The Best Latex Mattress to Buy in 2022

Research conducted by sleep experts at SFGATE has revealed that the Avocado Green Mattress is the best latex mattress of 2022. The hybrid latex mattress is regarded for its environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, and its high-quality feel and comfort. Avocado is a notable carbon-negative business, making it a go-to brand for eco-conscious consumers.

The Avocado Green model is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, contains latex that is Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified, wool that is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified as well as STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified, in addition to cotton that is GOTS certified.

These tests stringently examine the materials and components of the latex mattresses to ensure it is truly organic and authentic. The materials have to be free of harmful chemicals to attain these certificates. They cannot be treated with banned substances, pesticides, or dyes during the manufacturing process. Therefore, the certificates verify that the mattress contains materials of the highest quality and is sourced from ethically and sustainably sound practices.

The Avocado Green mattress’s first layer is three inches of Dunlop latex. Dunlop latex mattresses need less processing than Talalay latex mattresses and are 100% FSC® certified — which is also Rainforest Alliance certified. The latex itself is sourced from farmer societies and facilities in India and Guatemala, supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable forestry practices. Resulting in latex made from ≥95% certified organic latex, the highest standard it can be.

Atop the latex foam is a generous layer of wool sourced sustainably from a herding collective based at the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. This wool is not only of high quality but the treatment of the sheep meets animal welfare standards. The 100% GOTS certified organic premium wool wicks away moisture, keeping your mattress breathable and fresh and adding a natural fire barrier. The top panel of the mattress surface consists of 100% organic GOTS certified cotton that is sourced from sustainable and responsible farmers in India. The cotton layers are needle-tufted by hand with 100% organic cotton yarn rosettes, ensuring the layers are secured in place without the addition of chemical or water-based adhesives.

The mattress’s support core consists of up to 1414 pocketed coils of tempered steel made in the USA. The individually wrapped coils independently retract for minimal motion transfer across the mattress and are arranged in five strategic zones to provide optimal support. The firm edge support will benefit those who need back pain and pressure-point relief, making this the best latex mattress on the market.

The Avocado Green is available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, and California king sizes. Each mattress has a sleep trial of 365 nights and a warranty of 25 years, ensuring you have a bed that’s perfect for the long term. Prices for this USA-manufactured mattress range from $1099-$2799, with financing available for as low as 0% APR.

What are The Different Types of Latex Mattresses?

Two main manufacturing processes are used to make natural latex mattresses; the Dunlop and Talalay method. Both methods involve tapping the bark of a rubber tree to extract and collect its sap. Once the rubber tree sap has been collected, it is whipped into foam and prepared for either the Dunlop or Talalay latex.

The Dunlop method is a simpler and quicker process than the Talalay, resulting in a slightly cheaper mattress. Dunlop latex mattresses are produced by pouring the foam into a mold and baking it in massive sheets, allowing the foam to harden. Natural sediments in the mixture tend to settle at the bottom of the mold, resulting in Dunlop latex layers being slightly denser on the bottom. Once the foam has hardened, the latex is washed to remove debris and dirt, which can help prolong the life of the mattress without affecting the elasticity, and is then left to try.

Talalay latex mattresses require much more time and energy, making them more expensive than their Dunlop counterpart. First, the foam is poured into the mold, but it’s only filled halfway instead of with Dunlop latex, which fills it to the top. The half-filled mold is sealed and vacuumed of air, expanding the air matrix bubbles inflating until the latex foam fills the mold. The mold is then placed in a freezer where carbon dioxide is infused into the rubber, creating a gel-like texture that allows the foam to hold its shape. Finally, as with Dunlop latex, the gel-like foam is hardened with heat, removed from the mold, and washed. The result is a foam mattress that is bouncier and softer than the Dunlop.

Many latex beds now utilize both methods, creating a mattress with both Dunlop and Talalay latex layers. Dunlop latex layers are used as a support core in many latex mattresses, whereas Talalay latex layers are used for the top comfort layers. This is how varying densities of latex mattresses are achieved, providing a healthy balance between firmness, responsiveness, and comfort.

What are The Benefits of A Latex Mattress?

Just like a memory foam mattress, the best latex mattresses come in varying firmness. You often imagine a bouncy texture associated with latex; natural latex foam maintains this bounciness, quickly responding to pressure and pressure release. As a result, stomach sleepers and those who frequently switch sleeping positions may find this a perfect choice.

Whereas a memory foam mattress will slowly conform to your body shape and slowly returns to its original shape, a latex foam mattress has an initial soft sinking feeling, which is immediately followed by a bouncy yet supportive sensation. This is due to latex’s natural bounciness and springiness.

