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Latex Mattress Buying Guide: Navigating the Options

Posted on by Amber Merton

Latex Mattress Buying Guide: Navigating the Options - PlushBeds

This Latex Mattress Buying Guide provides you with detailed information on latex mattresses, why you would want one, the different types, and more. We put this latex mattress guide in FAQ format to make it easier for you to get your questions answered. By reading this guide, you'll learn that not all latex mattresses are the same. It will educate you on latex mattresses, so you can decide if a latex mattress is a good fit for you.

What Is a Latex Mattress?

Latex is milky sap that comes from the Brazilian rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis. It coagulates, and turns into a solid form when it's exposed to air. The sap of rubber trees are used for the latex production in the mattress industry.

To craft a natural latex mattress, first, the milky sap is gathered from the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber trees. Manufacturers then use this sap to produce mattresses. There's no harm done to the trees during the tapping process, and each tree can be tapped for up to 40 years. Since Hevea Brasiliensis rubber trees are abundant, and grow fast, there's no worry about deforestation. After tapping the trees, and collecting the sap, the manufacturers use two different processes for creating natural latex mattresses.

These are the dunlop process and the talalay process. Both processes create a natural latex product with distinct properties. There isn't one process that's conclusively better than the next. They're both 100% natural processes for creating natural latex mattresses. The results are what makes the difference.

Is there a Difference Between Natural Latex vs Organic Latex?

A natural latex mattress isn't an organic latex mattress. The two are different. Different individuals have different standards and expectations for the products they buy.

Latex mattress foam can be Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified organic. This requires the trees to be organically grown (no toxic treatments or pesticides), and the additives to account for less than 5% of the content.

Any brands that claim they offer organic latex foam should have the proper certifications to back this claim up, and be more than willing to provide them to you if you request them. This goes for organic wool, or cotton, too. Some brands describe their mattresses as being “organic”, but it’s only the fabric covers that are organic; not organic latex. Be sure to check all of the materials in all layers of your mattress.

Is There a Difference Between Latex and Memory Foam?

Latex mattresses are the healthiest mattresses that you can sleep on today. They are 100% natural and pure, and they are not treated with harmful chemicals such as pesticides or formaldehyde.

Memory foam mattresses are made with polyurethane, with additional chemicals added, to increase its viscosity and density. Some memory foam mattresses contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, pesticides, benzene, and naphthalene. Memory foam may also contain isocyanates, which can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and skin.

Latex and memory foam mattresses also feel different. Latex is naturally springier, and buoyant. It’s buoyancy cushions and lifts you, for the perfect night’s sleep. Memory foam hugs your body. It conforms exactly to your body, and it provides more of a sinking feeling.

Why Should I Buy a Latex Mattress?

A latex mattress is a highly versatile sleeping surface because it delivers on various crucial sleep requirements, including these below.

  1. Support and Comfort

Latex:

  • Contours to your body's curves
  • Bounces back to its initial shape fast, after the weight is released
  • Relieves pressure points
  • Supports the body
  • Is naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
  • Provides a breathable design
  • Provides a cool sleeping surface
  1. Absence of Chemicals

A natural latex mattress doesn't just offer you the ideal combination of comfort and support, but it also is the most durable and healthiest mattress you can sleep on.

Natural latex mattresses contain no:

  • Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
  • Glues
  • Petrochemical Fillers or Synthetic Blends
  1. Sleeping Cool

A latex mattress's ability to regulate temperature based on the temperature of your body is what sets it apart from other mattress types. With latex mattresses, there's no sleeping too hot or too cold any longer.

  1. Motion Isolation

Because latex is a naturally springy type of material, latex mattresses provide more responsiveness and bounce when you compare them to memory foam mattresses that could cause motion transfer between partners sharing the bed.

  1. Longevity

A natural latex mattress is also well-known for its longevity. It won't sag or soften too much over time, so it won't become less supportive or comfortable.

  1. Eco-Friendly

Along with being constructed responsibly and sustainably, latex mattresses don't contain materials that are harmful to the environment. They help reduce landfill waste because they're recyclable, and the mattress itself is constructed with sap from certain trees known for their rapid growth and long lifespan. Manufacturers obtain the sap without any harm to the trees, too.

  1. Resiliency

Latex is a very resilient material. Latex mattresses don't lose their contour, and always go back to their original shape. If you currently sleep on a mattress that's lost its firmness or contour, you may want to invest in a natural latex mattress, since they're durable, and can provide you with comfort for years.

  1. Sleep Posture

Many people wake up with their body aching on traditional mattresses. With natural latex mattresses, however, the material used in them eliminates pressure points while you're sleeping, so you wake up feeling rested, rejuvenated, and pain-free.

Are There Any Cons to a Latex Mattress?

Latex mattresses provide many outstanding benefits, but that doesn't mean there aren't any drawbacks to them. And, it's important you have all the information so you can make an informed buying decision. Some cons to a latex mattress are:

  1. Excessive Weight

Natural latex is much heavier than synthetic latex because of its high density and natural composition.

