Best Latex Mattress

If you’re eco-conscious and looking to improve your sleep health, finding the best latex mattress for you can be a game-changer. Versions have been around since the 1950s but are far more comfortable today. They can be a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to other kinds of beds and provide a great night’s sleep.

What exactly is a latex mattress and is it the right choice for you? How is it different from a memory foam mattress? What do you need to know to make an informed purchase? We’ll help you navigate the ins and outs of shopping for a latex mattress and profile some of the best latex mattresses available in 2021.

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Best Latex Mattress - Top Picks

Awara – Best Overall

Woman sitting on an Awara mattress

The Awara is an organic mattress hybrid with both latex and pocketed coils. It earns the name best overall for its strict focus on no memory foams, synthetic foams, chemical adhesives or chemical fire retardants. Instead, they use organic rainforest certified latex, natural cotton, and

100% organic wool. In addition, they contribute to sustainability by partnering with ClimatePartners to plant a tree for every mattress sold.

The Awara is made with an unusually substantial 9-inch coil base that has five different zones to customize support, making it one of the best mattresses for back pain. The latex is Dunlop which is that perfect balance of med-firm and supportive, and a real treat to sleep on. If you are looking for a natural mattress you can’t do better than Awara with its lifetime warranty.

Learn more in our Awara mattress review.

PROS CONS
  • Not great for heavier individuals
  • Slight smell when first unboxed
  • Heavy; two-person set-up

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ZenHaven – Best for Seniors

ZenHaven mattress set up next to a beach

The ZenHaven mattress from Saatva is considered a great choice for seniors because it covers all the bases of what they like. The mattress is made from all-natural latex, wool, and cotton for a healthy toxin free mattress. It has great edge support to get in and out with ease, it sleeps cool, and is hypoallergenic repelling dust mites.

This natural latex mattress is also a two-sided offering choice. You can choose from a luxury plush or a gentle firm or go back and forth as needed. Put your back out? Switch to the firm side for a few weeks. Children visiting and need a soft mattress? Flip to the soft side. Firmness is a matter of preference, but with the ZenHaven you can determine this without having to return the mattress. If it is too firm or too soft, no worries — it's flappable.

The luxury plush or softer side is the preferred firmness of this age group and additionally has just the right amount of support. It also comes with a 180-night sleep trial, a 20-year warranty, and optional white glove delivery. All this adds up to a great mattress for seniors.

PROS CONS
  • Two-sided
  • Organic and eco-friendly
  • 20-year warranty
  • Great edge support
  • $99 for refunds
  • Soft side not for stomach sleepers
  • Heavy; two-person set-up

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Avocado Green Mattress – Best Organic

A man and a baby sit on an Avocado Green mattress

The Avocado Green mattress has so many outstanding features, it would be hard to cover all of them. This is definitely a bed for people who are health conscious. It’s made from non-toxic and organic materials like cotton, wool, and latex — all certified with GreenGuard Gold, Made Safe, GOTS, and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX. The Avocado is constructed as a hybrid foam mattress with an innerspring base of recycled steel coils, making it one of the best memory foam mattresses — especially if you’re looking for an organic option. It sleeps cool, offers tons of support, is pressure relieving, and has great spinal alignment through an ergonomic support structure. This makes it work for all sleep positions.

Avocado is an eco-conscious company that sources ethically and uses sustainable practices that are good for the planet. Their high-quality mattress is biodegradable, non-toxic, and made by hand, and contains no off-gassing. It comes with an optional pillow top. Avocado also offers exceptional backing with free shipping and returns, a full year sleep trial, and a 25-year warranty. Made in the USA.

Read more in our Avocado mattress review.

PROS CONS
  • Organic and eco-friendly
  • Greg for side-sleepers
  • 5/5 customer rating
  • 25-year warranty
  • Some motion transfer
  • 2-3 weeks to arrive

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Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid – Most Customizable

 Bloom Hybrid mattress

The Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. They are three separate mattresses with no difference in price so you can get exactly what you prefer. The bed is a hybrid of latex and coils and is made with Talalay latex, which is a great tension and muscle relaxer. They use organic cotton and natural wool and their latex is OEKO-TEX certified against toxins to keep everyone breathing easier. The Bloom Hybrid is also highly temperature regulating for a cool night’s sleep. It features a cover that is naturally hypoallergenic and keeps the mattress clean longer.

