Birch Mattress Review – All-Natural Support And Comfort?

Written by Marten Carlson, Lead Mattress & Sleep Product Reviewer

Methodology

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief and more.
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In This Review

I’ll take a deep dive into the Birch Natural mattress by Helix and test out its firmness, feel and more. I’ll go over who this mattress is best for based on your body type and sleep position to determine who this organic mattress is best for.

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It seems like a new latex mattress comes out every week. This isn’t very surprising, as more and more sleepers are understanding the benefits of this material and all-natural mattresses in general. In short, all-natural mattresses are free of harmful chemicals, durable and eco-friendly. Helix has released its own latex hybrid mattress, the Birch Natural. It features both coils and organic wool, making it a good option for a variety of different sleepers.

I’ve tested over 50 latex mattresses, and  this unbiased review will determine where the Birch stands among them. I’ll cover everything you’ll want to know, including a full breakdown of the construction, pros and cons, feel, support, and much more. Read my Birch Natural mattress to review to  see if it’s  the right fit for you.

I Recommend The Birch Natural For…

• Eco-conscious shoppers. If an organic, sustainable product is at the top of your list, the Birch Natural should satisfy your environmental concerns. It’s made of wool, cotton, and latex, all of which are naturally and ethically sourced.
• Back and stomach sleepers. The Birch has a firmer feel that’s better suited to support. These sleepers should feel comfortably lifted on the mattress surface.
• Combination sleepers. Latex is exceptionally bouncy, so if you’re a restless sleeper who needs to switch positions, it can be done with ease on the Birch Natural.

I Don’t Recommend The Birch Natural For…

• Side sleepers. The Birch’s firmer feel is not conducive to pressure relief, so side sleepers might not feel super comfortable on the mattress.
• Restless couples. Motion transfers easily on the bed’s surface, so if you wake up easily and sleep with a partner who moves around a lot, you might want to look for a bed with better motion absorption.
• Memory foam fans. As the bed is made up mostly of latex and wool, folks looking for that typical swaddling provided by memory foam might be disappointed.

How Firm is the Birch Natural Mattress?

I thought the Birch Natural was close to a 7/10 on the mattress firmness scale. The industry standard for medium-firm is 6.5/10, so the Birch is slightly firmer than average. The wool layers and latex are somewhat soft, but once you push down into the mattress, you hit some firmer support layers.

Birch Natural Mattress Test Performance: My Overall Rating

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches personally test each mattress in categories such as materials, comfort, cooling, and support. Just for context, you should know that I tested the Birch Natural mattress, not the Birch Luxe. I found that this mattress excelled in support, cooling, and responsiveness.

Hover over the icons to learn more about these different topics, or scroll down for a more detailed analysis on each one.

Mattress Performance Ratings

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Average

Excellent

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Birch Natural Performance in Our Tests

Support – 5/5

The Birch is made up of layers of wool, latex, and finally, a coil unit. These layers work together to create a pressure-relieving yet firm and bouncy surface. As a heavyweight person who’s 6’ 7” and 270 lbs, I found myself really enjoying the support I got when lying on my back and stomach. If you’re searching for more great options, check out our list of best mattresses for heavy people.

This bed has a firmer feel that should have you feeling like you’re “on top” of the mattress, rather than “in” it. It should be good for the sleepers I mentioned above, as well as folks who want to move around on their bed without feeling stuck. For this reason, I gave it a perfect support score.

Edge Support – 4.5/5

If you share a bed with a partner, you should also think about edge support. Will you be able to sleep toward the edge of the mattress, or will you have to sleep closer to the middle?

When I sat on the edge of the Birch, the mattress only sagged 2”. I felt secure enough to lean over and tie my shoes. I also can lie down close to the edge without feeling like I am going to fall off. Check out the photo below to see what solid edge support looks like.

Cooling – 4/5

The Birch is a cooler-sleeping mattress. The Birch is a hybrid, and the coils promote airflow through the mattress, making it very breathable. The wool and aerated latex also add some breathability to the top of the mattress. Hot sleepers should take a look at the Birch without question, however if this mattress doesn’t meet your needs it could be worth checking out our list of best cooling mattresses.

During cooling testing, I used a heat gun to measure the increase in temperature after lying on the mattress for about five minutes. The initial temperature was 72.8 F, and it went up to 79 F on the second reading. This is about a 6-degree increase, which is pretty standard. But I found myself feeling cool and comfortable on the surface, so I gave the bed a score of 4/5.

Motion Transfer – 3/5

When it comes to handling motion transfer, latex and coils are not really the best materials. If you want a mattress to cut down on the disturbances made by a sleeping partner, memory foam or some soft foam is usually a better choice.

