Birch Natural Mattress Review
Our accomplished team of sleep science coaches, engineers, and product evaluators meticulously assess hundreds of mattresses using our unique product methodology. Each article is reviewed for precision, citing only credible sources. Systematically reassessing our content and picks, we align with the latest scientific literature and expert counsel. Our top-rated mattresses have been personally assessed and highly rated.
Freshly Re-evaluated
We've recently updated our top mattress picks, incorporating new insights from our professional testers. If a mattress appears on this list, you can be sure that we've personally assessed it and granted it a high rating based on our stringent evaluation standards.
Getting a good night’s sleep is about more than just closing your eyes. It’s about having the right foundation for rest. Your mattress choice can mean the difference between waking up refreshed or spending your days fighting fatigue and discomfort. That’s why understanding how a mattress performs in real-world conditions is crucial before making this important investment.
I’ll share my in-depth testing experience with the Birch Natural, a premium eco-friendly option that combines organic materials with thoughtful engineering. Through hands-on evaluation of everything from pressure relief to temperature regulation, I’ve uncovered how this mattress performs across different sleeping positions and preferences.
I’ve spent extensive time examining how this mattress handles the full journey of nightly rest. I’ve rolled, pressed, and slept in every position to understand how the Birch Natural’s latex, organic wool, and individually wrapped coils work together to create a comfortable and supportive sleep surface.
Whether you’re an eco-conscious shopper looking for a sustainable option, a hot sleeper seeking better temperature regulation, or simply someone who wants to understand if this mattress is worth its premium price tag, this detailed review will help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- The Birch Natural excels at temperature regulation through its innovative use of natural materials. The combination of organic cotton, wool layers, and breathable latex creates excellent airflow and moisture-wicking, making it an ideal choice for hot sleepers who want to maintain a cool, comfortable sleep environment throughout the night.
- This mattress offers outstanding responsiveness and adaptability across different sleep positions. The Talalay latex and individually wrapped coils work together to provide immediate support as you move, making it particularly well-suited for combination sleepers who change positions frequently. The mattress responds quickly to movement without creating the “stuck” feeling often associated with memory foam.
- While premium-priced, the Birch Natural delivers exceptional value through its use of high-quality, sustainable materials and thoughtful construction. The organic materials, durable design, and comprehensive 100-night trial period with a 25-year warranty make it a worthwhile long-term investment for those prioritizing both environmental consciousness and sleep quality.
Mattress Layers, Materials, and Construction
First, I plopped myself on the Birch Natural to take in the cover, made with soft and breathable organic cotton. Specifically, it’s GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, meaning it meets strict ecological and social criteria throughout its production. I see a cover like this as the mattress’s skin, providing a gentle, breathable surface that stays cool while you sleep.
Just beneath the cotton cover lies a unique fire-protection layer made from organic wool. Unlike conventional mattresses that often use chemical flame retardants or fiberglass, Birch uses wool’s natural fire-resistant properties.
This wool layer serves multiple purposes. It acts as a natural flame barrier, helps wick away moisture, and assists with temperature regulation. Imagine it with the cotton cover as a natural thermostat, helping keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
The comfort layer features natural Talalay latex, which provides the primary pressure relief and initial support you feel when lying down. Talalay latex is special because of how it’s produced. The material is flash-frozen during manufacturing, creating a consistent cell structure that provides even support throughout the layer.
This latex foam responds quickly to movement, much like a gentle spring, contouring to your body while preventing the “stuck” feeling often associated with memory foam.
At the heart of the mattress lies the support core: up to 1,000 individually wrapped steel coils. Each coil moves independently, responding to your body’s weight and position while minimizing motion transfer between different areas of the mattress.
I think of these coils like a crowd of people at a concert. See, when one person moves, those immediately around them might feel it, but people further away remain undisturbed.
The coils are also reinforced around the edges, providing stable support when sitting or sleeping near the perimeter of the mattress.
The base layer consists of another wool component, which might seem surprising but serves important functions. This dense wool layer provides a stable foundation for the coils above while adding another natural fire barrier. It also helps with moisture management and contributes to the mattress’s overall durability.
All these materials work in harmony to create a sleep surface that’s not only comfortable but also environmentally conscious. The natural components allow for better airflow compared to synthetic materials, while their inherent properties provide durability without relying on chemical treatments or artificial additives.
Sleep Positions
We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, and the position in which we rest can significantly impact our comfort, spinal alignment, and overall sleep quality. Each sleep position creates unique pressure points and support needs that a mattress must address.
