Latex is a popular choice when it comes to choosing a mattress. And with its generally affordable price point, the comfort it promises, and the support it offers your body as you sleep, it’s easy to see why. However, there are several reasons why latex should be avoided, particularly if you’re a hot sleeper, if you suffer with night sweats or you’re prone to allergy symptoms. There are also plenty of environmental elements and safety factors to take into consideration when looking at which mattress fiber to choose.
Natural fibers are always recommended if you’re looking for an organic, natural sleep. But even then, there’s a big choice to make. Do you opt for feather? Latex? Wool? It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re trying to find the type of bedding that suits you best. That’s why we’ve done the research for you.
Focusing on the differences between wool and latex, we’ve looked closely at the benefits each one brings to your bedding – and ultimately, which one will result in a happier, healthier sleep. So if you’re wondering: “are latex mattresses hot to sleep on?” or “do latex mattresses make you sweat?” then you’re in the right place. Discover more about latex vs. wool in our guide below.
What is latex?
Not too dissimilar to memory foam mattresses, a latex mattress is a combination of latex foam with either springs or reflex foam. However, latex is often combined with other fillings and fibers to create a more synthetic mattress, taking away the natural element that offers the most benefits.
There are three different types of latex foam:
- Natural latex
- Blended latex
- 100% synthetic latex
So if you’re thinking of choosing latex as your preferred mattress fiber, it’s worth being a little more cautious and researching the percentage of natural content in the product.
Do latex mattresses make you sweat?
As well as being cautious of just how natural a latex mattress really is, you should also be wary of the lack of temperature regulation that it offers. You don’t have to go far to find reviews and questions from people online about the heat problems caused by latex bedding. And while some latex mattresses are more cooling than others, the general consensus is that the more affordable, foam-combined latex mattresses are leading to hot sweats and an uncomfortable night’s sleep. So if you frequently wake up in the night in a hot sweat, or you’re generally finding that you overheat at night, it’s important to remember that it’s not just you – it’s the mattress too!
What makes a latex mattress too hot?
So what makes a latex mattress too hot? Simply put, the synthetic fibers found in hybrid or blended latex mattresses are not as breathable as more natural materials. Bedding fills like wool and down, for instance, are much more apt at offering moisture control, temperature regulation and a more breathable environment for your sleep. With latex – unless it’s a 100% natural latex mattress, which is often very expensive and not easy to come by – the fibers just aren’t up to par in offering the same benefits.
Moisture retention
While you may not think of your mattress and bedding as ways to keep cool at night, a more natural solution will always allow your body to breathe better. As a moisture wicking fiber, wool works hard at night to keep humidity, clamminess and sweat away from your body, without it becoming trapped in your mattress. As blended and synthetic latex mattress are essentially made from plastic, you’ll find that they will retain moisture and leave you feeling hot.
No temperature control
There are many things that lead to a high body temperature at night, from hormones and pregnancy to medical conditions and a cold. But all of these things are out of your control, and they don’t have to impact your sleep. Latex mattress can make temperature control more difficult, by trapping warm air between your body and the mattress itself. This is because the heat from your body is transferred into the fibers to help keep it warm and offer a memory foam style support layer. While this may make the mattress feel more supportive, this heat is then reflected onto your body and can lead to overheating. A natural fiber such as wool is the way to go if you want something that acts as a body temperature regulator. With its temperature regulating capabilities, you’re much less likely to be woken up by the heat.
Synthetic materials
Synthetic materials just aren’t as effective when it comes to controlling body temperature. With traces of plastic, foam and chemicals, a blended or synthetic latex mattress has a high retention of heat, with poor ventilation properties. This, alongside the bleaching and chemical odors that synthetics radiate, doesn’t make for a refreshing, cooling night’s sleep.
Wool vs. latex mattresses
With all of this in mind, the wool mattress vs. latex mattress argument is much more simple. Easy to source and completely natural, wool is a fiber that promises excellent quality time and time again. Not only that, but the journey and production of wool ensures total sustainability, giving the environment a boost too.
So, when you’re finally done with your
wool mattress after many years of happy and healthy sleep, you don’t need to worry about it hanging around and polluting the environment – thanks to its biodegradable capabilities.
Find your dream mattress with Woolroom today and say hello to a happier, healthier sleep.