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Written by
Lauren Fountain, Certified Sleep Coach
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Latex is a material derived from the sappy extract of rubber trees. When processed into a foam for mattress layers, latex contours gently and feels naturally springy. This makes latex an intriguing alternative to people who don’t enjoy the close “body-hug” of memory foam. Latex also absorbs a minimal amount of body heat and sleeps fairly cool, and the material resists the deep body impressions that often plague mattresses with foam layers.
To create our list of the top latex mattresses sold today, we conducted rigorous in-house testing on dozens of mattress models. These included assessments for pressure relief, temperature regulation, edge support, and odor potential. Since our testing team consists of individuals with varying body types and preferred sleep positions, we were also able to evaluate how comfortable and supportive each mattress feels for different sleeper groups.
The beds below reflect the best latex mattresses as evaluated and chosen by our testing crew. Each of these top picks has earned a unique accolade, but most excelled in multiple performance categories. We’ve also put together a detailed buyer’s guide that includes a breakdown on the origin and production of latex, pros and cons of latex mattresses, and some important considerations for latex mattress shoppers.
| Choose a latex mattress if: | Skip a latex mattress if… |
|---|---|
| – You tend to sleep hot or reside in a warm or humid locale – You feel pressure points along the body but don’t enjoy the deep “hug” of memory foam – You’re looking for a mattress that offers a balance of contouring and bounciness – You want to invest in a long-lasting mattress |
– You prefer close conforming from your mattress – You don’t enjoy the feel of responsive mattresses – You’re shopping on a limited budget |
Best Overall
The EcoCloud is a luxury latex hybrid made by WinkBeds. This mattress is distinguished by its all-around high performance, sustainable construction, and its softer feel for a latex bed. This softer feel should closely contour pain points, making it a strong choice for side sleepers compared to other latex models.
What It’s Made of
The EcoCloud is topped with an organic cotton and wool cover, which is highly breathable and effectively wicks away moisture. The 4-inch comfort layer consists of aerated Talalay latex, which is known for its responsive and moderately conforming feel. Under this is a pocketed coil support core with five different zones, allowing the bed to support different parts of the body more effectively. The EcoCloud features a 13-inch profile, which is taller than average.
How It Performed
The EcoCloud is rated at a medium (5 out of 10) firmness level, which is softer than most latex beds and allows for more pressure relief. Rated well all-around, the EcoCloud tested above average in temperature neutrality, durability, pressure relief, and edge support, and tested well with sleepers of all sleeping positions and weights, especially side and back sleepers.
Like most latex hybrids, the EcoCloud comes at a fairly high price-point compared to the average mattress. WinkBeds offers a 120 night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty with the EcoCloud mattress. They also ship free to all 50 US states.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“As a light side sleeper, it’s harder for me to find a latex mattress that hits the right balance between support and pressure relief. The EcoCloud left me feeling rested and I didn’t wake up with any sore spots under my hips.”
Best Value
Offered by Helix Sleep, the Birch Mattress is a medium firm (6) latex hybrid mattress constructed with sustainable materials. Shoppers looking for a mattress made from high quality and organic materials at a competitive price-point may want to consider this pick.
What It’s Made of
The top comfort layer is composed of organic wool that acts as a natural fire barrier. Wool also adds exceptional breathability and naturally wicks away moisture. Following that is a ventilated layer of Talalay latex. Talalay latex has a naturally airy feel that gently cradles the body to relieve pressure.
Next is a pocketed coil support core for increased airflow and responsive support. The final base layer is organic wool batting, and the whole mattress is covered with an organic cotton cover for softness and breathablility.
How It Performed
The bed’s construction makes it particularly suitable for those who tend to sleep hot, as the moisture-wicking wool and ventilated latex draw heat away from the sleeper and toward the coil support core. This allows heat to easily dissipate rather than build up over the course of the night.
The bed is medium firm and does not conform as closely as a memory foam mattress might, which makes it best for sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds. Lightweight sleepers who prefer a firmer sleep surface may also find it suitable.
