Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
If being kind to the planet gives you sweet dreams, you will want to check out the eco-friendly Birch Natural. This hybrid mattress by Helix uses eco-friendly materials such as natural latex, organic cotton, and wool to produce a durable and responsive mattress.
The latex and coils combine to give the Birch Natural a terrific bounce, keeping sleepers from feeling stuck down in their bed. I will discuss this eco-friendly bed’s construction, materials, and performance in detail to help you decide if it is the right fit for you.
Birch Natural Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Mattress Performance Ratings
How the Birch Natural Compares
Here at Sleep Advisor, we’ve tested over 150 different mattresses. The Birch Natural costs a little more than other mattresses, but it also rates better than its counterparts in support, cooling, bounce, edge support, and overall performance.
| Test | Birch Natural | Average |
| Overall | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 11” | 11″ |
| Sleep Trial | 100 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Price (Queen) | $1,873.80 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
| Pressure Relief | 3 | 4.3 |
| Support | 5 | 4.5 |
| Motion Isolation | 3.5 | 3.9 |
| Cooling | 4.5 | 3.9 |
| Bounce | 5 | 4 |
| Edge Support | 4 | 3.9 |
| Couples | 4 | 3.9 |
Watch Our Birch Video Review
Editor’s note: We are currently working on updating our video review. For the latest findings, please refer to our written review.
Who I Recommend the Birch Natural For:
- Eco-friendly shoppers – Consumers looking for eco-friendly products should be very pleased with the Birch Natural.
- Hot sleepers – Although the mattress didn’t feel cool to the touch, the temperature increase was marginal thanks to numerous temperature-regulating materials.
- Lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers – Sleepers weighing less than 230 pounds who sleep on their stomachs should experience neutral spinal alignment and comforting cushioning around the midsection.
Who I Don’t Recommend the Birch Natural For:
- Bargain shoppers – The materials used in this bed drive up the cost. Although it may be worth it for some, for others, it may be too expensive. Instead, take a look at our favorite budget mattresses for more ideas.
- Those with restless partners – The Birch has a lot of bounce to it, which also means more motion traveling across the mattress. If one partner is restless or keeps different hours, Birch Natural’s motion transfer could cause some sleepless nights. Our list of the top beds for couples features mattresses that isolate motion better.
Customer Reviews of the Birch Mattress
According to Birch’s website, Birch Natural scores 5 out of 5 stars with over 4,000 reviews. While some users consider the Birch Natural mattress to be on the pricier side, it gains customer appreciation for its organic materials and sustainable, eco-friendly construction.
Testing the Birch Natural Mattress
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
Since I am an average-weight sleeper, I called in the help of a lightweight and heavyweight colleague to help me test the Birch Natural. By using testers with different body types, I can showcase how this bed feels to a bigger population of consumers.
We noted how this mattress performed for each of us and performed tests that included the use of a temperature gun, a seismograph app, and ball drops.
For more on our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.
Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 6/10
We use a 1-10 firmness rating scale, and you will rarely find a mattress at either extreme. The Birch Natural has a universally appealing medium-firm feel, and I ranked it as a 6.
How Does the Birch Natural Feel?
With its bouncy Talalay latex, the Birch Natural’s upper layers are like drifting off on a nice layer of jelly. However, before you sink too far into the squishy softness, the supportive coils are there to offer you solid support. Although this mattress will do a good job of regulating your temperature through the night, the cover isn’t cool to the touch.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
Helix confirmed that the Birch Natural mattress can hold up to 1,000 pounds.
