You may spend about one third of your life in bed, so it's vitally important that the one is right for you. To help you make your decision, we'll try to answer some of most queries we receive.

Does the mattress affect how a person sleeps?*
Yes. The mattress has the potential either to encourage sleep or rob you of sleep. Whether your mattress is a sleep friend or a sleep foe can determine how refreshed you feel in the morning. If you're tossing and turning more at night or if you're waking up feeling stiff or sore after a night's sleep, it could be a sign that your current mattress is no longer the best for you. Your body appreciates a comfortable, supportive mattress and will let you know if it's not up to the task.

What is the difference between latex and other mattresses components?
Latex offers more elasticity and comfort than any other mattress component. It is known for its soft welcoming and excellent support, thus allowing the body to rest during the night.

Can latex give allergies?
In the late 1990’s, latex allergies became a topic of concern. Publicity revolved around a very small portion of the public exposed to a protein found in natural rubber latex that caused severe allergic reactions. The majority of these cases involved health-care workers who came in frequent contact with medical products made using a dipped vulcanization product, often produced in third world countries that do not have the stringent manufacturing codes employed in Western countries.

Our products have been tested by outside facilities and are shown to be inherently hypoallergenic for sufferers of mold, mildew or bacterial allergies. In addition, our mattress and pillows are resistant to dust mites and are naturally resistant to mold and mildew which are contributors to asthma and pulmonary function allergies.

Can a latex mattress makes you uncomfortably warm in bed?
No. Our latex mattress will conform so well to your body's contours that it may provide a greater degree of insulation than your old mattress. However, latex is aerated and dissipates heat and body moisture and is unlike to be warmer in use than any other top quality mattress. Plus if you want to sleep cooler we recommend our Coolmax covers.

Is latex always natural?
Latex is a stable dispersion of rubber polymer in a watery serum.
There are 2 different types of latex :
Natural latex : comes from the sap of hevea tree of South East Asia plantations.
Synthetic latex : comes from a mixture of styrene and butadiene.
Natura Beds offers latex mattress that are a mix of synthetic and natural latex produced in Italy.

Do I need to turn my mattress?
Our latex mattress is a genuine "no turn" product and is design to be used on one side only.

How can you tell when a mattress is "used up?"*
Your body should tell you when it's time for a new one – but are you paying attention? If you regularly wake up feeling stiff and sore or if you aren't sleeping as well as you did a year ago, it may be time to replace what you're sleeping on. At least twice a year, check for visible signs of wear and tear and ask yourself if you're sleeping better or worse than you did a year ago and if a new mattress might improve your sleep. This regular sleep check-up will help ensure your mattress is still doing its job.

What should people look for in a new mattress?*
Four keys to keep in mind are support, comfort, space and matching sets. The mattress that's right for you will keep your spine in proper alignment – how your spine is when it's in good standing posture – supporting your body and cradling it along its curves. The right mattress will also be comfortable for your body. Keep in mind that your comfort preferences are likely to change as you age. Make sure the mattress provides enough space for easy, free movement. Couples should sleep on a queen or king-size mattress. And keep in mind that a mattress and foundation are designed to work together. Buy them as a set and get the most out of your investment in yourself.

Does the base make a difference to the feel of the mattress?
The base of a bed plays not only a vitally important role in the performance and longevity of any mattress but also on the comfort you may get from it. We have range of bases specially design to complement any of our mattresses depending the firmness and adjustability you prefer on the base.

Can I use a latex mattress on a bedstead with rigid, non flexible slats?
Yes, provided the following criteria met. We recommend spaces of 25mm - 63mm (1" - 2.5" approx.) between slats no wider than 102mm (4"). You should not use a solid plywood or hardwood base, as condensation will build up on the underside of the mattress due to lack of ventilation.

What are some ways to get a better night's sleep?*
A few key things should help. Try going to bed and getting up at the same time every day – even on the weekends. This will help keep your biological clock in sync. Develop a sleep ritual by doing the same things each night just before bed. Parents often establish a routine for their kids, but it can help adults, too. A routine cues the body to settle down for the night. Another hint: Unwind early in the evening so that worries and distractions don't keep you from getting a good night's sleep. Finally, create a restful sleep environment – sleep in a cool, quiet, dark room on a comfortable, supportive mattress and foundation – to get your best night's rest. If you're sleeping as much as you need, but still find that you're sleepy during the day, you should consult your doctor to see if you might have a medical condition interfering with your sleep.

How much sleep do children need?*
Kids need at least nine hours of sleep each night to be star students. To help make sure your kids get the sleep they need, make sure your child's bedroom is conducive to a good night's sleep – your child's room should be cool, quiet and dark and he or she should be sleeping on a comfortable, supportive mattress. For more information on kids and sleep, check out the Garfield Star Sleeper Campaign.

How much money should be spent on a mattress?*
Your rest – the amount and quality of your sleep – is a critical factor in your overall well-being. It can affect how you feel physically and mentally as well as your productivity. Accordingly, we urge you to invest in your rest, and spend enough on a mattress to ensure that your individual comfort and support needs are being met. Be sure not to shortchange yourself out of a good, quality night's sleep and buy the best mattress you can afford. The average person spends one-third of his or her life in bed. This equals 220,000 hours over the course of a lifetime! And the mattress is the most used piece of furniture in the home.

*For more information go to "The Better Sleep Council".