Natural Latex Mattresses; how to tell the real from the fake

Updated 2020: When it comes to Natural Latex mattresses there’s a vast difference between the options with many fake latex mattresses to avoid. The best analogy is to use when comparing latex is the comparison of a champagne, made from a mix of grapes from Reims, France to a cheap sparkling supermarket perry, made from pears. Whilst there is nothing wrong with either, to compare them is a bit misleading. One is high end, the other is not.

We’re going to start with the synthetic fake latex blends before revealing how to know if a latex mattress is 100% natural.

We only use 100% Natural Dunlopillo Latex here in our Fusion range and not the cheaper synthetic latex blends. If you’re wondering what the difference is then read on, it is quite startling.

This article will explain the following latex mattress types:

• Graphite latex
• Synthetic latex
• Natural latex
• Pure latex
• 100% natural latex
• Organic latex
• Innergetic latex
• 100% latex
• 100% Dunlop latex

We also provide the following handy quick guide detailing the types of latex. This is to highlight the difference between the blends of latex mattresses you may be faced with when looking for a new mattress.

Graphite latex

One of the cheapest versions of Latex mattress is known as graphite latex. This is a grey material and typically has about 30% of the composition being graphite, used as the FR (fire retardant) element. Latex is not naturally FR and because of the FR laws in this country, we are not allowed to use natural latex without some form of FR application. This is the latex used in FR layers to ensure the mattress complies.

Graphite latex usually has a composition mix of around 30/70, meaning that the product is 30% latex and 60% synthetic latex. If we factor in the graphite addition of 30% of the entire material we can estimate that the actual latex within this product comes to about 20% of volume.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, especially in the FR layer where this kind of latex is ideal.  We would, however, state that as a solid mattress a full graphite core is not the best type of latex to use, as it is firm and not the best material for comfort. Unzipping a latex mattress in a showroom will quickly show you if its full graphite as the entire mattress will be a dark speckled grey colour.

This product is often blatantly wrongly described within the majority of all mattress descriptions. It will rarely be referred to as graphite latex and actual depth of product used will rarely be mentioned. When looking at latex mattresses, your first line of questioning should be to establish the actual depth utilised within the mattress.

Synthetic latex

Surprisingly, synthetic latex is a more expensive (raw cost) component than graphite latex. This is a completely man-made product in the foam classification but has the consistency and feel of latex. It is worth pointing out at this stage that the majority of products sold as latex will have a proportion of synthetic latex within the ‘mix’. Our hybrid Laygel is, in fact, a synthetic latex equivalent but we clearly sell it as a hybrid foam rather than a Latex! See hybrid foams here.  This is vital because 100% pure natural latex is a protein which will soon deteriorate and become host to bacteria and other things that cause it to break down.  It is also not hypoallergenic in its raw form.

Synthetic latex is firmer than natural latex and so can provide a firmer feel in mattresses for a lower cost than natural latex which is less firm. The result is you need a lower density to get the same firmness that you would from a very dense natural latex.

Natural latex

This is deemed to be an 80/20 mix. Eighty percent natural latex and 20 percent synthetic latex. Natural latex is its pure form has a soft density and additives are used to firm it up rather than increase the amount of natural latex. The raw materials are expensive and increasing its density means you need more of it hence the higher price tag when compared to synthetic latex. Quite simply put, it’s a more expensive raw material which you need more of to get the density for a mattress.

Pure latex

This is one of the more dubious descriptions of a latex blend. Pure latex is almost an oxymoron as it is not a pure natural latex product, which it would imply. It contains 20% natural latex and 80% synthetic latex. So why is it called pure when it isn’t? We have no idea other than it being a marketing spin to confuse customers further.

100% natural latex

This has about 90-94% Natural Latex and 6%-10% forming additives and SBR (styrene butadiene) latex which is synthetic. Many companies will claim to be natural latex but you need to query the amounts. There are very few natural latex mattresses, many other companies claim natural latex but don’t specify the amounts. This is the most expensive type of latex and the best quality. It provides the best comfort and feel compared to other latex blends and should feel smooth as you mould into it.

It’s incredibly breathable removing the heat issue and doesn’t suffer from potential off-gassing issues.  We offer a range of 100% natural latex products which very few UK retailers offer.  These top end latex mattresses are fully turnable and have a solid core.

Sometimes you may see a stamp on the latex with the percentage blend such as the image below from one of our Fusion solid core latex mattresses as an example.  This won’t be found on all latex as its only stamped on the end of rolls.

Usually, there is only a handful of stamps per run or roll of latex foam this is to identify it from other blends.  Once it has been cut into mattresses it can be hard to see quickly which blend it is.  If in doubt always ask the retailer who should be able to tell you with confidence which blends it is.  Not every mattress will contain this stamp, only those cut from the end of a roll the above image is an example of the end stamps used.