Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
Over the past decade or so, latex foam has become as synonymous with mattress design as traditional go-tos like memory foam and innerspring. In fact, latex lands somewhere slightly between the two, as it’s known for both its buoyant support and pressure-relieving softness. This can help you maintain a neutral spinal alignment while sleeping.
There can be additional health benefits as well. According to the CDC, one in three U.S. adults and one in four U.S. children struggle with allergies. Latex mattresses can be a good option for these folks, as outlined by Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta.
“Latex beds are also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and other allergens,” says Dr. Dasgupta. Latex foam is also highly porous, which makes it difficult for common allergens such as dust to get stuck inside the mattress. You can read more about how to sleep well during allergy season here.
With all of these characteristics, it’s no surprise that more and more sleepers are on the hunt for the best latex mattresses. And that’s exactly why I created this roundup. Throughout 2024, Sleepopolis has assisted 12,544 people in buying a new bed, and I’m here to help you find the best latex mattress for your needs. I’ll showcase unique characteristics of this classic bedding material in relation to each model, share my testing results for each product, and then wrap up with a few fabulous latex alternatives.
Finally, even though latex tends to be more expensive than other mattress materials, I made sure to include a range of prices. The beds here are anywhere from $1,200 to $2,195 for a queen size before discounts.
Our Top Pick for Best Latex Mattress
I placed the Nolah Natural at the top of my list because it features natural latex that offers support and pressure relief. It also has zoned coils that are nice and breathable.
Best Latex Mattresses
- Best Overall Latex Mattress – Nolah Natural
- Best Medium-Firm Latex Mattress – Birch
- Best Latex Mattress for Back Pain – Silk & Snow Organic
- Best Cooling Latex Mattress – Saatva Latex Hybrid
- Best Organic Latex Mattress – WinkBeds EcoCloud
- Best Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep
Best Latex Mattresses Video
What I Look For In The Best Latex Mattresses
Support
Support is crucial for all sleepers, but exactly what kind of support depends on how you sleep, so I tested each of these mattresses for their various areas of support and responsiveness in all sleeping positions. I kept a special eye out for the areas of support that each sleeper uniquely needs and made sure to test the responsiveness of each mattress in this roundup.
Quality Materials
Latex is a natural material, and as a result, many latex beds receive numerous environmentally friendly certifications. I’ve listed out some of those certifications and paid special attention to the quality of the materials in each mattress selected.
Cooling
Latex is known for its excellent cooling properties, and its natural open-cell structure keeps air flowing through the mattress all night. Knowing this, I tested the cooling technologies of all the selected mattresses using a temperature gun to be sure they would keep your temperature regulated throughout the night.
Compare Best Latex Mattresses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nolah Natural Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | Silk & Snow Organic Mattress | Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress | WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Firmness | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Latex | Hybrid | Latex | Latex | Latex | Latex |
| Cooling | — | |||||
| Best For |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
|
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
|
Hot Sleepers,
Back Sleepers |
Stomach Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers,
|
Back Sleepers,
Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
What is a Latex Mattress?
Latex is considered a natural foam made from a milky substance derived from the hevea-brasilienis rubber tree, which is removed in a process similar to maple tapping. When transformed into a foam, this substance produces a proliferation of tiny air bubbles, giving latex its soft and bouncy texture.
Typically speaking, an organic latex mattress will encompass three to four distinct layers of latex overlaid by a cotton cover. The various latex layers will feature varying firmness levels, allowing for an interplay between comfort and support.
Best Overall Latex Mattress – Nolah Natural
The Nolah Natural is made with eco-friendly Talalay latex and supportive coils. This mattress has GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic wool, cotton, natural latex, and recycled steel. The latex makes this mattress responsive, which is great for couples and combination sleepers. This material is also naturally hypoallergenic and cooling, which can help hot sleepers prevent overheating. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“It has a very soft, plush feel that provides you some cushioning as well. I’d say you’re going to feel more “on top” of this bed than “in it” — thanks to its bouncy latex.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor.
