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Written by
Lauren Fountain
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
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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.
Both sides of the mattress are constructed with comfort layers of Talalay latex, which has a lighter and gentler feel compared to Dunlop 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 Talalay latex, but this layer is a bit denser to ensure adequate reinforcement on both sides of the mattress.
Each side features a wool fire barrier that regulates temperature very well and wicks moisture away from the body. The latex layers are ventilated with small holes to promote air circulation throughout the interior, while a breathable organic cotton cover encases the entire mattress. These features 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 180-night sleep trial for the Zenhaven and a 20-year warranty for those who choose to keep it.
Best Value
Offered by Helix Sleep, the Birch Mattress is a medium-firm latex hybrid mattress constructed with sustainable materials. The top comfort layer is composed of organic wool, which is followed by a ventilated layer of Talaylay latex. It features 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.
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 towards the coil support core, allowing 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, though 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.
Best Luxury
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 medium firm 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.
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.
Best for Side Sleepers
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.
The EcoCloud is topped with an organic cotton and wool cover, which is highly breathable and effectively wicks away moisture. The comfort system consists of a substantial, 4-inch layer 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.
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.
Most Comfortable
Amerisleep is best known for its line of memory foam beds, but the brand’s latex hybrid – dubbed the Organica – is a standout mattress in its own right. A 3-inch comfort layer of natural Talalay latex offers a comfortable balance of light contouring and even support, and a medium firm (6) feel makes the mattress best suited to side and back sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds.
The Organica’s support core contains 8-inch pocketed coils followed by a base layer of dense Dunlop latex. Both components promote great overall stability for the mattress. The coils are also zoned for more reinforcement along the perimeter, so most people will feel secure sleeping near the edges and shouldn’t have too much difficulty getting in and out of bed.
Temperature control is another major strength of this mattress. The latex won’t absorb much body heat compared to foam while the coils circulate air throughout the interior to help the mattress stay cool. Additionally, the cover is made of breathable organic cotton and a fire barrier of natural New Zealand wool has moisture-wicking properties to help you stay dry on exceptionally hot or humid nights.
The organic cotton is GOTS-certified and the latex has received certification from both the Rainforest Alliance and eco-INSTITUT, making the Organica an appealing option for shoppers who want to buy a sustainably made mattress. The 13-inch profile will also be ideal for those who prefer thicker-than-average sleep surfaces.
Amerisleep backs the mattress with a sleep trial that spans 100 nights in length, along with a 20-year warranty against material and structural defects such as excessive sagging or early wear and tear. Ground shipping is free of charge for all orders in the contiguous U.S. Customers may bundle their mattress with Amerisleep’s Platform Bed Frame for a discount.
Best for Back Pain
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.
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. Sleepers who tend to run hot or sweat throughout the night should keep cool on the Natural. Two inches of airy Talalay latex make up the comfort layer. Latex does not conform as closely to the body, trapping less heat and restricting less movement. Talalay’s plusher feel is ideal for relieving pressure without excessive sinkage that can misalign the spine.
Next is a 1-inch layer of Talalay latex that 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. They add bounce to the design, making it an exceptional choice for couples who prefer responsive surfaces for sex. The extra structure also increases edge support so that partners can use the entire surface of the bed. Sleepers across weight groups and sleeping positions should find the Natural supportive.
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.
Best Pressure Relief
The Spindle mattress is an impressive offering that takes full 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.
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 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.
Best Cooling
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. The Awara Mattress, however, is well-equipped for people who favor this position due to its construction. A single latex comfort layer measures 4 inches 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 latex is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, a leading global authority on sustainable rubber tree growth and harvesting. Additionally, 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 also has natural moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry on hot or humid nights. Both of these layers are contained within a Euro-top for a luxurious look and plush surface feel when you get into bed.
Support is another major strength of this mattress. The coils are 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 also be relatively painless thanks to convenient carrying handles on the sides – though it’s still quite heavy and we recommend enlisting in a partner whenever it needs to be rotated.
The Awara Mattress 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.
Best Eco-Friendly
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Most latex mattresses are relatively eco-friendly compared to other mattress types, but some models stand out more than others in terms of sustainable construction. The GhostBed Natural Mattress is a stellar example of a comfortable, high-quality mattress that is also produced from green components. These include layers of organic Talalay and Dunlop latex that have been certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOTS), which indicates they primarily consist of raw, unmodified material. The cotton cover has received similar organic certifications from GOTS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the fire barrier is derived from natural wool.
In addition to its organic materials, the GhostBed Natural is Control Union certified. This certification recognizes companies that prioritize worker safety and sustainability for each stage of their supply chain. An OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification also ensures the mattress is not made using any heavy metals, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals.
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 push-back 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.
Our team at Sleep Foundation has years of experience testing hundreds of mattresses. Members of our testing team include side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers, as well as various body types. This allows us to evaluate latex beds based on the experience of sleepers with many different needs and preferences.
We evaluate latex beds using an array of hands-on tests and tools. Our team members lie on each mattress to gauge performance features such as firmness, bounce, ease of movement, and edge support. We also use special tools to measure temperature neutrality and pressure relief, which are both features that people typically consider when shopping for latex beds. Our top picks reflect the latex beds that out-performed other models during the testing process.
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 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.
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 15-25 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.
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.
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. A queen size all-latex or latex hybrid model will generally cost between $1,500 and $2,200. The quality of the latex, the mattress profile, the brand, and whether you buy online or at a brick-and-mortar store all play a role in the sticker price.
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.
Certified Sleep Coach
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
