Gone are the days of choosing between a bouncy innerspring or a body-hugging memory foam mattress with no options to bridge the gap. Now, sleepers have their pick of mattresses, from luxurious hybrids to several types of foam, including latex. The best latex mattresses combine standout features from the innerspring and memory foam worlds to provide support and pressure relief—minus the heat retention. The Avocado Green Mattress, our top pick, not only offers medium-firm comfort, it’s also crafted from quality sustainable materials.
After reviewing dozens of latex mattresses, we named the Avocado Green Mattress the best latex ... [+] mattress overall.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
Latex mattresses vary significantly from one to the next, so we consulted our mattress editors and certified sleep experts to round up the best latex mattresses with high scores across the board. From all-foam to hybrid models, here are the eight best latex mattresses that appeal to different sleepers and budgets.
A Customer Favorite That's Sustainable And Healthy
Avocado
Avocado Green (Queen)
Type: Hybrid |Firmness: Plush, medium or firm | Trial: 365 days | Warranty: 25 years
Pros:
Generous trial and warranty
Three firmness levels
Quality latex with multiple certifications
Cons:
Medium and plush models have an additional charge
With an Avocado Green Mattress, you can sleep soundly knowing your bed is made with some of the cleanest and most sustainable natural materials available. The company uses sustainably sourced Dunlop latex from rubber trees that’s processed in GOLS-certified facilities. (Dunlop latex is one of two main types of latex. It’s often considered more affordable to produce and sometimes thought to be more energy efficient than its counterpart, Talalay latex.)
The mattress is a hybrid, so it combines the latex foam with a supportive spring base. It’s made with almost entirely organic materials—the wool and cotton blend cover, as well as the latex, are all certified organic by various third-party groups. The mattress is hand-sewn, which eliminates the need for adhesive glue to hold it together. According to the company, adhesives are one source of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which can contribute to indoor air pollution. What’s more, this mattress has snagged just about every “free-from” and organic certification possible, including the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) organic latex label, as well as Greenguard Gold and Made Safe certifications.
What the reviews say: “I loved it since day one,” writes a customer. “It has a completely different feeling than a traditional mattress or a memory foam mattress. I sleep on my side, and it’s very comfortable—no body aches, and I sleep longer without a need to keep turning.” Another review notes, “[I] love this mattress. It's super comfortable [and] smells great. And with the pillow top, it feels like a luxurious hotel bed.”
Best Cooling Latex Mattress
A Breathable Hybrid Mattress With A Heat-Wicking Cover
In general, natural latex tends to sleep cooler and offer more breathability than synthetic substances like memory foam. For people who can’t compromise on cooling, we recommend the Saatva Latex Hybrid. This mattress has a cotton cover that wicks heat away from your body as you sleep. Directly beneath the cover is a 3-inch GOLS-certified organic latex layer that is also vented with airflow channels so your body heat quickly escapes the foam. At its base, the mattress has pocketed innerspring coils that lend a responsive, bouncy feel.
What the reviews say: A 5-star review says, “From the moment we laid down on it, we were sold. We sleep soundly and cool. My husband is always h0t natured, but he has no issues with this mattress.” Another adds, “The Latex Hybrid is a side sleeper's delight. I have no more back pain, no pressure point pain and best of all, I no longer feel scalded by my bed if I wake up hot during the night. If I'm too warm, the latex dissipates the heat and gets me back to sleep quickly.”
While the company is established, this is a new model launched in 2024 with no reviews
If you have back pain, you need a mattress that maintains your spinal alignment throughout the night—a prospect that’s more challenging if you change positions as you sleep. The Bear’s all-natural latex mattress combines a zoned coil system for ample lumbar support with pressure-relieving foam layers. The higher gauge coils are strategically placed in the center of the mattress, where you need the most support. Reinforced coils are also placed along the perimeter to ensure enhanced edge support when lying close to the side and overall integrity of the mattress.
Every mattress is engineered and customized at the company's facility in the U.S. The Bear Natural has also gone through a rigorous testing process to be Greenguard Gold Certified for low emissions and it uses Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified cotton in the cover, so it's soft to the touch. For cushioning and comfort, the Talalay latex is the star of the show. It provides a unique medium-firm feel without too much bounce or sink. An additional foam comfort layer placed just above the coils is designed to adapt to your body and position and provide additional pressure relief and motion isolation.
What our editors say: Forbes Vetted senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman, who tested the Bear Natural in a showroom, says its “blend of foams and latex hits a comfortable sweet spot.” In her review of the mattress, she writes, “The Bear Natural has a medium-firm feel that can work for most sleepers, along with a balance of pressure relief and support that can be hard to find.”
