If you’re curious how much is a latex mattress, know that you should budget more than $1,000, though during sales you may be able to get one for less. We’ll start with a discussion of the reasonable price range for this type of mattress. Questions to ask yourself before purchasing a latex mattress were also covered in this article.
Finding out where you can purchase a latex mattress may be of interest to you as well. Learning about the various mattress manufacturers that produce quality latex beds will aid in your decision.
What Is a Latex Mattress?
There are three types of latex foam—synthetic, blended, and natural—and a latex mattress can have anywhere from two to four layers of foam.
Most modern synthetic latex mattresses are made from a plastic called styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), which is molded into rubber-like shapes. Synthetic rubber (SBR) is also used in tires and conveyor belts. Mattresses made from SBR latex are just as safe and more affordable than those made from natural latex, but they don’t last nearly as long. Synthetic latex also commonly contains off-gassing chemicals that can be irritating to people with respiratory issues.
Mattresses made from a latex-polymer blend use fewer of these harmful chemicals. These mattresses feature a blend of 70% synthetic latex and 30% natural latex. Mattresses made from a combination of materials have a longer lifespan than those made from either natural or synthetic latex alone.
If you’re looking for a latex mattress topper, look no further than natural latex, which is superior to synthetic and blended options in terms of comfort, durability, environmental friendliness, and overall health benefits. It is extracted from the milky sap of the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree and processed further. Being able to harvest rubber from the same tree for up to 30 years in a row is a boon to the tree’s overall health and productivity. The sap is then transformed into Dunlop or Talalay foam, both of which are comfortable, supportive, and long-lasting. Later, we’ll talk about how Dunlop differs from Talalay. To start, let’s examine the merits of a latex mattress more closely.
Five Benefits of a Natural Latex Mattress
Beds made from natural latex are preferable to those made from synthetic or blended latex due to their lower environmental impact and higher lifespan and health benefits.
1. Pain Relieving
Latex foam mattresses are ideal for people who suffer from back or joint pain because of the gentle cushioning and buoyant support they provide.
Latex foam gently supports weighty areas like the hips and shoulders. The natural elasticity of latex gently supports lighter areas, such as the neck and back, to keep the spine in its correct alignment. This light contouring also relieves pressure on the joints and lower back.
2. Hypoallergenic and Low Maintenance
Without regular maintenance, a mattress can quickly become infested with mold, mildew, and dust mites due to the accumulation of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses on its surface. The end result is an unsafe place to sleep and increased risk of allergies in the bedroom.
Latex, on the other hand, is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it repels harmful microorganisms, making it a great option for those who suffer from year-round allergies or who are too pressed for time to regularly sanitize their mattress.
3. Eco-friendly
Rubber tree sap is the raw material for natural latex, which is processed in the manner described above. It is done without harming the trees in any way, and the process can continue for up to 30 years. As a result, the manufacturing of latex mattresses is highly eco-friendly and promotes tree growth. Biodegradability is another advantage of natural latex, meaning it can be easily disposed of rather than taking up space in a landfill for years.
However, not all latex mattresses are made in an ethical manner, despite the fact that the collection of latex is a renewable resource. In their production, some companies resort to the use of chemicals that are bad for people and the planet. Guaranteeing the mattress is made of mostly natural materials and is safe to sleep on is the GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, eco-INSTITUT, or GOLS certification. We’ll get back to these accreditations later on for more discussion.
Someone who has trouble sleeping due to their sensitivity to synthetic materials may find relief on a latex mattress that also contains other natural materials. Similarly, if the manufacturer uses wool, plant fibers, or silica as a fire barrier, the mattress may be among the best without fiberglass.
4. Breathable
The open cell structure of natural latex foam ensures continuous air circulation. Also, pinholes were incorporated into the design of the foam layers to increase airflow. Natural latex mattresses have almost no additives, while synthetic materials with their chemical heat-retaining properties are preferable.
A mattress with a cover made of cotton or wool will sleep much cooler.
