Mattresses containing natural and organic materials are gaining popularity and latex mattresses are no different. Latex, apart from being a natural and sustainable material, comes with a bunch of benefits, such as being more breathable than for example memory foam. It is also free from harmful chemicals, making it a healthier option for children or infants.
There are however various types of latex and ways to use it. Some mattresses are hybrids, meaning that they also feature springs for extra support, while others are foam only. We have listed our top latex mattress options available in the UK right now and we will go through the different benefits of latex below in the conclusion.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)
| MATTRESS | DEPTH | FIRMNESS | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealy Posturepedic Nostromo Latex 1400 Pocket Pillow Top Mattress | 30 cm | Medium | NA Nights 5 Years | £479.95 |
| Naturalex Extrafresh Latex Mattress | 30 cm | Extra-firm | 30 Nights 10 Years | £132.59 |
| Silentnight Pocket Latex 1400 Mattress | 31 cm | Medium-firm | NA Nights 5 Years | £679 |
| Sealy Casoli Latex 1200 Pocket Sprung Mattress | 28 cm | Medium | NA Nights 5 Years | £729 |
| Dormeo Options Latex Hybrid Mattress | 23 cm | Medium-firm | NA Nights 1 Year | £499.99 |
| Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign Latex Mattress | 21 cm | Medium | NA Nights 8 Years | £949 |
1. Sealy Posturepedic Nostromo Latex Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Handcrafted in the UK • No flipping mattress • Soft and breathable cover | • Couples • Sleepers in need of pressure-relief • People needing support for better spinal alignment |
The Sealy Posturepedic Nostromo latex mattress is a good option for those who want a pocket sprung mattress with that protective latex layer on top. This mattress is a pillow top mattress and has been well-received by those who have purchased it thus far, even netting it a Which? Best Buy Award.
This latex mattress has a depth of 11.8” in total, with just under one inch of that being the latex layer. In the pocket spring section, you will find 1400 individual pocket springs protecting the mattress against sagging. The top layer of Innergetic Latex has been created to add to the comfort of the mattress overall, and can also help to relieve some of the pressure your body might have when lying down.
The latex mattresses from Sealy are designed to offer Posturepedic benefits to help with correcting spinal posture and working towards a better night’s sleep overall. The mattress also has a Tencel cover that helps to promote the mattress’s anti-microbial properties while helping to regulate the temperature of the sleeper.
2. Naturalex Extrafresh Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • OekoTex certified materials • 10-year warranty • Reduced motion transfer | • Sleepers who enjoy an extra firm sleeping surface • People prone to allergies • Most sleeping positions |
This latex mattress has a somewhat luxurious touch to it but comes with a kinder price tag. If you prefer an extra firm mattress to help you get a good night's rest, you should definitely consider this one. It features multi-zone support which means it is designed to give extra support to the areas of your body that need it. No matter your sleeping position you should still find that you receive enough support that you wake up feeling rested.
The latex in this mattress can be found at the core of the product. The latex is surrounded by high-density memory foam that helps to keep pressure off the joints and distributes the sleeper's weight evenly across the mattress. The combination of latex and memory foam is also hypoallergic and OekoTex certified which could make it a good option for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
The Naturalex Extrafresh comes with a 30-day trial for you to work out whether or not this is the mattress for you. On top of this, you will get a 10-year warranty from Naturalex so you know that your mattress is well-protected for many years to come. It has already been highly rated by those who have already invested in it and could be a good option for someone who wants to get a mixed mattress at a more affordable price.
3. Silentnight Pocket Latex 2000 Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Hygenic and anti-allergenic • 37 cm deep • Supportive, yet comfortable mattress | • Sleepers who enjoy a medium-soft feel • Side-sleepers • People looking to buy from a sustainable brand |
The comfort layer of this mattress is made using natural latex properties and is designed to provide tailored support from head to toe while being resilient to wear and tear. It uses Silentnight’s Mirapocket system to deliver a stable surface to sleep on, with 2,000 pocket springs packed into the mattress.
It has also been treated with Purotex, which is a 100% natural probiotic helping to combat allergens and dust mites. This is meant to give you a more hygienic and fresher sleeping experience. The mattress has a medium-soft feel which often is appreciated by side-sleepers.
The Silentnight Pocket Latex mattress has been well-reviewed as many of their other mattresses. It stands at 37cm high and comes with the brand's standard 5-year guarantee. All Silentnight mattresses are fully tested to ensure they reach British manufacturing standards and they are part of the Furniture Industry Sustainability Program which could be of interest for anyone who wants a more eco-friendly or sustainable choice.
4. Sealy Casoli 1200 Pocket Sprung Latex Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Made in the UK • One-sided no-flipping mattress • Anti-bacterial and eco-friendly | • Medium and light-weight sleepers • Back and side-sleepers • Couples |
Available from Mattressman, the Sealy Casoli Latex mattress is a good option for those who want a supportive night’s sleep. This latex mattress features 1200 pocket springs working to support the body in every position during a restful night’s sleep. The mattress stands at 11”, or 28cm, high with a 1.6” layer of Innergetic Latex. This is an anti-bacterial and eco-friendly option that creates a good foundation for a sleeper to rest on. The Casoli mattress also uses Purotex and Tencel to create a great mix of anti-allergenic technologies.
