FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Latex Mattresses​

When it comes to investing in quality sleep, latex mattresses offer unique benefits that many Houston sleepers are just now discovering. While latex offers distinct advantages over other sleeping materials, with so much information out there, it can be tough to know what’s fact and what’s fiction about these natural sleep surfaces. 

If you’re questioning whether a latex mattress is right for you, we’ve got you covered.

Our mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers are here to answer the most frequently asked questions about latex mattresses so you can make an informed decision about your next mattress purchase. With 45 years of experience crafting quality mattresses right here in Houston, we’ve helped thousands of customers find their perfect sleep solution.

What is latex in a mattress?

When most people hear “latex,” they think of the stretchy material that makes up medical gloves or balloons. But don’t be confused — latex looks and operates differently in a mattress. Here at Texas Mattress Makers, latex is used in the comfort layer of the mattress, or, in other words, the part of the mattress that comes into contact with your body.

What are latex mattresses made of?

Latex is a natural material derived from the liquid sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), which grows primarily in South America. The extraction process is surprisingly similar to how we collect maple sap for syrup — the trees are tapped, and the milky liquid is collected.

Our latex mattresses are CertiPUR-US® certified and made right here in our Downtown Houston factory, so you know exactly what you’re getting. 

How are latex mattresses made?

Here’s where it gets interesting: once we collect enough latex liquid, it’s whipped with air into a frothy mixture and poured into molds. Then, a specialized process is used where air is vacuumed from the mold, the mixture is frozen, and then heated (akin to baking) to set the material into its final form: firm, yet buoyant and responsive. 

The result is a naturally breathable, supportive material that contours to your body while maintaining its shape for years to come, making it the perfect comfort layer for a high-quality mattress.

Are there different types of latex mattresses?

There are three main types of latex mattresses that you may encounter on the market:

1. Natural latex mattresses are made from 100% rubber tree sap using the method we discussed earlier. This is what we use exclusively at Texas Mattress Makers because it offers the best durability, breathability, and natural properties.
2. Synthetic latex mattresses use petroleum-based materials to mimic natural latex. While these tend to be less expensive, they don’t offer the same longevity or natural benefits.
3. Blended latex mattresses combine natural and synthetic latex in varying ratios. This is more common amongst mattress brands that sell latex mattresses.

At Texas Mattress Makers, we focus exclusively on 100% all-natural latex in our two latex beds: the Hybrid Plus Natural Mattress and the Quantum™ Natural Mattress. 

	Quantum™ Natural Mattress	Hybrid Plus Natural Mattress
Number of Comfort Levels	4	3
Support Strength	💎Made with our top-performing Quantum™ Coil component (200x more coils)	🥇
Durability	💎	💎
Premium Comfort Materials	💎	💎
Pressure Relief	💎	💎
Temperature Regulation	💎	💎
Motion Isolation	💎	💎
Adjustable Friendly	✅	✅
Industry Tested	✅	✅
Warranty	6-Month Extended Comfort Guarantee 10 Year(Non Pro-Rated)	90-Night Comfort Guarantee 10 Year (Pro-Rated)

These are what we call a “latex hybrid mattress,” where the premium latex is paired with our coil support systems — such as our individually-wrapped coil and Quantum™ Coil — to enhance the overall sleep experience. The hybrid design gives you the pressure relief and temperature regulation of latex while adding extra support and motion isolation from the additional components. 

Who would benefit from a latex mattress?

In our expert opinion, because the list of benefits of latex mattresses goes on and on, we believe that most sleepers would be able to get quality sleep each night on a latex bed. Here are a few examples of people who would benefit from a latex mattress:

• Hot sleepers: Those who tend to wake up feeling too warm or sweaty can find relief, as natural latex offers excellent breathability. The open-cell structure allows air to flow freely, helping you stay cool all night long.
• Allergy sufferers: If Houston allergies keep you up at night, you will appreciate that natural latex is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. No harsh chemical treatments needed.
• Eco-conscious shoppers: Are latex mattresses eco-friendly? Absolutely! Natural latex is a renewable, sustainable resource that doesn’t off-gas harmful chemicals.
• Couples: Those who share a bed with a partner will benefit from latex’s excellent motion isolation. When your partner tosses and turns, you won’t feel a thing.
• Anyone seeking a durable mattress: With proper care, a quality mattress can last for 15–20 years or more due to its sturdy structure. Remember, investing in a durable mattress means spending less money down the line!

