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Latex foam has become popular over the past few years, and has gained a widespread reputation for being durable and long lasting, and providing great support. Latex beds feel similar to traditional mattresses, and when compared to memory they are more durable but more expensive. Just as with anything else, there are good companies making high quality latex mattresses that can make a huge difference in the quality of your sleep, and there are bad companies making poor quality latex mattresses that are uncomfortable and won’t last long.

This guide will help you decide if a latex bed is right for you. It will also teach you how to discern between a good and a bad latex foam bed.

What is Latex?
Latex was originally made with the sap from rubber trees, and is still produced this way today. However, during the World War II, scientists discovered how to synthetically produce latex. Both Natural and Synthetic latexes are used today. There are many proponents of both types, and both can be made to be very high quality. You will pay more for a natural latex foam mattress than you will for a synthetic latex mattress. For those that are environmentally conscious, natural latex is an earth friendly option. Often latex mattresses are produced with a combination of both types of latex.  From a strictly functional viewpoint, I believe synthetic latex is a more sensible option. If you are willing to spend the extra money, though, natural latex foam is a good way to go. Either way, the feel is basically the same.

Dunlop or Talalay Latex?
There are two manufacturing processes when it comes to Latex. Dunlop is a simple method that often produces an inconsistent foam which tends to be more firm and less durable. The Talalay process is more involved, but produces a much higher quality and consistent, plush latex foam. Unless you plan on keeping your mattress for  a very short time, I would not recommend.

Latex and Memory Foam Beds
Today the most luxurious mattresses are being made with a combination of a latex core with a memory foam layer on the top of the mattress. This essentially provides the best of both worlds. I would not recommend placing a memory foam topper on top of a latex foam mattress, it makes much more sense to just purchase the mattress already assembled.

Things to know

1. The latex used in mattresses is unlikely to cause any type of allergy, as it has been cleaned thoroughly and is not exposed.
2. Latex foam beds generally are described as being firm, medium-firm, medium, and plush (soft).
3. Beware of local retailers that offer no return policy. Many online distributors offer free trials of the mattresses, and if you are not satisfied you may return them for a partial or even full refund
4. Latex foam beds can be very heavy, so make sure you have someone help you move it when you receive yours.

Lastly, check out the company you are buying from and ask many questions about the latex mattresses you are looking at. Ask yourself does this website look professional? Is the salesman sincere or is he just trying to get my money (especially when there is no return policy)? What type of foam are you selling?