Opinion on Heveya organic latex mattress

[Micron]

Hello from Perth, Western Australia,
I have posted in the general mattress talk area but I think I really need some more specific advice from latex experts.

I am looking at full latex, by Heveya. It is Dunlop latex, 15cm core in 70kg/m3 or medium (not sure of density, have asked) and a 5cm comfort layer 65kg/m3 with a 4cm bamboo and cotton cover (the 4cm comes from the cover being all around the mattress so from my understanding not 4cm on top of the latex). The QS soft/soft mattress is only 30.5kg, the medium/soft is 34.9kg. So in total the mattress is 20cm of latex. Their 5cm soft topper (that can create a 3 layer mattress) weighs 10kg.

This seems very light compared to the other full latex mattress I looked at, which is the Quokka 24cm high mattress weighing 59kg (their 16cm 2 layer is 40kg). It has 3x8cm layers so it is actually 4cm more latex than the Heveya but still the Heveya seems light and I wonder if this is a problem - a sign that the mattress is less durable than the Quokka?

The Quokka uses Dunlop latex, certified organic (many organic certificates shown on their website), which comes from Sri Lanka. The Herveya is also certified organic from Sri Lanka.

I’d love to hear from a latex expert.

[Maverick]

I am finding hard to feel like you are asking the same questions in multiple ways looking for an answer that may not end up being satisfactory. I think that @karlfromausbeds would be your best resource down under, and I believe he offered a fairly competent response.
Having said that, with all the research I was able to do, this is my observation.

The differences in weight between the Heveya and Quokka mattresses can be attributed to several factors, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision.

Density plays a key role in durability, as higher-density latex tends to last longer and provide better support. Heveya lists their core at 70 kg/m³, while their comfort layer is 65 kg/m³. You mentioned that you’re waiting on exact density figures, but the weight of their queen-size mattress, around 30-35kg, suggests that it could be on the lower-density side for Dunlop latex. Quokka’s mattress, on the other hand, is significantly heavier, which likely means they use denser latex, typically ranging from 75-95 kg/m³ in firmer Dunlop layers. A heavier mattress usually means more material per cubic meter, which can contribute to increased durability and resilience.

The construction of the mattresses also plays a role in their weight difference. Heveya consists of a 15cm core with a 5cm comfort layer, totaling 20cm of latex. Quokka, however, has three 8cm layers, giving it a total of 24cm of latex. The extra 4cm in the Quokka mattress already explains some of the weight difference, but not all of it.

When comparing the total weight, the Heveya medium/soft mattress weighs 34.9kg, while the Quokka 24cm mattress weighs 59kg. This is a significant difference, even considering the additional 4cm of latex in the Quokka. If Heveya is using lower-density latex, it may feel softer but might not last as long or provide the same level of support over time.

Both Heveya and Quokka use organic Dunlop latex from Sri Lanka and have organic certifications. However, organic certification doesn’t necessarily indicate density or durability—it mainly ensures chemical-free processing.

If you prefer a lighter, more easily movable mattress, Heveya might be a better choice. However, if you want maximum durability and support, Quokka seems like the stronger option due to its higher weight and likely denser latex. Given the weight difference, it would be helpful to get the exact density measurements in kg/m³ for all layers from Heveya. If they are significantly lower than Quokka’s, you might experience less durability and support over time. If long-term investment and durability are a priority, Quokka could be the better choice unless you have a strong reason to prefer Heveya, such as feel, price, or brand preference.

Hopefully this clears some things up for you.

Maverick

[Micron]

Thanks for your detailed response Maverick. Sorry to have overdone the posting in different forums. I thought that asking more specific questions in shorter posts would be better. I have read a lot of the information on your site and read posts by others with similar questions. Most of the density discussions are in ILD so I found it hard to make the comparison with the Kg/m3. I also responded to Karl’s message and he said to ring him but I missed the timeframe he suggested because I didn’t see the second message in time. He is on the east coast and I am on the west coast so there is a 2 hour difference. I will hopefully be able to talk with him next week when it suits him.

