Everything you need to know about latex mattresses

The must-have, mattress material with softness and bounce

Latex’s unparalleled rebound, softness and resilience make it a great, functional mattress material. As a comfort layer, it feels good and rebounds and recovers quickly from compression. Latex mattresses are often made of natural latex, which is harvested from rubber trees. Mattresses made from synthetic latex or a blend of natural and synthetic latex are also available.

Latex is often used in hybrid mattresses like our Sleep Republic mattress, which is backed by the Australian Spinal Foundation and has won BedBuyer’s Best Overall Mattress in Box for two years in a row.

ARE LATEX MATTRESSES COMFORTABLE OVER THE LONG TERM?

Yes, latex mattresses are extremely comfortable over the long term. Latex foam is naturally dust mite-resistant and will not absorb body heat. Users of latex mattresses often report waking up in a cooler and more refreshed state in the morning.

You could expect a latex mattress to last for up to 20 years — or even longer!

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF LATEX MATTRESSES?

Pros:

• Latex mattresses are incredibly comfortable.
• Latex foam is naturally resistant to dust mites
• Latex will not absorb heat from your body, so you can expect to wake up in a cool and refreshed state every morning.
• Latex offers unparalleled rebound, softness and resilience, making it perfect for the comfort layer of mattresses.
• Latex mattresses have a longer lifespan than many other mattress types.

Cons:

• Latex mattresses can be more expensive than other mattress types.
• Latex mattresses may not be suitable for those with latex allergies.

ARE ORGANIC LATEX MATTRESSES DIFFERENT FROM NATURAL LATEX MATTRESSES?

In most respects, organic latex mattresses are not different from natural latex mattresses. Both types of mattresses are made of latex foam derived from rubber trees. However, organic latex mattresses may be higher quality latex foam than natural latex mattresses. Additionally, organic latex mattresses may be certified to meet specific environmental and social standards.

WHICH IS BETTER, A SPRING OR LATEX MATTRESS?

Latex mattresses:

• Tend to be more expensive than spring mattresses
• Offer unparalleled comfort, better pressure relief and greater breathability compared to spring mattresses
• Are great for people who wake up hot or sweating as latex foam does not absorb body heat or moisture from your skin
• Have a longer lifespan than spring mattresses
• Are naturally resistant to dust mites

Spring mattresses:

• Are often considerably less expensive than latex mattresses
• May not be as comfortable as latex mattresses, as latex foam contours and supports the body better than most spring types
• Are great for people who are cold at night as they tend to trap heat
• Unequalled at minimizing partner disturbance
• Provide exceptional edge support
• Have a shorter lifespan than latex mattresses
• Can be more susceptible to dust mites due to the greater surface area of material that latex mattresses cover

Hybrid mattresses offer you the benefits of each with typically a latex comfort layer on a pocket sprung unit. Our Sleep Republic mattress, for example, blends natural latex with individually wrapped coils to give you the perfect sleep surface.

HOW EXPENSIVE IS A LATEX MATTRESS?

Latex mattresses can be more expensive than some other mattress types. However, latex mattresses provide a longer lifespan than most other mattress types, making them great value for the money.

Prices range from $799 to more than $8000 per latex mattress.

Additionally, latex mattresses are naturally resistant to dust mites. They will not absorb heat from your body, making them an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies or overheating during sleep. So, if you’re looking for an incredibly comfortable and long-lasting mattress, a latex mattress could be a perfect choice.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO SLEEP ON A NATURAL LATEX MATTRESS?

Natural latex mattresses provide undeniable comfort and support. They are soft, resilient and bounce back quickly from compression, making them great for people who like to sink into the mattress surface.

As latex is naturally elastic, some latex mattress owners may find that latex foam is a little bouncier than other types of foam mattresses. However, latex mattress owners often report loving this soft, cocooning feeling of being enveloped by their mattress.

ARE NATURAL LATEX MATTRESSES FLAME RETARDANT?

Yes, latex foam is a natural flame retardant. When latex foam is exposed to an open flame, it will char rather than ignite and spread the fire. This innate quality makes latex foam a superior mattress material as it greatly increases the safety of your sleep environment.

ARE THERE ADVANTAGES TO BUYING A LATEX MATTRESS?

Latex mattresses offer many benefits over traditional spring mattresses, including superior comfort, pressure relief, breathability and resistance to dust mites. They are also natural fire retardants.

Latex mattresses are also particularly good for allergy sufferers as they tend to resist dust mites due to their latex foam construction.

WHICH IS LESS TOXIC, LATEX OR MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES?

Latex mattresses are less toxic than memory foam mattresses. This is because the main component of latex foam is latex, a natural material derived from rubber trees. On the other hand, memory foam is made of polyurethane, which can release harmful chemicals into the air. These chemicals can cause respiratory problems in some people. Additionally, latex foam is biodegradable and recyclable, while polyurethane foam is not.

WOULD A LATEX MATTRESS BE OKAY FOR SOMEONE THAT SLEEPS HOT?

Yes, latex foam does not absorb body heat or moisture from your skin, making it an excellent option for people who often wake up hot. The latex in latex foam also makes it more elastic than other types of foam, providing a pleasant cradling effect, without trapping heat.

CAN YOU BE ALLERGIC TO A LATEX MATTRESS?

People can be allergic to latex itself or to the chemicals used in latex foam processing. If you are latex-sensitive, check with your doctor before purchasing a latex mattress.

Hybrid mattresses like our Sleep Republic hybrid pocket spring design may incorporate a layer of 100% natural latex. We ensure our latex does not use any chemicals typically associated with latex allergy during the manufacturing process, making it a safer option for latex-sensitive sleepers.

OVER TIME, DOES LATEX HOLD ITS SHAPE BETTER THAN FOAM?

Studies show latex foam does hold its shape better over time than traditional foam mattresses. Latex gets firmer after extended use, while conventional memory foams can break down and soften with frequent use. Latex mattresses or hybrid mattresses with latex layers are a great choice for people who prefer a firmer mattress or plan to use their new mattress for many years to come.

IS A LATEX MATTRESS GOOD FOR SUMMER?

Latex mattresses are a great summer choice because latex foam is breathable and helps to regulate sleep temperature. Additionally, latex foam does not absorb body heat or moisture from your skin, making them a great option for people who often wake up hot or sweaty during the night.

They are also more resilient under the weight of your body, so you won’t feel as though you’re sinking into hot or cold spots during temperature changes.

If you’re looking for a latex mattress specifically designed for hot sleepers, you may wish to consider Sleep Republic’s hybrid pocket spring design. Our mattresses use 100% natural latex foam and do not contain any chemicals typically associated with latex allergy.

Combining supportive pocket springs and soft, cushioning comfort layers of cashmere, memory foam and latex, our Sleep Republic mattress is a multi-award winner. Discover the enviable balance of softness and support delivered by this incredible hybrid mattress.