The Latex Mattress: Answers to 45 Commonly Asked Questions
You’ve probably heard a lot about the many benefits a latex mattress has to offer. Before making a big purchase like this, though, it’s a good idea to make sure you get all your questions answered.
This list of 45 questions and answers below will help you determine if a latex mattress should be your next mattress purchase.
Got Questions?
- Can a latex mattress cause allergies?
As many as 50 million people have allergies, according to the American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology. That’s equivalent to one and five individuals living in the U.S.
Now, while some people do develop latex allergies with exposure to latex, the latex in natural latex mattresses does not come into direct contact with the skin. This means that it is less likely to create a situation in which developing a latex allergy is likely from the mattress.
However, if you have an existing, or known, latex allergy, you should contact your doctor to discuss the risk factors of latex and whether sleeping on, or even owning, a natural latex mattress is in your best interest.
- Can a latex mattress make you sick?
While some people find a slightly unpleasant “rubber” odor upon opening their new latex mattress, a natural latex mattress should not make you sick, unless you come into direct contact with the latex and are allergic to it.
With a Latex For Less latex mattress, your mattress is made with 100 percent natural latex, organic cotton, and pure natural wool to ensure there are no harmful substances inside.
- Do latex mattresses cause back pain?
Most back pain from mattresses is the result of too little support. This is usually not a problem with a latex mattress, especially if your mattress has a Dunlop latex core, which is widely known for its amazing support.
Experts recommend that those with back pain, choose a medium or medium-firm mattress, which you can get with a latex mattress.
- Is a latex mattress recyclable?
Natural latex mattresses are made with botanical foam and other recyclable materials. Depending on the type of latex mattress you purchase, and the other materials used in the making of the mattress, it should be 100 percent recyclable.
At the very least, most of the mattress should be recyclable, substantially reducing the effect on local landfills when you’re ready to transition to a new mattress.
- Do latex mattresses make you sweat?
The open cell nature of natural latex mattresses allows air to flow freely through the mattress. This allows you to sleep cooler to begin with. It also helps to whisk moisture away quickly if you do happen to sweat during the night.
- Does a latex mattress cause headaches?
Some people experience slight headaches from the smell of the latex foam when the mattress is first opened. Unlike off-gassing, which involves the release of volatile organic compounds into your home, the botanical materials that cause the rubbery fragrance are not harmful to you or your family, and often dissipate quickly.
- Can you steam clean a latex mattress?
You may use a steam cleaner to clean your natural latex mattress, though it is critical to make sure the mattress is completely dry before replacing the mattress cover.
- Is it possible to wash a latex mattress?
You may spot clean your natural latex mattress by damp cleaning with liquid soap and water. Avoid “sunning” your latex mattress during the cleaning process as this can break down the materials inside the mattress.
- Are latex mattresses susceptible to bed bugs?
While natural latex is naturally bed bug resistant due to its dense construction, there is no such thing as a bed bug proof mattress. However, if you take preventative measures to avoid bed bug exposure along with owning a latex mattress, you should be in good shape to avoid an infestation in your bed.
- Can you use a latex mattress on a platform bed?
Depending on the type of latex mattress you purchase, you should be able to use your latex mattress on a platform or slatted base. You can also utilize an adjustable bed for latex mattresses.
- Do latex mattresses harbor dust mites?
The nature of botanical latex mattresses makes them inhospitable to dust mites. This not only helps to mitigate the “ick!” factor of a mattress filled with dust mite debris, but it also helps to reduce risks of allergic reactions and asthma attacks that often occur due to exposure to the dust mites themselves or the debris they leave behind.
- Is it possible to flip a latex mattress?
Depending on the type of latex mattress you purchase, it is possible to flip your latex mattress. However, mattress flipping isn’t necessary with latex mattresses. Moreover, some latex mattresses, like the Latex for Less mattress, have different firmness levels on each side. This means that flipping the mattress will change the firmness of your mattress.
- Are latex mattresses foldable?
Natural latex mattresses that are not hybrid mattresses, meaning they contain no coils, are acceptable for use with adjustable bases that may cause them to fold or bend.
- Can you cut your latex mattress?
You should never cut your latex mattress. This damages the mattress, and reduces its strength and durability. It will also negate the warranty.
- How long do latex mattresses last?
The durability of a latex mattress varies greatly from one mattress to the next. Latex for Less natural latex mattresses come with a 20-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, though your mattress may last even longer with proper care and use.
- Does mold grow on latex mattresses?