The issue with the Quokka full latex is that I have an Italian flexible spring base and they don’t recommend (or warranty) their latex mattresses on this type of base. I am beginning to regret choosing a bed and base before a mattress as it has really limited what I can buy if I want a warranty. Heveya recommend a flexible base and sell Italian flexi slat bases similar to the one on my bed. I have found that only stores that sell European bedding in Australia are okay with the use of flexible slats for their latex and only one of those stores is in Perth.

Quokka have firm, medium and soft but I don’t know the density measurements of these options. I can find out, they are very helpful. And I will find out the density for the medium core for the Heveya.

A lighter mattress would be good as we struggled with our 53kg Sleeping Duck hybrid when lifting it to change sheets etc but we are concerned with durability, hoping this might be the last mattress we need to buy (we are in our late 60s).

The Heveya has a thicker core layer but I’m not sure of the significance of this even after a response by Nikki around this issue:

@Micron

Does a thicker core layer provide more firm support than two thinner layers? Is a thicker core layer the sign of a good latex mattress?

This depends on a few things. The size of the person, their specific support needs, the firmness of the layers. As a rule, a thicker, firmer layer is going to provide more firm support. However, a thick soft layer may do the opposite which is why you don’t want to decide on thickness alone.

That said, it’s not very common for companies to put a soft support layer in a mattress unless its specifically requested.

I followed up on Nikki’s links around BMI and wonder if knowing our BMI would be helpful - I am 20.4 and my husband is 28.4.

We liked the finish of the Heveya with it’s more plush quilted cover but the one on the Quokka is perfectly acceptable. The Quokka mattress is $2000AU cheaper than the Heveya.

The sticking point unfortunately is my bed base. The alternative to full latex is a hybrid in the lighter weight range and there are a few to choose from that are discussed on an Australian site call Bedbuyers. We were just keen to try a full latex for longevity.

Again, sorry for the multiple posts.

[Maverick]

Yes, it seems like a lot of experts are moving away from the european flexible slats, and opting for the more solid, rigid, stable slats. It is possible to simply replace your flexible slats with 3/4" solid wood slats, spaced less than 3" apart?

I like the idea of the firm stable slats. Whenever you are trying to solve a problem, the firm non flex slats remove that as a potential source of issues. With the flexible slats, it can present issues in that each sleeper will have the effect of the flexible slats and the center of the mattress will be firmer. Some mattresses can develop that ridge in the middle of the mattress, when each sleeper’s side compresses slightly.

It may be a better choice to simply go with a solid slatted foundation. Insofar as a solid one piece core verse two layers. A thicker core layer in a latex mattress generally provides more firm and stable support compared to two thinner layers of the same material and density. The core layer serves as the mattress’s foundation, determining its durability, motion isolation, and overall support.

When choosing between two similar products, I focus on comfort rather than price. While budgeting is important, prioritizing what truly suits your needs should come first. Only after finding the right option should you consider the cost. If it’s beyond your budget, simply walk away and work toward it for the future. Choosing a cheaper alternative just for the price can lead to regret, leaving you second-guessing your decision every time you use the product.

BMI is important, but with BMI’s under 30, I would not worry as much although 28.4 is closing in on needed a more dense foam construction.

Hopefully, this helps somewhat.

Maverick

[Micron]

Thanks so much Maverick, it really helps to talk things through. As the bed is new (we actually haven’t set it up yet, it is in storage til we move) I am rather loathe to simply discard the base and replace it with solid slats, even if that is possible (I’d need to wait til we assemble it) . We had a very solid slat base that we used with our Sleeping Duck hybrid and when we sold the base and put the SD on a pretty basic flexi slat base on the spare bed for a couple of weeks I found the SD more comfortable. The same when we used a traditional pocket spring mattress on the flexi slats (quite a light mattress and it was a spare bed so not used a lot), I found it more comfortable than it was on the solid slats. That’s just my experience, my husband noticed nothing different.

