Published on Nov. 05, 2024
I finally found an organic mattress that doesn't give me shoulder pain—and now I'm sleeping better than ever on an eco-friendly bed.
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As I get older, my sleep woes have increased, from tossing and turning to insomnia and wake-ups due to overheating. This year, I added shoulder and neck pain to the list. My first thought was that my morning aches were due to my aging mattress (it had exceeded its expectancy by five years), but first, I tried other remedies. I used white noise apps and blue light glasses. Then, thinking my pillow must cause pain, I upgraded to a latex pillow with a higher loft that didn’t settle like a down-filled pillow. None of those changes did the trick, so I came back to thinking it must be my conventional mattress, which was way past its prime and no longer providing the support it did years ago.
With so many mattress and mattress topper options on the market, I first needed to narrow the possibilities by listing my priorities. Because I’m concerned about chemicals and sensitive to odors, I focused on organic mattresses. Within the nontoxic mattress lineup, I wanted a Goldilocks option—not too springy and soft, but with firm support, the right amount of pressure relief and a lush top. Simply put, I wanted a mattress that slept like a dream and that I could happily sleep on for many years. The Happsy Organic Latex Hybrid Mattress checked all those boxes, so I tested it.
Here is what I learned through the course of unboxing and sleeping on the Happsy, plus which sleepers I recommend this mattress for. Spoiler alert: I can’t believe I didn’t make this switch years ago!
Happsy is an online bedding brand that debuted its certified organic natural latex hybrid model in May 2017. Their organic mattress is made with a hybrid design featuring two inches of natural latex for pressure point relief and pocket springs that reduce motion transfer, so you don’t feel the flip-flop acrobatics of a partner while trying to catch your z’s.
Latex has some bounce to it, unlike the sinking feeling of memory foam, and instead of trapping heat as memory foam does, latex allows heat to escape. Latex is also built to last. “All-natural latex mattresses have been known to last for up to 25 years (with 15 years being quite common),” says Derek Hales, founder of NapLab. “Most mattresses may only last 8 to 10 years, so having a mattress with the incredible durability and longevity that latex provides is quite rare.”
A big selling point for me is that these mattresses are free from chemicals such as glue, adhesives, and flame retardants (conventional mattresses can have up to 10 pounds of glue in them). Along with natural latex in the comfort layer, the Happsy mattress is made of certified organic cotton and wool in the cover fabric, batting, and filling. The mattresses have been awarded certifications for using organic materials, meeting strict emissions standards, using fair-trade practices, and prioritizing overall sustainability. Despite being handcrafted in the United States with certified organic materials, this mattress is one of the most budget-friendly organic mattresses. As a bed-in-a-box, Happsy ships straight to your door, and shipping is free.
The outside covering of the Happsy mattress is certified nontoxic and organic by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), meaning it’s free of harmful allergenic materials and odors. Next is a comfort layer of two inches of Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic natural latex. Natural latex is a resin extracted from the sap of the rubber tree. Organic latex is expensive, but that extra cost adds value.
The support core consists of eight inches of individually pocketed coils sewn together. The coils help reduce jostling and minimize motion transfer for a more peaceful and comfortable sleep. The coil gauge determines the firmness of the mattress. Happy offers two designs: medium-firm and plush. The medium-firm design has 15-1/2-gauge coils in the center, with 14-1/2-gauge around the perimeter for edge support. The plush design has alternating 15- and 16-gauge coils. The higher the gauge, the softer the mattress.
Happsy comes with a 120-night sleep trial. You can return the mattress anytime during the trial and receive a full refund. Happsy will arrange for the mattress to be picked up from your residence at no extra charge. The bed will either be recycled or donated to charity. Happsy recommends you hold onto the wrapping and the box until you know you’ll keep the mattress to make the return trip easier for all involved.
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What’s so special about an organic mattress? “Organic mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic, making them great for those with allergies or sensitive skin. They emit fewer chemicals,” says Marten Carlson, mattress expert and certified sleep science coach at Mattress Clarity. Carlson adds that organic materials are also more breathable than synthetic ones. “Even if you don’t have sensitive skin or allergies, organic mattresses offer cooling properties for all types of sleepers,” he says.
