If you weigh 130 pounds or less, many mattresses weren’t built with you in mind. Most will feel too firm for a good night’s sleep. Here are the best organic and non-toxic mattresses for lighter adults, with soft contouring and pressure relief.
Mattresses are usually designed for and tested by average sized, or even large, men. This list was curated for those of us who are more petite, and who have different mattress needs as a result.
When you’re lighter, firmness needs vary from the norm. You will likely want something that is a bit more plush, so we recommend not going above medium-firm. We also listed mattresses that are extra breathable as those of us who are lighter tend to sleep cooler.
Evaya Bliss Mattress
Highlights: Super affordable, Eco-Institut and Made Safe Certified organic mattress that will never off-gas, and is certified free of hazardous chemicals. Zoned support for hip and shoulder comfort!
Use code ESSENTIALEVAYA for 15% off the Evaya Bliss in the LeafScore store.
At a glance:
- Pricing: $1,599 – $3,199 (Queen is $2,799)
- Materials: Organic cotton, organic wool, organic cashmere, Talalay latex, recycled steel coils
- Certifications: GOTS, FSC, Made Safe, GreenGuard Gold, Eco Institut, Wool Integrity, OEKO Tex
- Sleep Trial: 100-night sleep trial
- Firmness: Medium-firm (Plush with pillow-top)
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Double/Full, Queen, King, Cali King
- Best for: Everybody!
- Tri-zone coil and latex layers for comfort
- Breathable, durable, and comfortable
- Made with all organic materials and recycled steel coils made in the US
- Eco Institut and MadeSafe certified
- Handmade in the US in a GOTS factory
- Oregon Tilth certified GOTS organic
- Lighter than an all-latex mattress (easier to move!)
- One firmness level (can’t flip for different firmness)
- Can’t move comfort layers around
- No handles
The Evaya Bliss Mattress is our top choice for an eco-friendly, non-toxic mattress for lighter adults. If you like things really plush, go for the Bliss with the Pillow Top (see in LeafScore Essentials). If you like a medium-firm mattress, however, the Bliss is a great choice, providing 12-inches of comfort and support.
Lighter adults will love the luxury feel of the extra organic wool and organic cashmere layers, over top of Talalay latex (which is a little softer than the Dunlop latex found in many mattresses). This mattress offers the ideal balance of ‘sinkability’ and support.
If you’re on a budget and/or in your early twenties with no health issues, consider the Evaya Original plus Pillow Top for luxury at a super affordable price.
Avocado Green Mattress
Highlights: Avocado Green with Pillow-Top offers medium-firmness well suited to lighter adults, including side-sleepers. Made in the U.S. by a super sustainable mattress company. Excellent edge support and zoned hip and shoulder support. Durable, affordable, top quality, hybrid latex and innerspring mattress.
At a glance:
- Pricing (with Pillow-Top): $1,799 – $3,199 (Queen is $2,499)
- Materials: Organic Fair Trade cotton, organic wool, organic Dunlop latex, upcycled steel coils
- Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, Made Safe, GreenGuard Gold, Climate Neutral certified, FSC, Responsible Wool Standard, Formaldehyde Free (UL), Eco Institut, Fair Trade, 1% for the Planet, B Corporation, Sustainable Furnishings Council
- Sleep Trial: 365-night sleep trial
- Firmness: Gentle-firm (with pillow-top)
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Double/Full, Queen, King, Cali King
- Best for: Lighter adults
- Vacuum sealed in plastic and paper wrapped in cardboard box
- Made with all organic materials and upcycled steel coils
- Rare certification from Made Safe (free of toxic chemicals)
- 5-zoned support and reinforced edging
- Less motion transfer and partner sleep disruption
- Made in the U.S. by a carbon negative B Corp
- Affordable and durable with a 25-year warranty
- 365-night sleep trial
- One firmness level (can’t flip for different firmness)
- Can’t remove pillow-top to suit other sleep styles and body types
- Can’t move comfort layers around
- Only two handles on long sides
I tend to sleep hot and my husband normal – and it’s the perfect temperature for both of us. I am a smaller than average athlete and a side sleeper. I prefer a medium support my husband is heavier and prefers a firmer. We chose the pillow top to add a touch more softness to the medium firm mattress and it is perfect for both of us.
