Latex mattresses are an environmentally friendly approach to a good night’s sleep. They are hypo-allergenic, resist dust mites and mold, and come in a variety of densities for support. Determining the one you want will require some understanding of your needs and the options out there, as well as experiencing the different options.
Before you decide whether a latex mattress is right for you, some basic information about latex will help with that decision. Latex rubber comes from the sap of rubber trees and is a milky white liquid in its natural state. Since latex is naturally hypo-allergenic, allergy suffers are not bothered by bacteria, mold, or mildew because these organisms cannot live in latex rubber. Plus, studies suggest that latex can last up to 30 years and are resistant to dust mites.
Latex foam feels more springy than visco elastic memory foam because it has a higher elasticity. This means that latex foam will adjust to the contours of your body and will gently push back when pressure is applied, thus providing you with gentle support.
Once you’ve decided that you want to purchase a latex mattress, you’ve got three primary decisions to make about the mattress. First, which type of latex do you want: Talalay or Dunlop? Second, how may layers of latex are right for your body and your budget? And third, what firmness will best support you?
Talalay or Dunlop?
The two primary latex manufacturing styles used in latex mattresses are Talalay and Dunlop. Talalay offers higher quality, is more elastic (or resilient) and cushy than Dunlop, and is rated the better of the two latexes. However, if you prefer a slightly firmer mattress, Dunlop may better suit your needs. Plus, Dunlop is less expensive than Talalay. Regardless of which latex you choose, both latexes offer the same benefits and advantages over other types of mattresses and either choice is a good one.
How Many Layers is Right for You?
Latex mattresses companies offer anywhere from two, three, or four layers of latex in their mattresses. Two-layer mattresses typically have a thick, firmer latex mattress on the bottom with a softer and thinner layer on the top. Three-layer mattresses follow the same concept by having one extra thick, one thick, and one thinner layer. Three-layers offer more options for firmness and give an extra layer of comfort. The four-layer mattress gives a lot of support and is usually best for people who weigh over 300 pounds.
After you’ve selected the number of layers you want, you must decide how firm or soft you want your mattress. Which will give you the better support and good night’s sleep?
A Firm or Soft Mattress?
There is no right or best answer to this question because everyone is different and each person has different preferences and perceptions about what feels best. Generally speaking, if a mattress is too firm, it won’t support your body evenly and you may feel pressure points in your hips and shoulders. If a mattress is too soft, you’ll sink into the mattress and may become tingly or achy. Since firmness levels are described differently by each company, be careful not to rely on names. One company’s firm maybe another company’s soft or extra firm. The optimal firmness for you can only be determined by you, but your best bet is to select a firmness that supports your spine while allowing it to maintain its natural curve.
A latex mattress is an excellent option for a comfortable night’s sleep but make sure to shop around. Many companies sell high-quality latex mattresses on the internet and in stores. It’s up to you to define your requirements, and compare products and prices based on your specific needs.