Natural latex mattresses are naturally mold and mildew resistant. That doesn’t mean that mold cannot grow on these mattresses, only that with proper use and care, it is unlikely that mold will grow on them.
- Is it acceptable to leave a latex mattress on the floor?
Placing a latex mattress on the floor negates some of the many benefits latex mattresses offer by restricting air flow so they sleep hotter, trapping moisture so that conditions are more favorable for mold to grow, and attracting dust mites from the floor. Your warranty may also be negatively impacted by keeping your mattress on the floor.
- Do latex mattresses soften over time?
That depends on what you mean by soften. Latex mattresses tend to maintain outstanding support for many, many years. However, some people find them overly firm at first glance, and may require some time to experience the amazing supportive comfort latex has to offer. In these instances, the mattress hasn’t softened up, but your body has adapted to the supportive nature of the mattress.
That is why Latex for Less allows 120 days to try our mattresses. This gives you the opportunity to try on one or both sides during that time to see how comfortable you find the mattress once your body has time to adjust.
- Do latex mattresses sag?
High quality natural and organic latex mattresses are less prone to sagging than other mattress materials on the market. They are substantially less likely to sag than urethane foam and open-cell PVC foam mattresses. Synthetic latex mattresses and latex blends, however, are equally likely to sag over time as some of the synthetic foam mattresses on the market, so make sure you get quality latex that is natural or organic for the best results.
- Where can you buy a latex mattress?
The Internet has made it easier than ever to find high-quality natural latex mattresses with little effort on your part. The key is to seek out companies that make their own mattresses, so you can see where all the materials come from and where the mattresses are made. Also look for companies that have independent certifications to back up any claims about the materials in their mattresses.
- Where can you buy a latex mattress topper?
Some people aren’t ready to commit to a natural latex mattress quite yet. If that is the case for you, you might want to try to extend the life and comfort of your existing mattress by purchasing a natural latex mattress topper online. Buying from the right organization ensures you get a quality product that may extend the life of your existing mattress by years while offering an outstanding idea of whether you will like a natural latex mattress when the time comes.
- Where can you try a latex mattress?
Few stores offer quality natural latex mattresses for people to try in store. When you buy from reputable online dealers, however, you can enjoy no-risk trials in your home for extended periods of time, up to 120 days with Latex for Less, so you can be sure that you’re getting the right mattress for your needs.
- Where can you recycle latex mattresses?
Most communities have local recycling centers that recycle mattresses for residents. Contact your area waste management facilities to learn where your city’s mattress recycling centers are, and if curbside services are available for mattress collection. Alternatively, you can visit Earth 911 online and learn about mattress and other recycling options near you.
- Which is the best latex mattress?
The best latex mattresses are by brands that offer true transparency in the manufacturing, making, and shipping process so you can buy with confidence that you are purchasing authentic natural latex products. One way to determine how transparent a company happens to be is to look for certifications from organizations like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Oeko-Tex Standard 100, GreenGuard Gold, etc.
- Which latex mattress should you buy?
You should buy a latex mattress that is made with natural materials and with high standards for health and the planet, that meets your needs for firmness and comfort as well as those of your partner. Look for companies that allow you to try your mattress risk-free for extended periods of time, as well, since this allows you to get a better feel for the mattress.
- Which latex mattress topper should you buy?
Choosing a latex mattress topper is also a personal decision. While most toppers do not come with the same risk-free trials that mattresses deliver, you do want to do business with organizations that offer quality latex mattress toppers, and have excellent reputations.
- What are latex mattresses made of?
Natural latex mattresses are made with pure botanical latex that has been manufactured into foam by either the Talalay or Dunlop methods:
- Talalay Latex. A softer, fluffier form of latex foam that often provides comfort layers for latex mattresses that cradle curves and cushion joints.
- Dunlop Latex. The purest, least processed form of latex foam that often provides the supportive core for modern latex mattress.
- Why buy a latex mattress?
Latex mattresses offer an unmatched level of comfort and support in mattresses today, which have helped many people improve their sleep satisfaction. Combined with the extended life cycle of latex mattresses, and the purity of ingredients used in creating natural latex mattresses, they are ideal choices for health and planet-conscious consumers.
- What is a latex mattress topper?
A latex mattress topper is exactly what it sounds like, a topper you place over your mattress. These toppers add not only comfort to your mattress, but support as well, and can extend the life and usefulness of your existing mattress by years, while allowing you to experience a taste of the support and comfort a latex mattress has to offer.
- Is a latex mattress the best mattress?