Expert Opinion
The Nolah Natural is made with top-notch organic (and recycled) materials. While testing in our mattress lab, I found this to be a medium-soft latex mattress with a luxurious feel that allowed my hips to sink in just the right amount. I think it could be an especially good fit for back sleepers since the bed’s two layers of Talalay latex foam gave me some cushioning in the lumbar region. Simultaneously, my body got a nice lift from the coils. All of this helps keep the spine in a neutral alignment. One of the other most notable traits about this Talalay latex mattress is that it’s responsive and bouncy. When testing it out, I was able to spread out and switch positions without a problem.
Best Medium-Firm Latex Mattress – Birch
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Expert Opinion
Many people — back sleepers, in particular — love a proper balance between comfort and support, and this is typically achieved with a medium-firm latex mattress. I think the Birch (created by Helix) provides contouring and sturdiness that should keep these folks happy. Combination sleepers should like the Birch, too, as its Talalay latex foam and individually wrapped coils create enough bounce and responsiveness for them to easily switch sleeping positions at night.
Best Latex Mattress for Back Pain – Silk & Snow Organic
The Silk & Snow Organic mattress is a great choice for shoppers wanting an eco-friendly mattress. The Dunlop latex and coils make this mattress bouncy and responsive, which is great for both combination sleepers and couples. We also think this bed is an excellent choice for back sleepers, especially those suffering from back pain. The medium-firm feel provides a nice balance between soft cushioning and firm support. We also think this bed could be good for hot sleepers, as the latex is super breathable and the coils provide additional airflow. This mattress is also very affordable and could be a great find for budget shoppers.
What our tester says:
“Back sleepers should really like the Silk & Snow Organic. I think they’ll enjoy the zoned support the mattress offers, which means it has a softer feel under the head and leg area to allow sinkage in those zones — while keeping your hips at the right height.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
When I tested out the hybrid Silk & Snow Organic, I gave it a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which is the industry standard for medium-firm. I could feel the durable Dunlop latex and supportive coils lifting my hips so they didn’t sink into the structure. This makes the bed a good choice for anyone struggling with back pain, as some research suggests that medium-firm to firm mattresses are better at keeping the spine neutrally aligned. In fact, a 2015 meta-analysis that examined 24 overall studies on different mattress firmness levels found that medium-firm to firm mattresses are best at providing spinal alignment and may help you sleep more comfortably.
Best Cooling Latex Mattress – Saatva Latex Hybrid
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a firm yet bouncy bed. The latex foam and coils make this mattress very supportive, which can appeal to back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and sleepers weighing over 250 pounds. This bed is also very responsive, which makes it a solid choice for combination sleepers who need to easily change sleeping positions without getting stuck. We consider the Saatva Latex Hybrid to be a durable mattress made with high-quality materials, and the lifetime warranty indicates it should last you for many years to come.
What our tester says:
“The Saatva Latex Hybrid definitely has cooling under control. Latex is a naturally cooling material, allowing this mattress to regulate body temperature and provide a cool sleeping experience. Plus, the same individually wrapped coil layer that gives the Saatva Latex Hybrid its bounce also allows for air to flow through the mattress, adding to its overall breathability.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
Part of why latex mattresses are so desirable is because they’re naturally cooling. The Saatva Latex Hybrid takes latex cooling powers to the next level with a layer of coils that allows for airflow and breathability. When I lie down on these materials, I feel incredibly cool and can tell that the mattress offers a breathable sleeping experience. It’s also worthwhile to note that the Saatva Latex Hybrid uses organic materials in the construction such as Talalay latex and a cover of organic cotton and wool, so those looking for an environmentally friendly bed should find a lot to like.
Best Organic Latex Mattress – WinkBeds EcoCloud
If you’re looking for a mattress made with high-quality, organic materials, then look no further than the WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress. This bed is packed with sustainable materials, including organic cotton, sustainable New Zeland wool, natural Talalay latex, and recycled steel coils. The quilted cover gives this bed an initial plush feel, and the sturdy coils below provide lift and support. We especially like this bed for back sleepers, as it has the perfect balance between pressure relief and lumbar support. We also think hot sleepers would enjoy the breathable materials that work to keep the bed cool all night.
What our tester says:
“The EcoCloud is a great mattress for back sleepers. it has zoned support, which is meant to help promote a neutral spinal alignment, especially when back sleeping.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Many organic mattresses are made from latex, as the material is naturally derived from rubber trees. And when considering all the organic latex mattress options out there, I’m a huge fan of the WinkBeds EcoCloud. It’s an extremely comfortable bed with a medium-soft feel that tested especially well in our studio for back sleeping. When lying down on it, the bouncy latex feel made it easy for me to move around. I also got a lot of support from the bottom layer of recycled steel coils.
