Revealed: The best natural mattress to buy in 2022

Sleep experts at SFGATE have revealed that Organica by Amerisleep is the best natural mattress of 2022. The natural latex mattress has caught the attention of eco-conscious shoppers across the country thanks to the environmentally-friendly materials that it is made from, including certified organic cotton, wool from New Zealand, and Talalay latex.

The Organica model features cotton yarn that is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified and wool that has passed the Standard 100 test by OEKO-TEX®. Both tests rigorously examine the materials used to make the mattress to ensure that they are made from wool and cotton that is entirely organic.

The materials can't have been treated with harmful chemicals during their production to qualify for these certificates. This means that the certification is only given to the best organic mattresses on the market and is a guarantee of quality and sustainably sourced materials.

The Organica is made from certified organic materials, such as natural latex, which meets the global organic latex standard and is approved by both the Rainforest Alliance and eco-INSTITUT. The Rainforest Alliance champions farmers and encourages sustainable forestry practices. The eco-INSTITUT tests the VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions to check whether they are within the accepted lower end of the scale.

This truly organic mattress, made from responsibly sourced Talalay latex, also features eight inches of pocketed steel coils to enhance the bounce of the latex. The mattress has a Dunlop foam base for the foundation layer, which provides sturdy support for the coils and other layers of latex. This latex foam is more sturdy than manufactured foam alternatives and is very reactive and durable under movement. 

An organic wool layer of New Zealand wool sits atop three inches of natural Talalay latex and another 1-inch base of Dunlop latex. Natural latex mattresses are renowned for their durability and can provide decades of consistent support and comfort.

The New Zealand Joma Wool® helps reduce a buildup of moisture and heat, which is further aided by the breathable organic cotton cover that the layers of the mattress are encased in. Most mattresses feature wool to a certain degree as it is flame-retardant and therefore helps the mattress pass strict health and safety tests.

Amerisleep's Organica non-toxic mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king. Each mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial guarantee and a 20-year warranty. This affordable organic mattress ranges from $1199 to $2698, depending on the size.

The mattress is manufactured and distributed in the United States, and Amerisleep offers free shipping and returns to all customers.

What are the benefits of natural mattresses?

As more shoppers turn to environmentally-friendly products to reduce waste, natural mattresses have seen a rise in popularity. Aside from using organic products, however, natural mattresses are also well-known for helping individuals who suffer from allergies.

Harsh chemicals that are often used in the manufacturing of synthetic materials can irritate individuals prone to suffering from allergic reactions.

Some non-organic mattresses use flame-retardant chemicals, which have been found to aggravate certain health conditions. However, natural mattresses tend to use silicon dioxide as a flame-retardant, a natural chemical that hasn't been shown to produce any side effects with users. Wool is also a common addition to ensuring that mattresses meet all safety requirements.

Natural materials such as wool and cotton are exceptionally good at regulating the temperature so that the mattress and sleeper don't get too hot at night. Cotton is a very breathable fabric, which helps promote good airflow to keep the sleeper cool and dry. Wool also helps trap moisture which stops the mattress from getting too damp.

A memory foam mattress is usually made of synthetic foam, treated in numerous chemicals to meet health and safety standards. Unfortunately, these chemicals in memory foam mattresses can lead to health issues such as headaches and respiratory irritation. The chemicals can also have a negative impact on the environment, mainly if they are disposed of incorrectly.

Mattresses made from good-quality materials such as latex won't sag in a short space of time or lose their supportive structure. This means that the mattresses have a longer lifespan and don't need to be replaced before they are around the eight to ten-year mark.

Durable mattresses made from natural materials reduce the need for harsh chemicals in the manufacturing process and limit the amount of harmful waste.

Who would benefit from a medium-firm mattress? 

Medium-firm mattresses are suitable for most sleeping positions, including back and stomach sleepers and combination sleepers who change position throughout the night. They are a good option for couples, especially if one person prefers to sleep in a different position.

