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CNN
10 hours ago
- Health
- CNN
The best firm mattress in 2025, tried and tested
The best firm mattresses we tested Best firm mattress: Birch Luxe Natural Best budget firm mattress: Plank by Brooklyn Bedding Firm Mattress When thinking about the best mattresses, it's easy to associate a dreamy night's rest with something plush and cloudlike. But not everyone enjoys sleeping on a mattress that's overly soft, and some might prefer something firmer. If that's you, know you're not alone. Sleeping on one of the best firm mattresses can be a therapeutic and relaxing experience for certain sleepers. They can provide support for back pain and improve alignment, and are often more comfortable for those who prefer sleeping on their backs or stomachs. To find the best firm mattress, a panel of staffers here at CNN Underscored spent more than a month sleeping on various mattresses that fall squarely in the 'firm' category. To give you an idea of how dedicated this search was, know that everyone who participated in this test tossed their old mattress in favor of these firm options. For some, it was a positive experience and, for others, not so much. Ultimately, we settled on two firm mattresses we'd recommend to anyone. Birch Luxe Natural Mattress The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is firm yet forgiving, as it has a plush top layer that provides soft (but firm, of course) support. Our tester said it's the best mattress she's ever slept on and that it's incredibly supportive for various sleep styles and positions. Read our review Plank by Brooklyn Bedding Firm Mattress The Firm Mattress from Plank by Brooklyn Bedding is a firm sleeper's dream that our tester said perfectly threads the needle of being supportive and comfortable. It's also discounted often, making it one of the best value buys in our entire testing pool. Read our review The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress achieves the feat of being both soft and firm. We know how contradictory this sounds, but this was the main takeaway from associate testing writer Gareen Puglia after she spent over a month sleeping on it. It also helped her get some of the most comfortable nights of sleep she can remember getting. After a rather laborious setup process (the mattress is quite heavy), Puglia said she immediately plopped down on the bed and drifted off for a nap within minutes. This is despite the fact that the Birch Luxe was the firmest mattress she'd ever slept on. It was that comfortable. One of Puglia's favorite features of the Birch Luxe is how even it felt, no matter what position she slept in. She said she's one to switch from side to side throughout the night, and that there was never a time when she adjusted her position and couldn't immediately get comfortable again. She attributed this to the mattress's unique combination of being mostly firm yet with a soft, plush top. Puglia also said that she experienced some relief from back pain while sleeping on the Birch Luxe (which is understandable since firm mattresses are often better for those with symptoms of back pain). It took only three weeks of testing for Puglia to admit that she would have a hard time going back to her old mattress and that she'd become accustomed to the quality of rest she got with the Birch Luxe. That isn't to say Puglia didn't have a few nitpicks. First, when the mattress arrived, its box was moderately damaged (though, thankfully, the mattress was inside its own wrapping and unharmed). It was also extremely heavy. So much so that Puglia had to recruit the help of a few family members just to drag it inside. Its heavy weight was even more noticeable when it came time to unwrap and unfurl the mattress, which ended up being an awkward (and exhausting) experience. There were also two pillows taped to the bottom of the mattress that Puglia nearly missed during the setup process. This was a minor issue, though Puglia said she wished they had been attached to the top for better visibility. All told, the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress has been a revelation for Puglia. She reported a far better night's rest, along with the ability to fall asleep quicker at night, something that she rarely experienced with her old mattress. If you're on the hunt for a firm mattress but prefer a budget option, consider the Firm from the Brooklyn Bedding brand Plank. CNN Underscored's director of social, Stephanie Griffin, tested this mattress over several weeks and was amazed at how comfortable it was and how well it helped relieve some of her nagging back pain. But perhaps its best feature is how it's reversible, with one side being a 'Firm' side while the other is the 'Firmest.' This allows a level of versatility not often seen in the mattress market. Because you can usually find this on sale for around $1,000 (for the queen size), it's an excellent value buy for anyone shopping for a new mattress. According to Griffin, unboxing and setting up the mattress is a breeze. Hers showed up in a bit of a tattered box, but the mattress itself was in perfect condition as it was wrapped individually and vacuum sealed. The fact that it was vacuum sealed means it also immediately started to unfurl when Griffin removed the packaging. The entire process was smooth, though, as she had already set it on her bed frame before unwrapping it. After a few minutes, it was fully expanded. Griffin also reported no weird chemical smells or any design problems. After only a few weeks of sleeping on the Firm, Griffin noticed a marked improvement in her back pain, noting that aches in her upper back