There are a number of benefits to having a latex foam mattress compared to other mattresses. There is also the alternative of buying a latex foam mattress topper, a pad which goes on top of an ordinary spring coil mattress to get some of the benefits.
The primary ingredient of latex comes from the sap of a rubber tree, allowing it to be a natural, sustainable, and biodegradable product. A latex foam mattress can last up to 30 years and does not depress over time like traditional mattresses that you have to flip over to let recover.
Being made from an organic material, an all natural latex foam mattress possesses 2 main benefits:
- Health: A latex foam mattress is anti-bacterial because bacteria, mildew and mold cannot thrive within latex.
- Comfort: The second benefit comes from the elastic characteristics of latex. Sleeping on a latex foam mattress does not create pressure points on the body. Latex is dense, but elastic enough that it will still conform to the body. This allows you to turn over from side to side smoothly, whereas on ordinary spring mattresses you literally toss and turn, which causes disruption of sleep.
Alongside a latex foam mattress you have memory foam mattresses, which also conform to your body making them both more comfortable than a traditional spring box mattress. However, memory foam retains heat which causes discomfort, while latex is more breathable. Another drawback of memory foam is that you sink into the bed deeper and it holds you in, making it harder and less natural to turn over while sleeping. You do not roll smoothly side to side as you would with a natural latex foam mattress.
An alternative to buying a latex foam mattress is to get a topper, or a latex foam mattress pad, which can go over the top of a normal spring mattress. It will add a luxurious layer to the standard mattress, and will add some of the support and comfort that you would get from a latex foam mattress.
When you are going to buy or when looking at a latex foam mattress review, keep in mind that not all mattresses are made equal. A latex mattress can either be synthetic (petrochemicals), natural, or a mix of both. The reason there are synthetic and mix (or ‘blend’) is that it is cheaper to produce them. In order to get the most and all the benefits out of a latex foam mattress, check the label of the mattress and remember these points :
- 100% natural latex composition vs. synthetic or blend
- Talalay latex is the highest quality available.
- High density foam means higher quality, and price.
- Simple designs work best. Mattresses with shapes and patterns on the mattress are not as durable as a plain surfaced latex foam mattress.
- When you are searching for a latex foam mattress, here are 4 to review: NaturalSense (a 100% natural latex), Talalay, 100% Natural Talalay, and Larkspur.