What are the Different Types of Latex Mattresses?

March 09, 2023

Shopping for a latex mattress can be an overwhelming experience. To get a latex bed that suits your sleeping habits, consider the different types of latex mattresses available to make an informed decision.

What is Latex Foam?

Latex is derived from rubber tree sap. It is a stretchy material, known for its resilience and durability. Latex foam offers superior support with a light bounce when processed into a mattress.

Natural latex is chemical-free and sustainable compared to artificially-made memory foam with similar properties. Latex is soft, bouncy, and highly durable, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious mattress shoppers.

Latex Mattresses Types

Based on the proportion and type of latex, latex mattresses are available in the following types:

Natural Latex Mattresses

The latex mattresses are built from liquid latex derived as sap from rubber trees. Latex extract is turned into latex foam, and further processed to form two types of latex.

Dunlop Latex

Dunlop latex is formed when the liquid latex is poured into the mold in one complete pour. Once poured, the mixture is allowed to settle before it is further processed to form Dunlop latex.

Talalay Latex

Talalay latex is made using more advanced and energy-intensive processing. Talalay latex uses a newer form of latex processing, where latex foam is poured into the mold halfway.

The mold is then vacuum-sealed and flash-frozen, so that latex foam expands to fill up the mold. Further processing leads to the formation of Talalay latex.

Dunlop vs. Talalay Latex

The Dunlop method and the Talalay method are two different types of latex processing that use latex extracted from rubber trees. The difference in the processing method leads to two types of latex.

While the Dunlop process creates a firmer latex, best suited to build a mattress core, the Talalay method makes a lighter, more porous latex, best used as a mattress's comfort layer.

Because of the difference in processing, natural Dunlop latex has two distinct layers, a heavier bottom layer, and a lighter top layer. In contrast, Talalay latex has a uniform density, and comes in a wider variety of thickness.

Organic Latex Mattresses

Organic latex mattresses have the same qualities as natural latex beds. The only difference is that organic latex uses latex extract from rubber trees, harvested sustainably, without pesticides.

Also, organic latex mattresses are processed without artificial substances, harmful dyes, and other toxic chemicals, making them an excellent choice for sensitive people, like children and the elderly.

Like natural latex, organic latex can be processed into organic Dunlop and Talalay mattresses. The best luxury latex mattresses are typically manufactured using certified organic materials like organic latex, organic cotton, and wool to provide unmatched comfort and luxury.

Synthetic Latex Mattresses

Synthetic latex mattresses feel and function similarly to natural latex mattresses. However, they are made from synthetic materials, like Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR). Because of the lack of natural materials, synthetic latex mattresses are less durable, and can fall apart in a few years.

Blended Latex Mattresses

If you want a natural latex bed, but are wary about the price, consider getting a blended latex mattress. Blended latex mattresses have a proportion of natural latex and synthetic latex, making them function as natural latex on a budget.

Latex Hybrid Mattresses

Unlike all-foam mattresses, latex hybrid mattresses have a top comfort layer made from softer Talalay latex. They enjoy additional support from a base layer of steel coils. Because of their structure, latex hybrid beds can offer more support than a traditional latex mattress, and is excellent for heavier people.

The comfort level of a latex hybrid bed depends on the material of its comfort layer.

Latex Mattress Benefits

Because of their natural materials and construction, latex beds have the following benefits.

Durability

Natural latex mattresses have anti-sagging properties, thanks to natural materials and chemical-free processing.

The durable mattress lasts longer than memory foam, or other polyfoam mattresses. Dunlop latex typically offers better durability than Talalay latex foams.

A good quality latex mattress lasts 15 to 20 years, or even longer, making it a long-term investment.

Responsiveness

Because of their elasticity, latex mattresses are highly responsive, and bounce back when the weight is released. Because of their high responsiveness, latex mattresses are easier to move around in bed, and switch positions.

Sustainability

Natural latex mattresses are made from 100% latex extracted from rubber trees. The trees do not need pesticides to survive, and produce latex sap regularly over a period of time. Also, natural latex is biodegradable, diminishing its effect on the environment.

