Latex mattresses have an above average overall customer satisfaction rating. They come in multiple firmness levels, so customers can usually find the right firmness in a latex mattress based on their body weight, sleeping position, and personal preference. Some latex mattresses are all-natural, an important quality for health-conscious and environment-conscious buyers.
On the downside, the wide variety in latex mattresses can make them difficult to shop for if you’re not familiar with the differences. It is also difficult to test the specific latex mattress at the store due to limited availability in stores. There isn’t as much customer data on experiences with latex mattresses either, making it more challenging for mattress shoppers to choose the right latex mattress for them. To find out if a latex mattress is right for you, continue reading about their features below.
Two Types of Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses fall into one of two categories: all-latex and latex-hybrid. All-latex mattresses are purely made of latex, no other material. Latex-hybrid mattresses, on the other hand, consist of latex and another material, usually latex for the top layer and polyurethane foam for base support.
Owner Satisfaction Rate
Based on customer data gathered and analyzed by Sleep Like the Dead, owners of latex mattresses have an impressive 80% owner satisfaction rate. Latex mattresses are about mid-range when it comes to price. Latex-hybrid models average $1,900, whereas all-latex mattresses are $900 on average.
How Long a Latex Mattress Lasts
An all-latex mattress lasts eight years, which is good for a mattress. Latex-hybrid mattress are fairly durable as well, lasting for six years. Mattresses just made of latex perform above average in terms of lifespan. Latex-hybrid mattresses have an average lifespan. Some all-latex mattresses last even longer if they come with customizable layers. The layers can be flipped, rotated, and individually replaced as needed. This helps the mattress last longer.
Body Impressions Could Make the Mattress More Restrictive
About 10% of latex mattress owners reported that their mattresses had body impressions after three years of ownership. Body impressions don’t always cause the mattress to be unsupportive or uncomfortable. They can, however, make the latex mattress more restrictive. To help prevent body impressions from developing, you should rotate or flip the mattress once per year.
Latex Mattress Provide Good Support
Latex mattresses provide above average support. Mattresses made of talalay latex, in particular, offer great distributed support and pressure-point relief. Latex mattresses are also known for minimizing and preventing back pain. Those who are over 230 lbs will find a lot of supportive mattresses of the all-latex type because these mattresses are usually available in thickness levels of 10+”.
Some Latex Mattresses Are Heavy
All-latex mattresses are heavier than latex-hybrid mattresses. They can be difficult to handle or transport by one person. All-latex mattresses weigh 65-190+ lbs with the average queen size all-latex mattress weighing 140 lbs. Latex-hybrid mattresses weight 55-120 lbs, making them more manageable to move. The average queen size latex-hybrid is 86 lbs.
Latex Mattresses Don’t Need Foundations
Foundations aren’t needed with latex mattresses, but they can be used if you desire a higher mattress. As long as the slats are no more than eight inches apart, you could use a slat foundation. Latex mattresses are also suitable for use on plywood and platform beds. A boxspring foundation would reduce motion isolation of the latex mattress. If you want motion isolation in a mattress to avoid being disturbed by a partner’s movements, then a boxspring foundation isn’t ideal.
Latex mattresses are excellent for people who are looking for supportive mattresses that have a good range of eco-friendly options and don’t require foundations. You can find latex mattresses that are all-natural and made of organic materials if you’re health-conscious. There are also many supportive options in latex mattresses for those who weight over 230 lbs.