Kelly Murray, an adult sleep coach, adds that organic mattresses create a healthier sleep environment by eliminating the use of harmful chemicals. Traditional mattresses often contain harmful substances, including polyurethane, VOCs, PFAS, fiberglass, and flame retardants. “These chemicals can off-gas and be inhaled during sleep, which causes the body to become inflamed,” says Murray. “Inflammation triggers cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone, to be released in the body in an effort to fight the inflammation. Cortisol is also the ‘alert hormone’ that keeps us awake and is responsible for our fight-or-flight response. As a result, this anti-inflammatory response triggers night wakings, leading to a poor night’s sleep.”
The mattress is known for its chemical and organic materials, with certifications supporting their claims. Here is a breakdown of what each certification means and why it’s important:
When the Happsy mattress-in-a-box arrived at my doorstep, I was eager to see how the hybrid mattress would perform. Let me start by walking you through the unboxing process.
The mattress came compressed, plastic-wrapped, and rolled up inside a tall delivery box. The box is heavy, weighing in at 126 pounds for the king-size mattress. Be sure to plan where you are going to put the mattress before unboxing. The mattress can be hard to move, especially without handles on the sides, which makes it challenging to rotate or relocate the mattress. I recommend having a helping hand when moving the mattress to the room you plan to use, especially since it comes without handles. My workaround? Use ratchet straps to create a grip and position the mattress.
Once I got the mattress unpacked and onto my bed frame, I carefully cut away the plastic wrapping. To my delight, the mattress expanded quickly, taking shape before my eyes. The directions mentioned that the mattress would take full shape in 48 hours or less, but it only took a few minutes for me.
One thing that immediately stood out was the absence of any off-gassing smell. As someone with a strong sensitivity to chemical odors and who prioritizes a healthy sleep environment, I was pleased to find that the Happsy mattress lived up to its promise of being free from harmful chemicals and odors.
I’m a tosser-turner, so I need a mattress that can handle all the sleep positions. After a few weeks on the Happsy, I found the medium-firm feel just right for most of my sleep positions but too firm for side sleeping. I needed more softness for my hips and shoulders, so I ordered the optional mattress topper. It gave the mattress two additional inches of soft plushness, with a supportive foundation underneath.
I was concerned about ordering a mattress topper that was not attached to the mattress but was pleasantly surprised to see that it barely shifted position, and it had an added benefit—I can easily replace the mattress top (flashback to the time my foster pup had an accident on my new mattress!).
My sleep quality greatly improved during the testing period, and there was virtually no adjustment period once I added the mattress topper. In fact, I was thrilled to discover I wasn’t waking up throughout the night anymore due to overheating or feeling like I was sinking into the mattress.
Despite being someone whose favorite pastimes include naps, I am a terrible sleeper. Over the years, I have tested mattresses with a mission to get a better night’s sleep. I’ve evaluated this mattress for feel, firmness, pressure relief, bounce and motion isolation. The mattress I tested is the medium-firm model with an optional topper, but it is also available in a plush design.
I also enlisted the expertise of Nichole Mondshein, sleep product expert at Sleepopolis; Marten Carlson, mattress expert and certified sleep science coach at Mattress Clarity; Kelly Murray, adult sleep coach; and Jill Zwarensteyn, certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor. I consulted with Derek Hales, founder and CEO at NapLab. In the past 10 years, he has personally tested 360+ different mattresses.
At Family Handyman, we’re familiar with mattress reviews. We’ve tested everything from the affordable DreamCloud Mattress to the cooling Sealy Cocoon Chill and the Classic Saatva mattresses. We add to our reviews often, assessing whether a new sleep product on the market is worth your time.
Latex hybrids are a smart choice for side sleepers because the latex can contour to shoulders and support some weight. The latex-coil combination is also a smart choice for anyone who gets too hot while sleeping. The latex, wool, and cotton are all naturally breathable, and the coil layers also dissipate heat.
