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Our editors have reviewed the best organic, non-toxic, and eco-friendly mattresses for a decade — these are our favorite options for floor mattresses.
A few months ago, I came across a post on Instagram from Trinity Mouzon, the founder of Golde, about how she and her family sleep. They had recently replaced their conventional mattress with Japanese futons in order to sleep on the floor, in the same room — she, her husband, and their two young kids. While unconventional in the States, floor mattresses are common in other cultures the world over. They’re most often associated with Japanese culture, and they’re also customary in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and other Asian countries, too.
So, why might someone want to switch from a conventional mattress to a futon on the floor? Read on as we dig into the perks, health benefits, and more associated with floor mattress.
What are the benefits of floor mattresses?
Many of the floor mattresses in this guide are Japanese futons, specifically, also known as a shikibuton. To give you a bit of context, these futons are designed to go on top of tatami mats — thin, foldable mats traditionally made of dried rush grass that help your floor mattress get more airflow. The futons then go on top, and are typically around three or four inches thick and made of all-natural materials like cotton or wool.
A shikibuton provides a range of benefits — they’ll help you save room in smaller spaces, since they’re designed to be rolled up every morning and rolled back out before bed each evening. They help you be more intentional about bedtime and sleep, too (it’s harder to doom scroll or bed rot when you don’t have a headboard!).
Japanese futons have physical benefits, too. According to the experts that Healthline spoke to in this article, their firmer support can help increase blood flow and help your spine stay better aligned to reduce back pains and aches. While a shikibuton might not be for everyone, depending on your body’s specific needs, studies have consistently shown that sleeping on a soft mattress isn’t always the best for you.
Why choose an organic mattress?
As always when we’re shopping home goods, we’re looking for companies that prioritize natural and sustainable materials. Mattresses are particularly prone to some not-so-great substances, like chemical flame retardants and other synthetic materials like polyurethane, PCV (vinyl), and synthetic latex. All the mattresses on the below list use natural materials rather than synthetic ones, like cotton, natural latex, wool, and hemp so you can sleep soundly without VOCs.
Our criteria:
Our editors have researched, corresponded with brands, and read thousands of customer reviews to select the best floor mattresses for your bedroom. We regularly update this piece with emerging favorites that meet the criteria below.
- ORGANIC & NONTOXIC | The brands on this list boast certifications like GOLS to ensure they’re made of natural, organic materials like latex, wool, cotton, and/or down. All of the options on this list are free of harsh flame retardants, and all are free from toxic chemicals.
- SUPPORTIVE | These mattresses are supportive and durable — not only will they last, but they’ll also offer you more restorative sleep. We’ve carefully chosen brands that are engineered for floor sleeping.
- AFFORDABLE | Mattresses are a big investment. We’ve selected options that will suit you whether your budget is big or small.
If you’re in the market for conventional mattresses, check out our full natural and organic mattresses. And while you’re at it, discover some of our favorite sustainable home goods brands, too.
1. Etsy
Best For | Variety
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOTS cotton, Oeko Tex Standard 100
Mattress Type | Japanese futon, floor cushions, etc.
Sizes Available | Sizes vary
Prices starting at | $125
Etsy has plenty of floor mattress options at a range of price points. Here, we’re featuring a few of our favorites for their natural materials and glowing customer reviews. FutonTokyo handmakes a shikibuton of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton for both the lining and cover, with real silk threading. (Pro tip: This is where Trinity Mouzon got hers!) HandMadeFutonBeds crafts their shikibutons in Massachusetts with unbleached cotton covers and filling that 90% cotton and 10% polyester for flame retardancy, using the same design they’ve used for the past 30 years. And HempOrganicLife does shikibuton mats filled with eco-friendly hemp batting with 100% cotton covers that even have handles.
Customer Review | “Futon arrived faster than expected. The owner is extremely nice and makes sure that every part of your purchase goes as smoothly as possible. Futon itself is very nice quality and comfortable to sleep on. It also came with care instructions.” – Adriana (Read more reviews.)
2. J-Life International
Best For | Authentic Japanese shikibuton
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | 100% cotton, treated with natural boron for fire retardancy
Mattress Type | Japanese futon
Sizes Available | Cot, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
Prices starting at | $199
Specializing authentic Japanese lifestyle products, J-Life International makes a true Japanese-style mattress — their shikifuton. Developed over 20 years ago in collaboration with master shikifuton craftsmen in Japan, J-Life’s floor mattress remains popular today for its authenticity. In line with Japanese custom, it’s made of a 100% cotton cover filled with 100% cotton batting for maximum airflow. It comes in two thickness options — three inches or four inches — along with several different sizes, from cot to king. Suitable for use on a platform bed, floor, or tatami mat (which the brand also sells!), the mattress comes either by itself or with the option of an additional removable cotton cover, with so many cute color and pattern options, that you can remove and wash to keep your mattress protected and clean. Plus, all of their covers and pillows are made to order in their Massachusetts workshop.
