Latex has become an extremely popular category in the mattress world. It offers a superb sleeping surface that is a big hit in the mainstream. Natural latex mattresses are constructed from plant-derived latex — rather than synthetic petroleum-based latex. The latex in Latex for Less natural mattresses is derived from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree sap, with no added fillers or artificial chemicals.
There are many benefits of latex mattresses, such as offering back pain relief and pressure point reduction. But as more models begin coming into the market, individuals may wonder if there are any latex mattress complaints. Let’s go over some latex mattress complaints, and whether they are unfounded.
Latex Mattress Complaints
Here are some common latex mattress complaints:
1. Latex Mattresses are Heavy
Among the first of the latex mattress complaints are that they’re very heavy. Latex mattresses tend to be extremely dense, however, it does make them very durable. If you were to move your mattress around, you'll definitely want to take note of this.
2. A Latex Mattress Is Bouncy
If you were to push your hand into your mattress, and quickly lift it away, a "bouncy" mattress will immediately snap back to its initial shape. The opposite happens with memory foam, and it returns to its initial shape slowly, providing a great deal of motion isolation.
Now, some people prefer the bounce in their mattresses. Others don't want a lot of motion transfer, and are really looking for superb spinal alignment. Therefore, it really comes down to personal preference. A latex mattress can be very bouncy. An all-natural latex mattress is extremely bouncy. You'll want to determine whether or not you like the bounce before you buy a latex mattress.
3. A Latex Mattress Produces Off-Gassing
Actually, natural latex mattresses don't off-gas — synthetic latex mattresses do. There's a big difference between latex vs synthetic latex. If you buy a natural latex mattress, you shouldn't experience any chemical smell or off-gassing when you unbox your mattress. However, if you buy a synthetic latex mattress, there is the chance you'll experience some off-gassing. Usually, this isn't that big of a deal, and the odor does go away after a few days, but it's something you'll want to consider if you plan on buying a synthetic latex mattress.
4. Latex Mattresses Cost A Lot
Natural latex mattresses do tend to be more on the expensive side than other types of latex mattresses, since they're constructed with natural, high-quality ingredients, and they're safe to sleep on. However, while a natural latex mattress might cost a bit more, they'll also last longer than other mattress types, meaning you'll get your money's worth. You'll also usually get a long warranty with a natural latex mattress. You'll find quality latex mattresses out there at an affordable price, however, like a Latex For Less All-Natural Latex Mattress.
5. A Natural Latex Mattress Is Firm
When individuals complain latex mattresses are too firm, what they really mean is if their mattress falls between medium-firm and firm, it will be too firm for them. In this case, they'll simply want to buy a soft to medium mattress. Latex mattresses provide you with a more supportive sleep surface, since they're specifically constructed to be durable and resilient in order to provide the medium-firm or firm, comfortable support, and pressure many people are searching for these days.
6. Natural Latex Mattresses Sleep Hot
Another one of the latex mattress complaints is latex mattresses sleep too hot. Actually, this is actually a latex mattress myth. Instead, it's the opposite — natural latex mattresses sleep cool. Many individuals often confuse a latex mattress with a memory foam mattress. It's really the memory foam mattresses that are well-known for sleeping hot. A latex mattress has a cooler sleep surface, since it's made with an open-cell structure, allowing for good air circulation. A memory foam mattress has a closed-cell structure, therefore provides no air circulation, causing them to sleep hot.
7. Natural Rubber Tree Latex Mattresses Don't Hold Up
A natural latex mattress is constructed of rubber, similar to:
The rubber tree's (Hevea Brasiliensis) natural milky extraction is made into solid formed sheets you put on beds. The fact is that breaking down and a short lifespan isn't something natural latex mattresses are known for. Actually, they're one of the most durable mattresses out there.
8. Latex Beds Aren't Great for a Bad Back
Like with any decent quality mattress, latex mattresses are designed and built to support your back adequately and properly. They're flexible enough to do what many mattresses can't. Since they're so bendy and elastic, they're highly recommended for use as an adjustable bed. Because of the 100% head to toe body contact, few beds are able to compare in terms of pressure relief and customized comfort for each person.
9. Latex Beds Cause Motion Transfer
Another complaint with latex mattresses is motion transfer, but this problem is something you really should only worry about if you're a very light sleeper. Latex absorbs motion a whole lot better than hybrid-style beds, or innerspring mattresses, but it still isn't as good with motion isolation as memory foam.
When it comes to latex vs memory foam, memory foam will create a slow, sinking effect that will isolate motion, and prevent it from going through the mattress. Therefore, it offers great motion transfer. Because latex is more on the bouncy side, and is a more responsive material, it doesn't absorb motion as easily, and there is a little bit of motion transfer. But again, you really shouldn't notice this unless you're a very light sleeper.
10. Latex Mattresses Contribute to the Depletion of Our Forests
The Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) has fast growth, and can generate the milky substance that's harvested similar to maple syrup. Natural rubber mattresses have a 25-year lifespan, and the trees are replenished. Standard mattresses are constructed with foam padding, or foam on steel springs, and do contribute to natural reserves depletion.
