Details required on natural latex mattresses
Hi again!
You have helped a lot [read previous comment here] – especially in combination with spending a couple of afternoons laying on a lot of mattresses in showrooms. Much to our dismay, we found we loved the comfort offered by latex topped mattresses and having tried it it just doesn’t compare to non-foam topped ones (at least not any we could find). My partner really doesn’t like the idea of pure synthetic latex and is pushing for Natural Latex. And we really don’t like the sensation on memory foam topped mattresses – we even went to the extent of doing ‘blind’ tests in the showroom and could tell the difference between latex and memory foam, which I’m sure amused the sales staff… So now we are faced with having to ‘construct our own’ pocket sprung and natural latex mattress – and hoping that we can adapt to any heat retention!
Looking at the construction of the mattresses we like most, we are thinking of a 1500 pocket sprung mattress ‘base”, topped with 5cm of latex foam and then perhaps an additional comfort/protection layer of either microfibre or (even better) wool. I believe this last wool layer may help with heat regulation – though I’m not sure?
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Hi again Lisa.
I’m breaking the responses down in order for it to read a bit better.
Firstly There is a synthetic latex (take a look at Laytec from Icon Designs).
Although the name itself might allude to a comparable product to Latex it really is just a premium foam product with similarities in feel to latex.
i actually trialled this a couple of years ago as a topper and it is still going strong on a friends bed – quite warm to begin with but by adjusting the bed linen / duvet it offers a very good level of comfort.
It has taken me simply ages to get my head around all the complexities of latex products.
When the new site goes live (couple of months now hopefully) all the posts on this site will be updated with complete and full descriptions.
The [latex post] in particular was a difficult one to write with an element of authority as the marketing and spin associated with this particular product was / is deceptive to say the least.
The bottom line with latex is that they are all blends to some degree – meaning latex rubber is blended with other constituents to produce a rubberised foam.
The more latex rubber used does not necessarily equate to a better end product.
As an example, the latex we use is a 60/40 blend – I’m more than happy with this product for overall comfort and longevity.
We now offer our Fusion range which are 100% Natural Latex mattresses and also come with toppers.
The cheapest type of latex is Graphite Latex (the grey stuff) better than regular foam but has to be considered against the asking price as well as the depth used.
This is too great a subject to write here – I will update the post as soon as I can.
We have found a two-sided 1500 pocket sprung mattress with hand side stitching for £350.
| John Ryan By Design Origins 1500 | |
|---|---|
| 1 | 300gsm Wool |
| 2 | 750gsm Very Soft Polyester |
| 3 | 500gsm Polyester Pad |
| 4 | One Inch Foam Insulator Layer |
| 5 | 1500 Spun Bond Pocket Springs |
Although I know this will be rather firm, my reckoning is that it will give good support and the latex layer can give us the cushioning.
I know the addition of Natural Latex means our £500 budget is now more like £600 – £350 on the mattress, £200 on the latex and £50 on the final topper layer (wool/microfibre).
Do you think this is a good solution, or am I bound to fail by having gone too ‘DIY’?
Do you think 5cm of latex will be deep enough?
Also – where on earth can a person buy a natural latex topper?
I have found only one online and am struggling to believe they are so rare!
Thanks very much again!
John Ryan now offer natural latex toppers please view them here.
Lisa I personally don’t think you will need the final wool layer and the mattress you mention will most certainly provide the support you both require.
5cm is a perfect depth for your requirements.
Don’t dismiss Ikea as a consideration for your latex topper – not overly expensive (although I’ve not looked at them in a long time) and it may bring your overall spend down a little more.
I will start to investigate latex toppers and what is currently out there when time allows.
If you find out any pertinent information in the meantime please let me know.
John and Ryan.
2013/03/20 at 15:14 Hello, its me again!
I’ve trawled through what feels like the whole of the internet looking for a latex topper and below are the best prices I have been able to find (although not all from the same supplier).
They are all 5cm deep, king size, and include a cover of some description.
I’d be curious to know your opinion on which represents best value for money: Synthetic ‘Laytec’ – £140 Pure latex (20/80) – £190 Natural latex (80/20) – £220 100% natural latex – £350 Obviously, the 100% natural option is way out of my league.
I’m also concerned about the heat-retention properties of the purely synthetic option having had a bad memory foam experience.
I also found it interesting how the density of the latex appeared to decrease as the natural latex content increased, so that the more natural the content, the ‘softer’ the topper was described as.
I’m attracted to the £190 option, but also thinking, for an extra £30, would it be worth it to go one step up?
Hi again Lisa.
From the info above it does seem that the Natural Latex option is your best bet particularly for the £30 difference.
Please send me the link so I can have a closer look.
John and Ryan. 0161 437 4419
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