There is no better way to start the day than waking up after a full night of sleep. But for many people, sleeping soundly seems impossible as a result of poor mattress quality. It has happened to all of us at one time or another, but waking up stiff and unrested day after day is often an indication that it’s time to replace an old mattress with a new one.
Today there are many mattress types from which to choose. But for lots of environmentally conscious people with an appreciation for comfort, latex mattresses are the clear choice. Unlike traditional mattresses, which contain steel coils, latex mattresses have a core constructed from highly elastic latex rubber. This latex core gives these mattresses a buoyant feel without the sometimes uncomfortable pressure from individual springs.
Why Choose a Latex Mattress?
Comfort is definitely a selling point of latex mattresses. The latex mattress offers a particularly comfortable sleep because it does not easily become too hot or too cool, but remains relatively neutral in temperature. Additionally, latex offers a unique mix of softness and firmness, and it is not susceptible to the common ruts and indentations that many mattresses form over time. This means that a quality latex mattress can last for decades.
Besides being a material conducive to comfort, latex offers several other advantages over traditional bedding materials. Latex naturally resists bacteria, mold, and mildew, which makes it more sanitary than a traditional mattress. In addition, it is highly resistant to dust mites. These factors make the latex mattress an ideal choice for those suffering from allergies or asthma.
Latex mattresses often make good sense environmentally too. Natural latex rubber is derived from the sap of the rubber tree, so it is a completely green product. This is good news for those concerned about the production of materials that are difficult to recycle or that may be harmful to the environment.
Latex Mattress Buying Tips
Latex mattresses offer many benefits over traditional mattresses, but they tend to cost more too. Fortunately, their longevity makes this upfront investment well worth it. Of course, certain considerations should be made when purchasing any new latex mattress.
If purchasing a green product is important, then be sure to ask about the latex used in any potential bed. Although natural latex rubber is a renewable, environmentally friendly material, synthetic latex may not carry the same benefits– and latex beds can be either synthetic or natural.
Latex mattresses are known for their “coolness,” or tendency to not heat up. If this is an important quality in your mattress, then be sure to consider the upholstery layer. Depending on what it’s made of or its thickness, the upholstery layer could make an otherwise comfortable latex mattress seem hot. Additionally, a cheap upholstery layer could form indentations over time, which would negate another sought after feature of latex foam.
Be sure to compare the feel of different latex mattresses. There are different methods of pouring and curing latex, and each method yields a different feeling mattress. It won’t take long to find the right feeling mattress, but don’t rush your decision. Remember, a quality latex mattress could last a lifetime!