When testing the Birch Natural mattress, I evaluated its performance across all major sleep positions: side, back, stomach, and combination sleeping. This comprehensive testing helps paint a complete picture of who might find this mattress most comfortable and who might need to look elsewhere.
Side Sleeping
Starting with side sleeping, which is my primary position, I paid careful attention to how the mattress supported my shoulders and hips. These are the two main pressure points for side sleepers and a good mattress addresses them.
When I first lay on my side, I noticed how the Talalay latex layer responded to my body weight. It had an interesting way of contouring—not the slow, sinking feeling you get with memory foam, but more of a gentle cradling effect.
My shoulder and hip sank in just enough to keep my spine aligned, but the latex pushed back with gentle support that prevented any uncomfortable pressure points.
However, I should note that as someone who enjoys a slightly softer feel in a mattress for side sleeping, I found the initial firmness a bit more pronounced than some might prefer.
After a few nights, though, the mattress seemed to adapt better to my body. The latex and wool comfort layers worked together to provide what I’d call a “supportive softness.” It’s firm enough to maintain proper alignment but with enough give to prevent morning shoulder stiffness.
Back Sleeping
Switching to back sleeping revealed another side of the mattress’s personality. This is where the Birch Natural really shines.
When lying on my back, I noticed how evenly distributed my weight felt. There was no sagging in the hip area, which is crucial for maintaining proper spinal alignment. The individually wrapped coils provided excellent lumbar support, something I particularly appreciated as someone who occasionally deals with lower back tension.
To test back support thoroughly, I did what I call the “gap test.” This is me sliding my hand under my lower back while lying flat. There was just enough space to maintain the natural curve of my spine without feeling like there was a large void. This told me the mattress was providing good support while still conforming to my body’s natural shape.
One thing I particularly appreciated when switching between positions was how responsive the mattress felt. Unlike some mattresses where you feel stuck in one position, the natural bounce of the latex made it easy to shift from side to back without feeling like I was fighting against the mattress.
Stomach Sleeping
For stomach sleeping, I focused primarily on hip alignment. Now, this is crucial because if your hips sink too deeply, it can create an uncomfortable arch in your lower back.
When I first lay on my stomach on the Birch Natural, I immediately noticed how the latex and coil combination worked to keep my hips from dipping too far into the mattress. The medium-firm feel proved particularly beneficial here, as it prevented that hammock-like effect that can lead to back pain.
However, I did notice something interesting during extended stomach-sleeping sessions. After about an hour, I began to feel a slight strain in my lower back. This wasn’t severe, but it suggests that dedicated stomach sleepers, especially those weighing over 200 pounds, might want to consider an even firmer mattress.
I found that placing a thin pillow under my hips helped create ideal alignment. This is a trick that some stomach sleepers might find useful with this mattress.
Combination Sleeping
The Birch Natural’s responsive nature really comes into the clutch for combination sleepers. The natural latex has what I call a “friendly bounce.”
In other words, it helps you move rather than fighting against you. When I shifted from my back to my side, then to my stomach, the mattress quickly adapted to each new position. It’s like having a dance partner who anticipates your next move, instead of one that steps on your foot!
I may just have dancing on the brain because I conducted what I call the “sleep dance” test. This is me deliberately changing positions every few minutes to simulate a restless night.
The mattress handled these transitions smoothly, with no feeling of being stuck or having to consciously “climb” out of one position to move to another. The individually wrapped coils helped maintain consistent support regardless of my position, while the latex provided that crucial immediate response to movement.
One particularly noteworthy observation for combination sleepers: the edge support proved valuable during position changes. When rolling from center to edge and back again, I never felt like I was going to roll off the bed. That’s something that’s especially important if you tend to move around a lot during sleep.
Mattress Responsiveness
Trying to change positions on a mattress that doesn’t respond quickly, you’ll likely feel like you’re fighting against the bed. High mattress responsiveness means you can move freely during the night without feeling trapped or having to consciously “climb” out of an impression. It’s the difference between feeling like you’re swimming through molasses or dancing on a cloud.
This feature is particularly important for combination sleepers who change positions frequently and people with mobility issues who need an easier time moving in bed.
While testing responsiveness, I looked at how quickly the mattress responded to movement and position changes. The Birch Natural impressed me with its immediate bounce-back quality.
When I pressed my hand into the mattress and quickly removed it, the surface snapped back to shape almost instantly. This quick response comes from the natural Talalay latex layer, which has a springy, rubber-like quality that’s fundamentally different from the slow sink of memory foam.