and stiffness in her neck had subsided considerably since she started sleeping on it. She also said her overall sleep quality improved as a result. If you want a quality firm mattress, yet don't want to spend too much more than $1,000, the Firm is an excellent option. It offers two firmness levels, is easy to set up and helped our tester achieve noticeably better sleep in just a few weeks. Testing a batch of mattresses isn't as glamorous as it sounds. The space needed to test even one mattress is more than many of CNN Underscored's NYC-based product reviewers can manage in an apartment. That's why we thought conducting a panel test on these firm mattresses was our best bet. After we chose the mattresses to test, each participant received a new firm mattress and did everything from delivery and setup to sleeping on it for several weeks. As the days and weeks passed, they considered a few specific things to determine if the mattress they had was worth purchasing. Here's everything we took note of during the testing process. Quality of delivery: How was the mattress delivered? Was the box in good shape or tattered? What condition was the mattress in? Ease of setup: Did the tester set the mattress up alone, or did they require help? Was it vacuum sealed upon arrival? What was the set-up process? Did they encounter any challenges or issues? Sleep quality: What was the experience like compared to other mattresses the tester had slept on? What did they think about the level of firmness? Did they notice any change in their sleep quality and in what ways? Value and cost-effectiveness: Is this a mattress they would want to spend their own money on? Is it worth the full sticker price, and why? Do they feel confident in recommending it as something to purchase? There are multiple levels of firmness If you prefer a firm mattress, know that there's more than just one firm option to select. Many brands offer choices like 'medium firm' or even 'luxury firm,' so it helps to dig further into a mattress's specific firmness levels to see what is best for you. According to Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a neuroscientist and the head sleep researcher and consultant at the Wesper sleep clinic in New York City, a medium-firm mattress may be the best choice for anyone who experiences back pain. Rohrscheib said that medium-firm mattresses can help keep someone's spine in the correct alignment while sleeping and may even alleviate certain pressures on their back. A quality mattress won't be cheap Almost all mattresses that fall into the 'good' or 'quality' category carry a price tag that's not exactly inexpensive. But that's all right. This is something you'll be sleeping on a few hundred times per year, so it's important to consider the cost per use instead of the overall price. For instance, if you spend $2,000 on a mattress and sleep on it an average of 300 times per year for 10 years (that's 3,000 nights), your cost per use comes out to about 0.66 cents per night. And that could be on the higher end if you own the mattress longer than 10 years (which is likely for high-quality mattresses) and sleep at home more than 300 nights per year. All this is to say, don't fret about spending on a mattress. This is one of the few luxuries where spending more for something is totally reasonable. You should take your sleep seriously, as it has a major impact on many aspects of your life. And good sleep starts with sleeping on a good mattress. Pay attention to warranties and guarantees Most mattresses come with some version of a multi-night trial period. Some might be in the one-month or 30-day range, while others are longer at 100 days or more. It's smart to take advantage of these trial periods, especially considering the money you'll be spending on a mattress. Similarly, ensure that all warranties and guarantees are adequate before purchasing. A mattress should come with a multi-year warranty (some even have five- or 10-year warranties), as well as a guarantee (likely tied to the trial period mentioned above). Don't be shy to exercise the warranty or guarantee if you're not 100% satisfied with a mattress. Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress The Nectar Premier is a firm memory foam mattress that's great for stomach or back sleepers. It's technically 'medium-firm' but our tester reported it feeling a bit firmer than they were used our review This mattress from Nectar is a middle of the road firm mattress that does offer a few unique features others in our product pool don't. First, it's made of memory foam but only allows for some contouring of the body due to how firm the foam is. Our tester reported that they didn't sink into it like they normally do with memory foam mattresses and that it felt far firmer than any mattress they'd slept on before. It's also a solid option for stomach sleepers and can help align the spine when sleeping in that position (same goes for those who sleep on their backs). Another feature our tester appreciated was its cooling top cover that helped limit overheating in the middle of the night. Avocado Green Pillow-Top Mattress In addition to being a quality firm mattress, our tester found the Avocado Green Pillow-Top Mattress excelled at helping her stay cool through the night. She noted that the mattress seemed to get more comfortable over time as it adapted to her body our review If you're shopping for a firm mattress that's also an organic mattress, consider the Avocado Green Pillow-Top. Though it's not 100% organic, it does have several third-party certifications that confirm it's free of chemicals such as formaldehyde, and it's also free of any