Nancy B., 2018
The Avocado Green signature mattress is too firm for lighter adults but the Avocado Green mattress with pillow-top is just about perfect. This set-up provides plushness and buoyancy with excellent underlying zoned support and feels gentle-firm (6/10) overall.
The pillow-top option offers pressure relief and comfort for lighter side-sleepers, back-sleepers, and even most stomach-sleepers. The smart design provides additional support in the hips and shoulders and at the edges, helping to maintain good spinal posture.
Lighter adults will sink in a little to the pillow-top but it’s still very easy to move around on this mattress. The Avocado Green with pillow-top is also a top choice for petite athletes and lighter adults who sleep hot, have existing aches and pains, or need more spinal support than their current mattress provides.
This mattress is Made Safe certified non-toxic and is made by an industry-leading Benefit Corporation in the U.S. Avocado is Fair Trade and Climate Neutral certified (and carbon negative) and is an award-winning 1% for the Planet member. In short, Avocado is the world’s most sustainable mattress company!
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress
Highlights: A great choice for adults of any weight. Dual-firmness options available for couples with different sleep needs. Made with organic latex, wool, and cotton with no innersprings. Lifetime warranty and layer exchanges for ongoing customization!
At a glance:
- Pricing: $2,799 – $3,798 (Queen $3,299)
- Materials: GOTS cotton, GOTS wool, GOLS latex
- Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, GreenGuard Gold, Eco Institut
- Sleep Trial: 100-night sleep trial
- Firmness: Medium / Medium-Firm / dual firmness option
- Depth: 9-, 10-, and 12-inch options
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Queen, Split King, Split Cal King
- Best for: Everyone!
- Medium firmness is ideal for lighter adults (medium-firm also available)
- Made with organic latex and no innersprings
- Can customize both sides
- Can adjust layers and flip for different firmness
- Most sizes now ship in one box – no assembly required!
- Free shipping, free returns, and a free 100 night sleep trial
- Free comfort exchange program (switch out layers!)
- 25-year warranty
- Can unzip to move a layer at a time
- Sturdy, well-placed handles
- Quiet (more discreet than innersprings)
- Very heavy full latex mattress
- More expensive than hybrid latex/coil mattresses
- Too springy or bouncy for some adults
- Less edge support than mattresses with reinforcing coils
I wanted a non-toxic mattress with pressure point relief for my shoulder. I’m a petite woman, 5′ 3.5″ and 120 lbs. I learned that light-weight sleepers, and especially side sleepers, need a softer mattress to avoid a lot of pressure on their joints. Latex is good for pressure point relief and I got the medium firmness mattress with the softest layer on top. I was excited that I could switch around and customize layers if I wanted to.
Priscilla S., 2021
Most lighter adults will love the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss in a medium firmness. This all-latex layered mattress is available in 9-, 10-, and 12-inch builds. We recommend the 9-inch for lighter adult couples or solo sleepers, or a deeper model if sleeping with a heavier partner.
The Botanical Bliss is handmade to order in the U.S. in the PlushBeds factory which is GOTS/GOLS certified. The company offers an impressive lifetime warranty and 100-night sleep trial, and a full range of sizes, including split-sizes for dual firmness.
The Botanical Bliss is available in a 9-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch design. Lighter adults do best with the 9-inch design, though side-sleepers might prefer the deeper 10-inch design which has an extra inch of Talalay latex on top.
Adults weighing up to 130 lb. typically find the medium Botanical Bliss ideal for sinking into just enough to relieve pressure on joints but not so much that you put your spine out of alignment and actually cause back pain. The medium-firm Botanical Bliss is usually too firm for lighter adults, though some stomach-sleepers under 130 lb. may prefer this build.
The top layer of the mattress is Talalay latex, which is airy, breathable, soft, and responsive. Underneath, the ultra-dense Aprico latex provides excellent support for good sleep posture. In the 10-inch model there’s an extra inch of Talalay latex, making this a good choice for petite side-sleepers needing a touch more cushioning on top, especially if you have an hourglass shape.
We also love that PlushBeds stitches four or six (size-depending) handles onto the Botanical Bliss. These very robust, but flush, handles look great and make it so much easier to move and lift the assembled mattress (which is very heavy in larger sizes). In contrast, the Evaya, Naturepedic EOS, Obasan, and Spindle don’t have any handles!
