Natural Latex Mattresses – Sleeping Comfort Made from 100% Natural Latex

Natural latex mattresses are made from elastic natural latex and offer a high level of lying comfort as well as good breathability. They adapt to your body shape with point elasticity, are durable, and—depending on certification—are tested for harmful substances. Ideal for anyone who values natural materials.

What Is Natural Latex?

Natural latex is derived from the milky sap of the tropical rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), which grows mainly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. After the tree bark is tapped, the sap—also known as “latex milk”—is collected in bowls. The tree can be harvested regularly for decades without needing to be cut down. This makes natural latex a renewable raw material.

In production, the fresh latex milk is filtered, mixed with natural minerals and soaps, and then foamed in molds. Through heating (vulcanization), a uniformly elastic foam block with an open-cell structure is created. This structure supports good air circulation and a pleasantly dry sleeping climate. Depending on density and shaping, various 7-zone body support systems are created to relieve shoulders, pelvis, and the lumbar spine in a targeted way.

Since natural latex can be biodegradable under suitable conditions and is produced without petrochemical additives, it is—depending on origin and processing—often considered an alternative to synthetic latex and cold foam. High-quality natural latex mattresses may carry seals such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), QUL (Qualitätsverband umweltverträgliche Latexmatratzen) or Moreganic (Rubber Farm Management Standard). FSC confirms responsible management of the raw material sources. The QUL seal verifies that the mattress core is made of 100% natural latex and complies with strict limit values for harmful substances. Moreganic goes a step further by monitoring ecological cultivation methods and social standards along the supply chain.

Properties of Natural Latex Mattresses

Thanks to its elastic core, a natural latex mattress provides ergonomic support for the entire body. With its high point elasticity, latex adapts closely to body contours without affecting surrounding areas—shoulders and hips can sink in gently, while the waist and lumbar area remain supported. This can help keep the spine in a natural position, regardless of sleeping position.

High-quality models feature a 7-zone system divided into individual comfort zones: head, shoulder, lumbar, pelvic, thigh, lower leg, and foot zone. These zones vary in firmness to relieve or support specific parts of the body. Especially for people with back or neck discomfort, natural latex mattresses can provide noticeable pressure relief and may contribute to a more relaxed lying feel.

In addition to excellent body contouring, natural latex is valued for its long-lasting shape stability—even after many years, the foam can return to its original shape, meaning natural latex mattresses can achieve a long service life with proper use. The open-cell structure supports natural ventilation and moisture regulation. This helps keep the sleeping climate pleasantly dry and hygienic, even when sweating more. Combined with a breathable cover made from organic cotton or sheep’s wool, this can create a well-balanced bed climate.

How Healthy Are Natural Latex Mattresses?

High-quality natural latex consists predominantly of sap from the rubber tree and is produced without added plasticizers. It meets strict testing requirements for harmful substances and remains elastically resilient over time. Its open-cell structure supports good air circulation and a balanced sleeping climate. People with a medically diagnosed latex allergy should consult a professional before use.

Is Natural Latex Environmentally Friendly?

Natural latex is obtained from the sap of the rubber tree— a renewable raw material. Latex is harvested gently, without cutting down the tree. If the raw material is sourced from responsibly managed sources (e.g., FSC-certified), this may contribute to a more sustainable material choice. Combined with covers made from organic cotton (kbA), Lyocell, or sheep’s wool (kbT), this results in a mattress with a high share of natural materials.

What Are the Disadvantages of Natural Latex Mattresses?

Due to the high material content, a natural latex mattress is somewhat heavier than a cold foam mattress, which can make turning it a bit more effort. In addition, the price is often somewhat higher due to the use of natural materials. In return, you benefit from above-average durability, long-lasting shape stability, and a sleeping comfort that does not noticeably change even after many years.

Why Is 100% Natural Latex Important?

Many mattresses are made from blends of natural and synthetic latex—and may still be marketed as a “natural latex mattress” if the natural latex content exceeds a certain minimum threshold. Such semi-synthetic variants are often less elastic and are not fully biodegradable.

Only mattresses with a core made of 100% pure natural latex offer a high level of point elasticity and breathability. They contain no synthetic latex components and are therefore particularly durable, low-emission, and skin-friendly.

What to Look for When Buying a Natural Latex Mattress

Which Slatted Base Fits Natural Latex Mattresses?

Natural latex mattresses are very flexible and require a stable slatted base with a narrow slat spacing (max. 3–4 cm). Spring-loaded models made from plywood with an adjustable center zone are ideal.

For Couples: One Large Mattress or Two?

If you share a bed, you often face the decision: one large shared mattress or two individual ones? A single continuous mattress provides an even surface without a gap, but usually requires compromises on firmness. Two separate mattresses allow each person to choose the right firmness and comfort zone—though a small gap forms in the middle, which can be bridged quite easily with a large fitted sheet.

The ideal solution is a partner mattress with two separate cores in one shared cover: both sleepers are supported individually, without the noticeable “gap” in the middle.

Cover Made from Organic Cotton, Sheep’s Wool, or Lyocell?

