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Mattress Ratings > Latex Bed Reviews
Latex Mattress Reviews & Ratings
Based on 658 Actual Consumer Experiences
What You Need To Know
THE GOOD. Latex mattresses mostly have above-average owner satisfaction. They often have many of the advantages of memory foam beds but without many of the disadvantages. Latex mattresses can be all-natural which appeals to health conscious or "green" buyers. Most latex mattress manufacturers / retailers have good reputations.
THE BAD. Latex mattresses are the most difficult bed type to research and shop for.
This is because of the many factors to consider (category, processing method, natural vs blended, etc.) as well as the fact that they can be difficult to try before buying because of their limited availability in mattress showrooms.
Also, unlike most other bed types, latex mattresses overall have fairly limited consumer experience data available which makes accurately evaluating them challenging.
Contents
Latex Mattress Category Comparison & Ratings: Summary
Latex Mattress Category Comparison & Ratings: Details
All-Latex Beds: Comparison and Ratings
Latex-Over-Foam Beds: Comparison & Ratings
Foam-Over-Latex Beds: Comparison & Ratings
Natural Latex vs Synthetic / Blended
Latex Processing: Talalay VS Dunlop
Buying a Latex Mattress Online
Latex Mattress Firmness
Latex vs Other Mattress Types
Warranties
Density and ILD
Latex Mattress Foundations
Latex Allergies
Latex VS Memory Foam
About Our Research
Our research is based on over 655 actual latex mattress owner experiences collected from diverse and credible sources. Learn more about our accurate and unbiased research methodology. About 40% of owners in our research did not mention or know the brand, retailer or manufacturer of their latex mattress; data collected from such owners is included only in the findings below that are unrelated to specific brands, retailers or manufacturers.
Latex Mattress Categories: Ratings & Comparison
There are three basic categories of latex mattresses:
1. All-latex mattresses consist of latex from top to bottom.
2. Latex-over-foam mattresses have a polyurethane foam core and a latex overlay.
3. Foam-over-latex mattresses have a latex core and a polyurethane foam top.
| All-Latex Mattresses | Latex Over Foam Mattresses | Foam Over Latex Mattresses | At
Amazon: Top-Rated Latex-over-foam Mattress
|
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| Owner satisfaction | b+ | b | d | |
| Price / affordability | c- | c+ | d | |
| Durability / lifespan | B | C+ | d | |
| Less (back) pain | b | b | c- | |
| Natural materials | b | c+ | b- | |
| No off gassing | b | c- | d+ | |
| Motion isolation | b | b+ | b+ | |
| Not a heat trap | c- | c | d+ | |
| Lightweight | d- | c- | d | |
| Good for sex | b- | b- | c | |
| No rotating / flipping | c+ | c+ | d | |
| Warranties | a- | c | b+ | |
| Average BBB Rating | A | NA | b | |
| Return / exchange policies | b | c | c | |
| Availability | d | c- | d |
For a more comprehensive discussion and comparison of the latex bed categories, see the comparison details at the bottom of this page.
All-Latex Mattresses: Comparison and Ratings
All-latex mattresses have a latex core(s) and a latex comfort layer(s); in other words, they consist of latex from bottom to top. They are often available in two varieties: non-organic / regular and organic. Organic uses 100% natural latex and cover material (usually organic cotton) grown without pesticides or herbicides; non-organic / regular often uses blended latex and non-organic cover material (usually non-organic cotton).
The following table compares many popular all-latex mattresses for which at least some credible owner experience data is available. Noteworthy retailers and mattresses not appearing below include Essentia, Foam Source, Natural Bed Store, Foam Order, Green Mattress Factory, Arizona Premium Mattress Co.
