Latex is one of few natural materials employed in the mattress industry. It is very like memory foam, if we’re talking about support provided. However, they don’t function similarly. Even not the best memory foam mattress can take your body’s shape, “melting” under you and allowing you to meld into the foam. Latex just gives in.
Why latex?
Latex, as I’ve already said is a natural material. In fact, even the way it is collected is very much traditional, although that particular bit of information is not very useful for when you decide what kind of mattress to buy.
What is more important is that latex mattresses are hypoallergenic and anti-microbial, naturally so. You don’t have to worry about various substances that have been used to make the mattress the way it is.
Usually, latex provides firm support, not unlike memory foam, but unlike memory foam, it’s plainer. If you don’t like the sinking feeling, latex is for you. If you don’t like sleeping hot, latex is for you. If you’re worried about allergies, latex is for you.
Latex does not reflect your body heat back at you, and that is why sleeping on latex is so much more comfortable for many than memory foam. Or even basic foam.
Drawbacks of latex
First of all, it’s the price. The way latex is collected is very time-consuming. And let us not forget about resources necessary for that. Latex, natural latex, is expensive, as you can expect. It’s the same with many natural materials.
But, and it’s yet another drawback, latex mattresses aren’t 100% natural. There are two processes that can be employed to make latex: Talalay and Dunlop. In either of them, there are some other substances added, and that makes the latex about 95% natural. That’s a lot, but it’s not 100%. There is no such thing as one hundred percent natural latex. The non-latex 5% are mostly sulphur.
When advertisements say 100% Talalay (or Dunlop) Latex, what goes unsaid is it is a pure result of whatever process used to make the latex foam, with nothing extra added. If you want natural materials not for their hypoallergenic and beneficial qualities but for their sheer naturalness, you have to be aware that pure latex cannot be used for a mattress. It undergoes different treatments to get there.
Latex mattresses
Aside from providing the support, latex is silky to the touch, and it’s quite a luxurious feeling. Latex mattresses are generally more luxurious than any other. A latex mattress is a premium mattress. It’s usually firm and supple and the same time.
It goes without saying that every mattress presented in the following top ten list is hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and as natural as a latex mattress can be unless stated otherwise.
Top 10 of Best Latex Mattress
10. SLEEP EZ USA 8.5″ Naturale Latex Mattress
Let us open the list with this latex mattress, made of Dunlop latex.
Now, Dunlop latex is naturally firmer than Talalay latex. That means the mattress is a bit firmer than your average latex mattress, so if it is the firmness you’re after, don’t hesitate and order it on Amazon.com right now. But if you want a softer mattress… don’t hesitate and order it anyways.
What’s the catch? Well, the mattress is double-sided. But rather than having the flipsides identical to each other, one of them is firm and the other one is soft.
Such a solution is typical for crib mattresses, as infants generally require firm surfaces to sleep and, as they grow up, they require a softer surface. But this is a mattress for adults. So, the whole “growing into the mattress” thing is sort of pointless. What’s not pointless is uncertainty and guests’ preferences.
Indeed, sometimes people, when they buy a mattress for the first (or even second, third and so on) time don’t know if they need a soft or a firm mattress. A mattress like this is an ideal purchase for them. Don’t know which? Get both!
Aside from that, as I’ve already said, it is good as a means of guest accommodation. It is unlikely you only invite people who happen to have same sleeping preferences. But with a flippable mattress you can meet either of those. Perhaps, it’s not ideal, but it works its magic splendidly.
However, be advised that it still is a Dunlop latex mattress. Meaning, the soft side might be not quite soft enough.
Pros:
- Thick
- Two sides of different comfort levels
Cons:
- Firm
9. Ultimate Dreams Natural Latex Mattress
Another mattress of Dunlop Latex. As a rule, though, Talalay latex is a lot more popular. But we have to work with we have regardless of what we want. Talalay latex is not as popular as it is due to some fluke, so it’s little wonder why Dunlop latex mattress takes less important places.
Either way, be as it may, this mattress is fairly good. The mattress is not flippable, it doesn’t have a soft and a hard side, but it doesn’t need to. As long as you remember that Dunlop latex is firmer, you only have to worry about if you yourself prefer a soft or firm bed.
The mattress is 10 inches thick. That’s a nice thickness there, but only the latex layer is only three inches thick. The base foam layer is much thicker (5.5 inches, to be exact). Regrettably, since it is made of polyurethane, the foam renders the hypo-allergenic qualities of the Dunlop Latex sort of pointless. It’s not particularly allergenic and there is no way for the body contact with the foam, but it’s no latex. However, because of that, the price is rather low for a latex mattress, and thus, it is quite affordable. If the price is a major concern for you, you should consider ordering it on Amazon.com without any hesitation.
Aside from the latex and the base foam, the mattress also has a natural bamboo and wool cover, further isolating you from the foam and providing additional comfort.
