Mattress Ratings - Comparison of Best Types of Beds

If you are looking for mattress ratings, you've come to the right place.My research team has conducted extensive mattress research, and this article will share with you the information gathered from over 3,000 mattress owners.This article will specifically provide ratings of different mattress types, including latex, memory foam, airbeds, waterbeds and innerspring.

Latex mattresses

According to our research, latex mattresses had the highest satisfaction rating. Specifically, about 92% of latex mattress owners found their bed to be comfortable. Latex mattresses scored well because they tend to have fewer downsides than other mattress types.

Memory foam mattresses

After latex beds, memory foam came in second. About 85% of memory foam mattress owners found their beds comfortable. Memory foam has downsides, but overall most people seem to like it.

Airbeds

Airbeds came in third with about 83% of owners finding them comfortable. A big advantage of airbeds is that they allow for adjustable firmness by increasing or decreasing air in the mattress. Also, each side of an airbed can often be adjusted to provide differing firmness levels.

Waterbeds

Waterbeds came in fourth place. About 82% of waterbed owners said that the beds were comfortable. The beds have made technological strides over the years and are fairly similar to conventional beds now.

Innerspring mattresses

Innerspring mattresses as a group scored well behind the others. Only about 55% of innerspring bed owners said that their mattress is comfortable. The main reason for dissatisfaction is that the beds tend to sag sooner and more often than the other mattress types.

Consider a Natural Latex Mattress

As a petroleum based product, synthetic foam directly reflects the rise in oil prices, having increased in cost rapidly over the last year. Polyurethane foam and memory foam have been popular components of high end mattresses, including Tempur-Pedic, for many years now. The current rise in prices of synthetic foam has made it possible for consumers to consider the alternative of natural and sustainable latex foam. A quality latex mattress will currently have a similar price to high-end inner-spring mattresses and should be less than a Tempur-Pedic or similar memory foam mattress.

This can be a very advantageous shift in perspective, as a quality latex mattress will out last 2 or 3 quality inner-spring mattresses and is more durable than the best memory foam. Latex exhibits additional qualities that many prefer when compared to memory foam. Natural latex is a sustainable resource, harvested from the rubber tree, and many consider it to have the finest feel of any sleeping surface. In addition latex creates a mattress that is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and resistant to mold mildew and dust mites. Latex is available in a variety of firmness levels, allowing mattress manufacturers to fine tune the firmness for individual sleeping preferences.

Foam mattresses, particularly those using natural or blended latex, have recently created a significant buzz in the mattress industry, with major manufacturers beginning to offer models featuring some latex components. However, latex avails itself to a very simple mattress solution, and experienced latex mattress manufacturers offer models that use only layers of latex and simple covers, often organic cotton and wool. The sleeping comfort of latex does not need to be modified or incorporated into a more complex mattress configuration. Just a couple of layers of latex, usually about 8", are all that is necessary to provide nature's finest sleeping surface, with a simple cover, so that the feel of latex is experienced directly.

The natural qualities of latex are perfect for what many have begun to call an "organic mattress". In this sense "organic" expresses the desire that many consumers have for mattresses using only natural materials to avoid any possible chemical contamination in their sleeping products. These concerns are particularly prevalent as a result of the widespread use of toxic chemical fire-retardants in mattresses and bedding products. While the concept of an "organic mattress" is a misnomer, certainly a natural mattress, using only natural latex, organic cotton and wool, has many benefits to offer the savvy consumer. It's no surprise that there has been an incredible increase in the sales of natural latex mattresses.

When considering the purchase of a foam mattress, either polyurethane or latex, one quality offered by both materials is enhanced comfort and durability. A conventional inner-spring mattress begins to break down and sag, and should be replaced every 5-7 years. However, quality foam mattresses maintain their shape and breakdown much more slowly than inner-spring mattresses, and also distribute weight much more evenly and comfortably, relieving pressure points. A latex mattress presents the optimum in value, durability and comfort. It's time to begin sleeping on nature's finest sleeping surface, an all natural latex mattress.

