Latex mattresses are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners on the hunt for a replacement to conventional bed spring mattresses. Although latex was typically only used as a topper material for mattresses that had an inner spring system in place, they are now being used as the core material as well. As such, these mattresses are designed almost entirely out of latex. What is it that people see in latex as a material for mattresses and is it worth the extra money? Why should you choose a latex mattress over other mattress types? Are there any specific benefits to the latex mattress that I should be interested in? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about latex mattresses.
The Benefits of Latex as the Primary Material in a Mattress
Latex is considered to be an all-natural material. This is one of the reasons why environmentally-conscious people with a desire to "go green" as it relates to buying environmentally friendly products tend to choose latex mattresses over other materials such as memory foam. Additionally, a major concern is that some of the synthetic materials used in ordinary mattresses are believed to release dangerous toxins and gases into the environment, potentially causing health problems for the person who chooses to sleep there. This is where latex comes in and provides a solution to the problem as a natural material with no chemical alterations or synthetic additives.
Another advantage to the latex mattress lies in its durable anti-bacterial properties. Also, dust mites cannot flourish in a latex environment, whereas they can easily expand their populations in other organic materials such as cotton. Furthermore, an organic latex mattress doesn't tend to create the same warm sleeping environment versus say a memory foam mattress. With all of these potential benefits offered by latex mattresses, it makes sense that so many people are hopping onto the bandwagon in search of more than just supreme comfort. On the topic of comfort, others choose to purchase latex mattresses simply because they cannot find the perfect level of comfort without them.
Some people are extremely sensitive sleepers and the slightest irregularity can wake them up and cause discomfort. If you are one of these people and are still looking for a type of mattress that satisfies your personal comfort needs, then you might want to try the latex mattress. Although it is certainly not the most widely sold mattress material available on the furniture market, it belongs to a specific niche comprised of people with specific concerns and a lot of criteria points in their sleeping quality standards. Latex is quite dense, offering excellent support. At the same time, it also features a yielding quality that makes it feel quite soft.
Finding the Right Latex Mattress for Your Bedroom
Apart from the most obvious factors that will influence your decision (size, style, and thickness), there are other details that you will want to take into consideration as well if you intend to find the most appropriate mattress for your situation. For starters, keep in mind that there are two basic types of latex: natural and synthetic. You should stick with the completely natural variety if you want to take advantage of the benefits mentioned earlier. Synthetic latex is made with petrochemicals, so it is not exactly an environmentally-friendly product. However, you will have to look closely at the specifications of the latex mattress in order to determine whether or not it was made with 100% natural latex.
An all natural latex mattress as you might think of one begins with a foam made from the sap of a rubber tree. From here it can be created into a natural 100% latex mattress. On the other hand it can also be combined with synthetic materials to create a hybrid latex mattress. Then of course there are the mattresses that are produced from entirely synthetic latex. However, all natural, hybrid, and synthetic mattress models can be defined under the "latex mattress" label. If you care about owning a mattress for its natural properties then this is something to be aware of before you buy.
Natural Latex Production - Dunlop and Talalay
The production of natural latex uses one of two methods that uses the pure liquid latex to form a solid foam, otherwise known as vulcanization. The two methods are called Talalay and Dunlop.
Both of these techniques are similar in use, but produce differing outcomes. The Dunlop method has been around for a good while longer and is known to provide a slightly firmer, more supportive natural latex mattress. The Talalay technique on the other hand creates a less supportive and softer feel. Which type of mattress you prefer will differ from person to person, however for those that find they enjoy the best of both worlds, Talalay and Dunlop latex mattress models are available. These use different layers throughout the mattress to combine the benefits of both methods.
Shopping for Latex Foam Mattresses
When it comes to shopping, stick to companies that have a well-founded reputation and a solid, few years of experience in manufacturing natural latex mattresses. You can read consumer reviews and ratings that have been written by unbiased third parties. These are customers who have purchased the particular mattress you are interested in and have chosen to objectively review it for the benefit of other customers. You can get a great deal of useful information from these reviews, and certainly a lot more truth than what you can expect to find written in the sales copy. An approach to mattress buying that is methodical and well-organized, with a hefty dose of attention to detail, is an approach that will help you land a good deal.
Additionally, make sure that the latex mattress you purchase comes with a lengthy warranty and a return policy of some sort that ideally lasts for up to several years. If a company is selling you a latex foam mattress at an extravagant price, they should be able to cover their claims of quality with a good guarantee that will allow you to return your mattress and get your money back if you are unsatisfied with it in some way. In any case, you should always test out the mattress before purchasing it, and this is especially true if you are a sensitive sleeper. Some companies (mainly the reputable ones that you probably should be buying from anyways) offer a trial period where you can test out the mattress for a few days. This is an excellent way to test out a new latex mattress and see if it really can benefit your sleep in some way or another.
I Have Found My Ideal Latex Mattress - Now What?
Assuming you have finally found what you feel is the best latex mattress for sale that conforms to your standards of quality. You are ready to pay for it, but you are wondering if there is any way you can find a less expensive offer. Well, chances are there is. You can start by choosing to buy from an online retailer. Online mattress stores typically offer better prices than the majority of local mattress stores. Additionally, you can find a large amount of available stores to browse through and compare prices.
Although most manufacturers detail a specific retail price for their mattresses, some stores can sell at lower rates than others, so it would certainly be a good idea to do some research on your own and sift through the market. When all is said and done, the purchase of a new mattress is an investment in your long term health. Quality sleep is extremely important, and too many nights of interrupted sleep or not enough hours can cause a wide range of physical and psychological problems. For this reason, you will want to make sure that you know what you are buying into.
