Compared to other beds, latex mattresses are often more durable, breathable, bouncy and cooling. And here at Mattress Clarity, we’ve spent countless hours of research and testing to come up with the best latex mattresses that stand out from all the rest. We considered over 20 different latex mattresses, but only eight made the cut. This article will go over each of them, as well as highlight what sleepers should look for when shopping.
The 10 Best Latex Mattresses
- Birch Natural – Best Overall
- WinkBeds EcoCloud – Best Latex Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Nolah Natural – Best Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep – Best Latex Hybrid Mattress
- Saatva Latex Hybrid – Best Luxury Latex Mattress
- PlushBeds – Best Organic Latex Mattress
- Awara Natural Hybrid – Best Firm Latex Mattress
- Silk & Snow Organic Mattress – Best Latex Mattress in a Box
Video Review: Best Latex Mattresses of 2024
Compare the Best Latex Mattresses
Birch Natural Mattress | WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep | Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress | PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress | Awara Mattress | Silk & Snow Organic Mattress | |
Rating | ||||||||
Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | |
Material | Hybrid | Latex | Latex | Latex | Latex | Latex | Latex | Latex |
Cooling | — | — | ||||||
Best For |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Back Sleepers
|
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Back Pain |
Hot Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Seniors,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Sleepers |
Hot Sleepers
|
How We Tested the Best Latex Mattresses
To put together this best mattress reviews list, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches spent time actually lying down on each mattress, performing hands-on testing, and evaluating the factors above to determine which would be the best fit for each ranking.
For example, we test the motion isolation of each mattress by placing a glass of water on it and pressing the layers around it. If the water moves a lot, we know that the mattress does not have great motion isolation.
We also test the edge support to see how much the bed collapses and look at a pressure map of the mattress to understand where there is built up pressure while laying on it. Rather than simply saying “this mattress is great” or “this mattress is terrible,” we recognize that this is a fairly subjective process. As a result, we simply try to point people in the right direction by categorizing each mattress and saying what type of sleeper might like it. Our rigorous testing and reporting process has helped over 4,500 readers purchase the best mattress for their needs.
How We Chose the Best Latex Mattresses
Every bed we consider goes through a battery of tests, but when compiling a roundup of latex mattresses, a few features are weighed more heavily than others. Here’s a bit more on those factors, and why they matter more for a latex mattress:
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation can be a clutch factor to consider with latex mattresses, especially if you share the bed with a partner. Why? Well, for better and for sometimes worse, latex is naturally more responsive and bouncy compared to memory foam. That’s great if you like a bed with bounce, but the material also may not absorb motion as effectively. However, we took special care to find high-quality latex mattresses that are designed to reduce motion transfer by layering different materials, or using denser latex in specific areas, helping to better isolate movement. For hybrid latex beds with an innerspring layer, we also only included beds with individually pocketed coils, rather than one continuously winding coil, which better isolates movement.
Type of Latex
Obviously, all of these beds incorporate latex in their construction. But there’s a few different types of latex, and the main division is synthetic versus natural latex. We steered toward natural latex options, which means the latex has been harvested from rubber trees and is more eco-friendly, durable, and hypoallergenic (and often certified organic). Synthetic latex made from petrochemicals tends to be less expensive, but isn’t on-par with natural latex in terms of resilience and eco-friendliness as natural latex. In our experience, natural latex also offers better cooling, and more comfort.
Firmness
Firmness is king when it comes to finding comfort, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all metric. Therefore in our latex mattress roundup, we featured an array of firmnesses to meet every sleep position and need. If you prefer a softer feel with more contouring, we suggest you go for a latex mattress that testers consider to be medium or medium-soft. For those who crave extra support, a medium-firm to firm bed is a great option, especially for stomach sleepers who need more support under the hips for spinal alignment.
