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Organic Mattress Toppers

By Dr. Meg Christensen | Updated December 2025

The best organic mattress toppers for sleeping hot, back pain, side sleeping, or as an affordable solution while saving for an organic mattress. I analyze every material layer, then rate from healthiest to least healthy. Scroll down to learn how to evaluate toppers and what GOLS, GOTS, and other certifications actually mean.

Savvy Rest Latex Mattress Topper: Best for Customization & Plush Pressure Relief

Savvy Rest offers exceptional customization with two latex topper options: a 3" natural Talalay topper (plusher than Dunlop) available in every size from Twin to Cal King, or their ultra-customizable topper with firmness options including GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex or natural Talalay latex. The premium option features organic wool and cotton casing with a zipper to secure onto their Serenity mattress (totaling 4" thickness—rare for toppers) or use standalone on any mattress. One of the spendier options due to customizations, thickness, and high-quality organic certified materials. A transparent small company with all materials and certifications clearly listed on their website.

Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper: Best for Side Sleepers

Avocado's 3" GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex topper is ideal for side sleepers needing shoulder and hip contouring without sacrificing mattress support. I personally have this topper on my own bed—I prefer firm mattresses for back support but need cushioning for side sleeping, and this delivers perfectly. Also available in 2" thickness with options for GOLS organic Dunlop or natural Talalay latex (plusher feel). Comes in every size from Twin to Cal King. Similar quality to Naturepedic but less expensive and fully GOLS-certified organic (read more in guide below).

Sleep on Latex Mattress Topper: Best Affordable Organic Latex

The most affordable GOLS-certified organic latex topper—ideal if you can't afford a full organic mattress upgrade but want protection from polyurethane foam chemicals (see FAQ below on how toppers reduce foam exposure). Made with firm Dunlop latex, it won't off-gas or add toxins to your sleep setup. Even more affordable without the optional GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. Available on Amazon with fast Prime shipping. I have the 3" version without a cover in my guest room, zipped into a dust mite encasement, and it's excellent.

My Green Mattress Latex Topper: Best for 100% Certified Organic & Back Pain Relief

My Green Mattress goes beyond organic with their 2" GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex topper wrapped in 100% GOTS-certified unbleached organic cotton—no whitening chemicals or processing. Ideal for back pain sufferers: 2" of supportive Dunlop latex adds comfort and shoulder relief without the excessive plushness of Talalay or thicker toppers that can worsen alignment issues. The perfect balance of softness for pressure relief and firmness for spinal support.

Piglet in Bed Wool Topper: Best for Minimalist Heat-Wicking on a Budget

Thick organic wool toppers are expensive—but you can still benefit from wool's heat and moisture-wicking properties with a thinner topper. Piglet in Bed's slim wool topper adds minimal puff while extending mattress life and reducing wear with natural materials. OEKO-TEX certified for chemical safety. Ideal if you don't want to dramatically change your mattress feel but want natural temperature regulation and protection.

Parachute Down & Feather Mattress Topper: Best for Latex & Wool Allergies

Parachute offers a luxuriously plush 550-fill natural down and feather topper—ideal for those allergic to both latex and wool who still want natural, non-synthetic materials. Features Responsible Down Standard certification ensuring ethical sourcing, encased in OEKO-TEX certified sateen cotton. Cloud-like softness without polyester "alternative down" or memory foam chemicals.

Woolify Wool Mattress Topper: Best for Budget Wool Without Certifications

Significantly less expensive than other wool toppers, Woolify is a good budget option if you don't require third-party health certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX. They state they use organic Merino wool and cotton casing, but without certifications it's impossible to verify organic claims or chemical processing standards. Still, wool naturally wicks heat and moisture, making it a much healthier choice than memory foam or synthetic toppers. Available through Amazon with quick shipping.