Euro orthopaedic slats are very common in Europe and it seems that it is more the Australian “experts” (and perhaps US) that are tending to move away from these bases. I did read in a post about bed bases by Phoenix that if the flexi slats are part of a whole sort of “system” in that the mattress is designed to work with those slats, they may be a suitable option. That is the case with the Hevaya, although of course it can be used on solid slats, it may well just feel a bit firmer or less give/bounce.

Quokka said they had too many issues with people wanting replacements or to enforce the warranty when using fexible slats but in Australia lots of the “posture” slats are quite light weight. I will try to insert a photo of a base that looks like the one we are getting. I do get your point about the possibility of a ridge developing in the middle on flexi slats, although that has happened slightly with our SD on solid slats as the foams have compressed where we sleep.

Interestingly I have just been reading on the Hevaya website how to calculate the weight of a latex mattress and it would appear that the “sleep consultant” at European Bedding in Perth has given me the weight of the QS 15cm core without the 5cm comfort layer. It does make me wonder a bit about her expertise now (or just lack of clarity in either my question and/or her response). The calculations are: latex core length x, the width x the height x the density. So what they are referring to as a soft core (70) QS is 203x152x0.15x 70 = 32kg. Add the 5cm 65kg/m3 comfort layer at around 10kg and the total weight is 42kg.

I agree regarding basing choice on price. We are in the position of being able to afford the higher priced Hevaya, and given it will go well with the flexi slat base (which I believe can be adjusted for tension either side so we could tighten specific slats on my husband’s side) I now feel that this is going to be the best choice. The only thing I want to do now is to get my husband to trial the firmer core option for a bit longer and I will look carefully at his alignment on both options. A 28.4 BMI is within the overweight range (bit scary).

Interestingly when I lay on the firmer core with soft comfort layer with a medium/soft latex pillow the “sleep consultant” declared my alignment to be very good. She then checked me on the 70kg/m3 core with soft comfort layer with the same pillow and swapped it for a softer/lower pillow and said alignment was very good. Pillow density and height do impact and I found the pillow I tried on the firmer side was too high on the softer side (not significantly but I noticed it - it was a contoured pillow). That did make me wonder whether I was sinking in too much on the softer side - as you can tell, I tend to over analyse!

Despite being heavier and with wide shoulders my husband was happy on the lower, softer pillow even though I thought he looked more aligned with the higher/firmer pillow when on the firmer side.

I think that if on a second trial he is better aligned on the firmer option and still comfortable enough it might be better to get his side firmer. I will also trial the firmer side again as I did find it okay at the time. We can change firmness layers within the 100 day trial period so if we went both sides firmer and I found that I ended up with sore hips and shoulders (which I have experienced on futons) we can change it.
This is an image of a flexi base that looks very similar to the one that comes with our bed frame.

[Maverick]

It’s difficult to determine from the angle of the picture, but I would guess that the flexible slats are screwed into a lip or flange on each side, forming what appears to be an individual side-by-side setup. Another concern—though it’s hard to confirm from the image—is the absence of center support legs running from the headboard to the footboard. Even if high-quality hardwood is used, there is still significant potential for flexing.

While the frame does allow for adjusting the flexibility of the slats, I would recommend replacing them with 3/4-inch solid wood and adding wooden support legs down the middle for better stability.

If it’s any consolation, I always sleep on a very firm mattress with a two-pillow stack, which creates a slight incline while still keeping me in alignment. I find this incline more comfortable for sleeping.

Recently, I got fitted for and ordered a new Oxygen Pillow. Interestingly, during the fitting, my preferred pillow height was much higher and firmer than the mattress expert expected, which surprised him. But ultimately, comfort is personal, so I went with what felt best for me.

To further improve my setup, he added a half-king wedge topper, which is about the width of a twin mattress and half the length of a standard bed. It starts at 4 inches thick at the top and gradually tapers down to about ½ inch near my hip area. This setup has allowed me to use just one pillow, placed on the elevated section of the topper. So far, it’s working quite well. Of course, I will continue to experiment, but I want to let this set up play out for a few months before I change anything as it feels quite good.

