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Did you know that a lot of the foam mattresses available on the market are made using synthetic foam?
While its usage may seem harmless at first glance, artificial foam is neither sustainable nor eco-friendly. On top of that, mattresses with artificial foam layers often use a lot of toxic chemicals, which you want to stay away from to be healthy.
A much safer and healthier alternative is the natural latex mattress made using the sap of the rubber tree. The foam formed from the natural substance is known to be resilient, making the natural latex mattresses last longer than those made with artificial foam.
As finding eco-friendly and properly certified latex mattresses can be a bit challenging, we have created a list of our top five picks available in the USA. So, let's check them out!
One of the best natural latex mattresses that you can get on the market is this one from Awara, crafted from Rainforest Alliance-certified natural Dunlop latex. The premium foam is free from concerning components like mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and ozone-depleting substances, so you can have a worry-free sleep every night.
To improve comfort and support for all kinds of sleepers, Awara has added a coil support core to this mattress, improving motion isolation to provide interruption-free sleep. Furthermore, the adaptive latex layer helps relieve pressure from head to toe, along with better spinal alignment for increased relaxation even when you have body aches.
This Awara mattress has a "luxury firmness," which tends to be on the firmer side, so your body might need a few weeks to adjust.
If you're searching for a latex hybrid mattress that's made of natural latex and has all the relevant certifications, then look no further than the Awara mattress. We especially like that this mattress can fit almost all bed frames, including adjustable bases, making it quite versatile.
The Natural Bliss mattress is a 100% natural latex USDA-certified mattress that's handcrafted in the USA without the use of harmful chemicals or synthetic materials. This is also one of the best vegan mattresses available on the market as it's free from animal materials like wool. And the natural latex foam used is GOLS-certified, which ensures that you'll receive the expected durability, comfort, and resilience needed for relaxing sleep.
What's more, this mattress is available in multiple firmness options, so you'll be able to find a mattress build that fits your sleeping preferences and postures. We like that PlushBeds has used two latex layers to provide proper spinal support and effective pressure relief while preserving the natural springy and weightless feel of natural latex.
Note that it's unlikely to get the hugging factor of a memory foam mattress in this product, especially if you pick the medium-firm option.
The Natural Bliss latex mattress is especially recommended to couples with varying sleep preferences and body types as the multiple latex layers are able to support most sleeping positions. Plus, it's one of the best latex mattresses for eco-conscious people and for those who would prefer a toxin-free mattress with no traces of chemicals, fillers, pesticides, or herbicides.
Looking to create a latex hybrid bed with a thick mattress? If yes, then check out the Nolah Natural 11-inch mattress that's made from breathable and hypoallergenic all-natural Talalay latex, organic wool and cotton, as well as recycled steel coils. One of its best features has to be the Tri-Zone coil design which provides targeted support to sleepers with back pain.
Moreover, the Talalay latex provides 33% better pressure relief than synthetic latex, making the mattress perfect for side sleepers along with back and stomach sleepers. It’s also an excellent choice for hot sleepers as Talalay latex remains temperature neutral throughout the year and the hole punches on the latex layer encourage airflow for extra cooling.
Like many other latex-based innerspring mattresses, the Nolah Natural 11 doesn't perform the best in isolating motion, and couples may feel each other's movement, especially when they're combination sleepers.
Overall, we really appreciate this Nolah Natural latex mattress as it's able to provide appropriate cooling to all kinds of sleepers as well as much-needed full-body support. Besides, the mattress materials are of high quality and come with superior durability, so you can expect the mattress to last for a long time.
Another excellent organic latex mattress option from PlushBeds is The Botanical Bliss mattress crafted from GOLS-certified organic latex to provide sleepers with comfort as well as safety. The mattress is recommended by orthopedic specialists and chiropractors for the exceptional pressure relief and support it provides to a variety of sleepers, thanks to the Talalay latex comfort layers.
The Botanical Bliss mattress also features an advanced ventilation system with twelve European air vents that wick away body heat to keep sleepers cool all night, even on a hot day. Moreover, this mattress is topped with a circular-knit organic cotton cover that provides a soft, welcoming sleeping surface and reassuring elasticity to conform to the changing body positions of sleepers.
Note that PlushBeds latex mattresses tend to be on the heavier side, so you are going to need additional help to assemble your bed.
If you're looking for a latex mattress with a global organic latex standard certification as well as superior lower back support, then The Botanical Bliss would be an excellent pick. We especially like the thicker mattress options as they are perfect for sleepers with a body weight of over 200 pounds.
