing
Memory foam mattress toppers off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a chemical soup of gas particles that can be potentially harmful to humans and pets.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate VOCs in mattress toppers.
Is Polyurethane Foam Toxic?
It is basically one step below memory foam in terms of toxicity. Polyurethane production involves the reaction of polyols, diisocyanates and catalysts. Polyurethane foam does off-gas VOCs. If you are allergic to latex or have major back, neck, hip or shoulder issues, then you may want to consider the White Lotus Home Evergreen Foam Topper, which is a non-petroleum derived foam topper that is “as natural as foam can come”.
What Is Synthetic Latex & Is It Toxic?
Synthetic Latex mimics natural latex, yet it is produced synthetically, so it is not harvested from a rubber tree like natural latex. It is made from petrochemicals, and styrene-butadiene rubber is the most common type of synthetic latex. Synthetic latex will off-gas and produce harmful chemical vapors, and Styrene exposure raises your risk of cancer.
The Best Non-Toxic Materials For Mattress Toppers
Natural, non-synthetic latex– After my body started to react to the chemicals in memory foam, I ordered 3 natural latex toppers to test for comfort. The companies I ordered toppers from all make natural latex mattress toppers with no added synthetic fillers. They do not produce harmful VOCs. Natural latex comes from the rubber tree, and the sap is harvested sustainably. Natural latex may or may not have a mild rubber scent from the natural rubber sap.
Dunlop Latex Versus Talalay Latex
Dunlop latex is firmer when compared to Talalay latex, so Dunlop is more commonly used for the core of a mattress. Dunlop latex is turned into a frothy foam and baked in a mold, and the process is thought to be more eco-friendly to make when compared to Talalay latex.
Talalay latex is also turned into a frothy foam and poured into a mold, but only partially filled. The liquid latex is then vacuum sealed, so that it expands and takes the shape of the mold. Thus, Talalay latex has a softer, more airy feel. My Plushbeds 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper is made using the Talalay latex process, and I chose this type of latex for extra softness.
What are The Pros & Cons of a natural latex topper
The Pros:
- It is easier to turn positions on a natural latex topper compared with memory foam. The latex is a little springier, so it does not take as much effort to roll over.
- Natural latex does not trap body heat like memory foam does. When I slept on memory foam, my body temperature felt too hot and with natural latex I do not experience the same heat retention.
- I did not experience any health issues from off-gassing when sleeping on a natural latex topper like I did with memory foam.
The Con:
- Natural latex is just slightly less comfortable on my pressure points (my hips) when compared to the memory foam topper. But still, I am totally happy with my latex topper!
Other Materials Used For Non-Toxic Mattress Toppers
Organic Cotton and Organic Wool- GOTS Certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the leading standard for organic mattress materials using cotton and wool fabric. The GOTS certification requires that at least 95 percent of the materials in the mattress are certified organic, and it prohibits the use of some chemicals like certain flame retardants, formaldehyde and polyurethane, even in the other 5 percent. GOTS certifies the entire production chain, from USDA certified organic raw materials to manufacturing the final certified product, and includes chemical inputs, fair trade and labor practices and environmental impact.
There are other certifications to look for when purchasing a non-toxic mattress topper, and you’ll find more detail about the certifications in my article on organic mattresses for kids.
My Experience Trying 3 Non-Toxic Latex Mattress Toppers
I tested 3 non-toxic latex mattress toppers – the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper, the Plushbeds 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper, and the Essentia Zero Gravity Organic Latex Topper.
The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper comes with impressive certifications, including MADE SAFE®, GOTS and GOLS certifications. The topper is 2 inch thick latex, cotton and wool, and the cover is organic cotton, although there is no zipper to take the cover off and wash it. The topper comes in firm or plush. Although this topper was too firm for me (I ordered the plush), I had a great experience ordering from Avocado, and was able to easily return the topper.
The Essentia Zero Gravity Organic Latex Topper is really well made and has an organic cotton cover with zipper. Since it is only 1.5 inches thick, it was just too thin for me. We decided to keep the topper for my daughter’s bed.
The Plushbeds 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper has options for different thicknesses (2 inches or 3 inches) and 5 different levels of firmness (soft, med-soft, medium, med-firm, firm). You can also order an organic cotton cover that has a zipper to easily wash it. I ordered the 3” topper in soft with the organic cotton cover. This topper is a winner for me! It is so comfortable, with just the right amount of softness to cushion my joints after back surgery. I highly recommend this topper since it has so many different options for your perfect sleeping situation. It also has zero VOCs, and I have not experienced any of the health issues I was having when I slept on a memory foam mattress topper. As an aside, I also have a Happsy Organic Hybrid Mattress and I love it!
If you’re looking for a non-toxic or organic mattress topper, here are the brands I recommend:
Plushbeds
Plushbeds founder Michael Hughes was searching for healthy, toxin-free mattresses for his family after his father died from Parkinson’s disease. I have been really impressed with the high quality and non-toxic materials used in the topper I purchased and kept! It is honestly so comfy, and I look forward to sleeping on it every night.
