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The Best Organic Latex Mattress Topper
My Green Mattress Organic Latex Topper
The Best Value Organic Latex Topper
Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper
An Extra-Firm Latex Topper
PlushBed Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Another Great Latex Topper
Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper
An organic mattress topper can completely change your sleeping situation. A topper can’t fix a mattress that needs to be replaced, but it can breathe new life into an aging mattress or soften up a new mattress. Toppers made of wool can even improve the temperature regulation of your current mattress. All prices below are for queen size unless otherwise indicated.
We’ve been testing organic mattresses and mattress toppers for years, and these are our favorites. Be sure to check out our other guides to the Best Organic Mattresses, Best Mattresses for Easing Back Pain, Best Mattress Toppers, and Best Sheets.
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Do I Need a Mattress Topper?
If you’re happy with your mattress, you probably aren’t reading this, so I’ll assume your mattress is either causing you some back pain or you’re feeling the pressure points that happen when your body isn’t quite suited to what you’re sleeping on. In those situations, provided your mattress isn’t actually sagging or needing to be replaced, a high-quality mattress topper suited to your body and manner of sleeping can indeed help.
Keep in mind that there really is no best mattress topper; there’s the best mattress topper for you. A topper that’s great for back sleepers might be too firm for side sleepers, and stomach sleepers might need something different. For those who sleep every which way, like me, there is both more leeway and less, since a topper needs to be comfortable in every position. The best way to find the perfect topper for you is to match the sleep surface to your most used sleeping position. When those two things align, you’ll find pressure relief and start sleeping better and waking up more refreshed.
Mattress toppers are generally best used on mattresses that don’t have any kind of topper. In other words, you’re adding the pillow top. If you already have a pillow top as part of your mattress, adding a topper will probably end up being little too much.
Organic mattress toppers are made of organic materials (natch). The idea is to get as close to nontoxic as possible since this is something you’re exposing yourself to every day.
Not all “organic” toppers and pads are equal, though. We’ve narrowed our search by sticking with companies that have certifications like the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). GOLS covers latex specifically, while GOTS can be everything from certified organic cotton to organic linen to other natural materials.
Many of these toppers and pads also have the blessing of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which, unlike the other, deals with the final product, making sure there’s no potentially toxic chemicals like the polyurethane foam, PFAS, heavy metals, flame retardants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in many traditional memory foam toppers. There is also the Greenguard certification and Greenguard Gold, which set stringent limits on VOC emissions.
We also keep an eye on sustainability and how eco-friendly these mattress toppers are, though this can be hard to judge.
Types of Organic Mattress Toppers
Wool: Organic wool mattress toppers are filled with wool batting. The batting is (usually) a sheet of wool that lays flat and won’t shift inside the cover, even when you roll around on it. It is sometimes quilted between fabric, sometimes not. Wool makes an excellent topper thanks to its natural thermoregulating properties; wool manages to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Magical right? It’s also generally non-allergenic and dust-mite-proof, which makes it a good choice for anyone concerned about allergens. Wool does not mold to your body like latex, but it does have some give to it. In my testing wool is comfortable, usually quite soft, and very breathable, but it’s not super squishy like down. The main difference between wool mattress toppers is the amount of wool and the way they’re constructed.
Latex: Natural latex is a manufactured substance, made from rubber trees (synthetic latex is a foam made from the polymerization of petroleum). Natural latex isn’t necessarily organic (synthetic latex is never organic), so pay careful attention to labeling when you’re shopping for latex toppers. Additionally, you’ll frequently see two terms: Talalay and Dunlop. These are the two methods of processing rubber tree sap into latex.
Dunlop Latex: The older of the two processing methods is Dunlop, which tends to produce a firmer, less breathable latex, though this varies by manufacturer.
Talalay Latex: A considerably more complex process, Talalay yields a softer, more breathable latex, though again, the soft/firmness of any topper varies by manufacturer. Generally speaking, if you want a firm, very supportive topper, Dunlop is the word to look for. If you prefer a softer, plusher topper (think memory foam but not quite that soft), Talalay is what you’re after.
Alpaca: Alpaca wool is harvested from alpacas. Similar to merino wool, alpaca is an excellent insulator and has many of the same thermoregulating properties.