If you are wondering about trying out the Bloom Hybrid, they have stores throughout the US where you can test the mattress in person. They also have free shipping and returns, 120-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. Proudly made in the USA.

PROS CONS
  • Different firmness options
  • OEKO-TEX certified latex
  • Super breathability and coolness
  • Great for all sleep positions
  • Some motion transfer
  • Pricier
  • Not natural latex

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Brentwood Home Cedar – Best for Hot Sleepers

Brentwood Home Cedar Mattress

The Cedar is a uniquely constructed mattress from Brentwood Home made with numerous natural materials and lots of attention to air circulation for a cool comfortable sleep. It’s made with 100% natural cotton, New Zealand wool, ventilated Dunlop latex, flax seeds, and coconut husks layered for an extremely breathable mattress. If you are concerned about sleeping hot, this mattress will help solve the problem.

The Cedar is considered one of the best all-natural options and is a 100% GOTS certified mattress. It’s also one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, thanks to good pressure point support. Dunlop is a very durable latex and so is the Cedar mattress which is backed by a 25 -year warranty. They also offer optional white glove delivery plus a whole year sleep trial so you can figure out if it’s right for you.

PROS CONS
  • Some motion transfer
  • Up to 2 weeks to arrive
  • Medium score on edge support
  • Heavy; two-person set-up

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Compare the Best Latex Mattresses

Mattress Name Quick Overview Special Offer

Awara

 Awara logo

Material: Natural latex

Firmness: Flippable - med soft 5/10 or med firm 7-8/10

Customer Rating: 4.9/5

MA Score: 8.6/10

Delivery: Up to 15 days

Trial Period: 120

Warranty:  20 years

Price: $$$

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ZenHaven

 Saatva logo

Material: Natural latex

Firmness: Flippable - med soft 5/10 or med firm 7-8/10

Customer Rating: 4.9/5

MA Score: 8.6/10

Delivery: Up to 15 days

Trial Period: 180

Warranty:  20 years

Price: $$$

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Avocado Green

 Avocado logo

Material: Natural latex and innerspring

Firmness: Medium firm 7/10

Customer Rating: 5/5

MA Score: 8.3/10

Delivery: 2 weeks

Trial Period: 1 year

Warranty: 25 years

Price: $$

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Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid

 Brooklyn Bedding logo

Material: Natural latex and innerspring

Firmness: Choose between soft, medium, firm

Customer Rating: 5/5

MA Score: 9.1/10

Delivery: 4-8 days

Trial Period: 120 nights

Warranty: 10 years

Price: $$$

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Cedar

 Brentwood Home logo

Material: Natural latex and innerspring

Firmness: Medium firm 6/10

Customer Rating: 4.5/5

MA Score: 7.9/10

Delivery: 1-2 weeks

Trial Period: 1 year

Warranty: 25 years

Price: $$

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MA Score: The Mattress Advisor Score is a weighted score that takes into account 14 different factors related to the mattress’ performance, function, convenience and the brand’s social responsibility.

Compare Features and Materials

Awara ZenHaven
 Inside layers of Awara mattress Inside layers of ZenHaven mattress

What’s inside:

  • Organic cotton and wool cover: Moisture wicking, cool, breathable
  • Talalay latex: A 3-inch layer of comfort latex for pressure relief
  • Quantum encased pocket coils: 8-inches of wrapped coils for press point relief and low motion transfer
  • High-density foam base: 1-in stabilizing base for better overall support

What’s inside:

  • Cotton cover: Organic quilted and surrounding the entire mattress
  • Wool layer: Organic wool is used as a natural flame retardant, for wicking moisture, and for cooling. One layer on each side
  • Latex core:Two 3-inch layers of soft and firm foam that each support the other depending on which side is slept on

Scored best in:

  • Motion transfer
  • Edge support
  • Durability
  • Spinal alignment

Scored best in:

  • Edge support
  • Motion transfer
  • Cooling
Avocado Green Bloom Hybrid
 Inside layers of Avocado Green mattress Inside layers of Bloom Hybrid mattress