Side sleepers generally gravitate toward softer mattresses, which provide deep pressure relief for hips and shoulders. I found the medium-firm mattress provided excellent support and pressure release for my back and stomach sleeping positions, but I found it too firm for side sleeping. I needed a bit of extra cushioning that the mattress topper addition provided. The pocket coils enhance airflow and support for side sleepers.
An additional two-inch latex layer with the optional topper will give you a more plush feel and more contouring for your shoulders and hips if you need it. “A medium-soft to medium-firm mattress is usually best for side sleepers, says Jill Zwarenteyn, certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor. “You want something that cushions your hips and shoulders while still supporting your spine. Hybrid mattresses tend to work well since they contour to your body.”
Nichole Mondschein, sleep product expert at Sleepopolis, adds, “Hybrid mattresses are a great option because they have structured support, combined with latex for comfortable cushioning on the hips and shoulders.”
According to the manufacturer’s website, Happsy mattresses are manufactured and packaged in their own certified organic factory in the USA, which is used exclusively for organic mattress production, so there is no chance of contamination.
Across the different sites where this hybrid organic mattress is available, most customers have come to the same conclusion: They are happy with their Happsy! The mattress has nearly 2,185 customer reviews and a 4.5-star rating on the manufacturer’s website.
Verified reviewer Eliana says, “The mattress came with no smell at all, which is impressive for a mattress (and as someone who is very sensitive to mattress smells).”
Reviewer Klawdya is sensitive to chemical smells and raved, “This arrived with NO ODOR AT ALL. I’m chemically sensitive and I usually have to wash new products immediately and then put the products far from my bedroom for a few days and wash them again with a vinegar rinse and/or baking soda. This was perfectly non-toxic! I’m so happy with this company.”
Amazon reviewer Lillian Garcia says, “From the first night it was great! Now two months later, I am so happy with my mattress. It’s really comfortable and supports my body in all the right places. Great buy!”
Sorcha was searching for a nontoxic mattress when she found Happsy. “Reading about the toxic off-gassing of regular mattresses was a wake-up call. I didn’t just want a comfortable mattress; I wanted one that didn’t contain formaldehyde and other toxic materials. I’m happy I decided that I deserve a comfortable, safe mattress.”
And verified purchaser Lily says, “This mattress is supportive, but not firm, and the pillow top is very soft, but not squishy. It’s the perfect blend. To us, it’s more comfortable than a conventional mattress and box spring, minus all the smell and toxins! We were nervous about ordering, but were so pleasantly surprised when we opened it up. We also purchased the Happsy foundation, because our bed frame needed it for height, and it’s fantastic as well. Very sturdy, very well-built. Extremely happy with our Happsy!”
Both mattresses are designed with certified organic materials, a breathable sleep surface and a pocketed coil support system. The Happsy lacks zoned support, while the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress does, with a combination of soft coils on the outer thirds and firmer coils on the middle thirds.
If you want a firmer mattress with stronger edge support and can stretch your budget, the Happsy may be a better fit. However, if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option with multiple firmness levels (firm, medium-firm, plush), Silk & Snow may be a more suitable option, especially for different sleeper preferences.
Much to my surprise, my allergies greatly improved while sleeping on the Happsy, which is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. The organic wool and latex naturally repel dust mites, mold and other allergens, making it a great option for people like me with dust mite allergies or asthma.
I am seriously impressed with this mattress’s comfort performance. While I felt incredibly supported, the mattress still provided cloud-like comfort. The biggest bonus: my neck and shoulder pain went away! If you prefer not to sink into the mattress, you’ll definitely want to consider this mattress.
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You can purchase a Happsy Organic Hybrid Mattress directly from the company’s website, where they offer free shipping and returns, along with a 120-night risk-free trial. The Happsy mattress starts at $900 and is also available on Amazon. Happsy offers discounts occasionally, so be sure to check for promotions like the current 20% off using the code “FALL20” when buying from the Happsy website.
