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The 9 Best Latex Mattresses Of 2024
The pro side to this coin, though, is that the material's responsiveness boosts mobility, which is helpful in two situations: switching sleeping positions and having sex in bed. AASECT-certified sex therapist Emily May previously told SELF she recommends latex mattresses for sex thanks to their buoyancy.
Who is a latex mattress good for?
According to Dr. Harris, "latex mattresses are a solid choice for people who need firm support and want a mattress that stays cool." She also thinks latex is a good pick for people in larger bodies because it's sag-resistant, and combo sleepers who change positions often. Lastly, the firmness inherent to latex makes it "ideal for back and stomach sleepers, because it keeps your spine aligned, which can help prevent back pain."
"Latex mattresses are very supportive and are highly recommended for patients with spine conditions," Dr. Brady adds. As SELF has previously reported, people who deal with back pain should look for a mattress that doesn't let them sink into the bed—a mattress that's too soft (or has too much "give") will lead to a buildup of pressure on parts of your body. Given their responsive feel, latex mattresses are definitely pressure-relieving, so they'll help you avoid waking up with a knotted, aching back.
Additionally, hot sleepers and those who find regular household allergens (dust, dander, and mold) irritating will appreciate latex mattresses as well. Not only do these mattresses tend to have perforated layers that allow for greater airflow through the night, but they're also usually protective against some common allergens. "[Latex is] naturally resistant to dust mites and mold," Dr. Harris says.
Who is a latex mattress not good for?
Of course, if you have a latex allergy, you'll definitely want to avoid these beds, Dr. Zhou says. He adds that they tend to be on the heavier side and come at a higher price point, so keep these factors in mind during your search. Dr. Harris also points out that if you really like a sinking feeling when you get into bed, latex likely isn't for you.
Provided that they meet your preferences, price range, won't be too heavy to set up, and won't cause an allergic reaction, Dr. Brady sums up latex beds as such: "In my opinion, the benefits of latex mattresses or latex hybrid mattresses far outweigh the disadvantages."
How we tested these mattresses
Our experienced testers, who have tried out dozens of beds, evaluate beds for key characteristics to make sure we only recommend the best of the best. You can see our full mattress testing methodology here, but for a preview, here are three qualities we focused on for latex mattresses, in particular:
AccordionItemContainerButtonMotion isolation measures how well a bed absorbs a person or pet's movements. Our testers evaluate this category by dropping a 10-pound steel ball from various heights onto the mattress and measuring the impact with a seismometer. They also perform a "water test" by placing a full glass on one side of the bed and jumping on the other to see if there's any spillage.
AccordionItemContainerButtonBouncy latex tends to have good responsiveness, meaning it pushes back against a person's body. Our testers measure responsiveness by pressing down on the mattress's top layer to see how long it takes to return to its proper shape. Testers also laid down and changed positions to see how easy it was to move around in bed. (The easier movement is, the higher the responsiveness score.)
AccordionItemContainerButtonOur testers lie atop a blanket-like pressure-mapping device rolled out on each mattress. They rotate through back, side, and stomach positions, and the device creates visualizations that show where pressure buildup might occur in the body.
FAQs
We know we just threw a lot of information at you. For the quick synopsis of some of the most important things to consider when buying a latex mattress, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What are the benefits of a latex mattress?
A key benefit of latex mattresses that Dr. Rasouli notes is the potential to alleviate pain. "Latex mattresses provide excellent support and distribute body weight evenly, helping to relieve pressure on the lower back," he says. "They also contour to the natural curvature of the spine, promoting proper alignment, which is crucial for reducing back pain."
Dr. Harris adds the material is allergen-friendly (unless you're allergic to latex itself, of course), durable, and breathable. Some shoppers may also appreciate that the mattresses on our list use only natural latex, and many have certifications that verify they were manufactured using sustainable, ethical practices. .
Which density of a latex mattress is best?
Medium-firm mattresses tend to be crowd pleasers, Dr. Harris says, because they provide "a good balance of comfort and support." But, personal preference also comes into play: "If you prefer something firmer, go with higher density. For those who want a softer feel, a lower density would be better," Dr. Harris adds.
Do latex mattresses sag over time?
Latex mattresses tend to have longer lifespans than other types of mattresses.