polyurethane foams. It's also quite expensive at roughly $2,100 for a queen mattress. This won't fall into the budget-friendly category, but if you're green-conscious, sleep on your back and prefer a firm mattress, this is a good option. Nectar Classic Hybrid Mattress The Nectar Classic Hybrid is an extremely firm mattress that's only for die-hards. Our tester found it far too firm for his liking, even while sleeping on his back, and it actually increased his back pain over the testing our review If you're on the hunt for one of the firmest mattresses you can buy, perhaps the Nectar Classic Hybrid is what you seek. Our tester, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Kai Burkhardt, said that he had a very hard time getting comfortable while sleeping on this mattress because of how rigid and firm it was. He even tried sleeping solely on his back, and it ended up increasing his back pain instead of alleviating it. That's not to say this isn't a solid choice for anyone who prefers a firm mattress. Just know that this sits squarely at the furthest end of the firm spectrum. It's affordable price makes it an attractive option too. Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress The Natural Luxury Hybrid from Awara is a firm yet springy mattress that offers good edge support and is best for those who sleep on their backs. It also tends to be on sale for around $900 for a queen size, which is great our review Although CNN Underscored home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel wasn't the target user of this Awara mattress (she's a side sleeper who prefers a more plush mattress), she admitted that it's likely a great option for back sleepers who prefer something firm. She also appreciated how springy it was to sit on and that it provided solid edge support. However, that springy feature didn't equate to increased comfort, and since Patel sleeps entirely on her side, she reported some hip pain and discomfort after only a few weeks with this mattress. She also wasn't a fan of the delivery and setup process, as the mattress showed up at her apartment in a damaged box, and the entire thing was far too heavy for her to hoist up the multiple flights of stairs to her residence. Puffy 12-Inch Lux Hybrid Mattress Puffy's Lux Hybrid mattress is ideal for those who prefer firm mattresses and who sleep on their backs. If you're a side sleeper, you may want to look elsewhere. Read our review The Lux Hybrid from Puffy does a few things extremely well, according to CNN Underscored senior testing editor, Rick Stella. It looks and feels like a premium mattress, is firm enough to satiate those who like sleeping on their back and is middle of the pack in terms of price. That's why Stella thinks it's a great choice for anyone who experiences some back pain or who just prefer sleeping on something more firm. It also excels at keeping sleepers cool, something Stella mentioned was noticeable throughout his multi-week testing period with the mattress. He said he tends to sleep warm but never felt like he overheated at all. Sleep Number ClimateCool Premium Smart Bed The ClimateCool Premium Smart bed from Sleep Number is about as luxury a sleeping experience as you can get, offering adjustable firmness levels, dual cooling zones and an optional flexible base. It also costs over $4, our review It's hard to fully recommend Sleep Number's ClimateCool Premium Smart Bed, but one thing about it is certain: It lives up to its name of being a 'premium' bed. CNN Underscored associate testing writer Joe Bloss couldn't deny how nice it was to sleep on this mattress and said that being able to adjust the firmness and temperature of the mattress on either side of the bed puts it in a class of its own. But it's also extremely expensive, which makes it difficult to truly assess its value. Put simply, if you have the budget, this is probably the best mattress you can buy because of its versatility to satisfy almost any kind of sleeper. Outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Kai Burkhardt tested the Nectar Classic Hybrid Mattress. Associate testing writer Joe Bloss tested the Sleep Number ClimateCool Premium Smart Bed. Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel tested the Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress. Director of social Stephanie Griffin tested the Plank Firm. Associate testing writer Gareen Puglia tested the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress. Senior testing editor Rick Stella tested the Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress. Contributing writer Jamie Ueda tested the Avocado Green Pillow-Top Mattress as well as the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress. For this article, we consulted the following expert for insights about the best mattresses for back pain. Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, sleep expert, neuroscientist and head sleep researcher and consultant at the Wesper sleep clinic in New York City The following FAQs were answered by sleep expert Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib. Are firm mattresses good for a bad back? Are firm mattresses good for a bad back? 'A firm mattress can support spinal alignment, which may relieve back pain,' said Rohrscheib. 'However, if the mattress is too firm, it can create pressure points and worsen discomfort, especially in the hips and shoulders. The key is finding the right balance of support and cushioning.' Is it better to sleep on a firm or a soft mattress? Is it better to sleep on a firm or a soft mattress? 'It depends on your body type and sleep position,' Rohrscheib said. 