A hybrid, like this one from WinkBeds, allows you to enjoy the nontoxic and bouncy properties of latex foam without worrying if you’re in for a backache within a few years—that’s when all-foam options might start to show wear and tear. WinkBeds’ EcoCloud Mattress has a 4-inch layer of Talalay latex above reinforced, individually pocketed coils made from recycled steel, which are designed to adjust to pressure. The company also used different coils around the perimeter of the mattress to ensure it provides adequate edge support. According to a customer service agent, the exterior coils are “stronger, lower gauge, bigger [in] diameter [and] more supportive.” The mattress has a cover that’s made from a blend of wool and certified organic cotton for a cozy but breathable finish.
What the reviews say: “I now have two (one in each bedroom),” writes a repeat customer. “It’s temperature neutral, has consistent support and is soft on pressure points without feeling soft overall. It’s not the cheapest, but it is made of biodegradable materials (not that I’ll be throwing it out any time soon).” A combination sleeper says, “I wanted a bed for side and back sleeping that did not have the off-gassing of most foam beds. This one is perfect. Super comfortable and minimal, if any, smell after opening the package. I look forward to sleeping on it every night, and the aches that I had in the past are gone.”
This hybrid latex mattress layers 2 inches of organic Dunlop latex under a smooth cover that’s crafted from two organic fibers: cotton and wool. Beneath the cover you find foam and 8-inch pocketed coils, which can help the mattress feel stable as someone moves about—switching positions or getting up for a midnight bathroom run (you often hear this called “motion transfer”). These layers work together to create a bouncy surface that can help you sleep deeply, regardless of whether the person you share a bed with tends to be a bit fidgety at night.
What the reviews say: "Both my wife and I love it," says a customer praising the motion isolation. "[We have] no aches [and] no pains, just long and restful sleep. We joke that we can’t wait to go to bed. One more thing—I weigh 300 pounds. It supports me with ease, and my wife says that she can barely tell when I roll over.” Another review notes, “I love the comfort and bounce that this mattress has. I have slept very comfortably since I received it. I love that is a ‘green’ mattress. The fact that is organic and sustainably produced is one of the main reasons I bought [it].”
Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers
A Completely Customizable Mattress Crafted In California
Plushbeds
PlushBeds The Botanical Bliss (Queen)
Type: All latex | Firmness: Medium or medium-firm | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Pros:
Choose between nine sizes, three heights and two firmness levels
Multiple certifications
Cons:
Shorter trial period
You may need to assemble the top layers yourself
With an abundance of customizable options, the PlushBeds Organic Latex Mattress can suit many sleeping positions and comfort levels. However, the company cites the medium-firm option as a great choice for stomach sleepers who need more support without sacrificing comfort. If a mattress is soft and sinks in too much, stomach sleepers experience hip and spine sinking, which can lead to back pain. This latex option is available in sizes twin through California king, including split queen, king and California king, allowing couples to choose their ideal match. Plus, you can select the 9-, 10- or 12-inch height and use this mattress with a box spring, platform bed or adjustable base.
Health and quality are a top concern for PlushbBeds, which is why this mattress is handcrafted in California from the finest certified materials, including GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton and GOTS-certified organic wool. As a bonus, it’s also Greenguard Gold certified, so you can be sure it’s been tested and cleared for thousands of harmful substances. Regarding the mattress construction, it’s made entirely of organic latex, starting with the dense Dunlop latex support core for pressure relief and durability up to the comfort layer of natural Talalay latex.
What the reviews say: “I am a stomach sleeper, and medium-firm works best for me, as the most firm mattress causes too much pressure at my joints,” says one reviewer. “We love the cooling effect of it too. [It’s] very relaxing. We fall asleep and awaken blissfully.” A 5-star review says, “This bed has been so luxurious and so comfortable. We’ve had it for about two months. I can’t imagine ever sleeping on anything else now that I’ve slept on this bed. It’s like sleeping on a cloud but fully supported. I sleep on my side, my tummy and my back, and I feel comfortable in every position. My husband feels the same way. We are ecstatic with our purchase.”
Best Affordable Latex Mattress
Organic Materials Paired With An Innerspring At A Lower Price
This hybrid mattress has many standout features at a significantly lower price than comparable options. What's more, it's made with luxurious, natural materials, including Talalay latex, organic wool and cashmere. The core of the mattress includes 8 inches of coils for motion isolation, pressure relief and edge support, and several layers of latex to provide that buoyant feel to relax your muscles and relieve tension. Cashmere, wool and cotton are used in the top layers for cushion, breathability and temperature control.
This hybrid model holds many certifications, including GOTS, Greenguard Gold, Eco-Institut and Fair Trade, all of which signify that it’s free of toxic materials and made with ethically sourced and organic materials.