Best Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep
The Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep mattress is an organic, latex hybrid mattress that’s supportive, bouncy, and natural. We think this bed is a great pick for heavy weight sleepers (those weighing over 250 pounds), and these folk should feel supported and comfortable. We also like this firm mattress for stomach sleepers, as it can help keep their hips propped up and promote proper spinal alignment. If you sleep on your back and prefer a firmer feel, then this mattress could be a nice choice. We also appreciate how cool this mattress sleeps due to its breathable latex foams and airy coils.
What our tester says:
“The EcoSleep is a responsive mattress. Changing positions will probably be easy for most people. Even if you sink into the latex a bit, you’re not going to get much of a contouring feel from this mattress.” – Logan Block, former content director
Expert Opinion
The Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep combines high-quality organic and eco-friendly materials for a luxurious sleeping surface, especially for back sleepers. At the bottom of the mattress is a layer of individually wrapped coils, which should help give you the proper spinal support.
Why You Should Trust Sleepopolis
Here at Sleepopolis, we have personally tested over 300 mattresses to help every sleeper get the best night’s sleep they can. Our expert testing methods allow us to review beds in a way that is unbiased, honest, and most importantly, helpful. Using our knowledge of mattresses, pressure relief, support, and comfort, we test every single mattress to help you find exactly what you are looking for in latex mattress. Below you can read more about our methodology for testing and also get expert tips on how to shop for a latex mattress that will be perfect for you.
Dunlop Latex vs Talalay Latex
There are two main types of latex manufactured using this process: Dunlop latex and Talalay latex. The former has a denser feel to it as it’s formed in a single pour, while the latter has an airier texture thanks to the fact that it’s vacuumed halfway through production. Though both types of latex contain organic components, only Dunlop latex is 100 percent all natural.
Dunlop latex tends to have a firmer feel because of its denser construction. The density typically ranges from about 5 to 5.6 lb/ft³. On the other hand, Talalay latex is much softer and lighter because of its more supportive construction. Its density usually ranges from about 3.7 to 5 lb/ft³. Which one you prefer will depend on your sleeping preferences and other factors such as sleeping position, cooling, and pressure relief.
Who Should Buy a Latex Mattress
Just because you buy latex balloons for your parties doesn’t mean you want to purchase a latex mattress. Could you be a top candidate for latex snoozing? Read below to find out.
- Combination Sleepers: The common mix of pressure relief and responsiveness in a latex mattress is ideal for combo sleepers who often switch from one position to another throughout the night.
- Eco-Conscious Sleepers: Obtained from a tree like you would maple syrup, the eco-lovers of the world should enjoy the 100 percent natural Dunlop latex or the organic Talalay latex materials that are often present in latex mattresses.
- Durability Seekers: Any product will be subject to wear over time, but if you’re looking for the longest-lasting option, latex may be a good choice for you. This is especially true when compared to its foam competitors, which normally have much shorter warranties.
- Hot Sleepers: Latex is a naturally cooling material, and these beds often receive impressive scores in cooling and work really well for those who tend to overheat at night.
- Sleepers Who Struggle with Allergies: Natural latex is made from tree sap, meaning that it’s naturally allergen-resistant. Latex is an excellent material for warding off dust and other allergens that are commonly in or stick to foam mattresses. Latex is also a very breathable and porous material, meaning that allergens rarely get stuck inside latex mattresses.
Hear from the Experts:
Are Latex Mattresses Better For Your Health?
“In my opinion, a latex mattress can improve your health due to its spinal alignment, pressure relief and its natural hypoallergenic properties. Latex mattresses are also great because of its temperature regulation from its natural breathability. Keep in mind if you have latex allergies or want a very firm mattress, latex mattresses will not be a good option.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Who Shouldn’t Buy a Latex Mattress
No mattress type or material is without flaw. There are traits to dislike with memory foam and hybrid beds too, so let’s get into some key concerns about latex mattresses.
- Those With Latex Allergies: Though latex allergies are rare, they exist. If you’re aware of an allergy, I’d recommend looking into a synthetic latex product. However, you’ll still want to do your research on the chemicals potentially present in a faux latex mattress.