Consumers Giving Up Latex Mattress Comfort in Rush to Natural

In building Latex Mattresses the best latex over the past 30 years has been "Blended latex manufactured by the Talalay process. This latex is the best for creating latex mattresses in terms of durability, consistency of cell structure, contouring comfort, and air circulation.

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU LISTEN TO BECAUSE THEY MAY NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT!

Over the last couple of years many sellers of latex mattresses have popped up on the internet and written distorted information in an effort to sell their products. Unfortunately, when one person sees something in print it is easier to copy that information, taken as gospel, and use it in their own copy to sell the same product. The little snowball becomes quite large until the same bogus information becomes reality when it is seen in print so often.

This is the case with blended Talalay in latex mattresses. Websites selling the "natural story" are constantly berating blended latex because it has a great percentage of synthetic latex mixed with natural latex. They say the synthetic latex is made of petroleum and is harmful to your health and the only latex to consider is "all natural". Synthetic latex is made with by products of petroleum, as are thousands of products in our society. It is not harmful in any way and adds consistency and strength to any natural latex it is blended with. They are overlooking the superior comfort of blended latex when produced by the "Talalay Process" which has a more lively feel than any type of latex mixture produced by the standard dunlop process.

All natural products by their very nature are not always consistent and uniform. Are all coffee beans the same? Are all rubber trees the same? The synthetic is blended to make the natural, which is more elastic ( more stretch & recovery ), a better product. After the natural and synthetic latex mixtures are blended there are two methods of turning this liquid into a comfortable latex mattress core.

Dunlop or standard process, which produces a denser and less contouring feel in the mattress.
Talalay process which includes two steps in the manufacturing process not in the Dunlop process; vacuum expansion and freezing. These two steps give latex better air flow, and longer lasting strength. It also produces a softer more contouring feel without losing any support. The talalay process is more expensive and there are only THREE manufacturers in the world.

Unfortunately, in the search for being all natural many consumers have bought into the dunlop natural denser latex and given up the better feeling and longer lasting Talalay blended latex. In addition sellers are playing on the consumers rush toward natural and the public is paying much more for,in my opinion,a lesser product.

Latex Mattress Bed Advantages and Disadvantages

If you are looking for information on the pros and cons of latex mattresses, you've come to the right place.

My research team has collected data from over 100 latex bed owners, including what the owners like and don't like about the mattresses.

Advantages

The first and primary advantage of latex mattresses is that they are comfortable. In fact, over 85% of the owners find their bed to be comfortable. By comparison, beds that are primarily made of memory foam, air or water score around 80%, according to our related research. And innerspring mattresses only score about 60%.

In addition, the beds are generally considered durable by their owners. However, there are a few instances of premature sagging. Off gassing and sleeping hot both tend to not be a major issue.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of latex beds is that they are generally expensive. Expect to pay a couple thousand dollars for a quality latex mattress. It is not clear if prices will come down in the future.

The other disadvantage is that the mattresses don't have much of a track record, at least in the United States. If you've done research online you probably have not found much quality information on latex beds, at least compared to what is available regarding innerspring beds, memory foam beds and air beds.

This means that if you buy a latex mattress, you should consider yourself to be a bit of an early adopter or pioneer since not too many people to date have bought a latex mattress, at least in relation to the other mattress types.

Natural Latex Foam Mattresses: A Healthy Alternative to Memory Foam

Did you know that natural latex foam mattresses, made from the latex sap of the rubber tree, are a much safer alternative to the popular memory foam mattresses? Memory foam mattresses, like most commercially available mattresses, are made from petroleum based polyurethane foam, an extremely flammable material. Known as "solid gasoline" by firefighters, the polyurethane foam in most commercially available mattresses burns so furiously that strict new fire resistance standards have been written into law, starting with California in 2005 and going nationwide in 2006. These strict new fire resistance standards are being met by tripling the amount of fire retardant chemicals, called PDBEs, that are added to manufacture memory foam mattresses and mattress toppers.

