Buying a new mattress isn’t as easy as picking the first one you see online; there are many factors to consider, and with such a wide range to choose from, it can be overwhelming. But if you’re searching for a latex mattress, you’ve already made a fantastic choice.
The Types Of Latex Mattresses
1. Natural Latex Mattress
As the name suggests, this style of mattress is 100% naturally made and created. It is arguably the best type of latex mattress. In the process of harvesting latex, which is similar to harvesting maple, a milky sap (the latex) is produced and then turned into a multi-layer latex mattress. The process is entirely eco-friendly and doesn’t require chopping the rubber trees down. In fact, they can continue to produce the sap for up to 20 years.
The natural material is highly breathable, resilient and durable. Because of this, it often lasts longer than other materials.
2. Synthetic Latex Mattress
Although this mattress type contains latex materials, it’s not the same as a natural mattresses. The synthetic bed doesn’t come from rubber trees but is commonly manufactured from a rubber called styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).
Although it has the same properties as a natural latex mattress, it’s made up of synthetic materials, and the process takes less time. It also costs less than natural latex mattresses.
These latex mattresses are a popular balanced choice that offers the same quality as a natural mattress at a synthetic price. It’s a blend of natural and synthetic latex that provides consistent support and comfort.
The ratio levels differ depending on the manufacturer but commonly, it’s 60 per cent synthetic material and 40 per cent natural latex.
Latex Vs Memory Foam
These two mattresses are commonly compared yet different. They both offer various benefits the other doesn’t, which one you choose depends on your preferences.
The latex and memory foam mattresses differ in terms of responsiveness, contour and bounce. The memory foam mattress slowly contours to your body and moulds to its exact shape. In contrast, the latex mattress sinks to your body type with the ability to bounce back.
The latex mattress is excellent for resisting sagging, whereas memory foam offers a plusher feeling. Although the memory foam bed is cheaper, the latex mattress is more responsive and buoyant because of its natural properties.
Common Mistakes About Latex Mattresses
- They’re too expensive: Because it’s made from natural materials and has so many benefits, people tend to assume latex mattresses cost too much. But that’s simply not true. Yes, premium, customised versions of the natural latex mattress can cost anywhere between $5-10K. But there are thousands of affordable ones available; the exact price just depends on what type of latex mattress you buy and where you buy it from.
The average high-quality latex mattress retails for $1-3K, but you can buy a quality natural or synthetic latex mattress for under $500 at MyDeal. - They feel too firm: There’s a common misconception that latex mattresses are too firm, but that’s simply not true.
Like every other mattress, when you first bring it home, especially if it’s a mattress-in-a-box, it will seem firm at first. But they just need some time to break in; after a month, you should feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud.
Consider The Firmness Level
Every mattress has a different level of firmness to cater to unique sleeping patterns and styles. The same goes for latex mattresses, whether that be a natural, blended or synthetic one. The different levels of firmness are plush, medium-firm and firm.
How do you sleep? On your back, your side or your stomach? This is a crucial question to consider when deciding on what firmness level you should choose.
Firm
Stomach sleepers.
If you sleep face down, you’ll need a mattress that supports your back and neck every night. A firm latex mattress aligns your spine and relieves pain.
Medium-Firm
Back sleeper or combination sleeper.
If you move around a lot in your sleep or lie flat like a plank, then you should invest in a medium-firm latex mattress that contours specifically to your back and comforts your spine. This perfectly balanced bed has a rigid backbone that aligns with a variety of sleeping styles and is the perfect choice if you sleep with someone else.
Soft
Side sleeper.
Because side sleepers rest on many essential joints, it’s crucial to consider a mattress that moulds to those points and supports them correctly, which is exactly what a soft latex mattress does.
Consider The Pinholes
You may not have heard of the term ‘pinholes’ in mattress talk before, but if you’re looking for a latex mattress, you won’t want to forget it.
Unlike other mattresses, latex beds have a series of pin-sized holes punctured into their surface. Why? To provide proper airflow and hygiene. The convenient holes keep the mattress cool and allow moisture to move quickly rather than getting trapped in it. This makes them the best choice if you live in a humid environment.
The size and number of holes help determine the firmness level of the latex mattress; the level of comfort and support you get. Don’t worry, you don’t have to count all the pinholes to ensure you’re getting the right mattress for you. It will stand out as the superiorly comfortable one.
Other Considerations
Your comfort preference: This is the number one thing to consider when choosing a firmness level. Suppose you want extreme support that cradles your body all night long, then you’re best off with a firm latex mattress. That is as long as you don’t sleep on your side. If you’re after that sink-in feeling, then you’re better off with a plush mattress.
The ILD: Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) refers to the measure of softness or firmness of the latex mattress. A general rule of thumb is the higher the ILD, the firmer the latex will be.
Your weight: If you choose a mattress that’s too plush for your weight, it could do more damage rather than add relief to your spine, neck and back.
How it’s processed: The latex mattress is processed in two different ways to tailor to unique sleepers.
Dunlop = This is the traditional way to process latex and makes for a firmer mattress, commonly used in the bottom base of the bed.
Talalay = This is the modern process of latex that’s often used in the top layer of the mattress for extreme comfortability.
Warranties
It is crucial that the latex mattress you choose comes with a warranty. It doesn’t matter how cheap you can buy it for: if your bed doesn’t come with a warranty, chances are it’s of poor quality that the manufacturer doesn’t stand by.
As a minimum, a mattress warranty should cover the first five years.
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of what to look for when you’re searching for a latex mattress, you can buy one tailored to your exact needs.
Here at MyDeal, we have a variety of quality latex mattresses at incredibly affordable prices. You’ll be shocked at just how affordable they are. Whether you need a queen-sized latex mattress or a euro top, we’ve got heaps of options for you online.
