How to Choose a Good Latex Mattress - Buyer's Guide

If you are thinking of purchasing a latex mattress, you have made a good choice already. Latex offers a truly wonderful combination of support and comfort which owners love. Benefits go beyond comfort; the natural mould resistance, excellent airflow and natural origin of the latex mattress are highly regarded by many. Indeed, as testament to its relaxing properties, many with back pain find that a latex mattress is by far the best in offering relief. But beware: not all latex mattresses are created equal. With the huge array of options available, the market can seem bewildering. Rest assured this latex mattress buying guide will help show you what is (and what is not) important in purchasing a good latex mattress.

Organic vs natural vs natural/synthetic blended

Firstly, there is the origin of the latex: natural or synthetic. An all-natural latex mattress is where the latex comes solely from the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis. This is the most desirable option if you are a strong advocate of using raw material derived solely from nature. All-natural latex mattress tends to be slightly more expensive.  An all-natural latex mattress may also be organic. In terms of performance the organic is equivalent to natural latex. Its appeal lies in the organically sourced nature of the product, which is attractive if you are an eco-conscious customer. An organic latex mattress is usually somewhat more expensive than a regular (non-organic) all-natural latex mattress. Synthetic latex, on the other hand is made by polymerizing a monomer. A monomer is a molecule that binds chemically to other molecules to form a polymer which is then processed to produce latex that looks and behaves similarly to natural. Note that mattresses are either all-natural, or a natural/synthetic blend of latex. In practice, there are no all-synthetic latex mattresses. A natural/synthetic blend of latex mattress isn’t necessary inferior compared to a all-natural latex mattress. Most leading latex mattress manufacturers still continue to develop and manufacture natural/synthetic blend of latex mattresses. By mixing synthetic latex with natural latex, they are able to manipulate and achieve the ‘perfect mattress’ that is superior in both comfort and support, consistently. Some of these manufacturers even keep this ‘combination’ a trade secret from their competitors as they do not want their formula to be copied. As a consumer, if you decide to purchase a natural/synthetic blend of latex mattress, or even for a all-natural latex mattress, just make sure that the bedding store is able to show you the various certifications the mattress has obtained. These certifications are important as they indicate that the latex mattress has undergone rigorous testing of international standard, such as Oeko-Tex, Eurolatex, LGA and Morton Thiokol - to certify that the latex core excels in durability and elasticity, does not contain any harmful substances and poses no risks to the sleeper and the environment.

Processing method: Dunlop versus Talalay

Latex (whether natural or blended) can be processed in one of two different ways to create the latex blocks for mattresses. One of these is called the Dunlop method, the other is the Talalay method.  It's not important for us to know all the chemistry behind these methods. However, it is important to know that these methods result in slightly different mattress properties. The Dunlop method results in a firmer-feeling mattress and forms a single block the size of the mattress. Very often, a softer-feeling can also be achieved by adding a topper of a lower density on top of the main mattress core. In contrast, the Talalay method results in a softer-feeling mattress and is a little more expensive to produce.  This is not a case of one method being superior and one inferior, but instead, a situation where each person will have their own preference based on what feels comfortable when testing out these mattresses.

100% latex vs latex with other materials

Thirdly, there is the distinction between all-latex mattresses versus latex which is overlaid (or under laid) with another material, most typically polyurethane (PU) foam, memory foam, innersprings or a combination of all three. Generally speaking, all-latex mattresses tend to be considered much more desirable than latex combined with another material. This is mainly because PU foam can off-gas (i.e. emit a chemical odour), which is rather unpleasant. Moreover, all-latex mattresses are more lasting and do not lose their support or shape easily compared to any other mattress materials. While these different types of latex mattresses may seem bewildering to you, simply remember that all-natural or a natural/synthetic blended 100% latex mattresses are usually considered most desirable. Such mattresses may be made by one of two processing methods (Dunlop and Talalay), neither of which is 'better' or 'worse' but instead which simply result in a different overall feel and different level of firmness to the mattress.