The Unicase system helps to support the latex and the contours of the sleeping body without compromising on the structure of the mattress. Those who sleep with partners might also find that this mattress allows them to sleep better without being disturbed by a partner who tosses at night. These features did no doubt help to contribute to its award of Which? Best Buy award.
The mattress is manufactured in Cumbria in the UK and comes with a 5-year guarantee that helps to protect against any workmanship or material faults. For anyone who dreads the task of turning their mattress, this is not needed for the Casoli mattress. This latex mattress only needs rotating every now and then for the best care.
5. Dormeo Options Latex Hybrid Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Comes delivered rolled and vacuum-packed • Breathable mesh on the sides • Hybrid design combining springs and latex foam | • Sleepers prone to allergies • Hot sleepers • Most sleeping positions |
Those who want a firm hybrid mattress should consider the Options Latex Hybrid mattress from Dormeo. These latex mattresses are created from a layer of latex and then up to 728 pocket springs. Creating individual pocket springs in this way means that there is all the support of a traditional spring mattress but with less transfer of movement. The mattress also has a non-slip base to help avoid the mattress moving around, even if the sleeper might move throughout the night.
The latex layer measures just under an inch in height and provides a great surface to rest on, thanks to its hypoallergic properties. In addition to the anti-microbial properties of the latex, the air of the mattress is constantly circulating and moving in and out thanks to the mesh on its sides. This helps to provide a higher level of breathability.
You can buy this mattress from Dormeo in a wide range of sizes. It is a bed in a box, meaning it will arrive rolled and vacuum-packed. Not only does this help to keep the hygiene of the mattress intact – something important when buying a hypoallergenic item – but it is also more eco-friendly overall. The brand offers a 1-year warranty for purchase, in addition to free delivery.
6. Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign Latex Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Open-cell latex structure • Cushioned comfort zones • Non-flipping mattress | • People who toss and turn at night • Sleepers prone to allergies • People looking for improved spinal-alignment |
John Lewis & Partners is a reputable brand that is very discerning in the products they offer. While their mattresses might be priced slightly higher than others, they tend to offer high-quality products. The Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign latex mattress is one such investment that might prove worthwhile to you.
This is a full latex mattress that will not need to be turned like a traditional mattress, though it can benefit from being rotated regularly. It is designed to adapt to your body as you sleep, making it a product that could suit different types of sleepers or those who often toss and turn.
The Dunlopillo uses Actipro™ technology to provide protection against allergies. However, it does need to be well-ventilated to provide the best protection, therefore John Lewis recommends that this mattress is used with a well-ventilated divan base or bed frame. If you're searching for latex mattresses of high quality that you know are going to last you for quite some time, you should consider checking out the Dunlopillo.
The Benefits Of Latex Mattresses
Many people are choosing to opt for a latex mattress over other types of mattresses. Though memory foam and pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses are great options, latex mattresses have a few benefits that should not be ignored. For one, latex mattresses are said to be incredibly supportive. This is a must for any mattress, as it will help you rest better as you sleep. Latex mattresses are also known to be more breathable than other foam solutions.
The data from a study✓ on the effects of mattress material on body pressure profiles indicate that latex mattresses are able to reduce the peak body pressure on various body parts and achieve a higher proportion of low-pressure regions compared with the polyurethane mattress.
Additionally, another study✓ showed that where 16 healthy volunteers tested both a latex and spring mattress and both led to a significant improvement in several actigraphic sleep parameters. It seems that a latex mattress a good choice for many people, so why doesn't everyone opt for a latex mattress?
Latex Mattresses Can Be Pricey
This can often be due to the fact that they can be a bit pricier than some of the other types of mattress you can find on the market. Latex is expensive to produce, and so it can be rare to find a product that is completely latex. Also, if you have a large bed, like a super king, you need to get a solution that fits your budget as well as your bed. However, you can often find cheaper mattresses that have a latex topper as part of them and these can be a more affordable option.
Shoppers On A Budget
Though fully latex mattresses are a premium product and can be quite pricey, there are plenty of mixed ones that could offer a great alternative to someone who needs a more affordable option. Any of the above-mentioned options would be a good choice for someone searching for a latex mattress. Focus on the properties you need and compare the options against your budget and you should be able to find a great latex mattress to enjoy for a long time.
Latex Mattresses Can Be Heavy
Mattresses containing a high percentage of latex can be quite heavy. Latex is a dense material which means that latex mattresses can be more difficult to move compared to other mattresses. This is worth keeping in mind if you tend to move your bed around more than average.
Latex Allergy
Latex allergy can also be a reason for people not opting for a latex mattress. Although studies✓ have shown that no allergens or proteins could be extracted from synthetic latex foam mattresses, the rubber in natural latex mattresses does contain allergens. These could lead to potential sensitisation and thus be a risk to allergic individuals. This is why it is important to know the difference between the various types of latex.
