Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Not too long ago, you had three main choices when it came to mattress shopping: springs, synthetic foams, or a mix of both. Then a new material arrived and shook everything up. Latex foam—a foam derived from the sap of rubber trees—offers a distinctive degree of bounce, impressive longevity, and often, a more eco-friendly profile than the foams and coils of the past.
Latex is considered a premium mattress material, and latex beds typically cost a bit more than other types. But their benefits are hard to ignore, from their natural hypoallergenic properties to their pleasantly responsive yet cushiony feel.
Is your curiosity piqued? Read on to see my top picks for the best latex mattresses available.
The 6 Best Latex Mattresses
- Saatva Latex Hybrid – Editor’s Pick
- Nolah Natural – Best Latex Mattress for Side Sleepers
- WinkBeds EcoCloud – Best Latex Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep – Best Affordable Latex Mattress
- Birch Natural – Best Hybrid Latex Mattress
- PlushBeds Botanical Bliss – Best Organic Latex Mattress
How We Chose the Best Latex Beds
As a Lead Product Tester for Sleep Advisor, I’ve personally tested more than a hundred beds, including latex models. My team members and I grade each bed across a variety of performance metrics, including heat retention, motion transfer, and pressure relief.
For this roundup, we picked the best latex beds by putting them through the ringer in our studio and comparing detailed notes. Because body type will affect your experience of a latex bed, we had multiple people try each model before ranking them.
In addition to our regular testing categories, we also settled on the traits below as our guiding principles for choosing the best latex mattresses and consulted the expertise of a medical professional.
Video Review of the Best Latex Mattresses
Compare Latex Mattresses
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| Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep | Birch Natural Mattress | PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium: 5.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Latex | Latex | Latex | Latex | Hybrid | Latex |
| Cooling | — | |||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 25-year warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 120 Nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Stomach Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
What We Want to See in a Latex Mattress
Latex is a sought-after material, but the top latex beds distinguish themselves by having some (if not all) of the following qualities:
Non-Synthetic Latex Foam
Some mattresses mimic the properties of latex foam by incorporating a layer of synthetic latex. Synthetic latex foam is entirely man-made, with no part originating in the sap from rubber trees. Although it’s a more affordable alternative to latex foams sourced from nature, it won’t have the same benefits—and it will definitely have more chemicals in its composition.
At Least 2 Inches of Latex
Many latex mattresses are technically latex hybrids, which position latex atop a supportive spring unit. We prioritize the ones that have a notable amount of latex in their construction, rather than a thin layer that won’t make much difference.
A Balanced Feel
Latex has a very different feel than the memory foams and springs you might be used to. Some people think its too bouncy, while others experience it as pretty firm. The best latex mattresses will have a nice balance of pressure relief, support, and springiness, rather than too much emphasis on one of these qualities.
Commitment to Other Natural Materials
Latex is a great choice for shoppers who value natural and organic materials in their beds. But if the rest of the bed is far less “green” than the latex layer, then it contradicts this aspect of latex’s appeal. Therefore, we selected beds that privilege elements like cotton and wool over artificial or chemical-heavy materials.
The Best Latex Beds: Our Top 6 Picks
Saatva Latex Hybrid – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: Looking for a bouncy hybrid mattress constructed with eco-friendly materials? We recommend Saatva’s Latex Hybrid; this mattress scored high in most of our performance categories, and its firmer, buoyant feel should appeal to shoppers wanting super support.
Why the Saatva Latex Hybrid Earned Best Latex Mattress Overall
Saatva is one of my favorite brands since they consistently put out quality mattresses. Their Latex Hybrid is made with organic cotton, organic wool, and GOLS-certified natural latex, so you’re getting the best bang for your buck while also shopping green.
The combination of Talalay latex and coils in this hybrid allows for lift and give in all the right places, especially for folks who need more support like stomach sleepers or heavyweight sleepers. Combine this with its ability to keep cool and bounce back, and it’s no surprise that it’s earned my top pick for the best latex mattress.
