Are you thinking about investing in a latex mattress? Want to learn more about them before you decide? Then we’re here to help.

Latex is becoming more and more popular as far as mattress materials go. When you’re researching latex, you’ll learn a lot about its benefits, but what about the potential downsides? First, we’ll go over the differences between natural and synthetic latex, followed by common complaints about latex mattresses.

Natural vs. Synthetic Latex

Latex comes from rubber trees and is harvested and then processed into a usable material. Before the product is poured into a mold, fillers, such as chemicals or polyurethane, may be added to cut costs. Natural latex usually has at least a small amount of fillers added. Legally, companies can call their product natural latex, even if it’s not 100 percent natural.

Synthetic latex is made from petrochemicals (chemicals derived from petroleum), instead of natural rubber. Natural latex is a more durable material than synthetic latex and some customers appreciate that it’s mostly made from natural material, rather than chemicals. If you decide to get a natural latex mattress, ask the manufacturer what percentage of the latex is natural.

5 Common Complaints About Latex Mattresses

#1 Weight

Latex is a dense material, which is why it’s so durable. Compared to other mattress types, latex beds are extremely heavy and hard to move. This will only be an issue if you tend to move frequently. In most cases, you’ll only need to worry about the weight of your mattress twice: when you first get it and when you get rid of it.

#2 Price

Another common complaint regarding latex mattresses is their price. Making natural latex is time-consuming and expensive, so natural latex beds tend to cost a lot. While they cost less than natural latex beds, synthetic latex mattresses are also expensive compared to other bed types. You’ll want to make sure the benefits of latex outweigh the expense before you buy.

#3 Motion Transfer

Another complaint with latex beds is motion transfer, but this issue should only come up if you’re an extremely light sleeper. Latex absorbs motion better than innerspring mattresses or hybrid-style beds, but it doesn’t hold a candle to mattresses made with memory foam.

Memory foam creates a slow, sinking effect which isolates motion and prevents it from traveling through the mattress. Since latex is a bouncier, more responsive material, motion isn’t absorbed as easily, though again, only people who wake up very easily should notice this.

#4 Off-Gassing

Off-gassing is a chemical odor that may be strong when a product is first unpacked. This smell occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) leak out of the mattress materials. Memory foam beds produce the most off-gassing smell, but synthetic latex beds may also come with some smell.

If you’re sensitive to chemical smells, this is worth keeping in mind. But in most cases, leaving your bed in a well-ventilated room for a couple days is enough to get rid of the odor.

#5 Bounce

One feature of a latex mattress that not every sleeper will like is its responsiveness. Latex is a bouncy material that regains its shape quickly, unlike memory foam. If you’ve been sleeping on a memory foam mattress for years and have grown accustomed to the sinking effect, switching to a bouncy bed may not be so nice. Only choose a latex mattress if you want a responsive, springy surface on your bed.

The Benefits of a Latex Mattress

Now that we’ve gone over some common complaints about latex beds, it’s only fair to review some of the benefits of this mattress type. Here are some common advantages that users report from sleeping on latex:

#1 Comfort

Latex has a buoyantly supportive feel, which some people love. While a bouncy mattress isn’t the right choice for everyone, people who move around a lot in their sleep will probably appreciate it. Memory foam causes a cradling effect that can make it hard to switch sleep positions. If you’d rather sleep on top of your bed than sink into it, latex may be a good pick for you.

#2 Potential Pain Relief

If you suffer from joint or back pain, switching to a latex mattress might help. Latex creates a cushioning, comfortable feel that promotes neutral spinal alignment. The heavier parts of your body will sink into the material, while lighter parts are held in alignment with the rest of your body. The supportive quality of latex evenly distributes the sleeper’s weight across the bed, allowing for restorative relaxation.

#3 Hypoallergenic

Latex is naturally resistant to dust mites and bacteria, which is a huge plus for people who are sensitive to allergens. If you live in a humid climate, choosing a hypoallergenic bed is necessary for preventing bacterial growth. Latex is a breathable material that prevents moisture from building up in your bed, so you can have a clean sleep experience.

#4 Cool Sleeping

Latex beds tend to sleep cooler than memory foam mattresses. When you lie on memory foam, you sink into the material, which can cause heat to buildup. Latex, on the other hand, allows you to rest on top of the bed, exposing more of your body to the air.

Final Verdict

Overall, latex is a very agreeable mattress material. The most common complaints about latex mattresses come down to personal preference. If you can afford to invest in a latex bed and want a responsive, cool sleep experience, it could be worth trying out.

If you’re interested in an organic, naturally-sourced latex mattress, try the Avocado Green mattress, a luxurious option with zoned support. People who want a budget-friendly latex bed with three firmness options should consider the Pure Green™ Natural Latex bed by Sleep on Latex.

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