The Sleep Doctor independently selects the products we test. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase using the links on our site.
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.
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.
The Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
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.
Details
Trial Length 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights (30-night requirement) / Lifetime, Limited
Type Latex
Firmness Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Price $1,549-$2,149 – $2,349-$3,049
Highlights
- Available in three heights and two firmness levels
- Responsive surface for easy movement
- Made with almost entirely organic materials
Drawbacks
- Responsive surface may feel too bouncy for some sleepers
- Side sleepers with painful pressure buildup might prefer a softer model
- Wool layer may feel too plush for those seeking firm surfaces
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.
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.
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.
Best Value
EcoSleep Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
The flippable design of the EcoSleep Hybrid makes it a good choice for sleepers who aren’t sure of their ideal firmness. Many of the back and stomach sleepers on our team enjoyed the bed’s strong support and gentle cradling.
Details
Trial Length 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 10 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights (30-night requirement) / 10 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium (5), Firm (7)
Price $899 – $1,699
Highlights
- Flippable design with two firmness levels
- Reinforced edge support
- Competitive price-point
Drawbacks
- Stomach sleepers over 130 pounds may prefer a firmer bed
- Absorbs less movement than foam beds
- Side sleepers with sensitive pressure points may desire a plusher surface
Made by Brooklyn Bedding, the EcoSleep is a competitively priced flippable model with a different firmness level on each side. The versatile design makes this a good choice if you’re unsure of your ideal firmness level.
How Does It Feel?
Both sides feature a quilted cover made with organic cotton and Joma wool. The medium (5) side contains a 1.5-inch layer of plush natural latex and a second 1.5-inch layer of slightly firmer latex. The firm (7) side has just one 1.5-inch layer of latex. We found that the medium side is best suited for people under 130 pounds, since these sleepers benefit from the pressure relief offered by the softer surface. The firm side provides robust support, so we recommend this side for sleepers over 230 pounds.
Why We Like It
The mattress has a shared 6-inch pocketed coil support core, bringing its total thickness to 11.5 inches. Higher-gauge coils around the edge of the support core help strengthen the perimeter of the bed, so our testing team gave the bed high marks for strong edge support. The hybrid construction allows heat to dissipate through the coils and provides bounce to help facilitate movement. The latex is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, which sets standards for social and environmental sustainability.
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.
Most Comfortable
Awara Premier Latex Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Awara Premier Latex Hybrid offers the generous support you expect from latex models, with a plush Euro-top to cradle shoulders, hips, and other sensitive joints. Our testers recommend the bed for sleepers who enjoy firm surfaces but also need a touch of cushioning.
Details
Trial Length 365 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
365 nights (30-night requirement) / Lifetime, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Price $1,399 – $2,099
Highlights
- Made with organic latex, cotton, and wool
- Euro-top adds plushness to Dunlop latex comfort system
- 365-night sleep trial and limited lifetime warranty
Drawbacks
- Responsive surface transfers more motion than foam
- Sleepers with sharp pressure points may need a softer bed
- Some may find the bed too “bouncy”
The Awara Premier Latex Hybrid is a 12-inch mattress with a medium firm (6) feel. A Euro-top made of organic cotton and organic New Zealand wool provides a breathable sleep surface that gives this model a plusher feel than some competing latex beds.
How Does It Feel?
The comfort system consists of a 4-inch layer of organic Dunlop latex certified for sustainability by the Rainforest Alliance. It’s followed by an 8-inch pocketed coil support core designed to provide stability and support. Dunlop latex generally has a firmer feel than Talalay latex, but we found the Euro-top adds a degree of plushness that gives the mattress an overall feel of medium firm.
The mattress performed exceptionally well for testers between 130 and 230 pounds, offering just the right balance of cushioning and support to feel comfortable for this group. Side and back sleepers over 230 pounds also received excellent support from the combination of firmer latex and the coil-based support core.
Why We Like It
Our testers gave the mattress high ratings for strong edge support and temperature neutrality, which is inherent in most hybrid mattresses. With its combination of latex and coils, the Awara also enabled easy movement across the surface and moderate pressure relief, which is important if you tend to experience painful pressure buildup during sleep.
Instead of chemicals, the company has opted for water-based adhesives and a silica fire retardant. For every mattress sold, Awara makes a donation to the nonprofit organization Trees for the Future.
The mattress ships free to customers in the contiguous U.S. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a 365-night sleep trial, subject to a mandatory 30-night break-in period.
Best Hybrid
Latex for Less Hybrid Latex Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
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.