The Birch mattress is made in the U.S. and is backed by a 25-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial. Customers in all 50 states receive free shipping.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I found the Birch Mattress to be really temperature neutral and easy to move around on. The price tag is also quite low, considering the high quality of its materials.”
Most Comfortable
The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss stands at the leading edge of mattresses that feature eco-conscious design and materials. The mattress delivers high-end performance with a balanced feel that is comfortable for a variety of sleepers.
What It’s Made of
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 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.
How It Performed
The mattress is available in a medium firm (6) or firm (7) design. Minor firmness adjustments can be made 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 most people regardless of sleeping position.
Like many other latex models, the mattress ranked highly for sex and temperature neutrality. The mattress combines latex’s lower heat retention with breathable materials like organic cotton and wool to circulate air. The medium firm model also ranks above average in motion isolation thanks to the thicker comfort layers. Couples should find this model absorbs most movement transfer to limit sleep disturbances.
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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I’m a back sleeper who doesn’t like the feeling of sinking into the mattress. The Botanical Bliss is a sure bet for sleepers like me who want a bed that’s responsive but still relieves pressure.”
Best for Side Sleepers
The Nolah Natural 11 provides targeted support for heavier areas of the body to promote healthy spinal alignment. Sleepers prone to muscle tension and pain in their lower back may want to consider this mattress.
What It’s Made of
A cover made of organic cotton encases the mattress, followed by a layer of organic wool. Cotton and wool are naturally breathable materials and wool is also known for its natural moisture-wicking abilities. Two inches of airy Talalay latex make up the comfort layer. Talalay’s plusher feel is ideal for relieving pressure without excessive sinkage that can misalign the spine.
One inch of Talalay latex acts as a transition layer. This layer adds more cushion between the body and the pocketed coil support core. The coils are zoned in three areas to provide extra support to the hips and align the spine.
How It Performed
Sleepers across weight groups and sleeping positions should find the Natural supportive, especially side and back sleepers. Those who tend to run hot or sweat throughout the night should keep cool on the Natural. The latex does not conform as closely to the body, trapping less heat and restricting less movement.
The pocketed coils support core add a level of bounce, making the mattress an exceptional choice for couples who prefer responsive surfaces for sex. The extra structure from the coils also increases edge support so that partners can use the entire surface of the bed.
Nolah offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. The company also provides an optional 120-night sleep trial. If you opt out of the sleep trial, you can save up to $160 on the purchase of a Nolah Natural. Those who skip the sleep trial still receive a lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Nolah’s zoned support really tipped the scales favorably for me. My spine felt supported all night and I didn’t wake up achy from sinking too far into the mattress. It also sleeps exceptionally cool.”
Best for Back Pain
The Spindle Organic Latex Mattress is an impressive model that takes full advantage of the benefits of latex and other natural, eco-friendly materials. The latex layers work together to soften the impact of major pressure points without allowing excessive sink.
What It’s Made of
The interior is built with three layers of natural latex produced with the Dunlop process, resulting in latex that is denser and firmer compared to Talalay latex. The cover is made with GOTS-certified cotton with 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.
How It Performed
Given the composition of the mattress, sleepers can swap the layers to find a firmness that works for them. Generally speaking you can create either a medium (5) or firm (7) based on how you organize the three layers of latex. Stomach and back sleepers tend to get the best results with the firm whereas side sleepers tend to prefer the medium.
The Spindle comes with a generous 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 3-inch layer anytime during that time period at a 30% discount.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I really liked that I could adjust the Spindle’s firmness level. It was a bit too firm to start so I rearranged the layers and ended up with a surface that relieved pressure effectively.”
Best Luxury
Saatva is a mattress company known for its line of high-quality luxury mattresses, and the Zenhaven is no exception. This all-latex model has a flippable design that offers two different sleep surfaces, one medium soft (4) and the other firm (7). Because of the two firmness options, people across different weight groups should find the mattress comfortable.
