Best Latex Mattress

Driven by a more sustainable manufacturing process, the ease of online ordering, and more competitive pricing, latex mattresses have been surging in popularity.

Latex, a type of rubber, provides a unique feel as a mattress material. In all-latex mattresses, it is the only component of the interior build, and in latex hybrids it is layered above innerspring coils.

Latex delivers a combination of bounce and cushioning while resisting heat buildup, and all of these characteristics offer a compelling contrast with memory foam. Latex also has excellent durability and can be produced more sustainably than most foams.  

Read on for a list of our top picks for the best latex mattress. Additionally, we’ve written a comprehensive buyers guide to help you figure out if a latex mattress is right for you.

Choose latex if:

• You prioritize bounce and easy movement on the mattress
• You need a mattress with moderate contouring
• You want options for a more natural or organic mattress
• You tend to sleep hot
• You’re looking for a more durable mattress

Skip latex if:

• You want deep contouring and hug
• You need maximum motion isolation
• You prefer a mattress that is lighter and easier to move
• You’re shopping on a tight budget

Customers who are intrigued by the idea of a latex mattress may be struggling with how to identify the best one for their bedroom. Our top picks make the process simple and highlight the seven best latex mattresses, including both all-latex and latex hybrid options.

 

Our Top Picks

PlushBeds Botanical Bliss
Who it's best for: People who prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility Shoppers looking for a choice of mattress height and firmness Sleepers who want firmness flexibility
The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss stands at the leading edge of mattresses that feature eco-conscious design and materials. Few competitors can claim to match the certifications that have been achieved by the Botanical Bliss, and the mattress delivers high-end performance as well. The cover of the Botanical Bliss is made with organic cotton that has been certified by the rigorous Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Beneath the cotton is a layer of organic wool that is also GOTS-certified. These two materials are soft and breathable, helping with natural cooling. The rest of the mattress is made with thick layers of natural, Dunlop latex certified according to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). In the 10-inch model, there are three layers, each three inches thick, for a total of nine inches of latex. PlushBeds also offers a 9-inch and 12-inch model with slight variations in the number and thickness of the layers. The mattress is available in a Soft, Medium, or Firm alignment. Minor firmness adjustments can be made after purchase by unzipping the cover and rearranging the layers to put a softer or firmer one on top. With this firmness flexibility, the Botanical Bliss can work for people in any sleeping position. While the Botanical Bliss has a lofty price tag, promotions are often available to make it more affordable. After it is delivered, customers have a 100-night trial during which they can request a free comfort exchange or a return for a full refund. PlushBeds also backs the mattress with a 25-year warranty.

 

Zenhaven
Who it's best for: Customers looking for the bounce and softness of Talalay latex Sleepers who value a reversible firmness design People who want installation and old mattress removal included for free
The Zenhaven is an all-latex mattress from the makers of the highly regarded Saatva Mattress. Employing multiple layers of high-performance Talalay latex, the Zenhaven offers effective pressure relief and a choice of two comfort feels. The design of the Zenhaven creates a different firmness level on each side. One side is Medium Soft, and the other side is Firm. The entire mattress has a cover made of organic cotton with a one-inch layer of organic wool beneath it. With the Medium Soft side facing up, the top layer is 1.5 inches of Talalay latex. This layer is zoned to reinforce the latex underneath the heavier parts of the body. Beneath this layer is three inches of latex on top of another three inches of firmer latex. The final layer is 1.5 inches of softer, zoned Talalay latex. This layer is facing up when the mattress is used on the Firm side. Talalay latex is normally slightly softer and bouncier than Dunlop latex, and it has above-average properties for contouring. With its two firmness levels and ability to cushion pressure points, the Zenhaven is an option for sleepers of virtually any body weight and sleeping position. The Zenhaven comes with free installation and removal of an existing mattress. Returns can be made during a 120-night sleep trial, but there is a $99 charge for return shipping. A 20-year warranty offers coverage against defects in materials and manufacturing.

