What Is The Best Latex Mattress?

Overview

Gone are the days of the squeaky old mattress. These days, there are many more mattresses than just your standard innerspring mattress. A type of mattress you may not have heard of before is a latex mattress. Some mattresses may have a conforming latex top layer with a foam core, some mattresses may have a latex support core, and some may be a hybrid mattress with pocketed coils for support and a latex layer on top. Others are purely made of latex. The number of latex layers will affect the price, but that is good news because it means you will be able to find something to fit your budget. Latex mattresses can be all-natural, synthetic, or a combination of both. Again, this is another aspect of latex mattresses that can affect price. Still, with so many options available, you can find something to fit your budget and also health and allergy needs and/or environmental desires.

Memory Foam Versus Latex

Overall, latex is a very comfortable material to sleep on, as it has nearly all of the same conforming, comfortable, and cozy feelings as sleeping on a memory foam mattress. However, one of the main drawbacks to a memory foam mattress is that many people find the “sinking in” feeling leading to feeling enveloped, which results in hot and sweaty nights. With latex, that sweaty discomfort is virtually eliminated. It is a much cooler, more breathable material, but the conforming, “hugging”, comfort is still there to help alleviate back and joint pain. 

Memory foam conforms much more closely to your body, which is helpful for eliminating aches and pains, but you may find yourself sinking down and feeling enveloped by the foam; some people love this “cloud-like” feeling, but some find it uncomfortable and too hot. This contrasts with a latex mattress because, as mentioned above, they tend to just “hug” the body instead of enveloping it. This allows for more airflow and a cooler night’s sleep. The latex materials also aid with staying cool while sleeping because there is usually an open cell structure, allowing airflow and countering, not trapping, body heat.

Another notable difference between memory foam and latex mattresses is the bounce factor. Both memory foam and latex mattresses are great for basically cancelling noise and have wonderful motion isolation. However, there is little to no response from a memory foam mattress, which is great for motion isolation, so you do not have to toss and turn along with your partner during the night. Some couples, however, find that the “sinking in” feeling with no response is not very conducive to sex and may need a little more bounce; with a latex mattress, you will get that bounce and responsiveness; latex beds can support your spine and your sex life all while keeping you from feeling your partner shifting throughout the night. 

Types and Feel of Latex

There are two types of latex widely used by companies: Dunlop or Talalay latex; these differ in the process used to create them, which results in a different feel. Dunlop latex is poured into a mold and set, which causes it to be denser and more firm on the bottom, but softer on top. In contrast, Talalay is infused with air while being molded, so it has a lighter, fluffier feeling all around. Because of the more time-consuming process used to create Talalay, these types of latex mattresses are generally a bit more expensive. If budget is not an issue, you can try out both a Dunlop and Talalay latex mattress to see which feels more comfortable to you; different sleepers and different-sized people may find they prefer one over the other. Thankfully, these days, many companies offer a trial period where you try a mattress for an extended period of time and return it if it’s not working for you.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Long-lasting; on average, about eight years.
• Cooling, breathable materials will help keep you cool at night.
• Latex conforms to your body to offer pressure point relief and support optimal spinal alignment. 
• A conforming aspect is a wonderful option for people who tend to move a lot during the night; the high degree of motion isolation will keep you and your partner sleeping through the movement.
• On the flip side, there is not so much motion isolation that there is little responsiveness; many find that latex mattresses support sex better than memory foam due to the extra little bounce.
• Very eco-friendly.

Cons:

• Latex mattresses tend to run more on the pricey side. However, the durability makes this investment also a pro.
• Many consumers find that latex mattresses are heavy, and as a result, more difficult to move. 

Is a Latex Mattress Worth It?

A latex mattress can run on the more expensive side, but this kind of investment seems worth it to many consumers because they are incredibly durable and long-lasting. Latex mattresses could be the right choice for you if you desire the conforming, cushiony feeling of a memory foam mattress but sleep hot and need some more airflow to keep you cool. A latex mattress could also be the bed for you if you want the cushiony, hugging feeling of a foam mattress, but with some bounce and spring. Another great reason a latex mattress is worth it is that it can help lessen your carbon footprint or relieve allergies; some latex mattresses are completely all-natural, hypoallergenic, and totally organic. 

Overall, latex mattresses are a great option for basically all types of sleepers, and you can almost certainly find something to meet all of your (and your partner’s) needs. Though these mattresses may be more pricey, there are many different options available with different price points, and of course, quality mattresses made with high-quality materials are a wise investment. You are really investing in yourself, ensuring that you get the best night’s sleep to help your overall health and wellness.