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Best Latex Mattress

UPDATED

Written by David Rubin

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Breus

Expert Tested

Table of Contents

Created using either synthetic materials or the milky white liquid of the rubber tree, latex is a versatile material with many uses. In mattresses, you may find latex in the comfort or support layers. The mattress may be made entirely of latex, or it may include other components such as metal springs, memory foam, cotton, or wool.

Latex mattresses are known for having a buoyant, responsive feel that makes it easy to switch positions in bed. Our tests show that latex beds also tend to sleep cooler than memory foam mattresses. Latex contours less closely to your body than memory foam, but it still helps reduce pressure points while providing robust support for the spine.

Other advantages of latex mattresses include their durability and all-natural or organic sourcing options. If you’re in the market for a new latex mattress, chances are you’ve noticed a range of appealing choices. We’ll share advice on the strengths and drawbacks of natural and synthetic latex and discuss how to choose the best latex mattress for your needs.

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Read on to see why the following seven options made our top picks list of 2024’s best latex mattresses.

Sleep Doctor’s picks

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Best Overall Mattress

WinkBeds EcoCloud

Dr. Michael BreusReviewer Picture

The Sleep Doctor’s Review

With WinkBeds’ EcoCloud, you get a durable latex hybrid that lightly contours to your body without hugging too closely. Zoned comfort and support layers provide extra pushback around your chest and hips, preventing these areas from sinking excessively, and cooling materials beneath the surface resist heat retention and wick away moisture.

Buy from WinkBeds
Ideal For:

Back Sleepers

Firmness:

Medium

Sustainability:

High

Certifications:

OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Pros

  • Latex hybrid design offers gentle contouring and significant bounce
  • Zoned layers deliver extra support for the midsection
  • Cover composed of breathable, moisture-wicking materials

Cons

  • Responsive surface may create too much motion transfer for couples
  • Inadequate support for most sleepers over 230 pounds

A quintessential latex hybrid in every sense, the WinkBeds EcoCloud is responsive, supportive, and highly durable over time. Defining qualities include excellent temperature control, easy movements across the surface, and enhanced reinforcement around the midsection.

Why we like it

Our hands-on tests indicate the EcoCloud is a great match for side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Heavier people who use these positions, as well as stomach sleepers, may not receive enough support from the mattress. We recommend a firmer model for these individuals.

The EcoCloud scored high marks in the ease of movement and edge support performance categories. A responsive surface and extra perimeter reinforcement both help ensure minimal sinkage when you get in and out of bed. We were also impressed with the EcoCloud’s temperature-regulating abilities. Air circulates freely through the ventilated comfort layer and coil system, and the cotton-wool cover nicely cools down the surface.

The EcoCloud’s price-point is on par with the average latex hybrid, and ground delivery is free throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a sleep trial that runs for 120 nights. Returns are allowed during this time frame and WinkBeds covers the return shipping charges if you aren’t satisfied with the mattress. If you choose to keep the EcoCloud, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty against structural and material defects.

How does it feel?

Latex is a good alternative for people who dislike the full body hug of memory foam. The EcoCloud contains 4 inches of Talalay latex, a material known for its light and responsive feel. This mattress is medium (5), so you’ll notice some gentle contouring and cushioning. Since the latex is zoned, the midsection feels firmer and more supportive.

The pocketed coils are also zoned to create extra reinforcement for your torso and hips. The coils are designed to move independently, resulting in robust support without generating too much motion transfer. That said, the latex is fairly springy and you may notice a slight ripple on the surface when your sleep partner changes positions or gets up during the night. A cover made of breathable organic cotton and moisture-wicking wool helps the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature, as does steady airflow through the coils.

Read our full WinkBeds EcoCloud review
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Best Value Mattress

EcoSleep Hybrid

Dr. Michael BreusReviewer Picture

The Sleep Doctor’s Review

The EcoSleep Hybrid features responsive latex over a robust coil system, giving the mattress a highly supportive feel. Many of the back and stomach sleepers on our team enjoyed the bed’s surface-level bounce and gentle cradling.