Note: Additional mattress sizes than what appear below are often available, namely twin XL and CA king.
| American Sleep Organic (Innomax) | Flobeds | Foam Sweet Foam | Habitat Furnishings | Ikea (Elsfjord, Edsele) |
Plush Beds | Savvy Rest | Sleep EZ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner Satisfaction / Sample Size* | 86% / 13 | 81% / 16 | 85% / 15 | 83% / 18 | 83% / 25 | 91% / 11 | 78% / 14 | 70% / 10 |
| Price Twin | $1050 | $1100- $1800 |
$1300- $1700 |
$1200- $2000 |
$400- $730 |
$1300- $1800 |
$1370- $3180 |
$750- $1500 |
| Price Full | $1535 | $1600- $2800 |
$1900- $2600 |
$1400- $2450 |
$450- $930 |
$1600- $2100 |
$1960- $4390 |
$1100- $2200 |
| Price Queen | $1725 | $1780- $2900 |
$2000- $2700 |
$1600- $2600 |
$500- $980 |
$1800- $2300 |
$2110- $4740 |
$1200- $2300 |
| Price King | $1900 | $2000- $3300 |
$2500- $3200 |
$1900- $3200 |
$600- $1200 |
$2000- $2700 |
$2540- $5680 |
$1450- $2700 |
| Mattress Thickness (inches) | 12 | 8.5, 9, 11.25, 12 | 9, 12 | 6, 8, 9 | 5.5, 7.6 | 8, 9, 10 | 7, 10, 13 | 7, 9, 10, 13 |
| Latex Type | natural talalay | natural talalay or blended talalay | natural talalay or natural dunlop | natural dunlop and natural talalay | synthetic dunlop or blended dunlop | natural dunlop and natural talalay | natural talalay and or natural dunlop | natural talalay or natural dunlop or blended talalay |
| Latex Manufacturer | NA | Latex Intl | Latex Intl, Latex Green | Latex Green | NA | Plush Beds | Coco Latex, Latex Intl | several |
| Firmness | one firmness: medium to firm | soft, medium, firm, extra firm, ultra firm | soft, medium, firm, extra firm | limited variety: mostly medium to firm | limited variety: medium- firm to firm |
soft, medium, med-firm, extra firm | soft, medium, firm | soft, medium, firm, ultra firm |
| Layers Customizable & Removable | no | yes, both sides | yes | no | no | yes | yes, both sides | yes, both sides |
| Cover | organic cotton | cotton or organic cotton | organic cotton | cotton or organic cotton | cotton or cotton / polyester | organic cotton | organic cotton | cotton or organic cotton |
| Warranty / Compression Depth | 20 year prorated / NA | 20 year / 1" | 30 year non- prorated / .5" per layer |
20 year prorated / 1" | 20 year prorated / NA | 25 year prorated / 1.5" | 20 year prorated / 1.5" | 20 year prorated / NA |
| Where To Buy | sams club.com | flobeds.com | foamsweet foam.com |
habitat furnishings .com |
Ikea stores / ikea.com | plush beds.com |
some stores, savvyrest.com | sleepez.com |
| Exchange Policy | 90+ day | yrs 1-5 $74- $150 for core exch. higher fee for yrs 6-20 |
30 day exch. for 1 layer, return shipping fee | 365 day, $75 fee | 90 day | 100 day exch. for 1 layer, $45 fee | 90 day, shipping fees | 90 day exch. for one layer, $30 fee |
| Return Policy | 90+ day | 100 day, return shipping fee | 60 day, 18% fee | 365 day, $75 fee | no refunds | 100 day, $99 fee | no refunds | 90 day, $95 fee |
| Better Business Bureau Rating | A+, 8 com- plaints** |
A+, 0 com- plaints |
A+, 0 com- plaints |
A , 2 com- plaints |
A+ | A , 1 com- plaint |
A+, 0 com- plaints |
A+, 1 com- plaint |
| In Business Since | 1975 | 1979 | 1982 | 1994 | 1926 | over 30 years | 2003 | 1976 |
* Owner Satisfaction rates are determined from the sample sizes which are currently too small to be statistically valid.