During testing, I conducted what I call the “roll test” – actively changing positions from back to side to stomach. The mattress kept up with every movement, providing immediate support in each new position. The individually wrapped coils work with the latex layer to create this responsive feel, much like a well-coordinated dance pair.
The reason it didn’t get a perfect 10 is that some sleepers might find the bouncy responsiveness a bit too lively, particularly if they’re used to the deep, slow sink of memory foam. However, for most people, this level of responsiveness hits the sweet spot between quick adaptation and controlled movement.
Mattress Motion Isolation
Motion isolation is crucial if you sleep with a partner, especially if one of you is a light sleeper or tends to move around a lot during the night. On a mattress with poor motion isolation, your partner getting up for a midnight snack might feel like a mini earthquake on your side of the bed.
The Birch Natural, however, does an excellent job of keeping those disturbances to a minimum, almost like having an invisible wall between you and your sleep partner. This important feature earned a 9 out of 10 in my testing.
During my testing, I used several methods to evaluate motion transfer:
- The dropped ball test: I dropped the medicine ball and observed how it affected objects around it.
- Partner testing: Where I have someone move around while I lay still with my eyes closed
- Getting in and out of bed test: Doing this simulates those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips
- Movement response test: Easily the most fun, I roll around on one side to check disturbance on the other
The individually wrapped coils deserve much of the credit here. Each coil responds independently to pressure, meaning movement in one area doesn’t create a ripple effect across the entire mattress.
Think of it like a bunch of independent springs working separately rather than one connected unit. The latex and wool layers above these coils also help absorb movement before it can travel across the bed.
Why not a perfect 10? While the motion isolation is impressive, the natural bouncy quality of latex means you might still feel some very slight movement during particularly active moments.
However, this minimal transfer is unlikely to disturb most sleepers, and it’s a fair trade-off for the responsive feel that makes the mattress so comfortable for both sleeping and intimate activities.
Mattress Edge Support
Edge support might sound technical, but it’s really about how stable and supportive the mattress feels when you’re sitting or lying near its edges. Something we all do more often than we might realize. I certainly have been surprised by how often I caught myself just sitting on my mattress’s side without thinking about it.
And I know there are those that might use it even more than I do. See, it plays a crucial role for people with mobility impairments, going far beyond simple mattress performance.
It’s often the bridge between a wheelchair or mobility aid and the bed itself. When someone with mobility limitations needs to move from their wheelchair to their bed, they often need to sit on the edge first, using it as a stable platform for the transfer.
Overall, I would say the Birch Natural has impressive edge support, earning a solid 9 out of 10 in my testing.
Now, I like to test edge support in real-world ways that matter to actual mattress users. First, I did what many of us do every morning: I sat on the edge to put on my socks and shoes.
Then, I spent several minutes sitting in different spots along the edge, noting how stable it felt and whether I felt like I might slide off. The Birch Natural impressed me here. It stayed firm and supportive, with very little sinking or sagging.
Then I tried lying right at the edge of the mattress. You know, like when your partner, kid, or pets have somehow claimed 90% of the bed, and you’re clinging to that last few inches for dear life.
The mattress kept me feeling secure and supported, without that uncomfortable “rolling off” sensation that some mattresses give you. This is thanks to those reinforced coils around the edges, which work like a sturdy fence around your sleeping space.
I also tested what I call the “getting ready in the morning” scenario. That’s just sitting on the corner of the bed while checking my phone or tying my shoes. Even at the corners, which are typically the weakest points of a mattress, the Birch Natural maintained its shape and stability impressively well.
The only reason it didn’t get a perfect 10 is that there was a tiny bit of compression when sitting directly on the edge. Just enough to remind you that you’re on a mattress and not a wooden bench. But this slight give actually makes it more comfortable for sitting while still providing excellent support for sleeping.
Coolness and Breathability
Your body temperature naturally drops as part of your sleep cycle. It’s one of the key signals that tells your brain it’s time to sleep. Think of it like your body’s internal thermostat setting itself lower for the night.
And when you’re too warm, this natural cooling process gets disrupted, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. This is where cooling mattresses make a significant difference.
And the Birch Natural excels at keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night, earning an impressive 9 out of 10 for temperature regulation.