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The Best Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Photograph: My Green Mattress
My Green Mattress
Organic Latex Topper
WIRED TIRED Firm, comfortable, conforming without that “sinking in” feeling Cover is removable to air out but not washable Full organic certifications 365-day trial period Lightweight and affordable This organic latex mattress topper from My Green Mattress is 2 inches of Dunlop latex, wrapped in a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover, with a zipper so you can remove the cover. The latex is GOLS certified organic and OEKO-TEX certified, which is as purely organic as latex gets. The My Green Mattress latex topper has a nice bounce-back, you press on it, it springs right back. If you’re like me, and you hate that sinking-in feeling you get from memory foam, this is just about the opposite, but still soft.
This is a reasonably firm topper, compared to something like a down or wool topper, but it still contours nicely to your body and is comfortable even if you sleep on your side. Lying on my stomach or back, I don’t even touch my actual mattress with this on top. I do when I roll on my side, but just barely. All of which is to say, so long as your mattress is still in good shape, this topper can bring a whole new life to your bed. Thanks to the generous 365-day sleep trial, you can even give it a good test, and if it doesn’t work for you, you still get your money back.
Prices range from $166 for a twin to $314 for a California king.
Specs Composition Oeko-Tex certified Dunlop latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton cover Firmness One option, medium firm Height 2 inches Cover Removable to air out but not washable Trial period 365 nights -
The Best Value Organic Latex Topper
Turmerry
Latex Mattress Topper
WIRED TIRED Wide range of thickness and firmness Cover not included Five-zone design provides support where you need it 120-night trial period Turmerry’s natural latex mattress topper is one of the best value toppers you can get. The topper is made of organic Dunlop latex foam and the 2-inch model can be had for under $300 (we’ve seen it on sale for even less). The cover is sold separately, which will drive up the price if you want one, but after a couple of months of testing, I’ve found that you really don’t need it.
I tested the 2-inch topper, but there are 3- and 4-inch toppers available too, and all of them come in a variety of firmness levels, from soft to extra firm. The website also offers a nice little quiz to try to match you to the topper best suited for your body and sleep style. All the toppers are made from Oeko-Tex and GOLS-certified natural latex.
Turmerry uses a five-zone design in its topper, putting different-size holes at different points on the topper so that, for example, it’s firmer around your head and neck and a bit softer at the shoulders to let you sink down some and straighten your spine (if you’re sleeping on your side). I found it to be very comfortable. It’s worth noting that Turmerry’s organic mattress includes the same five-zone topper that gets zipped into the cover with the other layers.
Specs Composition Oeko-Tex and GOLS-certified natural latex, optional GOTS-certified organic cotton cover Firmness Soft, medium, firm, and extra firm Height 2, 3, and 4 inches Cover Sold separately Trial period 120 nights
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An Extra-Firm Latex Topper
PlushBed
Natural Latex Mattress Topper
WIRED TIRED Available in extra firm No trial period Full organic certifications Cover sold separately Provides excellent support and cushioning PlushBed’s 3-inch topper is the extra firm topper I always dreamed of when trapped in the horrors of hotel memory foam mattresses. Now, to be fair to PlushBed, this latex topper doesn’t have to be extra firm. PlushBed offers five firmness levels ranging from “soft” to “extra firm.” I went for extra firm and could not be happier. It’s the firmest topper or mattress I’ve ever tried. It’s so firm I used the 3-inch model by itself for a bed in our vintage RV. Again, though, if you want something softer, PlushBed has you covered.
PlushBed’s latex topper is made of GOLS-certified Talalay latex. It also carries the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Greenguard Gold certifications, meaning there should be no fillers, chemical dyes, pesticides, bleach, carcinogenic adhesives, chemical flame retardants, or other toxins. As with the Turmerry above, the cover is sold separately, and again, I don’t think it’s really necessary. I will say that the queen-size 3-inch extra firm version I tested is by far the heaviest topper I’ve used, and can be difficult to maneuver into place. The good news is, once you have it where you want it, there’s no danger of it moving.
Prices range from $288 for a twin 2-inch soft topper to $974 for a 3-inch extra firm California king topper.
Specs Composition GOLS-certified Talalay latex Firmness Soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-firm, extra-firm Height 2, 3 inches Cover Sold separately Trial period None -
Another Great Latex Topper
Avocado
Eco Organic Mattress Topper
WIRED TIRED Dunlop and Talalay latex versions available Probably too firm for side sleepers Excellent breathability Good amount of contouring to relieve pressure points Avocado’s Eco Mattress Topper is its cheapest mattress topper, but certainly doesn’t feel like it. This latex topper is incredibly light and springy, making even my super-firm mattress feel soft and contouring without that strange sinking sensation you can get on other soft mattress toppers.
