So a lot of customers ask us: “Aren’t latex mattresses hot to sleep?”
Well, there’s much debate on this topic.
A “latex” mattress can be made up of natural latex, synthetic latex or blended latex (mix of the two). Many people confuse natural latex with other types of synthetic latex or memory foams. You can rest assured – a natural latex mattress does not ‘sleep hot’, whereas most synthetic foam mattresses do. Lets see why natural latex is considered the most breathable mattress and a popular choice for those living in tropical countries in hot and humid seasons.
Ultimately, it all comes down to the design and material used in that “latex” mattress.
1. Have a look at the material. Natural latex, blended latex, synthetic latex are not created equal.
Firstly, you show beware of some manufacturers/retailers who say their mattress are natural latex – even if their product has only 30% natural latex, the rest being synthetic. The blended latex is a mix of natural latex and petroleum-based products similar to those used in memory foam (e.g. polyurethane, polyester).
Consider this. Some memory foams do not breathe as well as natural latex when in contact with your body. They do not have the springiness and support, nor the health benefits that natural latex provides. People tend to sink in and get stuck when sleep on memory foam. Once you’re stuck, heat builds up and you start getting hot.
However, if you look very closely at natural latex foam, what you see is an open cell structure.
Close up of natural latex foam
This is due to the natural properties of natural latex and how it is made. The simple process involves sap collected from the rubber tree, whipped into a froth to generate bubbles, then baked in huge steam molds to produce the natural latex foam. These bubbles of air make natural latex mattresses akin to “sleeping on a cloud”. Most importantly, it ensures good ventilation to allow moisture and heat to dissipate, helping you sleep cooler, healthier and more hygienically.
2. Have a look at your mattress design.
In addition to the open cell structure of natural latex, pin-core holes are placed throughout the mattress to promote further breathability and flexibility. Every time you move, your body pushes air out of the pin-core holes, creating a natural ventilation system allowing heat and body moisture to dissipate away.
Avoid “latex” mattress with many layers or use synthetic foams. Each layer may mean another layer of glue (used to hold the mattress together) which stops airflow. Also, each layer they sell you acts as a heat trap and reduces ventilation.
Natural latex is typically a single slab with pin-core holes for air circulation.
Make sure your mattress fabric is made from organic materials
Ensure your natural latex is protected by natural fibers (e.g. organic cotton, bamboo or wool) to allow airflow through the mattress. Avoid synthetic materials (e.g. polyester, nylon) or fabrics with high thread counts which may reduce airflow.
The covering should not be excessively thick or quilted, so that you remain in close contact with what you are paying for…natural latex.
Natural fibers are more breathable than synthetic alternatives.
Why ZAANTA is cool to sleep on
Besides the slick, cool design of ZAANTA where we use nature’s perfect mattress material, we engineered a simple and affordable organic mattress for you that is the ultimate in comfort, health and durability.
Our natural latex core is perforated with pin-core holes (pencil thickness) and protected using only soft, light natural fiber covers with your choice of organic cotton, bamboo or wool depending on the level of luxury you want. This intelligently designed organic mattress provides maximum breathability promote ventilation ensuring your mattress feels cool, healthy and fresh.
So you don’t worry about sleeping on a hot mattress this summer. See our natural bedding range of ZAANTA mattresses and accessories by visiting www.zaanta.com.au.
Further tips on sleeping on a cool mattress:
- A slatted bed is the ideal companion as a bed base for latex mattresses to create the ultimate sleeping system. The spacing allows for proper airflow underneath the mattress and should be spaced close enough to support the mattress so it doesn’t sag, yet far apart for optimum airflow.
Slatted beds provide better ventilation compared to flat, closed surfaces.
Let us know about your experience sleeping on latex mattresses in hot and tropical climates. Share your story in the comments below.