'Back and stomach sleepers usually benefit from a medium-firm mattress for proper support. Side sleepers often need a softer to medium mattress to cushion the shoulders and hips. The goal is to maintain spinal alignment while minimizing pressure.' Can a firm mattress help joint pain? Can a firm mattress help joint pain? 'A medium-firm mattress can help joint and back pain by promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing strain on pressure points,' said Rohrscheib. 'But if the mattress is too firm, it may increase joint pain, especially for side sleepers or those with arthritis.' CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors with several years of testing experience who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to ensure we are testing each product accurately and speaking about the pros and cons of each item. For this guide, the CNN Underscored editorial team took on the task of testing seven different mattresses for more than a month. The testing panel consists of members of Underscored's in-house testing team, as well as its lifestyle and deals team. A standardized rubric was created so each mattress was judged similarly and the experience of each panel member's month with their new mattress was shared with senior testing editor, Rick Stella.
Tom's Guide
18-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
The luxury organic mattress I recommend to everyone is up to $843 off in early 4th of July sale
I've found the perfect mattress for me. It's cool, comfortable and as an added bonus, organic. The Birch Luxe Natural is currently 27% off at Birch when you use the code TOMS27 at checkout, saving you up to $843.48 on this all-natural luxury bed. This deal brings the price of a queen size down to $1,915.52 (was $2,624), saving you over $700, and I think it's well worth the investment. After sleeping on some of this year's best mattresses for all sleepers, I know when something feels high-quality, well-made and supportive. After being let down by memory foam mattresses that made me feel claustrophobic, I opted for the Birch Luxe Natural, which is a hybrid mattress made up of organic latex and wool. Since switching, I fall asleep fast, sleep through the night (even during heatwaves) and feel supported no matter my sleeping position. And now with this early 4th of July mattress sale, it's a great time to invest and enjoy cool sleep for the summer. Here's why. Birch Luxe Natural: twin was $1,624 now $1,185.52 at BirchLike the best hybrid mattresses we've tested, the Birch is responsive and supportive, right up to the edge of the mattress. During the testing period for the Birch Luxe Natural mattress review, I loved the feeling of sleeping on top of the mattress rather than sinking into it. While the plush wool Euro top contoured around my hips, shoulders and knees when I slept on my side, I stayed elevated and buoyant. The layers of natural latex provide a degree of bounce, so the mattress responded to my movements even when I was tossing and turning at night. While the Luxe Natural inevitably comes at a high price point (natural materials cost more to source), this 27% off deal means you can get a queen for $1,915.52 (was $2,624). That's the biggest discount we've ever seen on this mattress, so well worth taking advantage of. You'll also get a free Eco-Rest Pillow Set, free shipping, a lifetime warranty and a 100-night sleep trial. As an average-weight side sleeper, the Birch Luxe feels perfect to me. It has a medium-firm feel (we rated it as a 7 out of 10), but the more plush Euro top offers a little extra cushioning. While I do think some lighter weight side sleepers might find it too firm, you can opt for an additional mattress topper to soften up the surface. If that's you, I recommend checking out our guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers. Back sleepers should find the zoned, targeted support excellent for keeping the hips lifted and the lumbar supported. There's just enough pressure relief for the mattress to feel luxury, but not enough to compromise the robust support. Hot sleepers should also find relief in this clean, natural mattress. The cotton cover is naturally breathable and the three wool layers can wick away moisture, meaning that you can wake up feeling fresh, even if you tend to sweat the bed. Although, if you experience hot flashes, consider one of this year's best cooling mattresses with dedicated tech to keep you comfortable. instead Who wouldn't I recommend this mattress to? The Euro top will most likely be too plush for those who lie on their front, which could put strain on the lower back. Instead, check out our best mattresses for stomach sleepers guide to find a suitable alternative. The Birch Luxe is an outstanding mattress, but if it's still beyond your budget even with 27% off, there's another option from Birch that comes in at a less extravagant price.... Birch Natural Mattress: twin was $1,373.33 now $1,002.54 with TOMS27 code at BirchThe Birch Natural mattress is the cheaper option from Birch, but it's still a quality bed packed with natural and organic materials. As we note in our Birch Natural Mattress review, we found that this is a great medium-firm mattress that's suitable for all sleep positions and has decent edge support and cooling features. It doesn't feel quite as luxurious as the Birch Luxe but it's comfortable in all sleeping positions. There's 25% off in the Birch early 4th July sale, but with our TOMS27 code you can get 27% off instead, which means that a queen size can be yours for $1,361.70, reduced from $1,865.33, with a pair of pillows included as well as a 100-night trial, free shipping and a lifetime warranty.
