What Is a Latex Mattress?
A latex mattress is made using layers of natural or synthetic latex, sometimes combined with springs or other foam materials, to create a durable mattress with a distinct feel.
You may have heard the term ‘latex foam mattress’, but this can be used interchangeably with ‘latex mattress’ - they both mean mattresses made with latex fillings.
This guide explains how latex mattresses are made, how long they last and how latex differs from memory foam.
How are latex mattresses made?
Latex mattresses are made using latex obtained from a rubber tree. There are two methods that can be used:
1. Dunlop latex
The latex is poured into a mould, in one complete pour. As a result, Dunlop latex is firmer along the bottom and softer towards the top. This type of latex is known for its durability and is often used in the core layers of mattresses.
2. Talalay
The Talalay method involves a few extra steps and ingredients. Latex is partially poured into a mould and expands into a complete foam using a vacuum. This method creates a less dense foam that has a more consistent feel from top to bottom. Talalay latex has a more complex production process and is often associated with a softer, more uniform feel.
Once this latex has been collected and moulded, it is then transported to mattress factories to be combined with comfort fillings and a cover to create the complete mattress. It might also be mixed with synthetic latex, as is the case in a blended latex mattress.
What is a latex mattress made of?
Latex mattresses are primarily made of:
- Latex
- Additional comfort or support layers, for example: pocket springs or memory foam
- A mattress cover
There are other materials involved in the mattress creation process, such as glues and adhesives to bind the materials together, but this varies between products and manufacturers.
How long does a latex mattress last?
Latex mattresses have a lifespan of seven years, which is the same as every other type of mattress. This is the replacement period advised by the National Bed Federation, taking into account general wear and tear and hygiene.
To find about more about replacing your mattress and how to know if your mattress is nearing the end of its life, check out our ‘How Often Should I Change my Mattress?’ advice page.
Do latex mattresses soften over time?
Yes, latex mattresses do soften slightly with regular use. Like all mattresses, the fillings take time to settle, and this gentle softening helps the latex adapt more comfortably to your body shape.
Most sleepers notice this within the first few weeks. That's why we suggest sleeping on your mattress for a minimum of 60 nights before deciding if your mattress is right for you.
Over time, all mattresses naturally soften through general wear and tear. To help your latex mattress stay in good condition, be sure to follow the care instructions provided. Depending on the design, this may include rotating or flipping your mattress regularly to prevent the fillings from settling unevenly.
Not sure why or how often you should be rotating your mattress? Not to worry, our helpful guide on flipping or rotating your mattress can answer all of your questions.
What are the pros and cons of latex mattresses?
Latex mattresses offer unique features that may be better suited to some types of sleepers over others, depending on individual needs and preferences.
Latex mattresses may suit your needs if you’re looking for a mattress that:
- Is responsive to your body shape and weight
- Prioritises pressure relief for your joints
- Is naturally breathable and made from eco-conscious materials
If you prefer a mattress with a sink-in feel, then a latex mattress may feel a bit too springy for you. Those with latex allergies might also prefer a different mattress type, although the risk is low because the latex doesn’t usually come into direct contact with skin.
Are latex mattresses good for back pain?
Latex mattresses are loved for their pressure-relieving properties, but if you’re specifically looking for a mattress that prioritises back care, you should consider orthopaedic latex mattresses.
Orthopaedic latex mattresses are specifically designed to target your hips and back - especially your lower back - to try and relieve some pressure and pain you may be experiencing. They are also often firmer than other types of mattresses because a firmer sleeping surface is thought to promote a healthier sleep posture and spinal alignment, although this is not always the case. It is important to remember that mattress choice is just one factor in managing back pain. Consulting with a healthcare professional for personalised advice is always recommended.
To find out more about orthopaedic mattresses and their benefits, why not read our ‘What is an Orthopaedic Mattress?’ advice page?
What are the benefits of latex mattresses?
Latex mattresses have many benefits, the most important being:
- Pressure relief
- Durability
- Hypoallergic
- Eco-friendly
Pressure relief
As we have mentioned above, latex mattresses are known for their pressure relieving properties. This is because the elasticity of the latex can rapidly respond to your movements and body weight to help you feel fully supported all night long.
Durability
Due to their elasticity, latex mattresses can maintain their shape and performance for many years.
To ensure that your mattress remains in its best condition, you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will involve either flipping or rotating your mattress regularly, depending on whether your mattress is single or double-sided.
Hypoallergenic
Most latex mattresses are completely hypoallergenic as the structure of latex makes it naturally resistant to dust mites, mould and bacteria. This can be helpful for people with allergies or asthma, as it supports a cleaner sleep environment.
To find out more about hypoallergenic mattresses and whether you could benefit from one, check out our hypoallergenic advice page.
Eco friendly
Natural latex mattresses are often a more sustainable mattress option. This is because latex is collected using a non-destructive method called ‘tapping’.
A small incision is made in the bark of the rubber tree, and the latex is collected in a cup placed below. The tree is not harmed and can produce latex for up to 30 years. The rubber trees used to collect latex can convert over 90 million tons of carbon dioxide into oxygen every year.
