PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Latex Mattress Review: 10 Datapoint Test For Comfort, Support, Pain Relief
My review and report on The Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Natural Latex Mattress unveils one of the few top to bottom pure latex mattresses sold on the web today.
Available in three different thickness options from 9-12″, and two differing firmnesses, \so you have a variety of choices to customize your comfort preferences.
The Plushbeds web site might appear confusing at first, with several models to choose from, including “hybrid” options, which are simply latex layers combined with pocket coils underneath to optimize support.
We’re going to strictly focus on The Plushbeds Botanical Bliss option, because it is made exclusively with certified organic latex, New Zealand wool, and cotton fibers for support and comfort.
To make it easier, I’ve created a table which lays out the different options of The Botanical Bliss Mattress, thicknesses, benefits, and cost for each variation.
Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress Options And Overview
Note that the table below provides links to the three firmness options available. “Medium” feel is recommended for most sleepers, including those who largely sleep on their side, or if you move around a lot during the night. Choose from 3 thickness options as shown, which properly support and cradle your body based on your weights shown. Weights are for individual bodies, and are calculated for couples on full, queen, king, and Cal King size options.
” The Botanical Bliss Mattress erases the myth that a mattress has to be yet another slab of foam that feels dead and lifeless. It’s chemical free, has a lively, buoyant and slightly bouncy feel, relieves pressure and pain- and, it won’t decay or collapse over time. It’s and investment grade mattress I’ve tested and recommended for years.”
– Marc Anderson, senior editor, 25 year veteran mattress designer.
The Plushbed Botanical Bliss mattress “medium” feel option is by far the most popular, with 80% of customers ordering this version. Note that on the Plushbed’s site, you have the option to order “dual firmness” if you order a split king option (generally used for adjustable bases situated side by side) and you can have the option of preference if you or your partner prefers a different feel.
Example: If you preferred an all natural latex mattress that had a lush feel, plusher and more yielding up top and you weighed 185 lb. and your partner weighted 145 lb., you likely should order the 10″ for best benefit- but, if you wanted to opt for the 12″ simply because of the height benefit (say both of you were tall people, over 5’10”), the sensation would be about the same as far as comfort and support.
Another feature that is unique to Plushbed’s manufacturing technique is the use of layer stacking with their Dunlop process latex layers. The maximum thickness of their layers is 3″, and in the case of their the 12″ Botanical Bliss options, you get 3 separate 3″ layers, an additional 2″ layer, and 1″ of quilted cotton and organic wool.
There is no need to use adhesives because natural latex adheres securely to each other, expanding and contracting without wear and tear found with polyurethane foams.
Depending upon the thickness option you choose, the sense of firmness or immersion will vary slightly depending upon how many pure latex layers are used to provide optimal comfort for the weight ranges they recommend.
| 9″ Botanical Bliss | 10″ Botanical Bliss | 12″ Botanical Bliss |
| 1” GOTS certified organic cotton cover 2” OEKO-TEX certified natural talalay latex 6” GOLS certified Arpico organic latex core | 1” GOTS certified organic cotton cover 3” OEKO-TEX certified natural talalay latex 6” GOLS certified Arpico organic latex core | 1” GOTS certified organic cotton cover 2” OEKO-TEX certified natural talalay latex 3” GOLS certified Arpico organic latex layer 6” GOLS certified Arpico organic latex core |
Overview Of Components Used And Features And Benefits
Because there are no metal springs, synthetic textiles, or petroleum based polyurethane foam materials used, The Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress is truly hypoallergenic, free of VOC’s, heavy metals, PBDE’s, microplastics, and other components that could potentially pose health hazards to many communities.
With up to 3 layers of certified Sri Lankan pure botanical latex and layers of quilted organic cotton and wool, the finished product is lofty, body enveloping and contouring, and is also effective at pressure and pain reduction.
I tested the medium 12″ option and found it to be very supportive and effective at reducing shoulder pressure and hip pain during my two day test and experience.
The Plushbeds Botanical Bliss organic latex mattress is made in the USA with quilted organic cotton, certified organic New Zealand wool, and organic ARPICO latex, considered the world’s finest latex. This latex is grown on mountainous plantations that are sustainable, with replanting and recycling occurring once a latex tree no longer produces the rubbery sap that is collected by hand.
I’ve used the same latex when I manufactured my own line of mattresses, and one of the best attributes about natural latex is that it retains its springiness and lifespan without rutting or compression for more than 50 years. Read more about natural latex on my resource page which provides detailed information.
