Latex Mattress Knowledge Through Reviews

Not all latex mattresses are created equal. To make sure you'll be pleased with the feel, comfort, and characteristics of your new premium mattress, know the lingo. Our articles (above) will take you through the ins and outs of latex mattress terminology, so you'll know exactly what you're buying.

Here are a few basic definitions to get you started. To fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of each latex mattress type, click on our reviews above for more information.

• 100% latex mattress: Any mattress made of all latex is a "100% latex mattress". It may be all synthetic latex or blended latex, but it will be some form of latex through and through. These may not be the highest quality beds, since the terminology allows room for synthetic latex or latex blends as opposed to 100% natural latex.
• 100% natural latex mattress: A mattress with this label will be 100% natural botanical latex. For truth in advertising, the mattress company must construct their mattress with latex extracted from a plant source. The mattress may contain both Talalay and Dunlop latex, or be constructed purely of one or the other. It may be soft, firm, or somewhere in between, as long as it's all natural latex.
• Organic latex mattress: The "organic" latex label can mean a variety of things, and is often misused in the mattress world. The rubber tree plants may be grown organically, producing "organic" latex that is then subjected to chemical treatments, glues, and industrial fire barriers. Or it may be truly organic, with an organic wool fire barrier, unglued layers, and largely chemical-free production methods.
• Blended latex mattress: Blended latex contains a mix of synthetic latex and natural latex. Often the ratio is somewhere between 30-40% natural latex with 60-70% synthetic latex.
• Latex memory foam mattress: A latex memory foam mattress is a type of hybrid that makes use of the best qualities of memory foam and latex in tandem.
• Talalay latex mattress: A mattress made using the Talalay latex construction process exclusively. It is extraordinarily soft and cloud-like, but it can be less durable and resilient than Dunlop.
• Hybrid latex mattress: Not all hybrids offer the same mix of comfort and support. Some are excellent beds, and some will disappoint you every time. A hybrid is a mix of latex foam and any other material, from memory foam to old-fashioned inner-springs to polyurethane.

Mattress Shopping Process

You spend about a quarter of your life in bed, if you sleep the recommended seven to eight hours at night. A good mattress can significantly improve your sleep quality, and help you have a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.

If you are tired of your old lumpy mattress, and looking to get a mattress upgrade, chances are you are overwhelmed with the sheer variety of mattresses available on the market.

If you are an eco-conscious shopper who loves natural breathable materials, getting a latex mattress can be your best option.

But buying a mattress is not so simple. Nearly every mattress manufacturer claims their beds to be the most comfortable and made from high-quality materials.

As a mattress shopper, all mattresses might look the same to you - a big rectangle of a specific size with some filling inside.

Also, just because a mattress is perfect for one person does not make it a perfect one for you. Everybody has their own needs and preferences when it comes to choosing the right mattress. You must lie on the bed for several days to decide whether it suits your needs and comfort.

So, how do you find the one mattress made just for you from the plethora of brands jostling for your attention? Well, looking at mattress reviews is the best way to start your mattress searching process.

Why do You Need to Look at Mattress Reviews?

Mattress reviews are done directly by mattress buyers on the websites of retailers who sell mattresses. Or, they are posted by the websites that come out with the list of best beds to inform you about the choices you have in mattresses.

While it can look relatively easy to navigate through the purchaser's reviews on websites like Amazon.com before purchasing a mattress, many false reviewers provide less than authentic reviews for a price on these websites.

Websites showcasing the best mattresses can be a better way to decide on your mattress purchase, as they use specific techniques to list the best beds available.

How do the Websites Evaluate the Best Mattresses?

The top mattress reviewing websites often conduct rigorous in-house testing on several popular beds. The mattresses are tested based on their pressure relief, temperature neutrality, comfort, and supportive features.

The testing team included people of varying weights, body types, and preferred sleeping positions to evaluate mattresses with a wide range of features. They also consider the opinions of mattress shoppers taken from various authentic sources to provide an accurate picture regarding the quality of the tested mattresses.

Signs of a Good Mattress Review

Before relying on mattress reviews, you need to know what is expected in genuine mattress reviews.