Types of latex mattresses
As we’ve discussed above, there are three main types of pure latex mattress:
- Dunlop natural latex mattresses
- Talalay natural latex mattresses
- Synthetic latex mattresses
Some manufacturers also use blended latex, which is a mix of natural and synthetic latex designed to balance affordability with the benefits of natural latex. Most retailers will outline which type of latex is used in their product descriptions.
When latex is used as an additional layer alongside a spring system or other types of foam, the result is known as a hybrid mattress. Hybrid mattresses continue to grow in popularity due to offering a balance of pressure relief, responsiveness and support.
Latex can be incorporated into many different mattress constructions. Some common mattress types that include latex as a support or comfort layer are:
- Orthopaedic
- Memory foam
- Pocket sprung
- Standard sprung
- Natural filling
- Pillow top
- Adjustable
The mattress types below have additional features, as well as containing latex:
- Hypoallergenic
- Eco friendly
- Rolled up
What is the difference between a memory foam and latex mattress?
You may think that memory foam and latex are very similar types of mattresses, but there are three key differences between them.
1. Bounce back rate
Latex returns to its original shape much faster than memory foam, giving it a lighter feel and more bounce.
This is because memory foam often feels like it has less ‘give’ than latex as it relies on your body heat to mould to your body shape as you sleep.
Latex on the other hand, has more elasticity and can return to its original shape much faster than memory foam.
2. How they mould to your body
Memory foam uses your body heat to soften and mould to your body shape. However, latex mattresses don't require heat to contour to your body.
Instead, latex responds to your weight and shape to provide pressure relief tailored to you.
3. Materials they're made from
Latex is a natural product whereas memory foam is made from a synthetic material called polyurethane. Because of this, latex is more eco-friendly than memory foam.
Want to know more about memory foam? Head over to our memory foam mattress advice guide for more information.
In the two videos below, Sealy outline the differences between latex foam and memory foam:
We’ve also put together the table below to help you see the differences between memory foam and latex.
| WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU? | LATEX | MEMORY FOAM |
|---|---|---|
| Support |  | |
| Comfort | | |
| Pressure relief | | |
| Durability | | |
| Faster bounce back rate | | - |
| Less transfer of movement | - | |
| Better temperature regulation | | - |
| Better for allergy sufferers | | |
| More eco-friendly | | - |
| More budget friendly | - | |
Are latex mattresses hot?
Latex mattresses are better at temperature regulation than memory foam, and many latex mattresses have some cooling properties. Natural latex has an open-cell structure that allows air to circulate more freely, helping to keep the sleep surface cooler. Some extra cooling properties you might find in these mattresses include breathable covers, and pairing with gel-infused foam layers or a mini coil system that promotes airflow.
However, it is important to remember that unless the product description states otherwise, some sleepers may findthat latex mattresses feel warm to sleep on.
This is because all mattresses tend to absorb a little bit of your body heat while you sleep, so the warmer your body is, the warmer your mattress may feel.
To learn more about latex’s cooling properties, check out our cooling mattress range or our advice page about how to cool you and your mattress for more information.
Are latex mattresses safe?
Yes, latex mattresses are safe for everyday use. All of the latex mattresses that we stock here at Mattress Online have been thoroughly tested by the manufacturers to the highest standards.
Most latex mattresses also meet strict safety standards for fire resistance and chemical emissions, and many carry certifications such as OEKO-TEX® or GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard).
If you have a latex allergy or specific material sensitivities, it’s a good idea to check the product label or consult with a healthcare professional before choosing a latex mattress.
If you have any questions or concerns about your latex mattress, you can either:
- Consult your mattress care guide
- Get directly in touch with your mattress manufacturer
Can latex mattresses cause allergies?
Latex mattresses themselves cannot cause allergies, but if you are allergic to latex, a latex mattress might not be the best choice.
If you have any concerns about being allergic to your latex mattress, please contact a doctor to seek medical advice.
Can you put an electric blanket on a latex mattress?
This varies between manufacturers and products. It is best to consult your mattress’s care guide before using an electric blanket, heating pad or heated blanket.
How to clean a latex mattress?
Cleaning a latex mattress is just like cleaning any other type of mattress. We recommend the following cleaning methods:
- Check the care guide for any specific cleaning instructions
- If there are specific instructions here, follow them instead of this guide
- Vacuum the surface of your mattress
- Mix lukewarm water and dish soap or mild laundry detergent
- Use a cloth to dab this mixture into the stain until it lifts
- If you are dealing with a urine or blood stain, we suggest using paper towels to tackle the stain as it's more hygienic
- Be careful not to use too much water, as this could potentially damage the latex inside of the mattress
- Let your mattress completely air-dry
- Vacuum the surface of your mattress before putting the sheets back on
For a more in-depth explanation of how to clean your mattress, why not check out of following guides:
That’s just about everything you need to know about latex mattresses. If you’re ready to explore your options, head over to our latex mattress range.
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