Plushbeds 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper is the topper I have, and I find it to be extremely comfortable. They offer 5 different levels of firmness: Soft, Soft-medium, Medium, Medium-Firm, and Firm. They also offer 2 levels of thickness: 2 inches or 3 inches. Plushbeds 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper is made of Talalay latex which is harvested from sustainable sources, and has no fillers or toxic additives, and emits no harmful gasses or odors, and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. You can order a GOTS certified organic cotton cover with zipper.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen (3”): $441; cost for organic cotton cover: $112
Shop: Plushbeds 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Plushbeds Organic Dunlop Topper is GOLS certified latex and GREENGUARD Gold certified. Note that Dunlop latex is firmer than Talalay latex. It is available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King. They offer 3 different levels of firmness: Soft, Medium, and Medium-Firm. Plushbeds Organic Dunlop Topper comes in 2 levels of thickness: 2 inches or 3 inches. You can order a GOTS certified organic cotton cover with zipper.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen (3”): $359
Shop: Plushbeds Organic Dunlop Topper
Plushbeds Organic Mattress Topper With Quilted Organic Cover is made with GOLS organic latex and surrounded by a layer of GOTS certified organic wool to naturally regulate your temperature while you sleep. The topper is wrapped in a soft, quilted organic cotton cover, with quilted gusset sides for durability. Plushbeds Organic Mattress Topper With Quilted Organic Cover is available in 3-inch or 4-inch heights, and it is only offered in medium or firm thickness. It is GREENGUARD Gold certified.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $674
Shop: Plushbeds Organic Mattress Topper With Quilted Organic Cover
Plushbeds Wool Mattress Topper is 100% virgin ECOWOOL®, and the fill is never chemically treated, so is safe for those with chemical sensitivity. Wool’s unique properties ensure that you stay warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified, hypoallergenic, handmade in the USA and 100% chemical and cruelty-free. Plushbeds Wool Mattress Topper has a 3-inch loft (thickness) and a 400 thread count 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton sateen cover.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $749
Shop: Plushbeds Wool Mattress Topper
Return Policy– Due to safety and sanitary regulations, PlushBeds Organic Latex Mattress Toppers are not returnable. All latex toppers come with a 5 year warranty, but have a lifespan of up to 20 years. The wool toppers are covered by a 1 year warranty for manufacturer defects.
Avocado Green Mattress
The mission of Avocado Green Mattress is to be the most respected source for organic and natural mattresses, pillows, and bedding at affordable prices.
Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper is GREENGUARD Gold and MADE SAFE® certified. Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper comes in 2 different levels of firmness: firm and plush. Featuring GOLS organic certified latex and GOTS organic certified wool, plus reinforced seams, within an internally quilted ticking made with GOTS organic certified cotton. Choose the Avocado Vegan Mattress Topper if you don’t want wool in your topper.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $649
Shop: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress Topper is a plush organic topper that’s crafted with six layers of natural alpaca wool, as well as GOTS certified organic wool from our own sheep herds in the Himalayas, a 2-inch GOLS certified organic latex core from our own farms, and GOTS certified organic cotton finishes. Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress Topper is also GREENGUARD Gold and MADE SAFE® certified.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $1700
Shop: Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress Topper
Avocado Alpaca Wool Mattress Topper is handcrafted with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and natural, ethically sourced alpaca fiber. Choose between the Standard version, which is medium and firmer in feel, or the decadent and Avocado Alpaca Wool Luxury Plush Topper version, which is plusher and features more loft. GREENGUARD Gold and MADE SAFE® certified.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $829; cost for luxury plush queen: $1329
Shop: Avocado Alpaca Wool Mattress Topper
Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper features 2 inches of 100% GOLS certified organic latex with a 100% GOTS certified organic cotton cover with a hidden, underside zipper. Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper uses no wool, toxic chemicals or polyurethane foams. GREENGUARD Gold and MADE SAFE® certified for safety.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $499
Shop: Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper
Return Policy– Try for at least 30 days. If it’s not right for you, you can request a return and refund within the first 365 days. The Latex Mattress Topper is also covered by a 10-Year Limited Warranty.
Essentia
Jack Dell’Accio founded Essentia, a Canadian company, after struggling to find a mattress that offered pressure relief and posture support without toxins for a family member battling cancer.
Essentia Zero Gravity Organic Latex Topper feels like you’re floating and features natural EMF protection. This organic latex foam topper is made with GOLS-certified organic latex with a 1.5” thickness. It has a GOTS certified organic cotton cover. The Essentia Zero Gravity Organic Latex Topper is available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen and King. Essentia has built-in protection from EMF 3G, 4G, and 5G waves.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King
Cost for Queen: $849
Shop: Essentia Zero Gravity Organic Latex Topper
Return Policy– Given the personal nature of these items, returns are only accepted in the event that the product is damaged at delivery or if there is a product defect.
Happsy
Happsy is dedicated to making affordable organic mattresses that are accessible to everyone. They are part of the Naturepedic family.
