Latex mattresses are made from pure natural latex. They’re designed to provide pressure point relief and optimal support. Those who sleep on their stomach, back or side can benefit from this kind of mattress. Below, we discuss the major benefits of latex mattresses.
Major benefits of latex mattresses
Latex Mattresses are Eco-friendly
Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees. These trees do a great job of converting more than ninety tons of carbon dioxide to oxygen annually, making latex among the most environmentally-friendly mattress fillings today.
Latex is Durable
A latex mattress is naturally resilient. It maintains its shape for many years.
Natural Latex Beds Relieve Pressure
Since latex is elastic, it can quickly respond to your movements, weight, and shape. This property provides pressure relief by supporting the heaviest parts of the body.
Comfortable
image credit
https://www.scottishwomanmagazine.com
Natural latex is breathable so that you won’t feel hot. It also absorbs moisture. Latex has ventilation holes and an open cell structure, which helps maintain a fresh environment. Latex mattresses nicely mold even around the most difficult contours such as those of a pregnant woman.
Hypoallergenic properties of latex
Latex means it dust mite-resistant. This means that it is a good option for people with allergies. Latex foam is made either through the Talalay method or the Dunlop method. Talalay involves partially pouring latex into the mold and using a vacuum to expand it into the foam. The foam made through this method is less dense, so it has a consistent feel.
The Dunlop method involves pouring the entire latex into a mold. The foam is soft towards the top and firm along the bottom of the mattress. This level of firmness offers superb pressure relief and comfort.
How to Choose the Right Latex Mattress
When looking for a latex mattress, you should consider its lifespan, warranty, and firmness as well as your sleeping positions. The warranty should be at least 5 years because this is a sign that the mattress will last for a long time.
Comfort level of Talalay Latex
People who have back pain believe that a rock hard mattress will alleviate their pain. What they need is a mattress that’s firm and comfortable enough to support their body. The mattress should be soft or firm to your liking. The right mattress offers proper support and comfort. It feels comfortable and soft when you first touch it and provides full support as you sink deeper. This way, your body pressure uniformly distributed and your spine is in the correct position. Your height will also play a role in determining your choice.
Related Reading: Dunlop vs Talalay Latex Mattresses
Identifying the right mattress firmness
The firmness or softness of a mattress can be determined through its ILD or impression load deflection. The ILD rating can be measured by placing a 1-diameter meal disk onto a section of a 4″-thick latex. It’s different from density, which is used to assess a mattress made from memory foam, polyfoam, and other materials. Density measures the support and durability of a mattress.
The ILD rating of latex mattresses differs by latex type. For instance, organic and natural latex will almost always have a lower ILD rating than synthetic and blended latex mattresses. Dunlop latex usually has a higher rating than Talalay latex.
Aside from the ILD rating and the type of mattress, there are other factors that you should consider when choosing a latex mattress. Consider the coolness of the mattress. Latex is a breathable material, so you will be able to sleep cooler. Talalay latex layers are especially breathable and cool.
Components of a high-quality Dunlop latex mattress
The support core is another important factor to consider. It’s the most elastic and durable part of latex mattresses. The support core maintains the bounciness of the mattress and provides pressure relief without indenting to your body’s curvature. Synthetic and hybrid latex mattresses have a support core that is made from pocketed coils, polyfoam or other materials, while the support core of all-natural latex mattresses is made purely of foam. All-latex lasts 5 times longer than polyfoam, making it the most robust support core option.
You also need to consider the comfort layer of the mattress. Talalay latex mattresses are more popular than Dunlop when it comes to the comfort layer because of its softer feel. Dunlop, however, is more durable. A blended Talalay hybrid mattress is a cheap, but fairly resilient option. It is ideal for those who are on a tight budget but want a high quality mattress.
Synthetic and blended latex mattresses have covers made from synthetic cotton or other human-made materials. Organic and natural latex mattresses, on the other hand, have covers made from wool or cotton. The overall feel is almost the same, but eco-conscious customers may want a latex mattress that only has natural components. Those who have a limited budget will find the synthetic covers cheaper than organic ones.
You may also want to consider the overall thickness of the mattress. An all-latex mattress is usually 6″ to 12″ thick. Blended options are usually 8″ to 12″ in thickness. Heavier adults should get at least a 10″ thick all-latex mattress for optimal support.
Latex Allergy
People who have latex allergies can still use a latex bed, provided that they don’t touch the latex mattress directly. Consult a doctor about the severity of your allergy before buying a latex mattress. Although a latex mattress has many benefits, it’s also costly. The cost of a latex mattress depends on its size and brand. Find a mattress company that provides an affordable payment plan.
Difference between Natural Latex and Synthetic Latex
Synthetic latex is usually made with Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), a type of plastic that’s typically used to replace natural rubber. SBR is frequently used for artificial grass for children. A synthetic mattress won’t be as durable and springy as a natural latex mattress.
Memory Foam vs. Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are derived from the sap of rubber trees, while memory foam is a human-made product. The latter initially provides pressure point relief. It retains the heat of the body, so the mattress moves with you and hugs your pressure points. The memory foam won’t be able to bounce back, and you will sleep hot. A common problem associated with a memory foam mattress includes sags and dips. Latex mattresses, on the other hand, offer incredible durability, comfort, and pressure relief. This is why latex mattresses are recommended for most sleeping positions.
Conclusion
We hope this introductory article on latex mattresses gave you a brief idea about the major benefits of latex mattresses and how they differ from other types of mattresses like memory foam mattresses. Please continue browsing through our mattress resources to find the best latex mattress for you.