Out of all the various TH-cam mattress reviews I think yours is the best with informative and straightforward opinions. Keep up the excellent work. I haven't bought a mattress in probably 12+ years (Ikea) and what is out there is overwhelming. I don't like memory foam and this might be worth the investment. Thanks,
Thank you so much for your kind words Betty. It is very gratifying to hear that our reviews have been helpful in your search for the right mattress. We will definitely continue to release more of these. In terms of feeling overwhelmed by the many choices out there these days, I can definitely relate to that. Have you taken the Mattress Match Quiz on our website yet? This is a very thorough quiz that we designed to help you hone in on the most relevant choices for you. After you've taken it, you can also navigate to any product on GoodBed to see your personal match score for that product. I hope that helps.
Whether I buy this mattress or not I want to say that I don't think I have ever heard anyone present a product in a more organized, logical, thorough or thoughtful way. The gentleman speaking here is an excellent speaker and teacher and I have listened to many more speakers in my life than most people have as well as having ongoing training as one. I now know more about latex mattresses and this one in particular than I ever realized there was to know. I'm no dummy when it comes to sales tactics either as my husband could sell a refrigerator to an eskimo or wings to a bird, as they say. Therefore my "spider sense" tingles as soon as I hear any of the classic and many of the non-classic sales techniques being used and I am put off by them. I was not put off by this presentation at all. I want to thank you for that. If anyone could sell me a mattress by how well it was presented it would be this guy. I apologize for not going back to see if he gave his name in the beginning but I figure it will get back to him anyway. : )
Hi +xanadu1jw -- This is Mike (from the video). I just wanted to thank you most sincerely for taking the time to share these extremely kind words. It is very nice to know that the video was helpful for you. I think the part that was most gratifying was the reference to me as a "teacher." One of the greatest challenges for our company is rising above the spammy noise of the internet (and the mattress industry...) so that our readers understand we are here to *educate* and help them make the best possible purchase -- not to sell them anything. So, if you referring to me as a teacher is any indication that this came across to you, then that is something that gives me great satisfaction. On top of that, both my mother and grandmother were teachers, so it gives me a great deal of personal pride as well. :) Thank you again!
I was all ready to dismiss your reviews. But after the first review of yours I saw I was shocked how in-depth your reviews are. You touch on details no one else does. The science of your reviews are really good. I recalculated everything I knew about mattress’s after your reviews. You reviews allow me to make a better decision. Thank you for your reviews. They are on point.
Hi there -- Thank you for your very kind words! As you can surely tell, we put a lot more work into our reviews than other sites do, so it is extremely gratifying to know that the added detail, nuance, and context that we provide has been helpful for you. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know!
The BEST reviews. Love your location for geography. Grew up and went to school in the Bay Area when it was just cherry and apricot orchards. I took your quiz and the Zenhaven Latex and the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 were the best results for me. Can't decide. But since this review is 7 years old, maybe you have some new insights with it and the newer Purple competition. I was able to try the Purple at local store whose name will go unmentioned ☹. I liked it but can't get a sense of how it compares. Concerns: Purple seems to have had some problems with durability and construction (side foam separations from gel to which the gel is not glued). The waffle construction, even at 3", leaves some question about durability (retention of support) as well. With the demand for soft, conforming, cozy, 10" quilted top, etc., all manufacturers are using foam, gel, latex or hybrids. And everything but concrete and steel will deform thus I am not surprised that everyone has "dip" or worse comments about them. All manufacturers have escape clauses for their warranty. Zenhaven has a 1.5" deflection determinate which I know from experience never actually shows up since it is the entire depth that loses support that you can only feel and hardly ever see. You would have to park a truck on the mattress for a year to get a surface deflection of 1.5". But they do have a good 365 day trial. Biggest concern for me is pressure relief for shoulders, back support and ease of repositioning. I am 76 years old, 170 and 5'10". Hope you can help me make a choice. Sorry if I am a bit cynical. Comes with age.
Hi Coleen -- Thanks so much for sharing your feedback with us. You are right that providing honest and straightforward information to our readers is our top priority. While we would prefer that our reviews be 10 minutes or less, we've found that this isn't nearly enough time to provide a truly expert assessment of a mattress, let alone the level of objective information and education that we think consumers need and deserve. As such, it's very gratifying to hear that our approach has been helpful for you -- thanks again for taking the time to let us know!
Mike -- Your website/you tube mattress reviews are the best out there. This is the mattress for us; thanks so much for the mattress match quiz too. We will definitely use your code, and will report back on our experience. Thanks for such great resources.
Thanks for your support and feedback +baycyd! I'm very glad we were able to help you hone in on the right choice for you. I hope you love it and look forward to hearing about your experience.
Thank you for your professional, informative reviews. I did purchase the Zenhaven. It is a well constructed, quality mattress. My only complaint is that it feels a bit taut, with a little less pressure relief for my shoulder (I am primarily a side sleeper). I have only had it for a couple of weeks, and plan to give it a little more time, as I never had a latex mattress before, but I am wondering if the loom and leaf may be a better choice. I am 5'11, 240 lbs. 65. Thoughts? Again, thank you for your great reviews.
Mike - Your reviews are the most consistent, well thought out, and informative of anything online. It's so much easier to listen to your reviews than it is to listen to a salesperson at a mattress store. So very helpful, keep up the good work and thank you much for producing and sharing your mattress reviews. It's been a long time since we purchased a mattress and there are almost too many choices. We have taken the mattress quiz and it came up recommending a few latex based mattress choices. However, we are concerned with a latex bed and any relation to possible latex allergies a person might have or may be caused by a latex bed. Should we be concerned?
Hi +S2kDude36 -- Thanks for the question and your very kind words. It's very gratifying to hear that our reviews have been helpful for you. In terms of your question, this is a common concern people have about latex mattresses. Before I answer, I should first be clear that we are not offering medical advice or counseling in any way, and it would certainly be smart for anyone with latex allergy concerns to check with a doctor before purchasing a latex mattress. The first question I'd have for you is whether either of you is known to have latex allergies. Certainly, anyone that experiences breathing difficulty or whose latex allergy symptoms can be triggered simply by being in a room with latex should not be considering a latex mattress -- there could not possibly be any benefits that would outweigh the possibility (however big or small) of anaphylaxis or other severe allergic reactions. That said, for most people who experience latex allergies, symptoms are triggered by *direct contact* with latex (eg, rubber gloves, a balloon, etc.). With mattresses, due to their thick cover (plus sheets, a mattress protector, etc.), direct contact with latex does not occur in the ordinary use of the mattress. For this reason alone, many people who suffer from either contact dermatitis or even latex allergies are fine on a latex mattress. Beyond that, the process for making the latex foam used in mattresses also differs slightly from the process for making other latex products in that the proteins that commonly trigger latex allergies are washed off during the manufacturing stage. This provides additional protection for anyone that suffers from latex allergies. Does that help?
EXCELLENT REVIEW! One remark, according to the Saatva company, the only "chemical additive" added to the latex is CO2 to turn the latex from liquid into solid.
Thanks Kati (and sorry I missed this earlier)! TBH I have heard that statement before but can't confirm it with 100% certainty. I have spoken directly with latex manufacturers about this and there is a fair amount of dispute between the Dunlop and Talalay communities over what degree of "chemical additives" are needed in the Talalay process. From my standpoint though, the key take-away is that all parties seem to agree that as a portion of the overall "recipe," it's quite small. 😊 Sorry I can't be of more help on this one, but I hope that's helpful nonetheless.
Hi Mike, I recently bought a Purple .3 and while I love the feel of it, my lower back hates it. Back problems aren't new to me and I sometimes sleep on my stomach. Looking back, I probably should have tried the 2 or the original, but I don't want to try another and be unable to return it now. I also tried the BearHybrid- had to return that too for the same problem (even with new firmer foam- felt like a brick that my back still hated). So, I've been drawn to the Saatva family because they mention specific lumbar support. Other than needing to remediate the lower back problems, I'm pretty open to bedding materials. I took your online test, and the Zenhaven was one of my top matches...however, so was the purple .3. Do you think that I'll have a different experience with the Zenhaven than with the mattresses I've tried before or do you have some other suggestions (or should I just chuck all the things and sleep on the floor, LOL)? I appreciate your videos and input.
Love your reviews! But as of 3 months ago you hadn't reviewed the Plushbed Botanical Bliss, is this still the case? I am trying to choose btwn the two, would love your feedback specifically on the comparison btwn Zenhaven & Plushbeds in overall comfort, motion transfer, edge support, pb sleeping hotter than zh. Many thanks! In an online shopping world it is nice to see videos with someone moving around on the bed...
Hi Andrea -- I'm very glad the reviews have been helpful for you! Unfortunately you are correct that we still haven't had a chance to review the Botanical Bliss yet. We don't have an immediate timetable for that review as there are a number of others that we'll be completing and releasing first, but it is definitely on our list. Sorry to keep you waiting, but thank you for letting us know that it would be helpful for you as this is how we prioritize our reviews.
Hi Mike, I keep watching your great reviews and coming back to the Zenhaven... even your bed find feature always includes the Zenhaven. I have a sleep number bed and am having pressure point issues no matter what I do. Just miserable. I’m a side sleeper and my partner too. We are big people I’m 5’10” and 195 lbs and he is 6’3” and 250lbs. We are both side sleepers although I’m a bit of a belly sleeper too. His mattress at his place that he loves is a foam base with memory foam on top. I hate memory foam, hate the sinking feeling. Would a Zenhaven possibly be a good compromise? I was looking also at the hybrid from nest with the springs and latex but I’m not sure... thanks for any feedback. I would like natural materials as I’m very allergic to pretty much anything but back and hip pain is killing me every morning. Thanks
Hi Patricia -- Thanks for your question, and your kind words. In terms of a "compromise," that is a bit of a tricky one. If he *has* to have memory feel and you *can't* have it, then there isn't really a compromise to be had. However, if he simply *likes* memory feel (but doesn't require it) and you *hate* it as you said, then I do think the Zenhaven could indeed be a decent compromise. Like memory foam, latex has very good pressure relief, but without the sinking feeling or slow responsiveness. It's also better for stomach sleeping because it holds you up more, with more of a floating (vs cradling) sensation. In terms of the Next Latex Hybrid, that model is also very nice (we will be releasing a review of that in the coming weeks). However, going back to your compromise, it has more of what we call "deep bounce" -- meaning the kind of bounce you feel when you jump onto the bed -- which the Zenhaven doesn't really have. So I think the Zenhaven will be closer to what your partner is used to on that front. I hope that's helpful for you.
I took your GoodBed Match Quiz and it recommended 3 choices, Nest Hybred Latex Med., Spindle Natural Latex soft, and Zenhaven Luxury Plush. I'm torn between the Nest and Zenhaven. The one thing that i'm looking at is the flip ability of the Zenhaven, like getting 2 mattresses in one. Just wondering what you think about that logic? Also, have you had a chance to evaluate the Nest Hybred Latex mattress? I like that one too.
Hi Don -- Thanks for your question. Regarding the flip-ability of the Zenhaven, I do think there is some merit to your logic, particularly since the two sides of this mattress are rather similar in their respective characteristics (softness level, cushioning depth, etc.). All else being equal, a mattress that is regularly flipped should definitely deliver a longer useful life than one that can't be flipped (though not twice as long). So, as long as you were to use both sides of the mattress, you should benefit from this additional longevity. And given the similarity of the two sides of the Zenhaven, I do think that many people who are happy on one side of this mattress could be equally or almost as happy on the other side. Such people would be able flip the mattress regularly and thereby extend its life. The one small point I would add to this is that due to the quality of the materials in the Zenhaven, it is very heavy. And due to the nature of latex, it's also rather floppy. The combination of these two things makes it rather difficult to move, so it may require two able-bodied people to flip it, particularly for a king size. Regarding the Nest Hybrid, unfortunately we haven't had a chance to formally review that one yet. I hope that helps!
I just ordered this mattress last evening! 5/20/20 So Happy to find your EXCELLENT EXTENSIVE most in depth review on here again. THANK YOU FOR THE PERFECT REVIEW!! I watched this review some years back when I was only dreaming of buying a mattress very similar to this which was in the $5000 range, one I could not afford. Your reviews are true reviews. Thank you for a real review as one can really get a sense entirely of the kicking the tires experience from your extensive thorough quality mattress reviews. Other you tubers dont go deep and I've no use watching people just laying on them which doesn't help me at all to really know what I need to - to decide- which is the whole point of watching a review. Other reviewers dont take the time like you to rate the levels you rate, its usually them narrating, while we watch clips of someone on the bed. I love the fact you dont have silly music on and are just talking to the person, like a real person!! You lay and speak- !! MOST EFFECTIVE !! - and you seem to know HOW TO give a very intuitive conscientious CONSUMER 👍 thinking process ONE NEEDS for decision making- which is the whole point of a review!!! BRAVO👏👏🗽BRAVO! I'm appreciating your review a second time from a totally different prospective now having purchased the ZENHAVEN from Saatva and am excitedly awaiting its arrival. As you state, you cannot try this in a store. A couple years ago I sampled a very similar product costing a couple thousand $$ more. Like your review states, that bed I sampled in a store was ALL organic and that company even charges more for the wool topping!! But Saatva nailed it in my opinion, and has the organic cotton and wool included !! and is way cheaper than the one I laid on and never forgot its feel. It was the Organic ROSE bed made by Healthy Choice. Financially, we were going to just get a Regular Saatva mattress also a great bed, however, when I saw Saatva makes !!! Latex !! It was a dream come true because its affordable with similar principles to my dream Rose bed I tried years back and have never been able to forget! And to find your review today has made me know its the same product I laid on years back. Your review gave me peace of mind. THANK YOU!!!!
THANK YOU for the great comment! You are the reason we do these reviews. GoodBed was started when the founder (who does the reviews) was shopping with his wife for a mattress and found himself overwhelmed by the options, the mystery around mattresses, and shady retailers. GoodBed aims to be the antidote to all of that!
First, I am a Teacher and I have to second the comment that commended your presentation. I appreciate folks who seek to educate and spread knowledge about the industry instead of slinging around marketing hoopla and hiding behind smoke and mirrors! Secondly, I am strongly considering trying SleepOnLatex because they are also Green Guard certified. I know that there is a slight(usually exaggerated) difference in feel with dunlop and talalay latex. Do you have any insight on that company or sleeping on dunlop? I understand that these latex foams are very heavy and also very durable.
Hi John -- Thanks for your question, and also for your kind words. With regards to SleepOnLatex, we are certainly aware of them, however I'm afraid we have not yet done an in-depth review of any of their products so I can't speak to them in nearly as much detail as I can with many other products. With regards to Dunlop vs Talalay, I would agree that the difference in feel tends to be fairly subtle. It is most noticeable at the softer end of the spectrum, since the Talalay method is generally able to achieve softer feels than can be achieved with the Dunlop method. This is one reason why some latex mattress makers choose to use Dunlop in the support core and Talalay in the comfort layers. Both Talalay and Dunlop are very heavy and very durable foams. In terms of the GreenGuard certification, this is indeed a nice safety certification as it measures the off-gassing of the finished product mattress and certifies that any emissions are below some minimally acceptable threshold. You can read more about it here: www.goodbed.com/mattress-topics/greenguard-gold/ All else being equal, we would certainly agree that certifications are nice to have. That said, one thing that may be worth keeping in mind is that just because a mattress does not have a given certification does not mean it wouldn't pass that test. FWIW, given the materials used in it, I would have every expectation that the Zenhaven would meet the Greenguard Gold standards if the company had chosen to obtain that certification. Lastly, in case it's helpful, you may be interested in watching our review of the Spindle, which is also a Dunlop latex mattress. You can find it here: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/spindle-mattress/ I hope that's helpful.
GoodBed Wow that was a Prompt reply! Thanks for getting back to me. I will definitely check out those links when I get home. I have one more inquiry. My only reserve, other than price, at this point is the potential for latex sensitivity/allergy. As a Biology Teacher and former pre-med student I find most comments and forum posts largely uneducated speculation. Its almost silly to worry about this factor as allergies can be developed to plenty of other materials we use daily. However, have you any experience or knowledge of someone developing an allergy to Natural botanical latex beds? Lol.
Hi John -- My pleasure. 😊 Re: your question, I should first be clear that we are not offering medical advice or counseling in any way, and it would certainly be smart for anyone with latex allergy concerns to check with a doctor before purchasing a latex mattress. And without a doubt, anyone that experiences breathing difficulty in connection with a latex allergy -- or whose symptoms can be triggered simply by being in a room with latex -- should not be considering a latex mattress. That said, it should be noted that many people who suffer from either contact dermatitis or even latex allergies don't have any problems sleeping on a latex mattress. For many such people, their symptoms are triggered by *direct contact* with latex (eg, rubber gloves, a balloon, etc.). With mattresses, due to their thick cover (plus sheets, a mattress protector, etc.), direct contact with latex does not occur in the ordinary use of the mattress. In addition, the process for making the latex foam used in mattresses differs slightly from the process for making other latex products. With latex foam, the proteins that commonly trigger latex allergies are washed off during the manufacturing stage. This provides some additional protection for anyone that suffers from latex allergies. In terms of *developing* an allergy from sleeping on a latex mattress, I have heard that such a thing is possible, but have not personally heard any reports of this happening via the many reviews or comments left by our readers. I hope that's helpful.
have you reviewed plushbeds botanical bliss? which do you prefer zenhaven or bliss? and you mentioned that zenhaven delivered it uncompressed, does that make a difference in the quality?
Hi Maurizio -- No, we haven't formally reviewed the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss yet, but it is on our list. Thanks for letting us know that this mattress would be of interest. As soon as we do, it will be posted here (as well as on our TH-cam channel): www.goodbed.com/mattresses/plushbeds/ In terms of your question about the relationship between compression and quality, I think the jury is still out on that. Although companies have been compressing and shipping mattresses in boxes for about 10 years (long before Casper et al), we still don't have much empirical data on how that factor alone might impact the longevity of a given type of mattress. That said, a material like latex is very durable and resilient, so compressing it *shouldn't* have much, if any, impact on it -- assuming it is for a relatively short period of time (eg, days or weeks, rather than months or years). The only other thing that I'd add is that due to its density (which *is* a reflection of quality), latex tends to be a very heavy material. As such, the Zenhaven mattress weighs about 120-130 pounds in a queen size -- which would make for an extremely heavy box! By comparison, many of the other popular online mattresses that are shipped in a box weigh more like 75-85 pounds in a queen size. I hope that helps.