Most mattress purchasers are unaware of the fire danger posed by polyurethane mattresses. But the greater danger may be the higher concentrations of PDBEs used to help prevent combustion in memory foam mattresses. PDBEs build up in the body in ways similar to banned PCBs, and they have been linked to cancer and other illnesses. PDBEs have already been banned in Europe, but not in North America. Some medical researchers believe that the extra load of PDBEs in newly made mattresses will cause millions of cancer cases in the coming decades. Because you lie directly on your mattress for 8 hours every night, your body has its greatest contact with the dangerous PDBEs while you sleep, and they pass right through your skin.

The solution to the PDBE problem is to do what the Europeans already do, sleep on natural latex mattresses. Natural latex mattresses are made from the sap of the tropical rubber tree. Natural latex foam does not burn well, and most natural latex mattresses are also quilted with organic cotton and wool which makes them very fire resistant, complying with all current fire codes.

Latex foam comes a variety of densities for different firmness needs, and, unlike memory foam, it doesn't have to heat up to cradle the body--the effect is immediate. Most people find 100% natural latex foam mattresses to be incredibly comfortable, relieving pressure points and improving circulation. Another great characteristic of latex is its durability. Latex mattresses have been known to last up to 30 years. Because of their resilience, latex mattresses do not need to be turned like innerspring mattresses.

Because latex mattresses do not have innersprings, they require a firmer foundation than the traditional boxsprings. Latex mattresses can be used with a platform bed, a slat foundation which looks like traditional boxsprings, but has slats on the top, or a solid wood foundation, which also looks like boxsprings but has a plywood top usually covered by fabric.

Chemical-free natural latex mattresses are produced by a number of North American manufacturers, the largest of which are Vivetique - Crown City Mattress, located in South El Monte, California, and Obasan, located in Ottawa, Canada. There are also a number of European importers of natural latex foam mattresses, the biggest of which is Green Sleep from Belgium.

Retailers of natural latex mattresses include a variety of local mattress stores who carry products from these manufacturers. There are also nationwide web retailers, like Dax Stores, which usually have the best prices for these natural latex mattresses.

The Importance of Choosing Quality Latex

Latex mattresses have become the rage on the internet of late and, of course, can vary greatly in price. While the height of the mattress and the quality of the cover are important details in the purchase of a latex mattress, the most important consideration is the source of the latex. Latex can be provided as a blend of synthetic and natural latex, or as all natural latex.Latex is produced by two different methods, the Dunlop process and the Talalay process, and either process can produce natural latex or blended latex. Adding to the confusion is the prevalence of some mattress and latex suppliers to use the term natural latex for any latex that contains some percentage of natural latex. Equally confusing is the term 100% natural latex, as all latex includes some residual proteins, soap and zinc, and at most can be about 97% natural latex.

The single most important consideration is the actual source of the latex utilized for your mattress, and then the determination of natural or blended latex. All natural latex mattresses have become very popular for consumers who are trying to create a bedroom free of synthetics and chemicals. However blended latex is possibly more durable than all natural and certainly offers all the benefits that latex provides for a premium sleep surface. Considering the durability and extended warranties offered for latex mattresses, it's worth the cost to purchase latex that you are certain comes from well established latex manufacturers such as Latex International, Dunlopillo, Latex Green, and others. Avoid latex of indeterminate origins as it's very difficult to ascertain the quality of latex from manufacturers that don't handle latex in the high volumes of more established companies.

A latex mattress is an investment in the quality of life for you and your family and it is not unusual for a quality latex mattress to outlast even two or three conventional innerspring mattresses. The value of the sleep comfort associated with latex mattresses extends into all your waking hours in the form of revitalized energy for work, play and relationships. The quality of the latex utilized in your mattress, whether it is a latex blend or all natural latex, determines the quality of your investment.