Firmness level

You'll need to try out different levels of firmness to decide which one is right for you. Like other mattresses, latex offers various levels of firmness. These range from a soft one which gives you a soft 'sinking' feeling to a very firm mattress.  Do take note that you shouldn’t be confused or overly concerned between firmness and hardness. Firmness is usually measured by mass per unit volume (kg/m3) and hardness is measured either by using kPa (kilo-pascal) or ILD (indentation load deflection). You can find out more about the difference between density and hardness of latex mattress in this website. You can only determine the right firmness level that suits you best by laying and testing it out. 

What are the pinholes about?

You have probably noticed from online photos that latex mattresses are punctuated with a series of pinholes. These holes serve two purposes. The first is to provide excellent airflow for proper hygiene. This keeps the mattress cool and allows moisture to escape easily, an important issue in warm humid climates like Singapore. The second function of the pinholes is to fine-tune the firmness. While the firmness is largely determined by the composition of latex in the mattress, the pinholes play a role too. The size and number of pins affect the level of comfort and firmness you experience. In fact, some latex mattresses have the pinholes arranged differently in different parts of the mattress, allowing you to experience different zones of softness and firmness for ultimate body support. Other latex mattresses have a uniform arrangement of pins. This all comes down to what you're seeking and what you feel is most comfortable for you when testing out mattresses. A mattress isn't something you buy every day - in fact the chance to do it comes only about once every 10 years. So, treat yourself to whatever offers you the most relaxation and pressure relief. For some, this could be a latex mattress with a variable arrangement of pins, while for others, it could be a latex mattress with a uniform arrangement of pins. Rest assured that you will not have to count the pinholes to determine whether you have a good quality latex mattress. You can determine that by lying on it: a good quality latex mattress with sufficient pinholes will feel comfortable to you.

Do I need a multi-layer latex mattress?

You may have noticed that some latex mattresses are one layer (one block) while others are made of two or more layers. The multi-layer mattress will be enclosed in a sturdy removable cover. At first glance, a single layer and multi-layer latex mattress will look alike. If you are curious though, you can easily examine the layers in a multi-layer mattress when you unzip the cover.  A multi-layer latex mattress offers some added benefits over single layer mattresses. The first of these is personalized comfort. Different levels of softness and firmness can be stacked to create the perfect sleeping experience for you. In stacking layers, the softest layer is usually placed on top for comfort and the firmer layer at the bottom to provide a good support base. However, you can have the layers the way you want; stacking offers you plenty of different combinations to try. The key here is to find the arrangement which makes your body most comfortable. The other benefit of a multi-layer mattress is the ability to later change out a layer if you desire. For example, a lifestyle change may occur and you might decide you want to change out one of the layers for a different level of firmness. This is much easier and more convenient for you than replacing the entire mattress.  However, the question of whether you need a multi-layer latex mattress is a personal decision which only you can make. In general, all other things being equal, a multi-layer mattress is considered more desirable than a single block. For example, a 15-cm layer plus a 5-cm layer tend to be considered better than one 20-cm layer. This is because of the reasons of customisability given above. Yet ultimately there is no right or wrong here, but rather this is something you will need to test out by lying on different mattresses.

Look for certifications

The best quality latex mattresses have certifications. Certifications are indicators that the mattress has passed certain stringent tests or adheres to specific international standards. Certifications may also be given for being manufactured in a particular way.  The certifying bodies are extremely stringent about their standards and these certifications are not awarded easily. So, if a particular brand and model of latex mattress has been awarded certifications, this is a good sign that you're looking at a high-quality product. 

Do I need a warranty?

Yes, a warranty is a must! Don't be tempted to buy a mattress without a warranty: it will be of poor quality. Only buy a mattress which the manufacturer or seller is willing to stand behind with a warranty. No matter how good a deal seems, there's a catch in it for you if there's no warranty. A high-quality latex mattress will always come with a warranty period of at least 10 years. 

