What should I look for in a Latex mattress?

An ever-growing item in the bedding market is proving to be Latex Mattresses and pillows. Some prefer it for ecological reasons, some for its quick recovery, others for its longevity. So know that you are thinking about a latex mattress, what exactly do you need to look for?

First of all, you should make sure that the mattress is, in fact, all latex. Many of the cheaper beds you will encounter feature “edge-blocking”, where the manufacturer puts cheaper support foam around the perimeter of the bed. They may rationalize this by saying it provides a firm edge to sit on, however it is really just a way of reducing costs. This foam is likely not covered under the warranty and will break down much quicker than latex. Make sure that the core is latex and that there is no “support foam” underneath like with memory foam beds.

Secondly, the mattress core should be at least 6″ thick. You’ll come across two terms: Dunlop and Talalay. These terms refer to the process in which the latex was made into foam. Dunlop tends to be less even and consistent feeling, but is fine as a core. Nearly all of the 100% Natural latex you will find is Dunlop. Talalay is nearly always a synthetic blend of varying percentages (in order to increase the durability of the bonds) and is more consistent, and also easier to create a specific firmness. Talalay is harder to make, usually more durable and has better feel so will usually be more expensive.

Remember, latex comes in many firmnesses so be sure try out a few. If you are unsure of what you want, it is usually better to go firmer, as you can always add a topper. There are also many zoned models that provide enhanced posture support.

Many latex mattress manufacturers have been turning to natural materials for their covers as well. Wool is a very tried and true material that is durable, wicks away moisture to prevent mold, and is naturally breathable and antimicrobial. Bamboo covers are also a good, breathable material that will complement latex nicely.

Tags: adjustable beds, latex, Latex Beds, mattress, memory foam, sleep