"Latex mattresses are one of the most durable types out there," Dr. Harris adds. "While any mattress will wear down eventually, latex holds up better than most and resists sagging for years, typically lasting a decade or more with good care."
How much do latex mattresses cost?
Latex mattresses tend to start at a higher price point than other types of beds. For a queen-sized bed, the most affordable option on this list is the Silk & Snow Organic for $1,000. Most of the other mattresses here stay within the $1,000 to $2,000 range, with the most expensive—the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss—scaling up to $3,149. Prices of mattresses do fluctuate, though, so there's always a chance you'll find one of these on sale.
Is latex better than memory foam?
"Latex and memory foam each have their strengths," Dr. Harris says. "Latex is cooler, bouncier, and more durable. Memory foam, on the other hand, offers that body-hugging feel and great pressure relief. It really comes down to whether you want a firmer, cooler mattress—latex—or one that contours more to your body—memory foam."
Dr. Rasouli echoes the differences between latex (more supportive and responsive) and memory foam (softer and more deeply contouring) and adds: "Latex helps keep the spine aligned and offers more mobility, which may be better for those who suffer from back pain, while memory foam can sometimes lead to too much sinkage." If your top priority is shutting off movements from a disruptive partner, that's when you may want to look into memory foam options.
Related:
Survivor Alum Liz Wilcox Reveals Update On Her Allergies
Liz Wilcox made it to fourth place on Survivor 46. Pic credit: Robert Voets/CBS Survivor fans will never forget Liz Wilcox's blowup over not getting invited to enjoy an Applebee's feast.
Liz challenged herself by applying for Survivor despite suffering from many allergies that would impact her game.
She noted those allergies throughout the season, which made it difficult for her to eat at camp or during some of the possible rewards.
Liz stated that her allergies included coconut, chicken, pasta, and other items that were mentioned during challenges or camp conversations.
Liz felt the allergies could work to her advantage, as she wouldn't miss not enjoying some of those rewards.
Subscribe to our Survivor newsletter!Get updates on the latest posts and more from Monsters and Critics straight to your inbox. By submitting your information you agree to our T&Cs and Privacy Policy.Starvation seemed to get to her several times, though. She blew up at a Reward Challenge when the winner and several people of his choice got to eat Applebee's.
Liz Wilcox updates Survivor fans on her allergies"On Survivor, I made a bold assumption that my allergies were likely caused from life stressors," Liz posted to her X account.
"Today, I finally went to the doc and they affirmed that YES. Allergies like mine are very often triggered by traumatic events. So there," her post continued.
Liz included a GIF of Lucille Ball sticking out her tongue during an episode of I Love Lucy. The GIF addressed the backlash she had received from some Survivor fans, who said that she had faked her allergies for attention.
On Survivor, I made a bold assumption that my allergies were likely caused from life stressors. Today, I finally went to the doc and they affirmed that YES. Allergies like mine are very often triggered by traumatic events. So there. Pic.Twitter.Com/9ZrHZNOerS
— Liz Wilcox (S46) (@TheLizWilcox88) September 24, 2024Liz added a response to her post on X, revealing what she had been prescribed.
"Literally was prescribed a new diet, supplements, and THERAPY. Lol," the Survivor alum wrote.
"I hope whatever happened in your life to cause your allergies, you can square away," a fan responded.
"Thank you friend. I do too!" Liz told the fan.
A Survivor alum speaks about her allergies. Pic credit: @TheLizWilcox88/X More from the world of Survivor The Survivor 47 cast has been revealed and is featured in new episodes each Wednesday night. It's a new season filmed in Fiji and Jeff Probst is hosting.
Jeff revealed he was "shocked" by the first elimination on Survivor 47. He expected it to go one way after the tribes left the Immunity Challenge, but the Tribal Council surprised him.
Meanwhile, Jeff is hard at work on Survivor 50. He is working with a list of past players to construct the perfect season. He hasn't revealed the theme or which players he is looking at, and that's a treat for another day.
Below is video footage from the fateful Applebee's Reward Challenge on Survivor 46. It begins with Liz sharing her excitement after Jeff announces what is at stake, but led to her getting emotional when she doesn't win the reward.
All seasons of Survivor are streaming on Paramount+, including the season in which Liz Wilcox played (Survivor 46).
Survivor 47 airs Wednesday at 8/7c on CBS.
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