Every Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress contains the following ingredients:
- GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) Certified Latex Mattress
- Available in 2 Different Firmness Options – Medium and Medium-Firm, and 3 thickness options depending upon weight-80% of shoppers purchase medium option
- Organic Wool Fire Barrier that is chemical free and also acts as thermo-regulator
- Natural latex is recommended by physicians and chiropractors for hypoallergenic benefits.
- No chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, fillers, dyes, carcinogenic adhesives
- Handcrafted in California by PlushBeds in house craftspeople
- Include a 25 year manufacturer’s warranty
- Anti-Microbial, mold and mildew proof, meaning less sneezing and wheezing for allergy sufferers
- Sleeps cool, unlike heat-trapping polyurethane foam
How The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress Performed In My 10 Point Objective Data Point Testing
According to the PlushBeds website, the model we tested, their 12″ medium model- is the most frequently purchased version, and I totally get that, as natural latex is bouncier and more elastic, not having the dead feel of stiffer polyurethane foams. I would describe it as about 5-6 on the firmness scale with 1 being like marshmallows, and 10 being a carpeted floor.
I also gave it an overall performance rating based on 1-10 scores (10 being stellar, 5 being fair) based on variables that help to determine comfort and support for several scenarios (solo sleeper, couples, heavier people, edge support and more), customer support, sex, edge support, length of trial period, warranty.
The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress: A Review And Report By A 25 Year Mattress Engineer And Designer- Overall Rating 9.5 out of 10
I reviewed the Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress in a simulated bedroom environment with solo sleepers and couples (mattress placed on solid deck surface of platform bed, queen size). All of the ratings were based on averages of the subjects who participated, and data for reviews was also obtained by evaluating actual owner reviews found on different third party review web sites.
Overall Comfort– initial feel, level of immersion, initial body contact experience, choose from Medium or Firm ( I tested Medium) 9
Support– spine alignment, pain relief, pressure relief in 30 minutes or less 9
Solo Sleeper– overall impressions with comfort, ease of turning, back and side 9
Couple Experience- sink in middle, snuggling rating, motion transfer 9
Edge Support– as experienced by 190lb test subject 8
Sex– as reported by online reviews and voluntary reporting 10
Bounce, Motion Transfer, And Liveliness 9
Cost Value– 1-10 rating based on the quality and value compared to other brands 10
Trial Period, Warranty, And General Customer Service Appeal 8
Shipping And Delivery Experience– ease of delivery, ship time, setup 10
Overall Rating Of The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress: 9.3 out of 10 Excellent
Considerations: Might be pricier for some at $1499-2399 in queen, but- natural latex is more costly because it is a plant based material that has to harvested and sustained. Also, natural latex doesn’t offer the best edge support, something that sort of comes with the territory.
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress Review: Does It Outperform Other Brands?
1. Overall Comfort: 9 out of 10
Since the Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress is available in two different firmness options, each of the models is going to feel a bit different. The options are Medium and Firm. Based on our firmness scale of 10 offering minimal compression and immersion, and 1 being excessively plush, and 5 being right in the middle, with body contouring and and embracing feel. I put 5 in the middle and it should be both firm enough for support yet soft enough without having to dig your way out.
- Medium: Between 5-6 immersive, easily compressible, rubbery and highly responsive sinks significantly at hips and shoulder, but not excessive. Owners report that turning and edge support is pretty good. I definitely didn’t feel like I had to dig my way out of the middle. I never experienced that “dead memory foam” feel. For pain and pressure, go with this option.
- Firm: If you choose the firmer option, regarding of 9″, 10″, or 12″ options , you get significant resistance when you bury your fist into it, and has about half of the immersion when on your side than the medium version. Although Plushbeds recommends the firmer option for heavier people to minimize sinking, I think you have to make the call yourself. I’ve known many of my customers through the years who despite being upwards of 200lbs., prefer a softer mattress option.
2. Support: 9 out of 10
A natural latex mattress offers fairly buoyant support, and because it is rubber, reacts much like a bouncing ball or rubber band might respond-quickly and with high elasticity. If you’ve never tried one, aside from being a greener sleep surface option, natural latex cradles your body and has no lag time when you move, unlike memory foam or other synthetic materials.
The Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress contains no coils, though if you need additional support and want the hybrid experience that might serve you better if you’ve had back surgeries or recent trauma, check out The PlushBed Luxury Bliss Hybrid Mattress here.
