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When you’re shopping for your next mattress, there are some factors that will be more important to you than others. If you’re on a budget, price will be a big factor in your decision. If you have a latex allergy, you’re probably more aware of the materials in your prospective mattress.
But just because you have a latex allergy, that doesn’t mean you have to rule out latex mattresses entirely. We’ll explain more about latex allergies so you understand how likely you are to be allergic to latex mattresses or other latex bedding products.
Are Latex Allergies Common?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, (AAFA) less than one percent of Americans have an allergy to latex. There are certain high-risk groups for a latex allergy: Children with spina bifida, children who frequently undergo medical treatments, and health care workers (or other workers who regularly use latex gloves).
“Between 8 to 17 percent of healthcare workers and others who regularly use latex gloves are allergic to latex,” the AAFA website explains. “Healthcare workers and children who have other allergies and get contact dermatitis when they use latex gloves are more likely to develop a latex allergy.”
Signs Or Symptoms Of A Latex Allergy
According to the AAFA, symptoms of a latex allergy are generally mild. People may experience itching and swelling where they have touched a latex product, for example on their lips after blowing up a latex balloon.
Symptoms of a more serious allergy include hives, inflammation of the eyes, trouble breathing, and anaphylaxis.
Can I Sleep On A Latex Mattress If I Have A Latex Allergy?
If you have an allergy to latex, you may think you can’t sleep on a latex mattress. Actually, since most mattress latex is placed in a mattress core, not on the surface, it’s not common for people to come into direct contact with latex when sleeping on a latex mattress.
Latex that is used in mattresses is also washed many times throughout the manufacturing process. This washing process helps to remove the proteins that affect people with latex allergies.
Thus, people who have a mild allergy may have no issues with a latex core mattress since the irritant is not coming into contact with their skin. For someone with a severe allergy, it’s likely best to avoid latex products altogether.
Final Thoughts
Overall, people with mild latex allergies should be safe sleeping on a latex mattress. Because of the washing process that latex undergoes during the manufacturing process and the fact that your skin won’t be directly exposed to the latex contained inside the mattress, most people with latex allergies will not be affected by sleeping on a latex mattress.
If you have a severe latex allergy or you’re just playing it on the safe side, you may want to avoid a latex mattress altogether. Luckily, there are many other great mattress options available. Take a look at our mattress reviews and mattress buying guides to get you started!
If you have a latex allergy and you are concerned about your mattress posing a threat to your health, consult your doctor — or a board-certified allergist — about your options.
Featured Image: Angela Schmidt/Shutterstock
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Joe Auer
Joe Auer is the editor of Mattress Clarity. He mainly focuses on mattress reviews and oversees the content across the site. He likes things simple and takes a straightforward, objective approach to his reviews. Joe has personally tested nearly 250 mattresses and always recommends people do their research before buying a new bed. He has been testing mattresses for over 5 years now, so he knows a thing or two when it comes to mattress selection. He has been cited as an authority in the industry by a number of large publications.When he isn't testing sleep products, he enjoys working out, reading both fiction and non-fiction, and playing classical piano. He enjoys traveling as well, and not just to test out hotel mattresses!Joe has an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Columbia University.
FAQs
Natural latex is hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites. That means a latex mattress is a good option for allergy sufferers.
Can I sleep on a latex pillow if I'm allergic to latex? ›
If someone describes severe latex sensitivity or allergy issues (throat closing, difficulty breathing, swellings on the skin) in response to latex, we recommend not buying any latex mattress, pillow, or mattress topper. If someone has a dangerous allergy, s/he should not sleep on latex, period.
How long does it take to adjust to a latex mattress? ›
Because natural latex doesn't conform to the shape of your body, there is no breaking in period. It may take your body up to 100 days or more to adjust to the solid support these mattresses offer, which is why Latex for Less offers such a long trial period.
Is memory foam better than latex for allergies? ›
Latex mattresses are one of the most hypoallergenic options available. While memory foam beds have hypoallergenic properties, latex typically performs better for those with allergies. Natural latex is especially resistant to allergens like dust mites, mold, and mildew.
