Best Latex Mattress Review UK (2022)

Latex mattresses can be made from natural latex, synthetic (man-made) latex, or a combination of the two. 😮

Many latex mattresses also consist of several layers of foam, combining a latex layer with an additional layer of memory foam, reflex foam, or pocket springs.

Natural latex mattresses

Natural latex is tapped from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) and has been used in the bed industry for over a hundred years.

A few facts about natural latex mattresses:

• Made from 100% naturally sourced tree sap.
• Sustainably harvested in a way that preserves vegetation.
• Completely Biodegradable.
• Naturally breathable material.
• Expensive (if you find a cheap alternative, it's highly likely it contains synthetic latex.)
• Still have to be manufactured in factories, which aren't typically good for the environment.

You can see how natural Dunlop latex is manufactured below. 👇

We’ll go into more detail about the differences between Dunlop and Talalay latex a bit later...

For more info on the best organic latex mattresses, take a look at our review on the best all natural latex mattresses.

Synthetic latex mattresses

Synthetic latex is a man-made material produced to recreate the same feeling as natural latex at a much lower cost. 💰

A few facts about synthetic latex mattresses:

• Man-made material designed to feel like real latex.
• Cheaper than natural latex.
• Can be more durable than natural latex.
• Doesn't adapt to the body as well as natural latex.
• Manufactured from plastic - not very eco-friendly.
• Not as breathable as natural latex.

If you're considering a latex mattress for its natural, breathable, and eco-friendly benefits, then a synthetic latex probably isn't a good choice.

Blended latex mattresses

Blended latex mattresses combine natural and synthetic latex for a “best of both worlds” approach. 🤩

A few facts about blended latex mattresses:

• Combines natural and synthetic latex into one mattress.
• More affordable than a pure latex mattress.
• Many "blended" latex mattresses only contain a tiny percentage of natural latex.
• Mattresses are often advertised as 100% natural latex even though it is blended with synthetic latex or other filler foam.

If you are considering a blended latex mattress, we highly recommend checking the exact specifications with the manufacturer.

Latex hybrid mattresses

Latex hybrid mattresses are usually made up of a main layer of pocket springs or support foam with a latex pillow top or latex layer. 🧅

A few factors about latex hybrid mattresses:

• A great budget-friendly alternative to 100% pure latex.
• Contains latex layers with springs, memory foam, or other fillings.
• Latex pocket sprung mattresses provide additional support for heavier-weight sleepers.
• Composition of the layers provides fantastic pressure relief for side sleepers.
• Highly breathable as the pocket springs encourage better ventilation.
• Some "hybrid" latex mattresses only contain a very thin layer of latex.

The best latex hybrid mattress will include over 1000 pocket springs and a thick latex pillow top or layer.

A latex topped mattress moulds around the body and relieves pressure from the joints.

Hybrid mattresses come in many other forms including latex memory foam mattresses.

If you've never slept on a latex foam mattress, you might be wondering exactly how it feels. 🤔

It's hard to imagine sleeping on a product made purely from tree sap...

So, what can you expect from a latex mattress? 👇

1. Just a little contouring

Latex moulds around the body but in a slightly different way from memory foam.

Whilst memory foam "hugs" around the body, the contouring effect of latex is much less intense.

This means latex is a great option for those who are looking for pressure relief without feeling hugged in by a mattress.

2. More bounce-back

Latex is highly responsive to movement. ⛵

Latex mattresses react quickly to pressure and will spring back to their original shape almost instantly.

This gives it a slightly more elasticated spring-like feel, which makes moving around on the mattress much easier.

3. High-foam density

Whilst moving around on a mattress is easy, moving the mattress itself can be more difficult than a regular mattress.

The high-foam density in latex can make them fairly heavy to move around.

The flexible foam also means the mattress can feel quite "floppy" which makes manoeuvring it fairly awkward. 😓

Now you’re probably wondering…

Are latex mattresses better than memory foam? 🤔

Both latex and memory foam mattresses offer a variety of benefits.

Whilst latex is a great breathable natural choice, the adaptability of polyurethane memory foam material is also worth considering.

Deciding which is right for you depends on your own priorities for buying a mattress.

Memory foam is a popular choice and there are lots of fantastic memory foam mattresses available.

Check out our favourite memory foam mattresses:

Depending on its composition, a latex mattress could be ideal for your sleeping position.

Different sleeping positions require different firmness levels, but what feels firm to some may feel softer to others. 🤷

It’s important to use the following information as a guide and remembering your needs and preferences may be slightly different.

So what kind of latex mattress is best for your sleep position? 🧐

What is the best latex mattress for side sleepers?

Most people sleep on their side, so the latex mattress market has created plenty of products to accommodate this position.

Side sleepers need a bit more give in their mattress. ☁️

The perfect side sleeper mattress is one that contours around your pressure points whilst having enough support to align your spine.

We love the Silentnight Pocket Latex 2000 Mattress for side sleepers. 😍

This award-winning mattress combines 2000 pocket springs with a deep latex layer for a supported but comfortable sleep.

The soft-medium feel makes this an ideal firmness for side sleepers who need some extra give in their mattress.

The supportive individual pocket springs will offer low motion transfer support across your entire body.

Meanwhile, the pressure-relieving deep latex top layer will cushion the shoulders, knees, and hips in the side sleeping position.

BUY POCKET LATEX 2000£ 714.97

What is the best latex mattress for back sleepers?

