Best Latex Mattress Reviews

A good night’s sleep can make a big difference in our overall health and well-being, so finding the right mattress is an important decision. Many people seek out latex mattresses when they are looking for both comfort and durability. Latex is material that is naturally derived, sustainably sourced which, when used in mattress construction, makes it an eco-friendly sleep solution. Latex mattresses are a preferred option for individuals seeking a natural, hypoallergenic sleeping environment.

It is important to know that latex mattresses are available in natural latex, synthetic latex and a variety of combinations of materials, each offering different comfort and price advantages and disadvantages. Purchasing options, such as a latex mattress topper can be a great choice as well. It can be difficult to decide which latex mattress is right for you. Below we will help you identify which latex mattress would be a great pick given your particular needs and preferences in regards to design, materials, comfort and cost. Read on to find some great picks for highly rated latex mattresses. You will also find a detailed guide to latex mattress types to help you decide which one will be the best pick for you.

The Best Latex Mattresses

Latex Mattress Buyers Guide

A new mattress is a purchase that can make a significant impact on your life. It can be easy to overlook the degradation of your current mattress since it occurs so gradually. However, when it’s time for something new, you’ll be impressed with what a difference the right product can have on your overall well-being, comfort, and quality of life.

If this time has come for you, you’re going to come across a number of product types featuring a variety of components. If you’re considering the purchase of something containing latex, there are a number of reasons why we feel you’ll be pretty happy with the investment when it comes to durability. Let’s delve a little bit deeper into this material and explore what separates a latex mattress from the pack.

Latex in History

All great ideas start somewhere, and the story behind latex can be traced as far back as the fourth century B.C. when Lydian natives were noted playing with bouncy balls made from latex rubber material.

Charles Marie de la Condamine Andes noted in the mid-1700’s during his travels along the Amazon that he observed the natives “milking” trees for liquid used to waterproof fabrics. He first used the word “latex” to describe the milk, and, in 1751, he presented his work on the study of this material to the Paris Academy of Science. You can learn more about the early developments of his discoveries in the book Tears of the Tree: The Story of Rubber — A Modern Marvel by John Loadman.

As people began to realize the many potential uses of latex, they began to create a variety of products. Just a few that made their way into the market shortly following Andes’ discovery include:

• Rubber bands
• Pencil erasers
• Waterproof fabrics
• Elastic strips
• Rubber hoses
• Balloons
• Tires

By 1914, entrepreneurs around the world were making efforts to discover the next big innovation in latex technology, and a new genre was introduced when P Schidrowitz and HA Goldsborough patented the manufacture of foams from latex as opposed to dry rubber using latex concentration by centrifugation. While the idea wasn’t an initial success, during the 1990’s, there was a revival of the latex bed, and innovations that manifested since this time have presented the mattress industry with a number of excellent latex mattress brands to consider as you shop.

Talalay vs. Dunlop Latex

In order to make informed latex mattress comparisons, there are two terms you’re going to want to be aware of. These are Talalay and Dunlop latex. Both terms describe the manufacturing process used to create mattress products, and you’re sure to come across them as you shop around.

The Dunlop Process

The Dunlop process preceded Talalay, so first let’s take a look at what goes into making a batch:

• Rubber trees are tapped for liquid latex
• After being whipped, the latex is placed in a mold.
• The contents of the mold are heated in a hot oven.
• When finished, latex is cleaned.
• Moisture is removed through heating.

The Talalay Process

The manufacturing of Talaly latex is much the same except for a small change. When pouring the mold, there is a small space remaining, and this allows for expansion of the latex. Since carbon dioxide escapes, this makes small pathways that can aid in keeping your mattress cool.

A picture’s worth a thousand words, and it can be difficult to visualize these processes through reading alone. I’d encourage you to check out this video from Talalay Global that visually walks you through each step of the Talalay manufacturing process.