- Light Sleepers: If you’re easily disrupted during sleep and share the bed with a partner or pet, you probably won’t love a latex mattress. These beds typically have high motion transfer, meaning you’re more likely to feel someone else’s movements across the mattress.
- Those With Bedrooms on the Top Floor: If you’re looking for a mattress that’s easy to move on your own, a latex mattress may not be the best for you. Though very durable, natural latex is also dense, making it quite heavy.
- Budget Shoppers: Latex beds tend to be more on the expensive side, so if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider other options.
How Much do Latex Mattresses Cost?
Latex mattresses will generally run you around $1,800 to $2,000, but can be more expensive depending on the brand and other associated costs. Cheaper latex mattresses can be found closer to $1,000, but those are generally not as reliably sourced or constructed Latex mattresses. Because it is a natural material, we have found that you’re getting what you pay for with latex mattresses.
Things to Consider When Buying a Latex Mattress
It goes way beyond simple pros and cons. Purchasing a mattress is a huge investment, and I want to make sure that whatever you choose is the best fit for your individual needs.
Sleeping Position
The position you tend to sleep in should play a role in your mattress purchasing journey. Side sleepers will generally want a softer mattress, while back sleepers will prefer medium to firm, and stomach sleepers should like firm or extra-firm best. A lot of these brands have put their own spin on a latex bed, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding the best fit for you.
To test all of the latex mattresses I review, I make sure to consider various sleeping positions so you know exactly what you’re getting with your mattress and how it will feel for your specific sleeping position. All of our expert testers (including myself) lay on each mattress in various positions to see how supported and comfortable they feel so they can give you an informed recommendation.
To learn more, see our guide on The Best Sleeping Position for Better Health and Sleep.
Body Weight
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 160 pounds | 160 – 230 pounds | > 230 pounds |
More often than not, average weight sleepers will feel a bed as advertised. However, lighter sleepers could feel a mattress firmer or softer depending on the construction of the mattress’s layers. Heavier sleepers, on the other hand, require quite dense mattresses, so it’s often a better choice to look for ones that are tailored for them. For additional options, take a look at our best mattresses for heavy people roundup.
We want to be sure that we’re testing all of our latex mattresses with various body types in mind so every mattress shopper has the chance to find exactly what they’re looking for. To test these latex mattresses for various body types, I rely on our expert testers to consider various shapes, sizes, and weights when they are lying on each mattress. You might notice that some of our reviews mention that lighter-weight sleepers or heavier-weight sleepers may not like a certain mattress as much as other sleepers. I include this information so that you can be sure you are finding the perfect fit in terms of comfort, support, firmness, and pressure relief.
Bounce and Elasticity of Latex Beds
Latex beds are known for their excellent bounce and elasticity, providing a responsive surface that quickly returns to its original shape after pressure is applied to it. This bounce and elasticity make latex beds well-suited for various sleeping positions, especially for side and back sleepers who need good support, great spinal alignment and comfort. Additionally, the responsiveness of latex beds can enhance sexual activity by facilitating movement and minimizing sinkage, making them a popular choice for couples.
Firmness
A bed’s firmness level is a good indicator of how it will perform for specific sleeping positions, weights, or pain areas. If you’re versed in your needs, you’ll be better prepared to choose a firmness that works for you. As mentioned above, side sleepers will need the softest mattress, stomach sleepers will need the firmest, and back sleepers fall somewhere in between.
We test all of our mattresses’ firmness levels using our expertly developed firmness scale, which places a mattress on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most firm, and a 6.5 being medium firmness. Latex mattresses are generally not the firmest mattresses on the market, but some brands do offer various firmness levels. I love latex mattresses for back and most side sleepers, but they’re generally a little too soft for stomach sleepers.
What is Customizable Firmness in Latex Beds?
Some latex mattresses on the market have customizable firmness levels which means if you and your partner have different sleep preferences, you can buy a mattress and save the compromise. Being able to customize each side of the mattress makes each mattress more accessible for couples and sleepers of different sizes. A heavy sleeper might need a firmer mattress compared to a sleeper who experiences shoulder pain for example, who will need a softer bed. Customizable firmness is also known as split firmness meaning it is split down the middle and each side has a different firmness level.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to how well a bed alleviates tension at sensitive pressure points. These pain points are typically found at the hips, shoulders, and lower back. Everybody is different, so how a mattress feels to you may be different than how it is for someone else, and how it may impact your pain points will be different as well.
