Mattress Ratings > Latex Mattress Reviews
Latex Mattress Advantages and Disadvantages → Based on Data From Over 500 Actual Owners
Page last updated June 7, 2011
Advantages
Can Be More Natural
100% natural latex mattresses do not use petrochemicals. They may also not use chemical dyes, flame retardants, pesticides, bleach and other additives.
Owner data suggests that the absence of petrochemicals will result in little or no off gassing of volatile organic compounds.
This can make 100% natural latex mattresses more healthy for some people because, according to our research, off gassing can cause temporary illness or bodily irritation in some people.
Motion Isolation
The independent cell construction of latex usually provides good motion isolation. In other words, movement you make on the bed will be significantly absorbed so that your partner does not feel it.
Pain Relief
Over 13% of owners report significant relief from pain, including back, hip and shoulder pain.
Not Temperature Sensitive
Latex can usually provide the same pressure-point-relieving comfort and support of memory foam, but without the temperature sensitivity. In other words, you won't have the "melting in" feeling or as much difficulty moving around on latex as you may have on memory foam. In addition, latex will maintain a fairly consistent firmness, regardless of temperature, unlike memory foam.
Disadvantages
Not As Proven As Other Types
Innerspring, memory foam, air and water beds are owned by many millions of people and have long track records by which to accurately judge them, especially regarding durability / life span. Latex mattresses have not yet established themselves as the other types have, at least in the United States. In other words, you should consider yourself a bit of a pioneer if you buy one.
May Sleep Hot
At least 6% of owners report that their mattress traps their body heat, often resulting in an uncomfortably warm sleep surface.
Heavy
After waterbeds, latex mattresses, especially those made using the Dunlop process, are likely the heaviest type of bed. This, of course, can make moving the bed, changing linens, or making the bed difficult.
Price
Latex mattress prices usually start at over $1,000 and tend to be at least 20% more expensive than other mattress types.
Glued seams
The Talalay method produces latex in sections which then must be glued together. This can hurt the perceived quality of the mattress. In addition, a seam can potentially be uncomfortable if lying directly on it.