Thanks for the great review...have been checking out online reviews for a couple of months. Narrowed down my choices to the Saatva mattresses, and almost bought the Saatva before stumbling upon this review. Will be purchasing the Zenhaven and will click through your website. Hopefully you get something for that! Will post a review on your website after I have slept on it for a bit. Thanks again!
Thanks +bstcyr32! I am very glad to hear that this review was helpful for you. With regards to clicking through the links on our website when you buy, we do make money from that so your support is greatly appreciated. The money we receive comes at no cost to you of course, so we have found that approach to be the best way to keep up our work. Thank you again!!
I sleep really well on an ikea matrand memory foam mattress which is very firm. so far i have tried nectar layla and amerisleep as1 but all in vain. my back hurts... What I like about the ikea mattress is it offers excellent pressure relief to my back... So even though my back sinks into the mattress, the mattress offers push back... Do you think zenheaven will be a good fit ?
Hi there -- Thanks for your question. If you've seen our reviews of the Nectar or Layla, you may already know that we classify both the Nectar and Layla (soft side) as Medium-Soft on our softness scale -- meaning just to the softer side of Medium. So neither of these would provide the "firm" experience that you seem to be looking for. The Zenhaven has two sides, each with different softness -- we classify one side as Medium and the other side as Medium-Firm, so both are firmer than the two referenced above and would have more "push back," as you put it. Did you try sleeping on the Firm side of the Layla mattress? We classify that side as Firm on our scale (less softness than either side of the Zenhaven), so it would be helpful to know how that worked for you as a point of comparison. Either way, latex in general certainly offers more push back in general than either memory foam or polyurethane foam. Lastly, just to clarify some terminology, it is highly unlikely that the back pain you describe is due to inadequate "pressure relief." Rather, back pain is almost always a result of improper spinal alignment, which for a back sleeper in your situation is typically due to a hammocking effect wherein your hips sink too far into the mattress and/or your lumbar curve is not properly supported. This would be why you prefer the firmer mattress that you mentioned. I hope that's helpful.
Hi Mark -- Funny you should ask that, as I too have wondered how well latex might work in my couch cushions. I haven't ever seen this on the market anywhere, so I think you'd need to just buy a regular couch and then bring your cushions to a custom foam-cutting place that can cut some latex for you to that size. IMHO, for a couch whose primary function is lounging, watching TV, and the like, I think it would need to be something near the softest level of latex. Medium or firmer latex could probably work well for bench seating or a more formal sofa (and would keep the cushions looking plump and neat for a looooong time), but would probably be too firm to really nestle into the way most people want to do on a couch. I hope that's helpful.
Hi Mike - Loved your review of the Zenhaven mattress. I have a question for you. My current king size mattress has a hump in the middle, with two body impressions on either side. The mattress is only 3 years old but needs replacing. In your opinion, would a Zenhaven mattress be less likely to sag on the sides and form a hump in the center of a king size mattress like my current mattress has? Thanks in advance. Ruth
Hi Ruth -- Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm very glad to hear that this review was helpful for you. In terms of your question about sagging and body impressions, it's difficult for me to answer it the way you asked it (on a relative basis) since I don't know anything about your current mattress. That said, I can answer it on a more general basis. The phenomenon you described is all too common with mattresses these days and typically is a result of polyurethane foams near the top of the mattress breaking down and/or losing their resiliency. The design flaw in most cases is not that the entire mattress is bad, it's simply that there is enough of at least one lower-longevity material to create a "weak link" in the mattress. In your case, this weak link was exposed in the form of body impressions. By contrast, latex is one of the best and most proven mattress materials in terms of its durability and longevity. You can find latex that is more durable than 100% natural Talalay latex (which is the type of latex that this mattress uses), but it won't be as natural and generally won't have quite as soft and smooth a feel to it. And there is no question that 100% natural Talalay latex it is still a very durable material (much moreso than the polyurethane foams in the top of a traditional mattress). So, the bottom line is that since this mattress is almost entirely latex, I don't see it having any clear "weak links." For this reason, I would say that as long as you are make sure to have proper support under this mattress, it's very unlikely that it would be prone to the same degree of break-down that you have experienced on your current mattress. I hope that helps.
Thanks so much for the video. You said that the Zenhaven .provides good support and comfort for you. I'm older than you are (53) and smaller than you are (5' 4" and 148 pounds). Do you think it would provide sufficient support and comfort for me? My biggest concern with a mattress is that it provide proper spine alignment. I have lower back issues - herniated disc in lower back and sciatica. Any insights about whether this mattress or another mattress would be good for me? Thanks!
Hi Sandy -- Thanks for your question. Spinal alignment is really hard to predict, particularly for people who have back issues such as yours. That said, I didn't hear anything in what you said that would make me rule out this mattress. Overall, I think that latex does sound promising in your case due to its blend of buoyant back support and good pressure relief, which could help with your herniated disc and sciatica. In terms of other mattresses that could be a better match, have you tried taking our match quiz? It works by asking you all the relevant questions to fully assess your requirements (including some factors that might actually be important to you but would not have otherwise thought to consider), and then uses an intelligent matching algorithm that searches across all brands and stores (both online and in your local area) to find ones that match your unique needs and preferences. If you haven't taken it yet, you can find it here: www.goodbed.com/mattress-finder/quiz/ Of course, if you still have questions after taking it, I'm always happy to help.
Mike, thanks so much for the reply! I really appreciate it. Shopping for a bed is more difficult than shopping for a car. Given my back problems and the cost involved, I really want to get it right. I can't believe how much I'm stressing over choosing a mattress! I actually first learned of the Zenhaven as a result of taking your quiz. Here's where my confusion comes in, though. I have played around with the quiz a little. Because my weight is near the top of one range, I've looked at the results with two different weight ranges. I sleep mostly on my back, but also on my side, so I've played with those categories as well. Depending on those inputs, the degree of recommendations for the Zenhaven vary. Presumably, that's because the quiz will categorize me anywhere from a "medium" to a "medium soft" to a "soft." That's why I'm unsure about whether the Zen Haven is a fit for someone my size looking for the proper mattress for by back. I've been wary of buying online. That's partly because I want to check out the mattress before I buy. But, it's also because most of the online sellers would require me to do things that I can't do because of my back problems, such as moving a heavy box or mattress. Zenhaven is an exception to that latter concern. As for the quiz's recommendations, it has recommended a Stearns and Foster Luxe Estate, but I've only been able to find one in town that is a very soft pillowtop, and that definitely doesn't work. I didn't like the recommended Tempurepedic. The quiz also recommends a serta hybrid. (Until recently, I've associated "hybrids" with cars, so I really don't know a lot about mattress hybrids.) I've had three different mattress store salesmen recommend the Sealy Copper ii hybrid plush. I can't find many reviews of that one because it's pretty new. That may also be why it never shows up in any of your quiz results? Part of the appeal of that mattress is that I'd probably get the Sealy Ease adjustable base with that one. (I probably wouldn't get the Lineal with the Zenhaven because it is so expensive and I don't really like it.) What do you think of a Copper ii plush with the Sealy Ease adjustable base compared to the Zenhaven? In addition to the Zenhaven and the Copper ii, the other bed I've tried that I might consider is a mid-level Stearns and Foster Estate. All the factors and options are a bit overwhelming and confusing. So, I'd welcome any input or suggestion. Thank you so much.
Hi Sandy -- I'm afraid we haven't done an in-depth review of the Sealy Copper II Hybrid, so I can't speak to its characteristics with nearly as much detail as I can with the products we've reviewed such as the Zenhaven. The same would go for the Sealy Ease adjustable base. That said, we have done overviews of all of the traditional brand product lines that you mentioned above, which you can find on the pages below: -- Sealy Hybrid: www.goodbed.com/mattress-line/sealy-hybrid/ -- Stearns & Foster: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/stearns-foster/ -- Serta iComfort Hybrid: www.goodbed.com/mattress-collection/serta-icomfort-hybrid/ I hope those are helpful for you.
Great review. One issue not mention is the top layer has some variability. If nothing else I assume this means you cannot rotate the mattress. Also most latex beds and beds in general get firmer layers as you go down. Does the fact the softest layer may be on the bottom suggest it is being wasted? Indeed firm layer is the second layer and then there are two softer layers below. I suspect that is why others do not make flippable latex mattresses. I recently bought a latex mattress from Plushbeds (medium firm) and I am impressed with how much I like a natural latex mattress. I intend to buy more and I am looking to see what else is out there and your site is a great help. I had not seen it before my purchase.
Hi Sofia -- Thanks for your questions. I'm glad to hear you've been enjoying your latex mattress and appreciate you letting us know that our site has been helpful, even after your purchase. In terms of the flippable construction, you are certainly right that while the mattress is on any one side, whatever softness is on the bottom side is not making the mattress materially softer, so in a sense is being "wasted" at that moment. However, it is not permanently wasted since it can be used any time you choose to flip the mattress over. One of the advantages of the flippable construction is that flipping a mattress helps to keep its sleep surfaces even and smooth. So if you do choose to flip your mattress regularly, it should be more resistant to body impressions than a mattress that can't be flipped. Since the two sides are not exactly the same softness, you will probably have one side of the Zenhaven that becomes your favorite. However they are similar enough that if one of the sides works well for you, the other side should work OK too. In terms of why more companies don't make flippable mattresses any more, the reasons are: 1) all else being equal, making a flippable mattress costs more -- not quite twice as much, but definitely more 2) people don't like to flip their mattress, so they are easily persuaded to buy a mattress that "doesn't need to be flipped" (aka, "can't be flipped") -- once manufacturers discovered this (about 10-15 years ago), two-sided mattresses all but disappeared. I hope that helps.
A very comprehensive and informative review - you set a much higher bar than most of the youtube reviewers. I'm trying to decide between this mattress, which looks very good, and the Spindle, all-natural latex mattress. I'm 57, 170-175lbs, 6', and almost always a side sleeper. The price of the Spindle is certainly more attractive, but wondering which you'd recommend for me. I'm just wondering if the Spindle "medium" would be soft enough for me, based on my parameters. Thoughts? Thanks!
Hi Jack -- Thanks for your question, and the very kind words! In terms of the softness of the Spindle Medium vs the Luxury Plush side of the Zenhaven, we would characterize both of them as "Medium" softness on our spectrum, however if anything I would say the Spindle Medium might be a tad softer. Also, as you may know, Spindle does have a Soft version as well, which would have even more softness. That said, if you're feeling torn between two softness levels I'd always recommend going with the firmer of the two, since it is much easier to soften up a mattress that is a bit too firm than the other way around. Separately, in case you weren't already aware, we did a review of the Spindle mattress as well, which you can see here: th-cam.com/video/RN5MzOe-d1k/w-d-xo.html I hope that helps.
Also, in case it's helpful, here is a brief comparison of these two brands that I once provided in response to a question asked by another one of our readers: Both of these are great options. Zenhaven and Spindle have very similar materials and construction, so the biggest differences are in price, return policy, the delivery and set-up experience, softness / comfort options, and company track records. The Spindle is less expensive, but Zenhaven has a better return policy. The Zenhaven also comes delivered all the way to your bedroom (rather than to your doorstep) and comes fully assembled (rather than putting it together yourself). In terms of comfort, both of the Zenhaven softness levels are near the middle of the spectrum, so if you think you want something softer (or extra firm), Spindle has more options on that front. Both companies have very good reputations -- the difference being that Zenhaven has more of a track record as a retailer, and Spindle has more of a track record as a manufacturer. Zenhaven, as part of Saatva, is a very well-established online mattress seller with a stellar customer service reputation. Spindle makes their own mattresses (and its owners have been doing so for decades), but is newer to the model of selling directly to consumers. In terms of the materials themselves, the main difference is that Zenhaven uses Talalay latex while Spindle uses Dunlop latex. This difference is pretty small though in the scheme of things, so we generally consider the other factors mentioned above to be the key differentiators in this case.
Thank you for the prompt and thorough reply. I think I'm leaning towards the Spindle; watching a few different unboxing and setup videos, I don't see putting the mattress together as any challenge. The only thing I was wondering about was based on my specifics whether to go with "medium" or "soft" if I went with the Spindle, and now I'm leaning towards the "medium". Again, thanks for your comprehensive reviews - the best I've seen - and for providing the additional information above, comparing the two.
After watching your excellent informative review we are seriously planning to get the zen haven mattress. One concern I have with latex is the smell. Will there be an off gassing issue with zenhaven? Does the mattress has to be aired prior to putting bed covers and how long? Thanks
Hi Lucy -- Thanks for your question. I'm very glad that this review was helpful for you. In terms of off-gassing, the first thing I would clarify is that when people talk about off-gassing in mattresses, their principal concern is typically about the off-gassing of chemicals or other substances that could possibly be considered harmful. In the case of the Zenhaven, while the Talalay process does involve a small amount of chemicals, the latex used in these mattresses is still *nearly* 100% natural. As such, a mattress like this really can't do much (if any) off-gassing in the traditional sense of the term. That said, off-gassing aside, if you are asking about smell (which I consider to be something different), latex can and typically does have slight rubbery smell when it's new, particularly if you get your nose right up next to it. This smell tends to be less noticeable with natural latex than synthetic latex. With the Zenhaven, I don't remember there being a significant smell, but TBH I can't remember exactly how it compared on this front to other natural latex mattresses we've tested. That said, one reason I would generally expect the initial smell with the Zenhaven to be among the lowest is that it's never vacuum packed and compressed like most online mattresses, a process that can trap more of the smell. So while it does arrive in a sealed bag, I would still expect less initial rubbery smell with this product as a result of that. I hope that's helpful.
Reps on the Zenhaven site were advising against me using this mattress on my wooden slat based platform bed. The slats on my bed are slightly less than 3 inches apart. Does it really matter?
Hi there -- Thanks for your question, and sorry I missed this earlier. One answer is that it doesn't matter at all from the standpoint of the support you get from the foundation -- meaning you will get perfectly good support from a slatted foundation. However, the reason that Zenhaven advises against slats is because this is a 2-sided mattress. As such, there is a valid concern that the slats could leave impressions in whichever side is on the bottom, such that when/if you flip the mattress over you would have those impressions on the top. 1-sided beds use a very firm foam on the bottom layer that is more resistant to impressions from slats (and you wouldn't care if slight impressions were made anyway, since you would have no intention of ever flipping it over). But a 2-sided mattress has softer comfort layers on the bottom (so that it can be flipped), which are more susceptible to impressions. For this reason, Zenhaven's warranty states the following: > If your platform bed has slats, it is required that you apply a layer of solid surface (i.e. plywood, masonite board) over the slats to achieve a uniform surface so as to preserve the longevity and integrity of our 2-sided technology. A solid surface will allow the bottom side to compress evenly and create level distribution throughout the newly created base of the mattress. Overall, I would recommend following their guidance on this. I hope that's helpful.
Hi Jennifer -- Thanks for your question, and sorry I didn't see this earlier. With regards to wool, this mattress features wool directly below the cover on both sides of the mattress. Depending on the severity of your allergy, this may or may not be an issue for you. For example, if your reactions to wool are severe and/or are triggered by mere proximity to wool, then I would certainly recommend looking at options that don't contain wool. However, if your reactions are triggered only by direct contact with wool and also tend to be relatively mild, then you may be completely fine -- the wool here is contained under the cover (which is made from organic cotton), and you will also have sheets and the like providing an additional barrier. In terms of heat, wool is actually a very good (and natural) thermal regulator, and latex tends to sleep cooler than other foams, so in general I wouldn't expect overheating to be a big issue for most people on this mattress. That said, if you are extremely prone to overheating, a mattress with latex over pocketed coils would tend to offer similar properties to this one with more airflow. I hope that's helpful.
Thanks for your question +Andy Pagakis. You're right that both of these are great options. Zenhaven and Spindle have very similar materials and construction, so the biggest differences are in price, return policy, the delivery and set-up experience, softness / comfort options, and company track records. The Spindle is less expensive, but Zenhaven has a better return policy. The Zenhaven also comes delivered all the way to your bedroom (rather than to your doorstep) and comes fully assembled (rather than putting it together yourself). In terms of comfort, both of the Zenhaven softness levels are near the middle of the spectrum, so if you think you want something softer (or extra firm), Spindle has more options on that front. Both companies have very good reputations -- the difference being that Zenhaven has more of a track record as a retailer, and Spindle has more of a track record as a manufacturer. Zenhaven, as part of Saatva, is a very well-established online mattress seller with a stellar customer service reputation. Spindle makes their own mattresses (and its owners have been doing so for decades), but is newer to the model of selling directly to consumers. In terms of the materials themselves, the main difference is that Zenhaven uses Talalay latex while Spindle uses Dunlop latex. This difference is pretty small though in the scheme of things, so we generally consider the other factors mentioned above to be the key differentiators in this case. Hope that helps you hone in on the one that's best for you.