Naturepedic Organic Wool Mattress Topper: Best for Luxury Hot Sleepers & Moisture Management 

Naturepedic's Wooly 3" mattress topper is luxuriously plush and exceptionally moisture-wicking. Despite wool's association with warmth, it's naturally thermoregulating and breathable—perfect for night sweats and overheating. Wool actively wicks moisture away from your body while regulating temperature in all seasons. GOTS-certified organic wool encased in soft organic cotton. A premium investment for temperature-sensitive sleepers.

More Healthy Design for You

Your Complete Guide to the Best Organic and Non-Toxic Mattress Toppers

What is a mattress topper and what do they do?

A mattress topper is a removable layer of cushioning material, usually 1-3 inches thick, that sits directly on top of your mattress to modify its feel without replacing the entire mattress. Organic mattress toppers are made from organic materials like latex rubber or wool, without standard polyurethane or memory foams.

Mattress toppers do four things:

  1. Help relieve pain: mattress toppers add a comfort layer between your body and the mattress surface. When you lie down, the topper compresses slightly under your body weight, distributing pressure more evenly across your shoulders, hips, and other contact points. This pressure redistribution is especially helpful for side sleepers who need cushioning at pressure points while maintaining spinal alignment. If you have a firm mattress that provides good back support but feels too hard, a 2-3 inch organic latex or wool topper adds plush comfort without sacrificing the foundational support underneath.

  2. Add softness or firmness to an existing mattress: Unlike replacing your entire mattress, a topper lets you adjust comfort levels affordably—adding a plush layer to soften a too-firm mattress or, perhaps less commonly, a firmer topper to provide more support to a mattress that's too soft.

  3. Reduce overheating: If you sleep hot, it’s possible that your memory foam mattress is to blame, which stores heat and can’t release it. Organic materials like natural latex and wool are naturally breathable and temperature-regulating. Wool actively wicks moisture away from your body, while latex's open-cell structure allows airflow, keeping you cooler throughout the night.

  4. Help protect you from chemicals in a standard foam mattress: A 2-3 inch organic latex or wool topper creates a protective barrier between your body and a conventional polyurethane foam mattress underneath, reducing both heat transfer (which accelerates VOC off-gassing) and mechanical friction (which releases flame retardant particles into household dust).

  5. Delay a large purchase: If your mattress isn't ready for replacement yet but needs a comfort refresh, a topper can revive its feel and extend its usable life by several years, giving you time to save for a quality organic mattress when you're ready.

What's the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress pad?

Mattress toppers and mattress pads are easily confused! But, they serve totally different purposes when shopping for non-toxic bedding.

  • Mattress toppers are thick comfort layers (1-3 inches) made from materials like latex, wool, or memory foam. They significantly change how your mattress feels by adding softness, pressure relief, or temperature regulation. Organic mattress toppers are typically not washable due to their thickness and material composition.

  • Mattress pads are thinner protective layers (typically less than 1 inch) constructed like a quilted fitted sheet. They provide minimal comfort enhancement but help protect your mattress from moisture, sweat, and stains. Mattress pads are machine-washable and designed for regular laundering.

  • Mattress protectors are the thinnest protective layer, not meant to add comfort or plushness, but for waterproofing or sealing out dust mites. (See the ones I recommend here, including organic waterproof mattress protectors, and the best dust-mite proof encasement.)

Which do you need? I recommend a topper and either a pad or protector. But, if your mattress is too firm or you want chemical barrier protection from a conventional foam mattress, choose an organic mattress topper (see organic choices above.) If you just want to protect your mattress from sweat stains, add a washable mattress pad. If you need waterproof protection or dust mite defense, add a GOTS-certified organic mattress protector or encasement.

Where does a mattress topper go on your bed?

A mattress topper goes directly on top of your bare mattress surface, creating a new top layer before any other bedding, almost like it becomes part of your mattress. It can be hard to visualize, so here is the correct layering order from bottom to top:

  1. Mattress (your existing mattress)

  2. Mattress topper (organic latex or wool topper placed directly on mattress)

  3. Mattress pad, protector, or encasement (optional but recommended—goes over mattress + topper as one unit)

  4. Fitted sheet (stretches over everything)

  5. Your body (sleeps on top of the fitted sheet)

Once you place the topper on your mattress, treat them as a single unit. The mattress pad, protector, or encasement goes around both the mattress and topper together, protecting the topper from dust mites and moisture while keeping it securely in place.