** Innomax is a larger company with an extensive product line and substantial sales volume. This should be considered when evaluating its number of BBB complaints in relation to the other companies.
All-Latex Mattresses: Main Complaints
1. Compression / body impression development. About 10% of all-latex mattress owners report that their mattress after some use compresses in the area where they mostly sleep resulting in a body impression.
A body impression can cause the mattress to have an uneven sleep surface and can limit natural movement by the sleeper. Body impression development is most common on a mattress shared by two people as they are more likely to sleep in the same area of the bed every night.
2. Excessive firmness. In about 10% of owner experiences, all-latex mattresses are reported to be excessively firm, especially when they are new.
3. Sleeps hot. In about 10% of owner experiences, the beds are reported to sleep hot or act as a heat trap.
4. Heavy. About 8% of owners consider their all-latex bed to be excessively heavy and difficult to move and handle especially for one person.
All-Latex Mattresses: Main Praises
1. Comfort and pain reduction / prevention. At least one third of owners report that their all-latex mattress minimizes pressure points and provides at least some relief or prevention for bodily pain, including back pain.
2. Limited or no off gassing. All-natural, all-latex mattresses seldom have reports of off gassing (the release of a chemical-like gas or odor when the mattress is new). All-latex mattresses that contain blended latex (natural latex mixed with synthetic latex ) are reported to off gas in less than 12% of owner experiences. Any mattress with latex may give off a rubbery smell especially when new, but this is not technically off gassing.
3. Motion isolation. At least 10% of owners praise their all-latex mattress for its motion isolation, that is, the ability of the mattress to keep movement of one person from transferring across the bed to potentially disturb another person.
Latex-Over-Foam Mattresses: Comparison and Ratings
Latex-over-foam mattresses consist of 1-7 inches of latex often over a polyurethane foam core. Due to the presence of the polyurethane foam, the mattresses should not be considered true-latex or all-latex mattresses.
The following table includes several popular latex-over-foam mattresses for which credible owner experience data is available.
| E.C.O. | EcoSleep (Madison) | Ikea (Sultan Fjordgard) | Jamison | Night Therapy NuRest | Spring Air Helena | Ultimate Dreams / Dreamform Bedding | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner Satisfaction / Sample size* | 84% / 247 | 94% / 18 | 83% / 16 | 80% / 10 | 91% / 22 | 59% / 17 | 94% / 211 |
| Price Twin | $385-$475 | $500 | $530 | NA | $285-$420 | -- | $400 |
| Price Full | $540-$630 | $600 | $630 | NA | $365-$550 | -- | $500 |
| Price Queen | $595-$685 | $750 | $650 | $1500+ | $300-$600 | $1450 | $600 |
| Price King | $700-$790 | $900 | $750 | NA | $490-$785 | $1700 | $750 |
| Firmness | mostly med-firm | 22 ILD. mostly medium-soft to medium | mostly firm | NA | medium to firm | NA | custom. mostly soft to medium-firm |
| Latex Type | blended talalay | blended talalay | blended dunlop | blended talalay | synthetic dunlop | blended | blended talalay |
| Amount of Latex | 2 inches | 2 inches | 1.75 inches | NA | 2-7 inches | 2+ inches | 3 inches |
| Total Thickness (inches) | 8 and 10 | 8 | 8.6 | 8-12 | 8, 9, 10, 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Warranty | 0-5 years | 10 years | 20 year prorated | 15-20 year non prorated | 10 year prorated | NA | NA |
| Where To Buy | overstock.com | USmattress .com | Ikea stores, ikea.com | limited availability | samsclub.com | costco.com | Amazon |
| Better Business Bureau Rating | NA | NR | NA | A+ | NA | F | NA |
| Exchange Policy | no exchange (over stock.com) | 100 day, $99 fee (US Mattress .com) | 90-day | depends on retailer | 90+ day (sams) | 90+ day (costco) | 30 day, shipping charges |
| Return Policy | no refund (over stock.com) | no refund (US Mattress .com) | no refund | depends on retailer | 90+ day (sams) | 90+ day (costco) | 30 day, return shipping charge |
* A sample size of less than 80 owner experiences does not produce statistically valid owner satisfaction rates.