The downsides to this mattress include the weight, some need for light assembly in larger sizes, and less robust edge support than with the hybrid coil-latex mattresses from Evaya and Avocado.
Savvy Rest Serenity Spring
Highlights: Superb latex and coil mattress. Fully customizable on both sides, making this a great choice for lighter adults with a heavier sleep partner. White glove set-up available and a comfort layer exchange program!
Savvy Rest is offering LeafScore readers 20% off their purchase using coupon code LEAFSCORE at checkout.
At a glance:
- Pricing: $1,599 – $3,299 (Queen from $2,199)
- Materials: Organic latex, organic cotton, organic wool, recycled steel coils
- Certifications: GOTS, GOLS
- Sleep Trial: None
- Firmness: Whatever you want!
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cali King, Split-sizes
- Depth: 12-inch
- Best for: Everyone!
- The most customizable latex hybrid mattress available
- Can customize coil and latex layers on both sides
- Made with organic, non-toxic, recycled materials
- GOTS and GOLS certified
- Choice of Talalay and Dunlop latex in soft, medium, firm
- Reconfigurable to meet changing sleep needs
- Made by a Staff-owned B Corp in the U.S.
- 90-day comfort exchange
- 20-year warranty
- White glove delivery and set-up available
- No returns
- No handles
- Not suitable for adjustable or Murphy beds
- Upgrade fee for Talalay exchanges
- Shipping fees for latex exchanges
The Savvy Rest Serenity Spring mattress is the most customizable latex hybrid mattress we’ve seen, with options to choose the firmness of the top latex comfort layer and the coils below. For lighter adults who find innerspring mattresses too firm, the Serenity Spring might be just the thing!
Lighter adults who need a plusher mattress can choose a soft Talalay top layer and Plush coils for superior comfort and pressure relief while still enjoying support for spinal posture.
Many hybrid latex mattresses only have one firmness for the coil layer, meaning that top latex layer has to provide all the cushioning. For lighter adults who don’t sink into a mattress much, this can make most mattresses feel too firm to be comfortable. The Serenity Spring works for all kinds of sleepers, whatever their body type.
Thanks to the zippered design and option to switch out comfort layers later, the Serenity Spring a great choice if you’re lighter now but gain weight later on. And if the soft latex proves too soft, you can take advantage of Savvy Rest’s 90-day latex exchange to try a firmer comfort layer.
Lighter sleepers with a heavier sleep partner will also benefit from the split design option. This way, no one needs to compromise on sleep comfort. And because the Serenity Spring is a 12-inch build, it won’t bottom out, even for heavier adults.
There are three main downsides to the Serenity Spring: the need for home assembly, a lack of handles, and Savvy Rest’s no-refunds policy.
Obasan Mattress
Highlights: The 10-inch Obasan is the most customizable mattress around. Made with organic materials in a carbon-neutral factory in Canada. Customize both sides and zones and then re-customize later if your sleep needs change!
At a glance:
- Pricing: $2,599 – $6,499+ (Queen from $4,299)
- Materials: Organic latex, organic cotton, organic wool
- Certifications: GOTS, GOLS
- Sleep Trial: 180-night sleep trial
- Firmness: Whatever you want!
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cali King
- Depth: 10-inch, 13-inch
- Best for: Everyone!
- Totally customizable (on both sides)
- Re-customizable at a later date!
- Zoned for tailored comfort and support
- Free of any toxic chemicals and materials
- Organic and eco-friendly
- Made carbon-neutral in Ottawa, Canada
- 180-night sleep trial and 20-year warranty
- One-time free comfort exchange
- Very expensive compared to off-the-shelf mattresses
- No manual customization option (all through its automated system)
- No returns unless there’s a manufacturing defect or product is unopened
- Comfort exchange only applies after 180 days
An Obasan mattress may be a bit overkill for lighter adults but if you’re looking for the ultimate in tailored luxury sleep, this is it. Obasan makes its layered, zoned, all-latex mattresses in a carbon-neutral factory in Canada and has a longstanding reputation for impeccable products and customer service.
