Nobody wants their mattress to sag. By nature's design, certified natural latex is a durable, springy material that recovers its shape very quickly after weight is lifted. A typical latex mattress can last two decades or more, and it won’t sag after a few years like most other mattress types. No wonder latex mattress longevity and sustainability are two of the most oft-mentioned characteristics of latex mattresses.
How Long Does A Latex Mattress Last?
Natural Dunlop latex, the type of latex that Latex for Less uses to create a supportive mattress core, is especially strong and long-lasting. You can expect a well-constructed, certified natural latex mattress to retain its shape and comfort for twenty years or more. Unfortunately, because of mattress labeling conventions it’s not always easy to tell whether a mattress is made from pure natural latex, or simply carries a few unregulated marketing buzzwords.
Read your mattress label carefully before you buy, because companies sometimes use the words "natural latex" while marketing synthetic blends that contain industrial additives and filler.
Double-check that the mattress you buy has independent 3rd party certifications to back up its claims of “natural” latex. Some latex mattresses contain additives and industrial filler that make the mattress less expensive but also much shorter lived. The only way to be certain that your “latex” mattress doesn’t contain other ingredients is to buy from a mattress maker who holds an independent, respected certification, like Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
If the mattress really is made of certified natural latex, not only does this mean that your mattress will last for decades, but it also means it will be free from acetone, formaldehyde, and a wide variety of potentially harmful materials. Research the manufacturer of your mattress to find out which certifications they currently hold. A certified natural latex mattress can last for decades without sagging.
To learn more about chemicals, volatile organic compounds, and the dangers of off-gassing in mattresses, see our article on Mattress Off-Gassing.
How Long Does A Memory Foam Mattress Last?
Polyurethane foam, commonly marketed as "memory foam," is very slow to recover its shape after a weight is removed. Because of its poor industrial ingredients, it also tends to break down quickly, which can cause the mattress to lose its shape and begin to sag much sooner. A typical memory foam mattress will only last 3-5 years. These mattresses may seem more affordable up front but they become expensive as they must be replaced every 3-5 years.
Something
most mattress companies may not want you to know is that the mattress industry has a vested interest in making shorter-lived mattresses. The sooner a mattress starts to sag and needs replacing, the more money those mattress companies make.
One way to evaluate how much a mattress may sag is to compare warranties between different mattress companies. If a latex mattress company offers a confident 20-year warranty, for example, you can rest assured it's going to stay comfortable for a very long time.
Choose A Mattress That Maintains Its Support
To summarize the article above:
- certified natural latex can hold its shape for as long as 20 years
- Most polyurethane, aka “memory foam” mattresses, sag and need replacing every 3 to 5 years
- Always verify that a mattress company holds independent 3rd party certifications to be sure your mattress is made of natural latex
When buying a mattress, always factor in how long different materials are likely to last. Only then will you know whether your mattress is a smart investment that will hold its support for decades.
If you are looking for an affordable solution that meets the aforementioned standards, check Latex for Less non-toxic mattresses .
