- We spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated over 100 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
- We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process.
- Latex is an alternative to memory foam that is naturally derived from rubber trees. We have found latex tends to bounce back quickly for ease of movement. While memory foam typically absorbs body heat, latex has better temperature regulating capabilities.
Learn more about how we tested the best latex mattresses.
Key takeaways
- The Saatva Latex Hybrid is our pick for the best latex mattress overall because the combination of bouncy latex with durable steel coils creates a sleep experience that feels plush while offering healthy spinal support.
- Based on over 1,000 hours of testing and our survey of 600 mattress owners, we found that sleepers may benefit from the pressure relief provided by latex foam. We’ve also learned that temperature regulation is an important quality for many sleepers, especially those who are sensitive to heat, and latex mattresses often excel in this category.
- Latex mattresses can cost around $899 to over $3,400, depending on size, construction, and materials.
Latex mattresses are considered a luxury item thanks to features such as bounce, body contouring, and pressure relief. Latex is often a more eco-friendly option since it is sourced directly from rubber tree sap. The natural latex mattresses reviewed below are hypoallergenic, breathable, and durable—often outlasting traditional spring mattresses. Use our guide to discover the best latex mattresses for your budget and sleep preferences.
5 best latex mattresses of 2024
- Saatva Latex Hybrid: Best latex mattress overall
- WinkBeds EcoCloud: Best latex mattress for back pain
- Nolah Natural: Best latex mattress side sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep: Most affordable latex mattress
- Birch Natural: Best eco-friendly latex mattress
What to look for in a latex mattress
- Latex types: Not all latex is the same, with different types of latex offering a different sleep experience. Talalay latex is less dense, which makes it more responsive, providing better pressure relief. Dunlop latex is processed differently, which results in a denser, firmer mattress that doesn’t offer as much pressure relief.
- Natural materials: Mattresses may be advertised at latex, or even 100% latex, while still containing fillers, chemicals, or synthetic latex. If choosing naturally derived, hypoallergenic materials is a priority for you, look for mattresses made from 100% natural latex.
- Firmness and support: Latex tends to be less dense than other foams, which can result in a mattress that sinks under some body types. When shopping for a latex mattress, carefully consider the firmness level and added support features of each model.
Best latex mattress overall: Saatva Latex Hybrid
Why Saatva Latex Hybrid is our pick for best overall
The Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress earned our top spot for its luxurious support, cooling features, quality materials, and excellent customer policies. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) backs Saatva’s solid reputation with an A+ rating.
Who should consider the Saatva Latex Hybrid: Sleepers with chronic pain may find this mattress particularly comfortable, because the Saatva Latex Hybrid is responsive and contours well to the curves of the body.
Who should consider other options: This mattress has high motion transfer, and light sleepers sharing a bed with another person may find their sleep disturbed by their partner’s movements.
Saatva Latex Hybrid tester insights
The Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress emerged as a winner after hands-on testing. It’s supportive, cooling, and made with quality eco-friendly materials. Saatva also offers several perks, such as free white-glove delivery, a lifetime warranty, a 365-night home trial, and free removal of your old mattress.
The Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress combines natural latex, organic wool, and recycled steel coils with an organic cotton cover. It holds GREENGUARD Gold and eco-INSTITUT certifications, meaning you can look forward to a healthy, hypoallergenic sleep environment free of harmful substances and pollutants. Our testers love how the mattress stays cool to the touch due to the latex layer’s aeration, ensuring airflow to keep you comfortable.
The Saatva Latex Hybrid offers a nice balance between support and comfort, with our testers giving it a firmness rating of 7/10. Its three-inch latex layer conforms to the body, offering pressure relief while staying sturdy. This makes it a good fit for back and stomach sleepers. Pocketed coils respond to your movement, hugging you in every position, while five firmness zones offer ergonomic support, especially in the lumbar area.
Another standout feature is its edge support, receiving a perfect 5/5 rating from our testers. Despite latex’s elasticity, the Saatva Latex Hybrid maintains stability even at the edges. You can securely sit on the side of your bed without the mattress sagging.
