What is a Latex Mattress?

The Organica mattress is named for the numerous natural materials that make up its construction. It possesses a medium feel to provide near-universal comfort for sleepers, suiting most positions and allowing many couples a way to share the bed without discomfort.

Four layers make up the Organica mattress, all of which are slipped inside an organic cotton fabric cover. The cotton works to promote airflow and establish a cool, dry surface for greater comfort. Organic cotton also has a reduced carbon footprint when compared to non-organic cotton.

The first layer is New Zealand Joma Wool®. Its primary purpose is to act as a natural fire barrier, but the wool also provides heat and moisture-wicking cushion, boosting pressure relief and limiting sleep disruptions.

The next layer is Talalay latex foam, providing most of the bed’s conforming comfort. The latex foam feels springy, keeping sleepers from sinking too far into, while also molding to the body for pressure relief.

The support core is pocketed coils, with every spring wrapped to increase motion isolation. This means if you share the bed with your partner, you won’t disturb their sleep if you move out of bed in the morning. The coils also feature edge support, a beneficial feature for anyone who struggles to move out of bed in the morning.

The last layer is a base of Dunlop latex foam. The base’s main function is to provide the coils with a sturdy surface, ensuring they will remain strong and stand tall even after years of use.

The materials inside the Organica are backed by four certifications:

• Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) has certified the yarn that makes up the cotton cover as responsibly and sustainably harvested and produced.
• STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®has tested the wool and latex foam and found them free of harmful substances.
• eco-INSTITUT certifies that the latex foam meets its standards for off-gassing emissions.
• Rainforest Alliance has also given the latex foam its seal of approval for meeting its socially-minded and environmentally responsible criteria.

Like all Amerisleep mattresses, the Organica is backed by two policies:

• A 100-night sleep trial
• A 20-year warranty

Under our sleep trial, shoppers have a few months to try out a mattress for a few months after it arrives at their front door. Should they find the mattress isn’t to their liking, they can reach out to our customer service team and ask for a refund.

The extensive warranty offers protection on a mattress that sags beyond an inch due to a mattress defect.

Pros and Cons of Latex Mattresses

Like any type of mattress, latex beds have their pros and cons.

Pros

Cooling

Latex is a naturally cool material, and many manufacturers add aerated channels to improve its breathability. Latex usually doesn’t conform close enough to cut off airflow, allowing the air to carry off body heat before it builds up and disturbs your rest.

Durable

Natural latex is well known for its durability. Many owners still sleep comfortably on their mattresses after 12 to 15 years of nightly use. But this only applies to all-natural latex mattresses. Synthetic and blended latex have a much shorter expected lifespan than natural latex and often break down within a few years.

Eco-Friendly

Since natural latex is harvested from rubber trees and can be whipped into foam with little to no additives, it’s an incredibly eco-friendly material. Many mattress companies use other natural materials, such as organic cotton and wool, to create a fully organic mattress.

A latex mattress can also be helpful if you are looking for a mattress without fiberglass. Manufacturers who produce other mattress types may produce a bed with another fire-resistant material, but a natural latex mattress is the type most likely to contain a fiberglass alternative.

That’s not to say all other mattress types are going to have fiberglass, however. Fiberglass in memory foam mattresses isn’t a guarantee, with many switching to fire-resistant textiles and minerals.

We must also note that not all latex mattresses are completely eco-friendly. If you want a “green” latex mattress, look for one with material certifications such as:

• eco-INSTITUT
• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
• GREENGUARD Gold
• Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS)
• Rainforest Alliance
• STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®

Are you researching a mattress company that says they sell organic products, but the company doesn’t list any certifications? Then you might want to reconsider buying one of their mattresses.

Flexible

Flexibility is an important factor if you want a mattress for an adjustable base. A good mattress must be able to adapt to the moving panels of an adjustable bed frame. Otherwise, the base may damage the bed’s materials or compromise the mattress’s comfort.

Foam mattresses between 10 to 14 inches are usually the best choice for an adjustable base. The coils in a spring mattress may become bent on an adjustable base, causing premature sagging. The coils of a hybrid mattress are often compact enough to avoid this problem, but it’s still worth checking before you buy.

Cons

Too Much Bounce

While latex’s responsiveness is often one of its main selling points, it can also be a drawback. If you share a latex mattress, you may feel your partner’s movements during the night.

Not Conforming Enough

While latex foam can contour to your body, it’s not a snug enough fit for some. While latex foam can contour to your body, it’s not a snug enough fit for some. This can also be a drawback if you’re looking for a mattress to reduce chronic pain symptoms. If the bed doesn’t mold to your body, it might not provide all the pressure and pain relief you need.

Expensive Materials

According to Sleep Like the Dead, the average price of an all-latex mattress is $2,100. Natural latex is already an expensive material to produce, and many companies increase costs by using other natural materials such as organic cotton and wool. Using all natural materials creates an eco-friendly mattress, but it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for an affordable bed.

Latex and Other Types of Mattresses

Latex isn’t the only type of mattress to consider when you’re shopping for a replacement. There are three other types—memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses. Each type has some shared traits with latex mattresses, along with a few notable differences.