I have lower back issues and during my Plushbeds Botanical Bliss review, found that after about 30 minutes while on my back, that the reason I was experiencing less pain was that the mattress conformed and embraced my body a bit more tighter and securely than other kinds of mattresses.. This probably meant that I wasn’t experiencing muscle fatigue and lactic acid buildup- a typical problem with all foam mattresses.
For spine alignment, neck positioning, and leg support, The Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress outperformed most other kinds of mattresses, including hybrids with both latex and coils, whether sold in retail stores or online. The spongier feel of latex is hard to beat for more enduring support.
Combining that feature with the independent pocket coil just above, which control small areas of pressure and movement much like the keys on a piano, the total effect provides for better pressure and pain relief no matter what position you are lying.
If you are a belly sleeper, though, most owner reviews seem to prefer the firmer option so that you don’t end up “swaybacked” while immersed in the torso area- the medium option is probably not the best fit unless you weigh less than 130-140 pounds. Opt for the firmer version if you are a belly/side sleeper, otherwise simply use my guidelines based on sleep position preference.
Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress is gauged to provide a comfortable level of buoyant, uplifting support and side sleeper comfort. It’s also great for back sleepers because of the way latex “fills in” void areas like your lumbar region.
3. Solo Sleeper: 9 out of 10
If you are on the hunt for a really comfortable, investment quality mattress that you are going to keep a while, this mattress should likely be a strong consideration. I am biased, though, since I designed my own line of natural latex mattresses for my own web sites back in the 00’s. In fact I sourced my own Dunlop latex and slept on dozens of variations as a solo sleeper. To this day, I won’t sleep on anything else.
When you compare popular foam mattresses sold in a “bed in a box” format, you might find brands that sell for right around $600-800, but anything that will deliver worthy comfort and support, and won’t compress or mash down over time might be hard to find.
While a natural latex mattress is also great for couples, solo sleepers review the Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress describe it as inviting and cozy, and the quilted organic covering adds to the luxury feel.
4. Couple Experience: 9 out of 10
Keep in mind that we reviewed a queen size Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress and also sampled many online reviews as well as conducted our own testing for couples. From a comfort perspective, depending upon which level of firmness you choose, couples responded highly to snuggling and spaced apart sleeping, describing the mattress with comments like “inviting, with no sense of crowding or getting stuck”, and experiencing a comfortable level of immersion without feeling trapped.
I’ve reviewed hundred of foam mattresses that are the typical variety of “bed in a box” style where couples find it difficult to find a mattress where this a tradeoff between settling on too firm an option to keep from collapsing in the middle.
Natural latex is ideal for couples that want a little bit of springiness, need uplifting support that pushed you upwards instead of sucking you into the mattress. It makes getting in and out of bed much easier.
For couples who prefer a much firmer sleep surface, the Firm option is certainly going to belly up to the bar. I’ve built custom mattresses for people who claim that they have never been able to find a mattress firm enough to accommodate them, particularly when they are plus sized people.
5. Edge Support: 8 out of 10
As long as you choose between medium and firm options and likely stick with the 10″ or 12″ options, edge support will not be an issue. If you choose the 9″ option with a medium feel, and you are over 200lbs., you won’t get the best result, obviously.
People with disabilities might also consider latex a clean, hypoallergenic alternative, despite not having the best edge support. You can also check out my Best Mattress For People With Disabilities page for enhanced information. Plushbeds offers enhanced delivery services as well if you need the assistance.
6. Sex And Intimacy: 10 out of 10
Actually, 7 out of 10 is not bed for an intimacy rating, as people who consider this an important option when mattress shopping are generally pretty picky. Generally, more bouncy surfaces like Natural Latex Mattresses are preferred as are mattresses with better immersive qualities, allowing for better “grip” on bodies, as sliding around on a mattress during intimacy is generally a negative factor.
For cuddling in the middle, all three versions of The Plushbed Botanical Bliss Mattress hit the mark, Some reviewers have mentioned that if they preferred a firmer mattress for intimacy, they opted for the Firm option.
7. Bounce, Liveliness, And Motion Transfer: 9 out of 10
As with all natural latex mattresses, but more with those made with Dunlop latex (vs. Talalay), noteworthy benefits such as a livelier and bouncier sensation, latex is good at motion dampening, since it absorbs motion transfer effectively.
