Latex foam mattresses conform to the body nearly as well as memory-foam types, but are much easier to move around on and less likely to produce an unpleasant odor when new. Owners also find them slightly better for lovemaking, although not quite as good at isolating motion as memory foam. Some sources describe natural latex as more breathable than memory foam and, therefore, less likely to retain heat. In addition, latex does not have the problems with off-gassing and odors that some worry about with memory foam mattresses. You can also flip most latex mattresses, either side-to-side or head-to-foot, which may help them both last longer and retain their comfort longer. Latex beds aren't as widely available in mattress showrooms as other types of mattresses, and there aren't as many online reviews. The only brand of latex mattress that gets a significant number of strong reviews is our Best Reviewed pick, the Ikea Latex Mattress (Est. $300 and up) line. , ratings for Ikea latex models are above average compared to all mattresses.
However, many latex mattresses can be hard to find for personal testing, whereas, Ikea stores are relatively common, so the mattresses can easily be tested before purchasing. Ikea latex mattresses tend to be thinner than other brands, which may certainly explain the lower price point since not as much material is involved, and some owners say they feel too firm. Overall, though, they get very good reviews for comfort. One challenge in analyzing latex mattress reviews is that it's not always clear whether reviewers are commenting about mattresses using all-natural latex, synthetic latex, or a combination of latex and springs. note that one of the reasons Ikea's latex offerings are relatively inexpensive is that "less expensive dunlop-processed latex and synthetic latex are often used as opposed to more expensive talalay-processed and natural latex." Ikea carries three different lines of latex mattresses, and they are a combination of natural and synthetic. Ikea doesn't generally market its mattresses with foundations, since many are designed to go on platform beds like the ones that company sells, so keep that need in mind when considering an Ikea mattress.
, is another highly rated latex mattress that is a hybrid of natural latex and a polyurethane foam base. Owners say it's extremely comfortable, soft yet supportive, and is a great value for the price. It comes in two firmness choices, medium or firm, and it seems to be somewhat more popular with those who like a firmer mattress. Some who found it too firm added a softer mattress topper and are very pleased with the result. It also gets good reviews from those who suffer from back pain; quite a few reviewers say it provided good relief and they wake up pain free. If you don't know what type of firmness you want -- or if your preference change with your mood -- we recommend taking a look at the Roma All Latex Mattress (Est. $500 and up) by Sleep EZ. The Roma is firm on one side, medium on the other. If you feel like you need a firmer or softer surface, just flip it. Some say it's too firm even on the medium side, but experts say that latex tends to feel firmer than other mattress materials, so that's to be expected.
Also, you can always add a mattress topper. For those looking for a "greener" mattress, experts recommend the OrganicPedic by OMI . These eco-friendly mattresses feature all-natural, sustainably sourced materials, including 100 percent natural rubber latex, organic cotton, and the company's own version of wool, called Ecowool. They are one of the few "organic" mattresses that are certified for meeting the most stringent qualifications of the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Some of OMI's mattresses have latex layers that owners can customize to suit their firmness preferences. While OMI mattresses are also pricier than non-latex or other natural latex mattresses, they are a superior choice if you're serious about an eco-friendly choice.Bed mattresses made up of materials like memory foam and gel foam draw heavily from chemicals to create the experience of the bed molding to your body’s shape. Memory foam reacts chemically to your body’s temperature and creates that experience of support and comfort.
However, if you’re like other consumers, you may want a mattress you can lay down on and not fear for the types of chemicals you’re inhaling or coming into contact with. Natural latex mattresses offer the same experience as memory foam but utilize an organic ingredient. Three models within the market are the Essentia Tatami Queen, Lifekind Trio and the Astrabeds SerenityBed. Natural latex is created from the sap of rubber trees specifically planted and maintained for latex and rubber production. These trees are tapped to create a regular and sustainable resource akin to maple syrup harvesting. The end result is a type of mattress support that doesn’t require the use of dangerous and toxic chemicals to create a long-lasting and always-springy bed. Many different types of mattresses exist, and latex is among the least common of these types. The unique manufacturing process, in addition to the high price tags, makes such beds difficult to happen upon in most mattress stores.
These beds aren’t as widely available as memory foam due to their rigorous manufacturing process. However, the difference of materials ultimately lends toward the mattress’ strengths and makes comparing it against regular memory foam mattresses an even more sensible process. One of the main appealing factors of the organic latex mattress over memory foam is the absence of chemical off-gassing. When you first purchase a memory foam mattress, you’ll likely notice a very strong chemical odor that reportedly fades with time, a by-product of chemical off-gassing. Latex mattresses, on the other hand, are often made without toxic chemicals or hazardous additives and thus don’t smell. In addition, due to their organic nature, the mattresses are also hypoallergenic and mold resistant, maintain their springiness after years of use and remain among the most durable mattresses on the market. When picking a latex mattress, the design of the mattress is typically the same for any bed.
Each layer is designed with holes throughout to encourage air circulation, heat reduction and moisture removal. However, the more comfortable and desirable mattresses are typically those with three or more layers of latex foam. This allows you to create varying levels of foam density for higher levels of comfort and support. While latex by itself is a natural and healthy alternative to memory foam, creating a 100-percent natural latex bed is incredibly expensive. To offset the cost of latex, many bed manufacturers create material blends that leverage the organic nature of latex with low-cost alternatives like synthetic latex, blends of natural and synthetic, and blends of natural and botanical latex. While a fully-organic latex bed may be the epitome of natural, healthy and earth-friendly mattresses, many latex beds will blend materials to create an alternative to all-natural. The best materials found in latex mattresses are that of Dunlop and Talalay latex. The Dunlop process entails whipping rubber sap into a froth, pouring it into a mold, and then baking it.
The natural materials found in rubber often settle to the bottom, resulting in latex layers being heavier on the bottom. The Talalay process adds two steps to Dunlop. After the latex is poured into a mold, the material is put in a vacuum chamber and flash-frozen before baking. The result is a latex more consistent in structure and more expensive. Of all the types of bed mattresses available to you, latex beds are reputed as the most long lasting of all mattresses. Due to the durable and breathable nature of latex, the mattress is better able to circulate air, retain spring and remain comfortable for a minimum of 10 years on average. Warranties help in protect you against product failures that might decrease the lifespan of your bed to anything shorter than that. The warranty of the mattress you choose should be sufficient to protect those first 10 years of use. The all-natural latex mattress simulates the same experience as memory foam, contouring to your body and helping reduce back pressure.