A genuine mattress review has the following elements:

• Reviews are done by knowledgeable people who have industry experience and skills for effective evaluation.
• The mattresses are tested based on a unique set of performance criteria.
• Mattresses are tested by people having a wide range of body weight and type, sleep positions preferences, and sleeping habits to determine the effectiveness of the bed for individual sections of people.
• The test lab has sophisticated equipment, like pressure mapping software, to measure pressure relief, a heat gun to measure temperature control, and weights and laser levels to determine how well the mattress can isolate motion while sleeping.

How to Spot Fake Reviews?

While browsing through mattress reviews can be a tedious process, it is essential to watch out for fake reviews made only for the personal gains of the manufacturer. Fake or biased reviews are very common, so it’s important to know how to spot one.

To spot a fake review, make sure to look out for the following:

• Inspect the profile: Fake reviews often are made under generic names. The names can be formed of random letters and numbers, and they usually do not have a profile picture;
• Check the spelling and grammar: Although this may not be foolproof, often the fake reviews are done by people from countries where English is not the first language, and can be riddled with poor grammar and spelling mistakes
• Be wary of customer jacking: This happens when the companies pay the consumers if they leave a positive review, manipulating the reviews in the process. Sometimes, positive reviews are given in exchange for a free product.
• A large number of positive reviews: While products can have their share of positive reviews, where all reviews are five stars with one or two zero stars, they can be a sign of fake reviews.

Before going into the nitty gritty of mattress reviews, let's look at the types of mattresses available on the market.

Types of Mattresses

Foam Mattresses:

The foam mattresses can be either made with natural materials, like latex foam in natural latex mattresses, or synthetic polyurethane foam, like memory foam mattresses.

Latex Mattresses:

Natural latex mattresses are made from liquid sap extracted from rubber trees. The liquid latex is then converted into latex foam, which is then made into a latex mattress using two processes.

Dunlop Latex:

Dunlop latex is made when the liquid latex foam is poured into a mattress mold in one complete pour, causing the mattress to have two distinct layers.

The bottom is the heavier layer, while the upper layer is the lighter one. Because of its less energy-intensive process, Dunlop latex is more eco-friendly. Its denser texture is excellent for building mattress cores in latex mattresses.

Talalay Latex:

Natural Talalay latex uses a more energy-intensive process, where liquid latex foam is poured halfway into the mold, and then vacuum-sealed to expand the latex to fill the mold. Then the mold is flash frozen, allowing carbon dioxide to pass through the Talalay latex foam layers, forming a light, porous mattress surface.

Natural Talalay latex is formed with a uniform, lighter texture. It can be used best to build the mattress comfort layer, and typically comes at a higher price than Dunlop latex.

Organic Latex Mattresses:

While both 100% natural and organic latex mattresses are made by extracting liquid sap from rubber trees, in the case of organic latex foam, the sap is taken from rubber trees that are sustainably grown, and free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Also, organic latex foam mattresses are processed without chemicals, gums, and dyes, making the organic latex mattress an excellent option for eco-conscious shoppers, and people suffering from health issues and sleep disorders.

Synthetic Latex Mattresses:

Synthetic latex is artificially made in the laboratory with petroleum compounds. Although synthetic latex tends to replicate the comfort and support of a natural latex mattress, this type of synthetic latex mattress contains chemicals that are not eco-friendly.

Also, even when synthetic latex can come at a much lower price than natural latex foam, they do not have the flexibility and durability of natural latex and can easily break under pressure.

Blended Latex Mattresses

Blended latex is made using a combination of synthetic latex and natural latex. Blended latex mattresses often have about 15-25% natural latex, with the rest being synthetic latex.

Although blended latex mattresses are touted as mattresses having the best of both worlds, with a percentage of natural latex and a cheaper price range, in reality, it is primarily synthetic. It does not have the elasticity, quality, and durability of a natural latex mattress.

Latex Hybrid Mattresses

A latex hybrid bed comes with 2-3 inches of latex foam making up the top layer, and a fabric-encased coil support system at the core of the mattress. Latex hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of both the innerspring and the latex bed into one. The latex layer is eco-friendly, durable, bouncy, and comfortable, and the fabric-encased coils are springy and supportive. Latex hybrid mattresses are a great middle ground for people who like innerspring mattresses, but want to upgrade with a comfortable and supportive natural latex layer. Therefore, the latex hybrid mattress is an excellent responsive bed.