Testing Soundbite
“Talalay latex has a slightly softer feel to it than Dunlop, but does not sacrifice any of the bounce. It’s only furthered by the pocket coil layer. The springback was almost immediate.”
Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Dig Into the Mattress Construction
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is 12 inches tall and composed of five layers. First is a Euro top surface made with hypoallergenic materials that are both breathable and soft. Underneath, there’s an organic wool layer that provides extra breathability while also acting as a natural fire retardant.
The Talalay latex layer is 3 inches thick and split into five zones that target specific parts of the body, especially the lumbar region. The coil unit underneath has individually wrapped coils that aim to respond to your movement and promote motion isolation. Both these layers also encourage airflow.
Finally, the bed sits on a sturdy base of organic cotton and wool, ensurin
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Latex Hybrid
On Saatva’s website, their Latex Hybrid scores a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress for its eco-friendly and durable materials but have reported that it is relatively expensive compared to some other latex mattresses.
Want to see more? Read our in-depth Saatva Latex Hybrid review or check out our picks for the best mattresses.
Nolah Natural – Best Latex Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Advisor Says: If you’re looking for a luxurious latex bed, you’ve found it in the Nolah Natural. This mattress features quality organic materials and has a well-rounded feel, earning high marks in support, pressure relief, and cooling.
WinkBeds EcoCloud – Best Latex Mattress for Back Pain
The Advisor Says: We think the EcoCloud’s balanced feel is sure to please a swath of environmentally conscious shoppers. Most notable is how its construction of latex and coils brings bounce with a capital “B.”
Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep – Best Affordable Latex Mattress
The Advisor Says: On a budget but in love with latex? The EcoSleep has your back. We recommend this firmer mattress if you’re looking for that buoyant feel (and don’t want to break the bank).
Birch Natural – Best Hybrid Latex Mattress
The Advisor Says: Dare we say the Birch Natural is the bed that comes to mind when we think latex? As the name implies, this bed combines natural components with quality construction, yielding a supportive, luxurious, and eco-friendly mattress.
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss – Best Organic Latex Mattress
The Advisor Says: We think the PlushBeds Botanical bliss is truly the height of luxury latex. If you’re looking for an extremely customizable, eco-friendly bed, consider parsing through this mattress’ multiple firmness and height options. All of them should bring the support and bounce, though.
Other Latex Mattresses We Tested
While these mattresses didn’t quite make our list, they’re still in the top tier of latex beds. We recommend checking them out if none of the mattresses above caught your eye.
| PlushBeds Natural Bliss | Latex For Less Latex Mattress |
| Avocado Eco Organic Mattress | Purple Latex Mattress |
| Eco Terra Latex Mattress | Sleep On Latex Pure Organic Mattress |
What Is a Latex Mattress?
A latex mattress is a bed that incorporates latex foam in its construction. Latex foam is derived from the sap of rubber trees. After being harvested from the trees, the sap is processed and molded so that it sets into a cushy, thick sheet, perfect for adding airiness, bounce, and support to a mattress.
Latex mattresses are often marketed as an alternative to memory foam and traditional innerspring mattresses. Some sleepers prefer latex because of how it performs compared to these other materials. For example, it typically retains less heat than memory foam.
Latex can also be used in conjunction with other foams and springs in a single mattress, so sleepers can benefit from the unique strengths of each material.
Advice from a Medical Expert
We reached out to Dr. Po-Chang Hsu to see his thoughts on important qualities shoppers should look for in a latex mattress.
“Key qualities of a latex mattress include durability, support, and hypoallergenic properties. A latex mattress with good durability maintains its shape and provides proper support to the body. This promotes proper spine alignment and can reduce the risks of back pain. Proper support from the mattress also alleviates pressure points and maintains body parts evenly, which may help people with problems like fibromyalgia. Finally, good latex mattresses are often hypoallergenic, which makes them suitable choices for those with allergies and asthma.”
