Latex Mattresses Buying Guide
Latex mattresses are the new must have mattress with all of today's green trends. A latex mattress is a pretty simple concept : one solid piece of latex with or without a softer layer of latex on top. No fillers, no fancy foams required. So what makes a latex foam mattress so great?
A natural latex mattress is the most green mattress one can sleep on. 100% natural latex mattress beds are created from the latex of trees and formed into a foam with minimal chemicals, heated and then thoroughly washed to remove traces of chemicals, leaving you with just a latex foam mattress. Additionally, natural latex foam mattresses are biodegradable, unlike their coil and polyurethane foam counterparts. These mattresses will disintegrate over a relatively short period of time once they have completed their life span as mattresses.
The two key factors in determining the quality of a latex mattress are the materials used and the process in which the foam was made. Latex is either synthetic (man made), all natural latex foam, or most commonly, a blend of natural and synthetic latex foams. While synthetic latex tends last longer and be more consistent, natural latex is of course, natural, which is very desirable for some. Blends are typically going to be cheaper, while an all natural latex mattress will be more expensive because the materials are costlier and more expertise is needed to make it.
The two processes by which latex foam mattresses may be created are Talalay and Dunlop. A dunlop natural latex mattress is the older, standard process by which the latex is whipped to a foam, poured to the top of the mold, then baked and cooled. This process is most common, especially with organic latex mattress styles, but produces a less consistent foam that may have hard spots and the like. A talalay latex mattress is considered the best latex mattress for its evenness, consistency, and the ability to fine tune the firmness of the foam. Talalay latex mattresses foam is created by whipping the latex into foam, and only partially filling the mold. Then, the air is vacuumed out of the mold, causing the foam to puff and rise, producing a consistent latex mattress.
Make sure the latex mattress interior includes only latex. For optimum comfort and benefit, the entire mattress should be composed of latex, no cheap poly foam fillers, sidebars, or support rails. This ensures longevity and the best performance of the latex. Natural latex mattresses are best with breathable cotton or bamboo latex mattress covers. Almost any all latex mattress will do just fine as an adjustable bed latex mattress, or on a platform bed or other solid surface.
There are quite a few latex mattress dealers online, some offering better products than others. Armed with basic knowledge of all natural latex mattresses, research the different latex mattress manufacturers and retailers available to you to find the best product for your money. Make sure sales people are knowledgeable and can explain their mattresses to you. Browse through latex mattress reviews and customer ratings to determine the best latex mattresses for you. Also, keep an eye out for latex mattress sale prices, but do be cautious of really cheap latex mattress websites, as some may be too good to be true.