Best Overall – Birch Natural
Birch Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Latex Mattress for Combination Sleepers – WinkBeds EcoCloud
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The WinkBeds EcoCloud is a very supportive latex hybrid mattress.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The WinkBeds EcoCloud is a very supportive latex hybrid mattress.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers – Nolah Natural
Nolah Natural Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Natural Mattress
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Natural Mattress
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Latex Hybrid Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep
Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep
The EcoSleep Hybrid features a luxurious and eco-friendly design.
Material
Latex
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep
The EcoSleep Hybrid features a luxurious and eco-friendly design.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Luxury Latex Mattress – Saatva Latex Hybrid
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a luxury mattress with a nice balance of comfort and support.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a luxury mattress with a nice balance of comfort and support.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Organic Latex Mattress – PlushBeds Botanical Bliss
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress
A great organic option for folks who want a little bounce and some cooling.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress
A great organic option for folks who want a little bounce and some cooling.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Firm Latex Mattress – Awara Natural Hybrid
Awara Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Awara Mattress
The Awara is a firmer latex hybrid mattress that could be a good pick for back and stomach sleepers.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Awara Mattress
The Awara is a firmer latex hybrid mattress that could be a good pick for back and stomach sleepers.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Latex Mattress in a Box – Silk & Snow Organic
Silk & Snow Organic Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Silk & Snow Organic Mattress
The Silk & Snow Organic mattress is a medium-firm hybrid with GOLS and GOTS certified materials.
Material
Latex
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Silk & Snow Organic Mattress
The Silk & Snow Organic mattress is a medium-firm hybrid with GOLS and GOTS certified materials.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Other Latex Mattresses We Like
While these mattresses didn’t make our list of top 10, these mattresses are still a great option for people who are looking for a latex mattress. Check out our recommendations below.
Zenhaven Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Zenhaven Mattress
Zenhaven is an all-natural latex mattress that is innovative and has an excellent match of comfort and support.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Zenhaven Mattress
Zenhaven is an all-natural latex mattress that is innovative and has an excellent match of comfort and support.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Silk & Snow Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Silk & Snow Mattress
The Silk & Snow mattress is an all-foam bed with a gel-infused comfort layer. It works well for side sleepers who need pressure relief and couples who like beds with great motion isolation.
Material
Foam
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Silk & Snow Mattress
The Silk & Snow mattress is an all-foam bed with a gel-infused comfort layer. It works well for side sleepers who need pressure relief and couples who like beds with great motion isolation.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Are Latex Mattresses Good for Heavier Sleepers?
Marten is our Lead Reviewer who has participated in all of our latex mattress reviews. He weighs about 230 lbs and is 6’7″ tall. Here’s what he thought about these mattresses:
8 Benefits of Latex Mattresses
There are plenty of reasons why latex mattresses are becoming more and more popular, and there have been numerous new brands that have entered the market recently. This type of mattress can offer a lot of different, wide-ranging benefits:
- Durability: Natural latex mattresses will typically last longer than memory foam or poly foam because of the density of the foams used in the construction. Latex foam mattresses shouldn’t sag the way many foam mattresses are wont to do, so if you’re viewing your purchase as a long-term investment, then this could be a huge benefit. Make sure to read up on our top picks for the best mattresses that won’t sag.
- Bounce: This is more of a personal preference, but latex mattresses are known for having great bounce overall, making them potentially good for sex. Simply put, it’s easier to move around in the bed and/or switch sleeping positions.
- Elasticity: Latex can be compressed in one spot without affecting neighboring areas. This allows it to cradle the body, providing support and relieving stress on pressure points.
- Not feeling stuck: Memory foam owners often complain about the feeling of getting stuck in their mattresses, but this isn’t the case with latex foam. The surface is very responsive and you won’t slowly sink into it. At the same time, you still get a good amount of pressure relief.
- Hypoallergenic: Latex resists mildew, mold, and dust mites, which are all allergens. Its open-cell structure allows air to flow through. This also keeps sleepers dry. As long as people opt for natural latex, they can also have peace of mind that it probably hasn’t been heated with harsh chemicals.
- Natural: Natural latex foam is the only way for a mattress to be considered “Green.” Some companies may claim that their mattress is eco-friendly, but unless they use natural latex, that’s not going to be the case. If people want a real green mattress with natural materials, latex is the way to go.