Different Types of Latex
Not all latex mattresses are created equal. These are the most common types of latex found in mattresses and how they are produced:
- Natural latex
- Synthetic latex
- Blended latex
Natural Latex
Natural latex is made from the harvesting of sap that is tapped from the rubber tree, officially known as Hevea Brasiliensis. It is then "whipped", or infused with air in order to create air bubbles so that it rises in size. After that, it goes through the process of vulcanisation✓ where it is baked in a mould into the desired shape.
Did you know?
You will only find 95-97% natural latex as you cannot use more than 5% of other agents in the curing package in order to use the term "natural latex".
You will often find that there are two types of natural latex:
- Dunlop latex is known to be heavier and firmer, especially on one side (usually the bottom). It is a denser solution overall and tends to be less pricy as compared to Talalay.
- A Talalay latex mattress has a more consistent tension all over and can be a bit more comfortable. The solution is more homogenous, which makes it feel more bouncy and light.
Talalay latex is generally more expensive as the Talalay latex production is more complex with the latex being vacuum-sealed and frozen as added parts of the process.
Synthetic Latex
Synthetic latex is made from a mix of chemicals that is designed to mimic the properties of natural latex. The most common type to be found in the industry is generally made from SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber).
When doing a bit of research, it's common to read that this solution is less bouncy, less durable and duller when compared to natural latex. In addition, there are reports that it will have a more dominant odour too. The benefit it does have is that it is cheaper.
Blended Latex
This will be a mix of both natural and synthetic latex. While this is often marketed as being the best of both worlds, it is safe to assume that they are just cutting costs. The ratio will often be in the favour of synthetic latex, so make sure to keep that in mind.
Is A Latex Mattress Right For Me?
We all have our different needs and routines when it comes to our sleep. As popular as latex mattresses are, it comes down to personal preference when deciding if they are right for you. In order to make your decision a little bit easier we have listed some of the most typicall features of mattresses that contain, or mostly consist of, latex:
- Latex mattresses tend to give you a slightly hugging feel but not as much as memory foam mattresses.
- They quickly spring back to their original shape, instead of the slow rebound often found in memory foam.
- If you are a hot sleeper that tend to overheat at night a latex mattress could be a great option. They tend to retain less heat than foam mattresses and provide higher breathability. A hybrid mattress containing latex might be a great choice if you are looking for a cooler mattress option.
- They are good at providing motion isolation which can make them a great mattress for couples.
- Apart from not transferring movements it is also a very silent material compared to for example springs.
- Latex mattresses are known to provide a sturdy support that promotes better spinal alignment as well as better weight distribution which can give the sleeper better pressure-relief.
- If you care about sustainability and caring for the environment, a latex mattress could be of interest to you.
How Sustainable Is A Latex Mattress?
When it comes to sustainable and eco-friendly mattresses, latex mattresses are often one of the better materials to look for. As previously mentioned, the mattresses are made from the sap of the Hevea Brasiliensis tree which are common in for example India and Sri Lanka.
It takes a lot of sap to create one mattress which means that lots of trees are being planted. These trees are very good at absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide and some brands actually offsets a large part of their carbon emissions from producing and transporting their mattresses by planting more trees. If you are a fan of sustainable living, make sure to check that your mattress is made with natural latex and have a look at what the brand you are interested in is doing in order to reduce and even offset their emissions.
Caring For A Latex Mattress
As with all other mattresses you will want to treat it with care in order for it to last you for many years to come. Latex mattresses are not necessarily very high-maintenance but there are a few things you can do to keep it fresh and in good shape:
- Flip your mattress regularly unless it is a one-sided mattress that does not need flipping. This should be clearly stated by the brand. If you are unsure you can always contact their customer service and they should be able to tell you if your mattress needs any specific treatment.
- Even if it doesn't need flipping you should turn it head to toe every now and then in order for it to maintain its shape.
- You should be able to gently vacuum the cover with an appropriate attachment.
- Air it out regularly but keep it away from direct sunlight.
If you accidentally have stained your mattress you may want to use a mattress cleaner. Have a look at our best tips on how to clean your mattress. Maybe you can find the answer to your problems there.
Do Your Research
Too many of us are used to have our night's rest disrupted in some way, without even considering that their mattress might need an upgrade. If you need to get a new mattress and have read through this list thinking that a latex mattress could be something for you - consider investing in a latex mattress as it could improve the quality of your night’s rest.
There are so many different latex mattresses out there, with lots of variation in terms of memory foam or pocket springs as well as price ranges. Make sure to do your research and read maybe try a few out in a store if you have the chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a latex mattress?
A latex mattress is a mattress made of (or predominantly made of) natural or synthetic latex. They can vary in features, firmness and price.
Which is better foam or latex mattress?
It depends on what you look for in a mattress. Foam mattresses tend to have a more hugging feel and retain more heat while latex mattresses are more cooling and bouncier. If you are a hot sleeper you might want to consider a latex mattress over a foam mattress.
Latex mattress smell how to get rid?
If your new mattress smells a bit strange when you receive it you can leave it uncovered to air it out for a few days and the smell should disappear. The smell is more common in synthetic latex mattresses that can sometimes contain VOCs that, when coming in contact with oxygen can give off a strange smell. This is known as off-gassing.