11. Latex Rubber Beds Are Just a Fad
The first latex rubber bed was constructed in 1931. In 1952, Richard Pieris and Co. Ltd. began to build the latex foam's Dunlop process, which led to the invention of a cheaper material, known as polyurethane foam. Natural rubber is a better and more durable alternative to chemical-laden mattresses and cheaper foams being produced today.
12. Some Individuals are Allergic to Latex, and Shouldn't Purchase a Latex Mattress
Actually, less than 1% of the population has latex allergies, and this includes all allergy types and classes of individuals. There's significant literature on reactions for people who have received a latex sensitive diagnosis. Most of this literature is related to direct contact with the rubber in the medical industry, and not the mattress industry. The latex in mattresses is contained inside the fabric casing.
13. Hybrid Latex Mattresses Sag and Become Uncomfortable Over Time
The truth is, hybrid mattresses constructed of latex layers over a polyurethane core, or innerspring can become less comfortable as they get older as the latex compresses against the polyurethane or the inner springs sag.
14. Latex Mattresses Leave Body Impressions
Around 10% of people who own latex mattresses within the first few years report the mattress substantially compressed in the spot they most sleep in leading to body impressions. This can be ameliorated by rotating your mattress regularly.
Body impressions could result in the mattress having an uneven sleep surface which could limit the sleeper's natural movement. Body impression development is common on mattresses shared by more than one person, since they're more likely to sleep in the same spot regularly. However, body impression development doesn't necessarily cause the mattress to become generally uncomfortable or unsupportive, just more restrictive.
15. Latex Mattresses Aren't Widely Available in Stores
If one of your latex mattress complaints is it's hard to find latex mattresses in stores, don't worry — most are found online. Typically, there's little hassle on returns, but does depend on the seller, and you do have choices of different firmness options and customizable layers. Customizable layers can typically be rearranged in your home to adjust the different firmness level, and minimize the need to return your mattress.
16. Latex Mattresses Contain Chemicals
Synthetic latex is constructed from petrochemicals, but not natural latex. These chemicals are derived from petroleum. Natural latex, however, is constructed from natural materials instead of chemicals, and is far more durable than synthetic latex. If you're looking to purchase a natural latex mattress, you'll want to inquire about the natural latex percentage.
17. Latex Isn't Eco-Friendly
This is not true. Some individuals believe latex is a type of artificial chemical, and therefore unnatural. It's actually the exact opposite. It's a natural material constructed from the rubber sap harvested from the rubber tree. The sap is added to other organic materials and products to craft the natural latex mattresses. Many latex mattress brands are certified organic latex by Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). GOLS is a processing and material standard for certified organic latex which oversees the:
- Manufacturing process
- Packaging process
- Distribution process
- Processing and selling process
18. A Latex Bed Is Uncomfortable
Latex actually has cushioning and natural comfort properties that support your body, and help with good spinal alignment. Like memory foam mattresses, natural latex mattresses "hug" your body shape. Denser body parts (such as your hips) will sink into it, and the rest of your body will be naturally supported through even pressure distribution.
19. Latex Beds Must Be Harder Than Other Types of Mattresses
Certain individuals also think latex beds are hard without even trying them. Latex provides cushioning and natural comfort properties, which is why they can support your body properly, and promote great spinal alignment. Similar to memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses hug your body curves.
20. All Latex Mattresses are All-Natural
While latex mattresses often fall in the category of being healthier and eco-friendly alternatives to standard beds, they're not all made equally. Styrene-butadiene rubber, or synthetic latex, is constructed from petroleum-based ingredients, along with other chemicals that don't provide the same benefits linked with natural latex. Most latex on the market is a blend of natural and synthetic latex.
A latex mattress can also still contain chemical flame retardants, or other types of unnatural materials. Companies can also say their latex is "natural", even if it contains only 30% natural materials. You'll want to ensure your latex mattress is 100% natural latex if the environmental and natural benefits are important to you.
21. You Must Flip Your Latex Mattress
It's really not necessary to flip a natural latex mattress, since it tends to conform to your body's shape, and is very resilient. It also bounces back once you release the pressure from it.
However, there are latex mattresses meant to be flipped. For instance, a Latex For Less Natural Latex Mattress is one that has a reversible 2-in-1 flippable design allowing you to obtain the firmness level and pressure relief you desire. Therefore, it really doesn't fall under one of the latex mattress complaints of "having to flip your mattress" because people expect it.
22. You Must Purchase a New Mattress Every Eight Years
Latex mattresses are crafted to last a long time. In fact, Latex For Less natural latex mattresses are made to last. They adapt to your body's requirements as they change over time. Each mattress is handcrafted in-house, ensuring your new mattress will be:
- Supportive
- Comfortable
- Long-lasting
You even get a 20-year warranty.
23. People Can Sleep On an Old Mattress Just as Well as on a New Mattress
This is not true. While it's said to get a mattress replacement every seven to 10 years, each year past this recommendation is going to provide you with worse sleep than the one before. Some mattresses, of course, will last longer than other mattresses (memory foam and latex tend to provide more durability than coils), but essentially, if you keep putting off buying a new mattress, you won't be doing yourself any favors.