What Does a Latex Mattress Feel Like?
Latex feels soft and cushiony when pressure is applied but also immediately springy — it bounces back into shape very fast, unlike synthetic foams that sink and reform slowly.
Because of this bounciness, it won’t surround and cradle you like memory foam will. Instead, it should feel like it will readily and quickly move with your body as you change positions.
The specific type of latex and its density will also affect how it feels. Some latex layers feel firmer and more supportive than others. Certain mattresses even have a “zoned” layer of latex, in which the feel differs across the layer to provide extra lifting or cushion.
Dunlop vs. Talalay Latex: What’s the Difference?
Dunlop latex is denser than Talalay and is often used as a support layer, whereas Talalay latex is usually used for comfort layers.
Generally speaking, Dunlop latex is often firmer than Talalay. However, it’s important to remember that “denser” doesn’t always mean “firmer” — both types of latex foam can feel soft or firm, depending on how they’re utilized in a mattress. (Learn more by consulting our guide to latex density.)
Dunlop also tends to be a bit more affordable than Talalay latex, and its manufacturing process is simpler with less implied energy costs.
Meanwhile, Talalay tends to be more buoyant and can be more breathable due to its lower density.
Where Do the Names “Dunlop” and “Talalay” Come From?
These names refer to the production process that creates each type of latex foam (the Dunlop process and the Talalay process). Over time, they became shorthand for the resulting foams themselves.
Is Talalay Latex Better than Dunlop Latex?
Not necessarily. Neither type of latex foam is innately better than the other, and the differences between them even go largely unnoticed by many sleepers.
There can also be variations within each kind of manufacturing process. For example, just because one mattress company uses Talalay latex, it doesn’t mean it’s the same kind of Talalay latex as another company’s.
Additives and other substances may be added to either kind of latex foam at a certain point, so neither type is “more natural” than the other by default.
Both Talalay and Dunlop are durable, comfortable latex foams. As with many choices, it pays to experience both options and see for yourself how you feel about them.
Natural Vs. Organic Latex
What Is Natural Latex?
Natural latex is latex foam made from the sap of rubber trees, rather than from synthetic ingredients. Although natural latex foam may require a very small amount of curing agents and soaps to be added during the manufacturing process, it should be almost entirely derived from nature, with no fillers or extra chemicals.
The alternative to natural latex is synthetic latex or blended latex. Synthetic latex is man-made from petrochemicals, whereas blended latex combines both natural and synthetic latex into a single layer.
How Can You Tell If a Mattress Has Natural Latex In It?
Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell whether a given mattress really contains natural latex, synthetic latex, or blended latex. Even if a brand says that a bed is made “with natural latex”, that could mean that some portion of the latex foam is synthetic.
The best way to determine whether or not a mattress solely uses natural latex in its construction is to look for trustworthy certifications from organizations such as UL GREENGUARD, OEKO-TEX®, and eco-INSTITUT. The company should also be transparent about its latex sourcing and the manufacturing process behind the foam.
What Is Organic Latex?
Organic latex refers to latex foam that holds a Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification. If a brand’s latex is GOLS certified, the latex has met specific criteria regarding its harvesting, makeup, and emissions.
For example, GOLS-certified latex comes from rubber tree plantations that don’t use high amounts of pesticides or any chemical fertilizers. The latex layer must also be at least 95 percent natural latex, with low amounts of additional substances.
These are just a couple of criteria the latex has to meet; earning a GOLS certification involves testing and oversight at nearly every step of the latex-creating process.
Is Natural Latex the Same As Organic Latex?
All organic latex is natural latex, but not all natural latex is organic. Natural latex must earn a GOLS certification before it can be recognized as organic. This distinction makes organic latex the gold standard for shoppers concerned with sustainability and natural mattress materials.
