Best Latex Mattresses UK | 2025

There are two different types of natural latex distinguished by their manufacturing processes: Dunlop latex and Talalay latex.

Both Dunlop latex and Talalay latex are pure latex, but they have unique characteristics and benefits. 

Dunlop latex

For the Dunlop process, the latex is poured into a mould and baked in a vulcanised oven. 

This creates a dense and firmer feeling of latex. 

Natural Dunlop latex is great for couples looking for a low motion transfer mattress. 

It’s also a brilliant choice for stomach sleepers who need a firm and supportive mattress for correct spinal alignment. 

Talalay latex

Natural Talalay latex is made similarly to Dunlop, except it includes distributing the latex in a vacuum-sealed mould and being flash-frozen before baking. 

This makes a more open-cell structure for optimal air circulation, ideal for hot sleepers. 

Talalay latex is great for side sleepers and lighter-weight people who are looking for a latex mattress on the softer side. 

Natural Talalay latex is often used in hybrid or pillow-top mattresses to add an extra layer of comfort on top of supportive pocket springs or foam layers. 

Are latex mattresses better than memory foam? 

Both latex and memory foam mattresses offer a variety of benefits. 

Benefits of latex:

• Responsive "bounce-back" feel (better for sleepers that don't like feeling "stuck" in a mattress)
• Natural, sustainably sourced material 
• Firmer feel - better for front and back sleepers 
• Designed with pinholes for a breathable sleep
• Hypoallergenic, dust-mite resistant and naturally antimicrobial 

Benefits of memory foam: 

• Generally cheaper than pure latex mattresses
• Moulds around the body more easily than latex
• Softer feel - better for side sleepers
• Provides a warmer sleep for cold sleepers
• Hypoallergenic and dust-mite-resistant 

Whilst latex is a great breathable natural choice, the adaptability of polyurethane memory foam material is also worth considering. 

Latex can have a firmer feel whilst adapting to the shape of the body and providing great pressure relief.

This can make them a fantastic option for those who suffer from back or neck pain. 

Latex mattresses are also often recommended for orthopaedic purposes.

However, it’s important to remember that if you suffer from back pain during the night, this could be due to an unsupportive mattress.

The best latex mattress for back pain will support the body without feeling too firm or soft. 

Our firmness guide can help you choose the correct firmness for your body. 

Latex mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic, dust-mite resistant and antimicrobial. 

Therefore, latex beds are a fantastic triple threat against bacteria that build up inside a mattress.

A recent study found 16 million ^[6] colony-forming units of bacteria inside a 7-year-old mattress. 

This can contribute to symptoms for those with allergies or breathing problems.

Luckily, dust mites can be fussy, and they don’t like latex material. 

The natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties of latex mean they are resistant to mould, bacteria, and even bedbugs. 

A latex mattress could be a great option for those with allergies or asthmatic symptoms. 

We also recommend using a mattress protector, particularly if you have allergies.

Mattress protectors have many benefits, including resisting dust mites, protecting the mattress from accidents and increasing the mattress's lifespan. 

Latex mattresses are made with an open-cell structure, which provides much better airflow than memory foam. 🌬️

On top of that, latex mattresses are designed with breathable pinholes throughout the mattress, which creates much better circulation. 

Take a look below:

That being said, a latex mattress isn’t necessarily going to provide you with a cool sleep. 

A latex mattress is still made up of a foam block, which doesn’t offer the best ventilation possible. 

If you’re a naturally hot sleeper, the coolest latex option would be a hybrid latex mattress with pocket springs. 

The gaps between the springs will allow excess heat to draw out underneath the mattress. 

Yes, natural latex is highly flammable, and all 100% natural latex mattresses must be treated with fire retardants or graphite (a natural alternative) according to UK safety regulations.

Some organic latex mattresses also feature a fire-retardant mattress cover.

Check latex mattress reviews or with the manufacturer to see what type of cover comes with your latex mattress. 

Most latex mattresses aren’t flippable. 

This is because of their layered structure, which usually includes a supportive foundation and a softer top.

However, latex mattresses can be rotated. 

Most latex mattresses need to be rotated every 6 months, but you should check with the manufacturer of your specific latex mattress for the best answer. 

Depending on the make-up or type of latex within the mattress, a latex mattress can come in a range of firmness levels. 

Some of the firmest mattresses on the market come in latex form, whilst other latex mattress options can be much softer.

Synthetic latex mattresses tend to be firmer than organic latex mattresses.

Likewise, if you’re looking for something with a bit more bite, then Dunlop latex is firmer than Talalay latex. 

The Yanis mattress ^[7] is a firmer option than some of the recommendations in our list. 

To learn more about Yanis mattresses, you should look at Yanis mattress reviews on Amazon. 

To answer another question: Is latex firmer than memory foam?

The short answer would be yes. 

Memory foam has a softer, more “hugging” feeling than latex, so if your decision comes down to firmness, latex would generally be the firmest choice. 

Just like traditional mattresses, latex beds come in a range of sizes and depths. 

The standard UK latex mattress sizes are below:

• Latex mattress small single: 75 x 190 cm (2’6” x 6’3")
• Single latex mattress: 90 x 190 cm (3’ x 6’3”)
• Latex mattress small double: 120 x 190 cm (4’ x 6’3")
• Latex mattress double: 135 x 190 cm (4’6” x 6’3”)
• King size latex mattress: 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
• Latex mattress super-king size: 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)
• Latex mattress emperor: 200 x 200 cm (6’6” x 6’6”)

Some latex mattresses even come in custom or EU sizes, which are slightly larger. 

For example, a latex double mattress in EU size measures 140 x 200 cm (4'5" x 6'5").

It’s important you measure your bed before buying a mattress . 📏

Depths of latex mattresses range from about 20 - 30 cm (7.87" - 11.8"), depending on the type of latex mattress.

Hybrid latex mattresses are generally much deeper than pure latex mattresses.

You’ll be pleased to know it’s not just mattresses that are made with latex.

There are lots of popular bed accessories to accommodate your love for natural latex. 

Latex mattress toppers

Latex mattress toppers offer many benefits. 

If you’re not quite ready to fork out on a brand new latex mattress, then trying a latex mattress topper first is a sensible stepping stone towards that goal.

A latex mattress topper can help to improve the feel of your mattress.

If your mattress feels too firm, a latex mattress topper can give it an added layer of comfort and help ease pressure on your joints during the night. 

Latex pillows

Latex pillows are a fantastic way to enhance your overall sleep.

Just like latex mattresses, latex pillows are hypoallergenic, naturally cool and can offer instant pressure relief on the head and shoulders. 

They also last much longer than other pillows, meaning you no longer have to replace your pillow multiple times a year.