Lighter adults with a larger sleep partner can customize both sides of their mattress to ensure great sleep for both parties. Unlike other latex layered mattresses, the Obasan design has a middle layer with three zones. This means you can tailor support based on your body type. So, if you’re a lighter adult with an hourglass figure, and you’re a side-sleeper, Obasan is a fantastic choice that will likely perform much better than off-the-rack, non-zoned mattresses for lighter adults.
An Obasan mattress is also much more flexible than most. The zippered design lets you reconfigure layers as needed.
Obasan offers the No. 1 (Classic) mattress which contains eight inches of latex and the Deluxe mattress with ten inches of latex. For lighter adults, the Classic will usually be sufficient.
The tailored design means you can expect the perfect balance of comfort, pressure relief, and spinal support. You won’t sink in too much or too little and the zoned layer helps keep even petite sleepers’ spines in line.
If you’re a lighter adult who tends to sleep hot and sweaty, consider upgrading to the Deluxe build with pillow-top. While the Classic is plenty breathable, the Deluxe has an extra layer of airier latex and wool to help wick away moisture, support airflow, and help you regulate your temperature.
If you’re a lighter adult with a heavier or average weight sleep partner, the Deluxe also offers the required deeper support.
Savvy Rest Serenity Mattress
Highlights: Mid-price, fully customizable, 10-inch layered latex mattress ideal for lighter adults. Can choose between Talalay and Dunlop! Made in the U.S. by a staff-owned B Corp!
Savvy Rest is offering LeafScore readers 20% off their purchase using coupon code LEAFSCORE at checkout.
At a glance:
- Pricing: $1,799 – $3,999 (Queen from $2,699)
- Materials: Organic latex, organic cotton, organic wool
- Certifications: GOTS, GOLS
- Sleep Trial: 90-day Latex Exchange (no sleep trial or returns)
- Firmness: Whatever you want!
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cali King, Split-sizes
- Depth: 10-inch
- Best for: Lighter to average-weight people
- GOTS and GOLS certified organic and non-toxic
- Can customize both sides and all three layers
- Choice of Talalay and Dunlop latex in soft, medium, firm
- Reconfigurable to meet changing sleep needs
- Made by a Staff-owned B Corp in the U.S.
- 90-day comfort exchange
- 20-year warranty
- Available in custom dimensions and shapes!
- White glove delivery and set-up available
- Heavy
- No handles
- No returns
- Not for use on Murphy or adjustable beds
- 10-inch profile may be too shallow for heavier adult sleep partners, especially side-sleepers
- You pay shipping fees for layer exchange
- Upgrade fee for switch from Dunlop to Talalay
The Savvy Rest Serenity mattress is a 10-inch, all-latex, layered design ideal for lighter to average weight adults. For heavier folks, this mattress may bottom out and prove uncomfortable, however.
At first glance, the Savvy Rest Serenity may look similar to most other customizable latex mattresses. However, with the Serenity you not only get to choose between soft, medium, and firm latex, you also get a choice of Talalay and Dunlop. This means you have twice as many options to customize the feel of your new mattress.
The Serenity is breathable, moisture-wicking, and supports temperature regulation for a blissful sleep.
For lighter adults, a typical set-up, top to bottom, might look like:
- Soft Talalay
- Soft Dunlop
- Medium Dunlop.
For a plusher feel overall but good underlying support, petite adults, may also choose:
- Soft Talalay
- Soft Talalay
- Firm Dunlop.
This is a particularly good set-up for anyone needing more pressure-point relief, such as lighter adults with chronic pain.
Because you can customize the Serenity, it’s a great choice whether you’re a lighter adult side-sleeper, back-sleeper, or stomach-sleeper. If you’re the latter, though, you may want to choose more Dunlop than Talalay and a soft, medium, firm build overall.
The Dunlop layers have a firmer and softer side. Typically, these layers have the softer side (with smaller perforations) facing up. To make the mattress feel a little firmer, flip the Dunlop upside down, so the larger perforations face up.
Savvy Rest makes the Serenity in the U.S. in its GOTS factory and offers a wide range of sizes, including split sizes. You can also ask for this mattress in custom dimensions and shapes.
Downsides
Two downsides to the Savvy Rest Serenity are the company’s no-returns policy and the fact that this mattress is heavy and requires set-up (and there are no handles), especially in larger sizes.
