When it comes to achieving restful, restorative sleep, a proper-fitting mattress made from the correct materials is critical. In this guide, we'll help you choose the best latex mattress by breaking it down into sleeping positions—side, back, and stomach—and common combination sleeping styles.
Background – Building a Latex Mattress
The three most important factors to consider when choosing the correct latex mattress are mattress thickness, layer thickness and layer type.
The single most important aspect of latex mattress firmness is the overall thickness of the mattress. Latex mattresses start at 6” thick, which is also the firmest mattress option. This is the most common starting point because Latex is often made in 6” moulds (sometimes thinner, never thicker). Since that is the thickest solid piece, anything thicker than six inches will be made from multiple layers, and the more layers you add, the softer it gets. However, there are limits to that. You start seeing deprecating returns after 10” thick with no discernible benefit beyond twelve inches thick.
The next most important factor is the layer thickness. The thinner the layer, the softer the feel. For example, a 6” slab of latex sliced into three 2” layers will be softer than the solid 6” piece it was sliced from. That’s why comfort layers are always equal to or thinner than support layers. You can even make an entire mattress from thinner layers to maximize pressure relief.
The final aspect to consider is the particulars of the layer, such as firmness and type of latex. The most common mistake with inexperienced mattress makers is taking too narrow of a view of the relationship between layer and mattress firmness. You need to use the correct densities, in the proper thickness - in the correct mattress design - to achieve the desired results. With latex, using soft pieces in the wrong context can lead to a firmer mattress, while using firmer layers in the proper context can create a smoother feel.
To summarize:
• Thinner mattresses are firmer, and thicker mattresses are softer.
• Fewer, thicker layers create a firmer mattress, and many thinner layers create a softer mattress.
• The firmness of each layer needs to be calibrated to the mattress and layer thickness in addition to the sleeping style to maximize results.
Trying to take shortcuts often leads to disappointing results. This is where consulting with latex mattress experts is critically essential and will likely save you money in the end.
Best Latex Mattress for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a mattress that cushions their shoulders and hips while keeping the spine aligned. Latex is the perfect material for this, as its natural elasticity makes it both soft to the touch and highly supportive. Absent of any firmness preferences, most Side Sleepers choose a softer latex mattress. We categorize those as Plush to Medium-Firm. However, mattress firmness labels are subjective, so direct comparisons are often flawed. Zoned support systems can help further, especially those that offer softer zones under the shoulders and firmer zones under the hips.
Softest Option: 12" Talalay Latex Mattress
Balanced Comfort and Support: 12" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Targeted Support: 12" Zoned Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Best Value: 10" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Lowest Price: 12" Hybrid Latex Pocket Coil Mattress
Best Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers
Back sleepers require steady support to maintain spinal alignment and prevent sagging around the lower back. A medium-firm mattress supports the natural curve of the spine and keeps the hips in check. Dunlop latex, being denser and more supportive than Talalay, is often a better fit for back sleepers. A latex mattress with a thinner comfort layer and a firm core provides enough plushness without compromising structure.
Firmest Option: 6" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Balanced Comfort and Support: 12" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Targeted Support: 12" Zoned Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Best Value: 8" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Lowest Price: 9" Hybrid Latex Pocket Coil Mattress
Best Latex Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers benefit from firmer mattresses that keep their torso from sinking too far, which could cause lower back strain. A firm latex mattress helps maintain a straight spinal position throughout the night. Denser Dunlop latex layers provide the sturdy support needed for this sleeping style. A thinner comfort layer on top ensures you don't sink in too deep and maintain proper posture.
Firmest Option: 6" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Targeted Support: 12" Zoned Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Best Value: 6" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Lowest Price: 6" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Best Latex Mattress for Combo Sleepers
Many people move between positions throughout the night. If you’re a combination sleeper, your mattress needs to accommodate multiple needs without sacrificing comfort in any one area. We recommend prioritizing your biggest need. For example, if you're a side and back sleeper with pressure point issues, we suggest focusing on mattresses best suited towards side sleepers rather than back sleepers.
Back and Side Sleepers
This sleep combination requires a mattress that offers both pressure relief for the shoulders and steady support for the back. A medium firmness level strikes the right balance, allowing the hips and spine to stay aligned while cushioning the shoulders. Latex’s natural bounce also helps make position changes smoother and easier.
Balanced Comfort and Support: 12" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Targeted Support: 12" Zoned Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Best Value: 10" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Lowest Price: 12" Hybrid Latex Pocket Coil Mattress
Back and Stomach Sleepers
This combo demands firmer support to keep the spine neutral in both positions. A mattress that is medium-firm to firm helps prevent the hips from dipping too low when lying on your stomach, while still being supportive enough for back sleeping. A breathable latex surface is an added bonus for comfort, especially for stomach sleepers.
Firmest Option: 6" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Balanced Comfort and Support: 12" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Targeted Support: 12" Zoned Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Best Value: 8" Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress
Lowest Price: 9" Hybrid Latex Pocket Coil Mattress
Side and Stomach Sleepers
We can’t sugarcoat this one. The side and stomach combo is the most challenging combination to accommodate since side sleepers need softness for pressure relief, while stomach sleepers require firm mid-section support. Zoned mattresses can offer that targeted support, but the demands of each position are so different that you usually have to lean on one or the other when buying a mattress.
The right latex mattress is one that matches how you actually sleep, not just what feels good in the showroom. Whether you stick to one position or rotate through several, latex offers versatility and long-term comfort. For those unsure about their preferences, a customizable latex mattress with adjustable layers is a smart choice that adapts as your needs evolve. Any of our mattresses can be adapted to you at any time.
Still not sure which latex mattress is right for you? Feel free to drop us a line and our sleep experts will guide you in the right direction.