  1. Compression Problems

Issues with compression are more common with the thinner synthetic hybrids, which could compress under the weight of a heavy individual while they're sleeping, or under the combined weight of partners sharing the bed.

  1. Costly

With the costs associated in the production of natural latex mattresses, like the cost to grow the rubber trees to manufacture latex, it's not a surprise natural latex can be a bit on the costly side compared to other mattress types.

  1. Firmness

Many individuals feel latex mattresses are a bit firm, and it takes their bodies time to adapt to this firmness. But, depending on the person's preferences, this could be an advantage as well.

  1. Latex Allergies

 Certain individuals have natural latex allergies.

What Are the Different Types of Latex Mattresses?

Purchasing the right latex mattress for your sleeping requirements is important. You can make a more informed choice by learning about the different options first. There are a few latex mattress options to choose from such as:

  1. Organic Latex Mattress

Organic latex mattresses are made of 100% organic ingredients. These are the best quality, and longest lasting latex mattresses. They are known for superior support, pressure relief, and luxurious comfort. Look for organic certifications such as GOLS and GOTS, to ensure that your mattress is organic. They last more than 20 years, and are resistant to mold, dust mites, and mildew. They are often recommended by chiropractors and orthopedic specialists because of their buoyant feeling that gently cradles the pressure points of your body, which helps to relieve aches and pains, and promote deep sleep.

  1. Natural Latex Mattresses

Natural latex mattresses are made of 100% natural ingredients. You won't find any petrochemicals in the construction process, and it provides ultimate comfort for sleeping. Natural latex mattress often last more than 20 years, and are resistant to mold, dust mites, and mildew.

  1. Hybrid Latex Mattresses

The term "hybrid" means it contains latex as well as another type of material (usually a coil core). Hybrid latex mattresses are great for zero partner disturbance, and undeniable luxury. Motion-isolating coils and organic latex keep your spine in a natural position for deep, relaxing sleep.

  1. Blended Latex Mattresses

A blended latex mattress is typically made of 70% natural latex, and 30% synthetic latex. Blended latex mattresses aren't natural mattresses, and are almost made of talalay construction exclusively. They have a different feel than 100% natural and organic latex, almost couch-like, and they do not last as long.

Which Latex Mattress Is Right for Me?

All latex mattresses by PlushBeds are made for helping to relieve pressure points, while providing alignment and ergonomic support. The Botanical Bliss latex mattress from PlushBeds is the most customizable, and allows you to choose your firmness level, so it's the perfect choice for sensitive sleepers.

How Do I Select the Right Thickness?

There aren't a lot of things that feel more amazing than getting into a comfortable bed with a mattress that's plush and thick. Six to nine inches is the standard thickness. Some more plush mattresses, however, get to 10 and 12 inches. But, how do you know which thickness level is right for you?

Before you begin, there are certain factors that impact the thickness of a mattress. A lot of individuals choose their thickness based on factors like:

  • Mobility problems
  • Body weight
  • Height preferences
  • Medial and health conditions

But, there are other factors that impact a mattress's thickness, such as your own personal preference, and the type of mattress.

How Do I Select the Right Firmness?

Deciding on the ideal firmness level for your mattress can make a huge difference in regards to the quality and amount of sleep you achieve every night. Even more important, it can affect the way you feel upon waking up in the morning. For example, if you sleep on a mattress that's too soft, it could cause you to wake up with pains and aches in your:

  • Joints
  • Back
  • Neck

Mattresses that are too firm could cause you to wake up with pressure point pain.

PlushBeds provides various mattresses with different levels of firmness to accommodate the needs of many different types of sleepers. PlushBeds mattresses are made to order, and fully customizable.

You not only have the ability to adjust the thickness of your mattress, but you can adjust the softness and firmness as well. You can even adjust the comfort of your mattress after it arrives in your home. Also, with a split model, you can make one side of your bed firmer or softer than the other because you can adjust the comfort layers to decrease or increase the mattress's softness. This is perfect for couples who have different firmness desires.

In our experience, 80% of customers choose a medium firmness level, and 20% use a medium-firm level. Medium is popular for side sleepers, and most sleepers, and medium-firm is ideal for back sleepers, or sleepers weighing 275 pounds or more.

When Should I Choose a Latex Mattress?

Latex isn't the best choice for all people; however, it's a highly versatile product that accommodates many sleepers. Latex is an ideal choice for you if:

  • You're carrying extra weight
  • You're suffering with pressure points
  • You sleep hot
  • You wish to avoid off gassing
  • You would like to customize
  • You wish to keep motion transfer low because you have a sleeping partner
  • You want to be eco-friendly with your mattress choice

What's the Difference Between Synthetic, Blended, and Natural Latex?