Latex vs. Other Materials
Latex vs. Innerspring
If you’re looking for a bouncy bed, latex and innerspring mattresses should be top contenders. Both mattress types should help with repositioning and keep you from feeling stuck in the mattress.
Do you have allergies? If this is the case, avoid innerspring mattresses as they can be a breeding ground for dust mites. However, latex is hypoallergenic, making it great for allergy-prone consumers.
Budget shoppers may prefer the price point of innerspring beds because they are generally cheaper than latex mattresses. On the flip side, latex is more durable, so you’ll get more longevity out of this type.
Latex vs. Memory Foam
Latex and memory foam are each other’s yin and yang in many ways. Latex is naturally cooling, whereas memory foam needs the addition of gels or perforations to help with temperature regulation.
Slow-moving memory foam contours around bodies, allowing sleepers to sink into the material more. Conversely, latex is responsive and quickly bounces back when weight is applied to it. This also means that latex is better for repositioning, a helpful attribute for combination sleepers and sexually active couples.
Latex vs. Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are typically constructed with innerspring coils as a base and foam layers on top. Although hybrid mattresses can sometimes be made with latex, they differ from standard latex mattresses, which are mostly latex and don’t have coils.
Both mattress types are excellent for cooling, though hybrids often give you more design variety since there are so many variations out there.
While hybrid and latex beds are usually more costly, latex mattresses, especially highly sustainable ones, can still be the more expensive of the two.
Compare Average Performance Ratings of Mattress Types
| Performance Test | Innerspring | Memory Foam | Hybrid | Latex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure Relief | 4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 3.3 |
| Support | 5 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.8 |
| Motion Isolation | 3 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Cooling | 4 | 3.7 | 4 | 4.3 |
| Bounce | 4 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 4.8 |
| Edge Support | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 |
| Couples | 4 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 4 |
Pros and Cons of Latex Mattresses
How to Choose the Best Latex Mattress For Your Bedroom: Key Considerations
When choosing a new bed, you’ll always have to balance its advantages against any potential disadvantages. Latex is an exciting and cutting-edge addition to the mattress scene, but like any other material, it’s not for everyone. We’ll review considerations when shopping for a new mattress and how each one correlates with latex beds specifically.
Compare Mattress Types: Memory Foam vs. Latex and Latex vs. Innerspring
Sleeping Position
How you sleep should tell you what kind of mattress would be best for your needs. We test mattresses in each position (back, side, stomach, and combination) to determine if a bed should work for these sleepers.
Latex is good for combination sleepers, but different firmness levels fit various sleeping positions. Firmer latex beds don’t allow the body to sink as much, which should fit stomach and back sleepers. Softer latex mattresses are more suitable for side sleepers needing pressure relief and more contouring.
Looking to upgrade your mattress? Check out our Best Luxury Mattresses.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
Your body weight should tell you if a mattress will be compatible or not. Most people fall in the medium and medium-firm range, but if you’re significantly heavier, firmer beds are helpful for support and body alignment. Conversely, lightweight people usually prefer softer beds.
We have a range of testers representing different body types, needs, and preferences. We’ve found that latex beds are typically on the firmer side, although softer versions are available. Most latex beds are the best for people weighing at least 130 pounds (so, average-weight. However, softer versions may work for some lightweight sleepers.
Firmness
Mattress firmness is another critical factor you should consider when buying a mattress. Here at Sleep Advisor, we rate firmness from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest (like a pillowy cloud), and 10 being the firmest (like a wooden plank). Latex comes in various firmness levels, but most beds tend to skew toward the medium-firm to firm range.
The right firmness will depend on your body weight and sleep position. Generally speaking, medium-firm beds are best for average-weight people, couples, and back sleepers. Stomach sleepers and plus-size individuals are a better match for firmer beds, and petite people and side sleepers should enjoy slightly softer beds.