While the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress is our top pick, it might not suit everyone. Its firmer feel may not sufficiently cushion the hips and shoulders for lightweight side sleepers. The mattress’s responsiveness may lead to high motion transfer The degree of movement felt on one side of the mattress when a sleeping partner moves on the other side of the bed. , which can disturb light sleepers or couples.
Read more in our Saatva review.
Best latex mattress for back pain: WinkBeds EcoCloud
Why WinkBeds EcoCloud is our pick for best for back pain
The WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress is the best latex mattress for back pain. Its versatile design also accommodates a variety of sleeping positions and is cooling to keep you comfortable at night. It’s one of two mattresses on our list with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification.
Who should consider the WinkBeds EcoCloud: Side sleepers will appreciate how the responsive latex foam in this mattress offers pressure relief to prevent pain in their hips, shoulders, and neck.
Who should consider other options: The WinkBed EcoCloud is rated as a 5.5 on the firmness scale and will likely feel too soft for sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds.
WinkBeds EcoCloud tester insights
The WinkBeds EcoCloud latex mattress has a reputation for alleviating back pain—third-party review sites consistently confirm this. Verified customer reviews on WinkBed’s website praise the EcoCloud mattress for help with sciatica relief and hip-replacement recovery. (See the “Pain Relief” customer reviews category on its website when you scroll down.)
Our testers appreciated the WinkBeds EcoCloud’s targeted spinal alignment support. Its four-inch Talalay latex layer delivers pressure relief via firm support for the lower back and lumbar, alongside soft support in the shoulders and hips. Plus, the EcoCloud is one of the only mattresses on our list with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, confirming it’s free of high levels of harmful substances.
The EcoCloud’s five-zoned, individually wrapped innerspring system supports weight distribution, and its anti-sag system mitigates sagging on the sides of the mattress. The WinkBeds EcoCloud is also cool to the touch due to its 100 percent organic cotton cover and sustainable wool batting.
The WinkBeds EcoCloud latex mattress is one of the best mattresses for couples and a good option for combination sleepers. Its springy, responsive design supports different sleeping positions and makes movement while you sleep more comfortable. Its bouncy surface, responsiveness, and edge support are also ideal for couples or those sharing their bed with a partner.
Similar to other best latex mattresses on our list, the EcoCloud’s bounciness comes with the tradeoff of subpar motion isolation. So, partnered sleepers might be more likely to feel it when their bedmate moves around or gets out of bed.
Best latex mattress for side sleepers: Nolah Natural mattress
Why Nolah Natural is our pick for best for side sleepers
The Nolah Natural mattress is best for side sleepers due to its natural Talalay latex core, generous bounceback, and targeted support for the shoulders, hips, and knees. Our testers found that its responsiveness and pressure relief makes it particularly comfortable for those who prefer sleeping on their side, helping to reduce aches and pains in the morning.
Who should consider the Nolah Natural: Because this mattress scored high in the category of cooling, we think it would be a good option for a sleeper who tends to run hot.
Who should consider other options: Most stomach sleepers will find this mattress isn’t supportive enough to keep their hips from sinking into the mattress, and we suggest a firmer mattress from this list.
Nolah Natural tester insights
The Nolah Natural delivers the best latex mattress for side sleepers with its quality pressure relief, spinal alignment, and contouring support. Our testers liked the Nolah Natural’s medium feel. The Nolah brand recommends mattress firmness ratings of four to seven for side sleepers, and our testing found the Nolah Natural mattress ranking in the middle at 6/10. Nolah also offers white-glove delivery, setup, and mattress removal through a third party, although the service will cost you extra (unlike Saatva).
The Nolah Natural’s Talalay latex core gives plenty of bounceback and gently contours the curves of the body. Side sleepers often need extra support for the shoulders, hips, and knees so they don’t sink uncomfortably into the mattress. Designed with side sleepers in mind, the Nolah Natural’s coil system provides targeted pressure relief for these areas, ensuring proper spine alignment.
The Nolah Natural latex mattress was also constructed for cooling. Its coil-latex hybrid construction encourages airflow. Hole-punctured Talalay latex layers, a breathable organic cotton cover, and organic wool also keep heat at bay so you can enjoy a cool, dry bed.
The Nolah Natural mattress may not be right for all sleepers. Stomach sleepers and higher weight sleepers may find the mattress’s medium feel too plush. The responsive surface may mean that sensitive sleepers feel their partner’s movements during the night.