What's inside:

  • Organic cotton cover: GOTS certified organic cotton, cool and breathable
  • Natural wool: GOTS certified organic wool top layer that wicks moisture, is cooling, and repels dust mites
  • Natural latex: GOLS certified organic latex for support and pressure relief
  • Zoned pocketed support coils: 8 inches of innersprings individually pocketed and zoned for maximum support

What’s inside:

  • Organic cotton and wool cover: Moisture wicking, cool, breathable
  • Talalay latex: A 3-inch layer of comfort latex for pressure relief
  • Quantum encased pocket coils: 8-inches of wrapped coils for press point relief and low motion transfer
  • High-density foam base: 1-in stabilizing base for better overall support

Scored best in:

  • Spinal alignment
  • Responsiveness
  • Durability
  • Cooling

Scored best in:

  • Cooling
  • Durability
  • Pressure relief
  • Edge support
Cedar
 Inside layers of Cedar mattress

What’s inside:

  • Organic cotton cover: Breathable and made without chemicals
  • New Zealand wool: Wicks moisture and keeps you cool all year round
  • Natural Dunlop latex: This layer is sculpted and zoned for better support
  • Pocketed coils: This layer of individually wrapped coils creates overall support, motion isolation, and edge support
  • Coconut Husk Support Layer: Organic coconut husks are used as a base for antimicrobial properties and increased air circulation

Scored best in:

  • Spinal alignment
  • Durability
  • Cooling

What is a Latex Mattress?

Latex mattresses are made from the sap or milk of the rubber tree which grows in tropical climates. The sap is collected by tapping a tree in a similar fashion to tapping a tree for maple syrup. The sap is then transported to a factory where it is whipped into a lather, poured into a mold, and baked. The final product is latex foam. It takes one day’s sap production, from 12 acres of trees, to produce one queen-sized mattress which accounts for the higher price point.

There are three types of latex foam used in mattresses: natural latex, blended latex, and synthetic latex. There are also two different types of latex based on manufacturing style: Dunlop, developed in the 1920s by John Dunlop, and Talalay, developed in the late 1940s by the Talalay brothers. They feel differently, with the Dunlop process netting a firmer foam and the Talalay process a softer one. They can be a 100% natural latex or blended with synthetic foam as the terms really refer to the manufacturing process and not strictly materials. These terms, like natural Talalay latex, are commonly used to describe the type of latex in mattresses.

Latex naturally has anti-allergy properties, and makes for some of the best hypoallergenic mattresses.

Shopping Considerations for Latex Mattresses

Below are things to consider when looking to purchase the best latex mattress for you.

Type of Mattress

With latex, there are generally two types of mattresses, latex or a hybrid of latex and innerspring. Both these types have additional materials like cotton covers, wool-wicking layers, or other natural materials. Some companies use latex in combination with memory foam and some mattresses have synthetic latex as part of their make-up. The two you will likely need to decide between are below.

Latex

This is a mattress that is primarily latex like the ZenHaven. It is essentially a mattress without a spring base that is constructed mostly of latex.  It may have more than one layer of latex with different features for added support.

Hybrid

The majority of the mattresses we profiled above are hybrids. This means that in addition to cotton covers or wool layers that have an innerspring base. This adds to the structure and support of the mattress and the feel is preferred by many people.

Performance Factors

At Mattress Advisor we tested over 30 different latex mattresses in our lab. Each mattress tested received a score between 1 and 10 based on a list of 14 different criteria. Specifically, we test how well a mattress performs with setup, pressure relief, spinal alignment, durability, motion transfer, temperature regulation, responsiveness, and edge support.

We also evaluate the company and how well their shipping, trial period, return policy, and warranty stack up against other companies in the industry. Further, we rate customer service and social impact.  All these terms and criteria are good to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress. 

Setup

Many latex mattresses are bed-in-a-box, meaning you order online, and they are shipped directly to you. They will be left at your doorstep and you will have to manage the setup. This can be an easy or difficult process, but if you are prepared it goes much smoother. We rate how easy it is to set up a mattress based on how easily it comes out of the box, how heavy it is, if you will need two people, how quickly it inflates to its full size, and overall how easy the process is.

