Latex Mattress Buyer's Guide

July 20, 2021

A Latex Mattress Buyer’s Guide for Blissful Sleep

Are you looking for a mattress that can provide you with deep, comfortable sleep? Everyone is looking for the optimal sleeping experience, and that's why latex mattresses are increasing in their popularity. If you're ready to live your life to the fullest, and wake up refreshed after a good night’s sleep each morning, then sleeping on an latex mattress is a must.

Here, you'll find a latex mattress buyers guide chock-full of helpful information.

Why a Latex Mattress?

Why choose a latex mattress when mattress shopping? A natural latex mattress is a premium mattress, and an eco-friendly choice available on the market. It is known as a premium mattress, due to the fact that a natural latex mattress offers multiple benefits to the sleeper. You should consider a latex mattress if:

●    You need pressure point relief in a sleep surface; Latex has awesome elastic properties, so it can quickly respond to your body weight, shape, and sleep activity. This pliability helps support your body, and can help with back pain, too.

●    You require superior support. Latex foam offers exceptional support for your joints, regardless of your preferred sleeping position.

●    You want a long-lasting mattress; latex mattresses maintain shape and performance over many years due to resilience (they are made from trees after all, and what's more resilient than a tree?).

●    You want a mattress that sleeps cool. Latex foam allows you to sleep cooler than synthetic foam.

●    You want a healthy mattress without chemicals. The structure of latex means it possesses a natural resistance to mites. This maintains a healthy sleep setting. It is a green mattress.

●    You want a natural sleeping environment; latex mattresses are eco-friendly, since their materials are naturally sourced.

●    You support an environmentally-conscious, eco-friendly world; rubber trees convert millions of carbon dioxide year in, year out. This makes latex one of the most ecological bed stuffings around.

What is Latex?

Natural latex is a naturally sourced mixture produced from a drawn sap of the rubber tree. This latex may be used in quite a number of items, and a regular application is for mattress toppers and mattresses to be constructed from it. Sap from rubber latex is an extremely durable material, and a well-made natural latex mattress pad can last you for over thirty years.

Natural latex mattresses are all planned with having minute holes. These tiny holes make the latex foam pliable, and also much more sleep-conducive. Consequently, the more significant and higher the number of holes, the more comfortable to sleep on the bed will feel.

Types Of Latex Mattresses

Understanding the three different types of eco-friendly latex mattress choices is important, as they are different in the choices they offer.

Natural Latex

Natural Latex is made with pure raw materials, derived from the sap of rubber trees. The complex process of producing natural latex is creating one hundred percent pure organic rubber with no additional chemicals.

This organic rubber stops the growth of any kind of bacteria that can harm your body, or cause an allergic reaction. Despite the fact that natural latex is hypoallergenic, it also stops mold forming. Another important fact that is good to mention about organic mattresses is their ability to absorb odor and moisture.

Latex beds made of pure natural talalay latex is a perfect option for people with asthma because it is dust mite resistant. This is very important because every asthma sufferer is ultra-sensitive to dust mites. Their expensive price is the only disadvantage.

Synthetic Latex

Synthetic latex is created by polymerizing monomers, a process that allows molecules to bind chemically to other molecules that are used to produce the latex (with the added chemicals). This type of bed mattress contains some extra artificially created chemicals that make it synthetic.

One of the most represented ingredients in the process of producing synthetic latex, also known as "Syntex", is Styrene-Butadiene. Synthetic latex mattresses are cheaper, and this is the only advantage. The chemicals that these mattresses contain can harm your skin, especially if your skin is sensitive to allergies. There is a big difference between natural vs. synthetic latex mattresses.

Blended Latex

Blended latex uses a combination of natural latex and synthetic latex materials. The term blended signifies that this latex is made from mixing natural and synthetic latex, usually in ratios of eighty percent to twenty percent in favor of synthetic latex.

There is also a blend of equal parts natural and synthetic latex, but this is rare, and is reserved for premium (and thus, expensive) mattresses. The blended latex binds together the benefits of the two main latex types, such as the durability and firmness of the natural, and the low cost of the synthetic latex.

Comparisons

Natural latex foam does not include harmful chemicals in any form. On the other hand, synthetic latex is absolutely the opposite. There is natural latex used in the making of latex foams. Hence, it is comparatively more expensive than synthetic latex or syntex.