The pilowtop section, which is made using organic cotton and organic wool as the fill material, has a lot of motion dampening ability. Generally mattresses made with smooth-top coverings, where the fabric is not quilted and is very thin, will transfer motion directly to the surface.
Many people want a mattress with a a bit of bounce and spring action to it, and it is much easier to turn on surfaces that are highly responsive. For excellent motion dampening, though, natural latex mattress are hard to beat.
When you combine a pillow top mattress with multiple layers of latex beneath, you create the perfect storm of subtle bounciness and an energetic feel that delivers restorative sleep without waking up your partner.
8. Cost vs. Value Delivered: 10 out of 10
Here’s why: You can find lots of latex mattresses online that offer as little as 2″, or perhaps as much as 4″ on the top of so called “all natural latex” options. Underneath the latex you will find what I call “filler materials” usually consisting of polyurethane foams, pocket coils, or other components. These options have their benefits and their different support and comfort options, but won’t feel much like a latex mattress that is top to bottom latex- at all.
The real issue is that you can expect to pay as much or more as you would to purchase a Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Mattress and get fill material such as blended latex, made using a combination of synthetic “SBR” latex, urethane foams (memory foam), which does not feel the same. In fact, when you contaminate pure botanical latex with chemicals, benefits such as the anti-microbial qualities, dust mite repulsion (dust mites avoid natural latex largely because of the pH (acidity) of the stuff), and lifespan, rapidly decline.
9. Trial Period, Warranty, Customer Service 8 out of 10
Plushbeds ships from their company owned facilities in California, one of few online manufacturers and e-tailers that doesn’t farm out their fabrication to third party sources.
The turnaround time of 14 days to receive your mattress is acceptable considering each mattress is made to order and collecting dust in a warehouse.
The customer service experience on the back end was also something I thought was pretty good. Excellent chat and phone support, and very responsive if you need tracking or delivery support, too.
They keep a staff of “sleep guides” available by phone as well that can help you with questions or preference decisions.
10. Shipping And Delivery Experience 10 out of 10
Shipping and delivery is typically reliable with most online mattress companies, but with enhanced services, the ability to coordinate production and scheduling in home setup services takes some effort. I did it for years with my own online mattress companies.
Even more difficult is handling COI’s (certificates of insurance) often required by co-ops, apartment buildings, and condos before a delivery can be made. Plushbeds will handle that for you provided you send them a copy of the building COI prior to delivery date, a really nice feature that takes the consumer out of the loop.
Why A Natural Latex Delivers Better Support And Comfort Than Conventional Bedding
On this site, I’ve got a lot of information about the benefits of natural latex mattresses and their history. Did you know that rubber mattresses have been sold in the U.S. for 70 years?
Rubber mattresses, also known as latex mattresses, have been available in the United States for since post World War II, when Arpico, a company founded by Robert Pieris, began manufacturing rubber to commercial markets after largely building a business to supply the war effort around the world.
During the post war boom, families needed mattresses that were inexpensive, and rubber mattresses fit the bill. Fast forward to today and consumers still seek them out, generations later, having a full awareness of how comfortable and supportive they are.
The Dunlop manufacturing process, which involves whipping latex sap into a froth with compressed air, molding it, and then vulcanizing it in large steam ovens,became the standard method for producing latex mattresses.
Over the years, latex mattresses have evolved and improved in terms of construction, comfort, and durability. The introduction of the Talalay latex manufacturing process, which involves a more complex and controlled flash freeze production method, further enhanced the quality and range of latex mattresses available.
Latex mattresses are known for their ability to conform to your body shape and distribute weight evenly across the surface. This helps to alleviate pressure points and maintain proper spinal alignment, which is crucial for proper support during sleep.
The level of support provided by a latex mattress can vary depending on its construction. There are two main types of latex used in mattresses: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is denser and firmer, making it ideal for providing robust support. Talalay latex, on the other hand, has a more buoyant and luxurious feel, offering a blend of support and cushioning.
Additionally, latex mattresses often have multiple comfort zones or varying firmness levels, which can further enhance their supportive qualities. These zones are designed to provide targeted support to different parts of the body, such as the shoulders, hips, and lower back, promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing the risk of discomfort or pain.
It’s important to note that individual preferences for mattress firmness and support can vary. Some people may find latex mattresses too firm or not supportive enough for their liking. It’s recommended to try out different mattresses and assess how well they align with your specific support needs and preferences before making a purchase.