 

Spindle
Who it's best for: Customers who want a mattress made with natural materials Shoppers looking for a choice of firmness options People who value an extended, one-year sleep trial
The Spindle mattress is an impressive offering that takesfull advantage of the benefits of latex as well as other natural, eco-friendly materials. The interior of the Spindle is built with three layers of natural latex produced with the Dunlop process. These latex layers work together to soften the impact from major pressure points without allowing excessive sink. The cover is made with GOTS-certified cotton with one inch of natural wool quilted into it. These materials effectively wick moisture, which, combined with latex that is resistant to heat buildup, helps maintain a stable temperature all night long. The mattress is available in three models - Soft, Medium, and Firm, although we rate the Firm as closer to a Medium Firm feel. Stomach and back sleepers tend to get the best results with the firmest model; side sleepers prefer one of the softer versions. The Spindle comes with a full one-year sleep trial, providing you 365 nights to test out the mattress and make sure that it works for you. During that time, you can also request a free firmness adjustment. The mattress comes with a 10-year warranty as well as a 25-year promise that you can purchase a new three-inch layer anytime during that time period at a 30% discount.

 

Latex for Less
Who it's best for: Sleepers who want the ability to easily modify the firmness level People who want a lower-profile mattress Budget shoppers who want to take advantage of promotions
The Latex for Less mattress is a straightforward, no-frills, all-latex option that meets the needs of a broad range of sleepers at a price point that, with promotions, won’t bust the budget. The mattress cover is made with GOTS-certified organic cotton with a half-inch of wool that sits just underneath it. Both cotton and wool offer above-average temperature regulation, helping this mattress keep its cool. Beneath the wool is a comfort layer made up of two inches of Talalay latex. This material provides notable contouring while keeping its bouncy feel. It is supported by a six-inch layer of natural Dunlop latex that supplements the comfort layer while also providing a stable, solid base. Another half-inch layer of wool sits at the bottom of the mattress. With the Latex for Less aligned in this way, it has a Medium feel; however, the mattress can be flipped over, with the Dunlop latex layer facing up, which gives the bed a Firm feel. This reversible firmness design appeals to anyone who is unsure of their ideal comfort level or simply wants the flexibility to change it as they see fit. The Latex for Less mattress is frequently offered with sizable promotions that bring the price down to an accessible price point. A less-expensive seven-inch model is also available. Each mattress comes with a sleep trial of 120 nights and a 20-year limited warranty.

 

Awara
Who it's best for: Eco-conscious customers Most sleepers, including those over 230 pounds Shoppers who value a full-year sleep trial and lifetime warranty
The Awara is solidly built and without a weak link. It is thoughtfully designed and constructed, creating a latex hybrid that is durable, comfortable, and supportive. The comfort layer of the Awara is four inches of natural latex made using the Dunlop process. This latex is Rainforest Alliance Certified, indicating that it is cultivated in accordance with sustainable forestry practices. This thick layer can cushion the body and won’t bottom out, enhancing the durability of the mattress and making it a good match for people with a higher body weight. The support core is extra tall, built with nine inches of pocketed innerspring coils. These complement the bounce and motion isolation from the comfort layer while also boosting edge support and overall sturdiness. The cover is made with organic cotton and wool and facilitates effective moisture-wicking and comfort cooling.   The Awara has a Medium Firm feel that fits the needs of most sleepers, although some people under 130 pounds may find it to be slightly too firm. Even with its hefty components, the Awara is available at a price point that is lower than many comparable mattresses. It comes with a 365-night sleep trial, so customers have a wealth of time to try it out at home. For the long-term, Awara provides a Forever Warranty that covers defects in materials or manufacturing for as long as you own the mattress.

 

Brooklyn Bedding Bloom
Who it's best for: Sleepers who like the bouncier feel of Talalay latex People who want a latex hybrid with a choice of firmness options Those who tend to sleep hot
The Bloom from Brooklyn Bedding is one of our top choices for a latex hybrid. This mattress from a proven name in the industry delivers quality performance across-the-board thanks to its dependable internal construction.   The exterior of the Bloom is a cover made with a blend of organic cotton and Joma wool. It is quilted with enough of this material to reach a thickness of 1.25 inches and provides an inviting feel with a natural method of temperature regulation. The comfort layer is three inches of natural Talalay latex. Customers praise the responsiveness of this material that makes it a cinch to move about on top of the bed. It also lightly cradles pressure points, promoting spinal alignment. Eight inches of pocketed innerspring coils with a one-inch base layer of polyfoam make up the support core. The coils strengthen the bed’s edge support and add to the bounce already offered by the latex. The polyfoam at the bottom helps prevent creaks or squeaks from the coils. Customers can choose from a Soft, Medium, or Firm comfort level, which means that there’s a model of the Bloom that works for almost any sleeper no matter their weight or sleeping position. A 120-night sleep trial lets customers test the mattress out for four months in the comfort of their own home, and over the long-haul, the mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty from Brooklyn Bedding.