That said, with the layered Serenity mattress, you can make use of the 90-day Latex Exchange. This lets you change latex layers for softer or firmer layers if your initial set-up doesn’t meet your needs. Upgrades from Dunlop to Talalay incur an upgrade fee and shipping costs, however.
Avocado Eco Organic Mattress
Highlights: A very affordable, eco-friendly, 10-inch, non-toxic mattress! Best suited to lighter adults or teen side-sleepers. Made by an award-winning B Corporation with organic latex, wool, and cotton, with recycled steel coils and no toxic chemicals.
At a glance:
- Pricing: $699 – $1,599 (Queen is $1,299)
- Materials: Organic Fair Trade cotton, organic wool, organic Dunlop latex, upcycled steel coils
- Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, Made Safe, GreenGuard Gold, Climate Neutral certified, FSC, Responsible Wool Standard, Formaldehyde Free (UL), Eco Institut, Fair Trade, 1% for the Planet, B Corporation, Sustainable Furnishings Council
- Sleep Trial: 365-night sleep trial
- Firmness: Gentle-firm (5/10)
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Double, Queen, King, Cali King
- Best for: Lighter adults, teens, children
- Very affordable eco-friendly mattress
- Made with organic latex and recycled steel innersprings
- Good edge support
- Excellent for lighter adults and children
- Heavily certified, with Made Safe certification as non-toxic
- Made by a sustainable B Corporation
- Lighter than the Avocado Green
- Full one-year sleep trial and 10-year warranty
- More sustainably packaged than most mattresses
- Not enough support for heavier adult sleep partners
- Low coil count may mean more motion transfer than Avocado Green
- Can’t be flipped over
- Shorter warranty than the Avocado Green
The mattress is great. I’m 21 and pretty petite so I don’t really know anything about how firm and soft a mattress should be, but for the price and saving the environment, it’s well worth it. I expect to have this mattress for years to come!
Serenity J., 2022
The Avocado Eco Organic is a fantastic affordable, non-toxic, eco-friendly option best suited for lighter adults, teens, or kids. Heavier adults will likely find this mattress lacks sufficient support for a comfortable sleep.
Avocado makes the Eco Organic to order in its GOTS certified factory in the U.S. The mattress is Made Safe certified non-toxic and Avocado is an award-winning 1% for the Planet member and B Corp on its way to operating the first certified zero-waste mattress factory in the world.
The Leaf Score team has tried and tested the Eco Organic and loves it!
The Eco Organic is best suited to lighter adults on the younger side, given that this mattress has no zoning for targeted hip and shoulder support. If you have aches and pains already, or are heavier than around 200 lb., the Eco Organic will probably not provide sufficient support for your needs`
The Eco Organic rates 5/10 (medium) for firmness, making it softer than the Evaya Bliss but firmer than the Evaya with Pillow Top. This means it offers enough softness for lighter adults to sink into for pressure relief and comfort without so much sinkage you get trapped or put your back out of whack.
Downsides
The Eco Organic is a top budget choice of non-toxic mattress for lighter adults, but feels less robust overall than the Evaya and the signature Avocado Green. It also comes with a shorter (10-year) warranty.
The Eco Organic also suffers from a little more motion transfer than higher coil-count mattresses like the Evaya, and the lack of zoning could be a problem if you develop back issues a few years into this mattress’s life. If you or your partner are restless sleepers, this might not be a great choice for you. For solo, lighter, younger adults, teens, or kids, the Eco Organic is ideal for most sleep positions.
Happsy Organic Mattress
Highlights: Incredibly affordable, non-toxic, organic mattress with Made Safe certification. With the plush Pillow-Top this very firm mattress becomes much softer (5/10), making it a great budget choice for younger and lighter adults. Hybrid coil and latex mattress with little motion transfer and plenty of support where you need it.