To test out the Birch’s motion isolation capabilities, I placed a glass of water on the mattress. When I pressed into the other areas of the mattress, I saw quite a bit of disturbance in the glass. 

Also, my coworker  got in and out of bed and mimicked the movements of another sleeper, and I felt the movements on my side of the bed.. If you’re a light sleeper looking for the best mattress for couples, it’s unlikely the Birch will be a good fit.

Response – 5/5

The Birch has a feel that you find with most latex mattresses — very bouncy. The combination of latex and coils make the mattress extremely responsive, so it’s easy to move around. You should sleep on top of the mattress without sinking in too far. During testing, the ball bounced easily on the surface, proving that fact.

A responsive bed should work great for restless sleepers who switch positions and sexually active folks. The Birch Natural’s bounce should satisfy both of these groups.

Durability – 4.5/5

The Birch Natural is made with high-quality and durable materials that shouldn’t sag over time. Latex tends to sag less than memory foam and should retain its bounce with repeated use. The sturdy coil unit should also provide added durability. 

Taking all this into account, I expect it to last seven to 10 years, which is standard for the industry. Of course, the specifics will depend on who’s sleeping on the mattress and how often it’s being used.

Birch Natural Policy Scores

Trial Period – 4/5

Birch offers a 100-night sleep trial. This is enough to determine if the mattress should work for you, but it’s worth noting some brands offer longer trial periods — some even up to a year long. 

If, during the initial 100-day sleep trial period, you decide you don’t like the Birch mattress, you can return it for a full refund. Birch Mattress asks its customers to test out the mattress for at least 30 days before returning, because it often takes people several weeks to determine whether it’s the right fit for them. Just note that returning comes with a $99 removal fee.

Warranty – 5/5

Birch offers a 25-year warranty. This is a little longer than the industry standard of 10 to 15 years, but it’s worth noting that there are specific caveats.

For the first 10 years, Birch offers a full warranty, meaning they will replace your defective mattress for free, covering the transportation and delivery costs. From years 11–25, customers will have limited prorated coverage. During this time, customers will have to pay anywhere from 50% to 95% of the original mattress price, depending on how long they’ve had the bed.

Birch Natural: Other Factors to Consider

Besides these main performance categories, there are a few other factors that might contribute to your final decision. Read on to find out a bit more about the Birch Natural mattress.

Off-Gassing

It’s common to notice a slight smell when opening a new mattress. The Birch mattress boasts several certifications that guarantee it is made from all-natural, fair-trade textiles without harmful chemicals or pollutants. Its cover is made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton and its Talalay latex is eco-INSTITUT certified for emitting no harmful pollutants during the manufacturing process. 

Because this bed is made with all-natural materials, however, I did not smell any chemical odor. There is a faint earthy smell at first, but overall, off-gassing should not be an issue with this mattress. 

Noise

The only component that could possibly create sound is the coil layer, and it was not squeaking when I tested the Birch mattress. Overall, I think this will be a quiet mattress. It is possible that the coil unit on the bottom of the mattress could creak as time goes on.

Sex

Couples looking for one of the best mattresses for sex should consider the Birch. This mattress is very firm and bouncy, making it easy to move around and change positions. Partners will feel like they are lying “on top of” the mattress rather than “inside” it.

Mattress Height

The Birch mattress is 11” tall. The typical mattress height is around 10” to 12”, making the Birch Natural a fairly average-height bed. The Birch mattress topper will add another 3” to the height of the mattress, so that could be a good option if you’re looking for a loftier bed.

Sleeping Position and Weight

Generally, the Birch’s firm profile may be too unyielding for side sleepers, who may struggle to find pressure relief. Back and stomach sleepers should enjoy the bed’s supportive surface, though some heavyweight stomach sleepers may sink in a bit too far to be comfortable. 

But, overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the bed’s supportive feel. The chart below gives a more straightforward summary of who might like (and not like) the Birch Natural. It’s important to consider both your preferred sleeping position and your body type when choosing a mattress, so pay attention to what we found “excellent” or “bad” for each category.

Sleeper Weight	Back Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Stomach Sleepers
Lightweight (Under 130 lb)	Excellent	Good	Fair
Average (130 – 230 lb)	Excellent	Bad	Excellent
Heavyweight (Over 230 lb)	Excellent	Bad	Fair

Heavyweight Tester – 6’7”, 230 lbs

“While back-sleeping, the Birch was a good fit for me. My hips sank into the wool and latex layers, but they didn’t sink in too far. I also felt the latex foam pressing up into my lower back to give me some cushioning and help prevent lower back pain.” – Marten

Average-weight Tester – 5’3”, 150 lbs

“I felt nice and supported when I slept on my back, but I felt a touch of tension along my shoulder when I slept on my side.” – Elisa

Birch Mattress Construction

What’s the Birch mattress made with, exactly? Let’s take a look at its construction, layer by layer.