Chemicals aren't added into natural products like they are in synthetic production. And, while you may pay less for a synthetic product, they won't last as long. Blended products combine natural and synthetic latex, helping to keep the cost low. The best quality is natural latex.

How Much Latex Should a Product Have for it to Be a Latex Mattress?

There aren't any laws that dictate how much latex a mattress requires for it to be considered latex. You should do thorough research because of this. If the price seems a little cheap for a latex mattress, there's a good chance the percentage of the product's quality latex is minimal.

Do Latex Mattresses Sag?

You might wonder how long it will take for a mattress to start sagging. They're not typically constructed to last forever, and over time, most mattresses will eventually begin losing their form and breaking down.

However, a 100% natural latex organic mattress is different. It can keep its form and shape for 20 years or more, depending on how the mattress is constructed. In fact, a latex mattress's longevity is one of the main benefits that sets them apart from those standard innerspring mattresses.

Do Latex Mattresses Off Gas?

With mattresses, off gassing is due to the petrochemicals within mattresses constructed with synthetic materials. These mattresses put off certain chemical odors for a little while when you first get the mattress. But, not all mattresses have this chemical odor. Actually, natural latex mattresses don't off gas at all like most polyurethane (memory foam) and synthetic mattresses do.

Who Benefits from a Latex Mattress?

Latex mattresses have many benefits that affect everyone sleeping on one of these mattresses. But, there are certain benefits that are more essential to some individuals using latex mattresses than others. For instance, the following individuals are among those who would benefit the most from sleeping on latex mattresses:

  • Individuals allergic to synthetic materials
  • Individuals with certain firmness requirements
  • Individuals suffering from injuries or chronic pain syndrome

Are There Chemicals in Latex Mattresses?

There are zero petrochemicals in 100% natural latex mattresses. This not only is attractive to those interested in avoiding harmful petrochemicals and wanting to live healthier, but also to those who want to lead a "greener" lifestyle. Organic latex is a botanical product that's naturally hypoallergenic. The rubber trees' sap is used to construct these mattresses. Since there aren't any chemicals used in the latex mattress making process, there's no off gassing.

Sadly, you can't say the same thing about blended mattresses that frequently produce moderate amounts of off gassing. And, they don't have the same earth-friendly or green mattress qualities as 100% natural latex mattresses.

What ILD Should you Look For?

You'll want to go with an ILD higher than 31 for a firm product, a 25 to 31 for a medium product, and less than 25 for a plush product.

Should You Buy a Glued Latex Product?

Some people claim latex layers that aren't glued seem to move around within the cover. Others say this isn't true. You should know, latex is extremely abrasive, and therefore, naturally grabs onto surfaces. With glued products, if you ever need to replace your mattress, you'll need to replace the whole mattress, and not just a single layer.

Do Latex Mattresses Sleep Cool?

Latex mattress's latex foam is crafted with an open-cell structure. All throughout a latex mattress, there are hundreds of holes big enough for you to see them with your naked eye. These holes enable air to flow through your mattress in both directions, making it more breathable. This keeps you from becoming overheated while you sleep.

What Are the Types of Foundations for Your Latex Mattress?

Finding the ideal mattress foundation is essential, since it helps to maintain the mattress's structural integrity. It also offers proper comfort and spinal support, and it could extend your mattress's lifespan. Even more important, you've made a significant investment when you buy a mattress. Buying the wrong foundation for your mattress can invalidate the benefits the mattress provides you, and might even void out your warranty.

There are a few different mattress foundation available. Each foundation provides its own benefits and strengths. But, there isn't one type of foundation that's totally beneficial for any mattress type. You need to know which mattress type you're going to buy first, to help you decide on the right foundation that will offer sufficient support for your mattress.

Some mattress foundation options are:

  1. Box Springs: This is a popular foundation for standard innerspring and coil mattresses. It improves ventilation for your mattress, and it's much more preferable to placing an innerspring or coil mattress on solid wood foundations or floors.
  2. Platform Foundations: A lot of natural latex mattresses require something more durable and sturdier than box springs for the foundation. For most cases, platform foundations work great, and offer a firm, flat surface to work like the mattress foundation.
  3. Adjustable Foundations: For many individuals, adjustable foundations have helped them sleep much better. But, it's essential you purchase the right type of mattress for adjustable foundations. It's essential to know most coil or innerspring mattresses need to be used on a flat surface. They just don't respond to the adjustable foundation's manipulations. When you have your mattress crafted specifically for use with an adjustable foundation, however, it provides incredible versatility and support.

Here at PlushBeds, we believe that by providing only outstanding products that aren't just comfortable, but are healthy to sleep on, coupled with outstanding service, we’ve created the ideal balance of support, comfort, and peace of mind.

Try one of PlushBeds latex mattresses — Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress, Luxury Bliss Hybrid Latex Mattress, Natural Bliss Vegan Mattress - and see for yourself the difference it makes. You'll even receive a 100-night free money back guarantee.

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