Although these mattresses are beloved by some people, they are more of a niche bed, and therefore tend to be more expensive than a latex bed or an innerspring bed.

Memory Foam Mattresses:

These mattresses are made from viscoelastic polyurethane foam. Memory foam softens when exposed to body heat, and offers excellent body contouring and pressure relief features. They also have excellent motion-isolating properties.

Innerspring Mattresses:

The innerspring mattresses are the oldest-used mattress design. It has a base layer of fabric-encased metal coils topped with a top cushioning layer. You can purchase an innerspring mattress if you like its highly responsive and supportive base layer.

Some innerspring beds come with a memory foam comfort layer on the top to provide luxurious comfort, with excellent pressure-relieving features.

The Pros and Cons of Latex Mattresses

The benefits of sleeping on a latex mattress are:

• Eco-friendly: Natural latex is more environmentally-friendly than other mattress materials. Plus, if you’re looking for a bed made from organic materials, latex is your best option.
• Durable: Latex is an extremely durable material. Unlike other beds that can start to degrade, sag, and get lumpy after less than 10 years, latex foam is highly durable, and natural latex can last you for up to 20 years, especially if it’s made from organic materials.
• Cooling properties: Latex foam naturally circulates air, so that you can stay cool throughout the night. This is ideal for people that sleep hot.
• Highly responsive: A highly-responsive bed is great for people, particularly of heavier weights, from sinking deep into a bed. Plus, it will help to keep your spine properly aligned while you sleep. In addition, a responsive bed is ideal for engaging in intimate activities, making you and your partner’s experience more enjoyable.
• Supports and comforts: Latex mattresses are great for supporting your spine, muscles, hips, and back, while still keeping you comfortable. Furthermore, latex beds come in a wide range of latex types and firmness levels, so you can find a latex mattress for side sleepers and stomach or back sleepers.

The drawbacks of sleeping on a latex mattress can be summarized as follows:

• Not suitable for people allergic to latex: Latex allergies are usually mild, and with mattress covers and bed sheets involved, you may never make contact with the actual latex of the bed. Because of this, people with mild latex allergies may not have to worry about reactions to a latex bed. Furthermore, the latex is thoroughly washed during the manufacturing process. This removes most of the proteins that cause latex reactions. In addition, very few people have latex allergies, so it isn’t even a concern for the vast majority of the population. However, if you are one of the few to have a severe latex allergy, it is in your best interest to avoid latex mattresses.
• Smell: Some latex mattresses, particularly synthetic latex mattresses, have an odor when you first buy them. That being said, usually higher quality beds have less of a smell, and this will dissipate with time.
• Price: High-quality natural latex mattresses are generally more expensive than other types of beds.

Latex Mattress vs. Memory Foam Mattress

• While memory foam can be dense, trapping body heat, latex layers are porous, and release body heat, helping hot sleepers sleep cool.
• While latex foam can be natural, organic, synthetic, or blended, memory foam is always created artificially in the laboratory.
• Latex beds are known for their supportive and responsive features, while memory foam beds are known for their pressure-relieving and motion-isolating properties.
• A latex mattress can be an excellent option for back and stomach sleepers, while a memory foam mattress is best for side sleepers.
• Heavier people would love the support of a latex mattress, while people with a lighter weight might prefer the pressure relief of a memory foam mattress.

Latex Mattress vs. Innerspring Mattress

While both types of mattresses offer some degree of responsive, bounce, temperature regulation, and support, they are also very different. For example, innerspring mattresses are springier and more responsive than latex mattresses. Furthermore, the coils in the innerspring bed provide better airflow, and keep you cooler during the night.

On the other hand, latex is more resistant to dust mites, mold, and other pests. Also, latex is significantly quieter than innerspring beds and is better at isolating motion.

How Websites Review the Top Latex Mattresses

The well-known websites use various parameters to determine the best mattresses for people with different body weights and body types, their preference for sleep positions, and the degree of firmness in a bed. Keep in mind that you should always look at mattresses rated well in a category. If you find that a review site has a “best overall mattress”, this could be a sign of a biased review.