Hypoallergenic

Natural latex has an innate ability to resist allergens like dust mites, mildew, and molds. Natural latex mattresses are excellent investments for people who suffer from year-round allergies.

Temperature Regulation

Natural latex foam has an open cell structure that allows airflow through small pinholes, or ducts on its surface. Natural latex mattresses release trapped body heat and moisture, keeping you cool and dry as you sleep comfortably.

For this reason, natural latex foam offers a great sleeping surface for hot sleepers.

Latex Mattress Drawbacks

Even though latex mattresses are a popular option for mattress shoppers, natural latex mattresses suffer from the following drawbacks.

Price

Natural latex is less readily available than memory foam, and can be challenging to source. Both organic and natural materials are extracted from rubber trees. Natural and organic latex beds are available at a higher price range. They may not be the best option for budget shoppers.

Mattress Weight

Natural latex mattresses made from natural Dunlop latex can be denser in construction, making them heavier and bulkier than other foam mattresses. They can be challenging to maneuver, especially if you move around a lot.

Latex Allergies

Natural latex can sometimes cause latex allergies, resulting in hives, itchiness, runny nose, and sneezing, affecting the sleeper's health. People having latex allergies must stay away from latex beds.

What to Look for in a Latex Mattress?

Like all mattresses, latex mattresses come with their benefits and drawbacks. While natural latex beds are highly supportive and responsive, with excellent temperature-regulating features, they do not offer the best body-contouring and motion-isolation properties. Also, natural and organic latex mattresses are expensive, and can burn a hole in your pocket.

Before purchasing a latex mattress, you need to be aware of the characteristics of a typical latex bed. Here are some qualities you can look for in a latex mattress.

Mattress Type

The performance of a latex bed and a latex hybrid mattress is similar. However, an all-latex mattress would be a more durable and quieter option. Also, latex hybrid mattresses come with an extra support layer in the form of a steel coil layer, making them extra supportive.

While natural and organic latex is sustainable, organic mattresses typically have organic materials extracted from rubber trees that are harvested without pesticides.

In an organic mattress, the organic Dunlop latex and Talalay latex are processed without using harmful dyes and chemicals, making it excellent for sensitive people.

To get the feel and qualities of a natural latex mattress on a budget, consider synthetic latex or blended latex mattresses. The beds have synthetic or blended latex that mimics the feel of natural latex, allowing you to enjoy natural latex qualities on a budget.

Material Quality

Most latex mattresses are made from organic Dunlop latex or Talalay latex that are certified by global agencies for their purity and authenticity.

The best organic latex mattresses typically have (Global Organic Latex Standard) GOLS certified organic latex with other organic materials like (Global Organic Textiles Standard) GOTS certified organic cotton and wool as their ingredients.

Firmness Level

Natural Talalay latex can come in varying density latex layers, building mattresses of different firmness. Usually, Talalay latex mattress comes with layers of different thicknesses combined to provide the desired firmness.

For instance, the Latex Hybrid Mattress from Eco Terra comes in Medium and Medium-Firm levels to cater to your sleeping positions.

Motion Isolation

If you share a bed with your partner, your partner's movement during the night can disturb your sleep. Mattresses with excellent motion isolation properties tend to absorb the movements, allowing you to sleep peacefully.

Latex mattresses could be better at restricting motion transfer, as their bouncy surfaces transfer movement across the mattress surface.

Temperature Regulation

Natural latex has pinpoints, or ducts that allow air passage, keeping you cool and dry as you sleep comfortably.

Talalay latex foam typically has a more porous structure when compared to organic Dunlop latex foams. This is why Talalay latex is most favored when building a mattress’s comfort layer.

A latex hybrid mattress also offers better ventilation because of the gaps in the steel coils.

Pressure Relief

Sleeping on a latex mattress allows pressure relief, helping you recover from body aches caused by pressure points in the hips, neck, and shoulder areas.

Dunlop latex foam offers better support and pressure relief than Talalay latex foam.

Edge Support

Latex mattresses tend to be firmer around the edges, providing excellent edge support compared to other foam mattresses. Beds with more robust edge support minimize mattress sagging issues, and make getting in and out of bed easier.