Learn more in our Nolah mattress review.
Most affordable latex mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Ecosleep
Why Brooklyn Bedding Ecosleep is our pick for most affordable
The Brooklyn Bedding Ecosleep latex mattress is the least pricey pick on our list, with a twin to California king cost range of $899–$1,898. It’s our only top pick that starts below $1,000. Plus, it’s a flippable mattress, so you get two firmness levels in one.
Who should consider the Brooklyn Bedding Ecosleep: Because this is the most affordable latex mattress on this list, it is perfect for shoppers looking for a budget-friendly option.
Who should consider other options: This mattress offers poor edge support, so sleepers with mobility limitations may find themselves struggling to get out of bed and should seek out a model with a more stable perimeter.
Brooklyn Bedding Ecosleep tester insights
Brooklyn Bedding’s latex mattress is offered at a lower price point, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap in quality. The Ecosleep mattress is durable, breathable, and buoyant, offering quality at a more affordable price point. The flippable mattress has a different firmness level on each side, so you can customize your bed.
Its organic cotton cover offers cooling capabilities via breathability and moisture-wicking. It also includes dual layers of organic, fire-retardant wool that help with temperature regulation. Its natural Talalay latex and encased coils work together to hug your body and offer lumbar support. Based on testing, we found one side of the mattress to be medium and the other medium-firm. Depending on which side you choose, it can make a great purchase for side, back, and combination sleepers.
The Brooklyn Bedding Ecosleep latex mattress is also GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS Certified. This grants you the peace of mind that the materials you sleep on are safely, ethically, and sustainably sourced. While the Ecosleep isn’t the only mattress in our lineup with these certifications, it’s the one with the lowest price tag.
While the affordable Brooklyn Bedding Ecosleep latex mattress design doesn’t cut any major corners in quality, it does have a few downsides. Its edge support may be lacking in comparison to other models on this list; our tester noticed quite a bit of sag while sitting on the side of the bed. Brooklyn Bedding is the best mattress in a box and also one of the original “bed-in-a-box” companies—instead of white-glove service, you will have to take the hefty compressed mattress out of the box to set up yourself, which might prove unwieldy for some.
Read our Brooklyn Bedding review to learn more.
Best eco-friendly latex mattress: Birch Natural mattress
Why Birch Natural is our pick for best eco-friendly
The Birch Natural Latex Mattress stands out as our top pick for the best eco-friendly mattress due to its thoughtful construction and commitment to sustainability. Crafted with natural and organic materials, this mattress combines comfort with environmental responsibility. The core is made from sustainably sourced latex, which is not only durable but also naturally resistant to dust mites and mold, making it a healthy choice for both you and the planet. Additionally, the mattress is wrapped in organic cotton and wool, which provide breathability and moisture-wicking properties while adhering to strict environmental standards.
Beyond its eco-friendly materials, the Birch Natural Latex Mattress is designed with the environment in mind. The latex used in this mattress is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, ensuring that it is harvested in a way that supports the protection of ecosystems and the rights of workers. The wool and cotton are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified. This combination of ethical sourcing and high-quality materials makes the Birch Natural an excellent choice for eco-conscious sleepers.
Who should consider Birch Natural: Sleepers with chronic pain or mobility limitations will find the strong edge support and responsive nature of this bed promotes easy and comfortable movement.
Who should consider other options: As an organic latex mattress, this is one of the pricier mattresses we reviewed, and shoppers on a budget would benefit from considering one of the lower-priced options on this list.
Birch Natural tester insights
The Birch Natural mattress is constructed with organic cotton, wool, and natural Talalay latex, ensuring comfort, support, and eco-consciousness. One tester liked the softness of its organic cotton cover and the cozy feel of the wool layers. The wool also acts as a natural fire barrier since when exposed to an open flame, wool fibers turn to carbon which resists fire, making wool one of the safest fibers on the market for fire safety. Hot sleepers will be happy to hear that Birch’s materials are also naturally cooling.
Birch Natural latex mattress is eco-conscious and ethically produced. The mattress holds several certifications:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Verifies that Birch’s entire mattress is organic and ethically produced.
- Fair Trade: Supports sustainable cotton production, economic benefits for workers, and gender equity.