Thanks for the response, Sounds like spindle may be the better deal overall then specially if I dont have to return it? Ive heard talalay is considered superior? Do you think the softer mattresses still have enough support? I like to sleep on my side so I am thinking 4-5 firmness may be the right fit. The only other beds Ive been considering are the plushbeds any experience with their beds? If you have any affiliate links for these beds, id be happy to buy through yours man, so just link them
Thanks +Andy. We have affiliate links for all of these guys, which is how we support this work, so would definitely appreciate you using these: * Zenhaven: www.goodbed.com/o/m/zenhaven/ * Spindle: www.goodbed.com/o/m/spindle-mattress/ * PlushBeds: www.goodbed.com/o/m/plushbeds/ If you decide to buy from Spindle or PlushBeds, you'll also want to use the special discounts they give to our users, which you can find here: www.goodbed.com/mattress-deals/ (Zenhaven, like its parent company Saatva, doesn't do discounts or promo codes). In terms of your follow-up questions: Talalay vs Dunlop -- Talalay is a more involved (and costly) manufacturing process which ensures that the latex particles are evenly distributed before the rubber is vulcanized, resulting in a more uniform feel and consistency. This is what gives Talalay its premium reputation. Overall, there are a lot of nuanced differences between Talalay and Dunlop, and while we certainly have opinions about situations where we would think Talalay is a bit better, there are also some situations where we'd give a small edge to Dunlop. I spared all these details here though because on balance, when we compare the way that Talalay and Dunlop are utilized in these two mattresses, the net differences feel pretty small. Softness -- As a side sleeper, you're generally going to want something medium or softer. So on the Zenhaven, you're most likely going to be using the Luxury Plush side, which should definitely be adequate from a support perspective. On the Spindle, you'll have the option of the Medium or Soft configurations, both of which have the same two layers on the bottom (the only difference being the softness of the top 3") so should be very similar from a support perspective. Due to its natural springiness and resilience, it's very rare to find a latex mattress that's so soft that it lacks proper support. By the same token, people who prefer a *super-squishy* feel may have a hard time finding a latex mattress that feels soft enough to them. PlushBeds -- Unfortunately, we haven't done an in-depth review of this mattress yet, so I can't offer any equivalently detailed comparisons here. It is on our schedule for the next couple months though. In the meantime, you can check out reviews from owners of PlushBeds mattresses, and compare them to reviews from Zenhaven and Spindle owners: * PlushBeds reviews: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/plushbeds/#reviews * Zenhaven reviews: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/zenhaven/#reviews * Spindle reviews: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/spindle-mattress/#reviews
Thanks +Andy! I'm very glad we could be helpful, and hope you're very happy with your choice. Once you've had it for a while, please come back to GoodBed and rate your experience with it! www.goodbed.com/review-mattress/manufacturer/spindle-mattress/
Among all the reviews, I really enjoyed your advise the best. Have been doing research for a long time and I think I am ready to invest into latex mattress. Had a long time struggle around the tempur pedic and this one, even I haven't tried this one yet, I think will like this a lot.
Hi Gia. Thanks for the compliment! We are so glad we've been helpful in your search. There's a lot to like about the Zenhaven latex bed. We hope you enjoy it!
Mike, one more comment/request for your opinion: so, to clarify from my first post, my back issue stems, not from sleeping on my current mattress, but from hyperextending my back surfing when I lived in Hawaii. I will have discomfort sometimes when my back or hips “go out”, but a few visits to the chiro usually takes care of that situation. I know I’ve asked about a few beds, but I think I’ve narrowed it down to two finalists and want your thoughts/opinions and.or concerns. Based on my characteristics, weight, height, coolness, I like to sleep on top but slightly snuggled, and sleeping position preferences (mainly a back sleeper but do toss and turn between stomach and side, in that order), I’m torn between two types; the Zenhaven latex mattress and the Nest Latex Hybrid. I know I need something soft enough that allows side sleeping but not to soft so I when I do sleep on my stomach. Not going through the specs for the different beds, but what are your thoughts or reservations based on the info I’ve provided? I like the Use of Talalay vs Dupont, which is used in both in varying degrees, obviously, and then there’s the all latex vs hybrid option. I really don’t want to go through the return process so I’m trying to due the best I can into considering every aspect as thoroughly as possible before pulling the trigger. Appreciate your reviews, and your opinions.
Hi Emilio -- While there are obviously some differences between those two mattresses that would be relevant for some people, I really think that in terms of the criteria you listed above (e.g., side/stomach sleeping, cooling, etc), they are quite similar. In terms of "reservations," my only reservation would be that I can't speak to the Nest Latex Hybrid as precisely (particularly with regards to its softness level) because we have yet to do an in-depth review of it. But overall, I would think that with regards to the specific concerns you raised, either could work for you.
Hey mike! Thanks again for the review. Do you think this Mattress would do well for heavy sleepers. I’m around 260. I can’t help but think about it being a 10 inch mattress
Hi there -- My pleasure! I"m glad you found it helpful. I think this mattress could work, but at your weight I think a thicker mattress with latex over firm pocketed coils would provide a similar feel with most of the same benefits while also ensuring that you are adequately supported. Here are some options that have a Medium-Firm softness level (similar to the softer side of the Zenhaven): * Avocado Pillow-Top: www.goodbed.com/reviews/avocado-green-mattress-review/ (note that I'm suggesting the Pillow-Top, whereas our review shows the non-Pillow-Top, which is the same but has a bit less softness) * WinkBed Plus: www.goodbed.com/reviews/winkbed-plus-mattress-review/ * Brentwood Cedar Luxe: www.goodbed.com/reviews/brentwood-home-cedar-mattress-review/ (note that I'm suggesting the Luxe, whereas our review shows the regular Cedar, which is the same but has a bit less softness) * Happsy: www.goodbed.com/reviews/happsy-mattress-review/ I hope that's helpful.
I have heard that latex mattresses aren’t the best kind of mattress for side sleepers. Would you agree with that as a general statement and if not would you recommend this for side sleepers?
Hi +NipItInTheBud100 -- Thanks for your question. I'm afraid you were given some inaccurate and misleading information. First, no type of mattress is going to be "the best" for every side sleeper -- this is because sleep position is just one of many factors, and side sleepers can and do differ greatly in their other needs and preferences. That said, there are certainly plenty of side sleepers for whom a latex mattress *would* be the best match. In the case of the Zenhaven specifically, neither side of the mattress is what we would classify as "soft" nor do they have especially "deep" cushioning, so if you prefer a softer feel or are extra curvy then it might not be the best match for you. However, for a side sleeper who prefers a bit less softness with more of a floating sensation (vs being hugged or cradled by your mattress), it could be a great match. I hope that's helpful.
Where I got that information from is Spindle. I had gone to their website to check which firmness to get and it mentioned that a spindle mattress wasn’t a good fit. I then asked them why and they gave me that answer.
Hi there -- Thanks for the additional context here. I have actually spoken to Spindle's founder about this exact point at some length. FWIW, I don't remember him ever expressing a universal concern about side sleepers (nor have I ever heard that elsewhere). AFAIK, his primary concern is with spinal alignment for people with higher BMI, so that is typically the group of people that gets told by his website that they are not a good fit for a Spindle. I hope that's helpful.
I bought the zen heaven mattress full size. I had to put a two inch foam gel topper on it to get some contour it’s a little too firm even on the luxury side. With that said , I think it’s too expensive. The good things are it’s organic and will last probably a good 20 years.
I have laid on a Pure Talalay Bliss bed at a local store. It was the Beautiful Model and we both loved the feel. I read one of your comments saying the Zenhaven isn't a soft as the Beautiful. Can you tell me if there is anything that would have a similar feel as I do believe I need that softness. I can't seem to find a review for the new brooklyn bedding. I just can't swing 3500 for the beautiful. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Hi Tammy -- Thanks for your question, and sorry I missed it earlier. You read correctly that neither side of the Zenhaven would feel quite as soft as the specific model that you liked (the Beautiful). In terms of other latex mattresses where you could find that amount of softness, one company that comes to mind is called PlushBeds. They have a number of latex options in different softness levels. I would expect the softer ones that are in the 10-12" range to have a similar feel to the Beautiful. You can browse these options on the page below by using the More Filters at the top to narrow the list by Latex and Soft: www.goodbed.com/mattress-models/m/plushbeds/ You can also browse soft latex online mattress options from all manufacturers by using the same filters on this page: www.goodbed.com/mattress-models/online/ I hope that helps.
Hi there -- Thanks for your question. I don't recall any chemical smells (which is what people typically mean when they say "off-gassing"). This of course makes sense because there are hardly any chemicals used in making this mattress. That said, off-gassing aside, if you are asking about smell (which I consider to be something different), natural latex can have a slight rubbery smell when it's new, particularly if you get your nose right up next to it. With the Zenhaven, I don't remember this being particularly noticeable, but TBH I can't remember exactly how it compared on this front to other natural latex mattresses we've tested. FWIW, one reason I would generally expect the initial smell with the Zenhaven to be among the lowest is that it's never vacuum packed and compressed like most online mattresses, a process that can trap more of the smell. So while it does arrive in a sealed bag, I would still expect less initial rubbery smell with this product as a result of that. I hope that's helpful.
Thanks for the review. I took the match quiz and this was one of the mattresses (gentle firm) that was recommended. I have an ikea medium firm latex mattress (Elsfjord) but lately i am experiencing shoulder pain even though i am a back sleeper. Could this be that the mattress is getting old? could this mattress help? I am about 170lbs (40 yrs old).
Hi there -- Thanks for your question. This is an intriguing situation. I assume you are talking about pain on the outside of your shoulder (eg, in the area of your Deltoid muscle) rather than some part of your shoulder that would be in contact with the mattress when sleeping on your back. If so, it's hard to come up with an explanation for why a back sleeper would have pain in that spot that is related to the mattress. As such, the best explanation I can think of is that you are actually spending a fair bit of time sleeping on your side during the night without realizing it. If we go with that assumption, then your experience would be a very common sign that you are not getting adequate pressure relief from your mattress. This is certainly something that can happen when your mattress gets old (ie, its pressure-relieving capabilities will certainly degrade over time). But it is also common that as you age, your pressure relief needs increase. This generally starts to happen around your age (which is around my age as well) and goes up over time from there. In either case, a new mattress that delivers better pressure relief for you should be a big help. In terms of whether this particular mattress is the best fit for you, given what you've indicated here, I would recommend re-taking the quiz but selecting side sleeper just to see how your results differ. It's possible that Zenhaven will still show up, but if so I would expect it to more likely be the softer side. As described in the video, this side is just a tad bit softer -- making it more suitable for side sleepers, but still totally fine for a middle-weight back sleeper like you as well. I hope that's helpful.
@@goodbed Thanks for your response. Now that I think about it, I have pain in my deltoid muscle these last couple of days, but my longstanding complaint has been pain in the shoulder part being in contact with the mattress when sleeping on my back, around the infraspinatus muscle. I almost think that the core of my body sinks deeper into my mattress more than the shoulders and somehow that pushes the shoulders up when I am sleeping. Could that cause pain? If so, how can I account for that? Should I look for a softer mattress? Regarding side sleeper, I don't think that is possible for me since I have bad back pain when I side sleep even for a couple of minutes. The only position I can sleep without much back pain for a long period of time is on my back. It is a remote possibility. But I agree that my body seems to need more pressure relief at this age.
Is this mattress you reviewed the Luxury Plush model? I can't seem to find reviews of that, and perhaps that because it's really just THIS mattress. great review, BTW !
Thanks +fwb! Yes, there is only one Zenhaven mattress, but as you can see discussed around 3:19 in this video, it has two sides -- meaning that you can flip it over to go back and forth between the Luxury Plush and the Gentle Firm sides. In this video we talk about both sides, but what may have confused you is that on our site, we talk about the Gentle Firm and Luxury Plush sides as though they are separate models. We do this because we want to be able to match people as accurately as possible with a specific and holistic set of mattress characteristics. Since in this case the two sides have different characteristics, we treat each side as a separate model. But the reality is that you get both sets of characteristics in a single mattress.
ok thank you. That makes sense. I think the hardest part with any of these and trying to select is that you don't have the opportunity to lay on one in a store. Sigh ...
Yes, that is definitely the unique challenge of mattress shopping online. To help offset this, the online mattress retailers tend to offer excellent return policies that allow you to actually sleep on the mattress in your home for several months. But of course, even with the benefit of that trial period, you'll still want to minimize hassle by choosing correctly the first time. Our hope is that with the combination of our personal match quiz + video reviews that show and describe all the characteristics of each mattress, you can have more confidence that you are choosing a great mattress for you the first time.
I agree that the trial periods are excellent. But - would you have issues with the platform? Or, is there a kind of universal platform/box spring that would work with any of the foam/latex beds?
Hi +fwb -- Did you see my reply to your question about this on the Loom & Leaf video? You can see it in the comments here: th-cam.com/video/7D1Wjpk5wxk/w-d-xo.html&lc=z221h1erbqalidwir04t1aokg50p4aadu0oeaazavxysrk0h00410
Thanks +priceandpride! Yes, most mattress reviews are full of completely subjective commentary like "this is comfortable" and the like. Sadly, this is because most self-proclaimed expert mattress reviewers don't really know anything about how to help people find the right mattress for them. We have taken a very different approach with our reviews, keeping them focused on the objective characteristics that truly differentiate one mattress from another -- so that you can determine whether that mattress is actually a good match for your personal needs and preferences. I am very glad that you are finding them helpful.
Hi Thalia -- In general, mattress deliveries are pretty quick, and we've heard from some people who don't tip for mattress delivery at all, so even $5 per person would probably be appreciated. That said, if they go above and beyond in some way, or if your delivery involves added difficulties like lots of stairs (esp since the Zenhaven mattress in particular is *quite* heavy and awkward to move), then you might consider tipping as much as $10-20 per person. I hope that helps!
Hi +qteezy6501 -- Thanks for your question. Overall, these are pretty similar mattresses in that they are both comprised entirely of Talalay latex. Here are the key differences: * The Zenhaven is a 10" mattress, whereas the Beautiful is 12". * The Zenhaven can be flipped, whereas the Beautiful has a sleeping surface on only one side. * The Zenhaven has two different softness levels (one on each side), which we would describe as Medium and Medium-Firm, while we would characterize the Beautiful as slightly softer than either of those (Medium-Soft). * The latex in the Zenhaven is 100% natural (or at least, as close to 100% natural as the Talalay process allows), whereas AFAIK the latex in the Beautiful is not. * The Zenhaven has some other natural features like organic cotton and wool, which the Beautiful does not have. I hope that helps.
Hi Jill -- Thanks for your question. AFAIK there is no synthetic latex in this formulation. While we do note that the Talalay process requires a small amount of chemicals in order to create the finished product, my understanding is that all of the actual *latex* in it comes from rubber tree sap. IIRC, the chemicals used in making all-natural Talalay latex represent a small portion of the overall formulation (e.g., 1-3%). I hope that's helpful.
I have had a loom & Leaf on an adjustable frame for 2 years. I've noticed that the middle area has become less supportive over the years. I'm guessing this is because I'm 6'2"/250# and will lay with it at an incline, which concentrates my weight in the middle of the mattress. Since the Loom & Leaf is memory foam, do you think latex would be better for me and not end up having the same issues?
Hi there -- Thanks for your question. Putting aside the possibility that there was something not quite right with the particular Loom & Leaf mattress you received, I do think that in general, latex is a more resilient material than memory foam or polyurethane foam, so my expectation would be that it should hold up better in general, and be more resilient to bending. I hope that's helpful.
Hi +Jookie48 -- Thanks for your comment. You are correct that we have not done an in-depth review of any mattresses in the Nature's Spa line. And I'm afraid that line doesn't have many consumer reviews either. Sorry there isn't better information to be found about that product.
Hi Audrey -- Thanks for your question. In terms of how they can make money without adopting the unethical (and probably even illegal) practice that you described, the answer is that their return rate needs to be low enough that they can simply absorb the cost of returned merchandise and bake that into the price. This is what basically all of the online mattress companies do, most of whom have return rates in the 5-10% range. I hope that helps.
Hi your reviews are amazing very thorough :) When will you review the botanical bliss by plushbeds? Also does this zenhaven mattress smells like chemicals when you first get it? Thxsss
Thanks Annelle! I'm very glad you're finding them helpful. Regarding the Zenhaven, I don't recall any pungent smells when the Zenhaven was first delivered, and there are probably a couple reasons for this. First, the Zenhaven doesn't come compressed in a box, so that certainly minimizes the release of any odors when you first open it. Second, even if there were to be some latex smell, there shouldn't really be any "chemical" smell, since this type of latex is almost 100% natural. Regarding the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss, we don't have an immediate timeframe on this review, but this product is certainly on our list and we will definitely note that our review of this product would be helpful for you. FYI, whenever we do publish this review, you'll be able to find it on our site here: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/plushbeds/ You can also subscribe to our channel to be notified when it comes out.
Hi Marcilla -- No, you don't need to buy the matching foundation (aka boxspring) with this mattress. It can be used on any supportive foundation, including an adjustable base, platform, etc. Getting the matching foundation in this case is more of a personal preference decision in terms of how it looks, how tall it is, etc. I hope that helps.
I forgot to say Zenhaven told me to put the mattress on a layer of plywood. Three of my beds a have "slats" but they are not flat but curved. In essence pushing the mattress up slight in the middle of where someone lies. The slats are also flexible. I think this type of support is common ( Ikea sells one). Other latex mattresses have a firm bottom layer so do not require a solid surface as support. While I could put a plywood layer it would be supported only by the top of the curved slats (there are two rows in a queen bed). What would happen is that movement on one side would then be transmitted to the other side via the plywood. None of the reviews I have seen discuss the impact of what the mattress is being placed on.
Hi Sofia -- Thanks for this comment. This is an interesting situation and I certainly do see your concern. My suspicion is that when you have the weight of not only two sleepers but also a latex mattress (which are especially heavy), the upward bowing of the slats would be compressed to almost or completely flat. But if not, then you are right that this particular frame might not be an ideal fit for use with this mattress.
What is it like to get out of bed? I know when I had My Tempurpedic it was awful getting out of bed every morning. It always felt like gravity was pulling on me making it difficult to get out of bed. There wasn't that push back feeling that you get with an innerspring bed.
Hi Stephanie -- Thanks for your question. The short answer is I definitely think you'll find this mattress to be far easier than a Tempur-Pedic on this front. That said, the pushback won't be quite as strong as with a traditional innerspring mattress either. For more detail on this, I would recommend checking out the Repositioning section at 16:30 of this video and the Edge Support section that follows it at 17:24. I hope that's helpful.
Mike, looking at this Zenhaven or the Nest Alexander Hybrid. I’m about your dimensions, 6 ft 189 lbs, and mostly a back sleeper but do toss between a stomach sleeper and some side sleeping. I’m going from a traditional mattress so this will be my first foray into something else other than traditional. I have some lower back pain so that’s something to consider, and I prefer something not so soft, but not too firm. Price point is similar so not a big deal but wondering which one you think would be better, more comfortable for me. Thanks for your reviews and advice.
