Natural latex mattresses are affordable and well worth the investment in better sleep. You can never underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation is one of the top health problems today. Lack of enough sleep can make you fat, and ruin your effectiveness and creativity. If you wake up tired because you tossed and turned all night on an old or lumpy mattress, you should try something better.

Natural latex is a renewable resource from rubber trees. The latex rubber itself is not springy enough for comfort, but during manufacturing of natural latex foam mattresses, the resulting latex foam becomes very soft and comfortable. It conforms to your body shape while providing natural spinal support because it can accommodate body curves easily. This supports the body in any position, and relieves problems created by typical mattresses called pressure point disturbance.

Pressure points occur when body curves meet with a flat surface that does not allow for impressions for those curves. Most mattresses contain stiff innerspring support which maintains a flat surface. Very few people are flat, and the heaviest parts of the body are around the hip area. If this area is forced to be unnaturally supported, the spine will be out of proper alignment and there will be pressure points where curves meet the flat surface. When there are pressure points, the body restlessly tries to move around to get more comfortable to allow blood circulation to flow unhampered by those pressure points. That is what causes the tossing and turning which interferes with your sleep.

Natural latex mattresses use an open air cell foam core, which allows free air distribution and helps prevent mold, mildew, odors and bacteria growth. Air cells also work to manage body heat so you do not get too hot. There are several processes to manufacture natural latex foam. These natural products are more expensive, but balanced against the benefits of better sleep, latex mattresses are affordable and should not be overlooked.

A regular mattress lifetime averages from 5 to 20 years, with most about 7 years. They need to be rotated and turned, whereas natural latex mattresses do not require adjustments. If your mattress is uncomfortable, if you are not sleeping well, if you wake up tired and unrefreshed, consider looking at the new natural latex mattresses. It will be a change you can and should afford for better health.

Using a latex mattress topper for better sleep is a great idea. Most are covered in all natural 100% cotton zip off covers that are washable. The latex foam allows good air circulation because when the natural latex is manufactured into latex foam it has an open cell construction that is breathable. This helps prevent mildew, mold, and allows body heat to be conducted away from the body so you do not become overheated in bed. These mattress toppers are better than traditional toppers because of their resilience. They do not crush down but recover their fullness and original shape immediately. While you are resting or sleeping, the latex foam gently supports your spine, keeping it in natural alignment by accommodating the body weight and curves as needed.

Your latex mattress topper can help offset some of the problems that regular mattresses have because they help reduce motion disturbance. The normal innerspring construction of regular mattresses involves a grid system that goes across the entire mattress. When someone sits on the edge or gets in or out of the bed, there is motion that will disturb another sleeper. The latex foam absorbs motion and greatly reduces motion disturbance. Latex foam is also antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for good health and alertness. If you are having trouble sleeping on your current mattress, using a latex mattress topper for better sleep may be just the right answer. You can enjoy the benefits of sleeping on latex while you extend the life of your current mattress. It is a good alternative to buying a new mattress when you do not need one yet. Check out some of the available latex mattress toppers. They come in all sizes, even up to California King. There are different thicknesses, from about 2″to 7″ in height for magnificent comfort on any mattress.

You may have seen television commercials and demonstrations that show one person jumping or rolling around on a mattress with a filled wine glass on the mattress a few feet away. The glass is steady and does not move when the person moves around or creates motion. Your sleep on a latex foam mattress will not be disturbed if your partner has to get up or back onto the mattress during your sleep time. This means you will have a better sleep experience than you would on a typical innerspring mattress. When someone lies or sits upon an innerspring mattress, the entire mattress moves in response to the weight of that person. Every time they roll over on an innerspring mattress, as they will due to pressure point disturbances, your sleep will be disturbed.

Latex foam mattresses are made in a few different ways, and there is synthetic latex foam in addition to natural latex foam that is used to create these mattresses. Both offer virtually the same results, but some people prefer the natural product for environmental reasons. While raw natural latex rubber is not very springy, after manufacturing into foam, the open cell construction of latex foam allows quick shape recovery, and air distribution. These mattresses are resistant to bacteria, dust mites, and they are also hypoallergenic, resistant to germs, odors, and mold or mildew.

Latex foam mattresses have been used in hospitals for burn victims because they are motion free and without pressure point problems that might be painful to some patients with delicate conditions. If you have had any problems sleeping on a regular mattress, it is definitely time to get yourself a new latex foam mattress and enjoy a good night’s sleep on a motion free surface.

The body experiences pressure points while lying atop regular mattresses with their over-all innerspring construction. With a spring across the entire bed, there is motion whenever anyone on that bed moves or gets in or out of bed. This can easily disturb and awaken the sleeping partner. This motion problem can disturb even one person while they are sleeping, and the body continues to be restless while it tries to get away from the pressure points.

Latex mattress foam is an open cell, breathable product that cushions and supports the body while accommodating body curves. Weight at the hip area is usually the heaviest part of the body, and regular mattresses just cannot allow the curvy shape to sink into the mattress. This results in a misalignment of the spine, and restless sleep. Latex foam conforms to the body’s natural shape while being firm enough to maintain proper spinal alignment. This reduces pressure point problems and supports the body shape more naturally.

The queen latex mattress is available in many thicknesses, up to 11 inches or more. You will sleep higher and more comfortably on latex foam mattresses. There should be no lasting body impressions because with open cell foam construction air circulates freely and the mattress returns to its original shape. There is no need to turn or rotate your queen latex mattress. Latex foam is resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew, hypoallergenic and antimicrobial for better health.

Be sure to look at several types of latex mattresses. They have different construction. Some are all latex foam layers, while others combine the latex foam with additional known comfort layers such as soft wool. You should enjoy this investment in better sleep and health for many years to come. Why wait any longer? Replace your existing queen mattress or move up to more room with a new queen latex mattress.

Unlike regular mattresses that have an all-over innerspring grid inside, organic latex mattresses are all foam. The core is an open cell construction that results when natural latex is converted to a foam substance. This open cell construction is comfortable and gently cushions and supports the body weight and curves. By keeping your spine in its desired alignment, you experience no pressure points that cause your body to shift while sleeping to maintain proper blood circulation. A restless, toss and turn night is not peaceful sleep, nor will it allow your body to perform restorative functions while comfortably sleeping.

When you sleep on an organic latex mattress, these pressure points are relieved with gentle support that cushions your body while firmly supporting the natural body shape. The foam conforms to your body and at the same time reduces motion. Motion is another factor that can deprive you of a good night’s sleep. If you sleep with a partner, you will no longer be awakened when they get up or lie down on the bed. With a regular mattress, the innersprings spread the motion all across the mattress surface and your sleep is disturbed. Latex mattress foam does not conduct motion energy like that so your rest is not disturbed.

Better, more peaceful sleep means your body has the best chance to rest and restore cells. You can arise refreshed and rested, ready for the day’s activities. Being tired all day reduces your efficiency, and can become a hazard to your health and safety. New construction may include a soft wool cushion in the quilting, and 100% natural cotton covers.

Sleep better on an organic latex mattress and enjoy life more. If you have a mattress than is more than 5 years old, you should check out the new organic latex mattresses for a replacement. They are a bit more expensive, but what price can you set on a good night’s sleep? Be healthier and sleep better on an organic latex mattress.

Pads are available in all mattress sizes, including California King. The amazing latex foam mattress pad is enclosed in a 100% cotton percale cover for added skin comfort. The latex mattress pad is superior by providing enough latex foam to support body pressure points that may be resting uncomfortably on your existing mattress. When the body pressure points are not gently supported, the body continues all night long to toss and turn, trying to relieve those pressure points. You can experience better blood flow and skeletal support using latex foam on top of your mattress, no matter how fine your existing mattress is.

With the conforming full body support that you can receive from natural latex foam your spine gets the proper positioning it requires for more restful, peaceful sleep. Your latex mattress pad resists organic problems such as dust mites, and it is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. Since the latex foam is a conforming substance, it returns to its original shape and position so you do not need to turn or rotate it, like you should with your mattress. The easy circulation of air throughout the foam core prevents build up of humidity or moisture. The zip off cover is washable, and the latex mattress pad itself can be dry cleaned per manufacturer’s instructions. Heights vary, but most are 3″ to 5″ in thickness.

You can sleep better right away when you add a fresh new latex mattress pad to your existing mattress. Extend the lifetime of that mattress, and sleep better every night. Having a good night’s sleep can change your whole outlook on life and make each day seem better because your health can improve with better sleep. Using a mattress pad offers protection for your existing mattress, and helps to keep any warranties you have on that mattress valid because a mattress pad offers protection from accidental stains and spills that can void a mattress warranty.

These foam latex mattress pads lay on top of a persons’ existing mattress set and add plushness and comfort to standard or used mattresses.  Because it is just a topper, it can be ordered in two pieces and  in a queen or king bed, each half of the topper can be tailored to the individual sleepers preferences.

A debate currently rages on in the latex mattress industry on whether it makes any difference between latex mattress toppers made via the Talalay method vs. the Dunlp method of manufacture.     It seems that this is a debate that doesn’t please anyone, and especially in a fiercly competitve market such as the mattress industry.

So I will only speak from my experience since I have had the rare chance to use both types of latex mattress toppers for the past several years.   Originally I owned the Dunlop latex mattress and it was quite comfortable and extraordinary for the first 3 years of ownership.   However I did notice that since I had gained some weight, the Dunlop version did seem to compress more during my entrance and exit from the bed.   I just chalked it up to me being bigger (approximately 30lbs more).   When Talalay latex mattress toppers showed up in the market, I thought it might be a good test to see if I could get any improvement in my sleep from trying it out.

The vendor I bought the Talalay latex mattress topper from had a sleep guarantee for 30 days,  and would allow me to return it for a full refund if I didn’t like it.   I decided to give it a try.  Wow!  was I surprised at the difference that the “fresh” latex mattress topper gave me.    I didn’t  know just how much the Dunlop had compressed over those intial years of use until I tried the new Talalay.

To be fair,  I did order a 4 inch Talalay topper vs. my original Dunlop which was a 2.5 or 3 inch (can’t exactly remember).  However,  the real question in my mind was why did the Dunlop version compress so much and was it due to me being overweight?   I’m not exactly sure I ever will know for sure on that one.    I do know this,  I have had my Talalay latex mattress topper now for about 2 or 3 years.  To me, it still does seem to retain its original resiliancy and shape.   In fact, for this article I decided to measure the thickness of the Talalay topper and its still as close to 4 inches as one can get.   Pretty impressive I’d say.

So what’s the downside to a Talalay topper?  Price is generally the biggest factor.   Natural latex is expensive by itself…but when manufactured using the Talalay process, its going to cost even more than the Dunlop version.

If you are a person who values long term quality and are ok with an inital higher price…and one that can be rather substantial, than it may make sense to do more serious investigation into the Talalay latex mattress market to see if its the right fit for you.

Another option for people to consider is to consider using latex mattress toppers.  Latex is made from liquidized rubber.  Air is injected into the liquid latex and a foamy, cushiony substance is created.  The best thing about this for people who wet there bed at night, is that this mattress topper  is very thick and usually ensures that no wetness will reach the actual mattress.     Rubber can be cleaned with a simple soap and water solution.

Also, the latex mattress topper can be removed from the top of your mattress and taken outside.  In this way you can use a garden hose, or even a pressure washer to clean the topper off.  Leaving it in the sun will ensure that any remaining smell or stainage gets removed.  The suns powerful rays take care of that pretty well.

While its not foolproof,  these foam rubber mattress pads can be a much better alternative for people than the traditional mattress pads.  With those, I find that they are lined with vinyl or some other waterproof substance and are quite uncomfortable to sleep on.  For some reason, they seem to get “hot” in the summer time.   Probably because its not a material that can “breathe”.    Also, I’ve personally had regular mattress pads leak and even have had the liquid creep up to the back and pillow area of the mattress.

Latex mattress toppers are much more comfortable and can be inches in thickness verses just a thin layer of a normal pad.   One downside is that they are heavier and may take a little more effort to move around in the case an accident occurs.    In my view though, they are very much worth it.   And quite honestly, there are so many sales for latex foam toppers now on the internet, that it makes sense to spend a few more bucks and get a topper that is both waterproof AND extremely comfortable.

Just a note before we discuss this, I personally own a talalay latex mattress myself and have so for 2 years.  It has been a literal life saver for me since I was not sleeping at all on my old traditional mattress.   I was often tired and would fall alseep (or near so) while driving.  A very dangerous situation to say the least.  Now that I have the talalay latex mattress, it has allowed me to relax and get a full solid nights rest.  I wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the new day.

First of all, latex was originally made by taking sap from rubber trees and mixing it with air.  Today, natural latex mattress factories essentially do the same procedure which is to pour the liquid latex into molds.  The molds have fingers that protrude from them that the latex molds around.  These fingers leave holes in the latex mattress foam and causes the latex to be a little “softer” than a solid piece of rubber. ( Think of a honeycomb pattern, only you would be laying on the edge of the latex mattress  honey comb pattern instead of the top).

Because the natural talalay latex is rubber, it will literally last for dozens and dozens of years with very little degradation in firmness.   Normal spring or spring air mattresses don’t compare to a latex mattress because as they get used more and more, the springs weaken and the mattress ends up sagging. Also, many times visco elastic foam mattresses also seem to lose firmness with time.  I don’t think they are supposed to, but it seems to me that in my experience, this happens.  Perhaps I didn’t buy a thick enough foam mattress topper before?

Besides natural latex, some latex mattresses can be made from synthetic latex or a combination of the two materials.  The down side to synthetic latex (in my opinion) is that it is made from petro chemicals.  This means that if you have any type of skin sensitivities, you’ll most definitely not fit well with them.  The man made latex mattresses are a little cheaper than the natural talalay latex mattresses although I’m not sure really why?  Perhaps it is just a marketing effort to promote green, eco-friendly products and the manufacturers know that people will pay more for a natural product?

There are 2 ways to manufacturer latex mattresses.  First the original way which is known as the Dunlop method.  This involves whipping the latex liquid into a foam and then pouring it into a mold as we mentioned earlier.  Then heat is applied to the mold and the rubber is vulcanized.   The second method is the Talalay method of manufacturing which is what we’ve been discussed here.

The talalay latex mattress process is more involved in that the liquid latex is poured into a mold and a vacuum is placed on the mold to suction out air bubbles and “smooth” out the texture.  Then the latex is chilled to -20 degrees fahrenheit. This supposedly ensures a consistent cell structure throughout the mold.  Next CO2 is introduced into the mold to gel the structure, and then finally the mattress is heated to 220 degrees fahrenheit to cure the mattress into its final state.    Then lastly, some manufacturers wash the latex mattress with a special cycle of spraying water and compression.  The idea is to remove and soaps, agents, or other proteins that could cause  premature softening of the bed.

So at this point you’ve learned that there are two types of latex, natural and synthetic and also that there are two different manufacturing methods.  Dunlop vs. Talalay.  What do I prefer?  As mentioned earlier, I went with the all natural talalay latex mattress myself.  I’m positive a natural Dunlop natural latex mattress would also be a good choice.

Where do you buy these types of mattresses?   I bought my latex mattress online from a retailer in California.  I liked their service and phone support even though their prices were a little bit more expensive.  Depending on what part of the country you live in, you may be able to find these mattress sets in a local retailer or a specialty store near you.