Best Latex Mattresses in 2020

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’ve tested and compared over 30 latex mattresses in our very own Mattress Lab to find the best of the best. In this guide, we’ll share our 9 top-rated latex mattress reviews, and in our comprehensive buyer’s guide for latex beds, we’ll teach you everything you should look for when shopping.

Best Latex Mattresses

• Editor’s Pick – Birch
• Best Organic Mattress – ZenHaven
• Best for Couples – Awara
• Best for Back Pain – Bloom Hybrid
• Best Pillow Top Mattress – Avocado
• Best for Hot Sleepers – Nest Natural Hybrid
• Best for Side Sleepers – PlushBeds Botanical Bliss
• Best Latex Hybrid Mattress – Brentwood Home Cedar
• Best for Heavy People – Pure Green Mattress by Sleep on Latex

Every mattress on this list has undergone our comprehensive mattress testing process in our in-house Mattress Lab. Click here to read more about our review process.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at each mattress and tell you about their performance in our testing, what we like about them, and any information you should know before purchasing.

Birch: Editor’s Pick

The Birch mattress by Helix is a latex hybrid mattress with sustainably sourced materials. The cover is made from organic cotton and wool. Their talalay latex is imported from Southeast Asia, and the high-quality steel used to make the individually wrapped coils is manufactured in the USA and made to last a lifetime.

The latex foam layers and the pocketed coils make a mattress that has superior motion isolation, making it the best for couples. Birch’s pressure relieving properties and good spinal alignment also make it a great choice for people who sleep on their sides.

Read our full Birch mattress review.

ZenHaven: Best Organic Mattress

The ZenHaven mattress by Saatva is a luxury mattress wrapped in an organic wool cover. In addition to all the health benefits latex provides, the ZenHaven is unique in that it’s flippable mattress, so you can choose the firmness option that suits you best.

The gentle-firm side offers steady, zoned support that works well of back and stomach sleepers who need a firm feel to keep their spine aligned. The luxury-plush side offers more contouring for side sleepers who need their hips and shoulders to be cradled.

And while it’s nearly impossible for a mattress to be 100% organic, 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.

Related: Best Organic Mattress

Given the hygienic nature of latex, the ZenHaven organic latex mattress is naturally resistant to mold, microbes, and dust mites making this mattress not only safe to sleep on but also hypoallergenic.

Read our full Zenhaven mattress review.

Awara: Best for Couples

The Awara mattress is made of 100 percent organic Dunlop latex and wrapped in an organic cotton 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, making Awara a great option for couples.

Read our full Awara mattress review.

Bloom Hybrid: Best for Back Pain

Made of breathable, hypoallergenic, natural Talalay latex, the Bloom Hybrid 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 natural wool which amazingly keeps you cool in the summer yet warm in the winter.

The core of the Bloom Hybrid mattress is made of two latex layers. The first is a comfort layer that cradles pressure points adapts to changes in sleep position and relieves back pain. 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 cool while you sleep.

Read our full Bloom Hybrid mattress review.

Avocado: Best Pillow Top Mattress

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.

Avocado also gives you the opportunity to add a pillow top layer to their mattress for extra contouring comfort. And with multiple mattress certifications, including Greenguard Gold, GOLS, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX, you can be sure you’re sleeping on a safe surface.

Read more: Best Pillow Top Mattress

Read our full Avocado mattress review.

Nest Natural Hybrid: Best for Hot Sleepers

Available at three firmness levels, Nest Bedding’s Hybrid Latex mattress is a combination of Dunlop latex and a six-inch pocket coil core. With the option to choose your firmness, this bed is a great option for combination sleepers and people who toss and turn.

This natural mattress did particularly well in our spine alignment and pressure relief tests making this a great mattress for side sleepers, back pain, and joint pain relief. Thick and plush, this mattress sleeps very comfortably while also supporting its sleeper.

Read our full Nest Hybrid Latex mattress review.

PlushBeds Botanical Bliss: Best for Side Sleepers

The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress is made of 100% APRICO, organic Dunlop latex, and is wrapped in an organic knit cover made of naturally sourced cotton and wool. This bed offers great pressure relief and spinal alignment, making it one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

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.

Read our full Botanical Bliss mattress review.

Brentwood Home Cedar: Best Latex Hybrid Mattress

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.

This 5-layered mattress creates the perfect medium firmness, so the Cedar can work for all sleep styles. With sculpted edges for motion isolation and targeted pressure relief, the Cedar will provide comfort to your shoulders, back, and legs all night.

Read our full Cedar mattress review.

Pure Green Mattress by Sleep on Latex: Best for Heavy People

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. This allows you to create a mattress that works best for your body type, making it one of the best mattresses for heavy people.

Pure Green is 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 wicks away your body heat; it can be completely zipped off and dry cleaned in necessary.

Read our full Pure Green mattress review.

Buyer’s Guide for Latex Mattresses

We think there’s a lot to love about latex mattresses, but they’re not for everyone. We’re here to help you determine if latex beds are the best mattresses for you.

