The Best Latex Mattresses: 2019 Buyer's Guide

Latex mattresses have gained popularity in the mattress scene because of their hygienic and (in some cases) eco-friendly materials, as well as their pressure-relieving support. We think there’s a lot to love about latex mattresses, but they’re also not for everyone. We’re here to help you determine if a latex mattress is the best mattress for you. We’ll also tell you about our favorite latex mattress brands available today that will provide the most bang for your buck.

Why A Latex Mattress Might Be Best For You

Pros of Sleeping on a Latex Mattress

A latex mattress is a great option for people who like the support and pressure-relieving qualities of a foam mattress but don’t want to feel as engulfed in the mattress. In other words, they prefer to sleep “on” the mattress instead of “in” the mattress.

Latex mattresses tend to have great bounce, cooling properties, and motion transfer – meaning you won’t feel your partner or pets if they move around or get up in the middle of the night. Latex is also a responsive material, so it will adjust to your body as you move throughout the night.

If you decide to go with a latex mattress, think of it as a long-term investment: latex mattresses (when cared for properly), can last up to 15 years. This is the longest lifespan of any type of mattress.

Latex mattresses are usually the most eco-friendly option as well. Latex is typically made from plant- or petroleum-based synthetic rubber, which means it’s environmentally friendly to produce and can usually be recycled at the end of its lifetime.

Cons of Latex Mattresses

On the flip side, there are a number of factors to be aware of when shopping for a latex mattress. One of which is price. Because latex mattresses are made with more durable, longer-lasting materials, they’re also going to be more expensive. Prices for latex mattresses can range from $900 to $2,000+.

Latex mattresses are also very dense, meaning they’re going to be on the heavier side. You’ll definitely want to partner up when it comes to transporting and setting up a latex mattress. (Or maybe you’re more of the delegating type, we’re not judging.)

The more you push on latex, the more it pushes back. Meaning this type of mattress won’t contour or cushion your body as well as a memory foam mattress will. This quality really comes down to your personal preference, but it’s something to be aware of.

Another con for some might be a latex allergy.  If you’re allergic to latex, you may be wary of buying a latex mattress. Our best advice is to contact your doctor to confirm before you do (you don’t want to take any chances). However, the latex allergy risk associated with latex mattresses is negligible. The latex used in mattresses is thoroughly washed and undergoes high temperatures and pressure before being assembled. The latex itself will also be covered, so your skin won’t have direct contact. But again, it’s a good idea to get the OK from your doctor before you put one in your shopping cart. 

Types of Latex Mattresses

Before you start shopping for latex, you should know how it’s made. While latex has the connotation of being all-natural and organic, that’s not always the case.

Natural vs. Synthetic Latex

While latex is a naturally sourced material from rubber trees, not all latex mattresses contain 100 percent latex. Before the completed latex mixture is poured into the mold used to make the mattress, fillers can be added to cut down on costs. In most cases, polyurethane is the filler added to create synthetic latex. But buyer beware! As long as there is a certain percentage of all-natural latex used in a mattress it can be marketed as “Natural Latex.” To be sure you are buying a 100% natural latex mattress, make sure it is labeled as such. Although the cost will be higher, natural latex is more durable and has greater health benefits.

Dunlop vs. Talalay Latex

You may have also seen the words “Dunlop” and “Talalay” latex in your search. These are not different kinds of natural latex, but rather the process used to turn liquid latex into latex foam. In general, the differences between the two processes are the end result. Dunlop latex mattresses are slightly firmer and denser than latex mattresses formed through the Talalay process. This makes Dunlop latex a great option for plus-size sleepers, or other adults looking for premium support. On the other hand, Talalay latex is a great choice for side sleepers given its cushion. In some cases, you will see Dunlop latex as the base layer of a mattress for its support and Talalay latex as the top layer for its cushion.

Here we’ve highlighted some of the factors that might help you determine which latex mattress brand will be best for you. We consider the following mattress models the top-rated latex mattresses based on quality, customer satisfaction, overall value, and convenience.

Pay attention to factors that might be important to you – like support, firmness, cooling properties, trial period and price.

ZenHaven

Why we love it

The ZenHaven mattress by Saatva is a luxury, latex mattress wrapped in an organic wool cover. In addition to all the health benefits latex provides, the ZenHaven is unique in that it’s dual-sided so you can choose the comfort level that suits you best. You will pay more for a mattress of this quality but Saatva will take away your old bed and set your new ZenHaven up for free (which is good news because the ZenHavan is on the heavier side).

