A mattress is a major purchase and represents a decision you’ll have to live with for the next seven years or more, so it’s important to understand the facts before making a commitment. We’ve broken down the available options and provided some pros and cons to help you determine if a latex mattress if right for you.
Advantages
More than a third of people who regularly sleep on latex beds report reduction or prevention of overall pain, especially lower back pain. Latex provides excellent support to reduce pressure points on the body, offering a better night’s sleep than with traditional mattresses.
Latex is an eco-friendly material, and is especially “green” if you choose a natural latex mattress. Latex has no smell and can be 100 per cent organic depending on the model you purchase. It is also hypoallergenic and resists mould and mildew.
Potential issues
All latex mattresses tend to be very firm, so if you prefer a softer bed this may not be the right choice for you. Impression load deflection (ILD) rates a mattress’ firmness, with a higher ILD number meaning a firmer surface.
Around 10 per cent of latex bed owners report that the mattress foam creates an imprint based on where they normally sleep. This doesn’t limit the bed’s support or comfort, but can limit a sleeper’s natural movement. This same problem is reported by 25 per cent of people with a spring mattress and 15 per cent of those with foam mattresses.
Finally, a problem reported by owners of both latex and memory foam mattresses is a build-up of heat. Closed-cell foam mattresses can feel stifling if you have a high body temperature or tend to sweat a lot at night, though this problem is less prevalent with a natural latex mattress than with foam or hybrid mattresses.
Latex mattress vs. spring mattress
While latex is more expensive, it provides firm support and can reduce back pain. It also offers mould resistance that a spring mattress doesn’t. Finally, a latex mattress may wear out slower and retain its comfort for a few additional years, compensating for a higher up front cost with extra durability.
If you want to test out the comfort of latex without replacing your current mattress, consider a latex mattress topper. These can be as little as $100 and can help reduce pressure points if you are having back pain.
Latex pillows can also help you sleep better. They are good for allergy sufferers because they don’t promote a build-up of mites and allergens. They are a little more expensive up front, with an average price of $65. But they will keep their shape and provide comfortable, pain free rest for five years on average. Whether you purchase a new latex mattress or a latex mattress topper, you’ll want to protect your investment with a latex mattress cover.
Get details on our signature latex mattresses
So if you’re in the market for a new mattress, you should seriously look into the option of a Latex mattress. The advantages are many, and your body and the environment will be happy you made the choice.
Visit Sleep Boutique – Your 100% Canadian Calgary mattress store for more advice or to find the mattress or pillow that’s best for you. (403) 287-1960 www.sleepboutique.ca Your Sleep Built Right.