If you are researching the best latex mattress for you, here are some latex mattress options you can consider.

Based on the Sleeping Position

If you are looking for a latex mattress, the best mattress for you would be one that caters to your unique sleeping position. The best latex mattress for side sleepers, back, and stomach sleepers, or combination sleepers, are as follows:

For example, Tuck.com selects the best latex mattresses of each category after intensive product research, analysis, and verified customer reviews. The website has listed the Eco Terra mattress as the best latex mattress for side sleepers.

The Eco Terra hybrid latex mattress has a 3 "Talalay latex comfort layer, supported by a pocketed-coil core. It has an organic cotton cover, and a fire barrier made from organic wool. Although excellent for back and hot sleepers, the mattress can support side sleepers over 230 lbs.

Sleepopolis.com has listed PlushBed's Botanical Bliss mattress as the best mattress for combination sleepers.

PlushBed's Botanical Bliss mattress is an organic mattress with an industry average firmness of 6.5 out of 10, making it an excellent medium-firm mattress for combination sleepers.

Like many latex mattresses, the mattress has excellent responsiveness and durability, allowing you to move into different sleeping positions at night.

It uses breathable organic materials like Talalay latex that promotes airflow, helping hot sleepers to sleep cool.

Tuck.com also lists the Botanical Bliss mattress for its excellent pressure-relief features.

Based on the Firmness:

The best latex mattress with extra-firm thickness:

For example, Sleepadvisor.org is a premium website that posts about sleep and sleep products. They have listed the Birch mattress as the best mattress with medium-firm thickness.

Based on the Price Range:

The best latex mattress based on affordability: Latex For Less mattress

Tuck.com has rated the Latex For Less mattress as the most budget-friendly of the latex mattresses of 2022. The 9" Latex For Less mattress has two sides - one with a thicker latex layer and a medium feel, and another with a thinner layer with a firmer feel.

Both surfaces have organic wool fire barriers that offer excellent cooling features to keep hot sleepers cool during sleep. The mattress is covered with an organic cotton cover for breathability and luxury factor.

The Latex For Less mattress has an affordable price range, and offers free shipping with 120-nights sleep trial, and a 20-year warranty.

Based on the Ability to Remove Back Pain

This eco-friendly, durable mattress is made from Dunlop latex, and pocketed coils that provide excellent support to people suffering from pain issues.

It is excellent for back and stomach sleepers, as the firm Dunlop latex layer provide superior support, allowing proper spine alignment.

Hot sleepers would also enjoy the cooling latex mattress, as the coils release trapped body heat, helping them sleep cool.

Other Websites to Check Consumer Reviews

Other than the websites that specifically write about mattresses and sleep products, you can get an idea about the quality of beds from different brands by checking customer reviews like those below.

Amazon.com Reviews

As a sizable number of people purchase goods from Amazon.com, you can get hold of some unique reviews on the best latex mattresses available, like Eco Terra Hybrid latex mattresses.

Trust Pilot

Trust pilot is a website dedicated to reviews, so you’re sure to find tons of reviews on specific mattress companies and their products.

Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit organization established to improve trust in the marketplace. You can use their website to search for local mattress store locations, and read their reviews.

Google Business Reviews

For reviews for premium mattress brands, you can search the Google business reviews. To use this,

For Android:

• Go to Google maps.
• Search for the mattress store and press the reviews tab.

For instance, if you want PlushBeds mattress reviews, you can type in PlushBeds on the Google map search bar. Then after clicking the PlushBeds option, press the reviews tab to find out the customer's opinion regarding the mattress.

What to Consider Before Buying a Latex Mattress

While checking mattress reviews is essential before purchasing your dream mattress, here are some things you need to consider before you buy a latex mattress.

Price:

Latex mattresses are considered the most expensive of all beds available. When considering budget options, you can consider blended latex mattresses, or other available mattress types, like memory foam and innerspring.

Firmness or Density:

Your latex mattress's latex density, or firmness, will depend on the ILD. ILD, or impression load deflection, defines the latex density of a foam mattress. The lower the ILD, the softer the mattress. The ILD rating corresponds with the mattress firmness scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

Latex mattresses have latex density in soft, medium, medium-firm, and firm as labeled on beds. For instance, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress has a medium firm density with firmness of 55 out of 10.

