As the mattress industry is growing we are entering into really unique yet best mattress options that are both beneficial for your body and are manufactured from less toxic materials, as we are obsessed with the concept of “organic” nowadays. So if you are searching for some good organic mattress options, you have landed the right place. In this article, we will share with you some best latex mattresses with their in-detail guide and reviews for an enhanced sleeping experience.
Mostly, latex is not used solely in a mattress but is incorporated as one of the comfort layers in general memory foam, innerspring or a hybrid mattress. Some mattresses feature at least one layer of latex in the support core, while others use high-density polyfoam support cores. Another addition to them is the hybrid latex mattress which uses latex as one of the comfort layers with pocketed coil support core system. Learn about best innerspring mattresses here.
Latex mattresses are generally preferred due to their greater longevity than other types of mattresses like memory foam, innerspring, hybrid and many more. An average latex mattress performs for at least seven-eight years before it needs to be replaced. Latex mattresses are reported to conform more to your body and align the spine to alleviate pressure points and relieve you off any pain and stress. There’s generally above average motion isolation with no noise over movements and minimal odour and mould and mildew build-up. Read more about best memory foam mattresses here.
Contents
Latex is regarded as one of the best materials in the mattress construction due to its organic nature, softness, breathability and resiliency. Luxury mattresses with usually higher price incorporate latex either in its support core or the comfort layers for an improved sleeping surface. You can opt for a latex mattress if you are looking for body-conforming, pressure points relief and enhanced body comfort. Apart from relieving your pressure points, latex mattresses are quite supportive and also impart some bounce due to its quick response time, apt for people who change their sleeping positions frequently and move around throughout the night. Another benefit of latex mattresses is its high resilience to mould, mildew and dust mites which turns out as the best option for people who are sensitive to allergens. So, a latex mattress can support, cradle and conform your body at the same time.
Latex mattresses, at their core, are made from the rubber material that has been whipped into a foam. Then this whipped foam material has been moulded and curled into sheets that can be stacked on top of similar materials or integrated with others. The material is extremely versatile, serving a variety of functions from cooling to contouring as we have discussed above. Now there are three varieties in latex – Natural, Synthetic, and Blend.
Natural latex as the name suggests is derived or produced from the sap of the rubber tree. There are two distinct processes to manufacture latex – Dunlop and Talalay. The Dunlop process involves stirring, moulding and stem-baking the rubber tree sap which causes the natural sediment to accumulate at the bottom, leaving a denser and a heavier foam at the top. There’s no chance of moisture retention because almost all of it is absorbed during the heating or baking process. It is manufactured as one complete piece and doesn’t require any assembly.
So, a Dunlop latex offers you with a firm feel but this firmness is inconsistent with a good bounce. So, a natural latex mattress comprises of 95% of latex and is not totally natural latex. Dunlop latex is ideal for people who weigh more than 230 pounds due to its durability and stability.
Important Note – There’s no mattress which is 100% organic or comprises of 100% natural latex despite all false claims by the sellers.
The Talalay process requires the sap to be placed in a vacuum-sealed chamber. After this, the sap is deprived of oxygen, frozen and baked. It is after this process, that you get the Talalay latex, which is softer, lighter and more homogenous than Dunlop Latex. Talalay latex mattress is produced in pieces and is glued or sued together for the purpose of making the final form. This form of latex is more bouncy, stays cool and responds well to the pressure and the look, whereas the feel and performance are all consistent.
To conclude, Talalay can have seams, whereas Dunlop has inconsistencies. Dunlop is firmer while Talalay tends to feel softer. But both of them are durable and can be made either synthetically or in a combination.
Now, synthetic latex is derived from petrochemicals. The latex found in most mattresses nowadays is a blend of natural and synthetic latex types. The synthetic latex is also produced using either Talalay or Dunlop processes. As per the pricing, natural latex is priced higher than synthetic or blended latex. As a synthetic latex comprises of harmful chemicals in its construction it should not be your first or best choice while selecting a latex mattress.