Pressure relief

Pressure relief has to do with cushioning. If you sleep on cement, there is no cushion and it puts pressure on what it comes in contact with. Mattresses are intentionally made to cushion your body, contouring and taking the pressure off parts like shoulders and hips so you can relax and sleep better. Look for a mattress with good pressure relief.

Spine alignment

Why is spinal alignment important? The answer is that a curved spine affects nerves and limits blood flow while sleeping. This may cause numbness or tingling and can disrupt sleep. On the other hand, a straight spine keeps things flowing and working properly aiding in a good night’s sleep. Mattress companies design their products to support an aligned spine.

Durability

Mattresses have a lifespan and it can vary greatly. Latex as a material is longer lasting than most. If you are purchasing latex some kinds like Dunlop are constructed to last longer. We rate durability as part of the 14 factors we assess in our evaluation process.

Motion transfer

For many people, movement can interrupt sleep. If your spouse tosses and turns or the dog is jumping on and off the bed, it can wake you. Latex and memory foam are materials that better isolate motion to the point that you don’t feel what is going on in the bed, even right next to you. Less motion transfer leads to better sleep.

Temperature regulation

Latex beds can run warm if not constructed with breathability. Most latex mattresses now have added layers of other materials like wool to create heat transfer. Additionally, the latex is constructed to breathe and stay cool, so you don’t get hot at night, but some latex mattresses do this better than others, so check the rating.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness is a term used to describe the bounce or how quickly your mattress springs back from pressure. Some materials like latex and memory foam have far less bounce or responsiveness than a spring mattress. Low responsiveness can make it hard to move around in bed. Manufacturers have addressed this concern and latex is molded in a way that has improved responsiveness.

Edge support

Edge support refers to the perimeter of the mattress and how well it holds up when you sit on the edge or lay arms and legs across it. If it feels like you might slide off, the mattress has poor edge support. If it holds its shape it has good edge support.

Price

Latex mattresses, with their all natural and sustainably sourced materials, can be more expensive than other kinds of mattresses. However, they also can last twice as long. This is a consideration in the price of a latex mattress because for the same timeframe you might be purchasing two mattresses of a different material. That brings down the cost of use for latex substantially. Of the latex mattresses profiled in this review, with sale pricing, a queen size runs between $1,000-$2,000.

Read more about the best mattresses under $1,000.

Shipping and Delivery

All of our best mattress picks are shipped directly to you as a bed-in-a-box and you will be responsible for disposing of your old mattress and setting up your new one. Many companies have an option for white glove delivery where, for an extra charge, the mattress will be delivered and set up and the old one taken away.

FAQs about Latex Mattresses

  1. Where can I buy a latex mattress?

    Latex mattresses are available from retailers and online. Some of the online companies are opening retail outlets and you might want to consider trying one in person to get the exact feel. Bed-in-a-box versions, that are shipped directly to you, are an easy way to purchase a mattress. There is no driving, minimal time involved, and generous sleep trials so you can test out the mattress.

  2. What is the difference between latex and memory foam?

    Latex is a natural material that comes from a rubber tree. The milk is extracted and molded into a form that nets latex. Memory foam is a synthetic material made in a lab with chemicals.

  3. How long do latex mattresses last?

    Latex is a very long-lasting material and latex mattresses can last twice as long as other materials. The average mattress lasts between 6 and 10 years, but latex can last upwards of 20 years.

  4. How does the sleep trial work? 

    You have a specified number of days from the time your mattress arrives to sleep on it and get a feel for if it is right for you. Almost all mattress companies offer some kind of sleep trial and they can range from several months to an entire year. You must contact the company within the trial period to notify them if you plan to return the mattress. Experts advise a minimum of 30 days to get used to a new mattress, so wait at least a month before deciding, preferably longer. Many companies have free returns, but some charge a fee so check with the manufacturer or read the mattress review.

Summary of Our Top Picks for the Best Latex Mattress

About the Author Sheryl Grassie

Sheryl is a professional writer and researcher with a long-time interest in sleep and how sleep affects health and weight. She writes on topics related to nutrition, diet and lifestyle, and of course good sleep.