The Organica by Amerisleep has been rated with a medium firmness rating of five to six out of ten. However, its top latex layer is less flexible and contouring than memory foam, and therefore there is no sensation of sinking too far into the mattress.

Mattresses that are too firm or too soft can cause health issues, such as spine misalignment. The body must be fully supported throughout the night, particularly in the hip and back areas. Many consumers opt to have a mattress topper, which can change the mattress firmness if they decide that it is too soft or hard.

Some mattresses are specifically designed to give structured support and pressure relief at different areas down the body. For example, the shoulder and head areas usually have a softer zone than the hips and back because they are lighter and have less pressure buildup.

What materials are natural mattresses made from?

Some of the most popular options available include latex, innerspring and organic hybrid mattresses, which can be various combinations of the other types. Many natural mattresses are made from sustainably-sourced latex, made using sap from the rubber tree.

Latex is a natural alternative to memory foam, which is a material that is processed using lots of potentially harmful chemicals. It is proven to be an excellent substance to help offer pressure relief. The buoyant material also has more bounce than memory foam, which some sleepers prefer as it gives the mattress a firmer feel.

Latex foam is considered the most durable type of foam and can quickly react and accommodate movement. This type of foam can be made using materials harvested from rubber trees or synthetically produced. Synthetic latex is made using petrochemicals and has a noticeably duller springy feel than natural latex.

One of the best latex hybrid mattresses is the Avocado Green mattress currently on the market, which is also featured on the same 2022 mattress guide as the Organica mattress. This mattress is similarly made from steel coils, wool, and cotton, although this latex hybrid mattress features natural latex foam instead of Talalay latex. Organic hybrid mattresses can also feature pocketed coils for an additional bounce.

Wool and cotton are common additions to natural mattresses because they can be organically sourced and don't require treatment with harsh chemicals. Wool is naturally fire-retardant while keeping the mattress cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Natural wool is also resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites, which can irritate sleepers who suffer from allergies.

However, there are some drawbacks to wool. It can make the mattress heavy and reduce the bounce of the latex. Wool is also not vegan-friendly, which many people look for when shopping for a natural mattress.

Cotton is a breathable material often used in bedding and mattresses as it promotes good airflow and is hypoallergenic. It can also be organically grown without pesticides and fertilizers that could harm the local ecosystem.

A common downside of cotton is that the fibers settle over time and lose their ventilation, leading to a buildup of moisture. However, this issue can be avoided if the cotton is mixed with recycled polyester, as this stops the fibers from settling and becoming matted.

How long do natural mattresses last?

An organic latex mattress has the most extended lifespan out of the various materials that mattresses can be made from. The best organic mattress that consumers can buy will be made from sustainably sourced latex from rubber trees. Mattress manufacturers usually offer a warranty of between 25 to 30 years for latex mattresses as the material takes longer to degrade than alternatives.

Of course, even natural latex can wear down and lose its bounce over years of use. However, it is bound to last longer years longer than memory foam, which can break down from constant movement and sweat in 10 to 20 years.

There are several ways to extend the lifespan of a mattress by adding extra protection and regular cleaning and maintenance.

Mattress covers have the dual benefit of changing the firmness of the mattress and protecting it against daily wear and tear. A good cover can protect a mattress against stains and spillages, and marks that children and pets can cause.

Although it is standard for most people, stripping the bed and changing the bedding on a weekly basis can dramatically affect a mattress' condition. Human bodies excrete oils that can rub off the bedsheets and onto the mattress. Regularly cleaning the bedding can remove the oils which could damage the mattress over time.

Another practical step to protect the mattress is to ban all pets and food in bed. Animals can shed fur on the mattress, and parasites such as fleas can encourage a buildup of harmful bacteria, which damage the mattress in the long term. Pets are also notorious for clawing and biting things that they shouldn't, which could lead to tears and rips in the mattress.

Most mattresses come with a warranty, which will vary depending on the model and the manufacturer. Some mattress companies state that a mattress must have sagged by a certain height before they will replace the mattress.