Buy from EcoSleep
Ideal For:

Back Sleepers

Firmness:

Medium

Sustainability:

High

Certifications:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), GREENGUARD, eco-INSTITUT

Pros

  • Durable latex hybrid design
  • Reinforced edge support
  • Competitive price-point

Cons

  • Stomach sleepers over 130 pounds may prefer a firmer bed
  • Absorbs less movement than foam beds

Made by Brooklyn Bedding, the EcoSleep Hybrid is constructed with responsive natural latex and individually pocketed coils. Latex hybrids tend to be on the expensive side, so this model’s below-average sticker price makes it a solid option for mattress shoppers with limited budgets.

Why we like it

Latex hybrids  are a solid alternative to memory foam models if you don’t like being “hugged” by your mattress. With the EcoSleep, our testers noticed significant springiness when moving across the mattress and gentle cushioning as their bodies settled into the surface. Testers weighing up to 230 pounds awarded the highest marks. Temperature control was another performance area where the EcoSleep Hybrid excelled. A breathable cover, moisture-wicking fire barrier, and plenty of ventilation throughout the interior all help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature. Shipping is free in the contiguous U.S. Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night sleep trial for the EcoSleep, but requests that shoppers try the bed for at least 30 nights before starting the return process. The mattress is protected against defects by a 10-year limited warranty.

How does it feel?

The mattress begins with a layer of wool batting intended as a natural fire barrier. Wool also has natural moisture-wicking properties, so this layer helps you stay cool and dry at night. A natural latex comfort layer gently cushions your body and produces a strong bounce in response to movement. This helps you move across the mattress surface without feeling stuck. Pocketed coils make up the support core, and the cover is composed of GOTS-certified organic cotton.

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Best Mattress for Pressure Relief

Birch Mattress

The Birch Mattress is constructed with materials that are sustainably sourced, so the mattress should appeal to eco-conscious shoppers. The latex hybrid design also offers excellent cooling, strong edge support, and significant bounce.

Buy From Birch
Ideal For:

Hot Sleepers

Firmness:

Medium Firm (6)

Sustainability:

High

Certifications:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), GREENGUARD Gold

Pros

  • Latex design has a responsive, bouncy feel
  • Made with naturally breathable latex and wool
  • Strong edge support

Cons

  • Not suitable for sleepers with a latex allergy
  • Side sleepers under 130 pounds may not receive enough cushioning

Organic mattresses have made waves in recent years as a more sustainable alternative to beds made with mostly synthetic materials. Along with their high-quality materials, many organic models carry steep price-points. The Birch Mattress not only uses organic cotton and wool, as well as natural latex, but is also accessible for most shopping budgets.

Why We Like It

The Birch’s eco-friendly design begins with a cover made of cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, a leading authority for ethically and sustainably sourced fabrics. A layer of organic wool quilted to the bottom of the cover acts as a natural fire barrier. We found the breathable cotton combined with moisture-wicking wool makes the Birch’s surface feel very cool. Another temperature-regulating component is the latex, which is ventilated to promote air circulation close to your body.

The support core consists of pocketed coils in a zoned formation with extra reinforcement along the edges. The natural responsiveness of latex coupled with the sturdy coil support allowed our testing team to move across the mattress easily and get out of bed without sinking too much. Latex is also much more durable that the foam or fibers used in other mattress layers. Using estimations based on design characteristics like material quality and layer thickness, we expect the Birch to perform for at least seven to eight years before the mattress needs to be replaced.

How Does It Feel?

The Birch Mattress uses natural and organic components to create a design that sleeps cool, resists wear and tear, and leaves a relatively small footprint. The latex hybrid design is ideal for people who don’t care for the deep hug of memory foam. The Birch’s price-point is also lower than many competing models, as latex hybrids tend to be expensive. So this is a good choice for shoppers who prefer eco-friendly mattresses but are on a budget.

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Most Comfortable Mattress

PlushBeds Botanical Bliss

Dr. Michael BreusReviewer Picture

The Sleep Doctor’s Review

The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss offers a strong balance of support and bounce, but the plush wool comfort layer is what sets it apart from many of the latex models we’ve tested. Multiple profile and firmness options make this suitable for a wide range of sleepers.

Buy from PlushBeds
Ideal For:

Combination Sleepers

Firmness:

Medium, Firm Options

Sustainability:

High

Certifications:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), GREENGUARD, eco-INSTITUT

Pros

  • Available in three heights and two firmness levels
  • Responsive surface for easy movement
  • Made with almost entirely organic materials

Cons

  • Responsive surface may feel too bouncy for some sleepers
  • Side sleepers with painful pressure buildup might prefer a softer model

The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss is an all-latex mattress featuring an organic cotton cover with a quilted wool fire barrier over layers of natural Talalay latex and Dunlop latex. The cotton and wool are certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard, while the Dunlop latex is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard.