Latex mattresses are known for their flexibility, providing equal amounts of firmness and responsiveness to your body. This results in a mattress that gently contours your body, creating a pain-relieving experience.

Unlike memory foam mattresses which sink with the weight of the sleeper, latex foam — with its gentle cushioning and buoyant support — softly cradles the heavier areas such as your hips and shoulders, providing much-needed pressure relief near joints and your lower back.

Due to the latex foam’s elasticity, your mattress will hug the curves of your body and follow your natural weight distribution. This will support your neck and back while allowing you to maintain the natural alignment of your spine and promote blood circulation. This ensures that your back has enough pushback from the mattress to prevent your spine from being misaligned without sacrificing comfort.

Latex is a natural product made from the sap of rubber trees. The milky-white liquid is then processed into a comfortable foam, which is why the best latex mattresses have buoyancy and springiness; it is due to the natural properties of latex.

Due to latex’s all-natural and organic nature, you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals in your mattress. An all-natural latex mattress contains natural flame retardants such as wool and silica and so does not require the addition of harmful substances.

Also, the harvesting process to extract the sap doesn’t cause harm to rubber trees. When the trees are tapped correctly, a groove as small as a quarter of an inch can cause the sap to flow with ease without having to cut down or damage the tree. This means that rubber trees are often part of forest conservation. By engaging in the tapping process, you preserve the tree for future rubber production. With rubber trees producing sap for up to 30 years, it is a highly sustainable method to produce mattress foam. No other type of mattress is as environmentally responsible as a latex foam mattress.

Latex is temperature neutral — it doesn’t absorb heat like traditional innerspring mattresses. Talalay latex mattresses will keep your mattresses cool and dry, ensuring you never get too hot in your sleep. This is because of natural latex’s breathability; its open-cell structure stimulates constant airflow and air circulation. Furthermore, during latex processing, pinholes are added, which further increases airflow. This keeps the mattress cool and is also hygienic as smells and sweat won’t stick to the material and linger. Organic Talalay latex mattresses also don’t add heat-trapping chemicals, adding to why natural Talalay latex mattresses are often described as having cooling qualities.

Microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria can quickly accumulate on a mattress if it’s not maintained correctly. This can cause dust mites, mold, and mildew, resulting in allergies and an unhealthy sleeping environment. However, this is not an issue with latex foam mattresses since they are inherently antibacterial and antifungal. Therefore, you can sleep safe and sound knowing your bed is clean and allergen-free.

Natural latex mattresses are best-known for their durability. Due to the flexible nature of the natural rubber in latex mattresses, the shape is known to bounce back after every night, maintaining its form for many years. High-quality latex mattresses have a lifespan of up to 30 years which is significantly longer than a memory foam mattress.

Who would Benefit from Latex Mattresses?

Due to latex foam mattresses’ firm but responsive properties, they are perfect for those with injuries, arthritis, or other painful ailments, providing extreme comfort whilst maintaining spinal alignment and without putting pressure on sensitive joints and body parts.

Whereas memory foam mattresses allow you to sink deep into the mattress, it takes a long time to reshape — especially for heavier individuals. This can make you feel trapped and exert effort to reposition yourself, which can be a strain on pain-inducing body parts. But since latex mattresses cradle your body shape lightly and bounce back immediately, you can avoid that entirely. This is especially important for people who are back and stomach sleepers.

The natural antimicrobial properties of latex make it resistant to fungi and bacteria such as dust mites and mold, creating an allergen-free environment for those who suffer from allergies.

Latex mattresses are known for their breathability. They will keep your body cool and well-ventilated. Therefore, latex foam mattresses will be the perfect solution for hot sleepers and those who sweat a lot.

Thanks to the organic materials found in latex mattresses and the sustainable and eco-friendly nature of the sap extraction process, latex mattresses are the most environmentally friendly mattress you can purchase. This is why it is the go-to choice for many ecologically conscious people; you can sleep well knowing the mattress you’re laying on has been sustainably sourced.

How Long do Latex Mattresses Last?

Even the best memory foam mattress will only last between 8-12 years, an innerspring mattress even less. In comparison, the best latex mattresses are renowned for their durability and can last up to a staggering 25 years without losing their shape — up to twice as long as other mattress types.

In case you are skeptical, the Avocado Green Mattress has a trial period of 365 nights and a limited 25-year warranty, allowing you to rest easy knowing you are sleeping on the best organic latex mattress.