This award-winning organic latex mattress by Latex For Less is best known for its outstanding chiropractic support, thanks to the use of GOLS-certified latex layers. We particularly like the use of a thick latex core that provides stability to the sleepers as well as ensures that the mattress won't sag. Moreover, this mattress is topped with an organic cotton stretched layer to provide a soft, cloud-like sleeping surface.
There's no need for you to worry about the composition of this mattress as all the materials are certified by reputed organizations. The latex mattress even uses a 100% natural wool fire barrier to keep sleepers cool and safe without exposing them to toxic fire retardants.
We think that it's best to avoid the firm latex mattress option for side sleepers as it can be a bit uncomfortable as the surface may feel too tough.
All in all, this can be your best organic latex mattress if you want a reasonably affordable option without compromising comfort, durability, and safety. Plus, unlike many latex mattresses, this is available in a soft firmness option which is excellent for those who prefer sleeping on latex beds with a mild sink.
When it comes to buying a mattress, it's essential to know if the product would meet your sleeping expectations. This is especially true for natural latex mattresses, as they can be quite expensive. That's why we have gathered some of the benefits that most sleepers experience when opting for a latex mattress. Here they are:
One thing to note is that the experience of comfort varies between sleepers based on factors like the feel provided by the sleeping surface. A natural latex mattress provides a somewhat firm yet springy feel that is especially comfortable to back sleepers. As the latex tends to contour a sleeper's body naturally and is much more responsive, the comfortability tends to be more than other foam mattresses.
Tied to the earlier point is the benefit of pain relief which is possible due to the enhanced spinal as well as total body support provided by latex mattresses. That's why we recommend sleepers with back pain to go for mattresses with multiple latex layers due to their back support feature that maintains natural spinal alignment.
Moreover, movement is easier on latex mattresses, reducing the pressure you might experience on the inflamed areas of your body.
Many people are uncertain about investing in natural latex mattresses because of their high price. But, the added durability is definitely a huge benefit as it means you won't need to consider buying another mattress for at least ten years.
Along with being quite resilient, mattresses made with latex derived from rubber trees are easy to care for compared to other foam mattresses. And it doesn't usually have the problem of sagging, so the mattress would be as good as new for several years.
If your house is hot and humid, then there's a good chance of usual mattresses developing mold and dust mites over the years. By opting for an all-natural latex mattress, you can dodge the problem as latex comes with a natural resistance to mold and dust mites without adding harmful chemicals. Additionally, latex is known to resist the most common allergens that cause seasonal allergies.
So, in the longer run, you'll get the benefit of having good health, and the mattress will last longer as it won't sustain damage from mold or dust mites.
One reason latex mattresses cost more than other mattress variants is the use of premium and certified natural materials. That's why many brands offer it as an eco-friendly mattress choice for those who want to avoid mattresses laden with traces of harsh chemicals, metals, and synthetic substances.
Apart from being bad for your health, mattresses made from synthetic latex and foam aren't best for the environment. In comparison, natural latex mattresses are made using latex derived from rubber plants grown without harsh pesticides, so the material has less impact on the environment. It's also a long-lasting material, so when maintained optimally, you'll be able to get more use from a latex mattress than something like memory foam.
Getting a latex mattress is only the first step to sleeping comfortably every night. You'll need to care for the mattress in a way that it lasts for the expected time. The good news is that caring for a latex mattress isn't that hard. Just make sure to follow the instructions provided by the mattress brand to keep your latex bed bouncy and comfortable for a long time.
Here are some additional tips to follow to have a durable mattress:
Have you noticed a depression forming in your latex mattress? Then don't delay and flip or rotate it as soon as possible to avoid causing a permanent sag. In fact, most brands recommend flipping or rotating mattresses every six months to keep them looking as good as new.
But remember only to flip double-sided mattresses, or else you'll have an uncomfortable sleeping experience.
You'll often notice that brands suggest the option to buy a mattress protector along with the mattress, and there's a good reason for it. Mattress protectors are designed to keep your mattress free from spills, dust, debris, and sweat, thereby contributing to its longer lifespan. Plus, it's ideal to use a waterproof mattress protector on mattresses that don't have a removable cover to keep them clean.
Even if your mattress has a protector or cleanable cover, it's important to clean up spills as early as possible. This prevents the probability of moisture penetrating the latex layers as well as protects the mattress from developing a stain. Besides, you won't need many things as most basic spills can be cleaned with a damp cloth by rubbing gently on the affected area.
