Have you heard the buzz about how natural latex can help improve your ZZZs? There are plenty of advantages of this natural material, and mattress manufacturers are taking notice. Read on to learn more about the benefits of latex mattresses and how to choose one to help improve your comfort and sleep.

What is the latex in latex mattresses?

Natural latex is extracted from rubber trees (also known as the Hevea-Brasilienis tree), which are native to South America and now found throughout the world, including countries known for its harvest such as Sri Lanka. A latex liquid is extracted from the tree, in a process somewhat similar to how trees are tapped for maple syrup product. The liquid latex is then processed into a latex foam, which is used for many different products, including the product of mattresses and other sleep products. Today, latex products include natural latex that comes from these trees, as well as synthetic latex that is produced from petrochemicals to have similar qualities to natural latex. There are also products available that are a blend of natural and synthetic latex.

There are many benefits to natural latex in bedding and mattresses, whether it’s an entire mattress or pillow made from latex, or a layer or two that is added to a foam, innerspring or hybrid mattress for its comfort and performance advantages. At a glance: latex is eco-friendly, since each tree may be harvested for 20 years. It’s considered a healthier sleep surface, and it typically lasts longer than memory foam mattresses.

And definitely not least on the list, it’s comfortable! Compared with memory foam, natural latex offers a more contouring and responsive feel; while memory foam gives more to your body for a body-hugging support and comfort.

These reasons are just a few of the reasons why many of today’s top mattress manufacturers are incorporating natural latex foam in some of their top mattress lines. Advantages of natural latex in mattresses, pillows and bedding products, include:

• Naturally hypoallergenic and mold resistant for a healthier night’s sleep
• Enhanced comfort and maximum buoyancy that offers luxurious support
• Individualized support for different parts of your body
• High responsivity for personalized, body-conforming comfort
• Enhanced pressure relief helps with back pain
• Maintains its firmness longer, delivering long-lasting comfort and durability
• Breathability for optimal sleeping temperature

Eco-friendly bedding option

How do latex mattresses offer better support?

Latex offers a unique feel, unlike that of memory foam and innerspring mattresses. Top mattress manufacturers incorporate different latex products into their mattress lines to deliver the comfort that is inherent to this material. Latex responds to the shape of your body, making it ideal for those that sleep alone as well as those who sleep with a partner. By conforming to each sleeper’s unique shape, it relieves pressure around body parts such as hips and shoulders. However, it’s not just relief on these common pressure points of the body. The latex also gently supports lighter areas such as the neck and back, leading to immediate comfort that can help lull you to sleep, and it can also attribute to long-term back and body pain relief.

Latex Hybrid Foam Mattresses

While latex is one cozy ingredient in the recipe that can lead to better sleep, some of the greatest benefits are achieved when it is combined with other body-conforming, comforting and cooling layers. Here are some of our favorite hybrid latex mattresses on the market today.

The Beautyrest Black Hybrid Mattress line include models that feature Self-Response™ Latex. This responsive material provides unique support and pressure relief for your hips and shoulders amongst other benefits. The latex bounces back to the original shape a bit faster than memory foam, making it an especially ideal solution for side sleepers.

Aireloom features TerraPur™ Latex in their Night Stars product, and the Aireloom Luxetop Plush Mattress. This unique and luxurious model from the Preferred Collection is handmade with the patented Aireloom Lift™ cotton and graphite visco. The Luxetop Plush Mattress promotes stability and optimal airflow that wicks away moisture, keeping you cool and fresh for a restful night’s sleep.

King Koil PureBliss Mattresses feature Natural Talalay Latex. Some of the many benefits of this natural product include its uplifting effect and its fast response to your movements. When you move, the material immediately responds to your position. It is also hypoallergenic, doesn’t off-gas, and is considered a safe and eco-friendly sleep material.

The Serenity Bliss Pillow Top Mattress offers a unique combination of pressure relief, amazing support, and super breathability that can only be experienced within this latex hybrid foam mattress. It starts by featuring a pair of two-inch layers of performance latex with a high-density medium firm layer of support foam nestled in between. The mattress then adds an extra thick layer of extra firm support foam. This latex mattress provided a tighter more consistent cell structure for added durability. It is specifically manufactured to be more resistant to breakdown from sunlight and heat.

If your mattress has seen better days and, consequently, you’ve seen better nights, it may be time for an upgrade. If you are looking for a supportive sleep surface, long-lasting performance and eco-advantages, consider a mattress featuring layers of natural latex from one of these top mattress companies.