- GREENGUARD Gold: Ensures child-safe and senior-safe materials and tests for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pollutants, and formaldehyde.
- eco-INSTITUT: Guarantees Talalay latex is free of emissions or VOCs.
- Forest Stewardship Council: Promotes sustainable forest management and economic benefits for workers and communities.
Our testers like its reinforced edge support, which benefits those looking to use the whole mattress surface area. It’s also highly responsive; its latex and coils make it easy to switch sleeping positions without feeling stuck. That said, its bounce has a trade-off—the mattress doesn’t absorb motion very well.
The mattress’s medium-firm feel works well for average-weight back, stomach, and side sleepers. Memory foam enthusiasts may find the Birch Natural Latex Mattress lacking plushness and a sinking sensation. Adding its optional mattress topper can address this issue but comes at an extra cost.
Learn more in our Birch Natural mattress review.
How we test and choose the best latex mattresses
Consistently getting restful sleep is one of the most important things we can do to support our physical and mental health. Creating a comfortable sleep environment, including finding a mattress that meets your unique comfort needs, is a practical step you can take to get better sleep each night.
Buying a new mattress is a big task, and sorting through the seemingly countless options can feel overwhelming. Our Reviews Team has spent over 1,000 hours researching over 100 of the best mattresses. We also surveyed over 600 mattress owners, interviewing 7, and consulted with 21 experts about what is most important in a latex mattress.
First-hand testing experience
In order to find the best latex mattresses, we test each model using a standardized, 42-question testing form that evaluates mattresses independently in a number of categories, including affordability, features, and brand reputation. When looking at latex options, we pay close attention to the quality of materials used, taking note of any certifications the brand has earned to indicate their commitment to the health of sleepers. Knowing that latex mattresses are often among the most expensive options sold online, we compare prices and research discounts and policies that contribute to the value of each model.
Mattress surveys & interviews
We also created a survey asking questions about what is most important to mattress owners when they are shopping for a new option, collecting responses from over 600 respondents. We found that many shoppers consider latex because it is a natural material that is often harvested and processed with the health of the planet and humans in mind. By interviewing mattress owners and consulting with experts, we’ve also learned that latex mattresses tend to excel at regulating temperature and providing pressure relief for joints.
Objective and honest ratings
Using our research and the survey results, we created a system for objectively rating mattresses in categories like customer service, features, and user experience. Then, we calculate a weighted overall score for each model. In order to be included in our round-up, a mattress must score a minimum of 8 out of 10 for its overall rating.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15% | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10% | Years in business, lawsuits & class actions against this company |
| Features | 20% | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, add-ons included (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35% | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20% | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.
Our latex mattress testing process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “sex” and family scores.
What is a latex mattress?
Latex is a memory foam alternative naturally derived from rubber trees. Typically, latex is harvested from responsibly managed forests following standards that prioritize the health of the environment and consumers. This material is then processed to create a foam alternative that is similar to memory foam while having a few significant differences.
There are two types of latex used in latex foam mattresses. The process used for Dunlop latex results in a foam that is denser, while Talalay has more bounce because it is a lighter foam. While Talalay latex foam is generally considered higher quality, Dunlop can be a great choice for someone who is looking for a firmer latex mattress.
A latex mattress may be all-foam, but are most often hybrid models. Hybrid latex mattresses combine a supportive and durable innerspring core with the cushion and pressure relief of soft latex foam.
Who should use a latex mattress?
Latex foam mattresses have a lot in common with memory foam. They tend to be a bit softer than an all-innerspring mattress. Because foam is fairly responsive, latex does a good job distributing weight evenly and preventing build up and pain at pressure points. This makes these mattresses a good choice for individuals with chronic pain as well as side sleepers.
Latex mattresses have good airflow, helping to keep sleepers cool. Someone who tends to run hot will likely find latex more comfortable than memory foam.
Who should not use a latex mattress?
Because these mattresses are made from latex, someone with a latex allergy should choose a different option. Some latex mattresses are bouncier than memory foam, which can reduce motion isolation. Because of this, if you are a light sleeper sharing your bed with a partner, you may find that your sleep is disturbed when they move around or switch positions at night.
