Is it good to sleep on latex? Our expert panel gives their official verdict on this eco mattress material

Softer than your old innerspring and more sustainable than your average hybrid or memory foam model, a latex mattress offers something for everyone. Especially as we head towards warmer weather, I appreciate the natural breathability of latex.

As mattress types go, latex is relatively rare. You won't find a latex mattress in any old sleep store, which goes some way to explain why some shoppers are skeptical of latex.

So, to settle the debate, I asked my expert panel of mattress manufacturers: 'is it good to sleep on latex?' I've learned all about how latex mattresses are made, how they feel, and their ecological impact. I've combed through our back catalog of reviews to bring you the best mattress for every sleep style, including latex options and eco alternatives.

Is it good to sleep on latex? Our Sleep Editor investigates

Before we begin, it always helps to define our terms. A latex mattress is made from the sap of rubber trees, which is frothed and baked into slabs of foam. Natural latex is free from harsh chemicals, so you know that you're breathing cleaner, healthier air while you sleep.

Many of the best organic mattresses are made from or with natural latex. There are multiple ways of making latex: Dunlop and Talalay are the most popular methods.

To make Dunlop latex, you take rubber sap and bake it in a vulcanization oven to produce dense, firm foam, with a bottom-heavy composition. Dunlop latex makes a great support core, but isn't as breathable or comfortable as Talalay latex.

To make Talalay latex, you pour rubber sap into a mold and use a vacuum to suck out all the oxygen. Then, you inject the sap with carbon dioxide. The result is soft and foamy, not unlike the feel of a memory foam mattress, only more breathable and sustainable. If any of these terms are new to you, don't worry: you can cross-check against our mattress jargon buster.

'Natural latex is a good fit for almost every type of sleeper, especially those looking for pressure relief,' says Byron Golub, Vice President of Product & Merchandising at Saatva. 'Springy and responsive, latex is made to bear your weight and mold to the shape of your body. Thanks to its open-cell structure, latex is naturally breathable, which makes for a cool and comfortable night's sleep. You'll find latex layers inside some of the best cooling mattresses, working hard to dissipate heat overnight.'

There's a lot to like about latex. According to Christina Heiser, Senior Content Manager at Saatva, 'latex mattresses have a responsive feel, similar to an innerspring, but they also contour to your curves like memory foam.'

Still, a latex mattress might not be the best fit for you if you're buying on a budget. It takes a lot of time and energy (and, consequently, a lot of money) to harvest latex. Many of the best luxury mattresses incorporate latex, which might put this eco material out of your price range.

'Most commonly available latex is actually synthetic or blended,' warns Jack Dell'Accio, CEO & Founder of Essentia Mattress, 'as mattress manufacturers try to cut corners and reduce costs.'

'Most mattress producers source latex foams with overly simple formulations, resulting in beds that feel too firm or too soft,' Jack continues. 'It's important to find a latex producer with adaptive formulations to make a more supportive mattress. The highest-performing products are GOLS-certified organic.'

Meet our experts

Byron Golub

Byron is a product designer and engineer with over ten years of experience in the consumer products industry, now specializing in luxury home furnishings for Saatva, the smarter luxury sleep company.

Christina Heiser

Christina Heiser is the content director at Saatva, covering sleep tips. She has held previous positions at Everyday Health, Women's Health, and L'Oréal. 

Jack Dell'Accio

Jack is the CEO of Essentia, an organic mattress and bedding brand, as well as a certified sleep coach. He has worked with NBA, NFL, and NHL athletes to help them optimize recovery and performance through sleep.

FAQs

What does a latex mattress feel like?

Where Dunlop latex feels firm and dense, better suited to a support core, Talalay latex is springy and responsive, the sort of material you find in comfort layers. Remember, you can always cross-check any unfamiliar terms against my mattress jargon buster.

Where can I buy a latex mattress?

It's a good question, because not many of the best places to buy a mattress stock latex models. I suggest you start your search with Saatva, before looking further afield to PlushBeds and Avocado.

How long does a latex mattress last?

'How long should a mattress last?' is one of the most common questions I get as a Sleep Editor. My answer varies from person to person, because it depends on the mattress material.

If you take good care of your latex mattress, it could last you as long as 20 years. Latex is naturally resilient, designed to mold to the shape of your body then bounce back once your weight is removed.

So, in answer to your original question: yes, it's good to sleep on latex. Naturally breathable for hot sleepers and responsive to support all sleep positions, latex is an eco-friendly option to suit (almost) everyone.

If you're still wondering, 'are organic mattresses a hoax?', you might appreciate our expert commentary.