Breathability:

While natural materials in latex beds allow hot sleepers to sleep cool, hybrid latex beds like PlushBeds Luxury Bliss mattresses come with a foam layer and coil support, offering better breathability.

Sustainability:

If you are looking for latex beds with eco-friendly materials, you cannot go wrong with an organic latex mattress. Organic latex mattresses are made from sap extracted from rubber trees, grown sustainably without pesticides.

Both organic and 100% natural latex mattresses tend to be excellent for eco-conscious shoppers looking for beds with sustainable materials.

Temperature Regulation:

Thanks to its cooling properties, natural and organic latex can be an excellent option for those who sleep hot. Mattresses that have open cell technology makes your mattress more breathable.

Motion Control:

Latex beds are highly responsive, causing motion transfer in couples. You can feel your partner's movement during the night if you share a bed, but not to any great degree.

Pressure Relief:

Generally, softer beds provide better pressure relief on the pain points at the sleeper's hip, shoulders, and lower back. Latex beds with a softer comfort layer can offer better pressure relief than medium-firm or firm latex layers.

Body Weight:

While heavier people would need firm latex beds to support their body weight, a light-weighted sleeper would prefer medium firmness, with adequate cushioning.

Sleeping Position:

Your sleeping position significantly affects the type of mattress you buy. While a mattress for side sleepers tends to have a softer surface, back and stomach sleepers prefer a firmer mattress that provides adequate body support.

Off-Gassing:

Off-gassing refers to the off-putting chemical smell that can come from new mattresses after they are decompressed, and unpacked for use. Usually, synthetic foam mattresses made using chemicals give off a strong off-putting smell that can be hazardous for sensitive sleepers.

Natural latex mattresses, when new, can give out a slight vanilla-like smell, but that is soon gone, giving you an odor-free sleeping atmosphere.

Free Shipping:

Most reputed mattress manufacturers offer free shipping, while some offer free white glove delivery. Free white glove delivery includes free shipping of the mattress purchased, and also free installation of it in your room of preference. They also remove your old mattress upon request.

Sleep Trial Period and Warranty:

Most mattress comes with a sleep trial period where you can use the mattress at home for some days before deciding on its purchase. Warranty periods are more extended than sleep trials. Latex beds often come with at least 10 years, while a luxury mattress can have a lifetime warranty option.

Certifications:

The hallmark of an organic latex mattress is its eco-friendly natural materials. The natural materials used in the bed are generally certified as pure by well-known bodies. Some such certifications are:

GOLS (Global organic latex standard) - used to determine the quality of latex used in the mattress.

GOTS (Global organic textile standard) - used to determine the quality of organic cotton and wool used in making the mattress.

How to Choose the Right Latex Mattress for You

If you are splurging on a luxury mattress, you must ensure the bed you purchase fulfills all your needs and expectations.

While all latex mattresses tend to offer the minimum support, durability, and standard specifications, considering the following guidelines can help you locate your perfect bed.

• Lie on the mattress: Before getting the bed, lie on it, and spend at least 5 to 10 minutes in your preferred sleeping position to discover your comfort level.
• Determine your firmness preference: To decide on the level of firmness that is right for you, try out latex mattresses of different firmness to seal the deal.
• Include your partner: If you sleep with a partner, bring them along to test the motion-isolating properties of the mattress.
• Consider eco-friendly certifications: If you are looking for an organic latex mattress, you must check the certifications of its natural materials to ascertain its purity.
• Look at shipping, trial period, and warranty conditions: Getting a latex mattress can be a long-term investment because of its resilience and durability. Ensure the bed comes with free shipping and easy returns, and the warranty extends to at least ten years. Also, watch out for white glove delivery that will get you a free installation of your mattress, and easy removal of the old one at no extra cost.
• Research the mattress reviews: Lastly, look at authentic consumer reviews from mattress buyers on websites like Amazon.com, or specialized websites that regularly bring out the list of the best latex mattress.

Making Latex Mattress Reviews Count

You must extensively research mattress reviews across different websites to choose the best latex mattress for your sleeping position and preferences. Determine what features are a must for you, and then locate your dream mattress by following the mattress reviews.