While there are different types of mattresses, latex mattresses are among the most popular classic types.
Most people prefer a latex mattress not only in terms of comfort but also in terms of the price. Compared with memory foam or waterbeds, latex mattresses are typically cheaper.
Let’s take a look at the top benefits of latex mattresses and the importance of getting one made of real latex… not filled with other materials.
Types of latex mattresses
Before you decide to buy latex mattresses, you need to understand first that not all of them are the same.
The best one is the all-natural latex. It is made exclusively from rubber trees. This tree yields a milky white fluid that becomes rubber when some substances are added.
All-natural latex mattresses are more expensive, but are also more durable.
Synthetic latex mattresses, on the other hand, are made from chemicals. Hybrid types are also available. This is where natural and synthetic materials are blended together. This one is more common since it is of good quality, but not that expensive to produce.
You have to be careful though since some brands which label their products as all-natural latex mattresses are not really made from pure latex. They can have 30% of synthetic materials. It is important for you to ask first before making a decision. You don’t want to spend money on mattresses that are not worth the price.
A few down sides to Latex
Before we look at the benefits you can get from latex mattresses, let us take a closer look first at the down sides. First of all, these beds are too firm. Some people prefer this type for support. It feels like your back is being massaged. Most people don’t like it though. It can cause backaches when you wake up the next day. To address this issue, you need to check the Impression Load Deflection (ILD) information first. If the ILD is higher, it means that the foam is firmer.
Compression is also another issue some people raise with latex mattresses. This is when there are imprints left on the mattress especially after a long time of use. This is less frequent when all natural latex mattresses are used though. This also happens more often if two or more people are sharing the bed each time.
10% of latex mattress users have also complained about heat. This is a common complaint in any mattress type, but 10% is not really that high. Closed-cell foams usually cause heat when you sleep on mattresses. Again, all-natural latex mattresses don’t necessarily have this type of problem.
Advantages of Latex
Though there are a few setbacks in using latex mattresses, the truth is that there are more advantages.
To begin with, a lot of people swear by the comfort it provides.
Many latex mattress owners say that they have experienced pain reduction and prevention when they started using it. They seem to have relief, especially on the pressure points. Since latex is considered a resilient material, it adds pressure on the hip and shoulder areas, which is a good thing.
Another advantage is that these mattresses are designed to last for a long time. On an average, they can last for 10-12 years. This is higher than other types by 2-7 years. You have to be careful though since latex is also a biodegradable material, so you can see some changes over time.
If you have issues with bad smell, then this will be solved with the use of latex mattresses. They don’t produce weird smells especially if you have just bought them. If there is anything, it is just faint and will be gone in no time. Synthetic latex mattresses tend to have 10% more smell, but this is still a non-issue.
The best part in using this mattress is that you won’t be disturbed when you sleep. It has a motion isolation property. It means that even if you sleep next to someone and that person moves a lot when sleeping, it won’t bother you anymore.
This is perfect especially for light sleepers. When simple movements wake you up, then it becomes annoying. With the help of latex mattresses, you will feel more comfortable sleeping. It is graded with at least 10% higher score than other mattress types in terms of motion isolation.
Given all these latex mattress benefits, it might be high time to give it a try.
Sources:
http://www.mattress-inquirer.com/latex-mattresses-advantages-vs-disadvantages/
http://www.europeanbedding.sg/what-are-the-benefits-of-latex-mattress-a-47.html
http://thenaturalsleepstore.com/blog/post/benefits-natural-latex-mattress.html