The question of what filling makes the best mattress is a longstanding controversy. Most of the discussion focuses on the choice between memory foam vs springs. But other mattress fillings are available, as they say, and many people swear that latex is the best of all.
Latex is traditionally made from the sap of the rubber tree, although synthetic versions are nowadays increasingly widespread. Either way, it works well in a mattress because it responds to your body’s contours, providing a good level of support and comfort, with a bit more bounce compared with the 'sinking feel' of traditional memory foam. Latex is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, as well as being nicely cooling and very durable over time.
The best latex mattresses aren't necessarily filled with latex alone, either. Many premium models instead combine latex with other materials, such as springs or memory foam, to give you the best of both worlds (not convinced? Explore your other options in our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses).
- Check out the best bed in a box options
- Here's the best nattress for side sleepers
- ... and the best mattress for stomach sleepers
In this article, we bring you the best latex mattresses on sale today. Our overall pick of the best latex mattress is the . This luxurious mattress combines 1,400 individual pocket springs with a 2.5cm (1in) layer of latex to provide superior comfort and pressure relief. That said, the other options on our list also provide a great sleeping experience, and may well be a better pick for your specific needs. So read on as we detail the best latex mattresses available today, and what each of them has to offer.
Pocket sprung mattresses are typically very supportive, but they're not always so great at providing pressure relief; ie, allowing parts of your body such as hips and shoulders to sink into the bed. So Sealy has pulled off a great trick with this model, by combining the support of 1,400 individual pocket springs with a luxury pillowtop layer of latex. Part of Sealy's Posturepedic range, which is specifically designed to promote good spinal alignment, this 2.5cm (1in) layer of latex does a great job of relieving pressure points and giving you a comfortable and healthy night's sleep.
And that's not all. The pocket spring section is multi-zoned and weight-responsive, helping to spread your bodyweight nicely across the mattress, whichever position you sleep in. Plus the Tencel cover is naturally temperature-regulating and anti-microbial, making this a great mattress for anyone who suffers from allergies or who sleeps hot at night. This 30cm (12in) thick latex mattress, which offers a medium level of firmness, was endorsed as a Which? Best Buy Award back in June 2020, and we heartily agree, making this our pick for the best latex mattress overall.
Read more: Are sealy mattresses any good?
The Zenhaven is the latex option from Saatva's range of quality mattresses. Saatva has chosen 100% natural, sustainably sourced Talalay latex, which it says offers the most consistent firmness of any latex. It's also hypoallergenic, breathable, buoyant and durable. This mattress has a trick up its sleeve, too: it offers two firmness options in one. Want a soft, enveloping feel? Use the 'luxury plush' side, rated 4-5 on the firmness scale. Prefer something more supportive? Simply flip the mattress over for the 'gentle firm' side, rated 7-8. The softer side is ideal for side sleepers, while the firmer side offers extra support for stomach or back sleepers. The 5-zone design offers enhanced support around your lower back.
Saatva has strong eco-friendly credentials, which extend to the design of the Zenhaven. These mattresses are produced in an eco-certified factory, are certified free of toxic chemicals, emmissions and pollutants. And they're Rainforest Alliance certified to attain to its sustainability credentials, too. Fancy a bargain? Head to our Saatva promo codes and deals page for the best current discounts.
Want a mattress with latex at its heart? Then Dunlopillo's Firmrest Latex Mattress is our recommendation. Constructed around a core of pure latex, this firm, 18cm (7in) thick mattress provides superior all-round support thanks to its seven comfort zones. The open-cell structure of the latex provides good air circulation, so it won't run hot, and great pressure relief, so it's a great choice for side sleepers.
With anti-allergenic, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, this mattress is also ideal for allergy sufferers and it should remain fresh and hygienic throughout its life. It's also pretty much noise-free, however much you move around at night. It's also single-sided, so you never need to flip it.
Don't be fooled by the name: the Waterlattex Vision mattress doesn't actually contain water. Instead, it's filled with a mixture of polymer foam and natural latex, which expanded under water to produce a firm sponge-like structure. In practice, this makes for a very supportive and comfortable, medium-firm mattress. It's encased in a Coolmax fabric cover to ensure breathability and there's an internal 3D band to further increase airflow. Made in Italy, this 20cm (8in) thick, 'bed in a box' style mattress is allergy and dust mite resistant, and comes with convenient carrying handles on each side.
Latex in itself is an environmentally sustainable, natural material. But if you really want a mattress that will be kind to the planet, then we recommend the Cedar Natural Luxe Mattress. This 30cm (12in) thick, medium-firm mattress is based on a core of pocket springs topped with a layer of latex. And it's entirely constructed from natural and certified organic materials: GOLS organic certified latex, GOTS organic certified Alpaca wool and cotton, sourced from collectives in India, and 100% natural coconut shell husk buttons. It's super-comfortable, too. There's a premium feel to this mattress, with its 975 individually pocketed coils and 3-zoned latex layer, which provide zoned support for your hips and shoulders. Of course, none of this comes cheap, but you certainly get what you pay for in terms of luxury feel.
- Not sure you need a new mattress yet? Explore our selection of the best mattress toppers
- Treat yourself to some of the best pillows, too
- Sleeping a bit too well? These are the best alarm clocks
