Latex Mattresses Are Especially Beneficial for People With Back Pain and Joint Issues—These Are the 9 Best Ones a Sleep Tech Recommends
Every back, side, and stomach sleeper can relate to ache-y joints, back pain, sweaty back, and shoulder irritation. While temporary, these small discomforts can quickly convert your stellar snooze into a night of tossing and turning. Sure, pillows for back pain and lumbar support pillows can help, but if you're experiencing continuous aches and pains, you'll likely find yourself pointing fingers to your mattress—perhaps a latex mattress (we'll get into this more in a second)—which should be changed every 10 years, per a sleep expert.
On your quest for a new bed, many experts recommend latex mattresses for better quality sleep. “The upper comfort layers are breathable and cooler” than traditional mattresses, and “the core of the mattress has high-density natural latex,” says Susan Miller, RPSGT, a sleep technician, making them a great option no matter what type of sleeper you are. What's more, latex mattresses do not contain a single piece of foam, so they retain their shape and performance for many more years than the traditional mattress, says Lauren Baker, MA, CPT, ATC-Ret, a sleep specialist and Noom Coach.
- 01What to look for
- 02Best overall
- 03Best budget
- 04Best value
- 05Best luxury
- 06Best for back pain
- 07Best for side sleepers
- 08Best for couples
- 09Best cooling
- 10Best durable
- Lauren Baker, MA, CPT, ATC-Ret
- Susan Miller, RPSGT, sleep technician and founder of Sleep Mattress HQ
The best latex mattresses, at a glance:
- Best overall: Nolah Natural 11, $1,329
- Best budget: Brooklyn Bedding Ecosleep, $1,125
- Best value: Latex for Less 2-Sided Natural Latex Mattress, $884
- Best luxury: Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress, $2,716
- Best for back pain: Plushbeds The Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress, $2,049
- Best for side sleepers: EcoCloud Mattress, $1,700
- Best for couples: Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress, $1,049
- Best cooling: Amerisleep Organica, $1,299
- Best durable: Spindle Latex Mattress, $1,600
What to look for in a latex mattress
There are a plethora of options on the market, so we asked a certified sleep technician to break down what to look for in a latex mattress. For starters, "many brands use synthetic latex, which is cheaper and is not eco-friendly," says Miller. Instead of synthetic materials, opt for natural Talalay latex, Miller recommends. It's breathable, hypoallergenic, and offers a bouncy yet supportive feel.
When it comes to the "don'ts" of latex mattresses, you'll want to consider breathability. Since latex mattresses have an open-cell structure—which render them more breathable—you can steer clear of mattresses with any marketed cooling capabilities. "All latex mattresses are cooler, so they don't need any additional gel technology," says Miller. "In fact, they score higher than any other bed in terms of cooling capabilities." For back and stomach sleepers, Miller recommends choosing a slightly firmer latex mattress, whereas side sleepers should look for softer options.
To take the "back work" out of shopping, we chatted with a sleep technician to uncover the best of the best latex mattresses. Check out these nine options that'll kick your back pain to the curb.
Originally $1,900, now $1,329
Reasonably-priced, suits most sleeping styles, and is made of natural Talalay latex—Nolah’s Natural 11 mattress is unsurprisingly ranked as Miller’s best overall choice. It’s crafted out of punctured latex, making it a cooling and breathable mattress, and has supportive coils that mold to your spine and relieves unwanted pressure. Beyond these specs, it’s also built with the environment in mind, thanks to the organic cotton, organic wool, and recycled coils. Additional perks include lifetime warranty, free mattress shipping, and a 120-night trial, so you can test out the waters without having to commit.
Sizes available: Twin-Split King
Pros:
- Breathable
- Lifetime warranty
- Made of eco-friendly materials
Cons:
- No free returns
Originally $1,500, now $1,125
Latex mattresses can cost a hefty dollar, but for the features, Brooklyn Bedding’s Ecosleep mattress retails at a budget-friendly price (for a mattress). The mattress is made of sustainably-sourced latex and is encased with coils to relieve pressure off of your lumbar. Flippable, the mattress has two levels of firmness: medium or firm—which is ideal for back, side, and stomach sleepers. That means a good night’s snooze is within reach for all. Overall, “it has a balance of features, quality, and price,” says Miller. You can’t beat that!