Pros:
- Natural bamboo and wool cover
- Relatively low price
- Very comfortable
Cons:
- Non-natural components included
- Edges collapse
8. Brentwood Home S-Bed, 11-Inch Organic Latex and Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Yet another hybrid latex mattress. But rather than having basic plain polyurethane foam, it has memory foam as its additional layer. In fact, it has several layers: an airflow layer, the memory foam layer, the comfort latex layer, and a wool layer used as the sleeping surface.
The major drawback of this mattress is it’s too soft. While all the layers are good and comfy, they might be too comfy for you to provide proper support, and that’s not comfy at all. Still, it largely depends on your preferences.
The mattress comes in three comfort levels, and you might want to get the firmest one unless you really prefer soft sleeping surfaces. You can do so right now on Amazon.com.
Just like with the previous ones, the sides of this mattress also collapse with little effort required, which makes sleeping at the edges uncomfortable. However, if you are not a restless sleeper, that will not be any issue for you.
Pros:
- Meets Global Organic Latex Standard
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Airflow layer for ventilation
- Gel infused for cool sleeping
- Wool sleeping surface
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons:
- Non-natural components included
- Might be very soft
- Edges collapse
7. Ultimate Dreams Total Latex Mattress
This Talalay Latex mattress is more… traditional for a latex mattress price-wise. Meaning, it’s insanely expensive. Otherwise, I would have given it the first place, I would have given it the zeroth place or a minus-whateverth place even… but the price is its biggest downside.
I mean, more than three thousand dollars is a lot. And I can only barely stop myself from cussing. Of course, it’s the basic price that is so high, a discount would lower it significantly, but it doesn’t mean it’s not insanely expensive.
The thing is, the mattress is custom tailored. The firmness is a very common issue since it’s subjective. I’ve already mentioned that. You might even have no idea if you prefer firm or soft sleeping since you have never had any kind of reference points. But custom tailoring automatically solves all those problems. It is also what makes the mattress costly.
Talalay latex is more natural than Dunlop latex, and there is no memory foam to compromise the naturalness. So if you believe that more natural means better, you should order this mattress on Amazon.com. Unless the price is too high for you. Like I said, for all its advantages it is very, very, very expensive.
Pros:
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Custom tailored
- No foam
Cons:
- Very high price
6. LUCID 16 Inch Plush Memory Foam and Latex Mattress
Another hybrid latex mattress. Unlike the other one, this one has the memory foam layer on the outside, and the latex one on the inside.
I’ve already done a review on this particular mattress when included it into the top ten list of firm mattresses. It’s more of a memory foam mattress since the foam is what is on the outside. Of course, this renders the fact latex is natural even more pointless than some of the other ones. But, be it as it may, the mattress is still hypoallergenic due to the top memory foam layer being infused with bamboo charcoal. The mattress also has a removable bamboo cover.
The mattress is very heavy and unwieldy, which is unfortunate. Also, it is a memory foam mattress first and a latex one second, so it has the same drawbacks as many other memory foam mattresses. The overheating issue, for instance, is there, also not very problematic. What is really troublesome is the possibility of failure to react to the body heat (thus staying too firm) in case the body is isolated from the mattress too well. If that is okay with you (or if you make sure to us thin sheets), do consider ordering the mattress on Amazon.com right now.
Pros:
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Charcoal infused top layer
- 16 inches thick
Cons:
- Very heavy
- Memory foam/latex hybrid
- Might fail to react to your body heat
5. DreamFoam Mattress Ultimate Dreams Cushion Firm Latex Mattress
Another previously-reviewed mattress. I didn’t evaluate too high back then and neither am I doing so now. It is a good latex mattress. That’s all one can say about it without paying attention to every little detail. The only problem is the latex layer proper is rather thin. The rest of the mattress’s height is made up by a base foam layer.
There are four comfort levels available plus one, not quite a comfort level. You can get help from the assigned expert (the name is Chuck at the moment). All you have to do is visit Amazon.com and pick the appropriate option if it is still available . The other 4 levels, actual levels, include Firm, Cushion Firm, Plush/Medium, and Ultra Plush/Soft.
The mattress comes with a bamboo cover that can stretch in every direction.
Pros:
- Price
- Varying comfort levels
- Bamboo cover
- Hypoallergenic
- Anti-bacterial
- Mold-proof
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons:
- Sagging possible
- Possibility of hot sleeping
4. Ultimate Dreams Eurotop Latex Mattress
This Ultimate Dreams latex mattress is not as expensive as the other one, but it is far from bad. In fact, I struggle to find any disadvantages it might have compared to the more expensive Ultimate Dreams mattress. The only one I can think of is the fact it is not just made of latex, it also has high-density foam as its base layer. A major one, to be fair if you want an all-natural bed. Although, like I said, neither Talalay Latex nor Dunlop Latex is 100% natural.