How to choose a latex mattress for a good night’s sleep
Buying a new mattress is a big decision, and each person has their own set of preferences to keep in mind while they shop. There are some things we have found true about finding a mattress that promotes good sleep, and we suggest you consider these factors before you make a purchase.
Sleeping position
Your preferred sleeping position plays a role in determining what you need from a mattress, including the firmness level and materials used.
- Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers may experience hip sinkage in softer, all-latex beds but will find there are latex hybrid models that offer the support stomach sleepers need. See our full stomach sleeper mattress guide.
- Side sleepers: Latex mattresses offer good pressure relief, and side sleepers will find these beds contour to their curves while maintaining healthy spine alignment. See our full side sleeper mattress guide.
- Back sleepers: Medium-firm mattresses work well for many back sleepers, keeping their spine neutral while cushioning their lower back. See our full back sleeper mattress guide.
Sleeper’s body
Since each body is unique, what makes a mattress comfortable can vary greatly from person to person.
- Weight: Lighter-weight sleepers often experience a mattress as firmer than someone of average weight, while heavier-weight people will feel a mattress is less firm. See our full mattresses for heavy sleepers guide.
- Age: Firm mattresses provide the most comfortable and supportive sleep for toddlers and younger kids, but older kids and teens often prefer something with medium or medium-soft firmness. See our full mattresses for kids guide.
- Health conditions: Sleepers with chronic pain often benefit from the pressure relief and soft, cushioning nature of latex mattresses. See our full guides on mattresses for back pain and mattresses for hip pain.
Temperature
Sleepers who are more sensitive to heat will find that some mattresses help regulate their temperature, while others only make matters worse. In general, latex is an alternative to memory foam with better cooling capabilities, with Talalay latex being used in some of the best cooling mattresses because it is the more breathable latex option.
Price
A new latex mattress can cost around $900 to more than $3,300, with materials used, mattress size, and luxury features playing a big role in the price. The Zenhaven by Saatva isn’t just one of our favorite latex mattresses, it also earned a spot as a runner up for the best luxury mattress. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, take a look at our round-up of the best affordable mattresses.
Mattress certifications
Finding a latex mattress that has been made with responsibly sourced latex that is 100% pure latex can be overwhelming, but knowing which certifications to look for can simplify the search.
- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): This certification guarantees that the mattress is made from 95% raw organic materials. GOLS-certified mattresses have to meet set standards concerning off-gassing and filler use limitations.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: In order to receive this certification, the textiles used in the mattress must pass a number of tests ensuring they’re free from chemicals known to be harmful to humans.
- Rainforest Alliance: This third-party organization is concerned with making sure companies are following standardized manufacturing practices that protect the health of the environment.
Allergies
Latex mattresses are a great choice for people with allergies, as they naturally resist mold and dust mite build up. Since many of these mattresses are also organic, they are often free from chemicals that can be irritable to people with sensitivities. Mattresses made from 100% natural latex also have low off-gassing.
One thing worth noting, is that naturally derived latex can trigger an allergic response, since latex allergies are actually allergies to the sap of rubber trees.
Is latex the best type of mattress for you?
Latex mattresses offer great pressure relief and work well for sleepers with allergies, but we know they might not be the best fit for all sleepers. Mattress performance depends on the materials used and the style of the mattress, or how it is constructed. The following are the most common types of mattresses to choose from:
Memory foam mattresses
A memory foam mattress is made from layers of polyurethane foam. These mattresses tend to be very responsive to body heat, contouring to the body. Memory foam mattresses are known for having great motion isolation, but little bounce, and may not provide enough support for stomach sleepers or sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds. See our full memory foam mattress guide.
Hybrid mattresses
A hybrid mattress contains layers of foam and an innerspring core. The foam in this mattress may be memory foam or latex, or a combination of both. Hybrid mattresses work well for a wide variety of sleepers because the steel coils promote spine alignment while the foam is responsive, cushioning, and comfortable. See our full hybrid mattress guide.
Innerspring mattresses
An innerspring mattress is made of steel coils that may be layered or encased in individual pockets. These mattresses are known for being durable and supportive, but may be too firm for some sleeper’s comfort. See our full innerspring mattress guide.
Are latex mattresses organic?