For back sleepers, we suggest a mattress that has a medium-firm feel.

We recommend a mattress that supports the natural alignment of your spine.

This means the mattress will be firm enough to keep your spine straight (not creating that hammock effect) but soft enough to offer pressure-relieving comfort for those heavier regions. ⚖️

We highly recommend Sealy Posturepedic Nostromo Mattress for back sleepers. 🤩

This medium-feel mattress has a Posturepedic spring system to help keep the spine straight and supported during the night.

The latex pillowtop will help to relieve pressure from the shoulders and hips without sinking too much and creating a hammock effect.

BUY SEALY NOSTROMO£ 520

What is the best latex mattress for stomach sleepers?

For stomach sleepers, a mattress with a firm feel is ideal. 🧱

Stomach sleeping puts added pressure on your spine and a softer mattress can bend it unnaturally during the night.

Firm latex mattresses encourage optimal spinal alignment and will help to relieve some of that added pressure.

It’s even more important for stomach sleepers to keep their spine and neck naturally aligned on a firm latex mattress.

For optimal stomach sleeping, you could also try sleeping without a pillow, or popping your pillow under your hips instead.

Best mattress for restless sleepers

If you move around a lot during sleep, you might want to consider a mattress suitable for every position. 🤔

For restless sleepers, it’s important to choose a mattress with low motion transfer.

This means when you move around on your mattress, it stays completely still for a night of undisturbed sleep.

Low motion transfer mattresses are also great for couples. 💑

You shouldn’t feel your partner climbing into bed or getting up to use the toilet during the night.

Likewise, if your partner is a restless sleeper, your sleep should remain uninterrupted.

We love the Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign Mattress for those who change positions.

Made with pure natural latex, this mattress offers fantastic low motion transfer.

Even more, when you move around during the night, the mattress will adapt to your body, no matter what position you sleep.

BUY ROYAL SOVEREIGN£ 1,659

The video below shows the highly adaptable technology in a Dunlopillo mattress. 👇

Our review on the best mattresses for couples can tell you more about low motion transfer mattresses.

Latex mattresses are made with an open-cell structure which provides much better airflow than memory foam. 🌬️

On top of that, latex mattresses are designed with breathable pinholes throughout the mattress which creates much better circulation.

That being said, a latex mattress isn’t necessarily going to provide you with a cool sleep. 😦

A latex mattress is still made up of a foam block which doesn’t offer the best ventilation possible.

If you’re a naturally hot sleeper, the coolest latex option would be a hybrid latex mattress with pocket springs. ❄️

The gaps between the springs will allow excess heat to draw out underneath the mattress.

How can I have a cooler sleep with a latex mattress?

For hot sleepers, we also recommend placing your mattress on a slatted frame rather than a divan. 💭

Retained heat will draw out through the gaps of the slats for even better breathability.

Likewise, natural-fibre fitted sheets and mattress protectors will provide an overall cooler sleep when paired with a latex or memory foam mattress. 😎

The Panda 100% Bamboo Bedding Set is one of our top picks for latex or memory foam mattresses.

These natural bamboo covers are highly breathable and help to wick away moisture during the night.

15% OFF PANDA BEDDING£ 93.50

Just like traditional mattresses, latex beds come in a range of sizes and depths.

The standard UK latex mattress sizes are below:

• Latex mattress small single: 75 x 190 cm (2’6” x 6’3")
• Single latex mattress: 90 x 190 cm (3’ x 6’3”)
• Latex mattress small double: 120 x 190 cm (4’ x 6’3")
• Latex mattress double: 135 x 190 cm (4’6” x 6’3”)
• King size latex mattress: 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
• Latex mattress super-king size: 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)
• Latex mattress emperor: 200 x 200 cm (6’6” x 6’6”)

Some latex mattresses even come in custom or EU sizes, which are slightly larger.

For example, a latex double mattress in EU size measures 140 x 200 cm (4'5" x 6'5").

Depths of latex mattresses range from about 20-30cm depending on the type of latex mattress.

Hybrid latex mattresses are generally much deeper than pure latex mattresses.

It’s important you measure your bed before buying a mattress and checking the depth.📏

If you are buying a mattress for a bunk bed or a bed with a foot end, this is especially important to ensure the mattress isn’t too deep. 💡

As there are so many different types of latex mattresses available, it’s not as straightforward as assigning a latex mattress to a specific type of person.

But here is a general overview of suitability:

Depending on which latex mattress you choose will determine the delivery process of your new mattress. 🚚

Some latex mattresses come rolled up in a box, such as the Bruno mattress, which is made of latex and memory foam layers.

Many latex foam mattresses also come with white glove delivery, where 2 able-bodied men will deliver your mattress to your room of choice.

Some companies may just deliver your new mattress to your door.

Latex mattresses can be heavy to move, so it’s important to ensure you understand the delivery process before placing an order.

You can find this on the manufacturer or retailer’s website.🔍

Latex beds can be a great choice for a variety of reasons. 💭

A latex mattress is a great option for allergy sufferers, warm sleepers, and most sleeping positions. 😍

It’s also a fantastic choice for the environmentally conscious and those looking for a more natural sleep on a mattress that lasts. ⏳

BUY KNOWLTON 2000£ 539

Alternatives to latex mattresses

However, if you’re not sure a latex mattress is right for you, then why not consider some of our favourite memory foam mattress alternatives instead?