Birch Mattress Review for 2023

As the mattress industry has grown and evolved, newer, more eco-friendly materials like Talalay latex have entered the market. This is especially good news for sleepers with allergies, as well as folks who like to shop green.

The Birch Natural, created by bed-in-a-box brand Helix, offers a natural mattress alternative by combining latex with organic cotton and wool.

Our in-depth review of the Birch mattress guides you through each layer, breaking down the sustainable materials that make up the bed. We also discuss how this organic mattress performed in categories like pressure relief, cooling, and support so you can decide if this bed’s right for you.

When you first lay on the bed, you’ll notice the bounce straight away – this is the latex and coils doing the talking. Once you settle in, you should expect the wool and latex to cradle your shape, while the coils push back against your spine to hold it in alignment.

Talalay latex is processed in a way that results in a more consistent and springier foam that is quick to respond to pressure and feels light and airy.

According to Helix, the Birch Natural mattress can hold 500 pounds a side or 1,000 pounds total. Its firmer feel combined with this weight capacity should make it a good fit for heavyweight sleepers, although those who weigh more than 300 pounds may want a mattress that’s specifically designed for plus-size sleepers.

Side Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – This mattress should be a great fit for most lightweight side sleepers. Latex is a naturally pressure-relieving material, which helps cushion these sleepers hips and shoulders. However, some petite sleepers may want a softer bed for even deeper pressure relief.
• Average-weight Sleepers – The Birch should work well for average-weight sleepers who rest on their side, as the coil base helps maintain spine alignment while the latex layer relieves pressure.
• Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavyweight side sleepers should sink into this mattress more than the other weight groups, helping them get ample cushioning for sensitive spots. However, some plus-size sleepers may sink too far into the mattress, which may cause them to bottom out to the coils.

Side Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – Back sleepers on the lighter side, should sleep well on this mattress. They should feel lightly cradled by the mattress while the coil base provides ample support.
• Average-weight Sleepers – Average-weight back sleepers should enjoy how the latex contours to their lower back, while the coils support the hips for optimal spine alignment.
• Heavyweight Sleepers – Most heavyweight back sleepers should find that this mattress keeps their spine well-aligned. The coils will likely also support their weight as the latex wraps them comfortably.

Stomach Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – The soft contouring of the latex should provide comfort for most petite stomach sleepers, while the coils keep their hips supported. However, some of these folks may want a slightly softer mattress for deeper cushioning for the chest and shoulders.
• Average-weight Sleepers – The firmness of the Birch Natural should allow average-weight stomach sleepers to experience the best of both worlds. The Talalay latex should cushion their front, while the bottom coil layers keep the hips raised and spine aligned.
• Heavyweight Sleepers – The Birch’s firmer feel should work well for most heavyweight stomach sleepers. However, those who weigh 300 pounds or more may want an even firmer bed for greater support, as they may sink too deeply into this mattress and experience spine misalignment.

A bed with good pressure-relieving capabilities allows heavier areas of the body to sink into the mattress so you can sleep comfortably without aches and pains. Without adequate relief, excess pressure can develop under areas like the shoulders and hips, causing or exacerbating tension.

The Birch Natural’s medium-firm feel allows most sleepers to sink just enough for pressure relief. In addition, because latex is naturally pressure-relieving, most sleepers should experience a pressure-free sleep experience. sleepers. However, lighter side sleepers, who won’t sink into this mattress quite as much, may prefer something softer.

Back Pain – The supportive coils and medium firmness of this bed should provide excellent relief for those who experience back pain, as the coils help maintain spine alignment which reduces pressure felt on the lower back.
Hip Pain – Hip pain is often caused by the hips sagging too far in the bed, thus receiving an inadequate amount of cushioning. Average-weight to heavyweight people should receive ample support for this area, however, lightweight sleepers may experience too much pressure build up due to the higher firmness level.
Shoulder Pain – The shoulders tend to bear a lot of weight for side sleepers. The Birch should provide adequate relief since latex excels at pressure relief, however sleepers of a lighter weight may find it worthwhile to invest in the plush topper for deeper cushioning and relief.

Health-conscious folks looking for proper spinal support should be pleased with the Birch’s medium-firm feel and supportive coils and latex. Latex is a more durable material, while the individually-wrapped coils offer plenty of pushback for spine alignment.

Together, the materials should make this bed comfortable and supportive for a variety of individuals and sleeping positions.

Due to the latex and coil construction, the Birch Natural mattress may transfer a good bit of motion from its point of origin to other parts of the bed. By not isolating movement, the Birch Natural may not be a great choice for couples or other co-sleepers as they may be disturbed by their sleep mate’s movements.

The Birch Natural takes advantage of the naturally moisture-wicking and breathable properties of organic cotton and wool, and latex. The pocketed coils provide additional airflow so trapped heat can escape, making this eco-friendly bed an exceptionally cooling mattress.

While sexually-active couples should enjoy the bounce of this mattress, as well as its cooling abilities, the Birch won’t be a good fit for all couples. This mattress doesn’t have great motion isolation, which may wake light sleepers who are easily disturbed.

While medium-firm support should work well for a variety of sleepers, some folks may prefer a softer feel. For an extra 499 dollars, Birch offers a plushl topper made of wool and latex foam which can soften the bed for additional contouring and comfort.

Birch provides a 15 percent discount to teachers, students, military personnel, and first responders.

Birch works well on most foundations, including adjustable bases that move up and down to your desired angle.