Latex and Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is the mattress type most often compared to latex. Memory foam mattresses are made from polyurethane foam (poly-foam) with added chemicals that make it pressure and heat-sensitive. This sensitivity is why memory foam molds to your body when you lie down.

Both memory foam and latex mattresses have conforming properties, but the main difference is how they feel. Memory foam can let you sink in for a cradling feel, while latex tends to keep you lifted so you feel more on top of the mattress.

Latex and memory foam are two popular mattress types when it comes to the mattress in a box market. Because both tend to contain a foam comfort layer and supportive base foams, they compress well and can be rolled up and slipped inside a box for easy home delivery.

Memory foam might be the better option when it comes to mattresses for couples. Memory foam and latex both absorb motion well. But many owners say memory foam prevents motion transfer just a little bit better. That extra little bit can be the deciding factor when it comes to waking up or sleeping through your partner’s tossing and turning.

Memory foam mattresses can also be more affordable. You can find excellent memory foam mattresses for under $1000, while many high-quality latex mattresses cost around $2000 or more. Still, shoppers looking at mattresses under $2000 have a range of well-made choices to consider.

Of the two, a latex bed is often the more eco-friendly mattress option. While memory foam can be made with plant-based substances for a more environmentally friendly mattress, it’s impossible to create a memory foam bed without including some petrochemicals.

Latex may keep cooler than a traditional memory foam mattress, which is known to retain body heat. However, many memory foam producers add cooling agents such as gels, copper, graphite, and charcoal to improve the bed’s heat dispersion. Others replace petrochemicals with plant-based alternatives, with the finished product being a more breathable memory foam mattress.

Latex and Innerspring Mattresses

Both latex and innerspring mattresses can be bouncy beds. Of the two, a latex bed tends to conform better to your body when you lie down, providing comfort and support.

The responsiveness of a latex mattress also doesn’t stop it from limiting motion transfer, while the coils inside an innerspring mattress can carry movement across the bed. Pocketed coils often provide more motion isolation than other types of coil setups.

How much you can afford to spend might affect, which is the better mattress type for you. A quality innerspring mattress might be preferable if you’re shopping for a budget mattress. However, if you want a bed that will last for at least a decade, investing in a natural latex mattress might save you money in the long run.

Your choice might also depend on whether or not you want an eco-friendly mattress. Many innerspring mattresses are made with potentially harmful chemicals. Most natural latex mattresses contain other organic materials such as natural wool and cotton, and many manufacturers forgo chemical adhesives in favor of sewing parts of the bed together.

Latex and Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses mix the qualities of an innerspring and foam mattress to provide the strengths of each. They usually contain a pocketed coil support core topped with thick foam layers.

Both latex and hybrid mattresses can regulate temperature. The coil support of a hybrid promotes air circulation that removes heat and moisture. Latex is a naturally cool material, preventing sleep disturbances.

The two have comparable prices since both are relatively costly to produce. You can find high-quality hybrids for anywhere between $900 to $5,000. But a latex mattress tends to last longer than a hybrid mattress. A hybrid may provide support for 6 to 9 years until its coils start to sag.

Of course, you don’t have to decide between a latex and hybrid mattress. While memory foam hybrids are more common, latex hybrids do exist and allow you to experience the best of both.

Don’t Forget to Consider Mattress Firmness

The right firmness for you will depend on your sleeping position and your body weight. Latex is made in a wide range of firmnesses. All you need to do is know what the best one for you is.

Sleeping Positions

Most of us prefer one of three positions and drift off to sleep on our sides, our back, or our stomach. Try to take note of how you fall asleep and what position you wake up in.

Side sleepers often require the most pressure relief, since pressure points frequently build up in their shoulders and hips. Otherwise, they might wake up with stiff joints or even back pain if their spine slips out of its neutral alignment. The best mattress for a side sleeper usually has a soft to medium feel for more conforming and pressure relief.

Back sleepers should look for a mattress firm enough to provide consistent back support yet soft enough to mold to the curves of their back. A mattress for a back sleeper should have a medium-firm to firm feel.

Stomach sleepers risk spine misalignment with their position. When you lie stomach down on a softer mattress, gravity usually pushes your belly into the bed. This can overextend your spine. A firm mattress for stomach sleeping can reduce the chances of sinkage.

Combination sleepers move between two or all three of these positions as the sleep. Motion isolation and material responsiveness are important in a mattress for combination sleeping. That way, you can shift positions easily without disturbing your partner’s rest.

Body Types

Your body weight determines how much pressure you place on the mattress. The more you weigh, the more you push down. When it comes to mattress shopping, you’re considered heavy if you weigh more than 230 pounds and light or petite if you weigh less than 130 pounds.

The best mattress for a heavy person typically has a firmer feel, to withstand the added pressure from the sleeper’s body while also providing the pressure relief they need. A too-soft mattress can leave room for their spines to bow into the mattress, causing morning back pain.

However, a more substantial person can use a soft mattress if it has added layers for support. These types of soft mattresses aren’t common and can require some searching to buy. And remember, always try to buy a mattress with a sleep trial, just in case the bed is not as supportive as you expected.

