How Toxic Is Your Mattress? Comparing Two Eco-Friendly Picks

Clean up your mattress; clean up your sleep.

How Toxic Is Your Mattress? Comparing Two Eco-Friendly Picks
Caitlyn Martyn

Author: Medical reviewer:

July 15, 2023

Caitlyn Martyn

Contributor

By Caitlyn Martyn

Contributor

Caitlyn Martyn is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Byrdie, InStyle, Popsugar and more.

Scott Nass, M.D., MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS

Medical review by

Scott Nass, M.D., MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS

Board-certified Family Physician

Scott Nass, M.D., MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS is a family physician and HIV specialist in California. He takes a holistic approach to healthcare, incorporating principles of functional medicine and using food as medicine when working with patients.

avocado vs birch

July 15, 2023

Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may

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If you’re struggling to get quality sleep—whether you can’t fall asleep, stay asleep, or both—you've likely considered a new mattress. But have you thought about the materials it's made with? In testing the best nontoxic mattresses, our team is fairly split on Avocado vs. Birch.

The toxic materials found in many synthetic mattresses can off-gas into the surrounding space for years. In fact, a 2022 study1 simulated memory foam mattress off-gassing and found that chemical emissions were still present at the five-year mark. These VOCs, flame retardants, and phthalates can have subtle but potentially serious long-term effects on our health.

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Avocado and Birch both a lot to offer when it comes to sustainability, especially compared to memory foam options. The two brands also excel in comfort, support, and materials.

So, which one should you try? Let’s dive into the key differences between Avocado vs. Birch mattresses.

What is Avocado?

Known for its sustainable practices, Avocado is a popular mattress company with a number of organic mattresses and bedding options. 

The brand values the health of the planet (and its people) and sells mattresses at affordable prices while being environmentally conscious, ethical, and living up to sustainable business practices. 

Avocado is a “Best for the World” Certified B Corporation, Climate Neutral and Fair Trade certified, and the Pinnacle Award Winner from 1% for the Planet. 

While the brand doesn’t provide white glove delivery like some competitor brands, we love that the mattresses are shipped in boxes made from fully recyclable materials.

Avocado quick facts:

Designed in Hoboken and made in CaliforniaHigh-end sustainable materials with multiple firmness choices and a vegan model Three mattress models: Green Mattress, Latex Mattress, and Organic Luxury MattressPrices range from $775 to $2,800Crafted with certified organic latex, cotton, and wool, and coils
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Avocado mattress pros & cons

Pros:

High-end certified organic materials Multiple product models, including a vegan optionDurable mattresses

Cons:

Limited warranty On the heavier side 
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What is Birch?

Despite being a bed in a box, Birch mattresses are among some of the most eco-friendly hybrid mattresses on the market. 

Crafted with organic materials such as cotton, wool, and latex, Birch mattresses are made in the United States. 

In fact, the brand has garnered a few standout certifications, including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Eco-INSTITUT, and GREENGUARD Gold. 

Birch mattresses are known for being medium-firm (so they’re on the firmer side), and are a great match for all sleeping positions.

Birch quick facts:

Crafted with organic materials in the United StatesEarth-friendly certifications (GOTS, Eco-INSTITUT, GREENGUARD Gold)Two mattress models: Birch Natural Mattress and Birch Luxe Natural MattressPrices range from $1,124 to $2,811Crafted with organic latex, cotton, and wool
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Birch mattress pros & cons

Pros:

Made from organic materialsBreathableIdeal for all sleep stylesEdge support great for couples

Cons:

Only one firmness optionNot the best motion isolation
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Our top picks from Avocado & Birch:

Best latex: Birch Natural Organic Mattress

avocado vs birch - birch natural organic mattress
Material: Organic New Zealand wool, Organic Fair Trade cotton, Natural Talalay latex, 8” steel coils, GOLS-certified organic Arpico latexSizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King How it arrives: At your doorstep, rolled and compressed in a boxTrial period: 100 nightsWarranty: 25-year

Made with organic New Zealand wool, organic Fair Trade cotton, natural Talalay latex, and hundreds of steel coils for optimal support, the Birch Natural Organic Mattress is hypoallergenic and it has reinforced side edges that maintain the bed’s structure and shape over time. 

It’s a great choice for back and stomach sleepers, with a firm-yet-springy feel. Hot sleepers will also love the breathable, cooling wool surface.

The latex doesn’t have the same cradling sensation as memory foam, but will keep your hips and body in alignment.

Read our detailed review of the Birch Natural Mattress.

Best natural: Birch Luxe Natural Mattress

avocado vs birch - birch luxe natural organic mattress
Material: Talalay latex, Organic cashmere, Organic wool, Organic cotton, Wrapped steel coilsSizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King How it arrives: At your doorstep, rolled and compressed in a boxTrial period: 100 nightsWarranty: 25-year

The Luxe model is the upgraded version of the Birch Natural Mattress. This one is a medium-firm hybrid of Talalay latex, steel coils, and comfortable layers of GOTS certified organic cashmere and organic wool (which has been Wool Integrity NZ-certified). 

How does it differ? Well, the design includes increased lumbar support (which could be helpful for those dealing with back pain) and reinforced edges (for more durability and room). 

We included this one in our list of the best latex mattresses and one of the best mattresses for snoring.

Best firm: Avocado Latex Mattress

avocado vs birch - avocado latex mattress
Material: GOLS organic-certified latex, GOTS organic-certified cottonSizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King How it arrives: At your doorstep, rolled and compressed in a boxTrial period: 365 nightsWarranty: 10-year

Back, stomach, and heavy sleepers, rejoice: This latex mattress from Avocado is the brand’s firmest option yet. 