5. Durable
The durability and resilience of natural latex mattresses are their most lauded qualities. Superior latex mattresses can last twice as long as traditional mattresses, up to 20 years. Natural rubber’s durability is often cited as the reason for this phenomenon. When pressure is removed from a natural latex mattress, it springs back to its original shape with ease.
Types of Natural Latex
Both the Dunlop and Talalay processes can be used to prepare natural latex. The sap of a rubber tree can be harvested by either tapping the tree or slitting the bark. The Dunlop or Talalay process requires collecting a sufficient quantity of rubber tree sap before whipping it into foam for processing.
Dunlop Latex
To create Dunlop latex, foam is poured into a mold and baked until it hardens. Once the latex has hardened, it is removed from the mold and cleaned. This removes any last bits of debris and extends its usable life without reducing its elasticity. The foam gets washed and then dried. Dunlop latex is more cost-effective than Talalay latex and features a uniform density and an all-natural composition. Additionally, it has a longer history and better environmental record.
Talalay Latex
The Talalay technique is more expensive than the Dunlop latex method because it takes more time and effort to create.
The process begins with pouring the foam into a form. In contrast to the Dunlop technique, however, only half of the mold is filled. The mold is then sealed, and vacuum is used to expand the latex until it fills the entire cavity. A gel-like texture is achieved by injecting carbon dioxide into the rubber after the mold has been filled and chilled. After being heated, the gel-like foam is unmolded, washed, and dried. Compared to Dunlop, finished Talalay Latex is more pliable and comfortable.
To counteract the hardness of the synthetic foam used in production, manufacturers sometimes add a layer of Talalay. Talalay, unlike Dunlop, is not completely natural.
Certifications
Consider buying a mattress with one of these third-party certifications if you care about the environment.
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
It is required by the Global Organic Latex Standard that latex mattresses contain no less than 95% organic latex and no harmful chemicals such as chlorine bleach, genetically modified organisms, synthetic sizing substances, carcinogenic azo dye, and more.
Organic latex mattress manufacturers that want their products certified must adhere to strict regulations regarding the harvesting, processing, packaging, labeling, and shipping of their products. The GOLS also ensures lawful working conditions. The GOTS or Eco-INSTITUT labels are additional requirements for a product to carry this label.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Natural fibers are tracked from the farm to the store using the Global Organic Textile Standard. If a latex mattress is covered in natural materials like wool or cotton, the certification ensures that the entire mattress is organic. To qualify for the GOTS label, a product must either be made with organic ingredients or be certified as organic.
Labeled “made with organic” textiles must include at least 70% organic content, while “organic” textiles must include 95% organic fibers or more. Just like GOLS, this label restricts the use of potentially dangerous substances.
eco-INSTITUT
The products that receive the Eco-INSTITUT seal of approval have been tested for the presence of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, mercury, and toxic fire retardants. This label ensures that the product has minimal to no emissions, making it suitable for use in a private residence.
GREENGUARD Gold
GREENGUARD Gold’s primary focus is on protecting the health of the most at-risk demographics, including children and the elderly. This certification, like eco-INSTITUT, ensures minimal air pollution and the absence of harmful VOCs.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Products that have earned the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label have been subjected to more than a hundred different tests to ensure they contain no harmful substances. The standard checks all fibers of textiles for uncontrolled azo dye, nickel, GMOs, and more. Products made from textiles are also subjected to testing for chemical compounds that are not illegal but pose a health risk to humans.
How Much Should You Pay For A Good Latex Mattress?
The average price of a latex mattress is between $1,200 and $2,50. Because of this, the latex mattress is significantly more costly than your current foam mattress, whether it be memory foam or polyurethane foam. The price of a latex mattress may seem prohibitive at first, but keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and promotions across different brands to find one at a more reasonable price.
If you want a latex mattress, how much should you expect to pay for one? A model in the $1,300-$1,500 range is available. Natural latex will ensure durability and proper support over synthetic or blended latex, so a latex bed at this price point should be made entirely from natural materials and have certifications to back that up.