What It’s Made of
A breathable organic cotton cover encases the entire mattress, followed by a wool fire barrier that regulates temperature very well and wicks moisture away from the body. Both sides of the mattress are constructed with comfort layers of Dunlop latex, which has a denser feel compared to Talalay latex.
Each comfort layer is divided into five firmness zones, so heavier areas of the body receive more support without creating excessive stiffness for lighter areas like the head or legs. The shared support core is also composed of Dunlop latex, but this layer is a bit denser to ensure adequate reinforcement on both sides of the mattress. The latex layers are ventilated with small holes to promote air circulation throughout the interior.
How It Performed
Because of the two distinct feels, each side of the mattress appeals to different sleeper types. Sleepers under 130 pounds, especially side sleepers, found the Luxury Plush side comfortable. The Gentle Firm side was more supportive for side sleepers over 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.
Thanks to breathable materials, this mattress should appeal to hot sleepers and people who reside in warm or humid places. A Global Organic Textile Standard certification for the cover and Rainforest Alliance certification for the latex also ensure the Zenhaven’s materials are sustainably sourced and processed.
Saatva is one of the only online mattress brands to offer free White Glove delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S. This complimentary service includes scheduled delivery date and time, full assembly in a room of your choice, and removal of your old mattress and/or box spring. Saatva further incentivizes customers with a 365-night sleep trial for the Zenhaven and a lifetime warranty for those who choose to keep it.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I could see the Zenhaven being a great fit for couples who both want exceptional pressure relief but like different firmness levels. The zoned latex kept me feeling supported, even on the mattress’ softer side.”
Best for Couples
The Eco Terra Mattress is a hybrid model that combines the gentle contouring of latex with the strong support of a coil base. The responsive feel caters to couples, who can move across the surface easily and lay closer to the edge without slipping off.
What It’s Made of
The mattress is available in two firmness levels – medium (5) and medium firm (6). Both options begin with an organic cotton cover over a layer of organic wool batting, which provides a nicely cushioned surface. Next is a thick layer of Talalay latex that conforms moderately to the body while also generating some buoyancy. Beneath is a sturdy pocketed coil base that generates strong support. The cotton and wool are backed by certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The latex is also certified by the eco-INSTITUT, which means it meets strict standards for the absence of harmful materials.
How It Performed
Our test lab found that the Eco Terra offers a strong balance of cushioning and support. Though it’s not as conforming as an all-foam bed, it offers plenty of contouring to ease pressure off areas like the shoulders or hips while maintaining support to regions like the lower back. Side sleepers may especially appreciate this even mix. With two firmness options available, most sleepers should be able to find a suitable firmness level, though people over 130 pounds may gravitate toward the medium firm model.
This model is an excellent fit for sleepers who easily overheat. Thanks to air circulation through the coil system and the natural breathable properties of latex, the mattress stays fairly cool at night.
Eco Terra offers a 90-night sleep trial, with a 30-night break-in period required for refund eligibility. The mattress is backed by a 15-year warranty, and shipping is free to addresses within the contiguous U.S.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Our testers found the wool and latex layers extremely comfortable. Side sleepers in particular enjoyed the mix of cushioning and support.”
Best for Spinal Alignment
Latex mattresses tend to score highly in temperature regulation, and the Awara Premier Latex Hybrid is no exception. The bed’s topmost layer is composed of organic cotton blended with natural New Zealand wool. Both of these materials are quite breathable, and the wool has natural moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry on hot or humid nights. The mattress also has a thick comfort layer that conforms gently to improve alignment and reduce pressure along the spine.
What It’s Made of
The latex is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, a leading global authority on sustainable rubber tree growth and harvesting. Additionally, both of these layers are contained within a Euro-top for a luxurious look and plush surface feel when you get into bed.
The pocketed coil support core is divided into five zones based on gauge, or thickness, to ensure added reinforcement beneath the midsection and a gentler feel elsewhere. Moving the mattress should be relatively painless thanks to convenient carrying handles on the sides – though it’s still quite heavy and we recommend lifting with a partner whenever it needs to be rotated.