Blended latex is also known as latex hybrid and is a blend of natural latex with some synthetic latex. A blended latex comprises at least 30% of natural latex and rest all is a blend of synthetic latex. It helps in reducing chronic back and shoulders pain and also has the natural ability to motion transfer. The Blended Latex has natural anti-allergy and anti-bacterial properties which fight against dust mites and micro-organisms providing you with a clean and fresh sleeping surface. A major con to Blended Latex is that it is not completely made up of natural latex and comprises of a blend of harmful chemicals.
Latex mattresses tend to have a distinct feel and that is the reason it is preferred and demanded all over.
#1 Body-Conforming
Latex is known to conform your body shape and help align the spine and alleviate pressure points. Though the body-conforming abilities are not as great as memory foam but the natural shape recovery of the latex ensures that the mattress doesn’t develop indentations in the top surface.
#2 Adjusting Nature
A latex mattress is considered as a good option for side and back sleepers due to their ability to adjust to the sleeper’s curves rather than sinking beneath their weight like memory foam. It helps in relieving people suffering from chronic back and shoulder pain.
#3 Elasticity And Motion Isolation
A uniques feature about latex is its elasticity which means that it is very much elastic and is capable of isolating motion transfer without disturbing other areas of the mattress as well as your partner. Softer mattresses have a higher level of point elasticity. The lower the motion transfer will be the more your sleeping partner will not get disturbed.
#4 Noise Elimination
As latex is made up of organic sap turned to foam or synthetic materials, there’s virtually no chance of any noise and is silent while bearing the weight.
The ILD measures the firmness of the latex mattress, which means that how much pressure is required to indent the mattress by 25%. The ILD ratings vary according to the type of latex mattress such as a Talalay latex will have a lower ILD rating than a Dunlop latex and the same goes with natural and organic latex, that has a lower ILD than synthetic latex.
The ILD ratings are not the same as the density of the latex mattress which is used to measure the durability and also helps in evaluating the matrasses made from other materials. It is measured in pounds per cubic foot and denotes that higher the density the greater will be the durability and the longevity of the mattress.
Let’s have a look at different ILD ratings with its characteristics in latex mattresses and suitability for different sleeping positions.
#1 ILD Rating – 16 and below.
Category – Very soft.
Characteristics – The latex mattress will sink extremely low causing great discomfort for few sleepers.
Suitability – Back or side sleepers.
#2 ILD Rating – 19-21.
Category – Soft.
Characteristics – There is considerable sinkage for most sleepers.
Suitability – Back or side sleepers.
#3 ILD Rating – 24-26.
Category – Medium.
Characteristics – Has a perfect balance between the softness and firmness of the mattress and is ideal for the majority of the sleepers.
Suitability – Side sleepers.
#4 ILD Rating – 29-31.
Category – Medium-Firm
Characteristics – The mattress offers firm support with minimal sinkage.
Suitability – Back or stomach sleepers.
#5 ILD Rating – 34-36
Category – Firm
Characteristics – The mattress offers very firm support with almost little to no sinking.
Suitability – Back sleepers.
#5 ILD Rating – 39 and above.
Category – Very firm
Characteristics – The mattress offers an extreme firm feel with almost zero sinkage and causes discomfort to many sleepers.
Suitability – Back sleepers.
#1 The Support Core
The support core of the latex mattress is the most resilient and elastic part. The internal layer of the mattress maintains the bounciness and provides bodily pressure relief without permanently indenting to the curvature of the sleeper’s body. An all-natural latex mattress features a support core made entirely of foam whereas the support core of hybrid and synthetic latex models are often constructed from other materials such as polyfoam or pocketed coils. But talking about the durability part, a mattress with all-latex support core stands out as a more durable option and lasts up to five times longer than polyfoam.
#2 Air Circulation
As we have all learnt till now that latex is considered as the most breathable material used in mattress construction, which means that mattresses with latex tend to sleep cooler than other models. Matresses, especially with Talalay latex, are considered much cooler and breathable.