However, generally speaking, softer mattresses will offer more relief for those with hip or shoulder pain. Latex mattresses can be a great option for these sleepers, as they are generally a softer mattress. A bed’s pressure-relieving properties can also heavily depend on sleeping position. For example, a back sleeper with back pain will likely need a firm bed to help keep their spine aligned, whereas a side sleeper with back pain should need something softer to allow their hips and shoulders to sink in enough for proper spinal alignment.
We test for pressure relief in a mattress using a pressure mat that I lay out on a mattress and lie on in various positions. The mat then gives a digital thermal reading of the places where pressure is being alleviated and where it’s building up on our bodies in various positions on each mattress. You can see here that blue and green show good pressure relief, where as red and yellow on a pressure map is a sign of poor pressure relief. Latex is generally good at relieving pressure for back and side sleepers, but is usually not great for stomach sleepers.
Durability
Latex mattresses are highly durable, typically lasting between 10 to 15 years due to their well made, high quality long-lasting materials. Natural latex, in particular, offers superior longevity compared to synthetic or blended latex, maintaining its shape, responsiveness and pressure relief over time. This durability makes latex mattresses worth the higher cost for long-term comfort and support.
Hear from the Experts:
Will Latex Mattresses Last a Long Time?
“Yes, out of all mattress materials, dur to its construction, latex mattress will be the most durable mattress. These beds often last 10-20 years and make the higher investment worth it, long term. Natural latex especially, retains its shape well and holds its supportive properties without sagging.”
Motion Isolation
We test motion isolation in our mattress lab with a few different methods, but my favorite is the drop test. For this test, I drop a 10-pound steel ball from three different heights and use a seismograph to measure the disturbance.
Large lines indicate lots of disturbance and higher motion transfer, and the opposite is true for smaller lines and lower motion transfer. See our complete Sleepopolis Methodology for more information on our testing processes.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing is a common process among most mattresses. It refers to the time period your mattress needs to rest, allowing the “new mattress smell,” either from compression or other packaging processes, to dissipate. The intensity and variety can also depend on the materials within your mattress and how recently it was made. Natural Latex mattresses tend to off-gas less than synthetic foam beds.
Cooling
One huge benefit with the latex mattress construction is its amazing cooling capabilities. Latex is extremely breathable because of its open cell structure that allows for the heat to escape quickly. For hot sleepers, latex tends to absorb body heat and quickly regulate it letting you have a cool night sleep. When we test mattresses, we use a thermal temperature control gun on each mattress to determine how quickly the mattress dissipates heat.
Our testers lay on the bed for several minutes then measure how long it take for the mattress to return to its original temperature. We consider an 8-degree change or under to be good cooling, and a change of 5 degrees and under to be great cooling. The good news is that all the mattresses that made it onto this list performed great in our cooling test.
Mattress Company Policies
We recommend looking for a mattress brand offering at least a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty on a mattress.
Shipping
Shipping can be an expensive additional cost when buying a mattress. A lot of mattress companies now offer free shipping, but I always recommend looking into the shipping policies of the retailer you’re buying from so you know exactly how much you’re spending. You can learn more about the shipping policies of the mattresses on this list in their individual reviews.
If you’re shopping outside of the United States, shipping might be more expensive or more of a hassle, so I suggest checking out our picks for the best mattresses in Canada to explore international mattress shopping.
Sleep Trial
Most mattress brands these days offer sleep trials. This gives customers a test period with their bed and offers room for returns or exchanges. If you’re buying a bed online without trying it first, a sleep trial is especially important to be sure you love your new mattress. I generally suggest opting for a company that offers at least a 100-night sleep trial, if not longer.
Warranty
Warranties are much longer than sleep trials, and often more limited. This means the company has more control as to how they may handle a complaint about your mattress, whereas, during a sleep trial, you can return something that’s seemingly flawless.
Price
When buying a mattress, price is a huge factor and something I keep in mind when recommending any latex mattress to you. A latex mattress can cost you anywhere from $900 to $3,000 for a queen. Price is usually determined by the quality of materials, company policies like warranties, and whether or not the latex is organic.