This layering order maximizes protection: the organic topper creates a chemical barrier between you and any foam mattress underneath, while the mattress protector protects your investment in the organic topper from sweat and dust mites that can easily make their way through bed sheets.

How thick should a mattress topper be?

The ideal mattress topper thickness depends on your goals and what your existing mattress is like.

  • 1-inch mattress toppers: Best for subtle softening of a slightly-too-firm mattress or adding a thin chemical barrier over conventional foam. Provides minimal pressure relief. Good for stomach sleepers who need to maintain firm support.

  • 2-inch mattress toppers: Provides noticeable pressure relief for side sleepers without that excessive sinking-in feeling. Creates a substantial chemical barrier between you and a toxic foam mattress underneath. Sufficient thickness for temperature regulation if you opt for a wool topper.

  • 3-inch mattress toppers: Maximum plushness and pressure relief. Best for very firm mattresses, side sleepers, or people with significant shoulder/hip pain. The thicker material creates the best chemical barrier for protection from conventional foam mattresses. Can feel too soft for back or stomach sleepers.

  • For chemical protection specifically: A 2-3 inch organic latex topper provides the best barrier against VOC off-gassing and sVOC release from polyurethane foam mattresses. Thicker, denser toppers reduce heat transfer to the foam underneath (slowing VOC release into the air) and minimize friction that breaks down foam particles (reducing sVOC release into dust).

Why Organic Mattress Toppers are Healthier Than Foam Toppers

Can an organic mattress topper protect you from a toxic mattress underneath?

Yes, an organic mattress topper can significantly reduce—but not completely eliminate—chemical exposure from a conventional polyurethane or memory foam mattress underneath.

Two ways organic toppers provide protection:

1. Reduces foam degradation and sVOC release

An organic topper creates a protective cushion between your body and the foam mattress, reducing the friction and mechanical pressure from tossing and turning during sleep. Less physical stress on the foam means slower degradation, which slows the release of semi-volatile organic compounds (sVOCs).

sVOCs are relatively heavy molecules that don't evaporate into air like VOCs. Instead, they fall out of foam (especially degrading foam) as particles, and settle into household dust. The most common sVOCs in mattresses are flame retardants like PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), which are bio-accumulative endocrine disruptors. An organic wool or latex topper between your body and the foam acts as a buffer that minimizes the mechanical breakdown releasing these chemicals.

2. Decreases body heat transfer and VOC off-gassing

Body heat accelerates volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from polyurethane foam. An organic mattress topper—especially natural latex or wool—acts as an insulating layer that reduces direct heat transfer between your body and the toxic foam underneath. Lower foam temperature equals slower VOC release into your bedroom air.

Natural latex, and especially wool, are both breathable materials that regulate temperature without trapping heat, making them ideal for reducing heat-accelerated chemical release. Heat is easily trapped by polyurethane foam, especially denser memory foam, which is why it can sleep hot.

It’s important to also know what an organic topper CAN'T do:

  • Doesn't stop all off-gassing: VOCs are gases that migrate through porous materials. While a topper reduces heat-accelerated off-gassing, it doesn't create an airtight seal. Some VOCs will still evaporate into the air, but potentially at slower, steadier concentrations.

  • Doesn't prevent all dust exposure: some friction may still reach the foam underneath and some sVOCs can still be disturbed when you move during sleep.

  • Not a permanent solution: The foam mattress underneath continues degrading (just more slowly) and releasing chemicals throughout its lifespan. An organic topper buys you time but doesn't make a toxic mattress safe indefinitely.