#3 Comfort Layers
Now as a comfort layer too, latex acts as a really good option for comfort durability and contouring. Talalay latex is considered more popular than Dunlop latex due to it’s softer and pillowy feel. But on the durably part Dunlop latex, as well as the blended latex, perform fairly well. As an affordable option, the blended Talalay hybrid comfort layers tend to be a great option that is also fairly resilient. Hybrid latex mattresses also use memory foam, gel, polyfoam, natural fibres and of course latex as the comfort layers.
#4 The Overall Thickness
The average range of thickness of all latex mattress is between six and twelve inches, while blended latex mattresses are usually eight to twelve inches thick. People who are heavy weighted should seek out an all-latex mattress that is at least ten inches thick for optimal support and conformation.
#5 The Mattress Cover
Latex mattress with organic or natural feature a cover made up of cotton and wool. Whereas blended and synthetic latex mattresses feature covers made from man-made materials such as synthetic cotton. The difference between these two types is quite evident and people who are eco-conscious may prefer a mattress that includes only natural components while cost minded shoppers will find mattresses with manmade covers as the cheaper option.
#6 Hypoallergenic Elements
Latex is made from materials that have the natural tendency to fight against dust mites, bacteria, fungus, and other allergy-causing organisms that are really harmful to us if found present in mattresses also. But having said that you should be aware of this very fact that, synthetic or hybrid latex mattresses are not hypoallergenic and are not suitable if you are very sensitive to allergens and should opt for natural latex mattress instead.
#7 Off-gassing Issues
Mattresses that use petrochemicals in the manufacturing process expose your body to harmful chemicals and also cause off-gassing issues. Instead, you should opt for a mattress that is made with 100% natural latex which makes your sleep totally free from odours and potentially harmful chemicals.
#8 Lifespan
The lifespan of the mattress is derived from the materials used in its construction which in turn affects the durability. Latex mattresses whether natural or organic tend to last for approximately eight to ten years although some of them also feature lifetime guarantees. On the other hand, there are blended and synthetic latex mattresses which last for about six to seven years. But of course, you can improve the lifespan by replacing the individual comfort layers.
#9 Warranty
It’s very important to consider the warranty while having a look at any mattress. Latex tends to last for about six to nine years but their warranties can go up to twenty to twenty-five years which is a plus point about them. Usually, latex mattresses do not come with defects but if you purchase the one with a warranty then any defect in the workmanship of the mattress will be covered and your mattress will be replaced.
#10 Cost
Organic and natural latex mattresses are priced higher than synthetic and blended latex mattresses due to its composition of the materials. Nowadays, the price of a latex mattress has decreased considerably so a queen size latex mattress lies between $1000 to $1200 and the luxury ones would cost thousands of dollars. The price of the latex mattress depends directly on the quality of the materials and the features that are built in the mattress design. But due to its high durability, a higher-priced latex mattress turns out to be a long-term investment. A synthetic or a blended latex mattress falls within $700 to $800 whereas some high-end models will cost you $2,000 or more.
Latex mattresses with slightly softer surfaces are apt for you guys with a medium-firm feel for the perfect sleeping surface. The mattress will offer you a medium amount of body-contouring which cushions your shoulders and hips well.
Latex mattresses especially manufactured with Dunlop latex works great for you as you guys require spinal support slumbering. They are great in cushioning your neck and abdomen area without any excessive sinkage.
Latex mattresses are really good for you as they offer superior support, unlike memory foam. You should opt for a medium-firm to a firm mattress as it complements well with your preferences and will cushion your abdomen area well without any sinkage while still maintaining the comfort.
A latex mattress comprises of various comfort layers which provides you with an adequate amount of comfort and support, perfect for combination sleepers.
Latex mattresses with their increased levels of durability, stability and density cater to the needs of people who have higher body weight. If you weigh over 230 pounds, then you should certainly opt for a slightly firmer mattress as it will prevent you from sinking or sagging into the mattress in a way that could cause spinal misalignment.
Foam mattresses tend to trap the body heat while you sleep over it, resulting in a hot sleeping surface and if you already sleep hot like with higher body temperature, then you will surely wake up sweating and will continue to face a disturbed sleep. Latex mattress performs great in temperature regulation and offers enhanced air-circulation and breathability.
