Why You Can Trust CNET CNET Mattress Expert's Favorite Bedding Material Is a Foam You've Likely Never Heard Of
We've all heard of memory foam, but have you considered a bed made with latex foam?
People spend a ton of time on their beds but rarely give thought to the materials that are inside their mattresses. You've probably heard of the popular material memory foam. It's one of the most widely used in the industry and was first invented by NASA. It's a comfortable foam, but it also has downsides. The resistance created by the slow-responding foam can make it difficult to switch positions, and it also has a reputation of sleeping hot.
There's another type of material that doesn't get the recognition it deserves. It offers health benefits, is a lot more breathable than memory foam and can be sustainably sourced. As a mattress tester in a warehouse stacked with over 100 different beds, I chose mattresses with this material as the top two most comfortable. I hope I've hyped the reveal enough. I'm talking about latex foam.
Learn more about the bedding material below, why I think it's so great and why you should consider a latex foam mattress for your next bed purchase.
What is latex foam?
Don't worry, I'm not talking about a bed made with stretchy, shiny black material. Instead, imagine a bed-size sponge that's supple but a bit more supportive and firm.
There are two types of latex foam. Organic latex foam begins as a liquid sourced from the sap of a rubber tree, aka the Hevea Brasiliensis tree. The sap is whipped until it has a frothy consistency, poured into foam layer molds and baked to create latex foam.
Synthetic latex foam is made in a factory using petrochemicals. It looks and feels similar to natural latex foam, but it's a little less bouncy and durable. It also doesn't have the eco-friendly characteristics of natural latex foam, and omits more of an off-gassing smell once it's unpackaged.
Whether organic or synthetic, the material comes out looking like a large, yellow sponge with little holes perforated in line formations across the surface. It's light, springy and breathable.
See more: Best Organic Mattress for 2023
The benefits of latex foam
Organic latex foam has a host of different benefits and really sets itself apart from most other foams that go inside the layers of your mattress.
It is:
- Hypoallergenic.
- Antimicrobial (helps prevent bacteria, mold and other household allergens from growing inside).
- Eco-friendly.
- Durable.
- Supportive.
- Breathable.
- Cooler than other mattresses since it doesn't retain heat.
This makes natural latex foam especially ideal for people who suffer from allergies and/or sleep hot during the night. Synthetic latex foam has some of the same benefits like durability, supportiveness and breathability. However, it's not hypoallergenic, antimicrobial or eco-friendly.
On the flip side, the benefit of synthetic latex foam is that it tends to be cheaper than organic material. So you can still get that latex foam feel without paying top dollar. One of the most popular beds that utilize this type of latex foam is the GhostBed mattress, a super comfortable bed with a mixed foam feel.
What does latex foam feel like?
One reason why I love latex foam is because of its light, airy and bouncy feel. Latex foam is often paired with a pillow top that contains wool and organic cotton, a magical trio that makes sleeping enjoyable (and easy). The pillow top makes a bed feel fluffy and plush, while the latex foam is breathable, bouncy and supportive.
I don't feel stuck inside the foam, and it's a bit more breathable than memory foam and polyurethane foam. It's also a heck of a lot more durable -- a plus if you have pets who like to claw and crawl their way into bed with you.
I have noticed that latex foam used to lean toward the firm end of the spectrum, but I'm seeing more and more brands make latex foam beds with a medium firmness or softer. I personally sleep on the Brooklyn Bedding Bloom mattress and, as I've said before, it's one of the best beds I've ever tested.
Final thoughts
I didn't know what latex foam was before I started testing mattresses, comparing and researching bedding materials. Just the sound of "latex" foam may put some people off, but I think many will find it pretty comfortable if they give it a chance. Keep in mind that most latex foam beds you buy online come with a risk-free trial, so you can make the switch back to the kind of mattress you're used to if you don't like it.
For more information on choosing the best products for sleep, take a look at our post on how to choose a mattress type and how to pick the perfect pillow.