Tom's Guide
17-06-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Birch Luxe Natural mattress review 2025: Naturally cool sleep for year-round comfort
The Birch Luxe Natural is the most premium mattress in Birch's lineup, sitting above the Birch Natural which is currently one of our top picks in this year's best organic mattress guide. It comes in one firmness option, which is medium-firm, and it stands at 11.5' tall. Most importantly, this bed incorporates natural materials, promising cool, clean sleep, including latex, wool and cotton. First up are three individual layers of Birch wool that make up the more plush Euro top section of the mattress, which is covered in organic cotton. This sits above two GOLS-certified latex layers. Beneath this, 1,000 individually wrapped coils cradle the body. The result? A mattress that is buoyant and responsive. Despite the more plush wool, don't expect to sink into this mattress. Instead, you'll find the hips and lower back remain fully lifted and supported, with the softer layers giving just enough to relieve pressure around key areas, like the shoulders, hips and knees for side sleepers. As a side sleeper myself, I found the balance of pressure relief and support pretty much perfect. The mattress didn't necessarily contour around my body, but it did soften enough for me to get comfortable quickly and stay comfortable throughout the night. Personally, I prefer this to a super soft marshmallow mattress that sinks beneath me. With the Birch Luxe, I remained on top of the bed without compromising comfort and it never felt too firm. With the Birch Luxe, I remained on top of the bed without compromising comfort and it never felt too firm While this is subjective, we did objective tests on pressure relief, too. This involved placing a 56lb weight in the middle of the mattress and measuring how much it sank. We'll dive more into the full results of these tests below, but the Birch Luxe performed exceptionally well across the board, which makes me think it's a mattress that'll suit most sleeping styles. My husband, who often sleeps on his back, can attest to this too. He said he felt 'a lot more supported' than on a previous, softer memory foam mattress we were sleeping on. Being used to dense foam mattresses with excellent motion isolation, I expect the bouncy latex to let me down here. However, the individually wrapped coils did a fantastic job of stopping movement from traveling from one side of the bed to the other. This meant that despite having very different schedules, my husband and I didn't wake each other up during the night. Combine this with strong support right up to the edge of the mattress and I think it's up there with the best mattresses we've tested this year, especially for couples who want to use the full area of the bed without disturbing the other. As expected, the Birch Luxe Natural mattress does have a premium price tag. A queen is priced at $2,623.75 at full MSRP, but regular mattress sales run between 20% and 27% off during major mattress sales, such as Black Friday. Right now there's 25% off, which brings the price of a queen down to $1,968. It's undoubtedly still very expensive, but reasonably priced for the quality of the materials you're getting and the excellent craftsmanship, I personally think it's well worth the investment. These organic, natural materials take a lot more effort to source, and you can rest easy knowing that you're supporting sustainable, ethical practices. Compared to our other top organic mattress picks we've tested, the Birch Luxe Natural has a similar price. Despite the MSRP of a queen being $2,623.75, it's almost always sold at the 20% discount, taking it down to $2,099. Right now there's 27% off when you use the code TOMS27 at checkout, bringing a queen down to $1,915.52. This is still significantly more than the Birch Natural mattress we reviewed, which is sold at $1,499 for a queen, but the Luxe does boast two extra layers of wool incorporated into a plush Euro top. Below are the MSRPs for the Birch Luxe Natural, as well as the sale price it's usually sold for throughout the year: Birch is fairly generous with its mattress sales throughout the year. We often see discounts jumping up to 25% off during major sale events, and even up to 27% off during major sale events. Right now there's 27% off the Birch Luxe Natural when you use the code TOMS27 at checkout. This takes a queen down to $1,915.52, plus you'll get two free pillows. (We've never seen it drop lower than this.) While a 100-night mattress trial is most likely enough for you to decide whether this mattress is right for you, we'd expect a slightly longer time frame considering the luxury price point. For context, the Avocado Green mattress (rated as our number one best organic bed) offers a full 365-nights to sleep on the bed. We're more impressed with the warranty