A washable cover made from organic cotton (kbA) is easy to care for, breathable, and often chosen by people with sensitivity to house dust. Cotton absorbs moisture well and can be washed at higher temperatures— ideal for a hygienic, fresh sleeping feel.

Sheep’s wool (kbT), on the other hand, has temperature-balancing and moisture-regulating properties. It feels pleasantly warm in winter and supports a dry, cool climate in summer. It also has natural moisture-regulating properties and is largely self-cleaning—ideal for anyone who prefers natural materials.

Lyocell (TENCEL™) is a cellulose-based fiber and is combined with organic cotton. The cover is vegan, particularly moisture-regulating, and feels pleasantly smooth against the skin. Lyocell supports a balanced sleeping climate and can be washed at 40 °C.

Which Firmness Level for Natural Latex Mattresses?

The right firmness depends on your body weight and sleeping position. As a general rule: the higher the weight, the firmer the mattress should be.

What Does Firmness Level 1 (H1) Mean?

H1 stands for soft – suitable for body weights up to around 60 kg or for people who prefer a very gentle, yielding feel.

What Does Firmness Level 2 (H2) Mean?

H2 stands for medium – ideal for body weights up to around 80 kg or for sleepers who prefer a slightly softer surface.

What Does Firmness Level 3 (H3) Mean?

H3 stands for firm – ideal from around 80 kg body weight or for those who prefer a firmer feel.

How Thick Should a Natural Latex Mattress Be?

The ideal mattress height is between 14 cm and 20 cm. Thinner versions (e.g., 12 cm) are suitable as a guest bed or combined with a topper, while thicker mattresses offer more comfort and support.

Natural Latex Mattresses at ekomia

At ekomia, you’ll find 100% natural latex mattresses in all common sizes: 90x200 cm, 100x200 cm, 120x200 cm, 140x200 cm, 160x200 cm, 180x200 cm and 200x200 cm. Each mattress is made to order in Germany— using durable materials and a sustainability-focused production approach.

Our ekomia Natural Mattresses at a Glance

• Twisp Basic Natural Latex Mattress — Entry-level line with 100% natural latex, 5-zone core height approx. 12 cm. Firmness levels Medium (H2) or Firm (H3).
• Twisp Natural Latex Mattress — The classic with 100% natural latex for all sleeper types, 7-zone core height approx. 14 cm. Firmness levels Medium (H2) or Firm (H3).
• Twisp Comfort Natural Latex Mattress — Comfort version with 100% natural latex, 7-zone core height approx. 15 cm. In addition to Medium (H2) or Firm (H3), also available in Soft (H1) for lighter people and those who prefer a very soft feel.
• Twisp Comfort Plus Natural Latex Mattress — Extra comfortable premium version with 100% natural latex, 7-zone core height approx. 18 cm. Firmness levels Medium (H2) or Firm (H3).
• Coco Natural Mattress — Combination of natural latex and latex-coated coconut fiber, 5-zone with shoulder zone. Firmness level Firm (H3) for those who prefer a particularly firm feel.
• Nemo Children’s Mattress — Reversible mattress combining a 4 cm natural latex core (firm) and a 4 cm latex-coated coconut core. Ideal for growing children and teenagers. Available in sizes 90x200, 100x200, 120x200, and 140x200 cm.
• Nemo Baby Mattress — Natural latex mattress with a 5 cm core (firm) for babies, with a washable cover made from either organic cotton or organic cotton with a quilted layer of virgin sheep’s wool. Available in sizes 60x120 and 70x140 cm.

Our Topper Made from 100% Natural Latex

Twisp Topper — 4 cm core made from 100% natural latex, in firmness level Firm (H3). Covers are freely selectable: 100% organic cotton (washable), Lyocell (TENCEL™) (washable), or organic cotton quilted with sheep’s wool. Ideal for adjusting the feel of an existing mattress.

How Sustainable Are ekomia Natural Latex Mattresses?

When developing our ekomia natural latex mattresses, we focus on certified materials and a durable construction— from the materials through to production. Each mattress is made in Germany and consists of carefully selected, certified raw materials that are tested for harmful substances according to recognized standards.

The core of our natural latex mattresses is made from 100% natural latex, derived from the sap of the rubber tree and certified according to FSC for responsible forestry. In addition, the latex core is QUL-certified—the independent seal confirms that it is pure natural latex that meets strict limit values for harmful substances. The Moreganic certification also confirms a supply chain with defined requirements regarding farming methods and social standards. Natural latex is durable, elastic, and based on a natural raw material.

For the cover made from 100% organic cotton (kbA), we use fibers certified to GOTS. In addition, the fabric is tested to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 for harmful substances.

The sheep’s wool (kbT) comes from controlled organic animal husbandry and is also certified to GOTS as well as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100— for verified environmental standards and product safety testing.

Our Lyocell cover (TENCEL™) carries the EU Ecolabel for environmental standards across the product life cycle. In addition, the fiber is tested to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Class 1, and the wood used comes from responsibly managed, FSC®- or PEFC-certified sources.

Depending on the model, we also use latex-coated coconut fiber (coated with 100% natural latex).