- Sustainability: Latex is derived from rubber trees, which can yield as long as 30 years. The trees don’t need herbicides or pesticides to thrive, and the bark heals quickly after the serum is harvested. When trees are spent, the land can be replanted immediately, and natural latex will eventually biodegrade.
- Good for hot sleepers: If you overheat at night, a latex mattress could be a good option. The material is naturally breathable and helps dissipate heat. While materials like memory foam are known to trap heat, this shouldn’t be an issue with a latex mattress.
3 Drawbacks to Latex Mattresses
If anyone has seen any of our latex mattress reviews, they’ll know that latex is not for everyone. Here are a few drawbacks to consider:
- Weight: Natural latex mattresses are very dense and thus very heavy and difficult to move around. Consumers will need at least two people to transport the mattresses successfully. This isn’t that big of a deal once people get their mattresses set up, but if you think you’ll ever have to move it from one home to another, then it’s something to consider.
- Higher cost: Natural latex is very difficult and costly to source. As a result, these mattresses tend to cost quite a bit. You have to be willing to pay a lot of money. These beds will last a long time, so the value is there, but they may not be in everyone’s budget.
- The feel isn’t for everyone. Some people may not like the bouncy nature of latex. Make sure you understand the type of feel that you like before jumping in and making a purchase.
Latex vs. Memory Foam Mattresses
- Latex mattresses will typically be more breathable. The foam is more open-celled and not as prone to trapping heat as memory foam.
- Latex mattresses, on the whole, should be more durable than most memory foam mattresses because of the overall density of latex foams.
- Latex will have more bounce and a sleeping on-top-of-the-mattress feeling, while the memory foam will have a slow, sinking-in feeling that resembles quicksand. Once again, this all comes down to taste, so one is not necessarily better than the other in this regard.
- Memory foam will have better motion isolation, potentially making it the best mattress for couples.
- Memory foam will have a bit better pressure relief in most (but not all) cases.
- Latex will be a more green option than memory foam in almost all instances.
Latex vs. Innerspring Mattresses
- Both mattress types will be breathable and should sleep cool throughout the night.
- Both mattresses will have some good bounce.
- Latex beds will offer a more “green” option, as even the best innerspring mattresses usually come with a poly foam pillow-top (made from petrochemicals).
- A latex mattress typically should be more durable than the average spring mattress because of the density of the foams used in the construction.
Latex Allergies
A lot of readers have asked if latex mattresses will be a problem for people with a latex allergy, but there’s no truth to that rumor. All credible studies show that people will not have a reaction to latex in their bedding. That’s because the latex goes through a washing process that removes any proteins from the material that could potentially cause a reaction.
What to Look for in a Latex Mattress
When people look at a latex mattress, they’ll be exposed to an entirely new terminology compared to other types of mattresses. Key decisions will be natural vs synthetic/blend, Dunlop vs Talalay processing, unique mattress warranty considerations, and density/ILD.
Natural vs. Synthetic Latex
The latex in a mattress can be all-natural latex, synthetic latex, or a blend of natural and synthetic. Natural latex (from rubber trees) and synthetic latex (made through a chemical process) feel quite similar, though in general, natural latex mattresses are preferred.
Natural latex support cores breathe and pull moisture away from the body. This keeps sleepers cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and more comfortable year-round. This form of latex is inherently anti-microbial, hyper-allergenic, and dust-mite-resistant.
Generally, the decision here comes down to how pricey each type of blend is. People prefer the feel and eco-friendliness of natural latex, but even the most reasonably priced all-natural mattresses start at around $2,000. If you can afford it, go natural, but otherwise, synthetic/blend will offer a pretty similar sleeping experience.
Dunlop vs. Talalay
Dunlop and Talalay are two different types of latex processing. Even though both come from a rubber tree, the two types of processing result in different feelings. Dunlop processing leads to a firmer feel and Talalay processing leads to a softer feel.