Latex-Over-Foam Mattresses: Main Complaints
1. Excessive firmness. In about 10% of owner experiences, latex-over-foam mattresses are reported to be excessively firm, especially when they are new.
2. Off gassing. In about 10% of owner experiences, latex-over-foam mattresses are reported to significantly off gas, which means they release a chemical-like gas or odor when the mattress is new. The off gassing is likely largely due to the polyurethane foam core of the mattress which is made by mixing various petroleum-based chemicals. The presence of blended latex (which contains synthetic latex made from petrochemicals) may also contribute to off gassing.
3. Heavy. In about 7% of owner experiences, the mattresses are considered excessively heavy and difficult to move and handle especially for one person.
Latex-Over-Foam Mattresses: Main Praises
1. Comfort and pain reduction / prevention. At least one third of owners report that their latex-over-foam mattress minimizes pressure points and provides at least some relief or prevention of back pain.
2. Price / Value. At least 20% of owners praise their latex-over-foam mattress for its price and or value. Latex-over-foam beds tend to provide similar owner satisfaction to all-latex beds, yet are often less expensive by as much as 60%.
3. Motion isolation. At least 15% of owners praise their bed for its motion isolation, that is, the ability of the mattress to keep movement of one person from transferring across the bed to potentially disturb their partner.
Foam-Over-Latex Mattresses: Comparison and Ratings
Foam-over-latex mattresses have a latex core and an overlay / pillow top of polyurethane foam (usually high-density regular foam as opposed to memory foam).
The following table includes several foam-over-latex mattresses for which we could find credible owner experience data. Note: Most sample sizes are currently too small to provide statistically valid results for "Owner Satisfaction" and "Main Complaints."
| Nature's Rest | Serta Vera Wang latex | Stearns & Foster (Luxury Latex) | Englander (Nature's Finest) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner Satisfaction / Sample Size | 57% / 40 | 30% / 10 | 60% / 12 | 61% / 44 |
| Price (queen) | $1300-$3600 | $1400-$3200 | $2000-$3800 | $1600-$3000 |
| Better Business Bureau Rating | F | B- | A+ | NA |
| Where To Buy | limited availability | several retailers | several retailers, namely Macy's | several retailers |
| Firmness | varies | NA | varies by model | med-firm |
| Latex Type | blended | blended talalay | blended dunlop | natural |
| Latex Manufacturer | NA | Latex Intl | Latex Intl | NA |
| Warranty | 20 year prorated | 30 year prorated | 25 year prorated | 15 year prorated |
| Total Thickness | NA | NA | 12, 13, 15 inches | 12 and 15 inches |
| Main Complaints | compression / body impressions | pillow top compresses / wears unevenly | pillow top compresses / wears unevenly, initial odor | compression / body impressions |
Foam-Over-Latex Mattresses: Main Complaints
1. Compression / body impression development. At least 25% of owners report that their mattress after some use compresses in the area where the person mostly sleeps resulting in a body impression. A body impression can cause the sleeper to lay in a "rut" which can limit natural movement. It should be noted that most complaints regarding compression / body impression development are for those mattresses with regular foam, as opposed to memory foam.
2. Off gassing. In about 10% of owner experiences, the mattresses are reported to significantly off / out gas, which means they release a chemical-like gas or odor when they are new. The off gassing is likely largely due to the polyurethane foam overlay or pillow top which is made by mixing various petrochemicals. The presence of synthetic latex (which is blended with natural latex) in the mattress core may also contribute to off gassing.
3. Heavy. In about 8% of owner experiences, the mattresses are considered excessively heavy and difficult to move and handle.
