How long will your new latex mattress last? Purchasing a new latex mattress can be a chore, so it’d be best to buy a mattress that will last. Natural latex mattresses last longer than memory foam or innerspring mattresses, with an average lifespan of 10-15 years, even 20 years or more.
But what makes natural latex so durable?
Well, there are at least three reasons for that:
- Foamy cell structure. Latex foam is made of the sap of rubber trees through the process of vulcanization. This results in a stable foamy structure with a specific latex-like feel. However, the cells of the latex foam are very tiny and have rigid membranes, which doesn’t allow the debris and organic particles to build up there, which means dust mites, bed bugs, and other nasty creatures won’t be tempted to reside in your bed.
- Breathability. Even though latex cells are densely packed, they have an open structure, which means that each of them has tiny pores to connect with the others. This makes latex very breathable (and hence cool to sleep on) and protects it from mold development.
- Rebound. This refers to how quickly a mattress will regain its shape after you remove the pressure. Latex has a great rebound, which allows it not only to cradle your body and relieve your pressure points but also to restore cell structure and keep it more consistent.
There are a number of factors that will affect the life expectancy of your latex mattress.
The first consideration is having a proper latex mattress cover. Since latex is a natural material, exposure to sunlight, dust, and moisture can accelerate the breakdown process. This is great for when you are ready to dispose of your mattress, but not for increasing its lifespan. We suggest a stretch cotton cover be used on latex mattresses so that you still reap the benefits of latex’s breathability while keeping the inside protected.
The second consideration is your bedroom conditions. The climate you live in, as well as the microclimate in your bedroom, may also affect the durability of the mattress you choose. For example, high humidity may lead to moisture build-up inside the mattress, so even a latex mattress might develop mold and funky odors when used in a humid environment. If you live in higher temperatures or use the heater during cold months and place it close to your mattress, latex resiliency may suffer. While this material is naturally fireproof, it might still be affected by higher temperatures and lose its rebound. So, make sure your bedroom offers proper conditions for your latex mattress.
The third consideration is the type of latex. When purchasing a latex mattress, you will be choosing among the three possible types:
- Dunlop Latex. Dunlop latex is manufactured through a more energy-efficient process. To put it simply, latex sap is foamed, poured in a mold, then vulcanized, washed, and dried. This results in the density gradient from top to bottom — the bottom is denser, whereas the top is foamier and less dense. Thanks to that, Dunlop latex layers are more resilient and durable.
- Talalay latex. Talalay manufacturing process involves roughly the same steps as the Dunlop process, but with additional stirring and filtering stages that allow making a more homogeneous structure. Surprisingly, Talalay latex may be less durable and resilient compared to Dunlop, but some users mention that it’s more cradling. Nevertheless, the differences in the feel and durability will be hardly noticeable for an average user.
- Latex blend. This is basically natural latex blended with chemicals in different proportions. Even though this material isn’t completely natural, some additives can make latex more long-lasting and capable of withstanding more active exploitation.
We hope you enjoy your latex mattress for years to come. To find the best option for you, our customer service team is available to answer any questions you may have. We can also help you decide on the best king size mattress or queen size mattress for you. Browse our website for latex mattresses like the Luxerion Hybrid Mattress, latex mattress toppers, and accessories like Ergomotion adjustable bases! Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions about the life expectancy of a latex mattress.
Read More: Latex vs Memory Foam