Cover

The cover is made of organic cotton and feels soft, stretchy and breathable.

You can choose to add a mattress topper to your Birch Natural mattress. This topper adds 3” of comfort, so you should feel better pressure relief on your shoulders and hips.

Comfort Layers

There’s a layer of wool underneath the organic cotton cover, which helps keep the top of the mattress soft and breathable. It also makes the Birch a flame-retardant mattress, which should give you peace of mind when it come to sleeping not only soundly, but safely.

Next, you’ll find a layer of ventilated Talalay latex for even more pressure relief. Like most latex, this layer feels responsive and allows people to sleep “on top of” the mattress rather than “in” it.

Support Layer

The support layer consists of individually-wrapped coils, which are highly supportive, durable and breathable. These work in tandem with the latex comfort layer for an overall bouncy bed. 

Everything rests on a base layer made of wool batting. This wool foundation also acts as another fire-resistant layer.

Birch Mattress Size Options and Price

Check out this handy chart to learn more about Birch’s size options and price levels — and be aware that these prices don’t reflect discounts.

Size	Dimensions	Price
Twin	39″ x 75″	$1373.80
Twin XL	39″ x 80″	$1498.80
Full	54″ x 75″	$1686.30
Queen	60″ x 80″	$1873.80
King	76″ x 80″	$2248.80
California King	72″ x 84″	$2248.80

Birch Natural Mattress

Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.

Check Price

Mattress Clarity Score

4.50 / 5.0

How Does The Birch Natural Compare To Other Mattresses?

There are tons of bed-in-a-box brands out there. Before pulling out your wallet, it’s a good idea to check out some of the mattress’ competitors. Let’s see how Birch stacks up in comparison to other popular options.

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Birch Natural Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Score

4.5 / 5

Check Price

Read Birch Natural Mattress Review

Product

Birch Luxe Natural Mattress

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Score

4.6 / 5

Check Price

Read Birch Luxe Natural Mattress Review

Product

Avocado Green Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Score

4.4 / 5

Check Price

Read Avocado Green Mattress Review

Product

Saatva Mattress

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Score

4.3 / 5

Check Price

Read Saatva Mattress Review

Birch vs Birch Luxe

The Birch Luxe is the upgraded version of the Birch Natural. Not surprisingly, their constructions are fairly similar, but the Birch Luxe has a plush pillow top and extra wool layers. There’s also more foam around the longer edges of the mattress, so the Luxe model has better edge support.

I actually found the Birch Luxe Natural to feel a bit firmer than its predecessor. Both beds are suited to back and stomach stomach sleeping, and may not offer enough pressure relief for side sleepers. Their latex and coils also give them both high responsiveness, so they should be great options for combination sleepers.

Birch vs Avocado Green

Both the Birch and Avocado mattresses are made with organic materials, so they’re great options for those who want to be green. I found the Avocado mattress to be slightly firmer than the Birch, making it a better option for stomach sleepers.

In terms of construction, the Birch and Avocado are very similar. Both options have layers of coils and memory foam. The base models are both 11” tall, with the option to add an additional pillow top. The Birch mattress topper is more plush than the Avocado, making it a great option for side sleepers. I found the Avocado mattress was better at  isolating motion, while the Birch has better cooling features. The two mattresses have similar price ranges, but the Birch is slightly more affordable when you apply coupons.

Birch vs Saatva

The Birch and Saatva Classic are both hybrid beds, but the Saatva Classic’s comfort layers are made up of foam, rather than latex. The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic has a similar firmness to the Birch, but it has a bit more pressure relief; so, side sleepers might prefer the Saatva Classic to the Birch.

Both beds performed similarly in the support and edge support departments. The Birch scored higher when it comes to cooling, making it a better option for hot sleepers. Both beds are pretty durable and have a decent amount of bounce. Finally, the Saatva Classic costs more than the Birch, but both have pretty high price tags.

FAQs

Is the Birch Natural a good mattress?

If you’re an eco-conscious shopper looking for a high-quality bed that brings the support, the Birch should be a great mattress for you.

Can you flip the Birch mattress?

No, you cannot flip a Birch mattress. It is designed with coil layers on the bottom and memory foam on top. Flipping it would alter the intended firmness and feel.

Does Birch offer a trial period?

Yes, Birch offers a 100-night trial period on their mattresses, during which you can return your mattress (after at least 30 days of use). Just be aware that there’s a $99 removal fee.

Birch Mattress Video Review