 

EcoTerra
Who it's best for: People looking for a Medium or Medium Firm feel Sleepers who prioritize bounce and ease of movement on the bed Value-driven and budget shoppers
The EcoTerra checks many key boxes for people looking for a latex mattress: it has plenty of responsiveness, sufficient conforming for pressure relief, and excellent temperature regulation. In addition, it includes numerous natural materials and a price point that makes it a compelling option for all shoppers, including those on a tight budget. Since it comes in two firmness options, it’s fairly versatile in terms of sleeper position and body type. The EcoTerra starts with its cover, which is made with GOTS-certified organic cotton. Beneath the cotton is a layer of GOTS-certified organic wool. These layers add comfort and breathability, and GOTS certification gives customers the confidence to know that they were responsibly produced. The comfort layer is made with three inches of natural Talalay latex that accommodates the body’s pressure points and also confers substantial responsiveness to make it easy to move around on the mattress. The support core of the EcoTerra is a thick layer of pocketed innerspring coils. The gauge of the springs ranges from 15-16 with thicker coils around the perimeter to strengthen the bed’s edge support.

 

Who Should Buy a Latex Mattress?

Latex mattresses are a good fit for many customers. People who want cushioning without excess sink and those who tend to sleep hot often love latex beds. With its considerable bounce, a latex mattresses is great for people who want to effortlessly move on the bed to switch up their sleeping position or engage in sexual activity. The durability of latex makes it a good material for people over 230 pounds and a popular choice among shoppers focused on finding a long-lasting mattress.

What to Look For in a Latex Mattress

We’ve already covered the central characteristics of latex mattresses: bounce, moderate conforming, and limited heat retention. For some customers, these are a major benefit, but for others, there can be insufficient contouring or motion isolation.

As with all mattress types, latex mattresses have benefits and drawbacks. Mattress companies try to construct their products to cut down on those drawbacks, but those initiatives often have mixed or minimal impact.

When considering latex mattress options, it’s worth zooming in on the factors most likely to determine whether you wind up with a bed that you love. We’ve described these factors below, and you should think about which ones have the highest priority for you.

• Price: The price tag of any latex mattress is a crucial consideration because it has to fit in your budget. While latex beds have traditionally been among the most expensive, their price has come down in recent years without sacrificing quality. Promotions and coupons can frequently help you score a great deal. 
• Sleeping Position: How you sleep has clear bearing on what mattress will best serve your needs. Latex is great for combination sleepers who change positions frequently. With less sink, it often is great for back and stomach sleepers. Slightly softer latex beds also tend to work well for side sleepers. 
• Mattress Type: This guide includes both all-latex and latex hybrid options. The performance is similar in most cases, although an all-latex bed may be more durable. Latex hybrids typically have the best edge support. Consider whether you have a preference for one of these types and then shop accordingly. 
• Contouring: While latex does cushion the body, it doesn’t have the deep contouring that comes from a material like memory foam. Talalay latex tends to be slightly softer and more contouring than Dunlop. 
• Quality Materials: Most latex mattresses are built with significant emphasis on quality materials. This includes the latex itself, which is most often natural, as well as the other elements. Finding a mattress with higher-quality materials translates to better performance and durability. Many latex beds feature one or more organic materials. 
• Firmness Level: Firmness is crucial to comfort, so you want to select a mattress that aligns with your preferences. If you’re not sure, consider a mattress with a reversible firmness design or that offers options for a comfort exchange. 
• Motion Isolation: Motion transfer is when you can feel someone else move on the bed. Because of its bounce, latex tends to transfer more motion than materials like memory foam. Despite this, it insulates enough motion so that most people who share a bed aren’t disturbed by a partner’s movement. 
• Pressure Relief: When your body is properly cushioned, including at major pressure points, it helps hold your spine in a healthy alignment during the night. Latex offers most sleepers excellent pressure relief through moderate contouring and prevention of excess sinking into the bed. 
• Edge Support: A reinforced perimeter helps to keep the mattress from collapsing around the edge. Latex provides better edge support than most all-foam beds but will still compress more around the edges than in the center. Firmer models and latex hybrids usually provide the best edge support among latex mattress options. 
• Temperature Regulation: Latex doesn’t build up heat the way that most foams do, and many companies aerate the latex with small holes that permit extra airflow. Latex hybrids resist heat buildup even more because of the ease with which ventilating air moves around the springs. 
• Noise: All-latex mattresses make virtually no noise, so you have little likelihood of being awoken by sounds from the bed. Though modern designs have cut back on squeaking from coils, a latex hybrid may be a little bit noisier than an all-latex bed.