At a glance:
- Pricing (with Pillow-Top): $1,148 – $2,198 (Queen is $1,798)
- Materials: Organic cotton, organic wool, organic latex, recycled steel coils
- Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, Made Safe, GreenGuard Gold, UL Formaldehyde Free, Zero Toxics Product Registry, Rainforest Alliance, FSC, Green America certified business, 1% for the Planet, Sustainable Furnishings Council,
- Sleep Trial: 120-night sleep trial
- Firmness: Medium (with Pillow-Top)
- Depth: 12.5-inch (with topper; 10-inch without topper)
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cali King
- Best for: Lighter, younger adults
- Exceptionally affordable
- Removable plush latex pillow-top for flexibility
- Made with certified organic materials and recycled steel coils
- Made Safe certified
- Firmer underlying mattress with less motion transfer
- Reinforced edge support
- Lighter than many mattresses (129 lb. for King; 36 lb. for topper)
- Free shipping and free returns
- 120-night risk-free trial
- 20-year limited warranty
- Made in the U.S. by a sustainable company
- Available up to Cali King size
- No zoned support, so best for lighter adults with no back pain
- No handles on the sides
- Can’t customize comfort level
- Less transparency on materials and construction
- Polypropylene coil wrap (GOTS approved, but plastic)
The Happsy mattress topper on top of the Happsy mattress has really made a difference! The mattress is good and I appreciate the quality of the materials but being a side sleeper with shoulder problems, it wasn’t quite soft enough. From the first night, the topper provided enough cushion to let me sleep very comfortably. So simple!
VelleDa S., 2021
The Happsy mattress is on the firmer side. Add the topper, though, and you get a medium firmness mattress (5/10) that is a great budget choice for lighter, younger, pain-free adults. Even with the topper this mattress costs well under $2,000 for a Queen-size!
Lest you think budget means you have to compromise on eco-friendliness and safety, rest assured that Happsy is one of just a few mattress companies with Made Safe non-toxic certification. The company may look like any old start-up mattress-in-a-box maker but Happsy is actually owned by Naturepedic, one of our favorite eco-friendly mattress companies. By piggybacking on Naturepedic’s robust ethical supply chains for organic materials, Happsy can offer an incredibly affordable, quality product that carries all the right green mattress certifications.
What’s in it?
Happsy is not super transparent about its exact mattress design, but we’ve pieced together the following:
- GOTS certified organic cotton encasement (zippered for easier disposal)
- Organic cotton batting
- Organic wool batting
- GOLS certified organic latex (likely Dunlop; likely 26 – 29 ILD and D75)
- 8-inch pocket coil layer with polypropylene wrap (GOTS approved)
- Organic cotton batting on the bottom and sides
- Organic cotton cover.
The pillow-top comprises an extra 2-inch layer of plush latex (19 ILD) in an organic cotton cover and sits on top of your mattress. As such, the Happsy is a vegan mattress topper that you could add to a vegan mattress such as the Naturepedic EOS or Avocado Green Vegan.
The Happsy mattress with pillow-top has a 12.5-inch overall depth that makes it a good choice for many adults, especially those who are younger, pain-free, and on the lighter side to average weight. Even with the pillow-top, however, this mattress may still feel too firm for very light adults who weigh significantly less than 130 lb., and for lighter or much heavier side-sleepers or anyone with existing back or joint pain.
If you bought a Happsy mattress and it feels too firm, here’s a handy workaround to save you returning it.
Consider purchasing two Happsy toppers for a DIY, soft, comfortable, 15-inch mattress that still costs less than most standard mattresses without a topper!
Downsides
Happsy’s mattress with pillow-top has no zoning in the coil unit or otherwise. Unlike the Evaya and Avocado Green with Pillow-Top, the Happsy may not provide enough targeted support for side-sleepers or folks with larger hips or shoulders.
Overall, the Happsy may also be a little less durably built than the Evaya and Avocado Green, given that it has a zippered cover rather than a fully stitched cover. Because the mattress topper just sits on top of the mattress, some folks find it moves around too.
Spindle Natural Latex Mattress
Highlights: Zippered 10-inch mattress ideal for lighter side-sleepers and some back-sleepers. Made with mostly organic and natural materials and free of toxic chemicals. Three-layer design allows for custom comfort and layer exchanges at a later date.
At a glance:
- Pricing: $1,749 to $2,599 (Queen is $2,299)
- Materials: FSC/GOLS latex; GOTS cotton; GOTS wool; zipper with nylon teeth, a metal trolley and metal pull tab; tiny amount of polyester thread (less than 0.1% of mattress weight); tiny amount of heat-resistant Kevlar thread (less than 0.001% of mattress weight)
- Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, FSC, Oeko-Tex
- Sleep Trial: 365-night sleep trial
- Firmness: Soft to firm (depends on configuration)
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Double, Queen, King
- Best for: Lighter side-sleepers and back-sleepers
- Somewhat customizable and affordable mattress
- Mostly made with sustainable materials
- Super transparent company
- Can shuffle layers to reconfigure mattress firmness
- 365-day sleep trial and 10-year warranty
- 25-year comfort policy offers a 30% discount on replacement layers
- Easier to move than a solid, glued latex mattress
- Free shipping to 48 states
- Breathable latex (great for hot sleepers)
- Heavy!