The Birch Natural mattress is made with natural cotton, wool, Talalay latex, and steel coils. The cover of this 11-inch mattress is made from all-natural cotton that is highly breathable and has a tiny bit of stretch which allows the surface to cradle you.

• The first layer contains wool mixed with rayon which acts as the mattress’s natural flame retardant.
• The second layer is another layer of organic wool, which was designed to cradle your shape while wicking away moisture and excess heat.
• The third layer is made from Talalay latex. This is where the pressure relief starts, as the latex conforms to your shape to help relieve strain from tired joints while remaining temperature-neutral and responsive.
• The fourth layer is formed with individually-wrapped coils. The advantage of wrapped coils is their ability to tailor support to your body’s shape and isolate motion. Coils along the bed’s edge are reinforced to provide edge support, allowing you to sit and sleep near the edge of the bed.
• The fifth layer is made of flame-resistant wool batting. This stabilizes the coils and gives the bed a sturdy foundation all while creating a more natural fire resistance barrier.

The optional topper adds three inches of wool and latex for extra cushioning on the surface of the bed.

*Note that the company does not publish the full measurements of the bed’s layers online.

The Birch Natural arrives at your door compressed into a box so it can be carried to your room for easy setup. Any flat surface, foundation, or adjustable base should suit this mattress. When you take it out of the box and plastic, you may notice a chemical smell. Although it may be unpleasant, it is harmless and should be completely dissipated in a couple of days.

• eco-INSTITUT Certified
  The latex materials in Birch were tested in a lab and found to contain no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and emissions.
• GREENGUARD Gold
  This certification by one of the leading environmental health agencies in the world tests for formaldehyde, phthalates, pollutants, chemical exposure, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
  The entire mattress has achieved this status, thanks to the organic materials and socially responsible manufacturing of textiles throughout the entire process of sourcing and construction.

• Shipping – Shipping is free within the United States.
• Trial – Try the bed out for 100 nights, and if you decide it’s not right, you can contact the company about making a return for a full refund.
• Warranty – The warranty for this product lasts for 25 years.
• Return Policy – Birch Natural asks that you try out the mattress for at least 30 days. If you aren’t satisfied with the mattress after that, contact the company anytime within the 120-day trial and they will help you return the mattress for a full refund.

Yes! We consider the Birch Natural by Helix a solidly-constructed, eco-conscious hybrid mattress. Its latex and coil construction makes for an ultra supportive, durable bed, and its medium firmness should appeal to a large number of sleepers.

No, hybrid mattresses such as the Birch Natural are designed so that softer comfort layers are at the top, and steel coils are at the bottom. If you were to flip the mattress, it would alter the feel and function of the bed.

Yes, the Birch Natural is made from all natural, eco-conscious materials like organic cotton and natural Talalay latex that help promote sustainability.

Product

Firmness

Trial Period

Birch Mattress

Soft: 6/10

100 nights

CHECK PRICE

Read Full Review

Saatva Mattress

Soft: 6/10

365 nights

CHECK PRICE

Read Full Review

Product

Birch Mattress

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Trial Period

100 nights

CHECK PRICE

Read Full Review

Product

Saatva Mattress

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Trial Period

365 nights

CHECK PRICE

Read Full Review

Who We Recommend the Birch NaturalFor

• Fans of bouncy beds
• Eco-conscious folks
• Hot sleepers

Who We Recommend the Saatva For

• Those who want firmness options
• Folks who want plush surface
• People with back pain

Explore our Saatva Mattress Review.

Product

Firmness

Trial Period

Birch Mattress

Soft: 6/10

100 nights

CHECK PRICE

Read Full Review

WinkBed Mattress

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

120 nights

CHECK PRICE

Read Full Review

Product

Birch Mattress

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Trial Period

100 nights

CHECK PRICE

Read Full Review

Product

WinkBed Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

120 nights

CHECK PRICE

Read Full Review

Who We Recommend the Birch Natural For

• Hot sleepers
• Organic shoppers
• Those who switch positions throughout the night

Who We Recommend the WinkBed For

• Heavyweight sleepers
• Couples
• Those who like a classic innerspring feel

Interested? Read our full WinkBed Mattress Review.

Product

Firmness

Trial Period

Birch Mattress

Soft: 6/10

100 nights

CHECK PRICE

Read Full Review

Helix Sunset Mattress

Soft: 5.5/10

100 nights

CHECK PRICE

Product

Birch Mattress

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Trial Period

100 nights

CHECK PRICE

Read Full Review

Product

Helix Sunset Mattress

Firmness

Soft: 5.5/10

Trial Period

100 nights

CHECK PRICE

Who We Recommend the Birch Natural Mattress Original For

• Average-weight back sleepers
• Those uncertain of what firmness level they like
• Eco-conscious consumers

Who We Recommend the Helix Sunset For

• People on a budget
• Those who enjoy a softer mattress
• Side sleepers

Check out our Helix Sunset Mattress Review.

The Birch Natural is a comfortable, supportive, and eco-friendly mattress that should work for a wide array of body body types and preferred sleep positions. Its combination of pressure-relieving latex and individually-wrapped coils also promote ample breathability, making for a cooler night’s rest.

Buoyancy is the name of the game with this mattress, making it a great fit for combination sleepers, sexually-active couples, and anyone with mobility issues who needs help with repositioning. However, this bouncy quality doesn’t bode well for couples, as it may cause partners to feel their bedmate’s movements.