Best organic topper materials for chemical protection:

  • Natural latex toppers (2-3 inches): Dense enough to create a substantial physical barrier, naturally antimicrobial (resists mold and bacteria), and cooler sleeping to minimize heat transfer to foam underneath.

  • Organic wool toppers (2-3 inches): Excellent temperature regulation, naturally flame-retardant (eliminates need for chemical flame retardants), and creates a breathable barrier between you and foam.

Ultimately, any thickness, and even a down topper can reduce some friction between you and the mattress. Just avoid synthetic toppers: memory foam or polyurethane foam toppers just add more toxic foam on top of your existing toxic foam—they don't protect you, they increase your chemical exposure.

How do mattress topper chemicals get into your body?

Understanding the two ways foam chemicals make their way out of mattresses and mattress topper, and the three ways they enter your body through exposure routes, explains why choosing a non-toxic organic mattress topper matters for your health.

How chemicals leave polyurethane foam: polyurethane foam and memory foam (a type of polyurethane foam with extra additives) are made mostly from polyols and isocyanates, two chemicals bonded together. However, the dozens of additives mixed into foam—flame retardants, catalysts, plasticizers, and proprietary chemicals—are not chemically bonded to the foam structure. Over time, as foam degrades from friction, body heat, and oxidation, these additives fall out via two pathways:

  1. Into the air (VOCs - Volatile Organic Compounds): Lightweight chemicals evaporate from foam as gases, creating the distinct "new foam smell." This off-gassing continues for months as foam slowly releases volatile chemicals like benzene, toluene, and styrene into your bedroom air. Body heat accelerates this process—your sleeping body acts like a heating pad pressed against the foam for 8 hours nightly, driving faster VOC release directly into the air.

  2. Into dust (sVOCs - Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds): Heavier chemicals, especially flame retardants like PBDEs, can't evaporate or volatilize into the air. Instead, they fall out of degrading foam into dust and settle onto floors, furniture, and bedding. Flame retardants are particularly persistent in household dust because they're chemically designed to resist breakdown.

After chemicals have left the foam, there are three ways they then enter your body: inhalation (breathing), ingestion (swallowing contaminated dust), and dermal absorption (through skin).

1. Inhalation (breathing): You breathe VOCs and lightweight chemical particles suspended in bedroom air throughout the night. Over 8 hours of sleep with your face inches from foam, you inhale significant quantities of off-gassing chemicals directly into your lungs, where they enter your bloodstream. This is the primary exposure route for VOCs from foam toppers.

2. Ingestion (swallowing contaminated dust): It sounds strange, but adults ingest approximately 50mg of household dust daily through hand-to-mouth contact—touching dusty surfaces, then touching your face, eating, or drinking. Children ingest 100mg daily due to more floor time and frequent hand-to-mouth behavior. Flame retardants and other mattress topper chemicals in this dust are swallowed and absorbed through your digestive system. This is the primary exposure route for sVOCs like flame retardants.

3. Dermal absorption (through skin): Not every chemical passes through skin, but some are small enough and have the right properties to do so —especially during 8 hours of prolonged direct contact while sleeping. Flame retardants and other additives that have migrated to the topper surface are dermally absorbed through exposed skin and enter your bloodstream.

Why this matters for mattress toppers specifically:

Mattress toppers place synthetic foam even closer to your breathing zone than a mattress alone. Your face rests just inches from the topper surface, maximizing inhalation exposure to off-gassing VOCs. The direct body contact for 8 hours nightly also maximizes dermal absorption.

The solution: GOLS-certified organic latex toppers and GOTS-certified organic wool toppers contain no synthetic foam and no flame retardant chemicals. These materials don't off-gas VOCs or shed harmful chemical-laden particles into your bedroom air and dust.

Are memory foam mattress toppers toxic?

Yes, memory foam mattress toppers contain toxic chemicals and should be avoided if you're concerned about chemical exposure during sleep.