The bottom line when shopping

As you can see, there are factors that matter when shopping for a latex mattress and some other criteria that are optional.  The must-haves:

• All-natural latex or natural/synthetic blended 100% latex mattress (not combined with other materials)
• Sufficient pinholes that allow the mattress to ventilate well
• Certifications awarded by recognised international bodies
• Warranty of at least 10 years

Features up to individual preference:

• Organic vs all-natural latex versus natural/synthetic blended
• Desired level of firmness
• Latex processed by Dunlop vs Talalay method
• Multi-layer vs single-layer mattress

Now that you have identified the must-have features versus those which come down to your personal preference, mattress shopping will be easier and more pleasurable for you. Remember that the aim of shopping for a latex mattress is to ensure your utmost comfort. So, enjoy the process of seeking out your perfect mattress!  

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How to Choose a Mattress: The Ultimate Buying Guide

A mattress should be your slumber safe-haven at the end of a long day and provide you with ultimate comfort through the night. But to have a good night’s sleep, you need to have the right mattress.

If you’re in the market for a new mattress and are wondering how to pick the perfect mattress for you, Casper is here to help.

In this ultimate mattress buying guide, we’ll teach you how to choose a mattress for your unique sleeping needs. From budget to mattress necessities, we cover the most important factors to consider when mattress shopping.

Twin XL

38-inches by 80 inches. Wondering what the difference is between a twin xl vs. twin? 5 inches longer than the twin, a Twin XL mattress is best for young children and teens sprouting faster than Jack’s beanstalk.

Best size for: Adults with limited space to work with or teenagers on the taller side

Full

53-inches by 75-inches. A full mattress is suitable for singles or couples looking for compact comfort. Although, those taller than six feet should stay away unless they don’t mind your toes hanging off the bed.

Best size for: Single sleepers, couples who like to snuggle, or for a guest room

Queen

60-inches by 80-inches. A queen bed is one of the best bed sizes for couples who like to cuddle or even people with a few furry friends. This standard mattress size is perfect for a master or guest bedroom. Queen mattresses are typically similarly priced to full mattresses, so it’s a great investment if you have the extra space.

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Best size for: Couples or adults that want some extra room

King

76-inches by 80-inches. For maximized space and comfort fit for a king, these mattresses are great for couples wanting a little extra space. Or parents with a few nightmare-ridden children that crawl into their bed. The drawback? A king mattress can make small spaces feel cramped.

Best size for: Couples who like space or have pets or children that sleep with them

California King

72-inches by 84-inches. When comparing a king vs. California king, a California king-size mattress is best for taller couples, looking for a coastline of space. Although, stray away from any cross-country moves, as moving a mattress of this size can be difficult. A California king mattress is typically the more expensive option, however, our Cal King and regular King are the same price.

Best size for: Couples that want plenty of space for themselves, children or animals

Less than 6 inches

Low Profile Mattresses

Realistically, mattress buyers should not buy a mattress that’s less than 6-inches thick—they have very few design capabilities to provide adequate support and pressure relief. Side-sleepers will usually sink about 5 inches into the mattress, which means a 6-inch mattress would bottom out. Low profile mattresses may work for younger children who may not sink into the mattress much or for short term use in guest rooms. However, low profile mattresses are not ideal for long-term comfort.

Back-sleepers, rejoice! Lying flat on your back is the best way to maintain the natural curvature of your spine and evenly distribute your weight across your body as you sleep. There is also more flexibility in your spine and reduced risk for injury. Although, it helps to find a mattress that gives you a little extra support under your lower back to relieve lower back pain.

Stomach sleepers are prone to spinal misalignment and early-morning soreness. When facing down on a soft mattress with poor support, your body can get stuck in an uncomfortable backbend which may cause muscle fatigue. If possible, find a firmer mattress to keep your spine and head aligned better as a stomach sleeper. This will better work with your body’s natural flexibility and help to avoid morning aches.

Foam mattresses are typically made with a combination of different foam types. They are different types of foam mattresses based on whatever foam type is most dominant in its layers. Some foams are bouncier than others while others, like memory foam can absorb large amounts of pressure and motion transfer. Some firm mattresses are made of foam to help with your posture, specifically with spine alignment.

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