Petite people might want to consider a soft mattress to counteract the relatively low pressure the sleeper places on the bed. Lightweight people sometimes find that an already firm mattress feels even firmer than it does for a heavier person.

What About Mattress Thickness?

Latex mattresses typically come in various mattress thicknesses, ranging from 6 to 12 inches or more. The thickness of a latex mattress is often influenced by the number of layers and the type of latex used in its composition.

Natural latex mattresses, derived from the sap of rubber trees, are known for their durability and elasticity. A thicker latex mattress, especially one with multiple layers of natural latex, can offer a luxurious feel with excellent support, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-quality sleep surface.

In addition to the comfort aspect, the thickness of a latex mattress can also influence its breathability and temperature regulation. Latex is naturally breathable and tends to dissipate heat efficiently, contributing to a cooler sleep environment. Thicker latex mattresses may have more room for air circulation, enhancing their ability to regulate temperature and keep sleepers cool throughout the night.

What if I Have a Latex Allergy?

A latex allergic reaction occurs when your body reacts to the proteins in rubber tree sap.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Verified Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Professional society for allergists, asthma experts, and immunologists. View source reports symptoms can include hives, itchiness, and a runny nose, while a severe allergy may result in anaphylaxis, Verified Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Professional society for allergists, asthma experts, and immunologists. View source a life-threatening reaction that can occur within 12 hours of exposure.

If you have a latex allergy, you may be fine as long as you avoid direct contact with the latex materials. With a fabric mattress cover and other bedding sandwiched between your body and the layers of latex, it’s perfectly possible to avoid exposure.

However, if you’re unsure if a latex bed would be safe for you, it’s smart to consult an allergist or your primary care physician. You could also consider a memory foam bed or other latex free mattress if you’re looking for a responsive bed that can support you while providing excellent pressure and pain relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a latex mattress?

A latex mattress conforms to the body for full support and pressure relief. The material keeps cool, which minimizes the chances of heat building up and disturbing your sleep. A natural latex mattress is usually made with eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton and wool, for minimal environmental impact. Plus, natural latex mattresses are durable, with many lasting about 15 years.

Is a latex mattress good for back pain?

Latex can be an excellent material if you’re shopping for a mattress for back pain. Its buoyancy provides comfort and support, lifting your lower back while relieving pressure across your body. When the number of pressure points in your body is reduced, you’re less likely to toss and turn. This keeps you from trying to find a comfortable position and aggravating your back pain.

When you’re shopping for a latex mattress for back pain, try looking for one with a medium-firm feel. A 2015 National Institute of Health study Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source found that it might be the best firmness for preventing back pain.

Can you flip a latex mattress?

Most latex mattresses have top layers for comfort and bottom layers for support. Flipping the mattress can change the bed’s feel. It can also compromise its support and comfort.

However, some latex mattresses are made to open up, so that you can adjust or replace the inside latex layers. You can flip or rotate the layers of such a mattress, but this usually isn’t necessary to keep the bed in good shape. Frequently touching and moving the latex layers can degrade the material, causing it to tear or yellow.

How long does a natural latex mattress last?

It’s not unheard of for an all-natural latex mattress to last more than a decade. It may provide comfortable support for 12, 15, or even close to 20 years. This long lifespan is because the rubber is good at bouncing back into shape when you get out of bed.

Blended latex mattresses contain natural latex and synthetic materials, and they don’t last as long as natural latex beds. Still, they may offer a good night’s sleep for 6 to 10 years.

Do latex mattresses smell?

Does your latex mattress contain synthetic materials? Then it may have a chemical smell when you first unbox your mattress because of off-gassing. Off-gassing occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) break down at room temperature. The scent should disappear within a week at the most.

All-latex mattresses may smell of rubber your first few nights. Some owners have complained that the bed’s organic wool batting, a common feature in a latex mattress, had an unpleasant animal smell to it.

Does your mattress have a musty or rubbery smell? Try encasing it in a waterproof mattress protector. The protector is not only woven tightly enough to keep out liquids but keep in odors.

Does a latex mattress get softer over time?

Almost all foam mattresses have a break-in period for the mattress to soften up. Latex is no exception.

First, there’s an initial softening. Then, the material tends to slowly soften over the years as it wears down with use. Latex is slow to soften, but the process will likely happen as the bed ages.

The mattress may also feel softer once your body adjusts to sleeping on a new mattress. It can take a few days or weeks for your body to unlearn its previous sleeping posture and adapt to your new bed.

Do latex mattresses sag?

Any type of mattress can sag with enough wear and tear or if kept on an unsupportive foundation. Latex can resist sagging and indentation better than many other types of mattresses. It reverts to its original shape after you get up. Some all-latex mattresses will last more than a decade without any signs of sagging.

Conclusion

A latex mattress can be an excellent way to sleep better at night. If you choose a model made with natural latex, it’s also a great way to support sustainability.

Yet this type of mattress can be expensive. Some owners find the high price fair since natural latex mattresses can last more than a decade. For others, it’s simply not feasible. They have to look elsewhere for an affordable eco-friendly mattress.