My real-world testing revealed:
- No noticeable heat buildup during extended periods in one position
- Excellent moisture-wicking properties during warmer nights
- Consistent temperature regulation across all areas of the mattress
- Quick temperature neutralization when returning to bed after getting up
The cooling success starts with the mattress’s thoughtful layer design. The organic cotton cover acts like your favorite lightweight summer shirt. It’s naturally breathable and helps wick away moisture.
Right underneath, you’ll find wool layers that work like nature’s own temperature control system. Wool has an amazing ability to regulate temperature. It keeps you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool, while pulling moisture away from your body.
Why a 9 and not a 10? While the Birch Natural performs exceptionally well, there are some specialized cooling mattresses with active cooling technologies that perform slightly better.
However, for the vast majority of sleepers, including those who typically “sleep hot,” the Birch Natural’s temperature regulation should be more than adequate.
Material Durability and Mattress Longevity
Consider how much time you spend on your mattress. Since we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, a mattress that maintains its quality over time directly impacts your physical health and well-being. When a mattress loses its durability, it begins to sag and develop body impressions.
This gradual breakdown can disrupt your spinal alignment and lead to morning aches and pains that might worsen over time. Just as you wouldn’t want to sit in an unsupportive office chair for eight hours a day, you shouldn’t spend eight hours each night on a mattress that’s lost its supportive properties.
How long a mattress lasts also has significant financial implications. While a higher-quality, more durable mattress like the Birch Natural might require a larger upfront investment, it often proves more cost-effective in the long run.
Think of it like buying quality shoes. Spending more on a well-made pair that lasts several years is ultimately cheaper than repeatedly replacing lower-quality ones that wear out quickly. A mattress that maintains its comfort and support for 8-10 years costs less per night of sleep than a cheaper mattress that needs replacement after just 3-4 years.
The mattress’s durability starts with its high-quality material selection. The Talalay latex layer at the heart of the comfort system is particularly noteworthy for its longevity.
Natural latex is like a high-end rubber band. It can stretch and return to its original shape thousands of times without breaking down. This resilience means the latex layer typically maintains its supportive properties and bounce even after years of nightly use.
The individually wrapped steel coils form another cornerstone of the mattress’s durability. These coils are made from tempered steel, which means they’ve undergone a heat-treatment process to increase their strength and resistance to fatigue.
Much like a well-crafted spring in a quality timepiece, these coils are engineered to compress and decompress repeatedly without losing their tension. The individual wrapping of each coil prevents them from wearing against each other, which helps extend their functional lifespan.
The organic cotton cover contributes to durability in its own way. GOTS-certified organic cotton typically features longer, stronger fibers than conventional cotton, making it more resistant to wear and tear.
However, it’s important to understand that any cotton cover will show some signs of wear over time. This is where using a quality mattress protector becomes crucial for long-term preservation.
Birch backs their confidence in these materials with a 25-year warranty. Though, it’s important to understand what this really means for longevity.
See, while the warranty covers manufacturing defects for 25 years, the realistic lifespan of any mattress, even one made with premium materials, typically ranges from 7-10 years with proper care.
However, the natural materials in the Birch mattress often extend toward the higher end of this range. Still, I would recommend having a dedicated care routine if you want to try and get two decades out of this mattress.
Signs that might indicate your mattress needs replacing include:
- Visible sagging or permanent body impressions deeper than 1.5 inches
- Decreased comfort or support levels
- Increased motion transfer between partners
- Notable changes in the mattress’s shape or height
- Development of sleep-related discomfort or pain
Environmental Impact
After doing research into how the company works, I would say that a Birch Natural mattress represents a meaningful investment in environmental sustainability. Birch has thoughtfully designed their product to minimize ecological impact at every stage. From sourcing materials to manufacturing to eventual disposal.
The mattress starts with carefully selected sustainable materials. The latex comes from rubber trees in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Brazil, where Birch partners with plantations that practice responsible tapping methods that allow trees to heal and continue producing sap for years.
This sustainable harvesting helps preserve natural rubber tree populations while supporting local communities.
The wool components come from New Zealand sheep farms that follow ethical practices and responsible animal welfare standards. These farms use sustainable grazing methods that help maintain grassland ecosystems rather than depleting them.
The organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which helps prevent soil degradation and water pollution that often occurs with conventional cotton farming.
Birch’s manufacturing process also prioritizes environmental responsibility. Their facilities are GREENGUARD Gold certified, which means they meet strict standards for low chemical emissions during production.
This certification verifies that their manufacturing methods minimize air pollution and use energy efficiently. Rather than using synthetic flame retardants that can harm the environment, Birch uses natural wool as a fire barrier.