Hi Emilio -- Thanks for your question. I'm not sure I have quite enough information from you to offer a recommendation between these two, but I can describe some of the key differences in hopes that it helps you decide which one is a better match for you: -- By far the main difference in the overall experience comes from the difference between latex and memory foam. The Zenhaven is a pure latex type of experience, with no "melting" sensation -- to the converse, you'll get more of a "floating" feel. By contrast, although the Alex Hybrid definitely has a bit of that slow-melting sensation, though not nearly as much as an old-school Tempur-Pedic style mattress. -- As a related point, the Zenhaven has more "surface bounce" than the Alexander Hybrid. Latex is a very quick response material, which gives it that signature "floaty" feeling. Because the Alex Hybrid has both a quilting layer on top and slow-responding memory foam below that, you'll get a slower-responding feel in those top 3-4" relative to the Zenhaven. -- The Zenhaven has less "deep bounce" than the Alexander Hybrid. Because the Alex Hybrid has springs, if you were to throw your entire body down onto the mattress, you'd bounce up more (in a way that would be more familiar to you from a traditional mattress) than you would on the Zenhaven. -- If natural materials (or lack of chemicals) are important to you, the Zenhaven is certainly better on this front. -- If you think you would do just as well on the Firm side of the Zenhaven (great for stomach sleeping, but not as good for side sleeping), then you'd have the added benefit of being able to flip the mattress periodically to extend its lifespan. In terms of areas you mentioned where they are more similar: -- To the extent that the lower back pain you're experiencing is mattress-related, either one can help with this in theory. It comes down to how well one or both of them is able to keep your spine in proper alignment. For my size and shape as a back sleeper, I am relatively agnostic from a spinal alignment standpoint between the Zenhaven Luxury Plush and the Alex Hybrid Medium. -- Both have softness options that meet your desired middle-ground of "not too soft, not too firm." We found the Zenhaven Luxury Plush to be a Medium and the Zenhaven Gentle-Firm to be a Medium-Firm, while we found the Alex Hybrid Medium to be somewhere right in between those two. Is that helpful for your decision?
GoodBed Hi Mike, it’s me again, and still trying to figure out the “right” bed for me; becoming quite the subject matter expert, lol. So tossing around the option of a hybrid, and also compared the Saatva Luxury Firm and Winkbeds Luxury Firm. Still considering the Zenhaven, so I still haven’t ruled it out and have it in my hip pocket. I’ve read reviews and specs for both the Saatva and Winkbeds and wondering what your thoughts are regarding these two options. I thought I had decided on the Saatva, but read some disappointing reviews, so I checked out the Winkbeds, and it seems like a solid choice when I’m considering beds with coils. Any thoughts, advice, other comparable suggestions? Thanks again for your in-depth and thoughtful reviews.
Hi Emilio -- In terms of hybrid options, here's a brief rundown that I wrote for another one of our readers, which may be useful for you: * Saatva Luxury Firm -- This one feels a lot like a traditional mattress with a quilted top. Although it has a tiny bit of memory foam, it really has no "memory feel" to speak of. It has a Medium-Firm softness. th-cam.com/video/MdaK7idKypI/w-d-xo.html * WinkBed Medium -- This one feels very much like a traditional high-end pillow-top with no memory foam. It has some pretty soft comfort over firm coils. It has a Medium-Firm amount of softness. th-cam.com/video/qTbLvZnaWqQ/w-d-xo.html * Sapira -- This one is a little bit different from a traditional mattress (and from the previous two) because it has no quilting. This gives it more of a true "hybrid" feel since you are laying directly on the premium comfort foams but have a firm innerspring unit underneath. It has a layer of memory foam but due to the springs below and the pretty bouncy Avena foam on top, it doesn't have a ton of memory feel overall. It has a Medium-Firm softness. th-cam.com/video/60d11xwreuE/w-d-xo.html * Nest Alexander Hybrid Medium -- This one also feels a lot like a traditional mattress, but one that uses a couple inches of memory foam in the comfort layers. It has a Medium to Medium-Firm level of softness. th-cam.com/video/8pdwmfntzco/w-d-xo.html * Aviya Luxury Firm -- This one feels a lot like a traditional tight top mattress. It has enough foam on top to do the job but avoids having excess foam just for the sake of it. It has no memory feel and a Medium-Firm softness level. th-cam.com/video/ri-hyCnUldM/w-d-xo.html
Awesome review, thank you! After much research, I just ordered a Zen Haven! I now need to buy a frame for it (I didn't want their adjustable base). I'm looking for a wood frame, but the people at ZH told me the frame can't have slats (other latex mattresses are okay with that, it seems), but all the wood frame beds I'm seeing have slats as support. Can anyone help me out with this? Does anyone own a Zen Haven who can tell me what kind of frame they use with it? For now it will have to go on the floor!
Hi Stephanie -- Thanks for your question, and for letting us know that this review was helpful for you! Before seeing this, I saw a question you left about this under another comment so already answered it there, but I will answer here as well so that other people with the same question will be more likely to find it. When interpreting the information you're seeing out there, one thing to be aware of is that not all latex mattresses are entirely latex. For example, some latex mattresses have latex only on the top, with polyurethane foam on the bottom. In those cases, there is absolutely no problem having the mattress on slats. However, with an all-latex mattress (such as the Zenhaven), opinions about what type of foundation to use will vary a bit. Some companies say it's fine (and even preferable) to use slats as long as the slats are strong and not more than 3" apart; others say to go with a platform foundation. By way of further explanation, all-latex construction means that the mattress will also have latex on the bottom (no matter which side you're using). Given the rubbery nature of latex foam, there can sometimes be a concern about that material pushing directly against slats, lest it be damaged from wanting to 'squeeze' through the slats a bit. In the case of the Zenhaven, this concern is slightly higher because both sides of the mattresses are intended for sleeping on, meaning the latex that would be on the bottom is a bit softer than the support foam that would typically be used in the bottom of a one-sided mattress. I presume this is why Zenhaven discouraged you from using a slatted foundation. Overall, my take on this would be to follow the manufacturer's advice. The reason for this is not only because they are likely to know best how their product performs, but also because not following their advice could cause unnecessary problems with voiding your warranty down the line, which you certainly don't want to do. I hope that helps.
Yes, that does help. Thank you!! And makes sense that because this mattress is 2-sided, care needs to be taken with the frame. And in case it helps other people, I chatted with a ZH rep and decided I to add their foundation to my order (which you can do as long as the mattress hasn't shipped!). This way, I was told I can pretty much use any frame I want! I was told I could use any brand of foundation, but I went with theirs. Another option, they told me, was to put a piece of plywood between the mattress and the frame, but I'm definitely not the home depot DIY type, so opted for the foundation! But for those who are handy that's an option. In ordering the foundation, I have peace of mind that any sturdy frame will do, even with slats, and won't have to worry about hurting my brand new mattress!! Thanks GoodBed for your help and dedication to helping all of us on our mattress journeys!
My pleasure Stephanie! And thank you for sharing that added detail -- I'm sure that will be helpful to other mattress shoppers! One other tip relating to the frame (not the foundation) is that if you have a king or queen size, be sure that there is support going all the way to the ground from the center of the frame (i.e., not just from the 4 corners). This is important no matter what foundation and mattress you have. Thanks again!
Okay, that is helpful to know. Interesting that two different reps at ZH told me that as long as I had a foundation, I could use any frame. I specifically asked if the frame needed to have the extra middle support leg (s), other than just four and I was told okay with just four. But I will go with your suggestion. It definitely limits my options, however better to be safe than sorry. But it's interesting that I was actually told otherwise. Do you have any suggestions on company/brand/style of frames that you think appropriate? If so, I'd love to know!
Hi Stephanie -- It's good to know that Zenhaven told you that. Some manufacturers will actually void the warranty if you don't have center support, but this clearly must not be the case with Zenhaven. Nonetheless, it doesn't change my opinion that in queen or king size it's much better to have it -- as you said, better safe than sorry. Here are a couple good options at both ends of the spectrum: -- Zinus frame that has excellent ratings and is very inexpensive: amzn.to/2Aqcc57 -- Knickerbocker Embrace frame that is expensive but is the most stable and sturdy frame available on the market: amzn.to/2iErxKT
Where could I buy natural latex layers ? I am from Quebec Canada and I want do it myself at low cost. I just can't find. I spent at least 100 hours on the net to find out with no results.
Hi Claire -- Thanks for your question. I'm not sure what you have in mind by "low cost," but as a general rule, natural latex is not a low cost material. If you wanted to try a DIY approach, what you'd be looking for would be the equivalent of natural latex toppers, which typically come in 2-3" layers. For something like that, Amazon would probably be the best place to start. Here are some natural latex toppers you can find there: amzn.to/2unq4vx A few things to keep in mind: * To be comparable to Zenhaven, make sure you're getting "all natural" or "100% natural" latex -- if it only says "natural latex," it's most likely a blend of natural and synthetic latex which is only about 30% natural. * You'll need a cover, probably one made from organic cotton or wool to be consistent with the rest of your mattress. * You may want to think about a layer of wool batting as a natural fire barrier. * You'll need to make sure the layers you choose work together to give you the desired feel -- typically you want the layers to get progressively firmer as you get deeper into the mattress. * Keep in mind that there won't be anyone to warranty the mattress, since the manufacturer is technically you, and you'll also be dealing with shorter trial periods most likely, which may even vary by component. Overall, I wouldn't recommend a DIY approach for most people, especially in this case where the potential savings are less. However, if you know what you're doing and exactly what you want and are willing to ditch the safety net and put in some extra effort, you can save some money. I hope that helps.
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer me Mike I appreciate very much. It was really helpful. BTW You do a great job with these video capsules. Thanks.
Hi Sylvia -- I'm very sorry to hear about your pain and am happy to help. Yes, the pillow definitely plays a part, particularly for keeping your spine in proper alignment. This is because one of the pillow's main jobs is to provide support your head, and your head represents the top of your spinal column. In terms of choosing the right pillow, the key is to find one that matches the *combination* of you (especially your body shape and preferred sleep position) and the mattress you choose (especially its cushioning depth). Basically, the pillow sits in between you and the mattress, and thus it has to work in combination with both. For example, all else being equal, a side sleeper will need a thicker pillow than a back or stomach sleeper. To get a sense for why, think about standing with your back against a wall -- the distance between your head and the wall represents the space that a pillow would need to fill in order to hold your head in this same position if you were lying down on your back. Now imagine it is your shoulder against the wall instead of your back -- the distance between your head and the wall is much greater now, which illustrates why a side sleeper needs a thicker pillow. Likewise, a side sleeper with broader shoulders will need a thicker pillow than one with narrower shoulders. In terms of the matching with the mattress, the key thing is that the deeper its cushioning and the more it conforms to your body's curves, the thinner the pillow you'll need. To understand why, first imagine sleeping on your side on the floor -- you'd need a really thick pillow to keep your head from tilting down toward the floor all night. Now imagine sleeping on your side on a mattress with really deep cushioning that allows your shoulders to sink several inches down into the mattress -- that same thick pillow that was good for the floor would have your head tilting up toward the ceiling all night! I hope that helps!
thank you so much, I just got a Anticipation full Euro Top Mattress I think its too grim I want a softer plush ,do you think I should go with a latex mattress ?
Hi Sylvia -- If a super-soft feel is what you're after, the Zenhaven probably isn't the ideal fit for you, since even the softer (Luxury Plush) side is only what we'd call a Medium level of softness. In general, latex mattresses don't tend to have the most super-squishy plush feel available, however there are a few softer latex mattress options out there, including the Spindle Soft and the Brooklyn Soft. In terms of whether latex is the right fit for you overall, this comes down to other factors besides just your desired softness, so I'd urge you to take the Match Quiz on GoodBed.com to see what online options appear in your results. That said, I would generalize by saying that latex is definitely a high-quality material whose pressure relief and support characteristics tend to be well-suited for a broad range of sleepers. So as long as you aren't a big fan of a "memory" feel (which latex does not provide), I would think that a latex mattress is a very good option to consider.
Everyone really just wants to know what you personally use at home as a self proclaimed bed expert. Just tell us the best bed to buy and keep things simple for us.
I didn't think Talalay was considered "Natural" since Talalay latex is man made latex! Latex made from tree sap is usually DuPont latex I thought. I thought Talalay didn't use natural sap latex.
Hi +NipItInTheBud100 -- Thanks for your comment. I'm afraid there are a lot of bloggers and TH-camrs posing as mattress experts these days, so it's not surprising that you got some bad information on this. The reality is that either process -- Talalay or Dunlop -- can use any combination of real rubber tree sap (aka, natural latex) and man-made latex (aka, synthetic latex -- a petroleum-based product) as its input. From a natural standpoint, there is very little difference between the two processes. For the most hard-core purists out there, the only difference is the one mentioned in the video, which is that all-natural Talalay latex does require a very small amount of chemical additives during the manufacturing process (which prevents this type of latex from being certified as "organic"). However, the much bigger thing to watch for in mattress shopping is that most products that advertise the use of "natural latex" (without saying "100% natural" or "all-natural") are actually using a blend of natural and synthetic latex (typically about 30% from rubber tree sap with the remaining 70% coming from synthetic latex). Whereas the Talalay latex used in the Zenhaven has no synthetic latex, meaning that with the exception of the aforementioned manufacturing additives, the final product is comprised entirely of natural rubber tree sap. I hope that helps.
Which mattress companies are the ones you mentioned that ARE Certified as 100% All Natural organic Latex without ANY chemicals that you mention ? Very interested to know. Thank you
Hi +4vrceltic -- Thanks for your question. The two mattress companies that go the furthest in this regard are: -- Naturepedic: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/naturepedic/ -- OMI: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/omi-organic-mattresses/ Both of these companies offer mattresses that use certified-organic latex and are certified top-to-bottom by GOTS as fully organic mattresses. This is the most rigorous (and costly to attain) certification available, but be aware that not all GOTS certifications are equal -- e.g., sometimes a company may have only a cover that is GOTS-certified, but not the entire mattress. You can read more about GOTS here: www.goodbed.com/mattress-topics/gots/ There is also another company called Savvy Rest, which offers latex mattresses with various levels of certifications that are otherwise very similar to Zenhaven: -- Savvy Rest: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/savvy-rest/ I hope that helps.
Sounds good John! I'm sure your experience will be very useful for other consumers. Here's a direct link to where you can share your feedback on that specific mattress: www.goodbed.com/review-mattress/model/sleep-on-latex-pure-green-natural-latex-mattress-firm/
Hi Jock. That sounds awful -- but you are protected by a warranty. Zenhaven warrants this mattress against body impressions greater than 3/4" for 20 years. Contact the Saatva company to get your bed inspected. After just a year and a half, you should not be experiencing deep body impressions. Here's their number: 1-877-672-2882
Ha :) We were fortunate to be able to use that apartment for a few of our reviews. We didn't use many furnishings to focus on the mattress, but we were hoping the sweet views in the background would make up for that!
I'm not sure how these guys make money by doing these reviews but I noticed they don't commit to any one brand which is disappointing. Great videos and such but I think we're all a victim of marketing tricks and overthink it. What I have learned is not to buy anything online, find a shop, tell the sales person to leave me alone for a bit so I can actually lay on a latex mattress. thanks!
Hi +3sidesofeve -- Thanks for your comment. You are certainly right to be skeptical about what you see out there. In terms of your question about how we make money, as stated in the description of this video: If you choose to buy this product through the links here or on GoodBed, we earn a small referral fee at no cost to you. In terms of the rest of your comment, please don't confuse our reviews with whatever else you may be seeing. There are a plenty of so-called mattress reviewers to whom your comments definitely pertain. For our part though, in each and every review, we always make sure to clearly explain who this mattress *is* a good fit for as well as who it's *not* a good fit for. What we do *not* do is declare one brand as universally better than others, or give each brand a generic star rating. But don't confuse that for failing to "commit" to one brand. In fact, anyone who *does* do those things is demonstrating that they don't actually understand mattresses and/or are simply trying to sell you something. The reality is that there is no such thing as a mattress that is 4-5 stars for everyone, so the "marketing tricks" you want to avoid are any advice that claims otherwise. The only thing a knowledgeable and ethical reviewer can do is explain who a given mattress is good for, and who it's not. As for your take-away about the value of laying on a mattress in a store prior to purchasing, we certainly agree that can be a very helpful component of your shopping experience, particularly with a material like latex that you may not have experienced before. I hope that explanation helps.
Out of all the various TH-cam mattress reviews I think yours is the best with informative and straightforward opinions. Keep up the excellent work. I haven't bought a mattress in probably 12+ years (Ikea) and what is out there is overwhelming. I don't like memory foam and this might be worth the investment. Thanks,
Thank you so much for your kind words Betty. It is very gratifying to hear that our reviews have been helpful in your search for the right mattress. We will definitely continue to release more of these.
In terms of feeling overwhelmed by the many choices out there these days, I can definitely relate to that. Have you taken the Mattress Match Quiz on our website yet? This is a very thorough quiz that we designed to help you hone in on the most relevant choices for you. After you've taken it, you can also navigate to any product on GoodBed to see your personal match score for that product. I hope that helps.
Whether I buy this mattress or not I want to say that I don't think I have ever heard anyone present a product in a more organized, logical, thorough or thoughtful way. The gentleman speaking here is an excellent speaker and teacher and I have listened to many more speakers in my life than most people have as well as having ongoing training as one. I now know more about latex mattresses and this one in particular than I ever realized there was to know. I'm no dummy when it comes to sales tactics either as my husband could sell a refrigerator to an eskimo or wings to a bird, as they say. Therefore my "spider sense" tingles as soon as I hear any of the classic and many of the non-classic sales techniques being used and I am put off by them. I was not put off by this presentation at all. I want to thank you for that. If anyone could sell me a mattress by how well it was presented it would be this guy. I apologize for not going back to see if he gave his name in the beginning but I figure it will get back to him anyway. : )
Hi +xanadu1jw -- This is Mike (from the video). I just wanted to thank you most sincerely for taking the time to share these extremely kind words. It is very nice to know that the video was helpful for you.
I think the part that was most gratifying was the reference to me as a "teacher." One of the greatest challenges for our company is rising above the spammy noise of the internet (and the mattress industry...) so that our readers understand we are here to *educate* and help them make the best possible purchase -- not to sell them anything. So, if you referring to me as a teacher is any indication that this came across to you, then that is something that gives me great satisfaction. On top of that, both my mother and grandmother were teachers, so it gives me a great deal of personal pride as well. :)
Thank you again!