though. The limited lifetime warranty means you'll be covered for the lifespan of your mattress, which will be longer than other innerspring and foam mattresses, thanks to the durability of latex. Birch Luxe Natural: twin was $1,623.75 now $1,185.52 at Birch with code TOMS27Being an organic mattress, the Birch Luxe Natural sits at a premium price point. Currently, an incredible 27% off sale brings the price of a queen down to $1,915.52 (was $2,623.75) when you apply the discount code TOMS27 at checkout. That's the lowest price we've ever seen on this mattress, so it's well worth taking advantage of. The Birch Luxe Natural is a Euro-top mattress, which means it incorporates extra plush layers within the top section of the bed. This Euro top is made from three layers of Birch wool, which is naturally breathable and moisture wicking. This makes it a great addition to the top of the mattress which is closest to your skin. To top it off, it's covered in a soft cotton cover, which is also breathable. I loved the feel of this cover. It's soft, but not silky, which means the bed sheets stay nice and snug, even when I'm tossing and turning. Beneath the wool is a layer of GOLS-certified latex with a medium feel, before another layer of softer latex which offers targeted pressure relief and ergonomic contouring. While I didn't think this mattress contoured to the body (and other members of the Tom's Guide testing team agreed), I think the combination of these two latex layers with the wool make up that perfect medium-firm feel which is neither too firm nor too soft. It's just supportive enough, but more on that later. After the latex, we have a layer of up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils which, like in the best hybrid mattresses, adapt to movement and cradle the body. These are also reinforced lengthways, which explains the excellent edge support. So far, a lot of the mattresses I've slept on that have said they have a medium-firm feel have been a lot softer than I had imagined. After all, firmness is subjective. However, when I lay down on the Birch Luxe Natural, it felt like the ideal balance of cushioning comfort and support. Instead of sinking into the bed or having the mattress contour around me, it kept its shape, giving just enough around key areas like my hips, shoulders and knees. I think the Euro top is to thank here. Without it, it'd be a pretty firm bed, but the layers of soft wool are the perfect material to top the firmer latex layers. For side sleepers and back sleepers, this results in a comfortable bed that keeps the sleeper lifted and elevated. However, I'd be hesitant to recommend it to front sleepers. I think the Euro top might give a little too much at the hips, which would put strain on the lower back. The buoyant, adaptive surface makes the Luxe a dream for combination sleepers like me I personally love how responsive the latex in this mattress is. I think when combined with the coils, the buoyant, adaptive surface makes the Luxe a dream for combination sleepers like me. I toss and turn throughout the night, alternating what side I sleep on (and even occasionally settling on my back), and I found this a constant struggle with even the best memory foam mattresses. I'd be fighting the slow-moving material all night. But with the Luxe, the mattress almost instantly adapts to my movements, allowing me to get comfortable straight away. We do think that there's the potential for lighter weight side sleepers to find it slightly too firm. But if that's the case, Birch suggests adding its Plush Organic Mattress Topper, which will soften the mattress so it feels more around a 4-5 out of 10. That means you'll feel more cushioning and sinking, helping to relieve even more relief: 4 out of 5 We've tested this year's best mattresses in a box, so we're well-versed in what makes a practical, easy and quality set up. In part, this includes minimal off-gassing, a quick expansion time and easy manoeuvring. The Birch, while being a heavy mattress, has a relatively simple set-up process and we were impressed with its ease. It comes vacuum packed, rolled in plastic and packaged in a box. Getting it onto a bed frame was easy with two people, but lifting it on your own could be tricky. After we cut through the plastic, the mattress expanded very quickly. While Birch suggests leaving it to expand for two hours, we felt as if it was ready for sleeping on within half an hour. A stand-out feature was the lack of smell. This felt like a breath of fresh air (literally) after being used to sleeping on slightly smelly memory foam mattresses Off-gassing is caused by VOCs (volatile organic compounds) being released into the air from chemical materials like memory foam. However, because of the all-natural materials, there was absolutely no smell. I even pressed my nose into the cotton cover, but it was completely neutral. This