Latex, as you all know is resistant to mould, mildew and dust mites, thus making itself a great choice for people with allergies.
Latex has proved out to be good news for people with chemical sensitivity because firstly natural latex does not emit any fumes which means no off-gassing and you will not experience any harsh odours. Secondly, latex mattresses naturally resist allergens, so the manufacturers don’t need to treat them with chemicals to deter mould and dust mites.
Especially sexually active couples love the bounce in a latex bed. Also, latex mattresses offer great motion isolation without disrupting the sleep of your partner.
If you are into organic products then you would surely love natural or organic latex mattresses. They are made from tree sap and do not incorporate any petrochemicals as in other types of mattresses.
This firm latex mattress incorporates 3 inches of latex with 7 inches of high-density foam as the foam layers for a sturdy support core and offers a pressure-relieving and a supportive mattress with a firm feel. The natural latex offers a resilient feel and conforming support. The mattress has a ventilated design which improves the air circulation throughout the foam layers and promotes breathability.
This latex mattress conforms to your body well and also regulates the temperature while relieving the pressure points for a comfortable sleeping surface. The mattress also includes a cover which further improves the breathability and absorbs the moisture featuring a dry, comfortable and a fresh sleeping surface.
This latex mattress uses all-natural latex foam and is free from synthetic, blended or polyfoam. The mattress comprises of a support core that too incorporates latex with 2 inches of natural latex as the topmost soft comfort layer for an excellent sleeping surface. The combination of all these layers provides a mattress that is both comfortable and supportive and also imparts a medium-firm feel for you.
It also includes a cover comprising of organic cotton and an inch of organic wool for improved height and comfort and maintains the organic nature of the mattress. The mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified with no fire retardant chemicals or barrier cloths.
This a latex hybrid mattress which means it combines latex as one of the comfort layers with different layers and a support core. The support core of the mattress comprises of 5.5 inches of high-quality steel coils that are individually wrapped so as to increase air circulation, motion isolation and body-conforming for a comfortable sleep surface. For the comfort layers, the mattress includes gel memory for enhanced support, contouring, motion isolation and the gel infusion in it ensures a cool sleeping surface.
On top of this lays an inch of latex for its hypoallergenic and breathable properties. The mattress also includes a cover and is backed by a 10-year warranty with 100-night risk-free sleep trial.
This latex hybrid mattress comprises of individually wrapped coils which enhance the support and comfort of the mattress and also offers great motion isolation In addition to this, the mattress also incorporates memory foam that provides conforming comfort and pressure relief. This hybrid design features the right balance between the firmness and softness suitable for all sleepers. The encased coil structure also helps in better air-circulation while eliminating noise.
The topmost layer is the latex which helps your body breathe, avoid heat traps, conforms your body and relieves pressure points. The foams are CertiPur US Certified, eco-friendly and durable. The mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty and offers a 30-night sleep trial.
This latex hybrid mattress comprises of all-natural latex as the topmost layer with Talalay technology for a healthier and more comfortable sleeping surface. It is derived from the saps of the tree with zero formaldehyde, toxins, heavy metals, bad odour and allergens. The mattress also incorporates an advanced air memory and gel memory foam for improved air circulation and breathability.
The combination of all these layers provides you with excellent support, comfort, breathability and motion isolation thereby leading to pressure point relief and spinal alignment. The pocketed coils used in the support core also offer localised bounce with motion isolation.
The Linenspa latex hybrid mattress comprises if individually wrapped coils that promotes excellent motion isolation and edge support for stability and durability. On top of the support core, the mattress has comfort layers made up of foam and latex for an enhanced supportive and comfortable feel. The latex layers promote breathability, air circulation, body-conforming and pressure point relief. The hybrid style of the mattress bestows a soft, responsive and durable feel.
The cradling feels and the quick response time of the latex offers you a medium-firm, comfortable and supportive feel apt for almost all sleeping positions. Linenespa offers a 100-night sleep trial and backs the mattress with a 10-year warranty.