GoodBed You are very welcome & very deserving of every thing I wrote.
I aagre with xanadu 1jw 2yrs ago excellent
I was all ready to dismiss your reviews. But after the first review of yours I saw I was shocked how in-depth your reviews are. You touch on details no one else does. The science of your reviews are really good. I recalculated everything I knew about mattress’s after your reviews. You reviews allow me to make a better decision. Thank you for your reviews. They are on point.
Hi there -- Thank you for your very kind words! As you can surely tell, we put a lot more work into our reviews than other sites do, so it is extremely gratifying to know that the added detail, nuance, and context that we provide has been helpful for you. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know!
The BEST reviews. Love your location for geography. Grew up and went to school in the Bay Area when it was just cherry and apricot orchards.
I took your quiz and the Zenhaven Latex and the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 were the best results for me. Can't decide. But since this review is 7 years old, maybe you have some new insights with it and the newer Purple competition. I was able to try the Purple at local store whose name will go unmentioned ☹. I liked it but can't get a sense of how it compares. Concerns: Purple seems to have had some problems with durability and construction (side foam separations from gel to which the gel is not glued). The waffle construction, even at 3", leaves some question about durability (retention of support) as well. With the demand for soft, conforming, cozy, 10" quilted top, etc., all manufacturers are using foam, gel, latex or hybrids. And everything but concrete and steel will deform thus I am not surprised that everyone has "dip" or worse comments about them. All manufacturers have escape clauses for their warranty. Zenhaven has a 1.5" deflection determinate which I know from experience never actually shows up since it is the entire depth that loses support that you can only feel and hardly ever see. You would have to park a truck on the mattress for a year to get a surface deflection of 1.5". But they do have a good 365 day trial. Biggest concern for me is pressure relief for shoulders, back support and ease of repositioning. I am 76 years old, 170 and 5'10". Hope you can help me make a choice. Sorry if I am a bit cynical. Comes with age.
i love the way you describe everything in what seems like an honest way. Thank you for a great review
Hi Coleen -- Thanks so much for sharing your feedback with us. You are right that providing honest and straightforward information to our readers is our top priority. While we would prefer that our reviews be 10 minutes or less, we've found that this isn't nearly enough time to provide a truly expert assessment of a mattress, let alone the level of objective information and education that we think consumers need and deserve. As such, it's very gratifying to hear that our approach has been helpful for you -- thanks again for taking the time to let us know!
Mike -- Your website/you tube mattress reviews are the best out there. This is the mattress for us; thanks so much for the mattress match quiz too. We will definitely use your code, and will report back on our experience. Thanks for such great resources.
Thanks for your support and feedback +baycyd! I'm very glad we were able to help you hone in on the right choice for you. I hope you love it and look forward to hearing about your experience.
Thank you for your professional, informative reviews. I did purchase the Zenhaven. It is a well constructed, quality mattress. My only complaint is that it feels a bit taut, with a little less pressure relief for my shoulder (I am primarily a side sleeper). I have only had it for a couple of weeks, and plan to give it a little more time, as I never had a latex mattress before, but I am wondering if the loom and leaf may be a better choice. I am 5'11, 240 lbs. 65.
Thoughts?
Again, thank you for your great reviews.
Mike - Your reviews are the most consistent, well thought out, and informative of anything online. It's so much easier to listen to your reviews than it is to listen to a salesperson at a mattress store. So very helpful, keep up the good work and thank you much for producing and sharing your mattress reviews. It's been a long time since we purchased a mattress and there are almost too many choices. We have taken the mattress quiz and it came up recommending a few latex based mattress choices. However, we are concerned with a latex bed and any relation to possible latex allergies a person might have or may be caused by a latex bed. Should we be concerned?
Hi +S2kDude36 -- Thanks for the question and your very kind words. It's very gratifying to hear that our reviews have been helpful for you.
In terms of your question, this is a common concern people have about latex mattresses. Before I answer, I should first be clear that we are not offering medical advice or counseling in any way, and it would certainly be smart for anyone with latex allergy concerns to check with a doctor before purchasing a latex mattress.
The first question I'd have for you is whether either of you is known to have latex allergies. Certainly, anyone that experiences breathing difficulty or whose latex allergy symptoms can be triggered simply by being in a room with latex should not be considering a latex mattress -- there could not possibly be any benefits that would outweigh the possibility (however big or small) of anaphylaxis or other severe allergic reactions.
That said, for most people who experience latex allergies, symptoms are triggered by *direct contact* with latex (eg, rubber gloves, a balloon, etc.). With mattresses, due to their thick cover (plus sheets, a mattress protector, etc.), direct contact with latex does not occur in the ordinary use of the mattress. For this reason alone, many people who suffer from either contact dermatitis or even latex allergies are fine on a latex mattress.
Beyond that, the process for making the latex foam used in mattresses also differs slightly from the process for making other latex products in that the proteins that commonly trigger latex allergies are washed off during the manufacturing stage. This provides additional protection for anyone that suffers from latex allergies.
Does that help?
I am totally up in the air about choosing between spindle and zenhaven. I'm a back and side sleeper, and weigh 200lbs. Which would you recommend?
EXCELLENT REVIEW! One remark, according to the Saatva company, the only "chemical additive" added to the latex is CO2 to turn the latex from liquid into solid.
Thanks Kati (and sorry I missed this earlier)! TBH I have heard that statement before but can't confirm it with 100% certainty. I have spoken directly with latex manufacturers about this and there is a fair amount of dispute between the Dunlop and Talalay communities over what degree of "chemical additives" are needed in the Talalay process. From my standpoint though, the key take-away is that all parties seem to agree that as a portion of the overall "recipe," it's quite small. 😊
Sorry I can't be of more help on this one, but I hope that's helpful nonetheless.
Hi Mike, I recently bought a Purple .3 and while I love the feel of it, my lower back hates it. Back problems aren't new to me and I sometimes sleep on my stomach. Looking back, I probably should have tried the 2 or the original, but I don't want to try another and be unable to return it now. I also tried the BearHybrid- had to return that too for the same problem (even with new firmer foam- felt like a brick that my back still hated). So, I've been drawn to the Saatva family because they mention specific lumbar support. Other than needing to remediate the lower back problems, I'm pretty open to bedding materials. I took your online test, and the Zenhaven was one of my top matches...however, so was the purple .3. Do you think that I'll have a different experience with the Zenhaven than with the mattresses I've tried before or do you have some other suggestions (or should I just chuck all the things and sleep on the floor, LOL)? I appreciate your videos and input.
Love your reviews! But as of 3 months ago you hadn't reviewed the Plushbed Botanical Bliss, is this still the case? I am trying to choose btwn the two, would love your feedback specifically on the comparison btwn Zenhaven & Plushbeds in overall comfort, motion transfer, edge support, pb sleeping hotter than zh. Many thanks! In an online shopping world it is nice to see videos with someone moving around on the bed...
Hi Andrea -- I'm very glad the reviews have been helpful for you! Unfortunately you are correct that we still haven't had a chance to review the Botanical Bliss yet. We don't have an immediate timetable for that review as there are a number of others that we'll be completing and releasing first, but it is definitely on our list. Sorry to keep you waiting, but thank you for letting us know that it would be helpful for you as this is how we prioritize our reviews.
Hi Mike, I keep watching your great reviews and coming back to the Zenhaven... even your bed find feature always includes the Zenhaven. I have a sleep number bed and am having pressure point issues no matter what I do. Just miserable. I’m a side sleeper and my partner too. We are big people I’m 5’10” and 195 lbs and he is 6’3” and 250lbs. We are both side sleepers although I’m a bit of a belly sleeper too. His mattress at his place that he loves is a foam base with memory foam on top. I hate memory foam, hate the sinking feeling. Would a Zenhaven possibly be a good compromise? I was looking also at the hybrid from nest with the springs and latex but I’m not sure... thanks for any feedback. I would like natural materials as I’m very allergic to pretty much anything but back and hip pain is killing me every morning. Thanks
Hi Patricia -- Thanks for your question, and your kind words. In terms of a "compromise," that is a bit of a tricky one. If he *has* to have memory feel and you *can't* have it, then there isn't really a compromise to be had. However, if he simply *likes* memory feel (but doesn't require it) and you *hate* it as you said, then I do think the Zenhaven could indeed be a decent compromise. Like memory foam, latex has very good pressure relief, but without the sinking feeling or slow responsiveness. It's also better for stomach sleeping because it holds you up more, with more of a floating (vs cradling) sensation.
In terms of the Next Latex Hybrid, that model is also very nice (we will be releasing a review of that in the coming weeks). However, going back to your compromise, it has more of what we call "deep bounce" -- meaning the kind of bounce you feel when you jump onto the bed -- which the Zenhaven doesn't really have. So I think the Zenhaven will be closer to what your partner is used to on that front.
I hope that's helpful for you.
I took your GoodBed Match Quiz and it recommended 3 choices, Nest Hybred Latex Med., Spindle Natural Latex soft, and Zenhaven Luxury Plush. I'm torn between the Nest and Zenhaven. The one thing that i'm looking at is the flip ability of the Zenhaven, like getting 2 mattresses in one. Just wondering what you think about that logic? Also, have you had a chance to evaluate the Nest Hybred Latex mattress? I like that one too.
Hi Don -- Thanks for your question. Regarding the flip-ability of the Zenhaven, I do think there is some merit to your logic, particularly since the two sides of this mattress are rather similar in their respective characteristics (softness level, cushioning depth, etc.).
All else being equal, a mattress that is regularly flipped should definitely deliver a longer useful life than one that can't be flipped (though not twice as long). So, as long as you were to use both sides of the mattress, you should benefit from this additional longevity. And given the similarity of the two sides of the Zenhaven, I do think that many people who are happy on one side of this mattress could be equally or almost as happy on the other side. Such people would be able flip the mattress regularly and thereby extend its life.
The one small point I would add to this is that due to the quality of the materials in the Zenhaven, it is very heavy. And due to the nature of latex, it's also rather floppy. The combination of these two things makes it rather difficult to move, so it may require two able-bodied people to flip it, particularly for a king size.
Regarding the Nest Hybrid, unfortunately we haven't had a chance to formally review that one yet.
I hope that helps!
What river and bridge is that we see through the window? What a fantastic view!
Thanks! It's actually not a river at all -- it's the beautiful San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge! 😊
I just ordered this mattress last evening! 5/20/20 So Happy to find your EXCELLENT EXTENSIVE most in depth review on here again. THANK YOU FOR THE PERFECT REVIEW!! I watched this review some years back when I was only dreaming of buying a mattress very similar to this which was in the $5000 range, one I could not afford. Your reviews are true reviews. Thank you for a real review as one can really get a sense entirely of the kicking the tires experience from your extensive thorough quality mattress reviews. Other you tubers dont go deep and I've no use watching people just laying on them which doesn't help me at all to really know what I need to - to decide- which is the whole point of watching a review. Other reviewers dont take the time like you to rate the levels you rate, its usually them narrating, while we watch clips of someone on the bed. I love the fact you dont have silly music on and are just talking to the person, like a real person!!
You lay and speak- !! MOST EFFECTIVE !! - and you seem to know HOW TO give a very intuitive conscientious CONSUMER 👍 thinking process ONE NEEDS for decision making- which is the whole point of a review!!! BRAVO👏👏🗽BRAVO!
I'm appreciating your review a second time from a totally different prospective now having purchased the ZENHAVEN from Saatva and am excitedly awaiting its arrival. As you state, you cannot try this in a store.
A couple years ago I sampled a very similar product costing a couple thousand $$ more.
Like your review states, that bed I sampled in a store was ALL organic and that company even charges more for the wool topping!! But Saatva nailed it in my opinion, and has the organic cotton and wool included !! and is way cheaper than the one I laid on and never forgot its feel. It was the Organic ROSE bed made by Healthy Choice. Financially,
we were going to just get a Regular Saatva mattress also a great bed, however, when I saw Saatva makes !!! Latex !! It was a dream come true because its affordable with similar principles to my dream Rose bed I tried years back and have never been able to forget!
And to find your review today has made me know its the same product I laid on years back. Your review gave me peace of mind.
THANK YOU!!!!
THANK YOU for the great comment! You are the reason we do these reviews. GoodBed was started when the founder (who does the reviews) was shopping with his wife for a mattress and found himself overwhelmed by the options, the mystery around mattresses, and shady retailers. GoodBed aims to be the antidote to all of that!
First, I am a Teacher and I have to second the comment that commended your presentation. I appreciate folks who seek to educate and spread knowledge about the industry instead of slinging around marketing hoopla and hiding behind smoke and mirrors!
Secondly, I am strongly considering trying SleepOnLatex because they are also Green Guard certified. I know that there is a slight(usually exaggerated) difference in feel with dunlop and talalay latex. Do you have any insight on that company or sleeping on dunlop? I understand that these latex foams are very heavy and also very durable.
Hi John -- Thanks for your question, and also for your kind words. With regards to SleepOnLatex, we are certainly aware of them, however I'm afraid we have not yet done an in-depth review of any of their products so I can't speak to them in nearly as much detail as I can with many other products.
With regards to Dunlop vs Talalay, I would agree that the difference in feel tends to be fairly subtle. It is most noticeable at the softer end of the spectrum, since the Talalay method is generally able to achieve softer feels than can be achieved with the Dunlop method. This is one reason why some latex mattress makers choose to use Dunlop in the support core and Talalay in the comfort layers. Both Talalay and Dunlop are very heavy and very durable foams.
In terms of the GreenGuard certification, this is indeed a nice safety certification as it measures the off-gassing of the finished product mattress and certifies that any emissions are below some minimally acceptable threshold. You can read more about it here:
www.goodbed.com/mattress-topics/greenguard-gold/
All else being equal, we would certainly agree that certifications are nice to have. That said, one thing that may be worth keeping in mind is that just because a mattress does not have a given certification does not mean it wouldn't pass that test. FWIW, given the materials used in it, I would have every expectation that the Zenhaven would meet the Greenguard Gold standards if the company had chosen to obtain that certification.
Lastly, in case it's helpful, you may be interested in watching our review of the Spindle, which is also a Dunlop latex mattress. You can find it here:
www.goodbed.com/mattresses/spindle-mattress/
I hope that's helpful.
GoodBed Wow that was a Prompt reply! Thanks for getting back to me. I will definitely check out those links when I get home.
I have one more inquiry. My only reserve, other than price, at this point is the potential for latex sensitivity/allergy. As a Biology Teacher and former pre-med student I find most comments and forum posts largely uneducated speculation. Its almost silly to worry about this factor as allergies can be developed to plenty of other materials we use daily.
However, have you any experience or knowledge of someone developing an allergy to Natural botanical latex beds? Lol.
Hi John -- My pleasure. 😊 Re: your question, I should first be clear that we are not offering medical advice or counseling in any way, and it would certainly be smart for anyone with latex allergy concerns to check with a doctor before purchasing a latex mattress. And without a doubt, anyone that experiences breathing difficulty in connection with a latex allergy -- or whose symptoms can be triggered simply by being in a room with latex -- should not be considering a latex mattress.
That said, it should be noted that many people who suffer from either contact dermatitis or even latex allergies don't have any problems sleeping on a latex mattress. For many such people, their symptoms are triggered by *direct contact* with latex (eg, rubber gloves, a balloon, etc.). With mattresses, due to their thick cover (plus sheets, a mattress protector, etc.), direct contact with latex does not occur in the ordinary use of the mattress.
In addition, the process for making the latex foam used in mattresses differs slightly from the process for making other latex products. With latex foam, the proteins that commonly trigger latex allergies are washed off during the manufacturing stage. This provides some additional protection for anyone that suffers from latex allergies.
In terms of *developing* an allergy from sleeping on a latex mattress, I have heard that such a thing is possible, but have not personally heard any reports of this happening via the many reviews or comments left by our readers.
I hope that's helpful.
have you reviewed plushbeds botanical bliss? which do you prefer zenhaven or bliss? and you mentioned that zenhaven delivered it uncompressed, does that make a difference in the quality?
Hi Maurizio -- No, we haven't formally reviewed the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss yet, but it is on our list. Thanks for letting us know that this mattress would be of interest. As soon as we do, it will be posted here (as well as on our TH-cam channel):
www.goodbed.com/mattresses/plushbeds/
In terms of your question about the relationship between compression and quality, I think the jury is still out on that. Although companies have been compressing and shipping mattresses in boxes for about 10 years (long before Casper et al), we still don't have much empirical data on how that factor alone might impact the longevity of a given type of mattress. That said, a material like latex is very durable and resilient, so compressing it *shouldn't* have much, if any, impact on it -- assuming it is for a relatively short period of time (eg, days or weeks, rather than months or years).
The only other thing that I'd add is that due to its density (which *is* a reflection of quality), latex tends to be a very heavy material. As such, the Zenhaven mattress weighs about 120-130 pounds in a queen size -- which would make for an extremely heavy box! By comparison, many of the other popular online mattresses that are shipped in a box weigh more like 75-85 pounds in a queen size.
I hope that helps.
Thanks for the great review...have been checking out online reviews for a couple of months. Narrowed down my choices to the Saatva mattresses, and almost bought the Saatva before stumbling upon this review. Will be purchasing the Zenhaven and will click through your website. Hopefully you get something for that! Will post a review on your website after I have slept on it for a bit. Thanks again!
Thanks +bstcyr32! I am very glad to hear that this review was helpful for you. With regards to clicking through the links on our website when you buy, we do make money from that so your support is greatly appreciated. The money we receive comes at no cost to you of course, so we have found that approach to be the best way to keep up our work. Thank you again!!
I sleep really well on an ikea matrand memory foam mattress which is very firm. so far i have tried nectar layla and amerisleep as1 but all in vain. my back hurts... What I like about the ikea mattress is it offers excellent pressure relief to my back... So even though my back sinks into the mattress, the mattress offers push back... Do you think zenheaven will be a good fit ?
Hi there -- Thanks for your question. If you've seen our reviews of the Nectar or Layla, you may already know that we classify both the Nectar and Layla (soft side) as Medium-Soft on our softness scale -- meaning just to the softer side of Medium. So neither of these would provide the "firm" experience that you seem to be looking for.