Latex Twin Size:
- Average Price Range: $600 to $1,200
- High-End Options: $1,200 to $2,000
Latex Queen Size:
- Average Price Range: $900 to $1,800
- High-End Options: $1,800 to $3,000
Latex King Size:
- Average Price Range: $1,200 to $2,500
- High-End Options: $2,500 to $4,000
What Makes a Latex Mattress Environmentally Friendly
Before I get into the final product’s ecological footprint, let’s first discuss the process. Latex is extracted similarly to maple syrup, carefully drawn out from rubber trees. The parts of these trees that release the natural latex are right beneath the surface. This makes it simple to pull away the bark and extract the product without harming the tree. Extraction also only occurs in the same spot for a certain period of time. After each area hits the six-year cut off, the extraction site is moved to other areas to allow that one to heal.
Natural vs. Synthetic Latex
Latex can be both natural and synthetic. Natural latex is organic and chemical free. Synthetic latex may contain styrene or butadiene — two potential carcinogens. Depending on the specific latex mattress you may choose, we always recommend doing your research. Natural latex (like Dunlop and Talalay) should be a safer bet for the environment and for your health. However, synthetic latex will have a different durability and feel. Natural latex tends to have a higher price tag because of the costlier production process of extracting latex from rubber tree sap compared to synthesizing latex from petroleum-based chemicals.
Benefits of Buying Natural Latex
- Environmentally Friendly: Derived from rubber tree sap, natural latex is biodegradable and sourced sustainably.
- Great Durability: Natural latex is known for its longevity, often outlasting synthetic alternatives.
- Comfort and Support: Offers excellent support and hugs your body without sinking.
- Hypoallergenic: Resistant to mold, dust mites, and other allergens.
- Cooling: Natural latex tends to sleep cooler than memory foam.
- No Off-Gassing: Minimal or no off-gassing compared to synthetic foams because of its organic construction.
- Eco-Friendly Production: Manufacturing natural latex involves fewer chemicals and less energy compared to synthetic latex production.
Common Concerns when Buying Latex
- Weight and Handling: Latex mattresses are often heavier and denser to move or handle compared to other mattress types, which can make setup, rotating and repositioning more challenging.
- Cost: They tend to be more expensive than other mattress types due to the high-quality materials used, which might be a barrier for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Heat Retention: Some latex mattresses can retain heat, making them less ideal for people who sleep hot or prefer a cooler sleeping environment.
Various environmental standards that these materials can be certified by:
- Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) – Driven by respect for people and the environment, the GOTS designates the requirements for organic textiles. Textiles certified by GOTS provide credibility for suppliers and consumers.
- Global Organic Latex Standards (GOLS) – GOLS are the most important, as they certify organic latex. These standards follow the practices of the farmer all the way to the manufacture to ensure it’s an organic process all around.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – If you see this label on a product, you can be assured that every fabric and fiber of it has been tested for, and does not contain harmful substances. They help aid in customer confidence and top product safety.
- Eco-INSTITUT certified – Brands like Birch mattress are Eco-INSTITUTE certified which means they use ethical production that limits emissions and pollutants when making their mattresses.
You can learn more about these certifications in our full mattress certifications guide.
Latex vs Other Types of Mattresses
Now it’s time to “lay down” the hard facts. Which material do you want in your corner? Will you be loyal to one or would you prefer some type of happy medium?
Latex Mattress vs Memory Foam Mattress
- Many memory foam mattresses are dense and tend to retain heat, but a 100 percent latex bed is likely to be a bit more porous and sleeps cooler.
- Latex comes in natural, synthetic, as well as a hybrid mix of both, while memory foam is completely man-made.
- For more on the latex and memory foam battle, check out our comprehensive guide to latex vs memory foam.
Latex Mattress vs Hybrid Mattress
- There is latex present in some hybrid mattresses, but not all. Most hybrid mattresses contain a combination of foams, coils, and other materials.
- Hybrids create the best of both worlds from foam and coil mattresses, meeting a wider range of needs.
- Check out our best hybrid mattresses, also featuring the Birch.
Latex Mattress vs Innerspring Mattress
- Both mattresses offer a great amount of bounce, support, and cooling.
- Some beds are latex and innerspring, like the Birch.
