Averagely, latex mattresses are longer lasting than most other types, particularly if they’re natural or organic latex. Natural and organic latex beds usually last eight to ten years, whilst a customary innerspring mattress lasts less than six years on an average.

Every new latex foam mattress comes with some sort of an odor, but the intensity and type of it is a result of what it is made with. Generally, natural, all-latex beds emit little to no bad odors, while latex-over-foam and blended latex beds emit a moderate amount of off-gassing and odors. Let your purchase air for a couple of days, and even strong odor should dissipate.

There is no one-size-fits-all for this question. Even if a latex mattress contains bits of allergenic proteins, the allergy can be activated only via direct skin contact. The cores of these mattresses are typically covered by several layers of sheets, fabric, and fire retardant materials, which ought to prevent direct skin contact and consequently any allergic reaction. In addition, Talalay latex has far fewer allergy responses than other types, due to the five-stage washing process used in its manufacturing – so people with allergies should choose a product that utilizes this kind of latex.