While the family at Latex for Less tends to believe latex mattresses are the best mattresses, you’ll have to try our mattresses for yourself to see if they are the best mattresses for you. Our 120 day return policy makes it easier than ever to try our mattresses to see if they are a good fit for you.
- Do latex mattresses smell?
Latex mattresses may have a slight rubbery odor when you first bring them into your home. Unlike the off-gassing that occurs with other types of mattresses, this usually goes away quickly, allowing you to enjoy your mattress almost immediately. Off gassing is the release of chemicals in certain products, which you avoid when you sleep on a latex mattress.
- Do latex mattresses sleep hot?
When used properly, latex mattresses allow for maximum air flow. This means you sleep cooler with a steady breeze coming in through the mattress, and keeping you nice and cool throughout the night.
- Are latex mattresses good for you?
Latex mattresses offer superior support and comfort, providing you with a great night’s sleep. Latex mattresses made with natural latex, and without the presence of certain harmful materials, are great for your health and the health of your family. Not only will you get a better night’s sleep, you will also no longer be exposed to toxins and chemicals present in most mass-marketed mattresses.
- Are latex mattress toppers effective?
Latex mattress toppers are highly effective for adding comfort, support, and extending the life of your existing mattresses.
- Are latex mattresses toxic?
Natural latex mattresses are safe and non-toxic. Those made with the highest standards, like Latex for Less mattresses, have gone through rigorous testing to meet the highest standards including GOTS certification, Oeko-Tex 100 certification, Oeko-INSTITUT certification, and our own organizational standards of excellence.
- Are latex mattresses firm?
Latex mattresses, like many other mattresses on the market, come in a variety of firmness levels. Some are firmer than others. At Latex for Less, our mattresses come with two levels of firmness in one mattress. On one side the mattress is firm and the other side it is medium-firm.
- Are latex mattresses worth the cost?
Many people put off their enjoyment of blissful, comfortable sleep over concerns about the price of latex mattresses. While the costs may be higher than other mattresses on the market, when you consider the long life-cycle of a latex mattress (up to 20 years or longer), you’re actually coming out ahead when the average other mattress type requires replacing every seven years. When you shop Latex For Less, though, you will find the costs are competitive with nearly every other mattress of similar quality on the market today.
- Are latex mattresses comfortable?
While some feel that latex mattresses are firmer than the average person prefers, the truth is that most people, once they complete their trials, find the firm support surprisingly comfortable and help to contribute to healthy sleep. That is because the mattresses offer firm support for your spine while delivering comforting cushioning for your curves.
- Are latex mattresses good for side sleepers?
One of the few mattresses that offers as many benefits to side sleepers as back and stomach sleepers, most side sleepers find the medium-firm latex a better fit for their needs than the firm.
- How do latex mattresses feel?
Natural latex mattresses feel like you’re floating on a cloud with a firm foundation underneath. They offer exquisite comfort without neglecting the support that is necessary to avoid back pain, sagging, and the sinking, quicksand feeling so common with memory foam mattresses.
- How much does a latex mattress cost?
The price of a latex mattress varies according to the materials used in making the mattress, and several other mitigating factors. While most people expect to pay more for natural latex mattresses, it is possible to find great deals on quality latex mattresses when you buy direct from the manufacturers.
- How do you clean your latex mattress?
The easiest way to clean your latex mattress is to spot clean it with a damp cloth, warm water, and liquid soap. Remember to avoid saturating your mattress, and make sure it dries out completely.
- How long should a latex mattress last?
Depending on the type of latex mattress you purchase, the quality of the latex used in making the mattress, and your care of the mattress, your latex mattress could easily last you up to 20 years or longer.
- How do you break in a latex mattress?
Because natural latex doesn’t conform to the shape of your body, there is no breaking in period. It may take your body up to 100 days or more to adjust to the solid support these mattresses offer, which is why Latex for Less offers such a long trial period. We believe this allows you to try both sides of the mattress if one side is too firm or not quite firm enough to meet your needs.
- Are latex mattresses good for stomach sleepers?
While it is not recommended for anyone to sleep on your stomach, because it throws your spine out of alignment, natural latex mattresses are among the best options for stomach sleepers in that they promote proper spinal alignment while cradling curves. It is the combination of comfort and support that makes them an excellent match for sleepers of all kinds.
- Are latex mattresses safe for infants?
Latex for Less latex mattresses have gone through rigorous testing and certification processes to determine them to be safe choices for exposure to people of all ages, even infants and small children.
Only you can ultimately determine if a latex mattress is the right choice for your next mattress purchase. These details and facts should help you make the right choice for your needs and those of your family.