Memory foam (also called viscoelastic foam) is made from polyurethane mixed with additional chemicals to create its signature slow-response, contouring properties. These chemicals include:

Chemicals in memory foam toppers:

Is CertiPUR foam safe for mattress toppers?

No, CertiPUR-US certified foam is not truly non-toxic, despite marketing that suggests otherwise. Many memory foam toppers advertise "CertiPUR-US certified" foam as if this means non-toxic. It doesn't. CertiPUR-US is an industry-created certification (not a true third-party standard) that prohibits some of the worst chemicals while allowing most others under "acceptable limits." These limits still permit formaldehyde, benzene, flame retardants, heavy metals, and phthalates—just in lower concentrations.

What CertiPUR-US prohibits in mattress toppers:

  • Some flame retardants: DMMP, HBCD, PBB, PCT, and TDBPP

  • Some blowing agents: CFCs, HCFC, and methylene chloride

  • Chlorinated phenols

What CertiPUR-US still allows (just under specific limits):

  • Formaldehyde: Known carcinogen and respiratory irritant (limited to 0.5 ppm)

  • PBDE flame retardants: Endocrine-disrupting, bioaccumulative chemicals (limited to 1 ppm)

  • Benzene, toluene, styrene, and other VOCs: Cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation, can enter blood stream

  • Aromatic hydrocarbons: Linked to lung cancer and heart disease

  • Stannous octoate: Reproductive hazard (limit only added in 2023—before that, unlimited amounts were allowed in "certified" foam

  • Heavy metals: Antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and selenium (under limits)

  • 13 types of phthalates: Endocrine disruptors (note: there are 20+ types of phthalates total, so others aren't addressed)

"Under limits" is a step in the right direction, but considering our constant exposure to foam (mattresses, couches, car seats, upholstered chairs, office keyboard pads), limits in just one item doesn't mean safe overall. These chemicals bioaccumulate over time, meaning small daily exposures add up to significant body burden over months and years.

A truly pure non-toxic alternative for mattress toppers: jump to the top of this page to compare brands and types of GOLS-certified organic latex toppers and GOTS-certified organic wool toppers.

Mattress Topper Materials and Certifications to Look For

What is GOLS certified organic latex for mattress toppers?

GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) is the gold-standard third-party certification for organic rubber latex used in mattress toppers, mattresses, and pillows.

What GOLS certification guarantees:

1. Organic raw material (95%+ organic latex): The latex comes from certified organic rubber tree plantations grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

2. Safe processing ingredients: For Dunlop latex, only zinc oxide, sulfur, and approved soaps are permitted.

3. No prohibited substances: Prohibits synthetic latex (also known as synthetic rubber, or styrene-butadiene), formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates, and flame retardants.

4. Independent testing: Third-party inspectors audit the entire supply chain from farm to finished mattress topper.

Healthwashing to look out for: There is a lot of healthwashing in the mattress and mattress topper industry! Brands overexaggerate how healthy their products are regularly, and a few have gotten into major trouble. GOLS provides verified proof your topper contains no hidden chemicals. Beware of GOTS-certified latex, rather than GOLS-certified latex. While only one letter is different, they mean completely different things. GOTS is a certification for fabric, not latex, but a mattress topper can be a “GOTS certified product” if the fabric is GOTS and the latex is either organic, organic-in-transition, or sustainable (see the fine print about this here.) This doesn’t mean the latex will be organic. That’s fine if you’re OK with that, but it’s an important detail that’s easy to miss!

What does GOTS certified mean for mattress toppers?

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the gold-standard certification for organic textiles. For mattress toppers, GOTS applies to organic wool toppers and fabric covers on latex toppers.

What GOTS guarantees:

  • 95%+ certified organic fibers

  • Safe processing throughout manufacturing

  • No harmful chemical finishes

  • Third-party verification

Important: GOTS certifies textiles, not latex foam. Some companies advertise "GOTS-certified latex" when only the cover is certified. Read more above.

What's the difference between natural latex and synthetic latex in mattress toppers?