One type of latex support core is not necessarily better than the other. Dunlop is denser while Talalay tends to attract those looking for a pillow-soft surface. Dunlop is typically heavier and more durable, but Talalay has a wider variety of ILD ratings.
I will say, it’s true that Talalay produces a more consistent latex. I recommend that you think about the feel of the mattress rather than the processing method to make your final decision because the differences aren’t very noticeable.
Latex Mattress Warranty
People will want to look at the warranty carefully (as with any mattress), but the thing to be concerned about with latex is the standard for compression/body impressions. This is the most likely issue that will come up with a latex mattress, so people should just be aware of the terms and how they expect the mattress to behave over time.
Learn more about mattress warranties.
Latex Density and ILD
With latex mattresses, people will commonly hear two measures of the foam: the density (a measure of weight given volume) and ILD (a measure of firmness).
The mattress density will be communicated in pounds (lbs) and is a measure of weight per square foot. To generalize, the higher the density, in most instances, the higher the durability of the foam.
The ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) is a measure of firmness, ranging generally from 14–44, meaning the higher the number, the firmer the mattress will be. ILD describes how easily the material will conform to one’s body. So, if someone likes to sink into the bed upon contact, choose a lower rating. A rating of 14 would mean it’s extremely soft while 44 would be super-firm. However, most ratings fall between 19 and 37.
Summary
Here’s a recap of our top picks for people looking for a latex mattress:
Mattress | Superlative |
Birch Natural | Best Overall |
WinkBeds EcoCloud | Best Latex Mattress for Combination Sleepers |
Nolah Natural | Best Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers |
Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep | Best Latex Hybrid Mattress |
Saatva Latex Hybrid | Best Luxury Latex Mattress |
PlushBeds | Best Organic Latex Mattress |
Awara Natural Hybrid | Best Firm Latex Mattress |
Silk & Snow Organic Mattress | Best Latex Bed in a Box |
Still searching for your next perfect mattress? Take our mattress quiz to receive tailored recommendations that match your preferences.
Best Latex Mattress FAQs
What are the benefits of latex mattresses?
Latex mattresses tend to be more durable than other mattress types. They’re also very breathable, making them ideal for hot sleepers. Additionally, they’re very responsive, making it easy to move around the mattress and switch positions.
Which are better, memory foam or latex mattresses?
This really depends on one’s personal preferences. Memory foam mattresses are probably for pressure relief and body contouring. Latex mattresses are more durable and breathable, and they can support more weight, too.
How long does a latex mattress last?
A latex mattress should last a long time, potentially more than 10 years if it’s all-latex. Latex mattresses are very durable overall.
Why are latex mattresses so expensive?
Natural latex is very difficult to source and it doesn’t come from the United States. Because of this, the mattresses are going to have to cost more.
Do latex mattresses sleep hot?
Latex mattresses have very open-celled foam and are quite breathable. As a result, sleepers should not sleep hot.
What kind of foundation do you need for a latex mattress?
While many latex mattresses don’t need it, a good foundation is going to give you proper center support and keep you elevated above the floor. Wooden slats and even plywood (such as the kind found in a platform bed) work perfectly well, although if you opt for slats, make sure each one is no more than 8″ apart. Ideally, the slats will be no more than 3″ apart. Regardless of which foundation you choose, make sure that it’s supportive and doesn’t sag.
Are latex mattresses good for a bad back?
While it will likely vary from person to person, latex mattresses tend to be good options for sleepers with back pain due to the firmness and responsiveness of the material. Many latex beds are bouncy and medium-firm, thus providing spinal support and promoting neutral spinal alignment.
Do latex mattresses off-gas?
Off-gassing refers to the faint chemical smell emitted by many bed-in-a-box mattresses when you open them. The odor is harmless and usually goes away after you place the mattress in a well-ventilated room for 48 hours or so. If a mattress is 100 percent natural latex, it will not release any off-gassing smells. However, if it contains synthetic latex or certain other synthetic materials, there’s a chance you might detect some off-gassing.