The Zenhaven has two sides, each with different softness -- we classify one side as Medium and the other side as Medium-Firm, so both are firmer than the two referenced above and would have more "push back," as you put it. Did you try sleeping on the Firm side of the Layla mattress? We classify that side as Firm on our scale (less softness than either side of the Zenhaven), so it would be helpful to know how that worked for you as a point of comparison. Either way, latex in general certainly offers more push back in general than either memory foam or polyurethane foam.
Lastly, just to clarify some terminology, it is highly unlikely that the back pain you describe is due to inadequate "pressure relief." Rather, back pain is almost always a result of improper spinal alignment, which for a back sleeper in your situation is typically due to a hammocking effect wherein your hips sink too far into the mattress and/or your lumbar curve is not properly supported. This would be why you prefer the firmer mattress that you mentioned.
I hope that's helpful.
Any resources for Natural Latex Sofas? I have been looking not having any luck..
Hi Mark -- Funny you should ask that, as I too have wondered how well latex might work in my couch cushions. I haven't ever seen this on the market anywhere, so I think you'd need to just buy a regular couch and then bring your cushions to a custom foam-cutting place that can cut some latex for you to that size.
IMHO, for a couch whose primary function is lounging, watching TV, and the like, I think it would need to be something near the softest level of latex. Medium or firmer latex could probably work well for bench seating or a more formal sofa (and would keep the cushions looking plump and neat for a looooong time), but would probably be too firm to really nestle into the way most people want to do on a couch.
I hope that's helpful.
Hi Mike - Loved your review of the Zenhaven mattress. I have a question for you. My current king size mattress has a hump in the middle, with two body impressions on either side. The mattress is only 3 years old but needs replacing. In your opinion, would a Zenhaven mattress be less likely to sag on the sides and form a hump in the center of a king size mattress like my current mattress has?
Thanks in advance.
Ruth
Hi Ruth -- Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm very glad to hear that this review was helpful for you.
In terms of your question about sagging and body impressions, it's difficult for me to answer it the way you asked it (on a relative basis) since I don't know anything about your current mattress. That said, I can answer it on a more general basis.
The phenomenon you described is all too common with mattresses these days and typically is a result of polyurethane foams near the top of the mattress breaking down and/or losing their resiliency. The design flaw in most cases is not that the entire mattress is bad, it's simply that there is enough of at least one lower-longevity material to create a "weak link" in the mattress. In your case, this weak link was exposed in the form of body impressions.
By contrast, latex is one of the best and most proven mattress materials in terms of its durability and longevity. You can find latex that is more durable than 100% natural Talalay latex (which is the type of latex that this mattress uses), but it won't be as natural and generally won't have quite as soft and smooth a feel to it. And there is no question that 100% natural Talalay latex it is still a very durable material (much moreso than the polyurethane foams in the top of a traditional mattress).
So, the bottom line is that since this mattress is almost entirely latex, I don't see it having any clear "weak links." For this reason, I would say that as long as you are make sure to have proper support under this mattress, it's very unlikely that it would be prone to the same degree of break-down that you have experienced on your current mattress.
I hope that helps.
Thanks so much for the video. You said that the Zenhaven .provides good support and comfort for you. I'm older than you are (53) and smaller than you are (5' 4" and 148 pounds). Do you think it would provide sufficient support and comfort for me? My biggest concern with a mattress is that it provide proper spine alignment. I have lower back issues - herniated disc in lower back and sciatica. Any insights about whether this mattress or another mattress would be good for me? Thanks!
Hi Sandy -- Thanks for your question. Spinal alignment is really hard to predict, particularly for people who have back issues such as yours. That said, I didn't hear anything in what you said that would make me rule out this mattress. Overall, I think that latex does sound promising in your case due to its blend of buoyant back support and good pressure relief, which could help with your herniated disc and sciatica.
In terms of other mattresses that could be a better match, have you tried taking our match quiz? It works by asking you all the relevant questions to fully assess your requirements (including some factors that might actually be important to you but would not have otherwise thought to consider), and then uses an intelligent matching algorithm that searches across all brands and stores (both online and in your local area) to find ones that match your unique needs and preferences. If you haven't taken it yet, you can find it here:
www.goodbed.com/mattress-finder/quiz/
Of course, if you still have questions after taking it, I'm always happy to help.
Mike, thanks so much for the reply! I really appreciate it. Shopping for a bed is more difficult than shopping for a car. Given my back problems and the cost involved, I really want to get it right. I can't believe how much I'm stressing over choosing a mattress!
I actually first learned of the Zenhaven as a result of taking your quiz. Here's where my confusion comes in, though. I have played around with the quiz a little. Because my weight is near the top of one range, I've looked at the results with two different weight ranges. I sleep mostly on my back, but also on my side, so I've played with those categories as well. Depending on those inputs, the degree of recommendations for the Zenhaven vary. Presumably, that's because the quiz will categorize me anywhere from a "medium" to a "medium soft" to a "soft." That's why I'm unsure about whether the Zen Haven is a fit for someone my size looking for the proper mattress for by back.
I've been wary of buying online. That's partly because I want to check out the mattress before I buy. But, it's also because most of the online sellers would require me to do things that I can't do because of my back problems, such as moving a heavy box or mattress. Zenhaven is an exception to that latter concern.
As for the quiz's recommendations, it has recommended a Stearns and Foster Luxe Estate, but I've only been able to find one in town that is a very soft pillowtop, and that definitely doesn't work. I didn't like the recommended Tempurepedic.
The quiz also recommends a serta hybrid. (Until recently, I've associated "hybrids" with cars, so I really don't know a lot about mattress hybrids.) I've had three different mattress store salesmen recommend the Sealy Copper ii hybrid plush. I can't find many reviews of that one because it's pretty new. That may also be why it never shows up in any of your quiz results? Part of the appeal of that mattress is that I'd probably get the Sealy Ease adjustable base with that one. (I probably wouldn't get the Lineal with the Zenhaven because it is so expensive and I don't really like it.) What do you think of a Copper ii plush with the Sealy Ease adjustable base compared to the Zenhaven?
In addition to the Zenhaven and the Copper ii, the other bed I've tried that I might consider is a mid-level Stearns and Foster Estate.
All the factors and options are a bit overwhelming and confusing. So, I'd welcome any input or suggestion.
Thank you so much.
Hi Sandy -- I'm afraid we haven't done an in-depth review of the Sealy Copper II Hybrid, so I can't speak to its characteristics with nearly as much detail as I can with the products we've reviewed such as the Zenhaven. The same would go for the Sealy Ease adjustable base. That said, we have done overviews of all of the traditional brand product lines that you mentioned above, which you can find on the pages below:
-- Sealy Hybrid: www.goodbed.com/mattress-line/sealy-hybrid/
-- Stearns & Foster: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/stearns-foster/
-- Serta iComfort Hybrid: www.goodbed.com/mattress-collection/serta-icomfort-hybrid/
I hope those are helpful for you.
wow!!! This is the most extensive mattress review I have ever seen!! Great job!
Thanks Stevan! That is very nice to hear, and I really appreciate you letting us know it was helpful for you.
Great review. One issue not mention is the top layer has some variability. If nothing else I assume this means you cannot rotate the mattress. Also most latex beds and beds in general get firmer layers as you go down. Does the fact the softest layer may be on the bottom suggest it is being wasted? Indeed firm layer is the second layer and then there are two softer layers below. I suspect that is why others do not make flippable latex mattresses. I recently bought a latex mattress from Plushbeds (medium firm) and I am impressed with how much I like a natural latex mattress. I intend to buy more and I am looking to see what else is out there and your site is a great help. I had not seen it before my purchase.
Hi Sofia -- Thanks for your questions. I'm glad to hear you've been enjoying your latex mattress and appreciate you letting us know that our site has been helpful, even after your purchase.
In terms of the flippable construction, you are certainly right that while the mattress is on any one side, whatever softness is on the bottom side is not making the mattress materially softer, so in a sense is being "wasted" at that moment. However, it is not permanently wasted since it can be used any time you choose to flip the mattress over.
One of the advantages of the flippable construction is that flipping a mattress helps to keep its sleep surfaces even and smooth. So if you do choose to flip your mattress regularly, it should be more resistant to body impressions than a mattress that can't be flipped. Since the two sides are not exactly the same softness, you will probably have one side of the Zenhaven that becomes your favorite. However they are similar enough that if one of the sides works well for you, the other side should work OK too.
In terms of why more companies don't make flippable mattresses any more, the reasons are:
1) all else being equal, making a flippable mattress costs more -- not quite twice as much, but definitely more
2) people don't like to flip their mattress, so they are easily persuaded to buy a mattress that "doesn't need to be flipped" (aka, "can't be flipped") -- once manufacturers discovered this (about 10-15 years ago), two-sided mattresses all but disappeared.
I hope that helps.
Fantastic review. Ordering now
So glad it was helpful for you -- hope you enjoy it!
A very comprehensive and informative review - you set a much higher bar than most of the youtube reviewers. I'm trying to decide between this mattress, which looks very good, and the Spindle, all-natural latex mattress. I'm 57, 170-175lbs, 6', and almost always a side sleeper. The price of the Spindle is certainly more attractive, but wondering which you'd recommend for me. I'm just wondering if the Spindle "medium" would be soft enough for me, based on my parameters. Thoughts? Thanks!
Hi Jack -- Thanks for your question, and the very kind words! In terms of the softness of the Spindle Medium vs the Luxury Plush side of the Zenhaven, we would characterize both of them as "Medium" softness on our spectrum, however if anything I would say the Spindle Medium might be a tad softer.
Also, as you may know, Spindle does have a Soft version as well, which would have even more softness. That said, if you're feeling torn between two softness levels I'd always recommend going with the firmer of the two, since it is much easier to soften up a mattress that is a bit too firm than the other way around.
Separately, in case you weren't already aware, we did a review of the Spindle mattress as well, which you can see here: th-cam.com/video/RN5MzOe-d1k/w-d-xo.html
I hope that helps.
Also, in case it's helpful, here is a brief comparison of these two brands that I once provided in response to a question asked by another one of our readers:
Both of these are great options. Zenhaven and Spindle have very similar materials and construction, so the biggest differences are in price, return policy, the delivery and set-up experience, softness / comfort options, and company track records.
The Spindle is less expensive, but Zenhaven has a better return policy. The Zenhaven also comes delivered all the way to your bedroom (rather than to your doorstep) and comes fully assembled (rather than putting it together yourself).
In terms of comfort, both of the Zenhaven softness levels are near the middle of the spectrum, so if you think you want something softer (or extra firm), Spindle has more options on that front.
Both companies have very good reputations -- the difference being that Zenhaven has more of a track record as a retailer, and Spindle has more of a track record as a manufacturer. Zenhaven, as part of Saatva, is a very well-established online mattress seller with a stellar customer service reputation. Spindle makes their own mattresses (and its owners have been doing so for decades), but is newer to the model of selling directly to consumers.
In terms of the materials themselves, the main difference is that Zenhaven uses Talalay latex while Spindle uses Dunlop latex. This difference is pretty small though in the scheme of things, so we generally consider the other factors mentioned above to be the key differentiators in this case.
Thank you for the prompt and thorough reply. I think I'm leaning towards the Spindle; watching a few different unboxing and setup videos, I don't see putting the mattress together as any challenge. The only thing I was wondering about was based on my specifics whether to go with "medium" or "soft" if I went with the Spindle, and now I'm leaning towards the "medium". Again, thanks for your comprehensive reviews - the best I've seen - and for providing the additional information above, comparing the two.
My pleasure Jack! And thank you very much for your kind words. I'm glad we could help.
After watching your excellent informative review we are seriously planning to get the zen haven mattress. One concern I have with latex is the smell. Will there be an off gassing issue with zenhaven? Does the mattress has to be aired prior to putting bed covers and how long? Thanks
Hi Lucy -- Thanks for your question. I'm very glad that this review was helpful for you. In terms of off-gassing, the first thing I would clarify is that when people talk about off-gassing in mattresses, their principal concern is typically about the off-gassing of chemicals or other substances that could possibly be considered harmful. In the case of the Zenhaven, while the Talalay process does involve a small amount of chemicals, the latex used in these mattresses is still *nearly* 100% natural. As such, a mattress like this really can't do much (if any) off-gassing in the traditional sense of the term.
That said, off-gassing aside, if you are asking about smell (which I consider to be something different), latex can and typically does have slight rubbery smell when it's new, particularly if you get your nose right up next to it. This smell tends to be less noticeable with natural latex than synthetic latex. With the Zenhaven, I don't remember there being a significant smell, but TBH I can't remember exactly how it compared on this front to other natural latex mattresses we've tested. That said, one reason I would generally expect the initial smell with the Zenhaven to be among the lowest is that it's never vacuum packed and compressed like most online mattresses, a process that can trap more of the smell. So while it does arrive in a sealed bag, I would still expect less initial rubbery smell with this product as a result of that.
I hope that's helpful.
Reps on the Zenhaven site were advising against me using this mattress on my wooden slat based platform bed. The slats on my bed are slightly less than 3 inches apart. Does it really matter?
Hi there -- Thanks for your question, and sorry I missed this earlier. One answer is that it doesn't matter at all from the standpoint of the support you get from the foundation -- meaning you will get perfectly good support from a slatted foundation.
However, the reason that Zenhaven advises against slats is because this is a 2-sided mattress. As such, there is a valid concern that the slats could leave impressions in whichever side is on the bottom, such that when/if you flip the mattress over you would have those impressions on the top. 1-sided beds use a very firm foam on the bottom layer that is more resistant to impressions from slats (and you wouldn't care if slight impressions were made anyway, since you would have no intention of ever flipping it over). But a 2-sided mattress has softer comfort layers on the bottom (so that it can be flipped), which are more susceptible to impressions.
For this reason, Zenhaven's warranty states the following:
> If your platform bed has slats, it is required that you apply a layer of solid surface (i.e. plywood, masonite board) over the slats to achieve a uniform surface so as to preserve the longevity and integrity of our 2-sided technology. A solid surface will allow the bottom side to compress evenly and create level distribution throughout the newly created base of the mattress.
Overall, I would recommend following their guidance on this. I hope that's helpful.
I was matched with this but I'm allergic to wool. Would this mattress still be a good fit? I also sleep hot.
Hi Jennifer -- Thanks for your question, and sorry I didn't see this earlier. With regards to wool, this mattress features wool directly below the cover on both sides of the mattress. Depending on the severity of your allergy, this may or may not be an issue for you. For example, if your reactions to wool are severe and/or are triggered by mere proximity to wool, then I would certainly recommend looking at options that don't contain wool. However, if your reactions are triggered only by direct contact with wool and also tend to be relatively mild, then you may be completely fine -- the wool here is contained under the cover (which is made from organic cotton), and you will also have sheets and the like providing an additional barrier.
In terms of heat, wool is actually a very good (and natural) thermal regulator, and latex tends to sleep cooler than other foams, so in general I wouldn't expect overheating to be a big issue for most people on this mattress. That said, if you are extremely prone to overheating, a mattress with latex over pocketed coils would tend to offer similar properties to this one with more airflow.
I hope that's helpful.
zenhaven vs spindle, which do you prefer? both look pretty great im trying to pick
Thanks for your question +Andy Pagakis. You're right that both of these are great options. Zenhaven and Spindle have very similar materials and construction, so the biggest differences are in price, return policy, the delivery and set-up experience, softness / comfort options, and company track records.
The Spindle is less expensive, but Zenhaven has a better return policy. The Zenhaven also comes delivered all the way to your bedroom (rather than to your doorstep) and comes fully assembled (rather than putting it together yourself).
In terms of comfort, both of the Zenhaven softness levels are near the middle of the spectrum, so if you think you want something softer (or extra firm), Spindle has more options on that front.
Both companies have very good reputations -- the difference being that Zenhaven has more of a track record as a retailer, and Spindle has more of a track record as a manufacturer. Zenhaven, as part of Saatva, is a very well-established online mattress seller with a stellar customer service reputation. Spindle makes their own mattresses (and its owners have been doing so for decades), but is newer to the model of selling directly to consumers.
In terms of the materials themselves, the main difference is that Zenhaven uses Talalay latex while Spindle uses Dunlop latex. This difference is pretty small though in the scheme of things, so we generally consider the other factors mentioned above to be the key differentiators in this case.
Hope that helps you hone in on the one that's best for you.
Thanks for the response, Sounds like spindle may be the better deal overall then specially if I dont have to return it? Ive heard talalay is considered superior? Do you think the softer mattresses still have enough support? I like to sleep on my side so I am thinking 4-5 firmness may be the right fit. The only other beds Ive been considering are the plushbeds any experience with their beds?
If you have any affiliate links for these beds, id be happy to buy through yours man, so just link them
Thanks +Andy. We have affiliate links for all of these guys, which is how we support this work, so would definitely appreciate you using these:
* Zenhaven: www.goodbed.com/o/m/zenhaven/
* Spindle: www.goodbed.com/o/m/spindle-mattress/
* PlushBeds: www.goodbed.com/o/m/plushbeds/
If you decide to buy from Spindle or PlushBeds, you'll also want to use the special discounts they give to our users, which you can find here: www.goodbed.com/mattress-deals/ (Zenhaven, like its parent company Saatva, doesn't do discounts or promo codes).
In terms of your follow-up questions:
Talalay vs Dunlop -- Talalay is a more involved (and costly) manufacturing process which ensures that the latex particles are evenly distributed before the rubber is vulcanized, resulting in a more uniform feel and consistency. This is what gives Talalay its premium reputation. Overall, there are a lot of nuanced differences between Talalay and Dunlop, and while we certainly have opinions about situations where we would think Talalay is a bit better, there are also some situations where we'd give a small edge to Dunlop. I spared all these details here though because on balance, when we compare the way that Talalay and Dunlop are utilized in these two mattresses, the net differences feel pretty small.
Softness -- As a side sleeper, you're generally going to want something medium or softer. So on the Zenhaven, you're most likely going to be using the Luxury Plush side, which should definitely be adequate from a support perspective. On the Spindle, you'll have the option of the Medium or Soft configurations, both of which have the same two layers on the bottom (the only difference being the softness of the top 3") so should be very similar from a support perspective. Due to its natural springiness and resilience, it's very rare to find a latex mattress that's so soft that it lacks proper support. By the same token, people who prefer a *super-squishy* feel may have a hard time finding a latex mattress that feels soft enough to them.