How It Performed
Side sleepers often struggle on latex hybrids because the material doesn’t contour as closely as memory foam, leading to alignment issues and added pressure along the spine as a result. This mattress, however, is well-equipped for people who favor this position due to its construction.
The latex comfort layer is exceptionally thick to create ample cushioning for the shoulders, hips, and other pressure-sensitive areas. The medium firm (6) feel of this mattress makes it best suited to side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, and the same holds true for back and stomach sleepers.
The Awara Premier Latex Hybrid is competitively priced and orders to all 50 states include free ground shipping. Your purchase is backed by a 365-night sleep trial, giving you plenty of time to test out the mattress and decide whether to return it or keep it. Those who choose the latter also receive a lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Awara Premier manages to harness all of latex’s best qualities. It’s easy to move on, responsive, supportive, and cool. The pocketed coils definitely help with air circulation.”
Best Cooling
Saatva’s Latex Hybrid features a Talalay latex comfort system that gently cradles the body to reduce pressure buildup without excessive sinkage. The mattress also boasts GOTS and Rainforest Alliance certifications, ensuring that the materials are produced using sustainable practices.
What It’s Made of
A breathable organic cotton cover encases the mattress, followed by organic wool batting. The wool adds an extra layer of breathability to keep the surface cool, and the material is a natural fire barrier. The comfort layer is composed of responsive Talalay latex, which naturally traps less heat than foam. This layer is also ventilated with small holes to encourage air circulation.
The support core features zoned pocketed coils. Thicker coils line the perimeter of the mattress for reinforcement, and thinner coils are placed toward the center for targeted support. A base layer made from organic wool and cotton adds extra stability and completes the design.
How It Performed
Back and stomach sleepers across weight categories see the most benefit from the mattress’ responsive surface, gentle contouring, and medium firm (6) feel. The hybrid design provides a bouncy surface for sex that many couples prefer. Thanks to the reinforced perimeter, those sharing a bed can comfortably lie on the edge without feeling like they’re slipping off. Hot sleepers should find the latex comfort layers run fairly cool, thanks to the reduced heat retention.
Saatva generously offers free White Glove delivery to the contiguous U.S. Latex Hybrid purchases are backed by a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Saatva Latex hybrid is extremely comfortable for back and stomach sleepers across weight categories. The Talalay latex comfort system gently conforms to the body without causing you to sink.”
Best Pressure Relief
30% off all GhostBed mattresses & 2 free pillows. Free weighted blanket ($479 Value) with a minimum $1.5k order.
The GhostBed Natural Mattress is a stellar example of a pressure-relieving, high-quality mattress that is also produced from green components. The latex layers contour to the body to alleviate pressure points without sinking too deeply.
What It’s Made of
A GOTS-certified organic cotton cover encases the mattress, followed by a fire barrier derived from natural wool. Next is a comfort layer of GOLS-certified organic Talalay latex that gently cradles the body and alleviates pressure buildup.
Pocketed coils make up the support core. These coils offer targeted support to heavier areas of the body, and some coils are zoned along the perimeter for extra edge support. The coils rest on a base layer of GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex for stability.
How It Performed
The mattress has a medium firm (6) feel and is best suited to people who weigh at least 130 pounds – especially those who sleep on their backs or stomachs. Steady airflow through the pocketed coils and a breathable cover help the mattress stay cool, making it comfortable for those who reside in warm or humid locales.
Another strength of the mattress is sturdy edge support. The support core is reinforced along the perimeter to provide pushback and prevent sinkage when you get on and off of the mattress.
The price-point for this mattress is on par with other latex hybrids. GhostBed Natural provides free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a 101-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Couples should consider the GhostBed Natural. It’s got a firmness level that appeals to most sleepers, it doesn’t get too hot, and it’s really responsive. I also could sleep all the way at the edge without it caving.”
Our team at Sleep Foundation has years of experience testing mattresses. Members of our testing team belong to different groups based on preferred sleep position and body type. This allows us to evaluate latex beds based on the experience of sleepers with many different needs and preferences.