Natural latex (real rubber): Made from rubber tree sap (Hevea brasiliensis). For GOLS-certified organic, contains 95%+ rubber tree sap plus zinc oxide, sulfur, and approved soaps. Naturally antimicrobial, durable (lasts 10-20 years), breathable, and biodegradable.

Synthetic latex (fake rubber): Petroleum-based chemical called styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Made from styrene (possible carcinogen) and butadiene (known carcinogen). Off-gasses VOCs, breaks down faster (3-5 years), not biodegradable.

Healthwashing: Products labeled "100% natural latex" may contain synthetic blends or undisclosed additives because "natural latex" isn't regulated. Look for GOLS-certified organic latex, eco-INSTITUT certification, or Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Gold/Platinum certification.

What is Dunlop latex vs Talalay latex in mattress toppers?

Dunlop and Talalay are two different manufacturing processes for latex foam.

Dunlop latex:

  • Liquid latex from the rubber tree sap, mixed with zinc, sulfur, and soaps. Ingredients easily achieve GOLS organic certification

  • Result: Dense, firm foam

Talalay latex:

  • Liquid latex from the rubber tree sap, mixed with zinc, sulfur, and soaps. However, Talalay requires third-party certification (eco-INSTITUT or C2C Gold/Platinum) to verify ingredient safety. Cannot achieve GOLS organic certification, but can be very healthy and completely natural, if certified.

  • Result: Softer, plush foam

  • If large sheets of Talalay are being used, glue may be required to piece together since it’s fluffier and plusher

What is C2C certified foam and why does it matter for toppers?

C2C (Cradle to Cradle) is a comprehensive third-party certification with four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

For mattress toppers, why C2C Gold or Platinum matters:

  • 100% ingredient disclosure required

  • All ingredients assessed for human and environmental health safety

  • Low to very low VOC emissions

  • No carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins

Why C2C Gold/Platinum matters for Talalay: Since Talalay can't achieve GOLS organic certification, C2C Gold/Platinum provides the next-best assurance by requiring full ingredient disclosure and safety verification.

C2C vs. CertiPUR-US: C2C is true third-party certification requiring full disclosure and prohibiting harmful chemicals entirely. CertiPUR-US is industry self-certification that allows harmful chemicals under limits.

What is ecoINSTITUT certified foam?

EcoINSTITUT is a German third-party certification for foam products with rigorous standards:

What ecoINSTITUT guarantees:

  • 100% ingredient disclosure required

  • Very low harmful substance thresholds

  • Very low VOC emissions

  • Independent third-party oversight

Why it matters: EcoINSTITUT certification is valuable for Talalay latex toppers that can't achieve GOLS organic status. It provides transparency about all processing additives.

You'll never see polyurethane foam with ecoINSTITUT certification—disclosing 100% of chemicals would reveal proprietary chemical mixtures, and likely, many harmful substances.

How to Choose the Best Organic Mattress Topper

What is the best non-toxic mattress topper material?

GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex toppers are the best non-toxic choice for most people, offering superior pressure relief, durability (10-20 years), and chemical safety.

Best for:

  • Pressure relief: Latex, especially Talalay latex, is very plush. Dunlop latex can provide pressure relief with slightly more firm support.

  • Maximum durability and value: Latex is a very durable material, and can last up to 20 years!

  • Chemical barrier protection: Latex is soft, but dense, so provides an adequate barrier between you and a foam mattress with harmful chemicals.

  • People without latex allergies: The latex protein is heated during baking, meaning most people, even with a latex allergy, won’t have a problem, but it’s still a good idea to check!

GOTS-certified organic wool toppers are the best non-toxic choice for temperature regulation and latex-allergic individuals.

Best for:

  • Hot sleepers needing cooling: The unique structure of wool draws away excess moisture and heat.

  • Dust mite allergy sufferers: Because wool does not stay moist, dust mites cannot thrive in it.

  • Natural flame resistance: Wool is very difficult to ignite and is often used as an organic alternative to chemical flame retardants.