So when you begin the process of purchasing a latex mattress, begin by first determining the origins of the latex and its composition. You will probably already have decided if you are looking for an all natural latex mattress, usually with an organic cover, or a mattress using blended latex. Both offer the excellent weight distribution and relief of pressure points that have made latex such a popular sleeping surface. If you are making your purchase online, make certain that you have the opportunity to discuss the details of the latex with a knowledgeable salesperson. While some bargains might be available in quality latex, assure yourself that that you have confidence in the manufacturer of the latex that you are purchasing. There are no shortcuts in the manufacturing of latex, Talalay is a more expensive process than Dunlop, as two additional steps are added in the processing, and all natural latex is more expensive to produce than blended latex. Consistency in the manufacturing of latex will assure you that the ILD numbers for the latex will be accurate and that the latex will be uniform in its ILD. Uniformity is particularly true for the Talalay process as the extra steps involved in its manufacturing are designed specifically to more evenly distribute the latex.

Careful research on the quality of the latex in the mattress you intend to purchase will continue to pay dividends in the comfort and durability of your new mattress for years to come. Verify the manufacturer, whether the latex is blended or all natural and avoid bargain latex and purchase that perfect mattress for the unsurpassed comfort of a latex sleep surface.

Latex Mattress Reviews and Ratings - How Do the Beds Compare Vs Memory Foam and Other Types

If you are considering a latex mattress, then this article has some vital information that you should know.My research team has carried out thorough mattress research by assembling data from over 3,000 mattress owners.

Latex Mattress Advantages

The most important thing to know from the findings is that latex mattresses are considered comfortable by the vast majority of their owners. Specifically, over 90% of latex bed owners find their mattress comfortable.The reason for the high satisfaction is due mainly to the fact that latex beds don't have much downside, at least in comparison to other mattress types such as innerspring, air, memory foam and water beds.

For example, latex mattresses tend to hold up well over time and tend to not sag as much as many other mattress types can. Also, they do not tend to sleep hot (capture and then fail to release one's body heat) as memory foam mattresses sometimes do. Also in contrast to memory foam, latex mattresses tend to not "offgas," which means they usually don't give off an undesirable odor when they are new.

Latex Mattress Disadvantages

Everything is not perfect with latex mattresses. The main disadvantage with the beds is that, unlike many memory foam brands, they are pricey. Expect to pay $2,000 or higher. Also, latex beds are heavy. In fact, they are likely the heaviest type of mattress outside of water beds. This means that moving or even making a latex bed can be difficult.

Finally, even though latex mattresses have been around for decades, they do not yet have the track record (at least in the U.S.) that the other types of mattress have established. In other words, if you buy a latex mattress, you should probably consider yourself a bit of a pioneer.

Mattress Technology Light Years Ahead of Space Foam

When was the last time you really got a good nights sleep? Now, when was the last time you got the best nights sleep? A dramatic shift in the way people buy beds has hit the mattress industry. More and more people see that the latex mattress plays a key role in being well rested and ache free. Turning away in droves from their conventional innerspring mattresses which create pressure points that cause tossing and turning in search of a better alternative. Latex mattresses provide a sleeping surface that relieves pressure points better than memory foam.

They produce a naturally dust mite resistant and anti microbial product. This naturally resistant property makes an incredible difference to people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Unlike other mattresses on the market today latex mattresses are biodegradable, and are made from natural, sustainable resources. With an average life span of 20 years, nearly twice those of other beds, latex mattresses outlast the competition. With the price of polyurethane foam recently jumping a whopping 55% due to factory closures, the margin between premium latex mattresses and other mattresses narrows giving latex the clear advantage. Looking to the future this trend has no end in sight. As more people learn of the advances of this use of a renewable environmentally safe advancement in mattress technology more will move away from their conventional mattresses.