There are two feel options, Medium and Plush, both of which use different types of latex. I tested the Medium, which still gave me plenty of softness, and the GOLS-certified (Global Organic Latex Standard) organic Dunlop latex was very airy to sleep on. The Plush version uses Talalay Latex, which generally offers a softer feel and more breathability, making for slightly cooler sleeping. Both feature a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover with a hidden underside zipper. —Nena Farrell
Prices range from $199 for a twin to $399 for a California king.
Specs Composition GOLS-certified Dunlop latex or FSC certified Talalay latex. GOTS-certified organic cotton cover Firmness Medium, Plush Height 2, 3 inches Cover Not removable or washable Trial period 100 nights
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The Ultimate Luxe Wool Topper
Photograph: Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado
Alpaca Wool Mattress Topper
WIRED TIRED Soft and luxurious Slightly smaller than some mattresses Good temperature regulation Comfortable for back and side sleepers Avocado Green Mattress’s certified organic alpaca topper is the closest thing I’ve found to what I imagine people mean when they say “it’s like sleeping on a cloud.” The luxury plush version that I tested really is one of the softest things I’ve ever slept on. If you like being enveloped in a cocoon of fluffiness, this is the topper for you. It’s not cheap, but put this on your mattress and you’ll feel like you’re in a five-star hotel.
Avocado’s Plush topper is made of baby alpaca wool (that’s a reference to the softest wool on the animal, not its age) with an organic cotton cover. Like wool, alpaca is thermoregulating, keeping you warm in the winter, cool in the summer. The Plush version is about two inches thick, but in this case, you definitely do sink down to your mattress so it’s more of a luxury add-on than a way to rejuvenate an older mattress. It’s a great way to soften up a firm mattress.
Avocado’s return policy applies here as well, so you can try it and return it within the first 100 days. I’ve used this topper for over two years now, and while it has flattened out a little bit, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how durable it’s been and how well the loft has held up. The Plush version has no straps to hold it in place, and it does shift on some mattresses, but it happens seldom enough I haven’t found this to be a problem.
Note that there is also a standard version (not tested), also made with natural alpaca wool, but working in some GOTS organic certified wool to create a more supportive, medium-firm topper.
Prices range from $599 for the standard twin to $1,759 for a Plush California king.
Specs Composition Natural Alpaca wool, GOTS-certified organic cotton cover cover Firmness Luxury plus (tested), medium-firm Height 2 inches Cover Not removable or washable Trial period 100 nights
Organic Bedding
It doesn’t make sense to spend $1,000 on an organic mattress, more on an organic topper, and then buy nonorganic sheets that will rest directly against your skin. Once you’ve got the perfect mattress and topper, grab some organic sheets, organic comforter, and organic pillows. See our guide to the best organic bedding for a full selection of our favorite sheets and comforters, but here are a couple of our favorites.
Courtesy of Brooklinen
Brooklinen Organic Cotton Core Sheet Set: These are my favorite organic cotton sheets. They’re 300 thread count, making them durable and soft, and they’re GOTS and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. They’re soft, but not overly silky, which is a feeling I don’t care for. The 300 thread count isn’t so tight that you end up sleeping hot. These are a great choice for summer.
The Citizenry’s Organic Stonewashed Percale Sheets: The most affordable organic cotton sheets in our guide, The Citizenry’s Organic Stonewashed Percale sheets are GOTS and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified organic. The 300 thread count weave offers a luxuriously soft feel, and The Citizenry uses long-staple cotton which helps these sheets remain breathable to keep you cool on hot nights. Sets include one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.
Antipodean Organic Merino Wool Duvet: To round out your organic bedding collection, you need a good organic duvet. My favorite that I’ve tested is Antipodean’s organic merino wool duvet. As one of the authors of our merino wool guide, I was well primed to like Antipodean’s wool duvet, but even I was surprised by just how much I like it. Like most wool things, Antipodean’s wool duvet is capable of amazing feats that sound too good to be true, like keeping you warm, yet being breathable enough that you rarely get too hot. (I am a hot sleeper, and I can vouch for this.) One thing to note, this duvet is much heavier than what most people will be used to. I don’t mind it, but it does sometimes feel almost like a weighted blanket.