Why we like it

The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss is available in an impressive array of profiles and firmness options, so most sleepers should be able to find a model that suits their sleep preferences and needs. If you sleep with a partner, you may experience fewer sleep disruptions on a medium firm model, since softer beds are better at absorbing motion. Both firmness levels offer above-average ease of movement. The mattress is available in all six standard sizes, plus three split options. PlushBeds offers free shipping in the contiguous U.S. and a 100-night sleep trial with a 30-night minimum requirement. The mattress is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. If you decide you want a different firmness level during the sleep trial, you can request a complimentary exchange of the top layer, which is easy to swap out using the zippered cover.

How does it feel?

You can choose from a 9-inch, 10-inch, or 12-inch profile, depending on your preferences in mattress height. The 9-inch model comprises a 2-inch layer of Talalay latex and a 6-inch Dunlop latex support core. The 10-inch model features an identical support core with an extra inch of Talalay latex in the comfort system. The 12-inch option has 2 inches of Talalay latex, followed by 9 inches of Dunlop latex. Each of the models features a 1-inch cover. In addition to thickness options, you can also pick from a medium firm (6) or firm (7) feel. With so many options to choose from, we found that the Botanical Bliss is suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers in any weight group. If you sleep hot, you may prefer a firm model, since softer surfaces conform more closely and tend to trap more body heat.

PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress Review
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Best Mattress for Back Pain

Latex for Less Hybrid Latex Mattress

Dr. Michael BreusReviewer Picture

The Sleep Doctor’s Review

The Latex for Less Hybrid Latex Mattress strikes a perfect balance between support and gentle cradling. With two firmness options available, we found the bed is well suited for a wide array of sleepers regardless of sleep position and body type.

Buy from Latex for Less
Ideal For:

FIrmness:

Medium, Firm Options

Sustainability:

High

Certifications:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)

Pros

  • Latex hybrid design provides excellent cooling and responsiveness
  • Available in seven sizes and two firmness levels
  • Organic certifications ensure sustainably sourced materials

Cons

  • Couples might prefer a bed with stronger motion isolation
  • Side sleepers over 230 pounds may enjoy a bed with deeper pressure relief

If you find latex mattresses appealing but prefer extra support and bounce from your sleep surface, then you’re a strong candidate for a latex hybrid model. The Hybrid Latex Mattress from Latex for Less pairs dense Dunlop latex with thick pocketed coils, resulting in strong reinforcement for your entire body. You can also choose from two firmness levels, depending on how much overall support you need based on your weight.

Why we like it

Both versions of the Hybrid Latex begin with a layer of organic wool batting. This absorbent, moisture-wicking material serves as a natural fire barrier and also keeps the bed’s surface cool. The comfort layer is composed of ventilated Dunlop latex, and the support core contains pocketed coils that promote steady airflow throughout the interior. A cover made of breathable organic cotton encases the entire mattress. These components help ensure excellent cooling and temperature control throughout the year. The Hybrid Latex is available in seven sizes, including a split king if you and your partner share an adjustable bed. Competitive pricing and free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. make this mattress a solid pickup if you’re shopping with a limited budget. You’ll receive a 120-night sleep trial with your purchase, and a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty if you decide to keep the mattress after the trial concludes.

How does it feel?

Our team personally tested both firmness options for the Hybrid Latex. The medium (5) feel earned its most favorable ratings from our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. This design contours somewhat closely and deeply cushions your body. If you’re looking for something a bit sturdier, we recommend the firm (7) design. This model provided sufficient support for our side sleepers over 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds.

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Best Mattress for Couples

FloBeds vZone 12″ Natural Latex Mattress

Dr. Michael BreusReviewer Picture

The Sleep Doctor’s Review

The FloBeds vZone 12” Natural Latex Mattress comes in a wide array of firmness options, but the truly exceptional feature is the option to personalize firmness for each sleeper. We highly recommend this bed for couples.