What the reviews say: "Great mattress," says a 5-star review. “[The] only down part is that it's super comfy [so] I don't want to get out of bed." A repeat customer writes, "[I] ordered three EcoSleep Mattresses for our new home. [I] started with two and loved them, so [I] ordered another for the last bedroom. They’re ridiculously comfortable, and I feel great knowing we are sleeping on safe and earth-friendly materials. There are so many toxic materials in most mattresses. These are clean and like sleeping on a cloud."
The Nolah Natural Latex Mattress is a hybrid model that stands out for its use of organic materials, including cotton, wool, recycled steel coils and Talalay latex. This type of latex, as claimed by many mattress companies, offers a more bouncy feel than Dunlop latex, adding to the comfort and support of the mattress. Side sleepers need cushioning and support in order to lessen the intensity on pressure points without compromising spinal alignment. This latex model is crafted to do both, with gentle contouring and a responsive bounce that cushions bones and joints without sinking in.
Designed in the U.S. with eco-friendly materials, this model is also suitable for those with allergies. It holds Greenguard Gold, GOTS and Eco-Institut certifications and is free of fiberglass.
What the reviews say: "Very comfortable mattress," says a 5-star review. "I find that I fall asleep faster, sleep deeper and wake up less during the night. I sleep in all positions and notice the most comfort when on my side and back." A side sleeper notes, "I am a predominantly left-side sleeper with very little right-side and back. I received my Nolah Natural 11 in late November, before Turkey Day. Since then, I have been getting better sleep than I have since I don't know when. I have no pressure point aches in the morning and feel very rested. There is minimal motion when the wife or I move during sleep, and edges are firm enough to sit and put socks on."
Writers, editors and contributors here at Forbes Vetted are constantly adding to our mattress and sleep content with expertly researched articles. From the best mattresses of 2024 to the best organic mattresses, we’ve published a large library of mattress guides that address different materials, constructions and sleep preferences.
Forbes Vetted contributors Kate Watson and Bre Richey, the authors of this article, have over a decade of combined writing and editing experience.
Mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon are certified sleep coaches who have tested over 100 mattresses between the two of them, including many latex options.
We’ve built relationships with the most reputable bedding brands so we can keep tabs on the latest models and maintain access to industry experts. For this guide, we interviewed a spokesperson for the Avocado Green Mattress to learn more about its construction.
To ensure our recommendations stay current, we periodically update this story to reevaluate our picks. It was last updated in May 2024 with new latex mattress recommendations, including the Bear Natural, EcoSleep Luxe and Nolah Natural, along with helpful information comparing latex and memory foam mattresses.
How We Chose The Best Latex Mattresses
We first sought out highly rated latex mattresses from brands we trust and evaluated them by key features like firmness, comfort, support, pressure relief and temperature regulation.
Because (natural) latex mattresses are often considered an eco-friendly choice, we kept tabs on which ones hold certifications from Greenguard Gold, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS).
Our mattress and sleep editors have tested and reviewed several latex mattresses. We leveraged their expertise to narrow down our list further.
To make the final cut, each mattress needed a generous trial period (meaning you get to test your bed at home risk-free) as well as a fair warranty to uphold the company’s claims of quality.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Latex Mattress
Price
Latex beds range in price from $950 to $3,000 for a queen size, with organic and natural latex beds on the upper end of that range. Although natural latex beds often cost more upfront than other types, they last longer than any other mattress type—as long as 15 to 20 years. (Just remember to place your bed on a secure foundation, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the construction.)
Firmness
In general, latex is naturally firmer than other materials, which is why most of the latex mattresses on the market are classified as medium or medium-firm. However, each bed’s firmness also depends on how the mattress is constructed and if it’s combined with other materials.
For example, the Avocado Green Mattress spokesperson explains that its mattress “uses three seamless layers of organic latex—2 inches of soft latex in the top comfort layer, 3 inches of firm latex in the middle and 4 inches of firm latex at the base. The result is an all-latex mattress with just the right level of response and bounce.” If you prefer a softer bed but are still interested in latex, look for options with a pillow top or additional comfort layers for a plusher feel.
Sleeping Position
Because latex mattresses provide gentle yet firm support, they can be a match for all sleepers (depending on the model). If you’re a side sleeper, a soft to medium-firm latex mattress is likely to be a good fit as it provide pressure relief for the shoulders and hips while slightly conforming to your body. A medium-firm or firm latex mattress is best for those who sleep on their stomach or back and need the most support. It’s also worth noting that latex can be bouncy, so it’s important to find the right mattress if you want to avoid that.
