Latex is a popular material because of its durability and long-term support. So, you may also wonder: How long does a latex mattress last? So today, I will show you how latex mattresses serve your sleep and how long it can work well. Let’s see right now!
How Long Does A Latex Mattress Last?
Most latex mattresses can last up to 10 or even 20 years. However, the lifespan of a particular mattress depends on its type.
Natural latex
Natural latex is extracted from rubber trees and organic resources. This type of latex can last many years which is much longer than most mattresses on the market. Another great news about this material is that the mattress can bend with any adjustable bed. Then, it can quickly bounce back to its original shape.
Aside from flexibility, the additional foam can support a lot of weight without getting squished. Plus, the memory foam always feels cool thanks to the rubber tree sap material, giving me a comfortable sleep.
We have more 2 types of natural latex: Talalay and Dunlop. They both come from raw rubber sap but are made differently. Thus, you will quickly notice different durabilities and feelings.
Read more: Best Mattress Without Fiberglass: 8 Safe Sleep Solutions
Dunlop latex
Dunlop is known for its energy-efficient and straightforward process. Here are some steps to create the foam:
- Collect rubber tree sap.
- Turn the sap into foam (liquid form).
- Pour the foam into molds.
- Zap the foam in an oven to make it solid.
- Wash and heat-dry the solid foam.
Because of this process, Dunlop is dense and lasts long. However, it might not feel as cool or bouncy as Talalay.
Talalay latex
Talalay mattresses have a different manufacturing process. The steps are as follows:
- Whip the rubber sap into a foam (liquid form).
- Pour the liquid halfway up the molds.
- Vacuum-seal the molds. During this time, the foam expands and fills the whole mold.
- Push CO2 into the foam to increase breathability and reduce density.
- Vulcanize the foam, wash it to eliminate impurities, and then heat-dry it.
As you can guess, Talalay has a lower density than Dunlop because it only uses half the sap. Thus, it can’t last as long and may develop sagging. Even so, you may still like this material because it gives you a cooler and bouncier feel.
Synthetic latex
Another type of “latex” called Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is different from the natural material I tried. If you are allergic to latex, SBR may be a good option.
SBR comes from petroleum products. Even though it tries to feel like natural material, it doesn’t really do a great job. For example, it doesn’t bounce back quickly when I move around on the mattress. Besides, the lack of bounce is also a disadvantage. Hence, you often find it in cheap mattresses.
Hybrid vs Latex
Hybrid mattresses last longer than synthetic ones because of the latex foam in them. But natural latex models are still the best options in terms of longevity. If you like the bouncy feel of innerspring but want durability, these mattresses could be ideal. They also last longer than synthetic materials.
One problem of a hybrid mattress is that their pocketed coils can wear out over time, causing sagging and lumps. They will indeed affect your sleep quality.
What Can Shorten A Latex Mattress Lifespan?
First, jumping on the latex bed or putting too much weight in one spot will cause the foam to lose its shape. Its support will decrease over time, too. Cleaning is also an important task for protecting the mattress. However, you will ruin the material if you don’t do it properly.
I used to think that harsh chemicals could clean the spots on my mattress powerfully. They really did, but they ended up destroying the materials of my mattress. Lastly, placing the foam on an unsuitable frame can lead to wear and tear. Despite the high-quality material, your foam can’t work well due to the terrible foundation.
3 Tips For Extending Latex Mattress
Latex, especially the natural one, can last long. Even so, you may unintentionally shorten its lifespan for the reasons I have mentioned above.
But don’t worry! The following tips will help you:
- Use a mattress protector to create a barrier between the foam and pollutants. When the protector gets dirty, you just need to remove and clean it.
- Your foam needs solid support underneath. Thus, prepare a good foundation so the foam won’t break through or sag.
- Vacuum the foam regularly to remove pet dander, dust mites, and dead skin. Although this material is resistant to allergens, you still need to clean it to ensure a comfortable sleeping environment.
Read more: Best Organic Mattress Topper: 5 Top-Rated Options For You
Conclusion
Latex mattresses can last around 10 to 20 years. Natural latex have the longest lifespan among them. The durability of this material is undeniable if you maintain it properly. If possible, get the pure material instead of the synthetic one to experience lasting support.
FAQ
- Does the latex mattress sag over time?
Its depend! This material doesn't often have sagging issues due to its natural construction. However, the mattress construction, sleep position, and body weight may impact its sag factor.
- What are the disadvantages of a latex mattress?
Mattresses from this material are often expensive and heavy. I had a hard time transporting it. I also noticed a rubbery smell when unpacking it the first time.
- How do you know when to replace a latex mattress?
Look for signs of wear and tear, like sagging and lack of support. Waking up with pains and aches is another indicator of the replacement.