You will come across claims from the manufacturing companies that synthetic or syntex latex is more durable than the hundred percent natural latex. The mattress experts, however, dispute this claim. According to them, the hundred percent natural latex foam is definitely more durable than the synthetic ones because of its natural components.

Thus, the only significant advantage that a synthetic latex mattress may have over the natural ones is that the synthetic foam mattress is less expensive. Hence, it is more affordable than the natural ones.

Not considering the cost factor, if you look at the health benefits of both the mattresses, then you will find that the natural foam mattresses score more than the synthetic ones. The natural latex ones are not only safer for your skin, but they are also less prone to the formation of mold. The natural foams are also resistant to bacteria and dust mites.

How Latex Mattresses are Manufactured

The manufacturing processes of different mattresses of latex foam also differ from each other. There are two different ways that the best latex mattress is manufactured, with each method allowing for a slightly different mattress feel. One approach is not better than the other. Instead, it is simply a matter of preference for the sleeper on whether they prefer a soft, medium, or firm sleeping mattress.

Natural Talalay Latex Process

Among the different types of manufacturing processes used, the most common is the Talalay process. It is technically among the most sophisticated processes of manufacturing mattresses. In this process, the mold of the foam is first filled with a mixture of latex. Then it is put right into another process called vacuum.

Then a freezing method is applied on it, which makes the mattress more durable and stable. This again helps it to become more stable and durable. But the procedure being among the most sophisticated also adds to the cost factor of the mattress. Thus, the mattresses manufactured using this process are more expensive. When the Talalay processing method is utilized, the results are a softer feeling mattress.

Natural Dunlop Latex Process

The Dunlop process of mattress manufacturing is one of the more traditional processes used for making latex mattresses, developed since the 1920s. It is very much similar to the Talalay process, but does not include a few of the Talalay process steps.

In the Dunlop process, the foam is not frozen. It is rather heated/baked into a solid form, which results in a more firm bottom and edge of the mattress core, unlike the Talalay process where the whole mattress is firm and solid. When the Dunlop processing method is utilized, the results are a firmer and/or more supportive feeling mattress.

Comparisons

The addition of the two extra steps makes a big difference in the performance of the end product. The Talalay process takes twice as long to manufacture compared to Dunlop; the extra steps reflect on the end price of the product, which usually means that a mattress with Talalay core will be more expensive.

Because Dunlop is denser, it is firmer and widely used as a base platform, whereas Talalay is suitable for a more soft or plush finish, making it a great top layer. Ultimately, neither is better than the other; it all comes down to personal preferences and budget.

Latex Pros vs. Latex Cons

As perfect as latex is, as natural as it can be, it also possesses some drawbacks. Listed below are the pros and cons of latex.

Pros

●    Latex mattresses do not hold heat as other mattress types, such as memory foam mattresses.

●    Latex mattresses do not give off harmful chemicals as other mattress types do.

●    Latex mattresses last long; they are very durable.

●    Latex mattresses are notably known for unmatched body sleep support in a sleep surface.

●    Latex mattresses distribute body weight evenly, offer superior comfort, relief from pressure points, and good spinal alignment.

●    Latex mattresses are safe and healthy mattresses. You want a mattress that doesn't let you feel motion transfer.

●    Latex mattresses are naturally antimicrobial, which means they're highly resistant to bacteria growth and dust mites.

Cons

●    Latex mattresses are heavy. That being said, once the new latex mattress is placed into its permanent position, it doesn't have to be moved again.

●    Latex mattresses cost more money, than most memory foam mattresses, for example. While high-quality latex mattresses are more expensive, they provide a sleeping surface like no other, including that of a memory foam mattress.

●    They're also going to last longer, which means that a new mattress doesn't have to be purchased for another fifteen years or more.

Top Features to Look for When Buying a Latex Mattress

Knowing available varieties of latex mattresses out there is very critical, but not the most critical step you need to take. You also need to go for a product that can best meet your needs. In this section, we will talk about a couple of essential considerations that will help you select your latex mattresses. Let's go!

1. Latex Foam Type

First of all, you should consider the type of foam used for the mattress. The reason is that the benefits of the product depend largely on the type of foam in it. It can be either natural synthetic or blended latex. Apart from the foam type, the manufacturing processes where latex is made also impact the properties of latex.

The latex type has an impact on the foam mattress performance and cost unit price. Therefore, you may want to consider the type of latex foam from a rubber tree you are going to purchase.