Body Weight
Your individual body weight directly impacts how firm or soft a mattress feels to you. Heavyweight sleepers over 250 pounds generally notice beds feel softer than advertised, whereas lightweight sleepers (those who weigh under 130 pounds) find that mattresses feel a touch firmer. For these reasons, we recommend that heavier individuals consider a firm bed, while lightweight people consider softer options.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to a mattress’s ability to take stress off weight-bearing areas of the body, and the points that need the most relief depend on your go-to sleeping position. Side sleepers typically need pressure relief around the shoulders, while back sleepers need relief for the hips and lower back. Luckily for all sleep positions, latex mattresses excel at pressure relief since they have a similar contouring sensation as memory foam, but a more supportive feel.
Temperature Regulation
If you sweat at night or just hate getting warm while sleeping, latex could be an excellent choice. Experts at Avocado Green Mattress say, “Dunlop latex is naturally cooler than memory foam.” This is because rubber is a temperature-regulating polymer. Plus, the actual structure of latex mattresses allows for optimal ventilation.
Trustworthy Certifications
When dealing with organic or natural materials, it’s always a smart idea to check for certifications. Here are a few certifications to prioritize:
Greenguard Gold: Cuts down on indoor pollution and ensures it’s certified for low chemical emissions.
GOTS and GOLS: When a latex mattress states that it’s organic, it must have GOLS-certified latex foam and GOTS-certified cotton and wool.
Eco-Institut: A standard for products fulfilling strict requirements on pollutants and emissions.
How Latex Mattresses Are Made
Natural latex mattresses are made from the sap of rubber trees. Each tree is tapped to extract the sap, also known as liquid latex. This process is sustainable and eco-friendly, since the trees live long lives and continue to give sap for years. Transforming the liquid latex into foam is a complex process that involves mixing it with other ingredients until it's entirely smooth and keeping the liquid from turning into a solid too quickly.
Dunlop Latex
The next step, how you mold that smooth liquid into a solid foam, is the difference between Dunlop and Talalay latex. For Dunlop latex, the liquid is poured into a mold and undergoes a vulcanization process, meaning it's processed with heat and sulfur to achieve a more durable, resilient and firmer product.
Talalay Latex
Talalay latex involves the extra step of vacuum sealing and flash freezing the liquid while it's in the mold before the vulcanization process. This step ensures the foam maintains a more consistent structure, resulting in a plusher, more responsive latex foam with excellent pressure relief.
Synthetic Latex
Some mattresses are designed using synthetic latex, which is not made from trees at all. Instead, this material is a blend of fibers, fillers and chemicals. It breaks down faster than natural latex and is also more likely to off-gas, or release packaging smells.
Latex Foam Mattresses Vs. Memory Foam Mattresses
While latex and memory foam may seem interchangeable, they are actually very different materials.
Latex Foam Benefits
Natural latex is eco-friendly and made from trees
Sleeps cooler
Tends to resist bacteria, mold and mildew
Minimal off-gassing
Combines the pressure relief of memory foam with the support of innersprings
Longer lifespan
Latex Foam Downsides
May not always have good motion isolation
Natural latex tends to be more expensive
Heavy to move
Memory Foam Benefits
Superb motion isolation
Budget-friendly options are available
Molds to your body (a benefit for those who enjoy it)
Can offer relief for painful pressure points or injuries
Memory Foam Downsides
Made from a plastic material called polyurethane
Tends to trap heat
Prone to off-gassing
Not ideal for stomach sleepers
Difficult to move around or change positions on
Is Latex Better Than Memory Foam?
Whether you prefer a latex or memory foam mattress depends entirely on your body type and sleeping preference. Those who like the sensation of sinking into their mattress are more likely to prefer a memory foam model. For sleepers who prefer to feel like they’re sleeping on top of the mattress, latex is a better option. Latex generally sleeps cooler than memory foam (depending on the mattress construction), making it a better choice for those who sleep hot.
Latex is also environmentally friendly, making it a top choice for those looking for eco-minded options. Since latex comes from rubber tree sap, no trees are harmed to make your mattress. Most should resist bacteria, mold and mildew, making latex mattresses a better option if you have asthma or dust mite allergies.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Latex Mattress?
Latex mattresses aren't suitable for all sleepers. One disadvantage is that they tend to cost more than similar mattresses—although you can find quality latex mattresses on a budget, such as the EcoSleep Luxe. Latex mattresses are also known to be heavy. While they shouldn't have as much off-gassing as memory foam models, latex can still have an initial rubber scent. Lastly, those who have a latex allergy may choose to stay away from latex mattresses, even though quality Dunlop and Talalay latex generally undergo a washing process to remove the proteins that can cause a reaction.
How Do I Choose A Good Latex Mattress?
When choosing any mattress, it's best to consider personal preference and sleeping position to determine the most appropriate comfort level and then find a mattress that is suitable for you. For instance, those who need a firm mattress shouldn't bother looking at plush latex mattresses, as they aren’t a great fit. Other areas to pay attention to when choosing a latex mattress include trustworthy certifications, price and temperature regulation.