In this guide, we’ll cover the following:

• What is a Latex Mattress?
• Types of Latex
• Pros and Cons
• Shopping Considerations for a Latex Mattress

What is a Latex Mattress?

Latex mattresses are made with either all latex materials or a hybrid of latex and other materials like polyurethane foam and pocketed coils. These mattresses have a unique feel and are designed to offer pressure relief, cooling, and a healthier night’s sleep.

Latex vs Memory Foam Mattresses

There are a lot of similarities between mattresses made with latex foam and those made with memory foam. They both are great at pressure relief, motion isolation, and spinal alignment. But, there are also a few things latex has that memory foam mattresses don’t—their ability to sleep cool and the ability to be naturally derived.

Latex is a naturally cooling material, making them a great choice for hot sleepers. Depending on the manufacturing process, latex mattresses can create organic, eco-friendly mattresses.

Types of Latex

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. The different types of latex mattresses are

• Natural latex: This is produced from the sap of a rubber tree with either Talalay or Dunlop processing and is theoretically 100% natural latex. 
• Synthetic latex: This is derived from petrochemicals with either Talalay or Dunlop processing and is 0% natural latex.
• Blended latex: Consists of a blend of natural and synthetic latex and is typically at least 30% natural latex.

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 foam 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.

While we recommend selecting a natural latex mattress to derive all of the benefits of this material, we also know that it’s the most expensive option, and it may not be in everyone’s budget. 

Synthetic and blend latex mattresses are considerably cheaper than an all-natural latex mattress. Synthetic latex mattresses are made almost exclusively with a mixture of chemicals, so you may deal more with the unpleasant odors from off-gassing when you first setup the mattress.

Talalay Latex vs Dunlop 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:

• Mattresses that have undergone the Dunlop process 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 mattresses are 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.

Keep reading: Dunlop vs. Talalay latex

Pros and Cons

Still on the fence? We’ll go over some advantages and disadvantages of buying a latex mattress.

Pros

A latex mattress can be a great investment for your sleep. There are many benefits to this type of bed.

• Less “Hug”: 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.
• Antibacterial: Latex is naturally antibacterial, meaning it’s resistant to dust mites, fleas, mold, and mildew, so you get a clean night’s sleep. 
• Good for Couples: 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.
• Responsiveness: It will adjust to your body as you move throughout the night.
• Great Value: 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.
• Better for the Environment: 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

On the flip side, there are a number of factors to be aware of when shopping for a latex mattress. 

• 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+.
• Weight: 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. 
• Resistance: 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.
• Allergies: 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.

Shopping Considerations for a Latex Mattress

Finally, we’ll give you a checklist of all the factors you should consider when selecting the right latex mattress for you.

Sleeping Position

Your sleep position should greatly factor in to the mattress that you ultimately try to buy. Luckily, latex mattresses work for all positions; here’s how.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a mattress that will keep their spine perfectly straight, but they also need a mattress that will keep pressure off of their shoulder and hips. Latex is a naturally pressure-relieving foam, that is ultra-responsive—good thing, because side sleepers also tend to be combination sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

People who sleep on their front need a firm mattress that, like side sleepers, keeps pressure off of their hips and shoulders. Many latex beds come with the option to choose your firmness level, so stomach sleepers shouldn’t have a problem finding a firm bed to keep their spine aligned.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need a mattress that allows them to maintain the natural curve of the spine. Latex foam is just contouring enough to conform to the spine, but firm enough that you won’t sink into the mattress and ruin your alignment.

Budget

Latex mattresses are known to be some of the more expensive beds in the market, so you may be wary of choosing one if you have a tight budget. Even within the category of latex mattresses, though, there is a wide price range depending on mattress materials and size.

Read more: Best Cheap Mattress for Your Budget

The cheapest option will be synthetic or blend mattresses made with Talalay processing from online mattress brands. All-natural latex with Dunlop processing is more expensive for its high quality, and shopping online helps cut out the costs of the middleman.

Support Core

A support core is an internal layer of a latex mattress that provides pressure relief and the bouncy feel of latex. In an all-natural latex mattress, the support core is made completely of foam. This is the most durable and long-lasting. 

In synthetic and blended latex mattresses, the support core is made with other materials like pocketed coils or polyfoam. These will not be as durable, but will likely be cheaper.

Thickness

Latex mattresses are usually between 6 to 12 inches, with blended latex mattresses sitting on the higher end of this range. Thicker mattresses will offer more support and durability, especially for heavier sleepers.

Impression Load Deflection (ILD)

The ILD rating for a latex mattress will let you know how soft or firm the mattress is. Talalay latex typically has a lower ILD rating and is softer than Dunlop latex. Synthetic and blended latex also have lower ILD ratings and are softer than all natural latex. 

The softest mattresses will have an ILD rating below 16, medium mattresses will have a rating between 24-29, and the firmest will be above 39.

Recap: Our Top-Rated Latex Mattresses

Summary

Now that you’ve reviewed our top picks and referenced our buyer’s guide, we hope 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.

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