LATEX MATTRESSES

There are numerous factors worth considering before you purchase a latex mattress.

1. The right degree of firmness

Generally, latex mattresses are a little on the softer side and suitable for most sleeping positions.

But, if you're a little heavier or like to sleep on your stomach or back, then you may benefit from a firmer mattress.

You may even consider buying another type of mattress, such as a spring mattress.

Lighter-weight people and those who sleep on their side will enjoy a softer mattress.

A latex mattress may be perfect for them.

Many latex mattresses are also available in different degree of firmness to suit your personal preferences.

2. Do you or your partner have a latex allergy?

Latex mattresses are generally well-suited to people prone to allergies.

But, of course, this excludes latex allergies.

Unfortunately, latex allergies are quite common.

If that is the case, you should avoid latex mattresses at all costs.

3. Do you or your partner sweat a lot in your sleep?

Foam mattresses, including latex foam mattresses, generally provide for a warmer sleeping climate.

This, of course, is advantageous for people who easily feel cold at night.

But if you sweat easily, then the latex mattress may be too warm, especially during the summer months.

If this is a problem, then you should make sure that the latex foam in question has an open-pored cell structure.

This ensures better ventilation of the mattress.

That said, a spring mattress is recommended for really heavy sweaters.

We'd always recommend buying a latex mattress with a removable and machine-washable cover.

Most of the removable covers feature a zipper, so the cover is easy to take off and put back on again.

This makes washing your cover super easy, ensuring that your mattress is always neat and clean.

Of course, you should always add a mattress protector and sheet to protect your mattress from stains, spills, sweat, and more.

If a stain has gone through the cover and into the mattress, you can use a little natural liquid soap mixed in water and a white cotton cloth to wash out the stain.

Always make sure that the mattress dries properly.

Also, read our full guide on how to clean a foam mattress.

Consider the following when buying a slatted frame for your latex mattress.

Height-adjustable

Latex mattresses are very adaptable, so we'd recommend you opt for a height-adjustable slatted frame.

Adjustable head and foot sections not only offer increased flexibility and comfort, but they also improve blood circulation.

This makes breathing easier, especially for older people.

An electric slatted frame can be used without difficulty.

Of course, the latex mattress is not only suitable for adjustable slatted frames.

It can also be used on a rigid slatted frame.

Small strip distance

Stiftung Warentest recommends a maximum spacing of 5 cm between slats.

This allows the properties of high-quality, zoned mattresses to be better emphasised.

Of course, a mattress topper made of latex is very suitable for a latex mattress.

Latex mattress toppers increase lying comfort and provide for higher elasticity and bounce.

That said, you can also enjoy the comfort of any other high-quality mattress topper.

Latex mattresses are among the most durable mattresses on the market.

Nevertheless, it is very important to pay attention to the quality of this type of mattress as well.

Pay attention to the density

An important key figure to determine the lifespan of a mattress is its density.

This describes how much material has been foamed in a cubic metre.

A high density value not only proves that high-quality foam layers were used but also indicates the long lifespan of the respective latex mattress.

It is recommended that the density value is no less than 40 kg/m³.

Really good latex mattresses, however, also show considerably higher figures.

Latex mattresses are available in all possible mattress sizes.

You can easily choose different sizes when purchasing your latex mattress.

Standard sizes:

• 90 x 190 cm
• 135 x 190 cm
• 150 x 200 cm
• 180 x 200 cm
• 200 x 200 cm

Of course, there may also be many other custom sizes available, but this will depend on the manufacturer.

We recommend that couples do not choose anything smaller than 135 x 200 cm so that both partners have enough space to sleep.

Depending on the size of your bed and your room, however, it would be even better if you could order the latex mattress in a wider size.

If you don't think that a latex mattress is right for you, then consider these alternatives:

Memory foam mattress

Visco mattresses are characterised by their memory imprint. When pressure is applied, the foam becomes softer and allows the body to form an imprint.

Due to its extremely high adaptability and pressure relief, Visco foam is used for orthopaedic purposes.

Memory foam is very adaptable. It nestles up to the body and thus provides a unique lying sensation.

However, turning during sleep takes more effort and this mattress is less suitable for very restless sleepers.

Memory foam also tends to store body heat, providing for an overall warmer sleeping climate.

Innerspring mattress

The biggest difference between a latex mattress and a spring mattress is the sleeping climate.

Spring mattresses are much cooler than latex mattresses, making them better suited for heavy sweaters or people who don't like a warm sleeping climate.

The cooler sleeping climate is largely due to the gaps between springs, which provide natural ventilation channels.

Spring mattresses are generally firmer and offer more stability.

This makes them well-suited for heavier-weight sleepers and those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs or backs.

Make sure that the spring mattress you choose is of high quality. Inferior spring mattresses wear out quickly and allow for dents to form. This so-called hammock effect can create and worsen back pain.

High-quality innerspring mattress models are pocket spring mattresses or barrel pocket spring mattresses.

Cold foam mattress

Cold foam mattresses have similar properties to latex mattresses.

They are also very adaptable and often recommended for orthopaedic purposes.

Special comfort zones are regularly designated in order to improve ergonomic properties.

These are also better-suited for restless sleepers.

Both latex and cold foam mattresses offer a warmer sleeping climate and softer lying feel.

Gel foam mattress

Gel foam mattresses also have high point elasticity and offer very high comfort levels.

Gel foam mattresses have very good ventilation, which provides for an overall cooler sleeping climate.

The feeling of lying on a gel foam mattress is also slightly different – perhaps best described as more cuddly.

It's still easy to move on a gel foam mattress, though, and it is equally well-suited to restless sleepers.

Direct comparison of alternatives