Pressure Relief
Although latex beds may feel firmer than other types, they still offer plenty of contouring to help relieve pressure in the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Softer latex mattresses are the best for people struggling with pressure buildup, especially those who love sleeping on their side.
How do we test for pressure relief?
Aside from our personal feelings when we lay down on a mattress, we actually use a pressure map to record where pressure builds up (and how much, if any). Our different-sized testers try it out in each position. Blue and green means less pressure is building up, while yellow and red mean more.
Edge Support
If you’ve ever been startled awake because you felt like you were falling off the side of the bed, you know how important edge support is. A mattress that is equally secure along the edges not only protects you from that falling sensation but also allows you to utilize the entire surface. This can be particularly helpful for couples and those who just like to spread out.
Latex mattresses, particularly latex hybrids that combine this foam with a coil unit, often provide good edge support. However, we advise checking reviews on a specific bed and seeing if the company has added reinforced materials along the sides, which typically signifies stronger edges.
Seniors looking for a supportive mattress should check out our Best Mattresses for Seniors.
How do we test for edge support?
We test the edge support of a mattress in two positions. We lay down at the edge of the bed for a few minutes. We also sit at the edge and tie our shoes (or pretend to). In both of these positions, we’re able to both see any sinkage and determine how secure we feel. From there, we make a judgment on the edge support performance for the mattress.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Latex is relatively inhospitable to dust mites, mildew, and mold. If you have allergies, a latex bed could help you breathe easier and get a better night’s sleep — as long as you don’t have a latex allergy.
Best Latex Mattress FAQs
Are latex mattresses eco-friendly?
Latex mattresses can be a more eco-friendly option than other bed types, and they appeal to people who want biodegradable and natural (rather than synthetic) products. However, just because a bed is advertised as a latex mattress doesn’t mean it’s automatically meeting an environmental gold standard.
Natural latex mattress layers come from the sap of a rubber tree that’s been processed into a supportive foam. Not every latex foam will be completely natural or organic — sometimes synthetic materials are added to the mix. If you want to maximize the eco-friendliness of your mattress purchase, look for latex mattresses with a high percentage of natural materials and certifications from places such as OEKO-TEX®, GREENGUARD Gold, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard).
How much does a latex mattress cost?
A Queen-size latex mattress typically costs around $2,000, but that’s a rough average. Certain latex mattresses may exceed $3,000 dollars, whereas models aiming for affordability (or those with an applicable discount) can cost much less. The materials within the mattress, its size, certain certifications, and even the time of year can all influence how much a latex mattress costs.
How long will a latex mattress last?
Most latex mattresses should last at least eight years or longer, depending on how you use them. In other words, jumping on the bed will shorten its lifespan. If used correctly, a latex bed should outlast most innerspring and foam models — they’re some of the most durable mattresses on the market, with some being able to last even 15 years!
What does a latex mattress feel like?
A latex mattress, like the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss, feels slightly springy and pleasantly firm. You should still feel cushioned by a latex bed, but you won’t find it as yielding as a memory foam mattress, and you won’t sink deeply into it. Latex is responsive but not as overtly bouncy as an innerspring mattress, which is why it’s often equated to a comfortable “in-between” option in terms of sensation.
Do latex mattresses sleep hot?
Latex mattresses should remain cooler throughout the night than memory foam beds, which have a tendency to trap heat near your body. Latex beds are more breathable and temperature-neutral.
Air is free to flow through the latex foam when you move around on it, and this can carry away heat that might build up inside it. As a bonus, this breathability goes hand-in-hand with its quick response time, helping to ensure you don’t feel trapped in your bed or struggle to roll over in the night.
Get More Info: Best Cooling Mattresses
Are latex mattresses good for back pain?
Latex beds are excellent for dispersing body weight and relieving pressure, which should help reduce back pain. These are also great for supporting the spine, which should help relieve back pain regardless of your preferred sleeping position. However, the level of support depends on the firmness you choose.
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach