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An Elmer-recommended brand, Birch designs premium mattresses with durable, natural materials. Made using organic New Zealand wool, organic Fair Trade cotton, natural Talalay latex, and hundreds of steel coils for optimum support, this option is free from harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and pesticides and is one of the best latex mattresses on the market today. The materials are also hypoallergenic, an added bonus for allergy sufferers. Each mattress has reinforced side edges which help maintain the bed’s structure and shape while also preventing any roll-off mishaps.

Each Birch mattress is shipped to your door compressed in a long, narrow box that can weigh anywhere from 68 pounds (twin) to 145 pounds (king)—so you’ll want an extra set of hands. After you take it out of the box, place it, still wrapped, onto your platform and then remove the plastic. This allows for an easier setup. It may take up to two hours for your mattress to fully expand, so be sure not to use it before then. Per customer reviews, you can expect little to no odor.

Currently rated 4.6 out of 5 stars and boasting over 3,000 reviews on its website, this mattress is beloved by customers for its “perfect firmness” and high-quality construction. Many people comment that it is a great choice for side sleepers. “I love my new mattress. I’m sleeping better and staying cool even in the heat. I’m a side sleeper and I’m now much more comfortable,” one writes.

Although it’s hard to find a negative review (hmm…), some mention that lighter people may find this mattress a bit too firm.

Elmer personally recommends this brand, and we’ve included it in a number of our roundups. This particular hybrid model is constructed using a combination of Rainforest Alliance-certified natural Dunlop latex and individually wrapped coils, which offer great support while keeping you cool and dry as you sleep.

Individually-wrapped coils help prevent motion transfer, while an adaptive latex foam layer promotes better spinal alignment. According to a study done by the brand, 9 out of 10 customers feel that this mattress gives them more support than their previous mattress. The medium-firm feel is great for stomach or side sleepers. We’ve also recommended this mattress for couples who are seeking strong motion isolation.

This mattress ships compressed and rolled in a weatherproof packaging. Each mattress has four reinforced handles, which really comes in handy when placing it on the frame. Many customers note that the mattress gives off no chemical odors upon unpacking. Even better, free shipping is included with every mattress order and the brand plants 10 trees for each mattress purchased.

One reviewer states that this Awara mattress “has been a dream” and that its “semi-firm rating is perfect—it’s soft and cushioning yet still supportive.” Another share, “I’m a side sleeper and it’s been very supportive and cushy in the right places. I no longer wake up with back and hip pain.”

Elmer also suggests Saatva, a brand she sleeps on nightly. This mattress is designed to relieve pressure and offer support and can help improve circulation. Although traditional memory foam is not a very sustainable choice and is not 100% organic, the memory foam used in this mattress is made from renewable oils that give off less greenhouse gasses during the manufacturing process, making it a good choice for those who simply can’t give up the memory foam feel. We’ve even included it on our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses of 2023.

Because of Saatva’s nationwide manufacturing network, each mattress travels less than 100 miles from the factory to your door, which means a lower carbon footprint. Additionally, the mattress is not shipped in a box. In fact, the brand provides free white glove delivery and setup for each mattress. The team can also remove your old mattress and foundation at no cost if you select this service at checkout, depending on the brand and model.

This mattress has nearly 600 reviews and a 4.9-star rating overall. Happy customers comment that it is the “perfect memory foam bed,” raving that it alleviates neck and back pain. One person writes, “I am mostly a side sleeper, and finally [sleep] comfortably throughout the night, with no morning aches and pains. Perfect support no matter what sleep position.”

Although most reviews are positive, one person does point out that they would like if the mattress was more cooling, something hot sleepers may want to make note of.

Another brand recommended by Elmer, Avocado is a preferred mattress brand due to its high-quality products and use of eco-friendly materials. This mattress is made using GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and over 1,400 coils arranged throughout five different zones which helps prevent motion transfer. Both organic and vegan, this mattress has a gentle-firm feel, making it a great option for side sleepers who need more support. Instead of wool, Avocado’s vegan mattress is made from 100% organic cotton batting, sourced from family farms in India.

The brand sets itself apart by providing free, carbon-neutral shipping. Personalized delivery/setup and old mattress removal are available at an additional cost. The mattress comes vacuum-compressed and rolled up, but expands quickly. Reviewers have mentioned that there is no chemical smell. That said, it will smell like latex. Don’t worry, though—this odor is not detectable through the bedding.

Customers agree that this mattress is supportive, comfortable, and durable. One customer, a chiropractor, loves this mattress so much that they plan on suggesting it to patients. “My wife and I are both side sleepers and this bed is plush and ergonomically spot on,” this reviewer raves. “As a doctor of chiropractic, I specialize in posture and chronic myofascial issues and this bed will be prescribed to my patients to properly hold the correction from the treatment that was provided.”

It’s important to keep in mind that some people comment on how heavy this mattress is. Be sure you have help when setting it up.

Made from GOLS-certified Dunlop latex, GOTS-certified organic wool, organic cotton, and recycled steel coils, the Avocado Eco Organic Mattress is a perfect fit for side sleepers who want a better (and healthier) night’s sleep, without spending a ton of money.