The support core of this mattress incorporates innerspring coil system along with latex layers as the comfort layers to impart the relaxation you crave for. The natural latex conforms to the curves of your body and relieves the pressure points in any sleeping position. The supportive coil base provides motion isolation, noise elimination, contouring and much more. The elasticity of natural latex offers point-elasticity, breathability and prevents heat traps in the mattress.
The foam is CertiPur US certified and is also adjustable base friendly. So as a whole the mattress performs fairly well in providing the motion isolation, noise elimination, support and responsiveness, also imparts great pressure point relief, body-conforming, breathability and better air circulation.
I certainly thought that when we are discussing mattresses with latex then why not incorporate a latex mattress topper too so that if you don’t even own a mattress with latex at least you opt for a topper to reap out the benefits of latex. This latex topper has a luxurious feel to it and has a natural resilience to it and comes in three different firmness options to cater to your needs. The Talalay latex provides great pressure point relief which is up to 33% more than the conventional foam and fibre cushioning materials.
It adapts to the curves of your body and imparts support while regulating the temperature and relieving pressure points. It incorporates the hypoallergenic, antibacterial, dust mites, moulds and mildew resistance qualities.
This latex topper imparts a supportive yet comfortable feel to the mattress. It promotes point elasticity and enhances the supportive response so that you can enjoy a bouncy yet supportive sleeping surface apt for almost all sleeping positions. The topper is all-natural free from synthetic fillers and fibres.
The latex topper has an ILD of 20 and a density of 4Lbs/cubic feet. The topper imparts you with enhanced comfort, breathability and support with utmost durability and stability.
This is a 3-inch latex mattress topper that provides you with all the benefits of a latex mattress without owning one. The mattress is super supportive and has enhanced elasticity for a quick response which is apt for almost all sleeping positions. The topper is all-natural and is free from synthetic latex and fillers.
The topper is appropriate for people who prefer firm support, pressure point relief, but by being extremely comfortable for a relaxed sleeping surface. The mattress has a density of 5.0Lbs/cubic foot and an ILD of 30 for the firmness ratings.
Answer. Latex in itself is made from the sap of a tree which makes it way more suitable than materials derived from chemicals for mattresses. So a latex mattress is first of all quite organic in nature if not blended or synthetic. Secondly, a latex mattress provides you with ample support, comfort, bounce, body-conformation and pressure point relief, ideal for almost all sleeping positions.
Answer. Latex mattresses provide a supportive yet comfortable feel to your mattress. With its improved point elasticity, you can easily change your sleeping position without disruptions. A latex mattress offers ideal support and conforms to your body in such a way that it supports your abdomen, back and neck area while releasing its pressure and offering a relaxed feel and not numbness.
Answer. A latex mattress offers cushioned support to your body which can be beneficial for some of you who are not suffering from acute back pain but if you have chronic back pain then you should opt for memory foam because the level of conformity is slightly higher than a latex mattress. Otherwise, latex too performs exactly well with the same amount of support, comfort, breathability and pressure point relief like memory foam and also features a longer lifespan.
Answer. Latex mattresses can be really good for babies due to it’s organic, supportive and hypoallergenic properties. You can opt for a firm one for newborn and a medium-firm latex mattress for toddlers. Latex mattresses are great in relieving the pressure points and conform the body moderately which thereby aids in the proper growth and development of your baby. Apart from its organic nature, the breathability, support, body-conforming and hypoallergenic qualities will ensure a quality sleep without making them inhale chemicals.
So, these were some of the best latex mattresses with some toppers too which enhances your sleeping experience by conforming your body shape and relieving the pressure points. It also helps in aligning your spine and adjusts according to your body shape and thereby relieves you from back or shoulders pain. It also performs fairly well in imparting point elasticity, noise elimination and motion isolation, perfect for sleepers who change their positions quite frequently and also for amorous activities. An all-natural latex mattress has a longer span for about 10-12 years and at times even more than that than other foam mattresses which means it is a long-time investment and you can reap the benefits for a really long period. If you found this article helpful, please like and share it and do let us know your suggestions in the comment section below.