2. Comfort and Support

The level of support and comfort offered by the product depends on how it was processed. For example, if you get a good quality mattress, it will be more supportive and firmer for good spinal alignment, unlike synthetic latex. Apart from this, it can also help you keep your spine aligned, especially if you are looking for something for your back pain and pressure points relief. So, it can be a good choice for the elderly. Besides, Talalay mattresses are also made of high-quality material.

If you get high-quality foam, it will offer more bounce, in addition to holding well under a lot of pressure. The good thing about latex is that it can hold well under pressure, and withstand body impressions. So, you may want to consider both comfort and support if you are looking for the best mattress for quality sleep.

3. Density

Density is another critical factor that governs the durability level offered by mattresses made of latex. Cells are tightly knit in foams of high density. This increases the foam's toughness, and helps to withstand aggressive sleep activity.

Besides, the density of the foam affects the other properties of the product, including motion transfer isolation, support, and comfort. The good thing about high-density products is that they can stand the test of time. However, there is a downside as well. These units come with a higher price tag.

You may want to get a low-density latex mattress instead of a synthetic or blended one if you're on a budget. Apart from this, high-density mattresses are proven to take a longer time to be broken in. Keep this in mind when choosing firmness options, too.

4. Customization Options

The majority of latex mattresses can be customized with firmness options to meet your sleep preferences. Typically, these products are made with a combination of foams that have different levels of densities for varying pressure points relief. If you want to change how the mattress feels, you can rearrange the layers based on your personal preferences. Apart from this, if there is something wrong with one layer, you can replace it with another.

5. Temperature Regulation

Temperature regulation is one of the greatest advantages offered by latex mattresses, especially for those who tend to sleep hot. So, the pinholes found in the foam allow the heat to escape. Apart from this, most brands of natural mattresses are made with natural materials like horsehair, seaweed, wool, and cotton.

The good thing about these rubber tree extracted materials is that they can easily absorb sweat. In addition to this, they can quickly dry, and improve heat distribution. Typically, firmer latex mattresses are relatively cooler, helping you sleep better. Therefore, if you like soft latex beds, we suggest that you go for them. On the other hand, the negative feature of synthetic mattresses is that they heat up quickly.

6. Freedom of Movement

Another beauty of latex mattresses is that their sides can be easily shifted and changed. Besides, they feature a natural bounce, which is why you don't get stuck in your bed. No matter how you sleep, you can enjoy the same level of comfort, as the foam is quite quick to respond to your movements.

7. Bed Sharing

People have different opinions about the shifting and bounciness of these products. Besides, bed-sharing couples like this feature, but worry about motion transfer isolation while they sleep. If you are looking for the best support, you can go for a product that offers more density. On the other hand, if you happen to be a light sleeper, you can get a product that is less bouncy. The good thing about latex beds is that they offer better edge support.

8. Allergy Considerations

Natural latex from a rubber tree naturally resists mites and molds – weaknesses of other mattress types. Therefore, latex mattresses are the best choice if you are an allergy patient. They are also breathable substances, which is the main reason for their non-moisture absorption characteristics. Moisture attracts bugs.

All natural latex mattresses emit a faint vanilla-like smell soon after purchase, which also vanishes shortly after being unpacked. There is no concern of the inhalation of allergic substances while you sleep. 

Latex Mattress Buying Tips

●       Looking at the reputation of the company selling the latex mattress.

●       Read reviews about the mattress you are interested in.

●       Buying a mattress online will give you more options than buying a mattress in a physical store location.

●       Utilize firmness options for sleep customization.

●       Take advantage of free mattress trials with free shipping and a money back guarantee.

●       Check out the mattress warranty (be sure to read the fine print).

Eco Terra Luxury Latex Latex Mattress

Now that you know everything there is to know about buying a new latex mattress through reading this mattress buying guide, are you ready to make your choice? An Eco Terra Luxury Hybrid Latex Mattress is one of the best latex mattresses and latex brands available in the market today.

The Eco Terra Luxury Latex Mattress is simply the perfect combination of support and comfort in hybrid mattresses. This high quality mattress uses all natural latex, and premium encased coils. The combination creates the comfort sleepers want in a quality mattress, and the support sleepers need. It is important for sleepers to get the deep, restful sleep they need, so they can wake up the next day after a good night’s sleep ready to conquer the world.

Try one of our hybrid mattresses now for 90 days. If you're not impressed, you'll get a full refund. It simply doesn't get any better than that!

---

Also in Eco Terra's Healthy Sleep Blog