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 a lively quality-the feeling of sleeping on latex is often described as 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, there are still plenty of options to choose from. Here is a point-by-point comparison of two popular latex mattresses, the Zenhaven by Saatva and the Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress by Plushbeds.
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.
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 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 the premium materials, good for your health, and built to last.
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.
