If you don’t like the feel of memory foam or find it too warm, a latex mattress is a good alternative.
It doesn’t feel as flexible as memory foam, but it can still contour around your body well enough to prevent pressure points. It also has excellent support and feels bouncier than memory foam.
There are several types of latex foam mattresses.
In terms of the materials used, there are natural, synthetic and blended variations.
Natural latex mattresses are made from the sap of a rubber tree while synthetic latex mattresses are made from petrochemicals.
Blended latex mattresses consist of both natural and synthetic latex. Most latex mattresses are of this type.
In terms of the manufacturing process, you can get a Dunlop (dense and heavy) or Talalay (soft, light and uniformly dense) mattress.
Though all these types of latex mattresses have varying qualities, they share some common benefits.
What are the benefits of sleeping on a latex mattress
Conforms To Your Body
When you lie on a latex foam mattress, you can feel your body sinking gently into it. The foam shapes around your body, relieving pressure and cradling you into a comforting hug.
Latex foam doesn’t contour as easily as memory foam, but it still feels comfortable especially if you choose the right firmness.
Its ability to conform to your body makes it a good choice for people with back pain.
Great Support
Latex foam does a great job maintaining your spine’s natural alignment. It’s able to hold up your body while letting pressure points such as the lower back and hips sink into the mattress.
Whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach, a latex mattress feels great.
It’s also better than memory foam for heavier individuals. That’s because it’s firmer and doesn’t sink as much as memory foam under a lot of weight.
If you are overweight and are torn between memory foam vs. latex foam, go with latex. For even better support and mattress longevity, look for a hybrid mattress that combines latex foam and innerspring.
A good example is the Nest Bedding latex + innerspring mattress. Read our Nest Bedding Organic Hybrid Latex review to learn more about it.
Quick Recovery
Memory foam conforms well, but it can be slow in keeping up with you when you move or change your sleeping position.
It takes a few minutes before it recovers and molds again.
Latex foam, on the other hand, recovers much quicker because of its higher elasticity. As you turn, it quickly conforms to your new sleeping position.
This maintains good support and pressure relief in all sleeping positions.
Highly Responsive
Latex foam’s elasticity also makes it highly responsive. In other words, it’s bouncy.
This has two big advantages.
One, it makes it so much easier to move around and turn on the bed.
Second, it makes for good and fun sex. As a bonus, latex is cooler than memory foam. So you don’t have to worry about feeling hot and sweaty for hours afterward.
Silent and No Motion Transfer
A latex mattress doesn’t make any noise when you turn or move at night.
It also doesn’t transmit any disturbances from your partner’s side of the bed, making it a great choice for couples or anyone who sleeps with a large pet.
Antimicrobial and Dust Mite Resistant
Natural latex has antimicrobial properties. It’s also resistant to most allergens including dust mites, dust, mold, mildew and pet dander.
The material itself is also hypoallergenic.
Long Lasting
Latex mattresses typically last as long as high-quality memory foam mattresses – around 8-10 years.
With some mattresses, you can replace individual layers instead of buying a new mattress. This can get you a few more years out of your mattress.
Hybrid latex mattresses (mattresses containing latex and springs) can last 15 years or more and typically come with extra-long warranties of 20-25 years.
Should You Buy a Latex Mattress?
If you want a mattress that feels firmer than memory foam but it still hugs your body, latex is a good choice.
It’s also great for those who want a bouncier mattress and anyone who is looking for a mattress that stays reliably cool.