Is a latex mattress good for back pain?

Yes! Latex provides what we call “responsive contouring,” where it adapts to your body’s curves while maintaining proper spinal alignment, which is crucial for healthy sleep. Unlike memory foam, which can let you sink too deeply, creating uncomfortable curves in your spine as you sleep, latex offers supportive pushback that keeps your spine neutral and supported so you won’t wake up with any pain.

The key is finding the right firmness level for your body type and sleep position. At Texas Mattress Makers, both our Hybrid Plus Natural Mattress and Quantum™ Natural Mattress are designed to provide optimal spinal support while relieving pressure points.

Are latex beds good for side sleepers?

Side sleepers often find latex mattresses particularly comfortable because of their pressure-relieving properties.

When you sleep on your side, your hips and shoulders bear most of your body weight. On the wrong mattress, these joints can become sore from a lack of comfort and support. Latex naturally contours to these pressure points while providing enough support. The responsive nature of latex means it adjusts quickly as you move throughout the night. 

Do latex mattresses sag over time?

Many shoppers worry about their mattresses sagging over time, and since latex is a softer, bouncier material, we understand the validity of this worry. However, there is nothing to worry about with latex. High-quality natural latex is incredibly resilient and maintains its shape much better than most other mattress materials.

The cellular structure of natural latex allows it to compress under your body weight and then return to its original form thousands of times without losing its strength. In fact, latex tends to last two to four times longer than conventional foams, making it one of the most durable and premium mattress materials available.

Expert Tip: The key to preventing any mattress sagging is using proper support, so make sure you have a sturdy foundation and bed frame that supports the entire mattress surface. 

Why are latex mattresses so expensive?

While latex mattress prices are typically higher than traditional mattresses, the excellent value they provide basically pays for itself. Let’s do the math: a high-quality latex mattress that lasts 20 years or more may actually cost less per year than cheaper mattresses that need replacement every few years. Plus, you get consistent comfort and support throughout its entire lifespan. 

However, let’s get into the costs associated with latex mattresses.

Latex is a natural material that must be tapped from rubber trees, which grow primarily in South America and Southeast Asia. Once harvested, it has to be carefully processed, poured into molds, and cured, a labor-intensive method compared to the mass production of foam, which is made in huge blocks and easily sliced for use.

To put it into perspective: the same size foam component might cost around $50, while an equivalent amount of natural latex can cost $200–$300. It’s a major reason why most mainstream mattress brands avoid using large amounts of latex as components in their mattresses; it would significantly drive up their costs and cut into their margins.

As a U.S. mattress manufacturer that isn’t affected by tariffs and rising prices, we offer affordable latex mattress options without compromising on quality. We eliminate middleman markups by crafting our mattresses right here in our Downtown Houston factory, which allows us to offer premium natural latex mattresses at more accessible mattress prices.

Latex Mattresses Made Better for Less

If you love the idea of a latex mattress but are worried about prices, Texas Mattress Makers offers the highest-quality latex mattresses for the best prices around. Because we craft our mattresses with locally-sourced, top-quality latex, you can save money on a luxury bed for years and years to come without fear of mattress sagging or other imperfections. Believe us, their benefits make them worth every penny.

Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston to experience the difference that locally-made, natural latex mattresses can make. Our knowledgeable team can help you understand the differences between our Hybrid Plus Natural Mattress and Quantum™ Natural Mattress and determine which might be the best fit for your sleep needs and budget.

Shopping with Texas Mattress Makers takes all the confusion out of the process. Our experts can answer your questions, explain our manufacturing process, and help you find the best latex mattress in Houston for you.

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