Our evaluations involve an array of hands-on tests and tools. Team members lie on each mattress to gauge performance features such as firmness, bounce, and overall support. Our top picks reflect the latex beds that out-performed other models during the testing process.
To learn more about our testing process, read about our product research methodology below:
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.
Thinking about what it might be like to sleep on a latex mattress? These core characteristics help give you an idea:
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 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.
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 a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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 to 25 is softer, 25 to 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.
You can expect a well-built all-latex mattress to last for 8 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 6 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
A latex mattress offers several noteworthy benefits. Latex conforms evenly to the body, but this is a gentler contouring compared to the “body hug” of memory foam. As a result, the material can optimize spinal alignment and alleviate pressure for people who weigh 130 pounds or more, back and stomach sleepers, and others who find memory foam too soft and prone to sinkage.
Most latex mattresses also retain less body heat and sleep cooler than foam models. This is especially true of latex hybrids with open coil systems, which promote airflow and cool off the interior, or all-latex models with ventilated layers that push air toward the surface. Organic or natural latex mattresses often feature other components known for breathability, such as organic cotton covers and wool fire barriers.
Latex holds its shape against body impressions and other forms of wear and tear that can make your mattress uncomfortable over time. The natural resilience of latex also makes the material quite responsive, so many couples prefer it over foam for sex. The edge support is also usually stronger.
Latex mattresses are among the most expensive mattress types on average. An all-latex or latex hybrid queen mattress will generally cost between $1,500 and $2,200. The quality of the latex, the mattress profile and the brand all play a role in the sticker price. Direct-to-consumer mattresses sold online are often less expensive, since the manufacturer isn’t paying for showrooms and additional staff. These “mattress in a box” models are comparable to those sold in brick-and-mortar stores in terms of construction and performance.
Another important factor is the type of latex used in the mattress. Organic and natural latex require more time and energy to process, so these materials are costlier than blended or synthetic latex that contain more chemical fillers. Among the two types of latex processing, mattresses with Talalay latex cost slightly more on average than those with Dunlop latex. However the price difference is largely negligible.
You will likely find latex mattresses that fall below the average range of $1,500 to $2,200. However, expect to spend at least $900 to $1,000 for a queen-size model.
Rather than thinking of latex mattresses as “better” than memory foam mattresses – or vice versa – it’s more accurate to say the two mattress types are distinct from each other. If you’ve been dissatisfied with memory foam mattresses in the past, then a latex mattress could be a more comfortable alternative. The opposite is also true.
Memory foam conforms closely to the body and creates a hugging sensation that many people liken to sleeping “in” the mattress, as opposed to sleeping “on” the surface. Contouring from latex is gentler and more subtle, so you’ll feel some cushioning without the deep cradle. Latex generally sleeps cooler than memory foam. It’s also more responsive, which some couples consider better for sex. The natural durability and resistance to wear and tear means a latex mattress will probably last longer than a foam model.
Memory foam mattresses tend to outperform their latex counterparts in other areas. These include pressure relief – especially for side sleepers – and motion isolation for couples. In terms of average cost, memory foam mattresses also tend to be much more affordable than all-latex or latex hybrid models.
The bottom line: If you prefer light contouring, sleep hot, and enjoy sleeping on a fairly springy surface, then you’re a strong candidate for a latex mattress. Conversely, those who want deeper contouring, stronger motion isolation, and a lower price-point should consider a memory foam mattress instead.
Most all-latex mattresses won’t sleep as warm as all-foam models, but some people may notice uncomfortable heat retention nonetheless. Mattress manufacturers sometimes ventilate their latex layers with small holes to promote air circulation throughout the interior. Latex mattresses may also feature covers made of breathable materials like organic cotton and moisture-wicking wool layers near the surface.
Compared to all-latex models, latex hybrids usually sleep much cooler. Hybrids contain support cores with open coil systems that promote more airflow than solid latex, allowing the mattress to maintain a comfortable temperature in most climates. If you consider yourself an exceptionally hot sleeper, then a latex hybrid will probably be your best choice among all major mattress types.
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Certified Sleep Coach
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