felt like a breath of fresh air (literally) after being used to sleeping on slightly smelly memory foam mattresses. A minor bug bear of our Tom's Guide mattress testing team is when a bed doesn't have handles sewn into the side. It's a simple design feature which makes moving the bed around so much easier. Unfortunately, the Birch doesn't have handles, and being a latex mattress, it's significantly weighty. For this reason, if you live alone or don't feel particularly strong, we'd suggest opting for one of Birch's delivery services. These include removal of your own mattress only, set-up of your new mattress only or removal and set up. Delivery & set up: 4.5 out of 5 Edge support refers to how sturdy the perimeter of the mattress feels in comparison to the rest of the bed. Hybrid mattresses usually have good support around the edges, thanks to the reinforced coils in the structure of the bed, and the Birch Luxe is no different here. We were very impressed with the edge support. Sitting on the side of the bed, you feel very stable. The bed didn't collapse at all beneath me or my husband's weight as we sat on the edge to get ready in the mornings. I enjoy sleeping right up to the edge of my bed and had no issue feeling the same level of support you find in the center of the bed. I even reached for my phone on the floor multiple times and even this distribution of weight didn't affect the support around the edges. This was reflected in our objective mattress tests, too. We placed a 15lbs weight on the edge of the bed and measured how much it sank, comparing it to the sinkage in the center of the mattress. In the center, the xxlbs weight sunk around two inches, and this was the same at the edge of the bed, too. I will say that the edge support does not hold up at the foot of the bed. Here, the mattress feels particularly squishy and not supportive at all. In fact, the bed collapsed so much that it almost ducked under the bed frame. This isn't likely to pose an issue for most sleepers, but if you rely on using the foot of the bed for support, you won't find it as sturdy as the rest of the bed. Overall, the fantastic edge support makes the Birch Luxe a great mattress for couples. We were able to utilize the full area of the mattress, making it feel spacious and roomy. Edge support: 4 out of 5 Motion isolation refers to the mattress's ability to stop movement from traveling across the bed, and it's particularly important if you share your bed with a restless partner, fidgety children or twitching pets. My husband and I have different sleep schedules, which means I often go to bed hours before he comes to bed, or even gets home. I have high expectation for motion isolation, considering I didn't even feel him come into the bed on our previous memory foam mattress. But the Birch Luxe did not disappoint. Despite the latex being very responsive, the individually wrapped coils do a fantastic job at stopping the movement from traveling. I think the soft wool Euro top also helps to absorb some motion, too. While I'm likely to vaguely notice my husband coming to bed, I don't feel him moving throughout the night at all. Our tests confirmed this, too. When we dropped a 15lbs dumbbell 12' away from a wine glass from four inches high, the wine glass barely wobbled. This was to simulate someone getting into bed. We then moved the weight closer, just eight inches away to act like someone tossing and turning next to you and again saw a very minimal wobble. Only when we reached four inches away from the wine glass did it fall. This shows that even if your partner is getting in and out of bed, or moving around a lot, you're unlikely to feel the motion. Motion isolation: 4 out of 5 Temperature regulation is where the Birch Luxe really impressed us, which is no surprise considering the materials and design. The layers of Birch wool do a fantastic job of moisture wicking and keeping the mattress breathable. I've never once woken up feeling sweaty or clammy, like I previously had on my foam mattress. In fact, this mattress feels incredibly fresh every day. I think the cotton cover also helps this fresh feeling, allowing air to flow through the top of the mattress. This airflow can also be attributed to the hybrid, latex design. Latex has a naturally open structure, so, when combined with the open coil layer, there's plenty of space for air to circulate, cooling the sleeper down. Despite temperatures increasing and living in a very small, stuffy first floor flat with big glass windows, my husband and I slept cool with a duvet on the bed. While I think this mattress will keep most sleepers comfortable, if you have experience hot flashes or night sweats, it might be worth considering one of this year's best cooling mattresses which incorporate specialist tech to keep temperatures down. Temperature regulation: 5 out of 5 While I personally loved