It’s nearly impossible for a mattress to be 100% organic, but the ZenHaven is “as green as modern manufacturing will allow.” Each layer in this mattress is made with all-natural materials that are free of toxins and chemical odors typically found in synthetic bedding foams. There is, however, a small amount of non-toxic, inorganic material used to convert natural latex from its liquid, tree-tapped form to its solid form. Given the hygienic nature of latex, the ZenHaven mattress is naturally resistant to mold, microbes, and dust mites making this mattress not only safe to sleep on but also hypoallergenic.

Awara

Why we love it

The Awara mattress is made of 100 percent organic Dunlop latex and wrapped in a cover made from naturally sourced cotton and wool. Given the natural cooling and antimicrobial properties of the materials in the Awara mattress, you’ll sleep cool and clean.

The core of the Awara mattress is made of nine inches of individually wrapped pocket coils that help ensure full body support and spinal alignment while you sleep. Unlike other mattresses that usually offer only 2 or 3 zone support, the Awara mattress is built using a unique 5-zone pocket coil system. These added zones provide targeted, multi-zone support to evenly distribute weight and reduce motion transfer.

Bloom by Brooklyn Bedding

Why we love it

Made of breathable, hypoallergenic Talalay latex, the Bloom mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is an eco-friendly bed that also happens to be very comfy. The top layer of the Bloom mattress is made of Joma Wool which amazingly keeps you cool in the summer yet warm in the winter.

The core of the Bloom mattress is made of two latex layers. The first is a comfort layer that cradles pressure points adapts to changes in sleep position. The following latex layer provides deep compression to keep your body weight supported while you sleep. Together the latex core breathes up to seven times better than other latex foams to keep you sool while you sleep.

Avocado

Why we love it

The Avocado Green mattress is about as “green” as they come. Made of 100 percent organic materials, it doesn’t get much more eco-friendly than this. The Avocado is a hybrid mattress made of 100 percent natural Dunlop latex and innerspring core, wrapped in an organic cotton and wool cover that’s breathable and cool. Due to the sturdy materials used to make the bulk of the Avocado mattress, you will sleep well supported. No to mention the five-zone ergonomic support system that offers individualized pressure relief and spine alignment. If you are looking for an even more sustainable mattress, check out the Avocado Vegan mattress.

Nest Bedding Hybrid Latex

Why we love it

Available at three firmness levels, Nest Bedding’s Hybrid Latex mattress is a combination of Dunlop latex and a six-inch pocket coil core. Thick and plush, this mattress sleeps very comfortably while also supporting its sleeper. The Hybrid Latex by Nest did particularly well in our spine alignment and pressure relief tests making this a great bed for anyone with back and joint pain.

PlushBeds Botanical Bliss

Why we love it

The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress is made of 100% APRICO, organic Dunlop latex and wrapped in an organic knit cover made of naturally sourced cotton and wool. Offered at two thickness levels, 10 inches or 13 inches, the Botanical Bliss offers varying levels of support. Another pro of the Botanical Bliss is completely customizable firmness. Unzip the cover of the mattress and rearrange the three latex layers to your liking.

Speaking of the cover, it’s made of 100% Pure New Zealand Wool. When used in the right proportions, organic wool creates a micro-climate, which assists in regulating body temperature and humidity. This means you will sleep cool atop of the Botanical Bliss.

Cedar by Brentwood Home

Why we love it

The Cedar Mattress is made of 100% all-natural ventilated Dunlop latex and organic cotton, New Zealand wool, flax seeds, and organic coconut husk. Due to the moisture wicking properties of wool and the breathability of ventilated Dunlop, the Cedar mattress sleeps cooler than most. With sculpted edges for motion isolation and targeted pressure relief, the Cedar will provide comfort to your shoulders, back, and legs all night.

Sleep on Latex

Why we love it

This hypoallergenic latex mattress is offered at two thickness levels and three different levels of firmness which allows you to customize your bed to suit your comfort preferences. It’s one of the few brands made of 100% all-natural latex, plus its cotton and wool are GOTS certified. The cover of the Pure Green mattress can be completely zipped off and dry cleaned in necessary.

Spindle

Why we love it

The Spindle mattress is made of three all-natural layers of Dunlop latex that are three times more durable and four times more breathable than conventional foams. Topped with an organic cotton cover that’s lined with natural wool, the Spindle sleeps cool by naturally wicking moisture away from the body.

We hope by now you have a better idea of whether or not a latex mattress might be the best option for you. If you were already convinced, then we hope we’ve helped you narrow down your search. When you factor in how long a latex mattress will last you, it’s important to choose a mattress that you’re really going to love.

If you still have questions about latex mattresses, or you have one that you particularly love, let us know in the comments below.