Here Are The Main Benefits Of A Natural Latex Mattress

Natural latex offers some differences in material and composition from synthetic latex materials, and it's important to understand what it means to offer all-natural latex mattress toppers and other memory foam products.

What is natural latex?

Natural latex is just that - it is a naturally-occurring material that is derived from the rubber tree, and is a biodegradable material that provides natural cushioning and support.

What are the benefits of Natural Latex?

Natural latex is especially desirable for individuals with sensitive skin or with allergies, as natural latex is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and dust mite resistant. That means natural latex will not irritate the skin of those with certain sensitivities or cause problems for allergy sufferers.

The material is also breathable by nature, which makes it possible to keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. During the production process, natural latex is manufactured in varying support levels ranging from medium to extra firm.All-natural latex products do not contain any toxins, and are completely safe for the environment. Even the process used in the production of natural latex mattresses and mattress toppers is safe for the environment as no toxic gases are released during the process.

I'm allergic to latex gloves. Will natural latex mattress toppers cause problems for me?

Probably not! Latex gloves are made of a closed-cell structure, which traps the proteins that cause problems for some individuals who are allergic to latex. The all-natural latex used in mattress toppers and mattresses creates a foam with open cells. That allows these proteins to be washed out and released, which will greatly reduce the chance of having an allergic reaction, even if you know you are allergic to latex. Still, we advise our customers to test out the all-natural latex mattress toppers and mattresses just to be sure.

Mattress Shopping: Latex Anyone?

One may not think of this topic much because it may seem trivial on the surface, but the mattress industry is highly dynamic, with changes happening all the time as well as new innovations coming onto the scene.

Case in point, in recent years a type of material has become very fashionable in terms of it's function- latex mattresses. It seems like if you were to interview the leaders of the mattress industry, they would tend to nod their heads and agree that this is where the future is headed.

With latex material mattresses, there aren't any movable parts and therefore it wont' break as easily. Latex mattresses also tend to last as far as it's contours and shape is concerned relative to other types of mattresses.

Usually latex mattresses have warranties that cover it from breaking down in any significant way. For example if latex mattress goes down by about an three quarters of an inch, many stores will actually replace your latex mattress. For other mattresses such as coil based ones, the warranty will cover mattresses that go down by an inch to an inch and a half in some cases.

That is a basic introduction to latex based mattresses, feel free to discover the difference for yourselves.

Natural Latex Mattresses - Good For the Health

Natural latex mattresses can give you a great sleeping comfort as well as optimal orthopedic support. Quality sleep is needed to re-energize our spent body and natural latex mattresses can provide you with just that.

Where does natural latex come from?

Hevea Brasiliensis is the scientific name of the rubber tree where latex comes from. The sap of these trees, which is the main ingredient of natural latex mattresses, are collected and processed.

How is natural latex mattress produced?

There are two methods in which these natural latex mattresses are manufactured. Both of which is to create holes or cores inside the finished product to produce the softness of these mattresses.

The Dunlop, which is the original method, whips the latex liquid which traps air within the liquid creating foam. It is then placed in a mold and heated to vulcanize. The air trapped within the liquid creates the holes or core of the mattress.

The Talalay method is similar to the Dunlop but has variations in the process which gives them more control on how the cores are formed.

Properties of natural latex mattresses:

The mattress cores are 6 to 6 inches thick and have a density of about 4 pounds per cubic foot. They are quite soft, gentle on the pressure points on your body, resistant to molds, resistant to dust mites, anti-microbial and hypo-allergenic. It also has a natural odor but much of it is removed during the manufacturing process. The remaining odor should not be a problem unless you have a very sensitive smell.Aside from all the benefits, the most important thing with regards to health is that it is natural. It is not made with synthetic materials which may emit chemical odors that could be harmful to the health in the long run.

How available are natural latex mattresses?

Natural latex mattresses are harder to find than synthetic latex mattress