- The best innerspring mattresses usually contain layers of foam on top of coils, but it isn’t always latex foam. It can include memory foam as well.
For more on mattress materials, see our Mattress Layers Guide.
What is Latex Density?
Density refers to how heavy a material or object is concerning its size. For example, a very heavy and small object would have a high density, or be very dense. The density of latex is measured in pounds per cubic foot of the object, so the weight in pounds per the size of an object is measured in cubic feet. The density of a latex mattress affects how the mattress feels, how heavy it is, and how well it can perform. Higher-density latex mattresses are generally firmer and usually more durable, where lower-density latex mattresses are generally more hugging and softer.
FAQs
What are the benefits of a latex mattress?
Latex mattresses offer several benefits. Latex is a natural material, so it appeals to folks who are looking for an organic bed free of chemicals. It also creates mattresses with a lot of bounce and durability (often beneficial for combination sleepers), and it does a great job of dissipating body heat (which is great for hot sleepers).
Is latex better than memory foam?
Latex isn’t necessarily better than memory foam. The “best” material for a mattress is a matter of personal preference. That said, each material offers its own advantages. For example, memory foam is known for offering plenty of body-contouring and pressure relief. Meanwhile, latex tends to offer more bounce, mobility, and durability than foams, and it also tends to sleep cooler.
Do latex mattresses sag?
Eventually, all mattresses will need to be replaced due to sagging or other wear and tear. In general, latex does prove more durable than memory foam. This is reflected in the fact that latex mattresses tend to offer longer warranties than their foam counterparts.
Are latex mattresses good for back pain?
Latex mattresses are generally good for sleepers with back pain, as they can provide the necessary support and pressure relief in the back, hips, and shoulder regions. The support offered across the spine from latex can make them a great choice for sleepers with back pain. If you want to learn more about mattresses that are good for back pain, you can check out our recommendations for the best mattresses for back pain.
How durable is a latex mattress?
A latex mattress’s durability is generally dependent on the density of the latex. As I mentioned above, higher-density latex is usually more durable and will last longer than lower-density, softer latex mattresses. However, latex is generally a fairly durable material. I also make sure to look into the warranty for all of the mattresses I review so you can be sure your mattress will be replaced, just in case it begins to deteriorate before it should.
Is latex good for allergies?
Yes! Latex is a great choice for sleepers who struggle with allergies. Natural latex is made with what is essentially a tree sap, making it an organic material that, other than latex allergies, is naturally hypoallergenic. Latex is also exceptionally breathable and naturally porous, meaning that common mattress allergens like dust do not get easily trapped within the mattress.
A Look Into the Sleepopolis Testing Lab
In order to ensure that we’re recommending the best mattresses to sleepers everywhere, we test each one individually in our mattress lab in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 beds, putting each one through a rigorous testing process that includes measuring a mattress’s motion transfer with a seismometer, tracking its cooling capabilities with a thermal gun, and visualizing its ability to relieve pain with a pressure map.
From there, we give every bed an overall score based on its materials, comfort, support, cooling, edge support, and more. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
We know that sleep is an integral part of your health, which is why we’ve developed such a detailed methodology when testing mattresses and writing our reviews. We also know that every sleeper is different when it comes to body type, sleeping position, and mattress preference. With so many factors at play, we want to give you an informed opinion so you can make an informed purchase.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every mattress an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
Since we wanted our roundup of best latex mattresses to truly represent the best of the best, we took each bed’s overall score into account. Every last mattress on this list has an overall score of 4 out of 5 or above. We also paid attention to the materials and cooling categories, two of the most important latex mattress qualities. Click here to learn more about our methodology
Best Latex Mattresses 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nolah Natural | Overall | $2,099 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch | Best Medium-Firm | $1,812 | Birch Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Silk & Snow Organic | Back Pain | $1,200 | Check Our Coupons | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Latex Hybrid | Best Cooling | $2,195 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBeds EcoCloud | Organic | $1,999 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep | Back Sleepers | $1,874 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
Bridget Chapman
Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper
Sources
Caggiari Gianfilippo. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 2021. https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5
Guerra Brizuela Nayrim. Biomedical applications of natural rubber latex from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. Materials Science and Engineering. 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34082943/
Radwan Ahmed. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials. Sleep Health. 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29073401/