Your mattress is an essential component of your sleep experience. If you have a good mattress, you’ll have a great night’s sleep and wake up well-rested and ready for the day. If you have a bad one, you can experience fatigue and pain.
In this article, you will learn what a latex mattress is and a few characteristics to look for when purchasing the best latex mattress for you.
What is a Latex Mattress?
Latex mattresses are simply mattresses made up of natural or synthetic latex. Because they are made from natural resources that have to be harvested and stored in a certain way, natural latex mattresses are almost always more expensive.
Synthetic latex mattresses are cheaper, but they aren’t as sturdy and supportive as a natural latex mattress would be. They can tear easily and also make a negative impact on the environment. However, they might be a good choice for a mattress shopper on a budget.
The natural latex mattresses are usually made from Dunlop or Talalay latex. Dunlop latex is firmer, and the Talalay latex creates a soft, pillowy effect to keep any sleeper comfortable throughout the night.
Natural latex mattresses are usually made from rubber that comes from tree sap which is whipped up, added to a mold, and baked. Before they are baked into mattresses, latex mattresses are flash-frozen, which creates uniformity in the structure of the cells. Because of this part of the process, the mattress creates even support that is perfect for all types of sleepers.
Latex mattresses are great for those who sleep on their sides, stomach, or on their back.
Now that you know what a latex mattress is and how they are made, you’re probably wondering what to look for in a latex mattress, but that will be covered later. Next, let’s talk about five of the benefits of using a latex mattress in your bedroom!
Why Latex Over Memory Foam
Memory foam cannot be made in a natural process. If the fact that some latex mattresses are made from natural products is a major appeal for you, that is a huge reason to choose latex over memory foam.
But memory foam also doesn’t do a great job of keeping your body cool. It is usually a very thick, soft material that is mainly used to relieve pressure. However, it can make you really hot and can also lose its ability to support you rather quickly. This is why you should consider purchasing a latex mattress before memory foam. You might be able to find a memory foam and latex hybrid mattress! Let us look at some facts:
1. They Offer Support for All Sizes
Sometimes, memory foam mattresses, in particular, can be bad for certain body types. This is because the foam reacts to the pressure placed on it, creating a formation around the body.
For plus-sized sleepers, this can cause back problems and prove to be a rather uncomfortable sleeping option. That’s why latex mattresses are a great idea for sleepers of all size.
Latex is naturally flexible, but also sturdy. It can provide a comfortable night’s sleep while making sure your back is supported to prevent injury.
2: They have a Cooling Effect
How many times have you woken up covered in sweat? Usually, your body has the ability to cool you off naturally. However, depending on the climate and weather around you, it still may be too hot to sufficiently cool you down.
Luckily, latex mattresses are made to be breathable if made from natural latex. This is so important because maintaining the proper body temperature is good for you. Why? Let’s talk about it.
Whenever you’re sleeping, your body is at rest. However, your brain is working on autopilot to help your body maintain its natural processes. Whenever you’re introduced to a hotter or colder environment, your brain has to work harder to cool or heat your body.
This can cause you to have a restless night’s sleep, have trouble falling asleep, or can just leave you feeling tired and uncomfortable the next day. However, the breathability of the latex mattress will help to keep you cool so that your brain doesn’t have to work overtime!
3. They take the Pressure Off your Stress Points
You’ve likely experienced pressure in points of stress on your body. This is usually on the shoulders, back, or legs. This pressure can be due to a number of things, including weight and stress.
Latex mattresses are the perfect density and provide a high level of comfort that can help relieve pressure in points of stress throughout your body.
When you fall asleep, you can rest assured knowing that your body will be supported and relieved of the pressure you put on it during the day.
4. They are better For Your Health
Mattresses are something that we use each and every day. Naturally, they will get dirty. But, regular mattresses can hold in dust and grime a lot easier than a latex mattress.
Because of the natural rubber, latex mattresses are easier to clean and don’t hold in as much debris and dirt as a normal mattress would. This is beneficial to your health.
Trapped dirt that is not cleaned on an object that you use daily can make you sick. Mattresses, in particular, are usually covered in dead skin cells and hair. Gross, we know! On top of that, many people neglect to remove the clothes that they wore during the day before sitting on the bed. This means that they could be bringing pollen, bacteria, and pollutants onto the bed they sleep in each night.
Latex mattresses can be cleaned easily, so you don’t have to worry about getting sick from trapped dust and grime!
5. They are relatively Customizable
Who doesn’t love owning something that is personalized to meet their needs? With a mattress being an essential part of your daily (or nightly) routine, it is great to have the option to customize it.
Latex mattresses can be customized by using different types and densities of latex to create the desired level of support and comfort. This will give you the best night’s sleep possible.
You and your doctor know your body best. It is simple and quick to research what types of latex and what density of latex you can use to create the best latex mattress for you.
What to look for in a Good Latex Mattress
One of the first things you need to decide first is the type of support you will want. This will determine the thickness and the type of latex mattress you should be looking for. Latex mattress companies usually have a sort of rating system that shows you how soft or firm the mattress will be.
You will also need to find a mattress that is specified for your weight. Different latex may be used to help different body sizes be comfortable and supported throughout their sleep cycle.
If you’re interested, several latex mattresses also have reversible sizes that are better for certain seasons. A winter side may keep you warmer on cold nights while a summer side could help encourage airflow to keep you cool as you sleep.
Antibacterial and hypoallergenic options are also important to look at. As previously mentioned, you use your mattress every single day. Having a latex mattress that protects against bacteria and allergens can be beneficial to your overall health and well-being. Additionally, you should find a mattress that has a removable, washable cover to make it easier to clean!
Find a mattress that has a good ergonomic design. Ergonomics are the study of efficiency in an environment. The best latex mattress will offer spinal support that will bring comfort to any sleeper of any size, age, or sleep style. This is important because your spine is connected to your brain. Your spine is like your nervous system’s super highway. It is used to send signals to other nerve receptors throughout your body. Without a healthy spine, you could risk nerve damage and discomfort.
Lastly, you should decide if you want a natural or synthetic latex mattress. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are pros and cons to both sides. Natural latex is sturdy, but can also cost a good deal of money. Synthetic latex mattresses are much more affordable, but you may lose some of the durability if you go with a synthetic latex mattress and processing of the mattress might cause a larger impact on the environment. The best thing to do is compare your list of needs to your price point and go from there.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, there are a number of things to know about latex mattresses and their uses. There are also a number of benefits to sleeping on a latex mattress. This article hopefully provided you with helpful insight on choosing the best latex mattress for your sleeping needs.
Happy snoozing!