What does latex feel like to sleep on? ›
A good thing about sleeping on a latex mattress is that there is low motion transfer. They may be bouncy compared to other types but with a firm, dense feel and no sink-in softness like a memory foam, it does not transmit movement easily.
Is latex mattress OK for latex allergy? ›
Numerous scientific show that the latex used in nearly all bedding products will not cause a reaction. Why? Because Talalay and Dunlop latex—the two common types of latex found in mattresses, toppers and pillows—do not produce the same allergic reactions as other latex products found in household or medical products.
What is a substitute for latex pillows? ›
Buckwheat Pillow
Similar to latex pillows, buckwheat pillows offer airflow for cooler sleep. You can typically add or remove buckwheat hulls from a buckwheat pillow to gain more or less loft. This is great for back and side sleepers as well as stomach sleepers, all of which require different pillow heights.
Why is my latex mattress uncomfortable? ›
Hybrid Latex Mattresses Sag and Become Uncomfortable Over Time. The truth is, hybrid mattresses constructed of latex layers over a polyurethane core, or innerspring can become less comfortable as they get older as the latex compresses against the polyurethane or the inner springs sag.
How long does it take for a latex mattress to air out? ›
The Smell of Natural Latex Goes Away Over Time.
As soon as you unzip your new mattress from its packaging, the odour should dissipate in about 30 days. Some people might take a couple of months, but their noses are more sensitive than others. This can be solved by applying an extra sheet or a mattress protector.
How do you get used to a latex mattress? ›
Like most mattresses, latex mattresses will need a brief break-in period to adjust to your body, usually the first 14 days. However, as mentioned before, you can speed up this process by regularly sleeping on the mattress.
Tempur-Pedic® mattresses do not contain latex. Tempur-Pedic® mattresses are produced from 100% new materials with safety, quality, and the environment in mind.
Is latex or foam better for sleeping on? ›
Sleeper Body Type
Memory foam's tendency to allow the body to sink in is generally a good thing, though for heavier sleepers, the foam may have too much give, resulting in a less supportive feel. Latex tends to perform better for heavier sleepers.
Is memory foam topper better than latex? ›
A Latex foam mattress topper is the best option for those looking for a mattress that is eco-friendly, has a faster response time, and contains greater bounce and durability. While Memory Foam is better for sleepers who need motion isolation, a slower response time, and greater compression support.
Is latex unhealthy to sleep on? ›
Healthy – One of the biggest “selling points” of natural latex is that it is a healthy and safe material to sleep on. Nearly all other mattress types utilize adhesives and petroleum based foams that continue to release toxic chemicals into the air as they age, contributing pollution indoors and out.
How do you know if you are allergic to latex mattress? ›
Symptoms can include skin irritation, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. If you think you may be allergic to latex, it's important to talk to your doctor and get a proper diagnosis. If you do have a latex allergy, there are alternative mattress options available, such as memory foam or innerspring mattresses.
Is latex good for side sleepers? ›
A latex mattress is a popular choice for side sleepers because of its unique properties. It's made from natural rubber and cotton, so it's hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. It also has the ability to adjust to your body temperature, which is great for people who can't sleep in an overheated room.
Are latex pillows good for allergies? ›
The best pillows for allergies contain materials that are resistant to dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens. These include core materials such as memory foam and latex and cover materials like natural cotton, bamboo-derived textiles, and Tencel.
Is latex toxic to sleep on? ›
And is it toxic? Thankfully, natural latex is both safe and sustainable and is the preferred choice over polyurethane or memory foam when searching for an organic mattress.
Is it good to sleep on latex pillow? ›
A latex foam pillow is an excellent middle ground, offering more support and firmness than down or down alternative, but without the slow-sinking feeling of memory foam. As a material, it's bouncy and resilient while still creating some soothing pressure relief.
According to the AAFA, symptoms of a latex allergy are generally mild. People may experience itching and swelling where they have touched a latex product, for example on their lips after blowing up a latex balloon.
