The Birch Natural is part of Helix Sleep’s all-natural mattress line. With certified natural and organic materials, it appeals to many eco-conscious shoppers looking for bedding that supports their health and that of the environment. Its hybrid design substitutes traditional memory foam for latex foam, which is known for its comfort, support, and durability.
We wanted to see if this mattress lived up to all the hype, so we put it through our meticulous testing process to see how well it performed in critical categories, such as pressure relief, spinal support, cooling, and overall functionality. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, keep reading my full review below to see if the Birch Natural is the ideal choice for you.
Our favorite Birch mattress
The Birch Natural takes our top spot among the three mattresses within Helix Sleep’s all-natural line. Its mid-range price and medium-firm feel make it appealing and accessible to a broad range of sleepers. It boasts certified natural and organic cotton, wool, and latex for a comfortable, supportive, and cool sleep surface. Furthermore, the high-quality materials add durability for enhanced longevity.
Compare Birch mattresses
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| Birch Natural | Birch Luxe Natural | Birch Kids Natural | |
| Rating | |||
| Price | $1,873.80 | $2,623.80 | $998.80 |
| Material | Hybrid (coils and latex) | Hybrid (coils and latex) | Hybrid (coils and latex) |
| Best for | Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, combination sleepers | All sleep positions | Kids |
| Firmness | Medium-firm | Medium to medium-firm | Softer, firmer |
| Cooling | Organic cotton & wool, latex, coils | Organic cotton & wool, latex, coils | Organic cotton & wool, latex, coils |
Birch Natural
Key product features
What you should know
Birch Natural’s certified organic and natural materials help create a sleep environment free from potentially harmful chemicals and synthetic materials. Its hybrid construction blends cotton, wool, latex, and coils for exceptional pressure relief balanced with solid support.
- Birch’s sustainable manufacturing processes help reduce the environmental impact, appealing to many eco-conscious sleepers.
- Natural materials are more expensive than synthetic counterparts, but this mattress’s $1,873.80 price tag still keeps it relatively affordable.
- The natural and organic materials allow for excellent airflow to help keep you cool through the night.
- Its medium-firm feel suits many different sleep styles, including back, combination, and stomach sleepers.
- The mattress weighs 105 pounds at a queen size, but Birch offers in-home delivery and setup for an extra $119 to $285, depending on what you need set up and if you opt for mattress removal.
Birch Natural overview
The Birch Natural is one of the thinner mattresses we’ve reviewed, measuring merely 11 inches tall. However, its thinner profile does not reflect lesser quality. This bed is packed with natural and organic materials that earn multiple certifications for health and safety standards for sleepers and the environment. This can help provide reassurance that your mattress isn’t releasing harmful gasses or chemicals into your home.
Some may find it surprising that these high-quality materials are delivered tightly rolled up in a box, but that only adds to the convenience. Still, you’ll probably want to plan ahead to ensure you have help getting it to your bedroom since this mattress weighs 120 pounds. You can opt into Birch’s in-home delivery and setup if you prefer to skip the hassle. We’ll walk through pricing for that below. First, we’ll explore what this mattress is made of and what kind of sleep experience it offers.
Specs
| Price | $1,873.80 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (queen) | 120 lbs |
| Height | 11” tall |
Mattress construction
The Birch Natural employs a hybrid design that combines contouring comfort layers with robust steel coils. The materials are naturally breathable, so you shouldn’t experience sleep disruptions from overheating at night. Let’s look deeper into each layer of this eco-friendly mattress and how you might expect it to feel each night when you crawl into bed.
Cover: The mattress surface offers a soft feel from cotton that is certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). (1) The organic wool threaded into the bottom of the cover acts as a natural, fiberglass-free fire protectant. (2)
Comfort layers: The next layer adds more organic wool, which can offer comfort and body temperature regulation. Its moisture-wicking properties also help keep the mattress clean and dry.