Sizes available: Twin-Split California King
Pros:
- 120-night trial
- Duo firmness
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited warranty
Originally $1,384, now $884
Get the most bang for your buck with Latex for Less’ 2-Sided Natural latex mattress. Breathable, four layers of latex, wool, and cotton, and high-quality organic materials—your back will never want to awake from slumber. What we love is the duo-firmness. All you have to do is flip the mattress. Overall, it’s “very well-priced [mattress] with surprising quality,” says Miller.
Sizes available: Twin-Split California King
Pros:
- Duo-firmness
- Breathable
- Free return pickup
Cons:
- Flipping requires two people
Originally $3,195, now $2,716
If you’ve got the dollar bills to spend, look no further than Saatva’s Zenhaven Natural Latex mattress. Featuring five zones of natural latex, “it is a plush mattress,” says Miller, that’s buoyant and offers targeted pressure toward your lower back. Sweaty sleeper? No biggie, because this mattress is constructed out of breathable and temperature-regulating fabrics like wool, organic cotton, and of course, latex. Plus, it’s treated with an anti-microbial treatment that prevents bacteria, mold, and mildew growth. A snooze on this mattress is like sleeping in paradise.
Sizes available: Twin-California King
Pros:
- 365-day trial
- Lifetime warranty
- 5-zone latex
Cons:
- Expensive
Originally $3,300, now $2,049
If you suffer from back pain, consider the Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress. Recommended by Miller, the mattress has six layers of undeniable comfort. It uses the brand’s circular-knit design and 100 percent Talalay latex to advance hip and shoulder pressure relief, making this ideal for side sleepers while absorbing unnecessary pressure. The moisture-absorbing cotton also keeps you nice and cool throughout the night. Even more, it’s chemical-, pesticide-, fertilizer-, adhesive-, dye-, and filler-free, so you can count that it won’t break out or expose you to harmful chemicals.
Sizes available: Twin-Split California King
Pros:
- Made of Talalay latex
- Chemical-free
- Two levels of firmness
Cons:
- Expensive
Originally $2,000, now $1,700
Latex mattresses strike the perfect balance for side sleepers, and this mattress offers the “right firmness of comfort layers,” says Miller. The mattress boasts four layers of innersprings, Talalay latex, organic cotton, and an anti-sag layer to bolster the mattress up in all of the right areas for your back. Bonus: the latex is OEKO-TEX100 certified, which means the mattress has been tested for and is free of harmful chemicals and substances. Plus, it’s baby-safe and hypoallergenic.
Sizes available: Twin-California King
Pros:
- OEKO-TEX100 certified
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Breathable
Cons:
- 120-day trial is available only once
Originally $1,400, now $1,049
Calling all couples: You can rest easy with Eco Terra’s latex mattress. “It comes with dual firmness,” says Miller, and is ideal for couples who don’t like mattresses too firm or too soft. Each Goldilocks-esque mattress is constructed out of certified organic latex, fabric-encased coil, and organic cotton—which is breathable and buttery soft. Plus, it’s free of blends, harmful dyes, and chemicals.
Sizes available: Twin-California King
Pros:
- Chemical-free
- Dual-firmness
- Doesn’t sag
Cons:
- Limited warranty
Originally $1,749, now $1,299
Sweaty? Soaked sheets? Look no further than Amerisleep’s Organica. Combining 100 percent Talalay natural latex and pocketed coils, this breathable mattress keeps sweat and heat at bay, so you can snooze comfortably in the night. The mattress layers feature moisture-wicking wool that prevent mold and mildew buildup. If you’re not satisfied, you can return it on a 100-day trial period and enjoy a 20-year warranty for any defects. Hot nights are no matches for the Organica.
Sizes available: Twin-Split King
Pros:
- Breathable
- Free shipping and returns
- 100-day trial
Cons:
- Limited warranty
Originally $2,300, now $1,600
This latex mattress from Spindle is made of global organic latex standard (GOLS)-certified latex that’s durable, free of not-so-great chemicals, and is firm to the core, making it a great option for back sleepers. With these high-quality specs, this mattress will last in your bedroom for years to come. What’s more, enjoy free shipping.
Sizes available: Twin-King
Pros:
- Chemical-free
- Durable
- 365-day trial
Cons:
- May be too firm for some
- Only available up to king
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