Body Contouring

Unlike most memory foam mattresses, latex foams typically provide more support, and less of a hugging feeling.

While latex mattresses are ideal for heavier people, as they avoid sinking in the bed, the lack of body contouring can create a less comfortable and luxurious bed.

Sleeping Positions

Sleeping positions play a vital role when choosing your ideal mattress. The highly supportive and responsive latex mattresses are great for back and stomach sleepers, and those with heavier weights. The firmer surface balances the body weight of such individuals, while keeping the body from sinking in.

In contrast, side sleepers sleep more comfortably on a softer, memory foam mattress. Light-weighted people also get a comfortable, huggable feeling when sleeping on a memory foam bed.

Noise Level

Natural and organic latex are natural materials that do not make any noise, helping you get the quiet, uninterrupted sleep you desire. However, latex hybrid mattresses can make squeaky noises with time if the base layer of spring coils gets rusted.

Durability

Many latex mattresses are highly durable, and last 15 to 20 years. Unlike other foam mattresses, latex beds are eco-friendly mattresses that do not break, and have anti-sagging properties that help retain their shape in the long run.

Dunlop latex typically offers more durability than Talalay latex foam.

Certifications

Most organic latex mattresses come with certifications, like GOTS, GOLS, etc., from authorities who vouch for their purity and authenticity. Certified organic mattresses will give you peace of mind that the organic materials are harvested and processed sustainably.

Price

Because of their excessive pricing, most mattress shoppers are wary of buying a natural or organic latex mattress.

However, nowadays, many latex mattresses are available at an affordable cost, especially when you buy them online. You can also enjoy amazing deals and discounts when purchasing latex mattresses during the holiday season.

The best latex mattress you can enjoy without breaking the bank is the Hybrid Latex Mattress from Eco Terra. The high quality mattress is made in the USA using GOLS-certified organic latex layers, and has a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. It has a base layer of a fabric-encased coil, offering high-end support and comfort.

Shipping, Returns, and Warranties

Eco Terra offers free shipping with a sleep trial, easy returns, and a 15 years warranty when you buy our premium latex mattress.

Are Latex Mattresses Better than Memory Foam Mattresses?

Both latex and memory foam offers excellent support and comfort features.

Your decision to choose between a latex foam or memory foam mattress will depend on your budget, sleeping position, body type, and personal preferences.

What is Memory Foam?

Memory foam is a synthetic material made from Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), or another type of polyurethane foam.

Because of their synthetic materials, memory foam mattresses can cause off-gassing, affecting your health and well-being. Here are some reasons why you might choose a memory foam mattress.

Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses

Body Contouring

Memory foam has a softer texture that envelopes your body, offering a cloud-like feeling.

Better Motion Isolation

Because of their softer materials, memory foam mattresses absorb your partner's movement, providing you with uninterrupted sleep.

Affordability

Memory foam beds are more affordable and readily available than latex foams.

Drawbacks of Memory Foam Mattresses

Some drawbacks of getting a memory foam mattress are that they can cause unpleasant off-gassing because of the synthetic component in the beds. Also, traditional memory foam beds can trap body heat, making you hot and uncomfortable while sleeping.

What Foundation is Best for Latex Mattresses?

While natural latex mattresses have superior supportive features, getting a good foundation will elevate your bed, while providing some added support. To get the best foundation that compliments the sustainability of your latex bed, consider the Natural Wood Mattress Foundation from Eco Terra.

The mattress foundation is crafted in the USA, using FSC-certified natural spruce wood known for its natural beauty, easy care, and durability. The foundation has wooden slats, 2" -2.5" apart, that prevent the mattress from sagging.

The highly sustainable foundation has a stretched-knit GOTS-certified organic cover, and comes with a ten-year warranty.

Takeaway

You can choose your new mattress from a wide variety of latex mattresses available. Budget shoppers can buy blended or synthetic latex mattresses to get the feel of a latex bed on a budget. At the same time, eco-conscious buyers can splurge on an organic or natural latex bed for unmatched comfort and luxury.

Ultimately, it depends on your budget, sleeping position, body type, and individual preferences.

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