Transition layer: Beneath all the cotton and wool layers, we found the Dunlop latex. This eco-INSTITUT-certified material is made from the sap of rubber trees, which is sourced from a plantation recognized by the Forest Stewardship Council for its responsible forest management. (3, 4) Latex is likely known for providing pressure relief and cushioning your joints. (5) It also offers a springy feel that is more responsive than traditional memory foam.
Support layer: The core of this mattress is made of recycled steel coils. They offer solid support from the middle of the bed to the edge.
Stability base layer: One final layer of wool completes the mattress’s construction, offering stability and additional fire protection from the bottom up.
Firmness
Now that we know what’s inside the mattress, let’s talk about how it feels to lie on it. When evaluating mattress firmness, we rate each on a scale from one to 10, with higher numbers indicating a firmer mattress. Our rating is meant to help guide you in your decision, but you should remember that firmness is a subjective category. Differences in sleep position, body type, and personal preferences may mean you experience this mattress differently than our testers.
The Birch Natural offers only one firmness level, which we rated as a seven out of 10. Overall, we’d describe it as a medium-firm feel. However, it is on the firmer end of that spectrum and provides a more lifted and supportive feel rather than a sinking or cradling effect.
While the model we tested didn’t include it, you can add a plush topper for an additional $500 for a queen-sized mattress, which Birch states will add more softness. Adding the topper may be best if you prefer a bed with a more medium feel.
Mattress performance
Firmness is only one piece of the picture when discussing what type of sleep experience a mattress provides. We also test each mattress across many additional categories, such as pressure relief, support, and motion isolation, to help provide valuable insight and recommendations. You can use the information below to help you decide whether this mattress will meet your sleep needs.
Pressure relief and support
One of the first things we look at in mattress performance is how well it balances pressure relief and support. Achieving quality sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being, so prioritizing a mattress that delivers optimal comfort, and support is a crucial component. (6)
The Talalay latex is excellent at evenly distributing weight to help avoid pressure buildup in critical areas. (5) It’s a highly adaptive material that responds quickly to movements to maintain support while conforming to the body’s natural curves. We saw no pressure buildup through the hips and lumbar area, which our testers noted felt exceptionally comfortable when they laid on their backs. However, we felt more pressure in the shoulders, so we’d recommend a softer mattress if you spend most of the night on your side.
The innerspring coils nicely complement the latex and add support. Our team commented that they felt a responsive, on-top-of-the-bed feel. The spine stayed well-aligned, and the hips lifted, making it an excellent choice for most stomach sleepers.
Cooling
Cooling is another highly weighted category during our testing since nighttime body temperature can significantly impact sleep quality. (7) We found the Birch Natural sleeps incredibly cool and should keep even the hottest sleepers comfortable. The organic cotton and wool layers are naturally breathable. Moreover, the open-cell structure of the latex foam combined with the ventilating coil foams allows for plenty of airflow so heat potentially doesn’t become trapped in the mattress.
Motion Isolation
Regarding motion isolation, we’re discussing a mattress’s ability to reduce how much movement travels across the bed. The less movement felt, the less likely you are to be disturbed by a partner or pet tossing, turning, or getting in and out of bed. Unfortunately, Birch Natural fell short in this area. However, we weren’t surprised by this since latex is a springy material.
Responsiveness
To test responsiveness, we look at how well a mattress bounces back after applying weight to the surface for a short time. Our testers also note how easy or difficult it feels to change positions when lying on the bed. A responsive bed can be helpful for combination sleepers and couples who want a good mattress for sex.
We discovered that Birch Natural’s firmer feel and buoyant latex foam create a super responsive sleep surface. You can move around on the mattress effortlessly when changing sleep positions or during passionate endeavors.
Edge Support
We gauge edge support based on how well a mattress maintains its structure and support when lying or sitting near the edge. Solid support around the perimeter ensures you can use the mattress’s entire surface area, prevents sagging over time, and makes getting in and out of bed easier. We found the Birch Natural has decent edge support, allowing us to lie near the outside without feeling like we’d fall off.