Here are some of the finest latex mattresses available today, broken down by preference.
How do I choose a latex mattress?
Type of latex
The sap of the rubber tree is processed into a foam used in the production of genuine latex mattresses. Some cheaper latex mattresses are made with synthetic latex foam or a combination of natural and artificial materials. To get the long-term benefits of durability and the ideal firmness for pressure relief, it’s best to spend the money on a genuine natural latex mattress.
The different ways in which latex mattresses can be processed is another way to tell them apart. Talalay latex foam, on the other hand, has a springier feel due to its denser construction, while Dunlop latex foam is more like a traditional mattress cushion. There is still room for variation in firmness between the two latex varieties.
ILD
Mattresses made of foam materials, such as latex, can benefit from the ILD rating. You can gauge how firm or soft the mattress is in that way. As an illustration, a latex mattress with an ILD of 31 or higher will feel firm, while a latex mattress with an ILD of 25 or lower will feel soft. Learn all about ILD and its application to mattresses with this comprehensive guide.
Company reliability
You should research the manufacturer’s credibility just as you would with any other mattress type. The trial period, for instance, can demonstrate the manufacturer’s faith in its product. Additionally, you can see if their customer service is simple to get in touch with and if they have a return or warranty policy.
How Much Is A Natural Latex Mattress?
Natural latex mattresses can cost $1,400 to $2,000 or more. You can’t just focus on the size and shape of it; you have to think about the other components as well. A natural latex bed may seem prohibitively expensive at first, but it has many advantages over a bed made of synthetic foam that are well worth the investment.
Natural latex mattresses, for instance, frequently feature organic certifications alongside other certifications to demonstrate their eco-friendliness and lack of chemicals that could be harmful to human health and the environment. Natural latex is also resistant to mold and dust mites, so this all-natural mattress is a good long-term investment. Check out some reviews of top-rated all-natural latex mattress manufacturers to learn more about the different options available.
Why Is A Latex Mattress So Expensive?
The production processes and stringent requirements for latex mattresses drive up their price. To produce enough sap for the foam core of a queen-size mattress, for instance, more than 2,000 rubber trees are required. The mattress mold itself is also a significant investment.
Standards that manufacturers must adhere to during production also contribute to the high price of a latex bed. Because of this, before purchasing a latex mattress, be sure to research its credentials. If you want to get the most out of your money, consider reading this guide on how to buy an organic mattress.
Is A Latex Mattress Comfortable?
In terms of comfort, latex mattresses are on par with memory foam. They will be soft enough to relieve pressure on painful areas while remaining supportive enough to keep your spine in its natural position. In addition, you can find latex beds in a range of firmness ratings from different manufacturers to find the perfect one for your weight and sleeping style.
Is A Latex Mattress Worth It?
The majority of people agree that investing in a latex mattress is worthwhile because it is made from a natural material that is hypoallergenic and durable. It’s the most environmentally friendly bed you can buy, so it’s perfect for the environmentally conscious consumer. It’s as soft as memory foam, but it doesn’t use any artificial materials or chemicals.
How to Take Care of Your Latex Mattress
Vacuum Your Mattress
Dust, dust mites, and bacteria can accumulate on any mattress. Without proper maintenance, these microscopic organisms will continue to accumulate on top of, and possibly even inside of, your mattress. Use a handheld vacuum or vacuum wand to clean your mattress regularly (ideally once every three months) to remove dust mites, allergens, and other potential health hazards.
Protect Your Mattress
There are two kinds of mattress covers available for safeguarding your investment: protectors and encasements.
A mattress protector is a protective cover, similar to a fitted sheet, that is placed over a mattress. You can sleep easier knowing that your mattress and box spring will be safe from pests like bed bugs and dust mites as well as liquid damage from accidents like spills. Protective mattress covers are widely available and cheap. Plus, they can be taken off without much effort and thrown into the washing machine on a regular basis.