Customer Review | “This mattress is simplicity at its best—made entirely of natural cotton with no springs, coils, foam, or synthetic materials. It delivers pure comfort without unnecessary gimmicks, offering the kind of support your back needs for long-term health. A truly no-frills solution for better sleep. Loved it !!” – MB (Read more reviews.)
3. Airweave
Best For | Modern Japanese futon with science-back materials
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | Removable cotton outer
Mattress Type | Japanese futon
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Prices starting at | $1,495
Founded in 2007 by Motokuni Takaoka, Airweave has become a world-renowned mattress brand backed by plenty of sleep research and centered around their Airfiber® sleep technology which gives mattresses optimal airflow and support. Their firmest mattress option, the Airweave Japanese futon, is suitable for use on a tatami mat, on a bed frame (even if it’s a low one!), or on top of a traditional mattress as a topper that adds a layer of firmness. Its outer cover is removable, washable, and even reversible — it has a 100% high pile cotton side for extra warmth, or a half cotton, half polyester side if you want a cooler feel. The brand makes a handful of other mattresses, which, while not designed for floor use, can be used on low bed frames and give you medium to firm support. And they’re a low waste company, recycling all returned mattresses and turning the fill into new mattresses.
Customer Review | “In two days, I felt something good was going on. In several days, I found that I was sleeping well. At the end of the first week, I felt my back ache was pretty much gone. After 10 days, I realized that I cannot live without the Airweave Futon mattress. What a wonderful mattress!” – Yaeko J. (Read more reviews.)
4. The Futon Shop
Best For | Shikibuton made of latex and/or wool
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | Organic cotton, organic latex, natural wool
Mattress Type | Japanese futon
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, Cal King
Prices starting at | $650
For almost half a century, The Futon Shop has crafted high quality organic furniture. Unsurprisingly, they offer a super wide range of futon mattresses, including Japanese futon mattresses with all the accouterments, including tatami mats and hemp or coconut coir bed rugs for increased air circulation. And their shikibuton mattresses come in all different material options, too. They do a traditional 100% cotton mattress in three- or five-inch thicknesses, but they also make versions with different combinations of latex and wool. Their wool and cotton mattress is great at regulating heat, while the addition of latex in their wool and latex mattress or their cotton and latex mattress adds an extra layer of comfort and support with all-natural dunlop latex. The brand makes plenty of other mattress types, too, including innerspring futon mattresses, all handcrafted in their California factory.
5. Avocado
Best For | Climate Neutral-certified mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | Organic cotton, organic latex, natural wool
Mattress Type | Innerspring, latex
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Prices starting at | $799
A favorite of TGT editors for years, Avocado Green Mattress crafts home goods like mattresses, bedding, and furniture with some impressive sustainability specs — they’re a B Corp, they’re Climate Neutral certified, and they’re a member of 1% for the Planet, for starters. While they don’t make any specified floor mattresses, they make a wide range of mattresses for whatever your preference and budget are — including a vegan mattress and a spring-free latex mattress — along with a coconut coir mattress pad that can be placed in between a mattress and the floor for increased airflow. It’s important to note that with mattresses not designed for floor use, so placement on a non-breathable surface like the floor can, in rare instances, cause the growth of mold (not covered under Avocado’s warranty). You’ll want to make sure you have a breathable pad beneath and your room is relatively dry.
Editor’s Review | “If you want an organic, made in the USA mattress — you’re not going to get a better mattress for a cheaper price than Avocado’s Eco Organic Mattress. While the price is higher than discount retailers, it also comes with a 100-night sleep trial and ten-year warranty so you can make sure it’s the right fit for you, plus Avocado works with Affirm to create payment plans that work for you..” – Emily McGowan, Editorial Director [Read our review.]
6. PlushBeds
Best For | Luxe mattresses handcrafted in CA
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | Organic cotton, organic latex, organic wool, CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam
Mattress Type | Innerspring, latex
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Prices starting at | $2,249
Another brand that doesn’t make specific floor mattresses, PlushBeds is still a TGT favorite for their impressive sustainability specs and their wide range of mattresses that are all handcrafted in California. The brand told us that they have four mattresses suitable for floor use — their Botanical Bliss Mattress, made of premium quality organic latex, cotton, and wool; their Luxury Bliss Mattress, a hybrid option that adds in fabric-encased coils for extra support; their Natural Bliss Mattress, a vegan option made with latex and cotton; and their Eco Bliss Mattress, which features latex, cotton, and a CertiPUR® certified foam core. They recommend adding a floor mat if you’re using any of these mattresses on the floor for extra airflow.