As you'll already know, most organic materials are prone to damage faster when exposed to heat. That's why we don't recommend exposing a bare latex mattress to the sun, as it can lead to the breakdown of the latex layers. So, if your bed is situated in an area of the house that gets direct sunlight, make sure to use an additional cover on the mattress as a safeguard.
With regular usage, your mattress is bound to accumulate dirt, dead skin cells, or even dust mites. The best way to combat them is to vacuum the mattress every three or four months using the upholstery attachment.
You can also try airing the mattress in gaps of two months in a spot away from sunlight if your house tends to be hot and humid. Remember not to use water or a steamer to clean latex mattresses to prevent damage.
Thanks to many online mattress brands, latex mattresses are more widely available than ever before. Even though this has created a lot of options fit for different sleepers, people often get confused about what features to look for in a mattress. Don't worry, as the following points will surely help you invest in a high-quality latex mattress.
If you didn't know already, the latex mattresses available on the market can either be made of synthetic or natural latex foam. Although synthetic latex is comparatively cheaper, we suggest you look for natural and organic options to get the best sleeping experience. So, while looking into a specific brand, ensure that they're using natural latex in the Talalay or Dunlop variants.
Some brands also provide blended latex mattresses made by combining natural and synthetic latex, but they aren't as good as those made with 100% natural latex. One way to figure out if the brand uses natural latex is to check for a Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification.
Furthermore, you should also verify the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification for other natural materials like cotton and wool, as well as the USDA organic certification. The presence of the eco-INSTITUT certification is always a bonus as it guarantees that your mattress will be free from the most harmful substances.
Another important thing to note is that latex mattresses come in different variants. Some may just have multiple latex layers, while others are a hybrid with layers of latex and coils or memory foam. The latex hybrid mattresses are specially made to provide a bit more softness, zoned comfort, and pressure distribution. And the latex-based innerspring mattress options are specifically known for better cooling capacity.
Hence, you should check out the different features provided by the particular mattress design before placing the order. If in doubt, you may opt for a hybrid option as they're best for all kinds of sleepers, including couples with different sleeping preferences.
When it comes to mattress shopping, one of the most confusing factors is choosing the right firmness. While some people prefer a softer surface, others have a better sleeping experience when a mattress is firm. That's why we recommend opting for a latex mattress that comes with a trial period so you can test out the firmness before giving it the whole commitment.
Most latex mattresses are on the firmer side and come with a slightly bouncy feel. But, brands have innovatively introduced cotton and wool layers to provide a more cloud-like softer sleeping experience. So, you'll likely get choices between soft, medium-firm, and firm mattresses.
However, if you're still confused, pick a medium-firm mattress as they're said to be most universally flattering.
To tell you the truth, there's no correct answer to the question of whether latex mattresses are better than memory foam. In fact, in most cases, the preference for a material lies solely in an individual's sleeping style and needs. Having said that, there are some areas where latex mattresses definitely perform better than the memory foam variants.
One of the key features for which sleepers may gravitate toward latex options is enhanced responsiveness. The addition of latex layers in a mattress gives it a distinct springy or bouncy quality due to its natural firmness, while memory foam tends to sink. That's why most latex beds work well for active sleepers who have a habit of tossing and turning as the mattress makes the movements easier.
The next factor that's better in latex mattresses is their supreme breathability which is essential for those who sleep hot. Unlike their memory foam counterparts, latex mattresses don't have a tendency to trap your body heat. Hence, you'll feel much cooler all night, even on a particularly uncomfortable, humid day. Plus, the best cooling latex mattress options have additional features like cotton and wool layers to encourage breathability for more comfort.
We also found that most brands use certified organic and eco-friendly materials to manufacture latex mattresses, making them better for your health as well as the environment.
Have you witnessed a memory foam mattress losing its integrity in only a few years? If yes, then you may try out a latex mattress as they're known to be much more durable and long-lasting. Just make sure to select the right latex density and firmness level to be free from the tension of experiencing sagging, as most latex mattresses last up to fifteen years.
By and large, that's everything we had to tell you about our picks for the best latex mattresses in the USA, but before going away, let's tell you our favorites.
Hands down, the Awara natural latex mattress is an excellent find as it's suitable for all kinds of sleepers, especially couples who need optimal motion isolation. We also recommend it to those with skin sensitivity and allergy issues, as the mattress is free from toxic chemicals and synthetic materials.
An alternative can be The Natural Bliss mattress by PlushBeds, particularly for those who want superior spinal support to manage body pain. The mattress also has a springy and weightless quality which adds to a sleeper's comfort without giving them a feeling of sinking.