Side Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | Loren Bullock, the lightweight tester, stated that she rarely feels even pressure distribution when she is sleeping on her side – especially with hybrids. However, the Birch Natural hugged her hips and shoulders equally, and she didn’t feel one body part sink in more than the other. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | This was a bit of an anomaly. My hips and shoulders felt comfortably contoured when I was lying on my side, and my spine was held in a neutral position. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | Our heavyweight tester felt that this mattress was too firm for him for side sleeping. He thinks that heavier side sleepers may want to opt for the pillow top for an additional cost as this should provide additional pressure relief. |
Back Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | Lightweight sleepers can sometimes feel swallowed by the mattress, but Loren said the Birch Natural had an ideal feel. It lightly hugged her spine, making her feel supported and not consumed by the bed. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | What I appreciate most about latex mattresses is that they are soft enough to contour around your body but have the density to hold you aloft. I loved the soft feeling around my midsection, and my weight distribution and spinal alignment felt awesome. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | Heavyweight sleepers like my colleague should find that this mattress is a good fit for them. He liked how his hips sank into the latex layers an ideal amount before the support of the base kicked in. He also appreciated how the latex pushed into his lumbar region which should help with lower back pain. |
Stomach Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | The Jell-O-like feel of this bed kept pain out of her hips, while the Birch Natural’s support system kept her elevated. Loren said she felt perfectly aligned yet cushioned. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | I appreciated that my hips got a little love in the form of cushioning, but my spinal alignment wasn’t compromised. I sank just a bit into the surface, but I didn’t feel like my alignment was being thrown out of whack. I like the just-right “sink” aspect of the Birch Natural. It’s not something you experience with firmer mattresses. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | A co-worker who weighs over 230 pounds found this mattress very supportive. He appreciated how well-aligned his spine felt because his hips were elevated. |
Pressure Relief
3/5
The Birch provides pressure relief through latex layering, and while latex is usually good for pressure relief, it didn’t really come through for the Birch Natural Mattress.
My colleague, Sosha Lewis, helped test this using a pressure map. Blue on a pressure map means no pressure, while red means lots of it. In the middle, we have green and yellow, which indicate a little pressure.
According to Sosha, the bed was great on her back. However, she went on to explain, “There was a lot of pressure buildup when I was on my side, and it got progressively worse the longer I was in that position.” You can see this with the red in her map for side sleeping.
Based on these testing results, she gave it a 3 out of 5 for pressure relief.
Learn More: Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
Is the Birch Natural Mattress Good for Pain Relief?
With the contouring latex layers and the supportive base, this bed should provide solid pain relief for many sleepers. I didn’t feel much pressure buildup, and the Birch Natural also did a great job with spinal alignment.
| Back Pain | The Birch Natural could be a great choice for back pain relief as the latex provides gentle contouring around the spine while the coil layers keep sleepers elevated and aligned. Read more about mattresses for back pain here. |
| Hip Pain | I think lightweight and average-weight sleepers like Loren, and I should do okay on this bed. However, based on feedback from our heavyweight tester, plus-size sleepers may find this bed too firm when they are sleeping on their side, potentially causing pressure around their hips. Read more about mattresses for hip pain here. |
| Shoulder Pain | Loren and I enjoyed how the latex layers gently cushioned our shoulders, and both of us thought this could be a good mattress for those with shoulder pain. However, heavier sleepers may push through the soft upper layers too quickly and find that the base layers create pressure buildup. Explore more mattresses for shoulder pain here. |
Support
5/5
This bed initially feels like jiggly jelly, so it’s understandable that you may be concerned about how well it supports you. However, just like a delicious “PB and J,” the soft upper layers and the supportive base work well together.
Although you sink down a little at first, you are then quickly and comfortably lifted. I loved how straight it kept my spine, but I think the height of your pillow will play a big role in your overall alignment. I didn’t deduct a point for this because it is something you can control with the swap of a pillow.
Motion Isolation
3.5/5
The Birch Natural doesn’t have great motion isolation, which isn’t surprising given its high bounce. Loren and I moved around on the bed and could feel when the other changed positions. The seismograph reading, which you can see in the image above, backed up our evaluations. Although it showed some small waves, there were enough big ones that I deducted 1.5 points. However, if you sleep alone or your partner isn’t restless, this shouldn’t cause you much concern.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
4.5/5
When I first touched it, the Birch Natural cover wasn’t cool to the touch, which made me a little skeptical about its cooling capabilities, but it shouldn’t have. This mattress is made with naturally cooling materials, including Talalay latex, organic cotton, and wool, and the open cell structure of the coils allows air to flow freely. This combination of products and construction produces a bed that does a good job of regulating temperature.
