You may feel that when it comes to your own sleep, you're being forced to choose between your life and the life of the planet. Natural latex mattresses, perhaps your preferred choice, may not be so comfortable to sleep on as those made from petrochemicals. Are you really stuck, having to choose a less comfortable foam bed for the sake of the world's future? Or does any sort of mattress make it possible to promote both?

Before deciding that, you may want a quick primer on what natural latex mattresses are actually made of. This latex is a substance that's derived from the sap of rubber trees. In 100% natural latex, the thick liquid is frothy or otherwise infused with tiny air bubbles, a process that creates the unique foam mattress properties of this type of bed. Other kinds of latex, however, while using a similar process, are synthetic instead, made with petrochemicals. A third, blended type of latex foam mattresses uses a mix of natural and petrochemical latex to reduce costs. An all-natural latex mattress can be very expensive, which is why the latter two kinds are so popular.

But the higher cost may still prove to be more economically justifiable in the long run. You won't be buying another foam bed for a long time, because natural latex is the most durable of all the different types. Natural latex mattresses last much longer than other kinds. Additionally, when it comes to comfort, the process that infuses the latex with natural oils produces mattresses that are just as comfortable as memory foam bed products. These also don't experience the odorous off-gassing that other latex mattresses exhibit. So a natural latex mattress may turn out to be the best financial and healthy choice.

So the question may not be as either/or as you initially felt. If you want to experience the benefits of a foam bed, yet don't want something derived from ecology-damaging petrochemicals, then one of the natural latex mattresses may be what you're looking for. And if you're still worried about the cost, then remember that you make other investments in your future well being, as in your vehicle or your home. If you think of this latex foam mattress as another such investment, you may decide that the cost is worth it.