  • Latex allergy alternatives: All-wool toppers do not contain latex, if you have a severe latex allergy.

Are organic wool mattress toppers worth it?

Yes, especially if you’re looking for temperature regulation, dust mite resistance, protection from a foam mattress underneath, or need an organic alternative to latex mattress toppers.

Worth it when:

  • You sleep hot or have night sweats (wool's standout feature)

  • You have asthma or dust mite allergies

  • You want natural flame resistance without chemicals

  • You have latex allergies

Consider latex instead if:

  • Wool toppers (5-10 year lifespan) are typically less durable than latex (10-20 years) and the fibers may compress over time.

  • You need significant pressure relief (side sleepers with pain)

Which organic mattress topper is best for side sleepers?

GOLS-certified organic latex toppers, 2-3 inches thick, are best for side sleepers.

Why latex is ideal for side sleepers:

  • Superior pressure relief at shoulders and hips

  • Maintains spinal alignment (soft enough for comfort, but firm enough for support)

  • Responsive (not slow-response, like memory foam)

  • Doesn't trap heat

  • Latex is durable and responsive for 10-20 years

Thickness guide for side sleepers:

  • Avoid 1-inch toppers: Too thin for adequate side-sleeping pressure relief.

  • 2 inch topper: best for body weights under 150 lbs

  • 3 inch topper: best for body weights over 150 lbs

Why not wool for side sleepers? Wool is soft, doesn't provide the same level of pressure relief and responsive support as latex. Side sleepers with significant shoulder/hip pain do best with latex.

How firm should a mattress topper be?

Start with Dunlop latex unless you have specific needs—it accommodates most sleeping positions and body weights with balanced pressure relief and support.

Adjust based on:

  • Sleeping position: Consider softer Talalay if you’re a side sleeper. Stick with Dunlop if you’re a back sleeper. Consider feather or down (or a thinner Dunlop) if you’re a stomach sleeper.

  • Body weight: Wool or Talalay if under 130 lbs. Denser Dunlop will compress less if over 200 lbs.

  • Health priorities: Dunlop for back pain and added support, Talalay for shoulder pain, wool for temperature regulation. Either latex or wool for allergy control.

  • Mattress underneath: Softer materials if very firm mattress underneath.

Do I need a mattress topper if I have a firm mattress?

Yes. A mattress topper can be very helpful for a firm mattress if:

  • You're a side sleeper with shoulder or hip pain

  • Your firm mattress feels uncomfortably hard (even if it provides good support)

  • You want chemical protection from a polyurethane memory foam mattress underneath

What mattress topper materials are safest for allergies and asthma?

For allergies and asthma, GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic wool, and OEKO TEX-certified down are the safest mattress topper materials. They are resistant to dust mites and mold, and don't off-gas irritating chemicals like synthetic foam toppers do, which are known to irritate the respiratory airways and worsen asthma.

GOLS-certified organic latex toppers for allergies/asthma:

  • Natural latex is inherently antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew without chemical treatments. For people with asthma triggered by dust mites or mold, latex toppers provide a hostile environment for these allergens.

  • Important note on latex allergy: Natural latex toppers aren’t known to trigger allergic reactions, even for people with known latex allergies, because the latex proteins are denatured when the latex is heated and baked into shape. However, always be cautious and consider completely avoiding if you have a severe allergy.

GOTS-certified organic wool toppers for allergies/asthma:

  • Wool is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites because it does not store excess moisture or heat within its fibers. The lanolin in wool (even after washing) also creates an inhospitable environment for dust mites, which trigger approximately 20 million Americans' asthma and allergies. Wool also wicks moisture away from your body, preventing the humid environment where mold and mildew thrive.

  • Important note on wool (lanolin) allergy: if you are specifically allergic to the lanolin in wool, avoid a wool topper. True wool allergy is very rare.

Are feather/down toppers safe for allergies/asthma?

