What are Natural Latex Mattresses?

Written by Tyla Oliver, Sleep Health Writer

Methodology

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches examined the latest peer-reviewed research in order to relay the most accurate sleep health information.

In This Article

I’ll explain what natural latex mattresses are and examine their pros and cons.

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In the ever-evolving world of sleep products, natural latex mattresses have gained significant attention for their unique properties and eco-friendly appeal. These mattresses, crafted from the sap of rubber trees, offer a compelling blend of comfort and sustainability. As more individuals prioritize their well-being and environmental consciousness, understanding the nuances of natural latex mattresses becomes increasingly important.

In this article, we’ll explore natural latex mattresses, delving into their origins, manufacturing processes and the reasons behind their growing popularity.

What Are Natural Latex Mattresses?

Natural latex mattresses are manufactured from the sap of rubber trees. The natural latex is then processed to become a foam-like latex mattress. 

Mattresses made from organically farmed natural latex are considered some of the best organic mattresses. You won’t be exposed to harmful chemicals when you sleep on one of these mattresses. 

Natural vs Synthetic Latex

While natural latex is made by processing the sap from rubber trees, synthetic latex is made from petroleum by-product polymers. 

Are Natural Latex Mattresses Organic and Eco-Friendly?

Not all natural latex mattresses are organic. This is because organic materials are defined by the farming practices used. While organic natural latex is farmed without the use of harmful chemicals, there are still natural latex materials being manufactured that use these chemicals during the farming process. 

Unsure of whether your latex mattress was made organically? Look for these mattress certifications.  

How Is Natural Latex Made?

The sap of the rubber tree is harvested via a tap, and ammonia is added to prevent the sap from solidifying. Once enough has been harvested, acid is added to the rubber to create coagulation so that the rubber can be extracted.

In order to make latex, excess water is removed by passing the rubber sheets through rollers before it is hung to dry. It is then processed to create natural latex. 

Pros and Cons of Natural Latex Mattresses

Common Latex Mattress Complaints

If you are seriously considering investing in a latex mattress, these are some of the common complaints that you may need to consider. 

Bounce and Motion Transfer

If you like a mattress with good motion isolation, then a latex mattress might not be for you. Latex mattress doesn’t isolate motion very well, so if your partner moves on the bed next to you, you will likely feel it. If motion isolation is a concern for you, check out our best mattress for couples.

Latex mattresses also have a fair amount of bounce. If we compare them to memory foam mattresses, which take a while to remold to their former shape, latex mattresses bounce back a lot faster. While this is a dealbreaker for some, it is all up to personal preferences. 

RELATED: Memory Foam vs Latex Mattresses

Heavy

When it comes to moving a mattress, it’s never an easy process. But latex mattresses are even heavier than regular mattresses. This means you will likely need additional help if you decide to move your mattress.

Cost

If you’re looking to get one of the best affordable mattresses, then you may not be too impressed with the price of a natural latex mattress. They are known for being on the more expensive side, but they do tend to last longer than most memory foam mattresses. For that reason, some people may say that they are one of the best mattresses for the money.

Why are Natural Latex Mattresses So Expensive?

Latex is expensive because rubber trees are in such high demand in many different industries, so producing these mattresses comes at a cost. 

Off-Gassing

Off-gassing is a term used to describe the breakdown of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit less-than-pleasant smells. The smell should dissipate after a few days, but you can speed up the process by airing out the mattress in a well-ventilated room.

How to Clean and Care for Natural Latex Mattresses

When it comes time to clean your mattress, you should gently wash it with water and mild soap. You can then dab it with a cloth to soak up the water, and leave it to air dry. Note that you should keep it out of the sun during the washing and drying process. 

What to Look For When Buying a Natural Latex Mattress

There are a couple of things you need to look out for when shopping for a latex mattress: 

Quality Materials

The quality of the material is one of the most important factors to look out for, so be sure to read the label and find out if the latex was produced from organically farmed rubber trees. 

Cost

While natural latex mattresses are known for being pricey, you want to get the most for your money. So be sure to look around and compare your options before sealing the deal. 

Firmness

Everyone has their own personal preferences when it comes to firm vs soft mattresses. Most latex mattresses feel quite firm, but there are a few that are a bit softer. 

Pressure Relief

You’ll want a mattress that offers pressure relief so that it evenly disperses your weight across the mattress. This is particularly important for side sleepers who tend to feel pressure along their shoulders and hips.

Durability

When you are buying a mattress, you want it to last as long as possible. After all, it is an expensive investment. Natural latex mattresses are known for being more durable than most, so rest assured it’s a good investment for your sleep

Cooling

If you’re a hot sleeper, then you’ll want to ensure you are buying a cooling mattress that can help to regulate your temperature throughout the night. Natural latex mattresses are particularly good at regulating temperature, making them ideal for hot sleepers. 

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