- Not available in Cali King or Split sizes
- Contains some synthetic components (but no polyfoam)
- Costs more than similar mattresses
- Quite bouncy with not insignificant motion transfer
- Too soft for most stomach sleepers
- Expensive to ship to Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada
- Requires a platform or box-spring bed base or narrow slatted base
- Unsuitable for most Murphy beds
I was surprised after sleeping on Spindle for a couple of nights that my back/hip pain was almost gone (which is the reason we bought it). I was skeptical that it wouldn’t last, but now it’s been a couple of months and it has never returned! And not only that, but I had IT band issues that I thought had to do with running (and age); I had made an appointment to see a physical therapist – but surprise, surprise, Spindle “fixed” that problem, too! I was able to cancel the appointment and run pain-free for the first time in a year. Plus, I am able to sleep on my side again. My only regret is we didn’t buy Spindle sooner!
Paul b., 2018
The Spindle 10-inch organic latex mattress is a great choice for lighter adults who sleep on their side or back. The standard layered latex design may be too soft for stomach-sleepers and heavier adults, though you can customize the firmness and adjust the layers at home.
What’s in it?
Spindle is very transparent about its materials, which we love. We also have no concerns about the toxicity Spindle uses. However, we would love to see Spindle use recycled polyester or natural thread instead of virgin polyester and to design the mattress so Kevlar tape wasn’t necessary to pass flammability tests.
The Spindle has built a reputation as a fantastic mattress for a wide range of folks, large and small. Its exact performance will depend on your choices when ordering, how you configure it at home, and how you sleep in general.
We love that you can shuffle the layers to try out various configurations. Spindle also offers free replacements if you want to switch out layers during your sleep trial. And, down the line, should your sleep needs change significantly, Spindle offers a 30% discount on new layers.
Overall, the Spindle is best for lighter adults (close to 130 lb. and less than 230 lb.) who sleep on their side or back. We recommend a medium, medium, firm set-up for most lighter adults, though some side-sleepers might prefer a soft, medium, firm design.
Downsides
Spindle doesn’t offer split sizes and these mattresses are heavy and more unwieldy than some other all-latex designs. That’s because Spindle uses solid blocks of latex for each layer, even in the King-size (which weighs more than 180 lb.!). If you’re a lighter, petite adult, expect to need one or even two helpers to get the layers in place.
The Spindle is bouncier than hybrid mattresses and firmer all-latex models. This can be good for sex but bad for motion transfer if you or your sleep partner is restless.
Spindle mattress also take a little while to make and deliver; around two to four weeks typically.
Nolah Natural mattress
Highlights: Mid-price mattress made using sustainable and natural materials including natural latex, organic cotton and wool, and individually wrapped recycled steel coils. A good choice for lighter side-sleepers and very light back-sleepers.
At a glance:
- Pricing: $1,499 to $3,198 (Queen is $1,899)
- Materials: Talalay latex, GOTS cotton and wool, recycled steel coils
- Certifications: GOTS, Eco-INSTITUT, OEKO-TEX 100, Rainforest Alliance
- Sleep Trial: 120-night sleep trial
- Firmness: Medium (6/10)
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Double, Queen, King, Cali King, Split King
- Depth: 10-inch
- Best for: Lighter side-sleepers and very light back-sleepers
- Good value for money
- Great for some side sleepers and very light back-sleepers
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Excellent comfort and temperature control
- Made in the USA
- Excellent green certifications including Eco-Institut and GOTS
- Not a great shipping experience
- Excessive plastic
- Inaccurate dimensions/poor expansion
- Not finished with detail we would expect from a luxury product
- Poor edge support
I’m a side sleeper and was worried it would be too firm, but it’s perfect. It feels firm when I sit and lay on it but even after 8 hours in the same (side) position, I have no pains and aches. I’m beyond thrilled and can’t recommend this mattress enough for side sleepers
Edward M., 2021
The Nolah Natural is a latex hybrid mattress that rates around 6/10 for firmness (medium). It is best suited to lighter adult side-sleepers and very light back-sleepers. It’s too soft for stomach-sleepers and too shallow for heavier adults. You can purchase the Nolah Natural in a wide range of sizes, including split sizes, but there’s only one firmness option.