  • Yes, but latex or wool are probably better choices because they are denser. Feather allergies are actually very rare, and people experiencing allergy with a feather or down mattress topper are usually actually reacting to dust mites within the encasement, not the feathers themselves. Feather mattress toppers do provide good temperature regulation but it’s very easy for dust mites to penetrate the fabric encasement. If you do opt for a feather mattress topper, add a 6-sided1 micron pore size encasement around your entire mattress and mattress topper, so that dust mites cannot enter into it and cause problems.

Why to avoid synthetic foam toppers if you have allergies or asthma: Memory foam and polyurethane toppers off-gas VOCs (formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, styrene) that irritate airways and trigger asthma attacks. Synthetic foam also provides a hospitable environment for dust mites.

Non-Toxic Mattress Topper Maintenance

How long do organic mattress toppers last?

Organic mattress toppers typically last longer than foam toppers because they are made with more durable materials. Polyurethane foam is much more prone to breaking down with friction, which is why it’s recommended to replace standard mattresses every 7-8 years.

  • GOLS-certified organic latex toppers: 10-20 years with proper care. Organic latex is very durable, in addition to being non-toxic.

  • GOTS-certified organic wool toppers: 5-10 years. Compression of the fibers can reduce effectiveness.

Luckily, there are ways to extend your organic mattress topper’s life. How to maximize lifespan:

Can you wash a latex or wool mattress topper?

No, you cannot machine-wash latex or wool mattress toppers.

Latex toppers

  • Latex mattress toppers are too large and heavy to wash in a machine, and water that gets deep into the foam can be trapped in its dense structure.

  • How to clean a latex mattress topper instead of washing it:

    • Spot-clean stains with damp cloth and mild detergent (use minimal water)

    • Air out every 1-2 months

    • Use washable mattress protector to avoid needing deep cleaning

    • Best option: keep it completely protected to avoid any cleaning, by using a 6-sided mattress encasement around your entire mattress and mattress topper, then top it all with a waterproof mattress protector before putting your sheets on.

Wool toppers

  • Machine washing causes felting (permanent compression and shrinkage) and drying with heat damages wool fibers

  • How to clean a wool mattress topper instead of washing it:

    • Shake and air out every 1-2 months

    • Vacuum gently on low suction

    • Spot-clean stains with mild wool-safe detergent

    • Brief sun-drying in indirect sunlight if needed

    • Best option: keep it completely protected to avoid any cleaning, by using a 6-sided mattress encasement around your entire mattress and mattress topper, then top it all with a waterproof mattress protector before putting your sheets on.

Do organic mattress toppers need to air out before use?

No. GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic wool toppers do not require off-gassing time because they contain no synthetic chemicals that release harmful VOCs. However, depending on your level of sensitivity or smell preferences, they may benefit from brief airing to dissipate natural odors from packaging.

Organic latex toppers:

What you might smell:

  • Faint natural rubber scent (mild, fruity, vanilla-like, earthy— not chemical)

  • Packaging odors (if it is wrapped in plastic, or shipped in cardboard)

Airing recommendations:

  • Low sensitivity: Use immediately

  • Highre sensitivity: Air out for 24-72 hours, or place outdoors in shade

What organic latex does NOT smell like: Harsh chemical smell (formaldehyde, benzene). If your "organic" latex topper smells strongly chemical, verify GOLS certification.

Organic wool toppers:

What you might smell:

  • Subtle natural wool/lanolin scent (earthy, slightly sweet, “sheepy”)

  • Packaging odors (if it is wrapped in plastic, or shipped in cardboard)

Airing recommendations:

  • Low sensitivity: Use immediately

  • Higher sensitivity: Air 24-72 hours, or place outdoors in shade

Compare to synthetic foam: Memory foam off-gasses for months or years. Organic toppers don't require off-gassing like toxic synthetic foam. They may have a mild natural scent that dissipates quickly with minimal airing. The absence of harsh chemical smells is one of the clearest signs you've chosen a truly non-toxic product.

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