Natural Vs Blended Latex
The latex in latex mattresses can be natural or blended. (Blended is a combination of natural and synthetic latex.) Natural latex comes from the sap-like extract of rubber trees. Synthetic latex is made by polymerizing a monomer that has been emulsified with surfactants. Synthetic latex has, however, the same basic properties of natural latex.
Based on our collected owner experience data, 100% natural latex mattresses rate about 15-20% higher in overall satisfaction than blended latex mattresses. 100% natural latex, however, is usually more expensive than the blended variety. In addition, 100% natural latex appears to perform somewhat better than the blended variety in regard to longevity and resistance to compression / development of body impressions.
Beware that some manufacturers / retailers say their mattresses are “natural” latex — even if in fact the product has only, say, 30% natural latex with the rest being synthetic.
Latex Comparison: Natural VS Blended
Note: The latex in most latex mattresses is either all-natural or blended; rarely is there a bed that uses nearly all or entirely synthetic latex.
| Natural Latex | Blended Latex (Natural / Synthetic Combination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Owner Satisfaction | Good | Good to Fair |
| Source | Rubber Tree | Rubber Tree and Styrene, Butadiene (Petrochemicals) |
| Off Gassing Potential | Little or None | Moderate |
| Firmness | Softer | Firmer |
| Elasticity / Responsiveness | Good | Fair |
| Won't Compress / Form Body Impressions | Good | Good to Fair |
| Quality Consistency | Good to Fair | Good |
| Allergic Reaction Potential | Some | Little |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Latex Processing: Talalay Vs Dunlop
Dunlop and talalay are the predominant types of latex processing. The dunlop process has existed for many decades, while talalay is newer. 100% natural latex and blended latex can be made using either process.
Based on our collected owner experience data, talalay and dunlop latex mattresses overall rate virtually the same in owner satisfaction. Dunlop is often better suited for those seeking a more firm and supportive mattress, while talalay is often better suited for those seeking a softer and more conforming mattress.
Another difference is that the dunlop method produces one piece of latex while the talalay method (for sizes other than twin) produces latex in sections which then must be glued together. Some owners complain that lying on the glued seams is uncomfortable.
How they are made: For the talalay process, a tiny amount of latex is poured into the mold. Air is extracted to evenly distribute the foam liquid inside the mold which creates a consistent round, open cell structure. The mattress core is flash frozen to lock the cell structure in place and to prevent the particles from settling. For the dunlop process, the molds are fully filled, air is not extracted, and there is no flash freezing.
Latex Comparison: Dunlop VS Talalay
The following comparison shows what tends to be true for dunlop- and talalay-processed latex.
| Dunlop | Talalay | |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness | More Firm than Soft | Soft to Firm |
| Consistency of firmness throughout core | Fair | Good |
| Supportive | Good | Good to Fair |
| Price | Less | More |
| Conforming to body | Fair | Good |
| Won't Compress / Form Body Impressions | Fair to Good | Good |
| Glued seams | No | Yes |
Buying a Latex Mattress Online
Latex mattresses, unlike most other mattress types, are fairly limited in their availability, and most are available only online. When buying online, returning a mattress can be a hassle because you must prepare the mattress for shipping. Learn more about the pros and cons of buying a mattress online.
It should be noted that some all-latex mattresses come in removable layers which can be rearranged to adjust the firmness level. This feature minimizes the need to return / exchange the mattress.
Latex Mattress Firmness
Different latex mattress models often have different firmness levels. However, most latex beds are medium to firm, and a top owner complaint for latex beds in general is excessive firmness. Dunlop-processed and blended beds tend to be firmer than talalay-processed and natural beds.
In addition, the firmness levels of all-latex mattresses are often customizable due to the ability to remove and rearrange the latex layers that make up the mattress. And some all-latex beds have this customizable feature for both sides of the bed making it couple friendly.