Buy from FloBeds
Ideal For:

Couples

Firmness:

Soft, Medium, Firm, Extra Firm Options

Sustainability:

High

Certifications:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Oeko-Tex

Pros

  • Four firmness options
  • Sleepers may select different firmness for each half of the bed
  • All-latex design offers natural cooling properties

Cons

  • Above-average price-point
  • Not suitable for sleepers with latex allergies

Many mattresses offer multiple firmness levels, but the FloBeds vZone 12” Natural Latex Mattress stands apart from competitors by allowing sleepers the option to pick a different firmness for each half of the bed. This is ideal for co-sleepers who have different firmness preferences.

Why we like it

The FloBeds vZone 12” Natural Latex Mattress is one of the most customizable beds we’ve encountered on the market. With four firmness levels available, and the option to customize the feel on each side of the bed, this mattress is highly versatile and customizable to a wide array of sleepers and couples. We found side sleepers gravitated toward the softer options, while back sleepers enjoyed the balance of pressure relief and contouring offered by mid-range firmness options. Meanwhile, stomach sleepers experienced optimal spinal alignment on the firmer models. FloBeds mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty. The mattress ships free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

How does it feel?

The mattress contains four layers of 100% Talalay latex. You can choose between four firmness options — soft (3), medium (5), firm (7), and extra firm (8). Regardless of your chosen firmness level, the all-latex design gives the mattress a responsive feel that moderately conforms to your body for gentle pressure relief. Unlike foam beds, which hug the body closely, latex quickly regains its shape once your body weight is lifted. Since latex is a naturally cool and breathable material, this model retains minimal heat and maintains a neutral temperature. It should feel comfortable even for sleepers who run hot.

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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Nolah Natural 11

Dr. Michael BreusReviewer Picture

The Sleep Doctor’s Review

Nolah’s Natural 11 is a solid choice for side sleepers, especially those who haven’t found other latex hybrids comfortable. A balanced medium firm (6) feel with zoned coil support delivers extra cushioning for the shoulders and hips, two areas prone to pressure buildup when you lie on your side, and the latex layers are plush enough to promote spinal alignment without hugging too closely.

Buy from Nolah
Ideal For:

Side Sleepers

Firmness:

Medium Firm (6)

Sustainability:

High

Certifications:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Pros

  • Latex comfort layers create a soothing bounce on the surface
  • Zoned coils provide extra support for the shoulders and hips
  • Breathable materials ensure excellent cooling and temperature control

Cons

  • Responsive design may produce motion transfer and disrupt sleep for couples
  • Mattress is fairly heavy and difficult to lift and move

Latex mattresses aren’t always the best choice for side sleepers, many of whom need deep cushioning to alleviate pressure buildup along their spines. The Nolah Natural 11 is a notable exception. Two comfort layers of Talalay latex give the surface a plush yet responsive feel, while multi-zone coils provide extra reinforcement for the shoulders and hips — this is crucial for even spinal alignment.

Why we like it

During our hands-on tests, the Natural 11 earned stellar ratings from side sleepers on our team weighing 130 pounds or more. Back sleepers up to 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also felt comfortable on the mattress. This model feels a bit plusher than many competing latex hybrids, and this may be a selling point for anyone who has found this type of mattress too firm or stiff in the past, but the surface still offers the mellow bounce many sleepers appreciate about latex.

Cooling proved to be a major strength of the Natural 11 when we tested the mattress for temperature control. Ventilated comfort layers, plenty of airflow through the coil system, and a breathable cover help ensure consistent breathability and thermoregulation. We also awarded the mattress high marks for ease of movement. The Talalay latex produces enough bounce to help you move across the surface without making the mattress too springy — though co-sleepers may still notice some motion transfer.

How does it feel?

Talalay latex is known for its exceptionally responsive feel. Since the Natural 11 contains two Talalay latex layers, expect a noticeable bounce when you get into bed, but the mattress is also somewhat plush and you’ll feel some contouring as your body settles into the surface. The three-zone coils create extra pushback beneath your midsection. This should deliver the support you need for your shoulders and hips to sleep comfortably without pressure buildup in these areas.

A cover made of soft, breathable organic cotton encases the mattress. A certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard indicates the cotton has been sustainably grown, harvested, and processed. One notable perk of shopping with Nolah is the optional sleep trial — if you don’t need 120 nights to test out the mattress, you can forgo the trial and save some money on your purchase.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our mattress reviews are based on many hours of research and testing, in which each mattress is carefully analyzed for pressure relief, edge support, temperature control, and other important factors that influence its performance. We make sure to include testers with different body types and preferred sleeping positions to provide a more accurate view of how a mattress performs in various situations.