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to their packaging and shipping practices. While they do compress and roll their mattresses for shipping (which reduces the carbon footprint of transportation), they are working to minimize excessive plastic packaging based on customer feedback.
At the end of a mattress’s life, Birch’s materials are largely biodegradable. In other words, the natural latex, wool, and organic cotton will decompose far more readily than synthetic foams and materials used in conventional mattresses. For returns during the trial period, Birch makes considerable effort to donate or recycle mattresses rather than sending them to landfills.
The mattress’s durability also contributes to its environmental impact. With proper care, a Birch Natural can last over a decade, meaning fewer mattresses need to be produced and disposed of over time. This longevity is supported by their 25-year warranty, suggesting confidence in the product’s lasting quality.
Beyond individual purchase impact, supporting companies like Birch that prioritize sustainability helps drive broader industry change. As more consumers choose eco-friendly options, it encourages other manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices. Your purchase essentially votes for environmentally responsible manufacturing in the mattress industry.
However, it’s worth noting that no mattress can be completely impact-free. Transportation still creates emissions, and some synthetic materials are used in construction, like the steel in the coil system.
But compared to conventional mattresses, the Birch Natural represents a significantly more sustainable choice that aligns with environmental consciousness while still providing excellent sleep quality.
Potential Drawbacks
Every mattress has its limitations and potential drawbacks, and being aware of these helps you make an informed decision about your purchase. What works perfectly for one person might not suit another’s needs.
For instance, the bouncy responsiveness of latex that combination sleepers appreciate might be too much movement for someone who sleeps with a restless partner.
By understanding these limitations upfront, you can better evaluate whether this mattress aligns with your sleep preferences, lifestyle needs, and budget constraints. Then, you either confidently proceed with your purchase or recognize that you might need to explore other options.
Limited Firmness
The lack of firmness options limits customization. Unlike some mattress brands that offer multiple firmness levels for each model, the Birch Natural comes in just one standard firmness. While the optional topper can help, those seeking significantly different firmness levels might need to look elsewhere.
Higher Prices
The price point represents a significant investment, though it is among the more affordable latex hybrids. Now I would argue the cost reflects the quality of natural and organic materials used.
But the Birch Natural’s premium pricing still might stretch some budgets. Even with available discounts and promotions, it remains more expensive than conventional mattresses, which could put it out of reach for some shoppers.
New Mattress Smell
Initial odor, while minimal compared to synthetic mattresses, could still be noticeable. Some users report a faint natural smell upon unboxing.
Though this typically dissipates quickly and isn’t chemical off-gassing, those sensitive to smells might need to air out the mattress before use.
Diminishing Edge Support
Edge support, while initially strong, might diminish over time. This is common with latex comfort layers and could affect how secure you feel sitting or sleeping near the mattress edges in the long term.
Those who frequently sit on the edge of their bed or sleep close to the perimeter should keep this in mind.
Heavy Mattress Weight
The mattress’s weight might pose practical challenges. Natural and organic materials typically weigh more than synthetic ones, making the Birch Natural quite heavy. This can make rotating the mattress (recommended for even wear) or moving it between rooms more difficult, potentially requiring two people for such tasks.
Lower Mattress Thickness
The height of the mattress, at 11 inches, might not satisfy everyone’s preferences. Some luxury mattress enthusiasts prefer higher-profile beds in the 13-15 inch range. While 11 inches provides adequate support, those seeking a more substantial visual presence might find it lacking.
Potential Motion Transfer
While the individually wrapped coils help minimize movement for partners, the responsive nature of latex means you might still feel some motion when your partner moves or gets up during the night.
Light sleepers particularly sensitive to movement might notice this more than others. Memory foam mattresses typically perform better in this regard, as they absorb rather than transfer motion.
Concerns About Material Sensitivity
While latex allergies are relatively rare, affecting less than 1% of the population, those who are sensitive to latex should avoid this mattress. Even though the latex layer is wrapped in wool and cotton, it could still potentially trigger reactions in highly sensitive individuals.
Mattress Policies and Prices
When you buy a Birch Natural mattress, you’re not just purchasing a product. You’re entering into a comprehensive agreement that includes warranty protection, a generous trial period, and flexible size options to suit your needs.
This complete package helps ensure you can make an informed and confident decision about your mattress investment. Crucial, since a mattress is a significant investment that affects your daily comfort and wellbeing.