Editor’s Review | “I’m a side sleeper who thought I preferred a firm mattress until I met PlushBeds. After sleeping on PlushBeds’s Signature Bliss mattress for over a month, I’ve noticed a significant increase in the quality of my rest, relief from aches and pains, and a notable decrease in motion transfer between my partner and me. With a three-inch plush pillow top made with GOTS certified organic cotton and GOLS certified organic latex, silk, and cashmere, sleeping on our PlushBeds mattress feels like pure luxury.” – Kate Arceo, Community Manager [Read our review.]
7. Saatva
Best For | Classic mattresses suitable for floor use
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | Organic cotton, organic latex, organic wool, CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam, plant-based thistle pulp and organic wool flame retardants
Mattress Type | Innerspring, latex
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King, Split Cal King
Prices starting at | $2,249
Saatva crafts all of their mattresses in the US, and their extensive factory and delivery network brings them within 60 miles of 85% of homes in the continental U.S. Combine that with other sustainability initiatives like using organic natural materials and making all mattresses to order to reduce waste, and you’re getting a mattress you can feel great about. According to their head of product, all of their mattresses are suitable for floor use — and no matter your mattress preferences, you’re sure to find something that fits the bill at Saatva. They make a wide range of latex, memory foam, and hybrid innerspring mattresses, the most popular of which is their Saatva Classic which comes with two height options and three firmness options. For a more traditional floor mattress experience, we recommend choosing a firm mattress and adding a floor pad like a coconut coir mat or a tatami mat to increase airflow.
Editor’s Review | “Saatva’s Classic Mattress in Luxury Firm is the gold medal standard for sleeping like you’re in a luxury hotel. The brand has a patented Lumbar Zone® Technology and responsive dual-coil design made of recycled carbon steel meaning it’s super supportive and will never sag. It helped with my lower back pain, and since I insist on a nontoxic mattress for my family, Saatva’s GREENGUARD Gold certification means this mattress ticked all the boxes.” – Trinity Wilbourn, Contributing Editor [Read our review.]
8. Birch
Best For | Innerspring mattresses made with only natural materials
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | Organic latex, organic wool
Mattress Type | Innerspring
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Prices starting at | $1,874
Birch makes just three models of mattresses, each of which is made with only natural materials — their Birch Natural mattress, their Luxe Natural mattress, and their Kids Natural mattress. Each mattress is made with layers of individually wrapped steel coils, natural latex, wool for breathability and fire retardancy, and cotton on top for a medium to firm feel with good support. The mattresses are all suitable for use on the floor, according to the brand, although we do need to point out (once again) that using them directly on the floor reduces the airflow which can lead to a buildup of moisture and potentially mold and mildew — that’s why we recommended making sure your bedroom has good airflow and low humidity, first. And if you want even more info, check out this dedicated review of the Luxe mattress that our editor did last year.
Editor Review | “After one month of sleeping on the Birch Luxe mattress, I highly recommend it as an incredibly comfortable, nontoxic solution to sleep troubles. The layers of cashmere, wool, and steel coils relieved my aches and pains and offered temperature regulation that significantly improved my sleep. In short, it’s divine!” – Randi Donahue, Contributing Editor [Read our review.]
9. Essentia
Best For | Floor mattress-inspired options
Organic & Eco-Friendly Certifications | GOLS certified latex
Mattress Type | Latex
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
Prices starting at | $2,448
Endorsed by wellness experts like Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Frank Lipman, Essentia creates mattresses and other sleep essentials of 100% natural, organic materials. While they make a handful of different latex mattresses, they have a line inspired by Japanese floor futons — the Tatami mattress and the Stratami mattress. The Tatami has a medium firm feel, a full latex core, a touch of the brand’s patented Beyond Latex™ organic foam, and a removable GOTS organic cotton cover for easy cleaning. The Stratami has a more plush feel, and is recommended by Consumer Reports for back and side sleepers. Both mattresses are vegan (made with no wool), and provide a great option for those looking for a firmer mattress made of organic materials and inspired by a traditional floor setting, but who don’t want to part with their bed frames.
Customer Review | “We recently purchased the Tatami mattress for ourselves and our 4 year old and we couldn’t be happier. The bed is so comfortable and cradles me in all the right places. I find myself tossing and turning a lot less or not at all.” – Julie L. (Read more reviews.)
Featured image is from J-Life International
Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. Since 2022, she has been reviewing the top sustainable home, wellness, fashion, and beauty products, sharing her honest opinion on the best finds. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram!