the Birch Luxe Natural, and so did our expert panel of mattress testers, everyone wants something different out of their mattress. The Birch Luxe Natural has over 680 reviews at the time of writing this, with a 4.3 star average. After analyzing these reviews, it seems the majority of four and five star comments note how the Birch Luxe offers fantastic support. Because of this, many users mentioned how it helps to reduce their aches and pains. The best mattresses for back pain are often a medium-firm to firm feel, like the Birch Luxe, which helps keep the spine aligned and reduce any unnecessary strains on the joints. Positive user reviews state that the mattress is comfortable for all sleeping positions, which is something that my husband and I can attest Other positive user reviews state that the mattress is comfortable for all sleeping positions, which is something that my husband and I can attest, being combination sleepers. I think this is because of the combination of the firm latex with the softer wool Euro top. Many of the more negative reviews cite issues with the mattress upon delivery, like incorrect dimensions or snags in the fabric. Subsequently, they mention poor customer service when reporting these issues. For us, our mattress arrived in great condition, so it's difficult to comment on this problem. Similarly, we haven't encountered customer service issues. And, as expected, there are negative reviews complaining that the mattress is far too firm and others complaining that it is far too squishy. As we've mentioned, firmness is subjective, and we usually see this mix of reviews for every mattress we test. While I think many different types of sleeper will enjoy this bed, inevitably, it's not for everyone. If you want to sink into a cozy bed, you'll probably be disappointed by the Birch Luxe Natural. While the Euro top offers a little cushioning, the mattress doesn't contour around your body. So, if you're a lightweight side sleeper, you might want something more plush. On the other hand, if you're a stomach sleeper, you'll probably want a firmer surface. The best mattresses for stomach sleepers don't offer much sink at all in order to keep the hips elevated, and we think the wool layers might be a tad too soft. Who would I recommend it to? Side and back sleepers will find equal parts support and comfort from this mattress, as well as a super clean, non-toxic sleep. Heavier weight sleepers will also feel comfortably supported on the Birch Luxe. The durable latex and coils mean you can expect a solid bed surface that won't develop indentations quickly. Even taking into account regular sales, it's certainly a premium purchase. However, we've tested a lot of mattresses and it's clear the Birch Luxe is a high-quality bed, made from genuinely premium materials, so we feel the price is justified. If you're looking for a non-toxic, natural mattress that will support side and back sleeping while taking the pressure off your joints, the Birch Luxe Natural mattress is a fantastic choice. The Avocado Green is our number one rated organic mattress. It has a very similar structure to the Birch Luxe, combining wool, cotton and latex with a coil layer. It's a little firmer than the Birch Luxe, meaning that heavier weight sleepers and stomach sleepers will likely prefer it. You'll also get a full 365-night trial, compared to Birch's 100 nights, so you can take your time deciding whether it's right for you. Read our full Avocado Green mattress review to find out more. It's around the same price point, with a queen Avocado's MSRP at $2,099, but usually selling for $1,899. If you like the sound of the Birch Luxe Natural but are working with a smaller budget, we rate the Birch Natural, the brand's entry level model. Instead of the three-layer wool Euro top, this mattress has a single layer of wool. For this reason, it's best suited to back and stomach sleepers, but in our Birch Natural mattress review, we thought it was excellent value for money. You'll get all the same benefits of the Birch Luxe, but a queen MSRP is $1,873.75, but is on sale for $1,499. If you're looking for an organic mattress that'll deliver that indulgent sinking feeling you're craving, especially if you're a side sleeper, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss will be a great choice. Made up of cotton, wool and latex, but without the coil layer, this mattress offers exceptional pressure relief. It's a slightly more plush feel, so those looking for softer cushioning will benefit from it. With a queen MSRP of $3,349, it seems like a much more expensive option, but it's always on sale for $1,500 off, bringing the price down to $1,849. Read our PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress review to find out more.
CNET
13-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
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