The following comparison shows what tends to be true regarding latex bed firmness.
| Soft | Medium | Firm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Latex Beds | Seldom | Often | Occasionally |
| Latex-Over-Foam Beds | Seldom | Often | Occasionally |
| Foam-Over-Latex Beds | Occasionally | Often | Seldom |
| Dunlop Processed | Seldom | Often | Occasionally |
| Talalay Processed | Occasionally | Often | Seldom |
| Natural | Occasionally | Often | Seldom |
| Blended | Seldom | Often | Occasionally |
Latex Vs Other Mattress Types
Latex mattresses overall have 80% owner satisfaction. () See the mattress type comparison and the mattress brand comparison for more on how latex compares to innerspring / coil, memory foam, air, futon and water types based on actual owner experiences.
Latex Mattress Warranties
Length and Proration
Most latex mattress warranties are for 20 years, while some less expensive models may have 10- or 5-year warranties. The warranties are generally prorated which means that for half of their warranty length, usually 10 years, the mattress owner pays a percentage of repair / replacement costs. Non-prorated means there is no cost to the owner to repair / replace the mattress for the length of the warranty assuming certain conditions are met.
Compression Depth
The most common latex mattress durability complaint is that the beds compress or develop body impressions. As a result, "compression depth" is an important term which refers to how much (in inches) the mattress must compress / sag before warranty coverage begins; the smaller the number, the better the coverage as even a small amount of compression / sagging can undermine mattress comfort.
Warranty length vs Actual Mattress Life Expectancy
Shoppers should not assume that a latex mattress, or any mattress for that matter, will last the length of its warranty. See mattress warranties: what you should know for complete analysis.
Latex Density and ILD
Two terms you may come across in your latex mattress shopping are density and ILD.
Density refers to how much a piece of latex weighs. It is calculated by taking a cubic foot of foam (12″ x 12″ x 12″) and weighing it. If it weighs four pounds, then the density is four lbs / ft. If it weighs three pounds, then the density is three lbs / ft. High density often translates into good durability and lifespan.
ILD stands for Indentation Load Deflection and refers to latex firmness. ILDs of 14-22 are often considered soft; 23-29 medium; 30-37 firm; and 38 and higher extra firm. Most people prefer an ILD of 25-35.
Latex Mattress Foundations
The consensus (or near-consensus) among latex mattress retailers regarding latex mattress foundations is as follows:
1. A foundation is not needed but can be used if an increased mattress height is desired.
2. A slat foundation
3. Placing the mattress on plywood, such as a platform bed, is acceptable.
4. Whatever is used as a foundation must not sag, be unsupportive or have irregularities.
There is not a consensus on whether a box spring foundation is acceptable. Some latex mattress retailers say a box spring can lack the needed firmness, while others say it is acceptable.
You should discuss the foundation requirements of the latex mattress you purchase with the retailer / manufacturer because an improper foundation can void the mattress warranty.
A popular latex mattress foundation
Latex Allergies
The following information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your health professional if you believe you may have a latex allergy.
True latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in natural latex. Symptoms can include itching, hives, sneezing, breathing difficulty, and nausea among others. True latex allergy can be caused by latex mattresses (dunlop or talalay) containing natural or blended latex. However, reactions to natural latex are reportedly rare, affecting no more than 3% of the population.
It is also possible to have a reaction to latex, such as a skin rash, which is not related to the latex itself, but rather to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Manufacturers claim that such chemicals are washed away and pose no health or allergy threat.
Finally, keep in mind that at least some latex mattress retailers will not accept returns due to latex allergies.
Latex VS Memory Foam
See memory foam vs latex mattresses for a detailed comparison based on actual consumer experiences.
Latex Mattress Type Comparison: The Details
The following comparisons elaborate on the Latex Mattress Category Comparison – Summary located near the top of this page. The comparisons below show the differences and similarities between all-latex, latex-over-foam, and foam-over-latex mattresses.