Mattress Warranty
The Birch Natural mattress comes with a 25-year warranty that protects you if something goes wrong with your mattress because of manufacturing problems.
What’s Covered:
- Dips or sagging deeper than 1.5 inches (when using the right foundation)
- Cracks or splits in the latex or springs that happen with normal use
- Problems with how the mattress cover was made
What’s Not Covered:
- Normal softening of the mattress
- If you just don’t find it comfortable after the 100-day trial
- Damage you cause (like burns, cuts, or stains)
- If you bought the mattress used or “as-is”
This warranty is only for the person who originally bought the mattress, so it won’t transfer if you sell or give away your mattress.
During the first decade you own your mattress, you get the best coverage. If something goes wrong due to how the mattress was made, Birch will either fix your mattress or give you a new one completely free.
They’ll even pay for shipping and any work needed to fix the problem. This full coverage means you won’t have to pay anything to get your mattress fixed or replaced if there’s a manufacturing problem.
After the first 10 years, the warranty still helps you, but you’ll need to share some of the cost. Starting in year 11, you would pay half of what the mattress originally cost.
Each year after that, you’ll pay a bit more—specifically, 5% more of the original price each year. So if you need a replacement in year 12, you’d pay 55% of the original price. By the time you reach year 21 through 25, you would pay 95% of the original price for a replacement.
More Important Things to Remember:
- Keep your receipt as proof of purchase
- The warranty only works for the original buyer
- Your mattress needs to be on the right kind of base or foundation
- If the slats on your bed frame are more than 5 inches apart, it could void your warranty
If you think there’s a problem with your mattress that should be covered by the warranty, you can contact Birch for help. They’ll guide you through the process of checking if the problem is covered and what steps to take next.
Mattress Sleep Trial
Birch offers a 100-night sleep trial that begins on the day your mattress is delivered. This trial period is designed to give you enough time to truly experience how the mattress affects your sleep quality and comfort, rather than just testing it briefly in a showroom.
The trial has two distinct phases. The first 30 days serve as a mandatory break-in period during which you must keep the mattress. This requirement exists because natural latex mattresses, like those made by Birch, often feel firmer initially and need time to settle into their intended firmness level. During this break-in period, your body is also adjusting to the new sleep surface, especially if you’ve been using an older mattress for many years.
If you find the mattress isn’t quite right during this initial period, Birch offers a thoughtful solution: they’ll send you a complimentary latex comfort layer topper at no charge. This topper is separate from their retail Plush Organic Mattress Topper and can help customize the feel of your mattress to be either softer or firmer based on your preferences.
After the 30-day break-in period, you enter the second phase of the trial, which runs from day 31 to day 100. During this time, you can initiate a return if you’re not satisfied with the mattress. There is a $99 removal fee for mattress returns, which covers the cost of pickup. Birch handles the removal process and makes efforts to donate or recycle returned mattresses, aligning with their commitment to sustainability.
There are a few important details to note about the trial:
- It applies to most Birch products, but notably excludes their Adjustable Base
- You’re limited to returning two mattresses per household
- If you receive a warranty replacement mattress, it doesn’t come with a new sleep trial
- For non-mattress products, returns are free and come with a full refund
Throughout the trial period, Birch encourages customers to pay attention to their sleep quality and how their body feels each morning. Their customer experience team is available at [email protected] to address any concerns and help ensure you get the most comfortable sleep possible.
Mattress Sizes and Prices
The Birch Natural mattress comes in all standard mattress sizes, with each designed to accommodate different sleep needs and room sizes. The mattress maintains a consistent height of 11 inches across all sizes, making it compatible with standard fitted sheets and bed frames.
Mattress Size | Mattress Sales Price |
---|---|
Twin | $1099 |
Twin XL | $1199 |
Full | $1349 |
Queen | $1499 |
King | $1799 |
California King | $1799 |
When considering these prices, it’s important to understand that Birch positions itself in the premium eco-friendly mattress category. The pricing reflects the quality of materials used, including organic cotton, natural wool, and Talalay latex.
While these prices might be higher than some conventional mattresses, I’ve found they are competitive within the natural and organic mattress market. And I would say the Birch Natural is comparable to other latex hybrid mattresses like the Nolah Natural 11 and the Amerisleep Organica.
Customer Reviews
Now, I’ve found that customer feedback provides valuable real-world insights into how a mattress performs in everyday use, going beyond marketing claims and technical specifications.
In other words, looking at customer reviews helps you understand common experiences, both positive and negative, from people who have actually slept on the mattress.