What Is a Latex Mattress?

Latex mattresses contain latex foam in the comfort layers and the support core. Some manufacturers may also use the term latex mattress to refer to a hybrid model with latex in the comfort system and pocketed coils in the support core.

The latex used in a mattress may be natural, synthetic, or blended. Natural latex is produced using a milky white liquid that comes from rubber trees, while synthetic latex is made with petrochemicals. Blended latex uses both natural and synthetic components, though it typically has a greater percentage of synthetic latex.

How They’re Constructed

Latex takes on different properties depending on its density and the manufacturing method, so it is suitable for use in both the comfort and support layers of a mattress. Typically, you’ll find softer latex in the comfort layers and firmer latex in the support core. Some latex mattresses are also flippable, with a near-symmetrical design that offers a slightly different feel on each side of the mattress.

Natural Latex Foam

Natural latex is produced using the liquid from the rubber tree, which is whipped into a foam and baked using either the Dunlop or the Talalay method.

Dunlop latex is denser on the bottom side because the sediment drifts downward during the manufacturing process. Talalay latex is vacuum-sealed and then quickly frozen before being baked, which allows the material to expand and makes a more uniform final product.

Broadly speaking, you’re more likely to see denser Dunlop layers in the support core and springier Talalay layers in the comfort section, although there are many exceptions to this rule.

Some curing agents are added during the manufacturing process, but latex can be considered organic when it contains at least 95% organic materials, according to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Talalay latex requires more chemicals, which is why mattresses made with this material cannot qualify as organic under current standards.

Synthetic Latex Foam

Synthetic latex, also known as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), has a similar manufacturing process to natural latex, but instead of using the liquid from the rubber tree, it’s made from petrochemicals. Synthetic latex is much cheaper, but we’ve found it tends to have reduced performance and less durability compared with natural latex. When used in mattresses, it’s typically found among the comfort layers in combination with memory foam or polyfoam.

Blended Latex Foam

Blended latex combines styrene-butadiene rubber with natural latex. Like synthetic latex, you’re more likely to find it in the comfort layers, where it can add responsiveness and moderate pressure relief. Blended latex often contains a ratio of 30% natural and 70% synthetic latex.

How Long Should a Latex Mattress Last?

Natural latex is renowned for having one of the longest lifespans of any material in the mattress industry. You can expect a natural latex mattress to last at least eight years, and possibly 10 years or longer if properly cared for. By contrast, synthetic and blended latex mattresses might start to break down in as early as six or seven years. Denser latex generally stands up better to repeated use.

Why Should You Sleep on a Latex Mattress?

Latex mattresses are known for their characteristic bounce and their ability to maintain a fairly neutral temperature. We’ve found they are ideally suited to combination sleepers, people who sleep hot, and anyone who prefers not to sink into their mattress.

When combined with a pocketed coil support core, many latex mattresses also boast strong edge support. Not only does this make it easier to get in and out of bed, but it also enables you to use the full surface of the mattress without rolling off, which is an advantage when sleeping with a partner.

opening quote icon Latex mattresses have a bouncy feel that cradles, rather than adapts, to your body. This makes latex models great choices for hot sleepers, couples who prioritize responsiveness for sex, and people who prefer an even sleep surface. opening quote icon
Dr. Michael Breus, Clinical Psychologist, Sleep Medicine Expert and Combination Sleeper

Although latex doesn’t provide the close hug of memory foam, it does conform somewhat to your body for moderate pressure relief. Compared with memory foam mattresses, latex models tend to provide better support if you’re a stomach sleeper or weigh more than 230 pounds.

Latex Mattresses vs. Memory Foam Mattresses vs. Hybrid Mattresses

All-latex mattresses use latex in the comfort layers and the support core, whereas hybrids include a pocketed coil core and memory foam mattresses have a support core made of high-density polyfoam. Each mattress type has distinct benefits and drawbacks.