Waterproof fabric with (typically) a zipper enclosure completely encases the mattress, providing 360 degrees of protection. The process of encasing the mattress and removing the protection before washing is more labor-intensive, but the benefits are well worth it. A mattress encasement protects your investment to the fullest extent possible from liquids on all sides of the bed and from bed bugs, dust mites, and bacteria by completely closing off all possible entry points.
Mattress encasements and protectors are both hypoallergenic and made to allow for maximum air flow while you sleep.
Remove Stains Immediately
Your mattress can be damaged by liquids and stains if you don’t treat them immediately. If you get a stain on your mattress, you should get rid of it right away by using a very small amount of water. Stains that are particularly difficult to remove may call for a combination of water and laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid. Your mattress top or cover can be patted clean like any other fabric, including clothing, until the stain is gone. Please ensure the mattress is completely dry before remaking the bed.
FAQs
What are the cons of latex mattresses?
One common complaint about latex mattresses is that they are too heavy. True latex has a higher density than most synthetics, making it heavier. At up to 130 pounds, a queen-size latex mattress isn’t something you can easily move around on your own. In the same way that mattresses made from synthetic latex are more affordable, mattresses made from natural latex are more costly. A latex mattress in the queen size can cost up to $3,000, although this greatly varies by manufacturer.
Are latex mattresses better than memory foam mattresses?
Mattresses made of latex and memory foam are both common, with each material catering to a specific type of sleeper. When it comes to relieving back pain, memory foam mattresses are among the best options available. Although latex conforms well, it is inherently springier and firmer than memory foam. Those who weigh more at night or who suffer from pressure points will benefit from this combination’s ability to properly align the spine while also providing soothing pressure relief.
Can someone with a latex allergy sleep on a latex mattress?
It is widely accepted that people with a latex allergy can sleep safely on natural latex mattresses. A latex allergy develops when a person comes into contact with the proteins in natural latex products (like balloons and gloves) and reacts negatively. However, the allergen-causing proteins in a latex mattress are extensively washed away during production. The use of bedsheets also reduces the amount of skin that touches the mattress.
Having said that, and despite the fact that some may find it relativistically safe, westrongly discourageA latex mattress is a popular choice for those who suffer from latex allergies. If you are concerned about a latex allergy and are thinking about purchasing one of these mattresses, you should talk to your doctor first.
Do natural latex mattresses smell?
Non-off-gassing is not an issue with natural latex mattresses, but some people have reported a rubbery odor. The manufacturing process, which includes washing, however, significantly reduces this odor. Natural latex has a pleasant aroma that is described as mild, sweet, and even vanilla-like by many buyers.
What is the best foundation for a latex bed?
The only acceptable support structures for latex mattresses are slatted ones made of wood or steel. These consistent underpinnings give the foam something solid to rest on, reducing the likelihood of sagging and soft spots. Since latex is so malleable, it can be molded to fit different shapes of bed frames. Stay away from box springs, as their springiness will eventually wear down the mattress’s foam layers and weaken its support.
Do latex mattresses isolate motion?
While latex mattresses are superior to innersprings in this regard, they can’t compare to memory foam in this regard. The innerspring mattress’s coil support core is designed to flex and move in unison with the sleeper, facilitating a smooth motion transfer. However, memory foam is highly reactive and, by absorbing movement, reduces the transmission of motion. Mattresses made from natural latex are not only responsive, but also elastic. When you release your pressure on the foam, it springs back into shape, which can be annoying if you’re sleeping next to someone.
Conclusion
Have your questions about purchasing a latex mattress been answered by this article? To review, the cost of a latex mattress is approximately $1,200-$2,500. This natural foam mattress is more expensive than synthetic ones due to production costs.
The advantages of this mattress type significantly outweigh its higher price tag. You will receive an item that is hypoallergenic, safe for the environment, and comfortable for extended periods of time while relieving pressure.