Happsy Organic Latex Topper features certified organic materials without the harmful chemicals, the Happsy organic mattress topper provides a healthier alternative to conventional foam brands. Use with any size mattress for added comfort, pressure point relief, and a plush, pillow-top feel. The Happsy Organic Latex Topper, made with Dunlop latex, is GREENGUARD Gold and MADE SAFE® certified and uses GOLS organic latex and GOTS certified organic cotton.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $399
Shop: Happsy Organic Latex Topper
Return Policy: 120 day return policy
Naturepedic
Barry Cik and his two sons founded Naturepedic, a non-toxic and organic mattress manufacturer. Naturepedic has led the industry by introducing organic mattresses designed for kids as well as highly sought-after luxury organic mattresses for adults.
Naturepedic Adagio Organic Latex Mattress Topper is made with 2” of organic latex and an organic cotton stretch knit fabric. Naturepedic Adagio Organic Latex Mattress Topper is GOLS, GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold and MADE SAFE® certified.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $749.00
Shop: Naturepedic Adagio Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Naturepedic Woolly Organic Wool Mattress Topper is 3″ of certified organic wool, featuring thick layers of organic wool batting for supportive full-body cushioning and pressure point relief. Wool naturally regulates temperature, keeping you comfortable in both warm and cool weather. Naturepedic Woolly Organic Wool Mattress Topper features an organic cotton sateen fabric finish for that added luxurious touch and comfort without the harmful chemicals and is GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold and MADE SAFE® certified.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $999
Shop: Naturepedic Woolly Organic Wool Mattress Topper
Return Policy– 30 day money-back-guarantee on all accessories.
My Green Mattress
Founder, Tim Masters, was driven to make a healthier, natural mattress for his infant daughter who suffered from eczema and allergies. He developed My Green Mattress where customers can purchase healthy, certified organic mattresses for their families.
My Green Mattress Organic Latex Topper adds an additional layer of comfort and pressure point relief. My Green Mattress Organic Latex Topper is made with 2” of GOLS certified organic latex and covered with a GOTS certified organic cotton cover. GREENGUARD Gold and MADE SAFE® certified.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $299
Shop: My Green Mattress Organic Latex Topper
Return Policy– 120 night sleep trial
The Futon Shop
Suzanne Diamond founded The Futon Shop with an emphasis on craftsmanship and chemical-free materials.
The Futon Shop Royal Luxury Mattress Topper is a luxurious 5” topper that never compresses, feels like a cloud, and is encased in a GOTS certified organic cotton twill fabric that holds OEKO-TEX certified natural horsetail cashmere, wool and GOLS certified organic latex. The Futon Shop Royal Luxury Mattress Topper provides excellent orthopedic support and is chemical free.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $490
Shop: The Futon Shop Royal Luxury Mattress Topper
The Futon Shop Teddy Organic Wool Mattress Topper is 2” of pure organic goodness, and this chemical free GOTS certified wool topper is a great option for anyone seeking a supremely comfortable sleep space. The Futon Shop Teddy Organic Wool Mattress Topper is also temperature regulating.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $378
Shop: The Futon Shop Teddy Organic Wool Mattress Topper
The Futon Shop Organic Cotton Mattress Topper With Wool is 3” of organic and chemical free wool and cotton.
Cost for Queen: $342
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Shop: The Futon Shop Organic Cotton Mattress Topper With Wool
The Futon Shop Celestia Organic Latex Mattress Topper uses 2” of GOLS certified organic latex and is wrapped in organic wool. It is encased in an organic cotton cover. The Futon Shop Celestia Organic Mattress Topper comes in soft, medium or firm, and is 100% chemical free.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $564; cost for organic cotton cover: $163
Shop: The Futon Shop Celestia Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Return Policy– Mattress Toppers are not returnable.
White Lotus Home
White Lotus Home offers natural bedding products that are non-threatening to the planet.
The White Lotus Home Evergreen Foam Topper is made with a 2″ foam core wrapped in pure US Wool and encased in a 100% cotton casing. Evergreen Foam uses soy, castor, and other vegetable oils. To process the liquid oil into a foam product, polyols are added; polyol is sugar-based alcohol derived from castor and vegetable oils that burns off in the manufacturing process. In short, even though foam is a man-made product, all components of the White Lotus Home Evergreen Foam Topper are naturally derived from plant-based oils. It’s as natural as foam can come!
Sizes: Toddler, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Cost for Queen: $574
Shop: White Lotus Home Evergreen Foam Topper
White Lotus Home Toddler Toppers are perfect if you’re ready to move your baby to a toddler bed or want to add a little extra softness to their toddler bed set up. Organic Cotton Topper in 2″ or 4″ thick, Green Cotton Topper in 2” or 4” thickness, Pure wool in 2″ thick or 4″ thick options, 2″ natural latex, 2″ evergreen foam
Cost: Starts at $190
Shop: White Lotus Home Toddler Toppers
Return Policy: The foam topper does not fall under our 120 night mattress guarantee as that is just meant for mattresses. They only accept returns of UNUSED items within 30 days of purchase. They do not accept any returns of used bedding.
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