24. You Don't Need to Try the Mattress Before You Buy it
No matter what reviews you read, it's important you try your mattress out and see if you like it. Whether you buy in-store or online, you can try it out. The difference, however, is you'll actually have longer to try out a latex mattress you buy online than you would in-store. In-store, you can usually test out a mattress for about 15 minutes. Online, you can get as much as 120 nights to test it out, like at Latex For Less.
25. Trying a New Latex Mattress In-Store Is the Ideal Way of Deciding If It's Right for You
It's not realistic to think you can simply lie down on a mattress for a few minutes in a store, and decide it's right for you. This is why most online mattress stores, like Latex For Less, provide you with long in-home trials. They want to ensure you have plenty of time to decide if the mattress suits you or not. If you're not satisfied at any point during your trial, you can return it, or exchange it, according to the policies of the company you go with.
26. You'll Require a Box Spring With Your Latex Mattress
Box springs are just a type of foundation. You don't necessarily need one. You can also choose to use an adjustable base, foundation, or platform. However, in some cases, your warranty might require you to use a box spring or foundation. For instance, certain latex mattresses will specify how much spacing of the slats is allowable in an open-slat foundation. The Latex For Less natural latex mattress requires a wooden frame, or solid metal, to prevent:
- Dipping
- Sagging
- Mattress damage
27. Your Natural Latex Mattress Won’t Feel Amazing the First Time You Lie Down On it
With any mattress, there's a transition period you'll go through when going from sleeping on an old unsupportive mattress to a new supportive mattress. This means when you first begin to sleep on your new mattress, it might not feel as incredibly comfortable the first day as what you've been previously sleeping on. Your body will need to adjust to your new mattress, and it will need to go through a break-in period (just like new shoes). Most individuals will require a minimum of a month to get used to their new latex mattress, which is another reason why you're usually provided a generous in-home trial.
28. All Mattresses Are One-Size-Fits-All
One of the most common latex mattress complaints (or more so a "myth) is all mattresses are one-size-fits-all. This isn't correct. The key to finding a latex mattress you'll be satisfied with for a long time is selecting one that is ideal for your sleeping preferences. This is why you want plenty of options, like the choice of comfort levels. For instance, a side sleeper will likely sleep better on a soft mattress. A person who sleeps on their stomach will do better with a firm mattress.
Certain body types also have certain requirements. If you're a little on the heavy side, for instance, there are specific features you'll want to look for in your new mattress to ensure you're getting the comfort and support needed for quality sleep.
29. All Latex Mattresses Use the Same Amount of Dunlop Latex and Talalay Latex
Dunlop latex is firmer, and works as a support layer for your natural latex mattress. A firm support layer will ensure your mattress will last longer. Talalay latex is lighter and softer. The ideal formula for comfort is combining them both, which will allow you to experience the ultimate level of support and comfort.
30. All Latex Mattresses Use a Chemical Fire Retardant Barrier
This is also not true. Latex for Less latex mattresses use natural California wool, which acts as a natural fire barrier, and doesn't use any harmful fire-retardant chemicals. Actually, wool is an all-natural material with inherent fire-resistant properties, allowing mattress companies to uphold federal flammability regulation compliance.
31. Memory Foam Mattresses are More Ideal Than Latex Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses can contain man-made chemicals. They also often off-gas, and sleep hot. Natural latex mattresses, on the other hand, are constructed from plant-derived latex, instead of synthetic petroleum-based latex or chemicals. The 100% natural latex in a Latex For Less Natural Latex Mattress is constructed from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree sap, with no fillers or artificial chemicals.
Natural latex mattresses also have ingredients in them that are antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. They have pressure-relieving properties, and a springiness that neither memory foam or synthetic latex can match. They're really the healthiest, comfortable mattresses available.
Many of the common latex mattress complaints about latex mattresses are usually a matter of personal preference. It's still a great sleep surface most consumers should definitely consider. Standard mattresses are less comfortable, and made to be replaced every five to seven years. This adds to the planet's landfills.
Natural latex is definitely the better option, but, in the past, only certain people could afford to buy natural latex mattresses. Not anymore. Today you'll find more affordable latex mattress options out there.
So, as you see, many of these really aren't even latex mattress complaints at all, but rather myths, or people's opinions. But, what holds true for one person doesn't mean it necessarily will hold true for another.
Latex For Less All-Natural Latex Mattress
Latex for Less natural latex mattresses are constructed with the finest quality 100% natural latex, pure natural wool, and organic cotton. They are certified with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, GOTS, and Eco-Institut. They offer you the ideal balance of natural materials that creates an outstanding natural latex mattress.
And, with its unique two-in-one design, a natural latex mattress from Latex For Less has both a firm side and medium side, which makes it the ideal mattress for everyone. Try one in your home for 120-nights, commitment-free. If you’re not satisfied, return it for a full refund.