The Avocado Latex Mattress gives the supportive (yet incredibly luxurious) feeling of laying on your mattress rather than sinking deep into it. 

It’s held up by 9 inches of 100% GOLS organic certified Dunlop latex and has a bouncy yet firm feel. 

Keep in mind, this is a foam mattress, but it’s rated at a 7.5 out of 10 on the brand’s firmness scale. It’s a great option for couples seeking motion isolation, back or stomach sleepers looking for support, as well as tall or large sleepers.

Best vegan: Avocado Vegan Mattress

avocado vs birch - Avocado vegan mattress
Material: GOLS organic-certified latex, GOTS organic-certified cotton, Reclaimed steel springsSizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California KingHow it arrives: At your doorstep, rolled and compressed in a boxTrial period: 365 nightsWarranty: 10-year

If your lifestyle choices keep you from purchasing mattresses made with animal products, you’ll love Avocado’s Vegan Mattress

This mattress is also featured on our list of the best organic mattresses, after impressing us with its stellar motion isolation (all thanks to its carefully distributed 1,400+ coils). 

Avocado’s vegan mattress is made from 100% organic cotton batting, which is ethically harvested from family farms in India. 

It boasts a plush-yet-firm finish that’s great for all types of sleepers, especially those who crave extra support.

Best affordable: Avocado Eco Organic Mattress

avocado vs birch - Avocado eco organic mattress
Material: GOLS organic-certified latex, GOTS organic-certified cotton, GOLS-certified latex, Recycled steel coilsSizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California KingHow it arrives: At your doorstep, rolled and compressed in a boxTrial period: 100 nightsWarranty: 10-year

The Eco Organic Mattress is made from GOLS-certified Dunlop latex, GOTS-certified organic wool, organic cotton, and recycled steel coils. 

Like all Avocado mattresses, this pick is biodegradable, uses no toxic chemicals, fiberglass, or polyurethane foam, and even has a MADE SAFE non-toxic seal for your safety. 

The latex in the mattress has an open-cell structure that prevents you from sinking in (but rather supports you and holds you up) and is naturally temperature regulating.

Avocado vs. Birch

BrandPriceFirmnessCertificationsTrialWarranty
Birch$1124 to $2811medium-firmGOTS; Eco-INSTITUT; GREENGUARD Gold100 nights25-year
Avocado$775 to $2800soft; gentle firm; medium; medium-firm; firm; Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX; Greenguard Gold; GOTS; GOLS; Forest Stewardship Counsil365 nights25-year

Avocado vs. Birch: Comparing the cost

Avocado mattresses start at $775 and go up to $2,800, while Birch mattresses are a bit more expensive, ranging from $1,124 to $2,811. 

Both brands offer free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and all mattresses arrive at your doorstep rolled up in a box.

Avocado vs. Birch: Comparing the materials

Holistic sleep specialist Sarah Silverman recommends opting for a mattress made from organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex. 

Both Avocado and Birch offer mattresses with several (if not all) these materials. Avocado’s mattress materials are entirely biodegradable and ethically harvested from the brand’s own farms in California. 

Birch mattresses are sustainably sourced from Southeast Asia, Africa, Brazil, and New Zealand. 

Both brands rank high on our picks for the best nontoxic mattresses.

Avocado vs. Birch: Comparing the certifications

At the bare minimum, your mattress should be CertiPUR-US certified, but we recommend looking a bit further. 

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Greenguard GOLD, and MADE SAFE are all superior certifications indicating that the brand uses healthier materials without the unsavory chemicals.

Avocado’s certifications include Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, Greenguard Gold, GOTS, GOLD, and Forest Stewardship Council.

Birch’s certifications include GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold, and eco INSTITUT.

Who should try an Avocado mattress?

Who should try a Birch mattress?

For those who appreciate the convenience of a bed in a box and value sustainability, Birch is a solid choice. 

If you’re a hot sleeper or someone who sleeps with a partner, you’ll appreciate Birch mattresses’ temperature regulation and edge support. 

The blend of wool, latex, and coils help keep you cool throughout the night, while the strong edge support allows for easy movement and maximum bed space. 

Birch mattresses have a medium-firm feel, which makes them great for all types of sleepers (back sleepers especially).

FAQ:

Who makes Birch mattresses?

Birch is owned by Helix, a sleep company that launched in 2015. Helix sells mattresses for all types of sleepers, but Birch only has two: the Birch Natural and the Birch Luxe Natural

Are Birch mattresses good for couples?

Thanks to temperature regulating materials and strong edge support, Birch mattresses are great for couples. The natural wool and latex layers offer breathability and prevent the mattress from trapping body heat.

What’s more, the Birch mattress doesn’t sag or fall around the edges, offering more space for you and your partner to sprawl out.

Are Avocado beds firm?

On a scale of 1 through 10 (with 10 being the firmest), Avocado ranks many of its mattresses at an average of 7, or medium-firm.

Where are Avocado mattresses made?

Avocado mattresses are designed in Hoboken, New Jersey and are made in California.

The takeaway

Avocado and Birch are sustainable and nontoxic mattress brands offering high-quality, eco-friendly mattresses that lean on natural materials like latex, cotton, and wool. To choose between the two, we recommend considering your sleeping position, desired firmness, material preferences, and sizes. To keep elevating your sleep routine, check out our picks for the best memory foam pillows.