Based on recent customer reviews, the Birch Natural mattress has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, maintaining a strong 4.3-star rating across over 300 reviews.
Many reviewers highlight the mattress’s comfort level. For instance, Katrin K. describes it as “sleeping on a cloud” and notes that her aches and pains have disappeared since using the mattress.
Temperature regulation appears to be a strong point in customer experiences. Regina E. specifically mentions that she no longer sweats at night or wakes up feeling hot, while multiple other reviewers comment on the mattress’s breathability.
The natural materials and lack of chemical odors receive frequent praise. Several reviewers, including Heather P., note that they were able to sleep on the mattress immediately after setup due to minimal off-gassing.
However, some balanced perspectives emerge in the reviews. A few customers mention that the motion transfer could be better, which provides important information for couples considering the mattress.
Others note that the mattress is quite heavy, with Brooke H. emphasizing that two strong individuals are needed for setup and rotation.
One particularly compelling testimonial comes from Lenella M., a bed-bound customer who reports significant improvements in comfort and reduction in leg swelling after switching to the Birch mattress. Such specific use cases can be especially helpful for customers with particular health concerns.
It’s worth noting that while the vast majority of reviews are positive, reading through customer feedback helps identify potential considerations like firmness preferences (some find it firmer than expected) and edge support (a few mention less stability when sitting on the edge).
Mattress Care and Maintenance
You’ve spent good money on this mattress, and taking care of it will help you sleep well for many years. Just like washing your car or cleaning your house makes things last longer, taking care of your mattress will help it stay comfortable and supportive.
Your mattress is made from natural materials like cotton, wool, and latex rubber. These materials are great for sleeping, but they need proper care to stay fresh and supportive. The good news is that caring for your mattress isn’t hard. You just need to know what to do and when to do it.
Have a Protective Barrier
The first and most important step in caring for your Birch Natural is using a high-quality mattress protector. While Birch doesn’t explicitly require one, a breathable, waterproof protector acts as your first line of defense against spills, stains, dust, and other potential damage.
Since the organic cotton cover isn’t removable, preventing accidents is far easier than trying to clean them later. Choose a protector that maintains the mattress’s natural cooling properties by selecting one made from breathable materials.
Regular Rotation
To promote even wear, you should rotate your Birch Natural mattress 180 degrees every three to six months. While you can’t flip the mattress due to its layered construction, regular rotation helps prevent body impressions from forming in frequently used areas.
Think of this like rotating your car’s tires. It helps distribute the wear evenly across the entire surface. Mark your calendar or set a reminder on your phone to maintain this schedule.
Cleaning and Spot Treatment
For routine mattress cleaning, vacuum the mattress surface regularly using an upholstery attachment on low suction. This removes dust, dead skin cells, and other particles that can accumulate over time.
If you notice any spots or stains, address them promptly using a gentle spot-cleaning method. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cold water, and using a clean white cloth, dab (don’t rub) the affected area gently.
Avoid saturating the mattress. The less moisture, the better. Allow the spot to air dry completely before replacing bedding.
Proper Support
The foundation supporting your mattress plays a crucial role in its longevity. Ensure your bed frame provides adequate support with slats no more than 5 inches apart. If using a platform bed, check that the surface remains flat and even.
Regularly inspect your bed frame for any loose components, squeaks, or signs of wear that might affect the mattress’s support. Remember that using an improper foundation can void your warranty.
Ventilation and Airing
The natural materials in your Birch mattress benefit from occasional airing out. When changing your sheets, leave the mattress uncovered for a few hours if possible. This allows any accumulated moisture to evaporate and helps maintain the freshness of the natural materials.
Opening windows during this time can promote better air circulation, but avoid direct sunlight which can degrade materials over time.
Managing Temperature and Humidity
The wool and latex in your Birch Natural work best in a controlled environment. Try to maintain your bedroom temperature between 60-67°F (15-19°C) and humidity levels between 30-50%.
Using a dehumidifier in damp climates can help prevent moisture accumulation in the natural materials. This climate control not only preserves the mattress but also promotes better sleep.
Addressing Common Issues
If you notice any slight body impressions developing, try rotating the mattress more frequently. For minor comfort issues, remember that Birch offers a complimentary comfort layer adjustment during your trial period.
If you notice any unusual sagging or structural issues, document them with photos and measurements, especially if they might be covered under warranty.
Preventing Damage
Avoid sitting in the same spot on the edge of the bed for extended periods, as this can create premature wear. When moving the mattress, always lift it with a partner. Dragging it can damage both the mattress and your floor.
