Latex Foam Mattress Buying Guide

Latex foam is the fastest growing market in the luxury bedding industry today. The reasons behind this are the health benefits, comfort, and “green” product features inherent to latex.

This guide was written to give you a basic understanding of latex foam mattresses and their difference from memory foam.

Types of Latex Foam

Latex mattresses are made from the rubber harvested from rubber trees. They are manufactured in one of two methods: Dunlop or Talalay processes. We recommend Talalay Latex because it is more durable and cleaner, more consistent latex. Dunlop latex mattresses may feel firmer in some parts and softer in other parts of the mattress. Talalay latex mattresses have the same feel throughout the entire mattress.

Wanna know why? It has to do with the manufacturing! With the Dunlop process, liquid latex is poured into a mold and then baked at a 200 degrees until it becomes a solid. With the Talalay process, the same latex mixture is poured into a mold, but it is vacuum-packed. The reason they do this is to get all the air bubbles out of the latex mixture. Manufacturers then flash freeze the vacuumed mixture to seal the latex particles in their places. Finally, this mixture is baked at 200 degrees until it becomes solid at the density desired.

Latex vs. Memory Foam

Many people are confused at the difference between these two materials and with good reason-they’re very similar in how they’re marketed. Both provide excellent pressure-relief to the joints, body, and pressure points and superior comfort.

Where they differ is their feel and breathability. Latex mattresses are more resilient and offer a slight “bouncy” feel. Memory foam mattresses have a slow-response time and will conform to your body. They offer that “sinking in” feeling. Latex mattresses tend to feel a little bit firmer and offer a little better support. Latex mattresses also breathe better because they have “pincore holes” throughout the foam allowing air to flow naturally. Today’s memory foams are produced with open-cell foam allowing air to breathe through the mattress, but not to the extent of latex mattresses.

Natural and Organic Latex

People love latex mattresses because they are a “green” product. They are produced either naturally (a blend of synthetic and organic latex) or organically (100% organic latex). One is not better than the other, but natural latex mattresses will last longer.

Warranties

Make sure you buy American made latex mattresses with a strong warranty. Unfortunately, like with memory foam, you have to worry about fillers in the foam. They’re usually clay or some other cheap material placed in the foam so manufacturers can produce more at a lower cost. The fillers will cause the mattresses to break down prematurely and will also affect the comfort and pressure relieving qualities.

Where to Buy

We did a significant amount of a research because this is a quickly growing market. We’ve found Latex International to be the best manufacturer of latex foam mattresses. Natura is also a great manufacturer for organic latex foam mattress. As far a retailers go, we recommend SelectFoam.com www.selectfoam.com because they use these manufacturers and have a great lineup of latex foam beds.