This GOTS-certified organic mattress, which is also biodegradable, uses no toxic chemicals, fiberglass, or polyurethane foams, and even has the MADE SAFE non-toxic seal for safety. The latex used has an open-cell structure, which prevents you from sinking in and is naturally cooling.

Avocado Green is Climate Neutral Certified, which means it is a carbon-neutral company. Mattresses are shipped via FedEx and do not give off an off-gassing odor upon unpacking. What’s more, both recyclable plastic and upcycled paper are used for packaging. In-home delivery is available for an added cost.

Customers love the comfort and support this mattress provides, and the use of eco-friendly materials. One person writes, “It is the most comfortable bed we have ever slept in. I am a side sleeper and my fiancé is a stomach sleeper and we both have been getting the best sleep since we purchased this a month and a half ago. It is of amazing quality for an affordable price! The shipping took longer than it said it was going to, which was a little frustrating, but once we started sleeping in our new bed all was forgiven because it is THE BEST!”

While this mattress comes in medium firmness, one reviewer relayed that it feels too soft.

This organic mattress is certified by a long list of standards, including GOTs, OEKO-TEX® 100, eco-INSTITUT, Rainforest Alliance, and Cradle to Cradle. Its organic, temperature-regulating wool and natural Talalay latex make for a more eco-friendly and enjoyable sleeping experience. Steel coils provide back support and promote proper spinal alignment that can help alleviate aches and pains, especially in side sleepers. The mattress is rated a 6 on the brand’s firmness scale.

Split king sizing is available as well, which is especially helpful for couples who may want more room to spread out. An added bonus: This mattress is constructed from locally-sourced materials, and the brand prioritizes family-owned businesses.

Each product is made to order in the US and ships for free via FedEx. The mattress arrives compressed in a box, within 2 to 8 business days after order confirmation. Although the mattress expands quickly, the brand suggests letting it air out for a few hours before putting sheets and comforters on it to allow it to off-gas.

With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 on the brand’s website, this mattress is an ideal option for couples who may also be side sleepers. “It’s well-constructed, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and you can barely feel motion if someone moves,” one reviewer writes. “I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one again.”

Both exceptionally luxe and environmentally friendly, this hybrid latex mattress proves that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury when it comes to buying an eco-conscious mattress. Composed of 100% organic wool, natural Talalay latex, and premium coils, this high-quality choice comes with 12 European air vents to help keep you cool at night. Its fabric-covered coils and motion-isolating latex make it another great choice for couples. Both medium and medium-firm firmness options are available to choose from.

Mattresses are shipped free throughout the contiguous U.S. The brand also offers in-home setup and removal of your existing mattress (for an additional cost). Prefer to DIY? Reviewers say it is fairly simple, but you’ll want some help from a friend or family member.

This mattress is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars overall—and we understand why. Most customers applaud this pick for its unique details and luxe feel, with side sleepers especially noting how much of a game-changer it is. “I’m a side sleeper and for the first time in a couple of years, I do not wake up with hip or shoulder pain and no longer need 5 pillows to get comfortable,” one reviewer shares.

This GOLS-, GOTS-, and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100-certified mattress features individually-cased coils that relieve pressure while limiting motion transfer. Bonus: if you’re sharing the bed with a partner, you won’t have to worry about getting woken up by their movements. No chemical adhesives or fire retardants are used, which makes for a healthier night’s sleep. This is also one of the best affordable mattresses, and doesn’t sacrifice quality. Plus, all materials are single-origin and handcrafted in California.

Like most other options, this mattress arrives compressed and rolled in a box. You’ll want an extra set of hands for setup, as this one is a bit heavy. On the bright side, reviewers report no off-gassing odors at unboxing.

Rated at 4.9 out of 5 stars overall, this mattress receives high praise for being comfortable, supportive, and environmentally friendly. “I switch between side sleeping and back sleeping, and this bed is incredibly comfortable for both! Big decrease in back pain since we got this lovely bed. No outgassing, and an incredible price,” shares one person. Some customers point out that mattresses are made to order, so shipping may take longer.

Constructed using OEKO-TEX® and GOLS-certified organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton, this mattress is designed with customization and quality in mind. What makes this choice so unique is its adjustable layers of latex. Each mattress comes with a layer of soft latex, a layer of medium latex, and a layer of firm latex, which allows you to easily adjust the firmness level at home by rearranging and configuring the layers.

Spindle mattresses are shipped via FedEx Ground, compressed and rolled in a box, unassembled. Reviewers mention that the mattress is easy to put together, but may have a slight latex smell upon an initial setup that fades quickly over time. Two people may be needed to rearrange the latex layers, so keep this in mind if you’re thinking of picking this one up.

Although experts suggest medium-firm mattresses for side sleepers, this option allows flexibility for side sleepers who may prefer sleeping on a softer or firmer mattress. “After 4 months, we love this mattress even more than when we first laid down on it,” writes one reviewer. “The fact that you can configure the mattress by rearranging the layers is genius. It is a little bit of work to do the rearranging but you can get it ‘just so’ and the payoff is amazing.”