I used a temperature gun to gauge how much this Birch bed heated up, proving the mattress’s ability to keep sleepers cool. The initial reading showed a temperature of 69.4 degrees. After I lay on it for five minutes, it rose to 78.4, and at the 10-minute mark, the Birch Natural had a reading of 79.3. Less than a 10-degree raise is good, and I was a fan of how it only went up one degree between five and 10 minutes. I deducted a half point because the cover didn’t offer crisp coolness.
Bounce
5/5
The Birch Natural’s bed bounce was top-notch during every test we ran. From lacrosse and medicine ball drops to flipping, flopping, and even jumping on the bed, the bounce on this mattress didn’t falter.
Neither Loren nor I felt stuck. The mattress quickly responded to our weight, and the coil unit lifted us while keeping our spines aligned. It was an easy, perfect score for me for Birch Natural’s bounce performance.
Edge Support
4/5
The Birch Natural’s coils reminded me of your favorite neighborhood’s pub bouncer because they are all about security. To reach this conclusion, the other testers and I sat and lay on the edge of the bed for a minute each to see how secure we felt. We had no concerns about falling off the bed in either position.
I deducted a point because the squishy Talalay latex could potentially be a problem for those with mobility issues, but for most folks, I think this bed should keep you safe and sound when you’re close to the perimeter. This can be a helpful feature for couples who like to utilize the whole sleeping surface.
Accessibility
5/5
Birch and their owner, Helix, seem committed to making this mattress safe and accessible to as many people as possible. In addition to using as many natural and organic materials as possible, they offer in-house mattress setup and removal if needed. Although it costs extra, I think it is a reasonable amount to pay for the services provided.
Birch mattresses can also be found in showrooms across the country, giving people an opportunity to try one out before purchasing. The company provides military, student, teacher, and first responder discounts and an accessibility widget. I appreciated all the steps the manufacturer has taken to make their mattresses easily accessible, which is why it earned a 5 out of 5 from me.
Customer Service
4/5
Birch’s customer service is solid. You can call, email, or chat with a representative if you have any questions. The online chat is my preferred method, and after entering your name and email address, you have to select one of four areas for help. It took the chat assistant a couple of minutes to find a live person, and then it took the representative three to four minutes to answer my general inquiry question (how much weight a Birch Natural Queen mattress can hold).
I also appreciate that the chat and phone representatives were friendly and helpful. Although the customer service lags a little behind other mattress companies, I was still very satisfied with it overall.
Performance for Couples
4/5
The Birch Natural could be a great fit for sexually active couples because the bounce and responsiveness make it a breeze for repositioning. It also has good edge support, which allows couples to utilize the entire surface of the bed without worrying about falling off the side.
Sleeping beside someone can sometimes cause your temperature to rise more than if you were alone in the bed, and the Birch Natural’s cooling capabilities can help with this. The reason that I deducted a point for couples is because of the lack of motion isolation. If you sleep with a restless partner, you will likely be disturbed by their movements.
Preference-Based Features
Optional Topper
Medium-firm support is versatile and should work well for a variety of sleepers, but some people may still prefer a softer feel. In this case, Birch offers a plush topper made of wool and latex foam, making it easy to soften the bed for additional contouring and comfort.
Discounts for Certain Groups
This brand provides a 15-percent discount for military personnel, teachers, first responders, and students.
Adjustable Base Compatible
The Birch is an excellent match for most foundations, but you can also use it on an adjustable base if you want more customization.
Construction: What’s Inside the Birch Natural?
The Birch Natural mattress is called “natural” for a reason. The construction is made with natural cotton, wool, Talalay latex, and steel coils. This 11-inch bed starts with all-natural cotton. As Stuart shows in his video review, the cover has a tiny bit of stretch, allowing the surface to cradle you.
- The first layer is made from wool mixed with rayon, acting as the bed’s natural flame retardant.
- The second layer also has organic wool designed to cradle your body all while wicking away excess heat and moisture to keep you comfortably cool.
- The third layer is made from Talalay latex, which is where the pressure relief starts. Latex conforms to your shape to help relieve pressure and pain in the joints while keeping the construction temperature-neutral and responsive.
- The fourth layer is where the individually wrapped coils are located. The coils have an excellent ability to deliver tailored support for your body while isolating motion, thanks to the wrapping of each coil in fabric. Plus, the bed also has additional coils in the perimeter for edge support.