Details
Trial Length 120 nights
Warranty 20 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights / 20 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium (5), Firm(7)
Price $1,299 – $2,298
Highlights
- Latex hybrid design provides excellent cooling and responsiveness
- Available in seven sizes and two firmness levels
- Organic certifications ensure sustainably sourced materials
Drawbacks
- Couples might prefer a bed with stronger motion isolation
- Side sleepers over 230 pounds may enjoy a bed with deeper pressure relief
- Some might find the bed too responsive
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.
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.
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.
Best Cooling
Birch Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Birch Mattress offers an outstanding mix of support and gentle contouring, but it really stands apart from other latex models with its eco-conscious construction. The bed contains materials with certifications such as GOTS, Greenguard GOLD, and eco-INSTITUT, making it a top choice for eco-minded shoppers.
Details
Trial Length 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 25 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights (30-night requirement) / 25 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Price $1,349 – $2,099
Highlights
- Reinforced perimeter for stronger edge support
- Highly responsive surface facilitates movement
- Company offsets carbon emissions and adheres to animal welfare standards
Drawbacks
- Offers fewer firmness options than some competitors
- Bed might feel too buoyant for some sleepers
- May feel too firm for side sleepers with painful pressure points
If you overheat easily during sleep, the Birch Mattress has a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover and a natural fire barrier made with a wool and rayon blend. These materials promote breathability and help wick moisture away from your body. An additional layer of wool provides extra padding and helps maintain a neutral temperature throughout the night.
How Does It Feel?
A layer of Talalay latex in the comfort system cradled our bodies during tests, offering strong pressure relief. The support core features pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter, which made it easy to get in and out of bed. A final layer of wool and rayon provides a base for this hybrid mattress, which is 11 inches tall.
With a versatile medium firm (6) feel, the Birch Mattress performed well for several sleeper groups on our team. Side sleepers over 130 pounds sank slightly into the mattress, allowing the spine to settle into a neutral position and avoid pressure buildup. The mattress also provided reliable support for back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and the surface was sufficiently firm to maintain spinal alignment for stomach sleepers weighing 230 pounds or less.
Why We Like It
As is to be expected from a latex hybrid, this mattress offers notable bounce that is ideal for combination sleepers. Our testers also gave the bed high marks for edge support and temperature regulation.
Materials used in the Birch Mattress are certified low in chemical emissions by the eco-INSTITUT and Greenguard GOLD. The wool comes from farms that are monitored by the Wool Integrity NZ program administered by Bloch & Behrens and PGG Wrightson Wool, which requires that farmers meet certain standards for animal welfare.
Shoppers in the contiguous U.S. receive free shipping. A 25-year limited warranty protects against manufacturing and workmanship defects. Those who decide they don’t like the mattress between the 31st and 100th nights of ownership can return it for a full refund.
Best for Couples
Luma Sleep Hybrid Slumber System
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Luma Sleep Hybrid Slumber System provides excellent support and reinforced edges for sleepers who need a firm, sturdy surface. The bed is available in three firmness options, so nearly every tester on our team found the bed comfortable regardless of their sleep position.
Details
Trial Length 100 nights
Warranty 15 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights / 15 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Price(Queen) $1,999
Highlights
- Choice of three firmness options
- Competitively priced
- Strong temperature control and ease of movement
Drawbacks
- Some may find the latex and coils too bouncy
- May feel too firm for sleepers who need deep contouring
- Profile may be too thin for those who prefer high beds
Couples have different mattress needs, so you’ll need to take a few additional factors into account when you and your partner choose a new bed. The Luma Mattress has a few features that make it suitable for two people. The latex comfort layer and pocketed coil system felt highly supportive during our testing, so there shouldn’t be excessive sinkage when you move across the surface. Extra coil reinforcement along the edges allows you to use the entire mattress for sleep or sex.
How Does It Feel?
You can choose between three firmness levels for your Luma Mattress. After testing all three, we determined that the medium soft (4) design is a solid option for side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. This option contours closely to alleviate pressure in the shoulders and hips — two areas of frequent discomfort for people who sleep in the side position.
Those seeking a more evenly balanced design should opt for the medium firm (6) option. During our tests, this model earned very favorable ratings from side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers should consider the firm (7) version, as our testers found that this model provides the sturdy support needed to sleep comfortably in this position.
Why We Like It
The Luma’s design strikes a good compromise between support and cushioning, making it a strong choice for co-sleepers with different sleep preferences. We found temperature control is another strength of the Luma. The latex retains very little heat, the coils promote steady air circulation, and the entire mattress is encased in a cover made of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel fabric.
The Luma’s sticker price is below average for a latex hybrid, and shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. Each mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial, during which you can return the mattress for a full refund after testing it out for at least 30 nights. Those who choose to keep their Luma also receive a 10-year limited warranty against structural defects.
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.
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
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
Ask The Sleep Doctor