Latex mattresses are not inherently organic, some contain conventionally sourced and manufactured materials and haven’t complied with the standards for an organic certification. The best organic mattress is made with naturally derived materials that are certified organic, indicating they are not harmful to humans.
Organic latex mattresses are fairly easy to find because natural latex is harvested in compliance with GOLS-certification standards. We have found that many manufacturers using natural latex also opt for organic fibers and go for a true organic certification.
Mattresses that are latex but not organic are still considered by many to be environmentally-friendly because natural latex is harvested from rubber trees grown in responsibly managed forests. Rubber trees are quick growing trees, and are replenished appropriately in managed forests.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best latex mattress is the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress because it is made from premium, naturally sourced materials and offers medium-firm support. During testing, we found this mattress to have strong edge support and excellent cooling properties, with the innerspring coils and breathable latex foam promoting temperature regulation.
When it comes to brand policies, Saatva is hard to beat, offering complimentary white-glove delivery and a 365-night sleeper trial with new mattresses. Each mattress is protected by a lifetime warranty. Compared to the other latex mattresses on this list, the Saatva Latex Hybrid is one of the more expensive options, with a queen-size mattress priced at $2,395 before discounts. Saatva regularly offers a discount of up to $650 for purchases exceeding $1,000.
Compare the best latex mattresses of 2024
| Price range | $1,495–$3,190 | $1,399–$2,399 | $1,499–$3,398 | $899–$1,898 | $1,498.80–$2,498.80 |
| Firmness | 7/10 | 5.5/10 | 6/10 | 5.5/10, 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Latex type | Dunlop | Talalay | Talalay | Talalay | Talalay |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 | 25 |
| Trial period (nights) | 365 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 100 |
| Delivery details | Free shipping, white-glove setup, mattress removal | Free shipping | Free shipping, white-glove setup/removal starting at $125 | Free shipping | Free shipping, setup/removal in some zip codes |
| Best for | Back and stomach sleepers | Side, back, and combination sleepers | Side sleepers | Side, back, and combination sleepers | Side, back, and stomach sleepers |
Frequently asked questions
The Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress is our top pick for the best latex mattress overall. The Saatva latex mattress offers support, eco-friendly materials, free white-glove delivery, and a lifetime warranty. WinkBeds, Nolah, Brooklyn Bedding, and Birch also offer good latex mattresses.
Latex mattresses are durable but can be pricey, heavy, and more limited on firmness options. Their bouncy responsiveness is a perk for many, but you’re more likely to feel a partner tossing and turning. Memory foam is usually better than latex at absorbing motion.
Latex mattresses can also emit a rubber-like odor after unboxing, which can last several days or up to a few weeks.
Look for generous warranties that show confidence in the mattress’s construction (e.g. lifetime warranties). The best latex mattresses are certified by multiple organizations, signaling high-quality, ethically produced, pollutant-free materials (e.g. GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold, eco-INSTITUT, OEKO-TEX Standard 100).
You should also consider firmness when choosing a latex mattress. Medium-firm latex suits lightweight and side sleepers, while firmer options suit higher-weight individuals and back or stomach sleepers.
The material you choose depends on your mattress preferences. Talalay is known for its softness, uniform consistency, and luxurious quality. Dunlop is known for its durability, high density, and eco-friendliness.
Both Dunlop and Talalay are forms of latex derived from rubber trees. Talalay undergoes more processing and is more likely to include synthetic additives. Dunlop undergoes less processing, yielding less environmental impact, but the surface of a Dunlop latex mattress is often less uniformly smooth than a Talalay latex mattress.
- Scott, A.J., Webb, T.L., Martyn-St James, M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. Link
- Better Business Bureau. 2024. Saatva, Inc. business profile. Link
- Saatva Editorial Team. 2023. Dunlop vs. talalay latex: what’s the difference? Saatva. Link
- Nolah Editorial Team. How to sleep on your side: a side sleeper’s guide to the perfect mattress and sleep setup. Link
- Certifications. Birch by Helix. Link
- Myers, J., James, D., Murphy, J., Rooney, M., Taylor, J., & Torii, L. (2015). Effect of mattresses and pillow designs on promoting sleep quality, spinal alignment and pain reduction in adults: Systematic reviews of controlled trials. ProQuest. Link