Cost
Birch Natural offers good value for your money at a very reasonable price. While natural and organic materials typically drive the cost up more than synthetic materials, this mattress still falls below $2,000 at full price. It’s normally $1,873.80, which is on par with other popular latex mattresses, but you can find it frequently on sale for around $1,400. We recommend following our guide to the best time to buy a mattress to help you find the best deals.
We’ve featured Birch Natural in:
- Best mattresses of 2024
- Best latex mattresses
- Best mattress for combination sleepers
- Best mattresses for back sleepers
- Best mattress-in-a-box
- Best mattresses for stomach sleepers
- Best mattresses without fiberglass
- Best firm mattresses
Who Birch Natural is recommended for:
We’ve provided a lot of information on mattress materials, feel, and performance. Yet, you may still be wondering if this is the right mattress for you, so I’ll share my top recommendations on who I feel may benefit most from what Birch Natural offers.
- The mattress’s firmer, lifting feel can provide the ideal support through the lumbar and hip areas for most back and stomach sleepers.
- Combination sleepers might also enjoy how little resistance they’ll feel and how quickly this mattress adapts when changing positions.
- I think hot sleepers will have no problem sleeping cool and comfortably on the airy, breathable materials.
- Finally, eco-conscious shoppers will find tranquility in the multiple certified organic and natural products.
Who Birch Natural is not recommended for:
While this mattress is versatile, it won’t suit everyone. If you relate to any of the following sleep styles, I think you’d be better off taking your search in a different direction.
- The firmer feel of this mattress may cause discomfort in the shoulders for side sleepers, so I’d recommend a softer mattress, like one of our best mattresses for side sleepers.
- Couples easily disturbed by their partner’s movements may find the poor motion isolation troublesome.
- This mattress may not be firm enough for heavier stomach sleepers (250+ pounds), who may experience their hips sinking into the bed.
Expert opinion
As we dug deeper into this mattress, we gathered insight from Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician specializing in sleep medicine. He provided valuable information on why latex mattresses, like the Birch Natural, can help create a healthy sleep environment.
Dr. Raj commented that he frequently recommends mattresses with similar firmness levels to the Birch Natural, saying, “Choose a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress made of high-quality materials like memory foam or latex to give you the best pressure point relief. “
He also noted that this mattress’s natural and organic materials can provide various health benefits, stating, “Latex offers resilience and allergen resistance.”
Moreover, “It’s a good choice to pick a fiberglass-free mattress to avoid the health problems associated with having exposure to fiberglass,” says Dr. Raj. “Choose mattresses that explicitly say they are fiberglass-free or look for materials like natural latex or organic cotton, both known for offering exceptional safety and comfort when it comes to mattresses.”
How we rated Birch Natural
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches performs hands-on testing with each mattress to assess performance in categories such as comfort, cooling, edge support, and warranty. You can hover over the icons for a brief description of each topic or scroll down to read our full analysis of each one.
The Birch Natural proved to be a solid mattress overall, with high rankings in many categories. The materials are top-notch, it’s comfortable, and it offers a warranty well above the 10-year minimum we’re looking for. Unfortunately, its trial period doesn’t match that same level of service, being one of the shortest among the many brands we’ve tested.
Birch Natural pricing and sizing
The below pricing reflects standard pricing and includes no discounts or other offers.
| Size | Dimension | Weight | Price |
| Twin | 38” W x 75” L x 11” H | 63 lbs | $1,373.80 |
| Twin XL | 38” W x 80” L x 11” H | 67 lbs | $1,498.80 |
| Full | 54” W x 75” L x 11” H | 87 lbs | $1,686.30 |
| Queen | 60” W x 80” L x 11” H | 105 lbs | $1,873.80 |
| King | 76” W x 80” L x 11” H | 131 lbs | $2,248.80 |
| California King | 72” W x 84” L x 11” H | 130 lbs | $2,248.80 |
Warranties and policies
Warranty
Birch offers a 25-year limited mattress warranty, one of the longer policies among the brands we’ve reviewed. You get full coverage through the first 10 years of ownership, including repairs or a total replacement at no cost for material or manufacturer defects. Birch defines defects as an indentation greater than one and a half inches, deterioration caused by normal wear, and any physical flaw or manufacturing imperfections.