How Does it Feel to Sleep on a Latex Mattress?

Thinking about what it might be like to sleep on a latex mattress? These core characteristics help give you an idea:

• Spring Into Action: When you move on a latex mattress, the material quickly bounces back to its full shape, providing a spring-like feel. This exceptional responsiveness makes it easy to move around on the bed when you’re changing sleeping positions or taking part in intimate activities.
• A Little Hug: Latex has a modest amount of contouring. It doesn’t have the significant sink of memory foam, but you will notice a light hug. For many customers, it’s just enough to feel supported, stable, and comfortable.
• Keep Your Cool: Latex does not accumulate heat like memory foam, and its more moderate contouring means that air can move more freely around your body to keep your temperature steady.

What are the Different Types of Latex?

All latex materials have similar performance characteristics, but they aren’t all created equal. In the following sections, we’ll explain the types of latex so that you can better understand the descriptions that you’ll find of latex mattress options.

Natural Latex

Natural latex is made by harvesting sap from rubber trees and then converting it -- through processes of curing, molding, and baking -- into a rubber product.

Natural latex is not 100% sap, though. Some agents must be added to the curing process, so the “natural latex” label can be used as long as those other agents make up 5% or less of the material.

Various forms of natural latex is what you’ll most often find in mattresses, and it exhibits the traits of bounce and softness that customers expect from latex.

Synthetic Latex

Also known as Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), synthetic latex is made with chemical inputs rather than rubber sap. Many of those inputs are derived from petroleum.

Synthetic latex also has bounce and some softness, but it tends to be less durable, provide less comfort, and offer and less well-rounded performance relative to natural latex. It can also have a noticeable odor.

Historically, synthetic latex was much less expensive than natural latex, but it is tied to the price of oil, which is no longer a low-cost commodity. Very low-cost latex beds may still utilize this material, but these beds usually pale in comparison to natural latex options in terms of quality.

Blended Latex

As indicated by its name, blended latex uses both liquid from rubber trees and chemically-produced rubber inputs. The ratio of the blend is often listed, such as a common mix of 30% natural latex and 70% SBR.

Despite some marketing to the contrary, blended latex is rarely a “best of both worlds” offering. It usually involves more synthetic than natural latex and offers few benefits, except perhaps a lower price, than a mattress made with 100% natural latex. 

Dunlop Latex vs. Talalay

Natural latex can be crafted using one of two methods, known as the Dunlop and Talalay processes. Both produce high-quality latex, but there are some differences to be aware of.

Dunlop Latex

In the Dunlop process, whipped sap is put in a mold and then baked to hold its form. Some heavier sediment sinks to the bottom in the baking process, making Dunlop latex denser and heavier, especially toward the bottom.

Dunlop latex is robust and has plenty of bounce. It can be used in any part of a mattress but is especially common in support cores. In general, it tends to cost less than Talalay latex.

Talalay Latex

In the Talalay process, whipped sap is put in a mold and then vacuum-sealed and flash-frozen before being baked. The sealing and freezing steps make the material more homogenous and airy, which confers an increase in lightness and bounce relative to Dunlop latex.

Talalay latex can be used in any part of a mattress but is more often featured as a part of the comfort system because of its gentle contouring and comfort. It may come with a higher cost than Dunlop latex.

How Much Does a Latex Mattress Cost?

The retail price (MSRP) for most latex mattresses ranges from $1,300 to $3,000, although there are options that fall higher and lower than that range. In general, latex beds cost more than foam, innerspring, and hybrid options and less than airbeds.

