The Sealy Latex Mattress -- Plenty of Comfort in the Posturepedic Spring Free Collection

The Sealy Latex Mattress comes in two types: the Posturepedic Spring Free and the Posturepedic Pur Embrace. Here we will focus on the less-expensive Spring Free, which sells in a range of $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the model and how much the retailer marks up the price.

Sealy Latex Mattress Options

The Spring Free line is built in layers, with a firm 6-inch core at the bottom and softer layers of latex built on top. This is a logical way to build a latex mattress, as the firmer core offers durability and long-lasting resilience, while the top layers determine level of mattress firmness or softness.

Sealy offers a choice of either latex or poly foam as the core, which is a bit of a puzzler. Poly foam wears out quicker and just doesn't provide the same sleeping experience as latex in either breathability or resilience. Make sure, if you are shopping at a retailer who doesn't give you exact specifications, that you want latex, not poly, as the inner core.

That said, there are two kinds of latex -- natural latex and synthetic latex. A mattress manufacturer will always let you know if a mattress is made from natural latex (from the rubber tree) because it is a selling point these days, and also justifies a higher price.

The Spring Free line of Sealy latex mattress are made from synthetic latex, which they call SmartLatex. The advantage of synthetic latex is it very durable and resilient. It's also less expensive than natural latex. Manufacturers and retailers will say there is no discernible difference between the two in comfort or durability.

If you prefer 100 percent all-natural latex, you will need to go with a different brand than Sealy. If you prefer a blend of natural and synthetic, you can try the Simmons latex mattress or Serta latex mattress.

All Posturepedic latex mattresses come with a non-toxic fire retardant blended into the fabric. This is a good selling point, as the more toxic versions have been getting very bad press lately, especially in California, which requires fire retardant additives in mattresses and furnishings sold in the state.

Sealy Latex Mattress -- Comfort and Durability

Sealy knows how to make a good latex mattress, and the Spring Free has a 20-year warranty to back up its claim of durability.

The Sealy Spring Free line comes in a variety of firmness levels: Ultra Plush Box Top, Plush Euro Pillow Top, Ultra Plush, Plush, Firm, Cushion Firm, and Cushion Firm Euro Pillow Top.

These firmness levels are determined by the thickness and softness of the foam layers stacked above the firm inner core.

Sealy latex mattresses can use up to 10 different varieties of latex and poly foam padding to vary how firm or soft their various models feel.

The inner core of all models is made of an approximately 6-inch block of Firm SmartLatex Foam, with another 1-1/2 inch layer of Firm SmartLatex and one of Plush SmartLatex stacked on top. The padding over that core may be made from either Sealy Foam or Sealy Latex, and may be plain, Convoluted or SuperSoft, from 1/2 inch to 2-1/2 inch thicknesses!

Now I am sure each named layer is a bit different from the next, but the main point is, layers stacked upon layers make up the various Sealy latex mattresses. The more layers, the thicker the mattress, and the higher the price.

Determining Your Ideal Firmness Level

As with all mattresses, it is best to avoid the ultra-plush toppers and pillow tops, as they will sink in quickly and give the impression that the bed is wearing out when it's in fine shape underneath the sinkhole. You can get your own toppers, layer them to taste, and cover them with a mattress pad to keep them in place. You will save money and maintain much more flexibility in the feel of your mattress.

The main exception to this rule is if you are a thin, lightweight person, or if you have fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis or pain from pressure points -- you will likely want extra cushioning if you fall into these categories. And if you already know from years of experience that you sleep better on ultra-plush or pillow top type mattresses, then you are fine with these soft, cushiony models.

You can always make a firm Sealy latex mattress softer by adding layers on top. But you can't make a soft mattress firmer. So test the mattress carefully in the store, taking into account the fact that most latex mattresses will feel a bit softer in the showroom because they have already been broken in by customers. Your own mattress will soften a bit over time, so don't be concerned if it feels too firm in the very beginning.

Sealy Latex Mattress Reviews and Ratings

The Spring Free mattress gets positive reviews overall. Most buyers of latex mattresses tend to be satisfied with overall mattress comfort and performance. Those who are dissatisfied are mostly people who like a very firm mattress and mistakenly chose the plush or pillowtop model.