Buying a mattress online allows you to shop from home and carefully research your purchase, weighing the pros and cons. There are no high-pressure sales tactics to dodge and you have plenty of time to think about your investment.
However, first-time buyers often wonder how a latex mattress feels. In this article, we’ll describe what a latex mattress feels like, with comparisons to other types of mattresses you may already be familiar with.
Sleeping On A Latex Mattress
A latex mattress contours to your body and it gives you buoyant support that is responsive to your form. It also holds its shape throughout the night and across the very long lifespan of the mattress.
When sleeping on a latex mattress, you feel a cushioned support at all times, along with soothing pressure relief. You also never sink too far into the mattress so you always maintain that proper support.
When you get up from a latex mattress, you won’t have to fight the mattress to sit up. You will also be able to switch sleeping positions more easily throughout the night.
When you sleep on a latex mattress, you sleep soundly and cool each night and you wake up feeling refreshed and energized each morning.
Sleeping On A Memory Foam Mattress
By contrast, memory foam mattresses have more of a "sinking into the mattress" or “bottoming out” sensation. They do not give you the buoyant support that you find with a latex mattress.
Memory foam mattresses are also much less responsive, so you may "sink" into the mattress and struggle to get up during the night or to switch sleeping positions.
Lastly, memory foam mattresses tend to retain body heat and sleep hot.
What About Those With Back Pain?
Those with back pain, arthritis, sciatica, and other conditions care not just about how the mattress feels, but also how the mattress leaves them feeling in the morning. If you’re wondering how a latex mattress may impact your symptoms of pain or discomfort, see our main article on latex mattresses and back pain.
Our latex mattresses are designed with one firm side and one medium side, so you can flip it over to try a little more softness or a little more support as needed. This is strictly for your comfort and entirely optional; there’s no need to flip a latex mattress over to extend its life. Inner spring mattresses may require this chore, but our mattresses don’t require this maintenance.
Beyond these two built in “firm” and “medium” densities, we provide a spectrum of latex mattress toppers. These toppers are made of the same material as our 100% natural latex mattress, but provide more comfort and softness for those who like a little extra cushion. To learn more about latex mattress toppers, see our article Should I Buy a Latex Mattress Topper?
What is the Bounce and Motion Transfer of a Latex Mattress Like?
Latex mattresses give you the bounce and freedom of motion that inner springs provide, without some of the disadvantages that come with inner springs. Latex, for example, does not create the kind of painful pressure points that sleeping on an inner spring mattress does.
A latex mattress recovers quickly, with a bouncy quality somewhat like an innerspring. A latex mattress gives inward when you bear down, then springs back into place when you shift. This springy bounce and motion makes latex more appealing to some customers than memory foam, which responds very slowly to motion and pressure.
Also, latex mattresses don’t transfer motion like inner spring mattresses, so those who sleep with pets or children on the bed, may find they’re woken up less frequently. Partners of tossers and turners should also be able to sleep in peace. This is especially true with the “split” sized latex mattresses: Split Queen, Split King, and Split Cal King. These mattresses are split into two equal halves, so motion transfers even less.
Take your time to measure and select the best-sized mattress for your room and for everyone sleeping on it. The right size will give you enough length to accommodate your height without crowding the bedroom.
What’s In My Mattress?
Latex for Less mattresses are made with 100% natural non-toxic latex, an organic cotton cover and a natural wool fire barrier. It feels good to know exactly what you’re sleeping on.
Memory foam mattresses tend to contain acetone-based adhesives, dubiously effective flame-retardant chemicals, and other industrial chemicals. Memory foam materials can off-gas and present unanticipated health symptoms.
How Long Does A Latex Mattress Last?
One major pro is how resilient and long lasting latex mattresses truly are. They maintain their support for 20+ years, meaning you can sleep on the mattress for two full decades, with no noticeable change in the mattress’s shape or support.
Also, most latex mattresses come with a 20 to 25 year warranty. This consistent sleep experience makes the price of a latex mattress a healthy and smart investment.
How Can I Try A Latex Mattress?
Latex for Less offers a 120 night trial on our latex mattresses. That’s four months of luxurious, comfortable sleep, while you decide whether sleeping on a latex mattress is right for you.