PlushBeds -- Unfortunately, we haven't done an in-depth review of this mattress yet, so I can't offer any equivalently detailed comparisons here. It is on our schedule for the next couple months though. In the meantime, you can check out reviews from owners of PlushBeds mattresses, and compare them to reviews from Zenhaven and Spindle owners:
* PlushBeds reviews: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/plushbeds/#reviews
* Zenhaven reviews: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/zenhaven/#reviews
* Spindle reviews: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/spindle-mattress/#reviews
Just bought my spindle, thanks pal. Used your code
Thanks +Andy! I'm very glad we could be helpful, and hope you're very happy with your choice.
Once you've had it for a while, please come back to GoodBed and rate your experience with it! www.goodbed.com/review-mattress/manufacturer/spindle-mattress/
Among all the reviews, I really enjoyed your advise the best. Have been doing research for a long time and I think I am ready to invest into latex mattress. Had a long time struggle around the tempur pedic and this one, even I haven't tried this one yet, I think will like this a lot.
Hi Gia. Thanks for the compliment! We are so glad we've been helpful in your search. There's a lot to like about the Zenhaven latex bed. We hope you enjoy it!
Mike, one more comment/request for your opinion: so, to clarify from my first post, my back issue stems, not from sleeping on my current mattress, but from hyperextending my back surfing when I lived in Hawaii. I will have discomfort sometimes when my back or hips “go out”, but a few visits to the chiro usually takes care of that situation. I know I’ve asked about a few beds, but I think I’ve narrowed it down to two finalists and want your thoughts/opinions and.or concerns. Based on my characteristics, weight, height, coolness, I like to sleep on top but slightly snuggled, and sleeping position preferences (mainly a back sleeper but do toss and turn between stomach and side, in that order), I’m torn between two types; the Zenhaven latex mattress and the Nest Latex Hybrid. I know I need something soft enough that allows side sleeping but not to soft so I when I do sleep on my stomach. Not going through the specs for the different beds, but what are your thoughts or reservations based on the info I’ve provided? I like the Use of Talalay vs Dupont, which is used in both in varying degrees, obviously, and then there’s the all latex vs hybrid option. I really don’t want to go through the return process so I’m trying to due the best I can into considering every aspect as thoroughly as possible before pulling the trigger. Appreciate your reviews, and your opinions.
Hi Emilio -- While there are obviously some differences between those two mattresses that would be relevant for some people, I really think that in terms of the criteria you listed above (e.g., side/stomach sleeping, cooling, etc), they are quite similar. In terms of "reservations," my only reservation would be that I can't speak to the Nest Latex Hybrid as precisely (particularly with regards to its softness level) because we have yet to do an in-depth review of it. But overall, I would think that with regards to the specific concerns you raised, either could work for you.
Hey mike! Thanks again for the review. Do you think this Mattress would do well for heavy sleepers. I’m around 260. I can’t help but think about it being a 10 inch mattress
Hi there -- My pleasure! I"m glad you found it helpful. I think this mattress could work, but at your weight I think a thicker mattress with latex over firm pocketed coils would provide a similar feel with most of the same benefits while also ensuring that you are adequately supported. Here are some options that have a Medium-Firm softness level (similar to the softer side of the Zenhaven):
* Avocado Pillow-Top: www.goodbed.com/reviews/avocado-green-mattress-review/ (note that I'm suggesting the Pillow-Top, whereas our review shows the non-Pillow-Top, which is the same but has a bit less softness)
* WinkBed Plus: www.goodbed.com/reviews/winkbed-plus-mattress-review/
* Brentwood Cedar Luxe: www.goodbed.com/reviews/brentwood-home-cedar-mattress-review/ (note that I'm suggesting the Luxe, whereas our review shows the regular Cedar, which is the same but has a bit less softness)
* Happsy: www.goodbed.com/reviews/happsy-mattress-review/
I hope that's helpful.
GoodBed thanks so much!
@@qteezy6501 Glad to help!
I have heard that latex mattresses aren’t the best kind of mattress for side sleepers. Would you agree with that as a general statement and if not would you recommend this for side sleepers?
Hi +NipItInTheBud100 -- Thanks for your question. I'm afraid you were given some inaccurate and misleading information. First, no type of mattress is going to be "the best" for every side sleeper -- this is because sleep position is just one of many factors, and side sleepers can and do differ greatly in their other needs and preferences. That said, there are certainly plenty of side sleepers for whom a latex mattress *would* be the best match.
In the case of the Zenhaven specifically, neither side of the mattress is what we would classify as "soft" nor do they have especially "deep" cushioning, so if you prefer a softer feel or are extra curvy then it might not be the best match for you. However, for a side sleeper who prefers a bit less softness with more of a floating sensation (vs being hugged or cradled by your mattress), it could be a great match.
I hope that's helpful.
Thanks again for the great information! Much appreciated!!!
Where I got that information from is Spindle. I had gone to their website to check which firmness to get and it mentioned that a spindle mattress wasn’t a good fit. I then asked them why and they gave me that answer.
Hi there -- Thanks for the additional context here. I have actually spoken to Spindle's founder about this exact point at some length. FWIW, I don't remember him ever expressing a universal concern about side sleepers (nor have I ever heard that elsewhere). AFAIK, his primary concern is with spinal alignment for people with higher BMI, so that is typically the group of people that gets told by his website that they are not a good fit for a Spindle. I hope that's helpful.
That might have been what they were referring to because my wife and I do have higher BMIs. So maybe that’s why they threw us out....lol
I bought the zen heaven mattress full size. I had to put a two inch foam gel topper on it to get some contour it’s a little too firm even on the luxury side. With that said , I think it’s too expensive. The good things are it’s organic and will last probably a good 20 years.
Sleep On Latex is 100% latex and much, much less expensive.
I have laid on a Pure Talalay Bliss bed at a local store. It was the Beautiful Model and we both loved the feel. I read one of your comments saying the Zenhaven isn't a soft as the Beautiful. Can you tell me if there is anything that would have a similar feel as I do believe I need that softness. I can't seem to find a review for the new brooklyn bedding. I just can't swing 3500 for the beautiful. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Hi Tammy -- Thanks for your question, and sorry I missed it earlier. You read correctly that neither side of the Zenhaven would feel quite as soft as the specific model that you liked (the Beautiful). In terms of other latex mattresses where you could find that amount of softness, one company that comes to mind is called PlushBeds. They have a number of latex options in different softness levels. I would expect the softer ones that are in the 10-12" range to have a similar feel to the Beautiful. You can browse these options on the page below by using the More Filters at the top to narrow the list by Latex and Soft:
www.goodbed.com/mattress-models/m/plushbeds/
You can also browse soft latex online mattress options from all manufacturers by using the same filters on this page:
www.goodbed.com/mattress-models/online/
I hope that helps.
This was an awesome review. Thank so much. Gonna try the Zen Haven!
Thanks Victoria! I'm very glad you found it helpful -- thanks for letting us know!!
totally awesome review. buying this mattress solely due to your review!
Thanks for the kind words Clia! It's really great to hear that you found it helpful!
Excellent in depth review that answered a lot of my questions !!! Thank you so much :)
Thanks for letting us know this was helpful Debbie! I'm very glad to hear it.
Did the Zenhaven have any odor when you received it or any obvious off gassing after a few days?
Hi there -- Thanks for your question. I don't recall any chemical smells (which is what people typically mean when they say "off-gassing"). This of course makes sense because there are hardly any chemicals used in making this mattress.
That said, off-gassing aside, if you are asking about smell (which I consider to be something different), natural latex can have a slight rubbery smell when it's new, particularly if you get your nose right up next to it. With the Zenhaven, I don't remember this being particularly noticeable, but TBH I can't remember exactly how it compared on this front to other natural latex mattresses we've tested. FWIW, one reason I would generally expect the initial smell with the Zenhaven to be among the lowest is that it's never vacuum packed and compressed like most online mattresses, a process that can trap more of the smell. So while it does arrive in a sealed bag, I would still expect less initial rubbery smell with this product as a result of that.
I hope that's helpful.
Thanks for the review. I took the match quiz and this was one of the mattresses (gentle firm) that was recommended. I have an ikea medium firm latex mattress (Elsfjord) but lately i am experiencing shoulder pain even though i am a back sleeper. Could this be that the mattress is getting old? could this mattress help? I am about 170lbs (40 yrs old).
Hi there -- Thanks for your question. This is an intriguing situation. I assume you are talking about pain on the outside of your shoulder (eg, in the area of your Deltoid muscle) rather than some part of your shoulder that would be in contact with the mattress when sleeping on your back. If so, it's hard to come up with an explanation for why a back sleeper would have pain in that spot that is related to the mattress. As such, the best explanation I can think of is that you are actually spending a fair bit of time sleeping on your side during the night without realizing it.
If we go with that assumption, then your experience would be a very common sign that you are not getting adequate pressure relief from your mattress. This is certainly something that can happen when your mattress gets old (ie, its pressure-relieving capabilities will certainly degrade over time). But it is also common that as you age, your pressure relief needs increase. This generally starts to happen around your age (which is around my age as well) and goes up over time from there. In either case, a new mattress that delivers better pressure relief for you should be a big help.
In terms of whether this particular mattress is the best fit for you, given what you've indicated here, I would recommend re-taking the quiz but selecting side sleeper just to see how your results differ. It's possible that Zenhaven will still show up, but if so I would expect it to more likely be the softer side. As described in the video, this side is just a tad bit softer -- making it more suitable for side sleepers, but still totally fine for a middle-weight back sleeper like you as well.
I hope that's helpful.
@@goodbed Thanks for your response. Now that I think about it, I have pain in my deltoid muscle these last couple of days, but my longstanding complaint has been pain in the shoulder part being in contact with the mattress when sleeping on my back, around the infraspinatus muscle. I almost think that the core of my body sinks deeper into my mattress more than the shoulders and somehow that pushes the shoulders up when I am sleeping. Could that cause pain? If so, how can I account for that? Should I look for a softer mattress?
Regarding side sleeper, I don't think that is possible for me since I have bad back pain when I side sleep even for a couple of minutes. The only position I can sleep without much back pain for a long period of time is on my back. It is a remote possibility. But I agree that my body seems to need more pressure relief at this age.
Is this mattress you reviewed the Luxury Plush model? I can't seem to find reviews of that, and perhaps that because it's really just THIS mattress. great review, BTW !
Thanks +fwb! Yes, there is only one Zenhaven mattress, but as you can see discussed around 3:19 in this video, it has two sides -- meaning that you can flip it over to go back and forth between the Luxury Plush and the Gentle Firm sides.
In this video we talk about both sides, but what may have confused you is that on our site, we talk about the Gentle Firm and Luxury Plush sides as though they are separate models. We do this because we want to be able to match people as accurately as possible with a specific and holistic set of mattress characteristics. Since in this case the two sides have different characteristics, we treat each side as a separate model. But the reality is that you get both sets of characteristics in a single mattress.
ok thank you. That makes sense. I think the hardest part with any of these and trying to select is that you don't have the opportunity to lay on one in a store. Sigh ...
Yes, that is definitely the unique challenge of mattress shopping online. To help offset this, the online mattress retailers tend to offer excellent return policies that allow you to actually sleep on the mattress in your home for several months. But of course, even with the benefit of that trial period, you'll still want to minimize hassle by choosing correctly the first time. Our hope is that with the combination of our personal match quiz + video reviews that show and describe all the characteristics of each mattress, you can have more confidence that you are choosing a great mattress for you the first time.
I agree that the trial periods are excellent. But - would you have issues with the platform? Or, is there a kind of universal platform/box spring that would work with any of the foam/latex beds?
Hi +fwb -- Did you see my reply to your question about this on the Loom & Leaf video? You can see it in the comments here: th-cam.com/video/7D1Wjpk5wxk/w-d-xo.html&lc=z221h1erbqalidwir04t1aokg50p4aadu0oeaazavxysrk0h00410
i appreciate that the mattress is reviewed without any of the other crap that may affect their perception of the mattress feel and quality
Thanks +priceandpride! Yes, most mattress reviews are full of completely subjective commentary like "this is comfortable" and the like. Sadly, this is because most self-proclaimed expert mattress reviewers don't really know anything about how to help people find the right mattress for them. We have taken a very different approach with our reviews, keeping them focused on the objective characteristics that truly differentiate one mattress from another -- so that you can determine whether that mattress is actually a good match for your personal needs and preferences. I am very glad that you are finding them helpful.
How much did you tip the delivery men?
Hi Thalia -- In general, mattress deliveries are pretty quick, and we've heard from some people who don't tip for mattress delivery at all, so even $5 per person would probably be appreciated. That said, if they go above and beyond in some way, or if your delivery involves added difficulties like lots of stairs (esp since the Zenhaven mattress in particular is *quite* heavy and awkward to move), then you might consider tipping as much as $10-20 per person. I hope that helps!
T
Hey mike,
How do you this latex mattress compares to more expensive companies such as pure latex bliss? I've been looking at their "beautiful" model.
Hi +qteezy6501 -- Thanks for your question. Overall, these are pretty similar mattresses in that they are both comprised entirely of Talalay latex. Here are the key differences:
* The Zenhaven is a 10" mattress, whereas the Beautiful is 12".
* The Zenhaven can be flipped, whereas the Beautiful has a sleeping surface on only one side.
* The Zenhaven has two different softness levels (one on each side), which we would describe as Medium and Medium-Firm, while we would characterize the Beautiful as slightly softer than either of those (Medium-Soft).
* The latex in the Zenhaven is 100% natural (or at least, as close to 100% natural as the Talalay process allows), whereas AFAIK the latex in the Beautiful is not.
* The Zenhaven has some other natural features like organic cotton and wool, which the Beautiful does not have.
I hope that helps.
GoodBed thanks! I definitely didn't the beautiful was not all the way natural
My pleasure +qteezy6501! Very glad to help.
What percentage of the latex is from the sap?
Hi Jill -- Thanks for your question. AFAIK there is no synthetic latex in this formulation. While we do note that the Talalay process requires a small amount of chemicals in order to create the finished product, my understanding is that all of the actual *latex* in it comes from rubber tree sap. IIRC, the chemicals used in making all-natural Talalay latex represent a small portion of the overall formulation (e.g., 1-3%). I hope that's helpful.
It is! Thank you!
Great, my pleasure Jill -- thanks for letting us know it was helpful!
Thanks Mike for the informative and detailed review!
My pleasure +Sonicman1979! Thanks for letting us know it was helpful for you!
I have had a loom & Leaf on an adjustable frame for 2 years. I've noticed that the middle area has become less supportive over the years. I'm guessing this is because I'm 6'2"/250# and will lay with it at an incline, which concentrates my weight in the middle of the mattress. Since the Loom & Leaf is memory foam, do you think latex would be better for me and not end up having the same issues?
Hi there -- Thanks for your question. Putting aside the possibility that there was something not quite right with the particular Loom & Leaf mattress you received, I do think that in general, latex is a more resilient material than memory foam or polyurethane foam, so my expectation would be that it should hold up better in general, and be more resilient to bending. I hope that's helpful.
I am down to the ZenHaven and spindle, but i was able to try the Nature's spa in macy's which i also like. but i dont see any reviews for it?
Hi +Jookie48 -- Thanks for your comment. You are correct that we have not done an in-depth review of any mattresses in the Nature's Spa line. And I'm afraid that line doesn't have many consumer reviews either. Sorry there isn't better information to be found about that product.
absolutely amazing audit.
Thanks +Rollo! I'm very glad it was helpful for you.
QUESTION: How do you know that Zenhaven won't deliver a mattress to you that's been slept in and returned? How else could they make money?
Hi Audrey -- Thanks for your question. In terms of how they can make money without adopting the unethical (and probably even illegal) practice that you described, the answer is that their return rate needs to be low enough that they can simply absorb the cost of returned merchandise and bake that into the price. This is what basically all of the online mattress companies do, most of whom have return rates in the 5-10% range. I hope that helps.
Hi your reviews are amazing very thorough :) When will you review the botanical bliss by plushbeds? Also does this zenhaven mattress smells like chemicals when you first get it? Thxsss
Thanks Annelle! I'm very glad you're finding them helpful.
Regarding the Zenhaven, I don't recall any pungent smells when the Zenhaven was first delivered, and there are probably a couple reasons for this. First, the Zenhaven doesn't come compressed in a box, so that certainly minimizes the release of any odors when you first open it. Second, even if there were to be some latex smell, there shouldn't really be any "chemical" smell, since this type of latex is almost 100% natural.
Regarding the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss, we don't have an immediate timeframe on this review, but this product is certainly on our list and we will definitely note that our review of this product would be helpful for you. FYI, whenever we do publish this review, you'll be able to find it on our site here:
www.goodbed.com/mattresses/plushbeds/
You can also subscribe to our channel to be notified when it comes out.
GoodBed excellent thank you for the info and feedback! Keep up the excellent work!
Thanks. Great review!
Our pleasure Kate! Thanks for letting us know it was helpful for you!
Do you need to buy their boxsprings for a reason?
Hi Marcilla -- No, you don't need to buy the matching foundation (aka boxspring) with this mattress. It can be used on any supportive foundation, including an adjustable base, platform, etc. Getting the matching foundation in this case is more of a personal preference decision in terms of how it looks, how tall it is, etc. I hope that helps.
I forgot to say Zenhaven told me to put the mattress on a layer of plywood. Three of my beds a have "slats" but they are not flat but curved. In essence pushing the mattress up slight in the middle of where someone lies. The slats are also flexible. I think this type of support is common ( Ikea sells one). Other latex mattresses have a firm bottom layer so do not require a solid surface as support. While I could put a plywood layer it would be supported only by the top of the curved slats (there are two rows in a queen bed). What would happen is that movement on one side would then be transmitted to the other side via the plywood. None of the reviews I have seen discuss the impact of what the mattress is being placed on.
Hi Sofia -- Thanks for this comment. This is an interesting situation and I certainly do see your concern. My suspicion is that when you have the weight of not only two sleepers but also a latex mattress (which are especially heavy), the upward bowing of the slats would be compressed to almost or completely flat. But if not, then you are right that this particular frame might not be an ideal fit for use with this mattress.
