The science of sleep: what’s a latex mattress?

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Forget memory foam, a natural latex mattress is the last word in responsive comfort and support. See how they compare with our short guide to all things latex mattresses.

What is a latex mattress?

Harvested from the sap of rubber trees, natural latex is a remarkable material that is flexible, breathable and hypoallergenic. In order to extract the latex, rubber trees are hand scored with small wooden bowls strategically placed to collect the liquid sap as it runs down the trunk. This is a long-winded process with each tree producing on average just 27ml sap per day.

Once the liquid latex has been collected it is whipped using an industrial mixer and injected into a vacuum-sealed aluminium pin-core mould. This is then flash cooled to -30 degrees Celsius before being reheated to +115 degrees Celsius to ensure the latex is solidified.

Why should I buy a latex mattress?

Compared to a regular mattress, a natural latex mattress offers superior softness and support when sleeping. This is particularly the case for those who suffer joint or back pain. By adjusting to the contours of your body, the natural latex mattress reduces the stress on those otherwise neglected pressure point areas.

Latex mattresses are also ideal for those suffering from allergies. The latex mattresses hypoallergenic properties mean it is resistant to dust mites, mildew and mould. Another benefit of a latex mattress is its longevity and durability, especially compared with a regular mattress. It’s fair to say that when you purchase a latex mattress, you’re making an investment in your sleep that’ll last for a long time.

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Which latex mattress should I choose?

Pocket sprung mattresses with latex ensure you get all the comfort of pocket sprung mattress as well as all the responsiveness and comfort of a latex mattress.

For those looking for the ultimate night sleep, a natural talalay latex mattress, such as our Reflex Layered mattress, is the way to go. Talalay latex offers much-needed support for the body whilst at the same time allowing freedom of movement. This is particularly handy if you toss and turn a lot when sleeping or sleep on your side.

Does a latex mattress get hot?

The natural ventilation properties of latex mean that unlike other types of contemporary mattress, a natural latex mattress will maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year not to mention the night. We recommend that you pair your mattress with a mattress cover made from natural fibres that allows breathability.

What’s the difference between latex and other mattresses?

Unlike regular mattresses, a latex mattress is constructed using foam made from the natural sap of the rubber tree. As a result, latex mattresses offer an environmentally friendly alternative and a comfy one at that.

Latex versus Memory Foam
The hypoallergenic nature of latex mattresses makes them ideal for people who suffer from allergies and are often more sustainably made. In contrast, memory foam should be considered by anyone looking for a much more tailored mattress or for those with an allergy to latex.

Latex versus Pocket Sprung
Compared to a pocket sprung mattress, a latex mattress offers superior support for sleepers. This is particularly the case for those who suffer joint or back pain. Latex is also naturally hypoallergenic. We combine naturally harvested latex with both foam and pocket spring mattresses.

Latex versus Organic
Organic wool mattresses are excellent at keeping you cool in hot rooms, whilst organic wool offers a softer and more luxurious sleeping experience. However, when it comes to mitigating allergies and health conditions, a latex mattress is the best way forward. Made from natural latex, the lack of fibres means that less allegies are able to collect.