Owner Satisfaction
Owner satisfaction tends to be similar overall for both all-latex (86%) and latex-over-foam mattresses (84%). Foam-over-latex mattresses, however, tend to have low owner satisfaction (60%) mainly because their foam tops tend to compress, wear unevenly and create body impressions. For perspective, the average owner satisfaction for all mattresses overall including innerspring, memory foam, air, latex, water and futon is 73%.
Price
The average price of both an all-latex bed and a foam-over-latex bed is about $2,000. The average price for a latex-over-foam bed is about $1,000. The price for the average mattress (innerspring, memory foam, air, latex, water, futon) is about $1,700.
Durability / Lifespan
Based on limited owner experience data, the lifespan of all-latex mattresses is 8-12 years; latex over foam is 6-10 years; foam over latex is 4-7 years. The lifespan of the average mattress (innerspring, memory foam, latex, water, air, futon) is about 7 years.
Pain Relief
All-latex and latex-over-foam beds tend to perform above average in regard to reducing and preventing pain, including back, hip and shoulder pain. Foam-over-latex beds tend to perform only about average.
Natural Material
Many all-latex beds are mostly if not entirely all-natural, while the other types can contain substantial amounts foam that is petroleum based. Note: In the graph below, "all mattresses overall" refers to the average natural material content for all mattresses as a group including innerspring, memory foam, air, latex, water and futon.
Off Gassing
Off gassing is a chemical-like gas or odor that a mattress containing petroleum-based materials can release when it is new. All-latex mattresses that are all-natural tend to have no off gassing, but may smell of rubber initially. The other two types have a significant off gassing / initial odor problem for about 7-15% of owners. All mattresses as a group (innerspring, memory foam, latex, air, water, futon) have an off gassing problem in about 5% of owner experiences.
Motion Isolation
All three types of latex mattresses tend to be couple friendly in that they isolate movement made by one person so as not to disturb another person on the bed.
Sleeping Hot / Heat Trap
Latex mattresses are made with pincore construction, meaning that the cores have hundreds of small holes in them. These holes help to circulate air within the core (and soften the core by making it less dense). Nevertheless, sleeping hot, which can result from a mattress acting as a heat trap, occurs somewhat more often with latex mattresses than the average mattress. About 8-10% of latex mattress owners report a significant heat trap / sleeping hot problem.
Weight
After waterbeds, all-latex mattresses, especially those that are dunlop processed, are likely the heaviest bed type. The weight of a queen all-latex mattress, for example, can range from 80-140 lbs. At this weight, moving the bed and changing linens can be at least somewhat difficult for one person. By contrast, the weight of the average mattress is around 75 lbs.
Warranties
All-latex mattresses tend to have longer / better warranties than the other types. Latex mattresses in general tend to have better warranties than the average non-latex mattress (innerspring, memory foam, air, futon).
Better Business Bureau Ratings
Most all-latex mattress brands / retailers have an "A" with the BBB and few, if any, BBB complaints. Latex-over-foam mattress brands / retailers have a limited or no BBB track record or rating. Foam-over-latex bed brands tend to have poor BBB ratings due mainly to product quality issues.
Return Policies
Retailers of all-latex mattresses often have more generous return policies than the other latex mattress types. All-latex mattresses also sometimes feature removable layers which can be exchanged thus eliminating the need to return the entire mattress. Refer to the mattress comparison tables above for details on return policies and layer removal ability.
Availability
All-latex mattresses have limited availability as they are often available only online as opposed to being widely available in showrooms. Latex-over-foam and foam-over-latex mattresses are fairly available in showrooms as well as online. Other mattress types (innerspring, memory foam, air) are more widely available, especially in showrooms.
At
Amazon: Top-Rated Latex-Over-Foam Mattress
Sleep Like The Dead editor discusses latex mattress research findings
About our unbiased latex mattress reviews and research
Our ratings are based on over 650 latex mattress owner reviews and experiences that were collected from diverse, credible sources. Learn more about our accurate research methodology.
Our mattress research findings have appeared in –
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