Latex Mattresses
Memory Foam Mattresses
Hybrid Mattresses

Support Core

Latex

High-Density Polyfoam

Pocketed Coils

Comfort Layers

Latex (can include cotton, wool, or silk)

Memory Foam (sometimes includes polyfoam or other materials)

Latex, Memory Foam, Polyfoam, Cotton, Wool, Silk, or other materials

Pressure Point Relief

Good to Very Good

Very Good to Excellent

Good to Very Good

Ease of Movement

Very Good to Excellent

Fair to Good

Good to Excellent

Temperature Neutrality

Good to Excellent

Fair to Good

Good to Excellent

Average Lifespan

8 to 10 Years

6 to 8 Years

7 to 9 Years

Average Price Range

$1,300-$3,000

$1,000-$2,000

$1,200-$2,500

How to Save Money on a Latex Mattress

Due to the extra costs involved in manufacturing natural and organic latex, mattresses made of these materials are typically among the more expensive models. The average price of a queen size latex mattress runs from $1,300 to $3,000, which may vary depending on the type of latex, the mattress design, and the other components used.

It may be tempting to opt for a synthetic latex model if you’re trying to save money, but synthetic latex is not as durable as natural latex and falls short in many other performance factors. One cost-saving option is to choose a latex hybrid, which includes pocketed coils and contains less latex overall.

Certain cover materials, organic certifications, and premium additions like silk pillow-tops can also raise the price of a latex mattress. Before buying, take a moment to consider if these additions are worth the cost for your personal situation.

Pay Attention to Warranties, Shipping Costs, and Sleep Trials

Many mattresses sold online are delivered with free shipping in the contiguous U.S. Manufacturers typically offer a warranty of at least 10 years and a sleep trial of at least 90 nights, during which you can return the mattress for a refund if you don’t like it.

Always be sure to check the fine print before purchasing a mattress, as some models may come with hidden shipping costs or return fees that can significantly raise the price. If you need help setting up the mattress, most manufacturers charge for this service, which is called White Glove delivery.

Shop During Sales

If you’re flexible with your timing, you can often save a considerable amount of money by waiting to buy your mattress during sale periods. Manufacturers typically offer the biggest discounts during busy shopping days such as Memorial Day weekend and Black Friday. Once you narrow down your choices, consider keeping tabs on the prices to see if they go down during these times of year.

Allergies and VOCs

People with latex allergies may be concerned about sleeping on a natural latex mattress. In most cases this isn’t a problem, as the latex is thoroughly washed during the manufacturing process and many of the allergy-triggering proteins are removed. Additionally, in contrast to latex gloves or other latex products, mattresses are less likely to come into contact with your skin, since they are separated by the mattress cover, flame barrier, and bedding.

That being said, it is important to talk to your health care provider if you have a latex allergy and are considering purchasing a natural latex mattress. You may decide that synthetic latex is a good alternative.

VOCs: Do Latex Mattresses Off-Gas?

Off-gassing refers to an odor produced when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from certain synthetic materials are released into the air. Natural latex does not contain these compounds and therefore does not technically off-gas, although you may notice a rubbery smell when the mattress first arrives. Synthetic latex or mattresses containing foam layers may off-gas. The smell should dissipate once the mattress has had a chance to air out.

Look for These Latex Mattress Certifications

Several third-party organizations offer voluntary quality checks with the aim of guaranteeing that a mattress is made according to environmental, social, or health criteria. Higher-quality and all-natural latex mattresses with a steeper price-point are more likely to carry these certifications, which tend to be prominently displayed on the manufacturer’s website.

OEKO-TEX

OEKO-TEX is an international organization that tests textiles for levels of harmful substances. Products with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label must fall within the set limits for substances that are considered harmful to humans, such as formaldehyde and heavy metals. There’s also another OEKO-TEX label, Made in Green, that incorporates additional environmental and social criteria, such as sustainable manufacturing processes and socially responsible working conditions.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) 

The Global Organic Textile Standard certifies that a textile is made without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). To qualify as organic under GOTS, the textile must contain at least 95% organic fibers. In mattresses, GOTS certification is most commonly associated with cotton and wool components.

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)

Similar to GOTS, the Global Organic Latex Standard certifies a latex product as organic if it contains at least 95% organic latex and meets certain benchmarks for sustainability and workers’ rights. Currently, the GOLS standard is only applicable to Dunlop latex, as the Talalay process requires more chemical agents. GOLS criteria allow for certain other materials to be used in a mattress, such as encased steel or GOTS-certified fabrics.

About The Author

David Rubin

Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing


David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.

  • POSITION: Side Sleeper
  • TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
  • CHRONOTYPE: Lion

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