After the first 10 years, the mattress has limited coverage. Birch will replace it with the same model and size at a prorated charge. You’ll also be responsible for shipping charges. For the warranty to be valid, you must be the original owner and have been placed on a solid, supportive bed base for as long as you’ve had it.
Trial period
A trial period allows you to test a mattress at home for an extended time to ensure it meets all your sleep needs and provides optimal comfort. With a decent sleep trial, you can hopefully avoid buyer’s remorse with an opportunity for your own first-hand experience. When looking at this component, we recommend a minimum of 100 nights, which Birch hits right on the dot. Although, it’s not as impressive as some competitors, who offer from 180 nights to an entire year to try a bed.
Shipping and returns
Another notable highlight is that Birch offers free shipping so that you can receive your mattress at your doorstep for no extra charge. You can upgrade your shipping experience by choosing in-home setup, old mattress removal, or both. These services will cost an additional $119 to $285, depending on how many items are being shipped and if you choose removal. Availability depends on where you live, so we recommend entering your zip code in the quick eligibility check on Birch’s website. We found it’s widely available, but those living in rural areas—like me—may be out of luck.
Additional models from Birch
While this mattress line isn’t the most robust, Birch offers two additional all-natural models, including the Birch Luxe Natural and the Birch Kids Natural.
Birch Luxe Natural
Key product features
Natural vs. Luxe Natural
The Birch Luxe Natural is a luxury upgrade from the classic Natural model. Thanks to extra comfort layers and a plush Euro pillow top, it likely offers a softer feel.
- Cost: As expected, the added materials in this mattress increase the price to $2,623.80 for a queen.
- Materials: The Luxe model features the same core materials as the classic Natural with a few upgrades, including a plush pillow top, two additional wool layers, and an extra layer of firm latex that can help cradle your body while you sleep.
- Comfort and support: The luxury cover and additional pressure-relieving layers likely give the mattress a slightly softer feel. Yet, it mostly remains supportive through the lower back, hips, and shoulders.
- Cooling: Because Birch stuck to the same breathable materials, the Luxe sleeps just as cool as the Natural.
We recommend the Luxe Natural for:
- We think side sleepers will find the pressure relief they need in this mattress to potentially avoid shoulder discomfort while sleeping.
- Back and stomach sleepers may also find the comfort and support they need in this versatile bed.
This is another excellent option for hot sleepers who may want to experience fewer sleep disturbances potentially caused by overheating.
Birch Kids Natural
Key product features
Natural vs. Kids Natural
As the name suggests, the Kids Natural is designed to accommodate the needs of growing kids. Made with the same natural and organic materials as other Birch models, it offers your child a sustainable sleep surface.
- Cost: This model is only available in twin and full-size options, priced at $998.80 and $1,248.80, respectively.
- Materials: It boasts all-natural and organic materials with the same cotton, wool, and latex as the Natural and Luxe models.
- Comfort and support: The mattress’s flippable design sets it apart from others. One side offers a firmer feel designed for sleepers ages three to seven, while the other provides a softer feel for kids eight to twelve. The difference comes from a natural latex layer within the softer side that enhances body contouring.
- Cooling: The hybrid design can help regulate body temperature with breathable materials and good airflow.
We recommend the Kids Natural for:
- It may seem obvious, but we recommend this mattress for kids ages three to twelve.
- Allergy-sensitive children can potentially find relief while sleeping on this hypoallergenic mattress.
