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Pros and Cons of Latex Mattresses

Beverly Meyer

Better Living, Beverly Interviews Guests, Sleep and Snoring

pros and cons of latex mattresses

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There are many pros and cons of latex mattresses, mostly pro! The more you learn about this natural material, the more there is to love.

My first latex mattress was too firm – I did not pick one suited for my slender frame.

Then I found FloBeds and learned the secret of a great bed – every mattress FloBeds makes is customized for you and for anyone sharing the bed.

I now have 2 FloBeds mattresses and give them AND the company a 5-star rating.

My Podcast with Dewey Turner of Flobeds

Enjoy our snappy conversation about latex mattress benefits and construction and how a family-run business does things with latex differently from mass-market companies.

The Podcast player is above or find us on Apple Podcasts and other platforms.

Podcast Coupon for FloBeds

Dewey is offering a 5% discount for us IN ADDITION TO WHATEVER SALE MIGHT BE RUNNING.

Use Coupon Code: BEVERLYMEYERPODCAST

Good on mattresses, platform bedding, pillows, everything.

What is Latex?

Talalay Latex comes from rubber trees. The trees are “tapped”, the latex flows and is processed by one of two methods: Talalay or Dunlop

The trees produce for decades. This is a renewable resource.

Talalay Latex vs. Dunlop Latex

The best mattresses use 100% natural Talalay-processed latex rubber.

The Talalay process is difficult but produces an “airy”, cooler latex foam. The Dunlop process and the less-natural Talalay are more chemicalized and firmer.

All latex mattresses have multiple ventilation holes to reduce weight and allow air to circulate through. This helps keeps the bed mold-resistant and cool.

Benefits of a Latex Mattress

  • Latex is springy but very supportive. The perfect combo.
  • It can last for decades (FloBeds has a 20 year warranty). Polyurethane memory foam lasts 5 – 7 years.
  • Latex is breathable, not hot to sleep on
  • There is no metal, nylon, synthetic chemical foam or springs.
  • Talalay is resistant to mold and dust mites. Memory foam harbors dust mites.
  • Some companies (such as FloBeds) customize firmness for different areas of each sleeper’s body

These are a few of the Pros when looking for Pros and Cons of latex mattresses.

The FloBeds V-Zone Magic

1). The top layer inside the zippered organic fabric encasement is a latex “egg-crate” pad. This helps reduce pressure points.

2). The V-Zone layer is next: 6 sections you choose for Plush, Soft, Medium, Firm, etc. I have Plush under my shoulders, Medium at Lumbar. You can exchange these within 100 days at no charge! Or maybe switch some to the other half of the bed.

3). Under the V-Zone are flat latex slabs, chosen as you prefer. I have firm on the bottom, medium in the middle, soft on top. These can be changed by rearranging the order or getting a new layer. (See the image). There is a reasonable fee after the first year.

Latex Mattresses for Couples

Latex is easy to move about on. You do not sink into a heated “body impression” as on synthetic foam.

The mattress motion is stable. You won’t feel a partner moving about like you do on innerspring mattresses.

flobeds mattress layers
Flobeds Latex Mattress

Why I Recommend FloBeds Latex Mattresses

  • Terrific personalized service
  • Each bed is custom-made. Choose one side perhaps with softer shoulders and medium lumbar. Maybe the other side super-firm everywhere.
  • The mattress comes boxed in individual layers! Put it together like making a sandwich. No movers required!
  • Layers can be rearranged or even exchanged to get what you want.
  • Outstanding support to get it right
  • A family-run business since 1971

Latex vs. Memory Foam

  • Memory foam is 100% synthetic, made from petrochemicals
  • Latex is from the rubber tree
  • Memory foam is hot to sleep on
  • Dust mites love memory foam! Latex does not harbor dust mites
  • Memory foam has a shorter life span than Latex

One Possible “Con” of Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses need to lie on a slatted platform foundation. You may need to adjust your current foundation to work best.

You don’t want a solid wood platform with no ventilation. The mattress encasement could become damp from body heat and moisture this way.

Traditional old-style box springs wear out in a few years and the mattress would sag with it.

Speak with FloBeds about platform bed frames. They sell premium hardwood slatted frames designed for their latex mattresses.

Mouth Taping For Even Better Sleep

I have used special mouth tape by Somnifix since 2012. This gentle tape helps hold my jaw forward to reduce snoring.

Mouth tape keeps your dental Microbiome healthier and mouth less dry.

This article and Podcast explain more. This one addresses using a CPAP with mouth tape.

Additional Natural Sleep Tips

This article reviews sleep basics, such as blue lights, keeping cool, counting backwards to stop your wandering mind, and of course the beauty of latex mattresses.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed medical doctor and cannot advise you on medical matters. However, by studying my website you may be better able to communicate with your wellness provider. If you need medical assistance, please seek support from a qualified physician. Click here to read my full disclaimer.
AFFILIATE LINKS: There are affiliate links in some of my articles, which means I may get a small commission if you decide to purchase something after clicking on the links. I only recommend products I trust or have used so I know you'll be in good hands.

Beverly Meyer recording a podcast episode

About Beverly

In practice since 1985.

Beverly Meyer is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist who has been in practice since 1985. Her Primal Diet – Modern Health podcast has published over 200 episodes since 2010. In 2012 she founded The Center For Life, which is the largest natural health center in San Antonio, with 11 doctors and practitioners. Her Diet and Health Center San Antonio is also the longest serving health and wellness center in the area. Beverly has an MBA in Finance and BA in Economics, has owned and managed several businesses, including a franchising company and a large kitchen goods store.

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