Just like the other one, this mattress is custom tailored. Unlike it, it is twelve inches thick. The mattress comes with a zipper cover Eurotop, hence the name.
The mattress comes tightly packed and vacuum sealed. Thanks to that, it is very easy t handle until you unpack it. It is also very lightweight.
The mattress, as most other latex mattresses, is very pleasant to the touch. Perhaps you’d want to buy a topper with it, many people do, but before you do that, make sure you actually need it. It is quite possible that you will be completely satisfied with the mattress as it is. So You can view it on Amazon.com.
Pros:
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Custom foam
- Comfortable
- 12 inches thick
Cons:
- Not-natural components included
3. LUCID 10 Inch Latex Foam Mattress
Yet another double layered mattress. This one comes from LUCID, and it’s 6 inches thinner than the other LUCID mattress. It is not latex-only, it’s two-layered actually, but, unlike the 16 inches mattress, the latex layer is the top one. It is three inches thick.
It is not the only latex mattress like that. But this is not the important thing. What’s really important is that the mattress is portable.
Oh, it is not as portable as an air mattress, or a tri-fold mattress, or a mat, but it’s still more portable than many other mattresses.
Like any other latex mattress, this one doesn’t trap body heat and, in addition to that, it is ventilated. Of course, since overheating is not really an issue with latex mattresses, one might think the ventilation is not required at all, but if you tend to sleep hot not just on memory foam but generally as well, then it is a perfect choice for you. Make sure to order it on Amazon.com.
Pros:
- Portable
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Ventilated
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons:
- Not-natural components included
2. Casper Mattress
One of the best mattresses there are, and I’m not talking about just latex mattresses. It costs quite a penny, but it certainly worth the price.
I’ve already done a review on this mattress. It’s a nice firm mattress and it is suitable for all sleepers. The mattress is sewn in America.
The top layer is made of one of the most luxurious kinds of latex. The mattress, unfortunately, cannot be flipped, but it can be rotated. And, since it’s a premium mattress, it is also great for sex, not just sleeping.
A very good choice for those who enjoy memory foam but find its temperature uncomfortable. The mattress is very memory foam-like, although does not behave like it. But, what’s more important, the mattress is suitable for cool sleeping.
You can order this mattress on Amazon.com.
Pros:
- Sewn in the U.S.A.
- Luxurious
- Suitable for any sleeper
- Waterproof cover
Cons:
- Price
- Very firm
1. Brooklyn Bedding Latex Mattress
The top mattress of today comes in three comfort levels. More than that, it has both Talalay Latex and Dunlop Latex. And that’s not something you see often. As a matter of fact, Talalay Latex is a lot more typical, and even when Dunlop Latex is used, it is used by itself.
Not in this case. The mattress has two latex layers. The top layer is Talalay, and the second layer is Dunlop. It makes sense since Dunlop Latex is firmer (and sturdier). It provides base support, preventing your body from bending too much. And then there is 6 inches thick layer you basic core foam.
The overall height of the mattress is 10 inches. The mattress inflates very quickly, and it takes mere hours.
The mattress retains a small amount of heat, although not quite comparable to a memory foam mattress. It generally is no issue, but it might be for those who tend to experience uncomfortable hot sleeping. If it is not an issue for you, don’t hesitate to order it on Amazon.com
Pros:
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Two latex layers
- Dunlop latex as transition
- Suitable for any sleeper
Cons:
- Heavy
- Heat retention
Bottom line
Latex mattresses are generally more luxurious than any other kind of mattress. Although it doesn’t mean that a latex mattress will always be more expensive than any other. That completely depends on the quality of a given mattress.
There are two types of latex used for mattresses: Talalay and Dunlop. But it doesn’t mean only one of them can be used. It is quite possible for both of them to be used in the same mattress.
We slept on a mattress that used to be sold at Hudson’s Furniture located in Florida called the Crown”s Collection, Whistler Spine o Pedict with a 30 year guarantee.
It is a cushion firm, with 460 Bonne coils, with memory foam cushioning and foam edging for extra support.
It is no longer sold.
I prefer latex over memory foam because I sleep hot and have allergies. I also suffer from lower back pain and will have upper back pain if I sleep too long on my current bed. I have been looking and am confused by all of the choices. Please help me by suggesting some mattresses that would be appropriate. Thank you so much
Hello Catherine!
I would suggest the Casper mattress. It’s very much universal, well, at least as far as mattresses go. It may not be the perfect match for everyone, because we all have our own preferences, but still, it’s close. The Brooklyn Bedding mattress is also a good choice if the back pain is that much of a concern but it’s a tad more expensive at the moment compared to the Casper.
Hope this helps!
Mark
catherene its called the “paradox of choice”..too many choices you cant even decide..its best to stick to “best 3”