- The fifth layer is made of flame-resistant wool batting to stabilize the coils and provide a sturdy foundation for the upper layers to perform their best. In addition, this layer is a natural fire resistance barrier.
If you choose the optional topper, your bed should have an extra 3 inches of wool and latex for extra cushioning.
*Note that the company does not publish the full measurements of the bed’s layers online.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Birch Natural arrives at your door compressed into a box, making it easier to carry from your front door to the bedroom. Any flat surface, foundation, or adjustable base should suit this mattress. All you need to do is take the mattress out of the box, remove the protective cover, let it unroll, and then wait for it to expand to its full size.
Since this bed utilizes more natural materials, off-gassing shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you notice any bothersome smells on the new mattress, just let the mattress air out for a day or two before using it.
Certifications
- 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.
Noteworthy Updates
Shoppers in some areas can also purchase this mattress from a showroom. To find out if there is a showroom partner near you, enter your zip code here.
Birch Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the United States. |
| White Glove Delivery | In-home mattress setup and removal are available in some areas. Prices start at $119 and vary depending on the number of services you select. |
| Trial | Sleepers get 100 nights to test this mattress and decide whether it’s the right choice for their needs. |
| Warranty | The Birch Natural comes with a 25-year warranty. |
| Return Policy | Helix offers a 100-night trial for the Birch Natural but requires you to keep the mattress for at least 30 days before deciding to return it. This way, they can be sure you truly tested the bed before asking for a full refund. There is a $99 removal fee. |
Birch Mattress Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
| Twin | 39” x 75” x 11” | $1,373.80 |
| Twin XL | 39” x 80” x 11” | $1,498.80 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 11” | $1,686.30 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 11” | $1,873.80 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 11” | $2,248.80 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 11” | $2,248.80 |
Birch Mattress FAQs
Is a Birch mattress good for side sleepers?
I think there are better beds out there for side sleepers. We had mixed feedback from our testers, and Sosha’s pressure relief results weren’t that good, especially for side sleeping since she noticed more pressure buildup.
Who owns Birch Mattress?
Helix Sleep owns and operates all Birch mattresses through Birch Living.
Do Birch mattresses need a box spring?
A box spring isn’t required for Birch mattresses, but it is advisable to use a support system for your mattress. Birch recommends a bunkie board with a box spring or any firm support system with flat, thick slats.
Is a Birch mattress safe?
Yes! The Birch Natural is safe for you and the planet. It is made with more natural and organic materials that are free of harmful chemicals, and all this is backed up by multiple certifications, including eco-INSTITUT, GREENGUARD Gold, and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This mattress also uses wool as a natural fire retardant, which means no fiberglass concerns.
Birch Natural vs. Other Brands
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| Birch Natural Mattress | Saatva Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid |
| Cooling | |||
| Warranty | 25-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Who I Recommend the Saatva For
- Those who want firmness options
- Folks who want a plush surface
- People with back pain
Explore our Saatva Mattress Review.
Who I Recommend the WinkBed For
- Heavyweight sleepers
- Couples
- Those who like a classic innerspring feel
Interested? Read our full WinkBed Mattress Review.
Birch Natural vs. Other Helix Models
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| Birch Natural Mattress | Helix Sunset Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium: 5.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | |
| Warranty | 25-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Joint Pain, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Who I Recommend the Helix Sunset For
- People on a budget
- Those who enjoy a softer mattress
- Side sleepers
Check out our Helix Sunset Mattress Review.
Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight For
- Sleepers with back pain
- Average-weight sleepers
- Those looking for pressure relief
Read our Helix Midnight review if you think it is right for you
My Verdict of the Birch Natural Mattress
If you want to give Mother Nature a hand while being lovingly hugged by Jell-O, the Birch Natural may be the choice for you. Ok, that sentence was a little odd, but this bed is not. With its top-of-the-class bounce support and cooling performance, it should be a hit with many sleepers. Additionally, the squishy latex provided a comforting hug-like feeling that did a great job relieving pressure.
The one significant drawback of this Birch mattress is its lack of motion isolation. However, this should only be a problem if you sleep with a restless partner. Overall, I gave the Birch Natural a 4.2 out of 5.
Birch Natural Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach