Latex mattresses are finally enjoying their moment in the spotlight. It’s easy to see why: With a unique combination of responsiveness and conforming support, latex brings together some of the best features of innerspring and memory foam beds. Like memory foam, latex excels at relieving pressure on sensitive joints. And, like innerspring, it has some bounce—latex is often described as feeling buoyant, as if you’re “floating” atop the mattress. (Want to learn more about latex? Check out this latex mattress overview.)
While latex is not as common as other mattress types, shoppers still have plenty of options to choose from. Here is a point-by-point comparison of two popular latex mattresses, the
Our dual-sided organic natural latex mattress for buoyant, pressure-relieving comfort
latex mattress from Saatva and the Avocado Green Mattress.
The following information is up-to-date as of December 20, 2018.
Comfort
Comfort is a tricky thing. What feels good to you might not feel good to someone else. Most manufacturers use a numerical scale to describe their comfort levels, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest—though it’s important to note that no two manufacturers’ scales are exactly the same. Overall, what makes one latex mattress more comfortable than another is a function of the type of latex, how it’s processed, and the materials and construction of other layers in the mattress.
How many comfort levels are offered?
Zenhaven: Two (luxury plush and gentle firm)
Avocado: One (gentle firm)
The bottom line: More comfort level options equals more chances to find your best latex mattress match. The Zenhaven mattress is flippable, with a different firmness level on each side. (Luxury plush is a 4-5 on the comfort scale; gentle firm a 7-8.) Avocado has a single comfort level, gentle firm. Those who want a softer feel have the option of adding a pillow top to their Avocado for an extra charge, ranging from $240 for a twin to $500 for a king.
What kind of lumbar support does the mattress have?
Zenhaven: 5-zone natural latex and Lumbar Zone® Quilting in the lumbar region
Avocado: Fabric-encased coils in the center third of the mattress
The bottom line: Both mattresses offer extra lumbar support in the center portion of the mattress, where most people’s body weight is concentrated. Lumbar support is critical for maintaining the spine in neutral alignment, especially if you tend to experience back pain. Without adequate support, hips and shoulders can sink too deeply, throwing the spine’s natural curvature out of whack. (It helps to have the right mattress, but here are some additional tips for sleeping better with back pain.)
Can the mattress be used with an adjustable base?
Zenhaven: Yes
Avocado: Yes
The bottom line: Latex, because of its natural flexibility, is a great choice for an adjustable base. Both Zenhaven and Avocado are compatible with an adjustable base. The difference is that the Zenhaven mattress can be purchased as a set with Saatva’s
Our deluxe adjustable base with even more customized comfort options
s and delivered and set up together. Avocado is not available with an adjustable base.
Quality
Latex is a natural material, produced from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Because of the costs associated with harvesting and processing the raw material, latex mattresses are among the more expensive types you can buy. So you want to be sure you’re getting the best quality for your money—a product crafted with premium materials, good for your health, and built to last.
What type of latex is in the mattress?
Zenhaven: Natural latex
Avocado: Natural latex
The bottom line: Both Zenhaven and Avocado Green are made of natural latex. Natural latex is eco-friendly, responsive, durable, and free of harmful chemicals.
What flame retardant material is in the mattress?
Zenhaven: New Zealand wool
Avocado: Hydrated silica
The bottom line: By law, all mattresses must have a flame retardant. Some mattresses use flame retardants made with harmful chemicals. Both the Zenhaven mattress and the Avocado mattress utilize natural, nontoxic flame retardants.
Is the mattress cover organic?
Zenhaven: Yes
Avocado: Yes
The bottom line: Both Zenhaven and Avocado are covered in organic cotton. In addition to being naturally soft, durable, and breathable, organic cotton is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. (Read more about the benefits of organic cotton.) Zenhaven’s organic cotton cover is additionally treated with Guardin®, a botanical antimicrobial that inhibits bacterial growth to prolong the life of the fabric.
How soon can you sleep on the mattress?
Zenhaven: Immediately
Avocado: After it’s unpacked from the box, unrolled, and expanded
The bottom line: Zenhaven mattresses are never crushed or compressed, meaning you can sleep comfortably on them as soon as they’re delivered. Avocado is a bed-in-a-box, so it needs a while to inflate once it’s taken out of the packaging. According to the manufacturer, you can lie on a new Avocado mattress within 30 minutes of unboxing, but it takes a few hours for the mattress to fully expand. Because the Avocado mattress has been vacuum-packed, rolled, and wrapped in two layers of plastic before being sealed in a box for shipping, it may emit odors as it expands.
Value
There’s more to mattress value than the price tag alone. When assessing bang for the buck, consider factors beyond price, such as delivery and return policies, warranty terms, and home trial periods.
How much does the mattress cost?
Zenhaven: $3,295 (queen)
Avocado: $1,999 (queen)
The bottom line: The Zenhaven mattress is more expensive. That’s because it’s a premium mattress made with quality materials, hand-delivered and set up in your home. Don’t get us wrong: boxed beds are a great choice for some shoppers—they’re convenient and affordable. But at Saatva, we believe you can’t fit true luxury into a cardboard box.
How is the mattress delivered?
Zenhaven: Free white-glove delivery, including setting up your new mattress (and adjustable base, if ordered) and taking away your old mattress
Avocado: Shipped to your door in a box for free or $199 for delivery, setup, and old mattress removal
The bottom line: Zenhaven comes standard with white-glove delivery. Avocado offers two options: You can have the mattress sent to you for free and take care of the setup and removal of your old mattress yourself, or you can pay $199 to have the mattress delivered and set up for you. (Note that a queen-size Avocado weighs 132 pounds.)
How long is the risk-free trial period?
Zenhaven: 365 days
Avocado: 365 days
The bottom line: It sometimes takes a while to get used to a new mattress, especially if it’s a type of mattress you haven’t slept on before. That’s why most online mattress companies offer home-trial periods. Both Zenhaven and Avocado come with a 365-day trial.
If at any point during the trial period a customer decides to return their Zenhaven mattress, Saatva will pick it up and refund the purchase price, less a $99 processing fee. If a customer wants to return an Avocado mattress, the company will pick it up for no charge, but the $199 delivery and setup fee is nonrefundable.
How long is the warranty?
Zenhaven: Lifetime warranty
Avocado: 25 years
The bottom line: The Zenhaven latex mattress carries a lifetime warranty. The warranty works like this: If a mattress is deemed defective during the first two years, Saatva will replace it with a brand-new mattress, free of any charges. Starting in year three and for as long as you own your mattress, Saatva will repair and re-cover your mattress. You will be responsible only for a $149 processing fee.
The Avocado warranty is non-prorated for the first 10 years. The company will repair or replace your mattress, free of any charge, if it’s deemed defective during this period. In year 11, the replacement cost starts at 50% of the purchase price, plus processing fees, and increases 5% per year. After 20 years, you will have to pay 95% of the original cost.
What about customer support?
Zenhaven: Noncommissioned sleep guides are available in Saatva’s New York operations center to answer questions about Zenhaven 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Avocado: Avocado representatives are available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST on weekends.
The bottom line: Concierge service is the Saatva standard, with helpful representatives at the other end of the line any time of the day or night.
Improve your sleep with our high-quality latex mattress
Zenhaven Latex Mattress
Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It's naturally hypoallergenic too.)
Still haven’t made up your mind? Read our reviews. Ready to buy a mattress? Head on over to saatva.com now.