Talalay vs. Dunlop Durability

It can be difficult to gauge the durability of any product even if you have a chance to test it out in a store. Typically, we look at the density of a material to get an idea of how well it will stand the test of time. However, when it comes to any latex material, you can usually expect good durability. Since Talalay does have tunnels within the material to help it breathe, this can cause it to feature a lower density. However, keep in mind that two processes can be manipulated in ways that impact the overall durability. That’s why it’s good to understand a few other features to decide what will prove best for you.

Environmental Impact

Most of us are aware of the strains we are putting on our environment with all of our technological advancements, and our desire to benefit mankind can be a primary driving factor in the purchase of a slew of products and services. As a general rule, the more mechanical processes that are involved in manufacturing process, the more harmful byproduct released into the atmosphere will result. Talalay does require a few extra steps in manufacturing. Therefore, if eco-friendliness is high on your priority list, you may want to focus on Dunlop latex products.

The Price of Cool Sleep

We all want to get the most bang for our buck, and, when you shop latex, you can generally expect a high overall durability. However, you also want to ensure you find a product that allows you to sleep cool so you can enjoy the more restorative stages of sleep. Since the Talalay process creates tunnels due to the vacuum that’s created prior to freezing, you can generally expect these products to more easily release heat.

Because extra steps are taken to deliver this quality in a latex product, you will often find that Talalay latex is a little bit pricier. However, if you tend to sleep really hot, the added investment can easily be one that pays off in the long run.

A Look at Synthetic

Not all latex is natural. There are synthetic latex materials on the market that mimic the overall feel of natural latex but use petrochemicals. This can be a good option if you’re on a tight budget but think the latex feel could be a good fit for your needs. However, be prepared to experience a few downfalls with that lower price including:

• Higher tendency to develop rips and tears
• Lower durability than natural latex
  Usually lacks certifications from institutes like eco-Institut, Oeko-Tex and Greenguard
• Prone to strong offgassing

Best of Both Worlds

Let’s face it. Money can be tight, but that shouldn’t mean your sleep must be compromised. There is a third option that allows you the cheaper price of synthetic latex with the durability features of its natural counterpart. Blended latex products do just what the name implies: blends both natural and synthetic latexes into a single product.

If this sounds like a good option in your situation, there’s a little hint that’s well worth noting. Pay close attention to the way the company features the natural latex. It’s very common for them to say things such as “Made with 100% natural latex.” While this is technically true, they are often hoping customers will confuse the “100%” with the composition of the whole unit and not just a small part of a whole. Oftentimes, you’ll find that such products only contain a small amount of natural latex in order to make such a claim at a cheap price.

Latex Pros and Cons

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in your top rated latex mattress, let’s take a moment to review the primary benefits this material has to offer consumers like you:

Pros

• It’s among the most durable materials in the sleep industry
• Can be purchased natural, a plus for those who do what they can to go green
• Reported 33 percent reduction in aches and pains among users
• High ability to isolate motion, a great quality if you have a sleeping partner
• Often features the ability to customize depending on the manufacturer

There are two sides to every coin, and it’s important to also take a look at the disadvantages of latex:

Cons

• Can take around 30 days to break the product in and determine if the firmness is going to work for you.
• This is typically countered with a trial period depending on the manufacturer.
• Synthetic latex is known to develop impressions over time.
• Natural latex can be pricey. This makes online purchasing a good idea in that you can save on overhead expenses when you have the product shipped directly to your door.
• Latex can be heavy and difficult to move around.
• All-latex products tend to sag when you try to move them as they tend to slump over.

Conclusion

We all want to get the most for our money, and, when considering an item like a mattress, you want to make sure your investment lasts. The last thing you want is to find yourself shopping for another mattress in just a few short years. Latex is a great option when durability is high on your list of priorities, and the products featured here can accommodate a variety of situations.

If a natural product is what you’re looking for, I would recommend My Green Mattress. This product features some of the best materials in the industry, and they only add to the expected durability found in the latex. If this is out of your budget, Spindle Mattress is a great alternative. Now that you’ve done your homework and know what to look for in a quality latex mattress, you can more easily pick out the one that will prove to best meet your specific needs.