Keep pets’ nails trimmed to prevent accidental tears, and consider using a separate pet bed to minimize wear from animal companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
A natural mattress is one constructed primarily from materials found in nature rather than synthetic or petroleum-based components.
These materials typically include organic cotton, natural latex harvested from rubber trees, wool from sheep, and steel coils. All these materials are chosen to minimize chemical processing and artificial additives.
Such mattresses are designed to be both environmentally sustainable and healthier for sleepers. They avoid many of the potentially harmful chemicals and flame retardants found in conventional mattresses.
The natural materials also tend to be more breathable and temperature-regulating, helping create a more comfortable sleep environment while being more biodegradable at the end of their lifecycle.
The mattress may have a mild, natural scent when first unboxed, but this differs significantly from the chemical off-gassing associated with traditional foam mattresses.
This initial aroma comes from the natural latex and wool components and is often described as having a faint vanilla-like or earthy quality that most people find pleasant or neutral.
The smell also typically dissipates within a few hours to a few days of unboxing. Importantly, it doesn’t represent the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that occur with synthetic materials.
Since Birch uses GREENGUARD Gold certified materials and natural components, you won’t experience the strong chemical odors that often accompany new conventional mattresses.
Birch mattresses are manufactured in the United States, specifically crafted in their production facilities located within the country.
While they source some materials internationally (like New Zealand wool and natural latex from certified sustainable rubber tree plantations), the actual assembly and construction of the mattresses takes place domestically.
This local manufacturing approach allows Birch to maintain strict quality control standards and support American jobs while reducing the carbon footprint associated with shipping completed mattresses from overseas.
The mattress should not be flipped because it has a specific layered construction designed to work in one direction. The comfort layers of wool and latex are meant to be on top, while the support core of coils is meant to be at the bottom.
However, Birch does recommend rotating the mattress 180 degrees every 3-6 months to promote even wear and prevent body impressions from forming in specific areas.
No, Birch mattresses do not contain any fiberglass. This sets them apart from many conventional mattresses that use this material as a fire barrier.
Instead of fiberglass, Birch uses organic wool as a natural fire retardant, taking advantage of wool’s inherent flame-resistant properties.
This natural approach not only eliminates concerns about fiberglass exposure but also aligns with Birch’s commitment to using sustainable and healthy materials throughout their mattresses.
Birch mattresses don’t strictly require a traditional box spring, but they do need proper support to maintain their warranty coverage and performance.
The mattress can be placed on any firm, flat surface including platform beds, slatted bases (with slats no more than 5 inches apart), or bunkie boards placed on top of box springs.
For optimal support and longevity, Birch recommends using a foundation that provides consistent support across the entire surface of the mattress.
Birch mattresses do not contain any fiberglass, which sets them apart from many conventional mattresses that use this material as a fire barrier. Though, many manufacturers are pivoting to fiberglass-free mattresses due to customer concerns.
Instead of fiberglass, Birch uses organic wool as a natural fire retardant, taking advantage of wool’s inherent flame-resistant properties.
This natural approach not only eliminates concerns about fiberglass exposure but also aligns with Birch’s commitment to using sustainable and healthy materials throughout their mattresses.
Closing Thoughts
After thoroughly testing the Birch Natural, I can say it’s a great choice for most sleepers, earning a strong 9 out of 10 overall score. This high score comes from how well it does in key areas that matter for a good night’s sleep.
The mattress shines in several ways:
- It stays cool at night thanks to its natural materials
- It’s easy to move around on without feeling stuck
- The edges are strong and supportive
- It’s good for the environment
- It works well for most sleeping positions
While no mattress is perfect, the few downsides. Like being a bit heavy to move and having only one firmness option, which probably won’t be deal-breakers for most people. Yes, it costs more than some regular mattresses, but you’re paying for quality materials that should last a long time.
If you care about sleeping on natural materials, want a cooler night’s sleep, and don’t mind spending a bit more for quality, the Birch Natural could be a great choice for you.
Just remember that while it works well for most people, comfort is personal. That’s why Birch gives you 100 nights to try it out and make sure it’s right for you.
Final Score Tally
Mattress Feature | Tester's Score |
---|---|
Responsiveness | 9 out of 10 |
Motion Isolation | 9 out of 10 |
Edge Support | 9 out of 10 |
Cooling Ability | 9 out of 10 |
Final Score | 9 out of 10 |