What is it like to get out of bed? I know when I had My Tempurpedic it was awful getting out of bed every morning. It always felt like gravity was pulling on me making it difficult to get out of bed. There wasn't that push back feeling that you get with an innerspring bed.
Hi Stephanie -- Thanks for your question. The short answer is I definitely think you'll find this mattress to be far easier than a Tempur-Pedic on this front. That said, the pushback won't be quite as strong as with a traditional innerspring mattress either. For more detail on this, I would recommend checking out the Repositioning section at 16:30 of this video and the Edge Support section that follows it at 17:24. I hope that's helpful.
Mike, looking at this Zenhaven or the Nest Alexander Hybrid. I’m about your dimensions, 6 ft 189 lbs, and mostly a back sleeper but do toss between a stomach sleeper and some side sleeping. I’m going from a traditional mattress so this will be my first foray into something else other than traditional. I have some lower back pain so that’s something to consider, and I prefer something not so soft, but not too firm. Price point is similar so not a big deal but wondering which one you think would be better, more comfortable for me. Thanks for your reviews and advice.
Hi Emilio -- Thanks for your question. I'm not sure I have quite enough information from you to offer a recommendation between these two, but I can describe some of the key differences in hopes that it helps you decide which one is a better match for you:
-- By far the main difference in the overall experience comes from the difference between latex and memory foam. The Zenhaven is a pure latex type of experience, with no "melting" sensation -- to the converse, you'll get more of a "floating" feel. By contrast, although the Alex Hybrid definitely has a bit of that slow-melting sensation, though not nearly as much as an old-school Tempur-Pedic style mattress.
-- As a related point, the Zenhaven has more "surface bounce" than the Alexander Hybrid. Latex is a very quick response material, which gives it that signature "floaty" feeling. Because the Alex Hybrid has both a quilting layer on top and slow-responding memory foam below that, you'll get a slower-responding feel in those top 3-4" relative to the Zenhaven.
-- The Zenhaven has less "deep bounce" than the Alexander Hybrid. Because the Alex Hybrid has springs, if you were to throw your entire body down onto the mattress, you'd bounce up more (in a way that would be more familiar to you from a traditional mattress) than you would on the Zenhaven.
-- If natural materials (or lack of chemicals) are important to you, the Zenhaven is certainly better on this front.
-- If you think you would do just as well on the Firm side of the Zenhaven (great for stomach sleeping, but not as good for side sleeping), then you'd have the added benefit of being able to flip the mattress periodically to extend its lifespan.
In terms of areas you mentioned where they are more similar:
-- To the extent that the lower back pain you're experiencing is mattress-related, either one can help with this in theory. It comes down to how well one or both of them is able to keep your spine in proper alignment. For my size and shape as a back sleeper, I am relatively agnostic from a spinal alignment standpoint between the Zenhaven Luxury Plush and the Alex Hybrid Medium.
-- Both have softness options that meet your desired middle-ground of "not too soft, not too firm." We found the Zenhaven Luxury Plush to be a Medium and the Zenhaven Gentle-Firm to be a Medium-Firm, while we found the Alex Hybrid Medium to be somewhere right in between those two.
Is that helpful for your decision?
GoodBed Hi Mike, it’s me again, and still trying to figure out the “right” bed for me; becoming quite the subject matter expert, lol. So tossing around the option of a hybrid, and also compared the Saatva Luxury Firm and Winkbeds Luxury Firm. Still considering the Zenhaven, so I still haven’t ruled it out and have it in my hip pocket. I’ve read reviews and specs for both the Saatva and Winkbeds and wondering what your thoughts are regarding these two options. I thought I had decided on the Saatva, but read some disappointing reviews, so I checked out the Winkbeds, and it seems like a solid choice when I’m considering beds with coils. Any thoughts, advice, other comparable suggestions? Thanks again for your in-depth and thoughtful reviews.
Hi Emilio -- In terms of hybrid options, here's a brief rundown that I wrote for another one of our readers, which may be useful for you:
* Saatva Luxury Firm -- This one feels a lot like a traditional mattress with a quilted top. Although it has a tiny bit of memory foam, it really has no "memory feel" to speak of. It has a Medium-Firm softness. th-cam.com/video/MdaK7idKypI/w-d-xo.html
* WinkBed Medium -- This one feels very much like a traditional high-end pillow-top with no memory foam. It has some pretty soft comfort over firm coils. It has a Medium-Firm amount of softness. th-cam.com/video/qTbLvZnaWqQ/w-d-xo.html
* Sapira -- This one is a little bit different from a traditional mattress (and from the previous two) because it has no quilting. This gives it more of a true "hybrid" feel since you are laying directly on the premium comfort foams but have a firm innerspring unit underneath. It has a layer of memory foam but due to the springs below and the pretty bouncy Avena foam on top, it doesn't have a ton of memory feel overall. It has a Medium-Firm softness. th-cam.com/video/60d11xwreuE/w-d-xo.html
* Nest Alexander Hybrid Medium -- This one also feels a lot like a traditional mattress, but one that uses a couple inches of memory foam in the comfort layers. It has a Medium to Medium-Firm level of softness. th-cam.com/video/8pdwmfntzco/w-d-xo.html
* Aviya Luxury Firm -- This one feels a lot like a traditional tight top mattress. It has enough foam on top to do the job but avoids having excess foam just for the sake of it. It has no memory feel and a Medium-Firm softness level. th-cam.com/video/ri-hyCnUldM/w-d-xo.html
Awesome review, thank you! After much research, I just ordered a Zen Haven! I now need to buy a frame for it (I didn't want their adjustable base). I'm looking for a wood frame, but the people at ZH told me the frame can't have slats (other latex mattresses are okay with that, it seems), but all the wood frame beds I'm seeing have slats as support. Can anyone help me out with this? Does anyone own a Zen Haven who can tell me what kind of frame they use with it? For now it will have to go on the floor!
Hi Stephanie -- Thanks for your question, and for letting us know that this review was helpful for you! Before seeing this, I saw a question you left about this under another comment so already answered it there, but I will answer here as well so that other people with the same question will be more likely to find it.
When interpreting the information you're seeing out there, one thing to be aware of is that not all latex mattresses are entirely latex. For example, some latex mattresses have latex only on the top, with polyurethane foam on the bottom. In those cases, there is absolutely no problem having the mattress on slats. However, with an all-latex mattress (such as the Zenhaven), opinions about what type of foundation to use will vary a bit. Some companies say it's fine (and even preferable) to use slats as long as the slats are strong and not more than 3" apart; others say to go with a platform foundation.
By way of further explanation, all-latex construction means that the mattress will also have latex on the bottom (no matter which side you're using). Given the rubbery nature of latex foam, there can sometimes be a concern about that material pushing directly against slats, lest it be damaged from wanting to 'squeeze' through the slats a bit. In the case of the Zenhaven, this concern is slightly higher because both sides of the mattresses are intended for sleeping on, meaning the latex that would be on the bottom is a bit softer than the support foam that would typically be used in the bottom of a one-sided mattress. I presume this is why Zenhaven discouraged you from using a slatted foundation.
Overall, my take on this would be to follow the manufacturer's advice. The reason for this is not only because they are likely to know best how their product performs, but also because not following their advice could cause unnecessary problems with voiding your warranty down the line, which you certainly don't want to do.
I hope that helps.
Yes, that does help. Thank you!! And makes sense that because this mattress is 2-sided, care needs to be taken with the frame. And in case it helps other people, I chatted with a ZH rep and decided I to add their foundation to my order (which you can do as long as the mattress hasn't shipped!). This way, I was told I can pretty much use any frame I want! I was told I could use any brand of foundation, but I went with theirs. Another option, they told me, was to put a piece of plywood between the mattress and the frame, but I'm definitely not the home depot DIY type, so opted for the foundation! But for those who are handy that's an option. In ordering the foundation, I have peace of mind that any sturdy frame will do, even with slats, and won't have to worry about hurting my brand new mattress!! Thanks GoodBed for your help and dedication to helping all of us on our mattress journeys!
My pleasure Stephanie! And thank you for sharing that added detail -- I'm sure that will be helpful to other mattress shoppers! One other tip relating to the frame (not the foundation) is that if you have a king or queen size, be sure that there is support going all the way to the ground from the center of the frame (i.e., not just from the 4 corners). This is important no matter what foundation and mattress you have. Thanks again!
Okay, that is helpful to know. Interesting that two different reps at ZH told me that as long as I had a foundation, I could use any frame. I specifically asked if the frame needed to have the extra middle support leg (s), other than just four and I was told okay with just four. But I will go with your suggestion. It definitely limits my options, however better to be safe than sorry. But it's interesting that I was actually told otherwise. Do you have any suggestions on company/brand/style of frames that you think appropriate? If so, I'd love to know!
Hi Stephanie -- It's good to know that Zenhaven told you that. Some manufacturers will actually void the warranty if you don't have center support, but this clearly must not be the case with Zenhaven. Nonetheless, it doesn't change my opinion that in queen or king size it's much better to have it -- as you said, better safe than sorry.
Here are a couple good options at both ends of the spectrum:
-- Zinus frame that has excellent ratings and is very inexpensive: amzn.to/2Aqcc57
-- Knickerbocker Embrace frame that is expensive but is the most stable and sturdy frame available on the market: amzn.to/2iErxKT
Where could I buy natural latex layers ? I am from Quebec Canada and I want do it myself at low cost. I just can't find. I spent at least 100 hours on the net to find out with no results.
Hi Claire -- Thanks for your question. I'm not sure what you have in mind by "low cost," but as a general rule, natural latex is not a low cost material.
If you wanted to try a DIY approach, what you'd be looking for would be the equivalent of natural latex toppers, which typically come in 2-3" layers. For something like that, Amazon would probably be the best place to start. Here are some natural latex toppers you can find there: amzn.to/2unq4vx
A few things to keep in mind:
* To be comparable to Zenhaven, make sure you're getting "all natural" or "100% natural" latex -- if it only says "natural latex," it's most likely a blend of natural and synthetic latex which is only about 30% natural.
* You'll need a cover, probably one made from organic cotton or wool to be consistent with the rest of your mattress.
* You may want to think about a layer of wool batting as a natural fire barrier.
* You'll need to make sure the layers you choose work together to give you the desired feel -- typically you want the layers to get progressively firmer as you get deeper into the mattress.
* Keep in mind that there won't be anyone to warranty the mattress, since the manufacturer is technically you, and you'll also be dealing with shorter trial periods most likely, which may even vary by component.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend a DIY approach for most people, especially in this case where the potential savings are less. However, if you know what you're doing and exactly what you want and are willing to ditch the safety net and put in some extra effort, you can save some money.
I hope that helps.
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer me Mike I appreciate very much. It was really helpful. BTW You do a great job with these video capsules. Thanks.
My pleasure Claire -- thank you very much for your kind words!
my body hurts I want and need a good soft , plush mattress, does the pillow play a part?
Hi Sylvia -- I'm very sorry to hear about your pain and am happy to help.
Yes, the pillow definitely plays a part, particularly for keeping your spine in proper alignment. This is because one of the pillow's main jobs is to provide support your head, and your head represents the top of your spinal column.
In terms of choosing the right pillow, the key is to find one that matches the *combination* of you (especially your body shape and preferred sleep position) and the mattress you choose (especially its cushioning depth). Basically, the pillow sits in between you and the mattress, and thus it has to work in combination with both.
For example, all else being equal, a side sleeper will need a thicker pillow than a back or stomach sleeper. To get a sense for why, think about standing with your back against a wall -- the distance between your head and the wall represents the space that a pillow would need to fill in order to hold your head in this same position if you were lying down on your back. Now imagine it is your shoulder against the wall instead of your back -- the distance between your head and the wall is much greater now, which illustrates why a side sleeper needs a thicker pillow. Likewise, a side sleeper with broader shoulders will need a thicker pillow than one with narrower shoulders.
In terms of the matching with the mattress, the key thing is that the deeper its cushioning and the more it conforms to your body's curves, the thinner the pillow you'll need. To understand why, first imagine sleeping on your side on the floor -- you'd need a really thick pillow to keep your head from tilting down toward the floor all night. Now imagine sleeping on your side on a mattress with really deep cushioning that allows your shoulders to sink several inches down into the mattress -- that same thick pillow that was good for the floor would have your head tilting up toward the ceiling all night!
I hope that helps!
thank you so much, I just got a Anticipation full Euro Top Mattress I think its too grim I want a softer plush ,do you think I should go with a latex mattress ?
Hi Sylvia -- If a super-soft feel is what you're after, the Zenhaven probably isn't the ideal fit for you, since even the softer (Luxury Plush) side is only what we'd call a Medium level of softness.
In general, latex mattresses don't tend to have the most super-squishy plush feel available, however there are a few softer latex mattress options out there, including the Spindle Soft and the Brooklyn Soft.
In terms of whether latex is the right fit for you overall, this comes down to other factors besides just your desired softness, so I'd urge you to take the Match Quiz on GoodBed.com to see what online options appear in your results.
That said, I would generalize by saying that latex is definitely a high-quality material whose pressure relief and support characteristics tend to be well-suited for a broad range of sleepers. So as long as you aren't a big fan of a "memory" feel (which latex does not provide), I would think that a latex mattress is a very good option to consider.
thank you
Everyone really just wants to know what you personally use at home as a self proclaimed bed expert. Just tell us the best bed to buy and keep things simple for us.
best reviews.
Thanks Chris! ☺️
I didn't think Talalay was considered "Natural" since Talalay latex is man made latex! Latex made from tree sap is usually DuPont latex I thought. I thought Talalay didn't use natural sap latex.
Hi +NipItInTheBud100 -- Thanks for your comment. I'm afraid there are a lot of bloggers and TH-camrs posing as mattress experts these days, so it's not surprising that you got some bad information on this. The reality is that either process -- Talalay or Dunlop -- can use any combination of real rubber tree sap (aka, natural latex) and man-made latex (aka, synthetic latex -- a petroleum-based product) as its input.
From a natural standpoint, there is very little difference between the two processes. For the most hard-core purists out there, the only difference is the one mentioned in the video, which is that all-natural Talalay latex does require a very small amount of chemical additives during the manufacturing process (which prevents this type of latex from being certified as "organic").
However, the much bigger thing to watch for in mattress shopping is that most products that advertise the use of "natural latex" (without saying "100% natural" or "all-natural") are actually using a blend of natural and synthetic latex (typically about 30% from rubber tree sap with the remaining 70% coming from synthetic latex). Whereas the Talalay latex used in the Zenhaven has no synthetic latex, meaning that with the exception of the aforementioned manufacturing additives, the final product is comprised entirely of natural rubber tree sap.
I hope that helps.
Which mattress companies are the ones you mentioned that ARE Certified as 100% All Natural organic Latex without ANY chemicals that you mention ? Very interested to know.
Thank you
Hi +4vrceltic -- Thanks for your question. The two mattress companies that go the furthest in this regard are:
-- Naturepedic: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/naturepedic/
-- OMI: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/omi-organic-mattresses/
Both of these companies offer mattresses that use certified-organic latex and are certified top-to-bottom by GOTS as fully organic mattresses. This is the most rigorous (and costly to attain) certification available, but be aware that not all GOTS certifications are equal -- e.g., sometimes a company may have only a cover that is GOTS-certified, but not the entire mattress. You can read more about GOTS here: www.goodbed.com/mattress-topics/gots/
There is also another company called Savvy Rest, which offers latex mattresses with various levels of certifications that are otherwise very similar to Zenhaven:
-- Savvy Rest: www.goodbed.com/mattresses/savvy-rest/
I hope that helps.
I meant luxury plush side. Oh and I’m a side sleeper.
cool!
I just received my SleepOnLatex Pure green 9" mattress in Medium. Stay tuned for an intial review then a 2 month review!
Sounds good John! I'm sure your experience will be very useful for other consumers. Here's a direct link to where you can share your feedback on that specific mattress:
www.goodbed.com/review-mattress/model/sleep-on-latex-pure-green-natural-latex-mattress-firm/
😢😢😢😢😢 Jesus help us
1.5 yrs and i feel like I'm sleeping inside a horseshoe. Terrible sag. Bye bye 3 grand. Ugh
Hi Jock. That sounds awful -- but you are protected by a warranty. Zenhaven warrants this mattress against body impressions greater than 3/4" for 20 years. Contact the Saatva company to get your bed inspected. After just a year and a half, you should not be experiencing deep body impressions.
Here's their number: 1-877-672-2882
Dude, you need to stop squatting in that abandoned apartment
Ha :) We were fortunate to be able to use that apartment for a few of our reviews. We didn't use many furnishings to focus on the mattress, but we were hoping the sweet views in the background would make up for that!
Views can't quite distract from the filthy carpet.
Yikes, I guess some things appear worse on camera than in real life. Sorry it came across that way.
I'm not sure how these guys make money by doing these reviews but I noticed they don't commit to any one brand which is disappointing. Great videos and such but I think we're all a victim of marketing tricks and overthink it. What I have learned is not to buy anything online, find a shop, tell the sales person to leave me alone for a bit so I can actually lay on a latex mattress. thanks!
Hi +3sidesofeve -- Thanks for your comment. You are certainly right to be skeptical about what you see out there. In terms of your question about how we make money, as stated in the description of this video: If you choose to buy this product through the links here or on GoodBed, we earn a small referral fee at no cost to you.
In terms of the rest of your comment, please don't confuse our reviews with whatever else you may be seeing. There are a plenty of so-called mattress reviewers to whom your comments definitely pertain. For our part though, in each and every review, we always make sure to clearly explain who this mattress *is* a good fit for as well as who it's *not* a good fit for.
What we do *not* do is declare one brand as universally better than others, or give each brand a generic star rating. But don't confuse that for failing to "commit" to one brand. In fact, anyone who *does* do those things is demonstrating that they don't actually understand mattresses and/or are simply trying to sell you something. The reality is that there is no such thing as a mattress that is 4-5 stars for everyone, so the "marketing tricks" you want to avoid are any advice that claims otherwise. The only thing a knowledgeable and ethical reviewer can do is explain who a given mattress is good for, and who it's not.
As for your take-away about the value of laying on a mattress in a store prior to purchasing, we certainly agree that can be a very helpful component of your shopping experience, particularly with a material like latex that you may not have experienced before.
I hope that explanation helps.