Some factors that influence the price of a latex mattress include:

• Type of latex: Natural latex is generally more expensive than synthetic or blended latex. Among natural latex products, Talalay tends to cost more than Dunlop.
• Type of mattress: All-latex beds on average will cost more than latex hybrids, although there are plenty of exceptions.
• Organic certifications: Receiving an organic certification can require extra steps for a manufacturer, so a certified organic product often has a higher price.
• Other materials: The type and quality of other components, such as the cover, can influence the final price.

Latex Density and ILD

The density and Indentation Load-Deflection (ILD) of latex are two other factors that can play a role in the feel, performance, and durability of a latex mattress.

Density

The density tells you about how compact and heavy latex is. It is measured by weighing a cube of latex with dimensions of one meter on each side. The total density is reported in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3), often with the letter D before it. Most latex in mattresses ranges from D60 to D95.

Denser latex will generally have a firmer feel that appeals more to stomach and back sleepers. Higher density is associated with more longevity as well.

In many latex mattresses, layers of latex with different densities are arranged to create a complete package that is stable, durable, and comfortable.

Indentation Load-Deflection (ILD) 

The ILD is a metric that explains how easily a latex layer compresses. It is measured by seeing how much force must be applied before the latex indents a certain amount. The higher the ILD, the more force required, indicating a firmer material.

For latex used in mattresses, an ILD of 15-25 is softer, 25-35 is medium to firm, and over 35 is very firm. However, not all labs test the ILD in the same way, which means that these numbers should be understood as a general outline and far from a hard-and-fast rule.

As with density, it’s important to not lose the forest for the trees. Each layer works together to affect the overall mattress feel, so the ILD of individual layers does not always provide a complete understanding of the mattress performance as a whole.

How Long Will a Latex Mattress Last?

You can expect a well-built all-latex mattress to last for eight years or longer. These mattresses are the most durable on the market, outlasting most foam, innerspring, hybrid, and airbed models.

A well-constructed latex hybrid should last for six years or longer. Their lifespan is similar to most foam mattresses and slightly better than most other hybrids, innersprings, and airbeds.

The design of the mattress and the quality of the materials will both have a key role in determining the expected useful life of a latex mattress. Natural latex tends to last longer, especially if it is arranged without any thin or low-density layers.

The stress placed on a mattress can impact its durability. More weight applied to the mattress increases strain, so couples and people with a higher body weight may find that their mattresses do not last as long. Significant activity on the mattress, such as from sex or from a child jumping on the bed, can wear out latex and other materials more quickly as well.

A latex mattress with high-quality materials often costs a bit more at the outset, but because it lasts longer, it can provide a better value over time. In addition, with coupons and promotions regularly available even for top mattresses, investing in one of the best latex mattresses can be done without blowing way past your budget.

Last Things to Consider With a Latex Mattress

With what you’ve read so far, you’re well-armed with the knowledge necessary to buy a new latex mattress. To wrap up, we’ll introduce a few other practical issues for savvy shoppers to take into account.

Natural Latex, Organic Latex, and Other Certifications

There are many labels for latex that you’ll find thrown around in the descriptions of these mattresses. It can get confusing, so here’s a quick guide:

• 100% natural latex means the material is not made with any SBR latex. However, as we stated above, there are curing agents that can make up 5% of the total material. The other 95% or more must be derived from natural tree sap.
• Organic latex has undergone a process that shows that its production process is in accordance with the standards established by whatever organization is providing the certification. The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) is one well-regarded standard.
• Rainforest Alliance is another certification that is not the same as organic but also focuses on safe environmental standards.
• Certifications like GREENGUARD, ecoInstitut, and OEKO-TEX are used to demonstrate that a material does not have harmful chemicals or emit dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

What is the Support Core Made of?

In an all-latex mattress, the support core is made of one or more latex layers. In a latex hybrid, it is made of innerspring coils. The performance of these can be similar, but make sure to examine the support core’s components along with the comfort system when considering the likely performance and durability of the mattress.

Shipping and Moving

Latex is a heavy material, and these mattresses tend to weigh more than other mattress types. Most of the time, it takes two or more people to setup or move a latex bed. Keep this in mind when deciding whether you need installation services such as white-glove delivery provided by the manufacturer or a setup service from a third-party provider.

The weight and unwieldiness of a latex mattress is also important to keep in mind if you expect that you will need to move the mattress frequently, either within your home or as part of moving to a new home.