- We also feel it’s an excellent choice for eco-conscious families who may want to incorporate environmentally friendly products into their homes.
Birch Natural vs. competitors
With other latex mattresses available, you may wonder how Birch compares to its competitors. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep offers a similar sleep experience for back and stomach sleepers but at a fraction of the cost. You can often scoop it up for under $1,000 when on sale. Meanwhile, the WinkBeds The EcoCloud can be a suitable option for side sleepers who need a softer mattress than the Birch Natural. Another popular mattress option is the Avocado Green. It offers more customization with three firmness options to choose from so you can find the feel that best suits your sleep needs.
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| Birch Natural | Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep | Avocado Green | The WinkBeds The EcoCloud | |
| Rating | ||||
| Price | $1,873.80 | $1,327 | $1,999 | $1,999 |
| Material | Hybrid (coils and latex) | Hybrid (coils and latex) | Hybrid (coils and latex) | Hybrid (coils and latex) |
| Sleep style | Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, combination sleepers | All sleep positions | All sleep positions | Side and back sleepers |
| Firmness | Medium-firm | Medium-firm | Firm, medium, plush | Medium |
| Cooling | Organic cotton & wool, latex, coils | Organic cotton & wool, latex, coils | Organic cotton & wool, latex, coils | Organic cotton & wool, latex, coils |
FAQs
Are Birch mattresses good for side sleepers?
Based on our testing, we feel the Birch Natural will be too firm for most side sleepers. However, you may find the pressure relief you need in your shoulders by adding the plush organic mattress topper or upgrading to the Luxe Natural. Remember that firmness and comfort are subjective, so you may experience the mattress differently than we did.
Are Birch mattresses organic?
Yes, Birch mattresses feature organic cotton and wool. With the stamp of approval from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), you can rest assured that these materials meet the criteria required to be labeled as genuinely organic and ethically produced. Birch’s cotton is also Fair Trade Certified, which means the manufacturers it’s sourced from achieve high standards for sustainable production, safe working conditions, and fair worker pay. (8) Furthermore, its materials earn additional health and safety certifications, including a GREENGUARD Gold certification for low chemical emissions. (9) We spend a considerable amount of our lives in bed, so we value a mattress like this that creates a safe and healthy sleep environment. (10)
Do Birch mattresses need a box spring?
Birch mattresses don’t need a box spring. In fact, the company advises against using one with its all-natural mattresses because they likely don’t provide enough firm support for the individually wrapped coils. Instead, you should use a solid platform base or a slatted foundation with no more than five inches between each slat. Birch mattresses are also compatible with adjustable bed frames for customizable comfort.
How much do Birch mattresses cost?
The cost of Birch mattresses varies based on model and size, but you can expect to pay between $1,873.80 and $2,623.80 for a queen-sized Natural or Luxe Natural. Because the Kids Natural only comes in twin or full-sized options, you’ll likely pay less—$998.80 to $1,248.80. If you plan to include any optional upgrades, like a plush mattress topper and in-home delivery, be sure to include those extra costs in your budget planning.
Our experts
Amanda Marten, MSN, FNP-C
Amanda Marten is a Family Nurse Practitioner and freelance writer. She currently works as a Nurse Practitioner in urgent care. She enjoys developing relationships with her patients and educating them about their health while promoting evidence-based research.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Corey Jungwirth, NBC-HWC
Fortune Recommends Staff Writer
About Author
Corey Jungwirth is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach with over 11 years of experience working in health and wellness. Additionally, she has earned certifications as a Behavioral Health Coach and Lifestyle Medicine Coach. For over five years, Corey has enjoyed combining her wellness knowledge with her passion for writing. When she’s not writing about it, Corey enjoys engaging in her own health by running, taking Peloton classes, and playing soccer and volleyball. She also enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and being outdoors as often as possible. Corey lives in a cozy home in the woods in Wisconsin with her two kids, husband, and dog, Kona.