Nolah wraps each coil individually in organic cotton, which is nice to see for an industry that typically uses synthetic fabrics or plastic. The mattress is also zoned, with 25% more coils in the hips and shoulders, and at the edges for better perimeter support.
My experience with the Nolah Natural
I’ve slept on a Nolah Natural mattress for more than two years and find it breathable and generally quite comfortable when I sleep on my side. I prefer sleeping on my stomach, though, and at around 140 lb., I find the Nolah Natural too soft for good spinal support.
Lighter back sleepers (under 130 lb.) without an hourglass figure may find the Nolah Natural offers a good balance of softness and support. If you weigh more than 130 lb., though, I suspect you’ll find, like me, that this mattress allows for too much sinkage and leads to back pain.
The mattress is great for temperature regulation and breathability, though. I sleep hot and my wife sleeps cool and we both feel comfortable on the Nolah Natural, whatever the season.
Downsides
Drawbacks of the Nolah Natural include not insignificant motion transfer, less edge support than you’d expect with a latex hybrid, and poor lumbar support.
This mattress is also very heavy and is wrapped in an astonishing amount of plastic that’s hard to remove fast enough for the mattress to safely expand without constricting itself. Mine also suffers from poor stitching and less than robust handles. And my mattress never fully expanded to its advertised size.
Read more about my Nolah Natural experience.
FAQs
Yes! Most adults who weigh 130 lb. or less will sleep more comfortably on a mattress that provides a softer sleep surface with good core support for spinal alignment beneath. Lower body weight means less pressure on the mattress surface, meaning sleepers sink in less. A mattress that feels medium or soft to a heavier adult weighing more than 130 lb. will often feel too firm for a lighter adult. This is because heavier adults sink into the mattress surface more and get more pressure relief as a result.
The best kind of mattress for most lighter adults will rate as soft (3/10), medium-soft (4/10), or medium (5/10). Anything firmer will probably feel too firm. Side-sleepers under 130 lb. will usually want a mattress on the softer end of the scale, while stomach-sleepers do best on a medium or medium-soft.
We usually recommend a firmer mattress for adults who sleep on their stomach. This is because a softer mattress allows stomach-sleepers to sink into the mattress too much, which can cause poor spinal posture and increased pressure on the hips, lower back, shoulders, and neck. Lighter adult stomach-sleepers may, however, feel more comfortable on a much firmer mattress than heavier adult stomach-sleepers because they will sink into a mattress less overall. Even a medium mattress can feel firm enough for some lighter adult stomach-sleepers but would likely be much too soft for a heavier adult.
When you sleep on your side, most of your body weight rests on your hips and shoulders. A mattress that is too firm won’t let you sink in enough for pressure relief, especially if you’re a lighter adult weighing 130 lb. or less. The result is extra pressure on your hips and shoulders, leading to aches and pains and more frequent waking. An overly firm mattress can also put your spine out of alignment as a side-sleeper, leading to back pain and other back issues over time.
On the flip-side, a mattress that is too soft and too thin may not provide enough underlying support for proper spinal alignment. Even lighter adults might sink in too much and find it hard to move around naturally while sleeping, leading to joint stiffness in the morning and poor sleep overall.
Folks who lose even a little bit of weight can find that their previously comfortable mattress now feels much too hard and firm. This is because lighter adults sink less into the top of a firmer mattress, meaning less pressure relief overall. The good news is that you don’t (necessarily) need to ditch your mattress.
Try adding a plush or soft non-toxic, organic topper for a softer surface that provides more cushioning and cradles your body for pressure relief. Alternatively, if you have a layered mattress where you can adjust the comfort layers, try switching the top layer out for a softer layer. Mattress companies like Obasan, PlushBeds, and Naturepedic excel at helping you adjust your mattress even years after initial purchase, so you can sleep comfortably for decades to come.