Maverick

[Micron]

I agree about the individual nature of comfort and the theory of alignment and having a sleep consultant look at this on different mattresses is not the whole story. I have to trust my husband’s own perception of his comfort.
Once we get our bed set up I will know more and if our actual base does not have a centre support leg (it may, I can check with the store where I bought it) we can add one or two (or more) centre support legs. I believe that the flexi slats are beech. When I showed this image to a couple of hybrid mattress manufacturers they said they would warranty their mattresses on it and they were heavy mattresses, over 50kg.

I think your comment about letting things play out for a while before making changes is a good point for me, as I tend to be impatient and get well ahead of myself with plan A, B, C etc.

What do you think of the more accurate weight of the QS Heveya - 42kg. Is this more consistent with the example of the Quokka where the 16cm mattress option weighs 40kg? The height of their layers is actually 7.5cm so the 16cm total must come from the cover. Also, I wonder whether the Quokka 2 mattress weight is based on their medium density latex. To do a fair comparison I’d need to know the kg/m3 of the Quokka medium and firm. They provide a firmness rating on their options, for example, medium/firm/medium on a 3 layer mattress is considered to be 6/10.

I am leaning toward the Heveya but if we are going to replace the flexi slats regardless of which brand mattress I would revisit the Quokka in a 3 layer and try more of their firmness options - it does make for a lot of flexibility in firmness with the three thinner layers compared to the Heveya 15cm + 5cm medium/soft or soft/softer. I’ll find out a bit more about Quokka densities so that I can make a better comparison.

[Maverick]

Regarding the Heveya weight of 42kg, it seems to be fairly consistent with the Quokka mattress weight of 40kg for the 16cm option. The discrepancy in thickness you mentioned, with the Quokka’s layers being 7.5cm each and the remaining height likely coming from the cover, could explain that difference. If the weight of the Heveya is similar for the same height, it could point to the density of the materials used being comparable. That said, the Heveya’s construction might also differ in terms of how its layers are arranged or how dense the latex is in the layers, which could account for a slight variation in weight.

The question of latex densities between the Quokka medium and firm mattresses may be a crucial issue. Knowing the kg/m3 density for both would give you a clearer picture of the feel and durability you’re getting with each mattress. If Quokka provides that info, it could really help you decide which option is the most suitable for your preference. You’re right to consider that the three-layer option might give more flexibility in terms of firmness adjustments over time, as you can swap or change layers, which isn’t an option with the Heveya’s fixed configuration.

You’re also right that flexibility in mattress setup can make a big difference. With the Quokka’s 3-layer design, you could have more control over the firmness, while the Heveya’s dual-layer design (15cm + 5cm) would be more fixed but might offer a more straightforward, consistent feel.

You’re doing a great job by taking these factors into account—looking at densities, firmness ratings, and potential changes to the slats. Remember, changing the slats to a solid, non flexible, 3/4" hard wood, will also contribute to adding a bit of firmness to any set-up. As for your bed base, it is import to add center support legs, (unless they are already included, hard to see from that original pic) will be a great to ensure optimal support, especially for a heavy mattress. It might be helpful to check with the manufacturer regarding any specific support requirements they recommend for each mattress type.

Letting the setup settle in and getting a feel for how it works in practice will certainly help you make a final decision without overcomplicating things.Once you get the final densities and information, it should help guide you to a better setup targeting in on your comfortable preferences. Keep in mind, the specs are always a mere guide, the real test is a month or two on the mattress in your own home, in your own environment with all of the accessories you will be using on the bed.

Keep us posted.

Maverick

[Micron]

I really appreciate the ongoing discussion Maverick. I am going to email Quokka and ask for the Kg/m3 density ratings for their firm and medium layers. In the meantime I have come across another latex mattress manufacturer that has a stockist in Perth, in fact that stockist is where I purchased my bed frame and base. I’m not sure which versions of the Natural Bedding company this stockist keeps in their showroom but their beds all have the flexi slat bases so if I can try one of the Natural Bedding Companies latex mattresses on one of Henri Living’s bases I should get a good indication of how it would feel on our bed (if we keep the flexi base).

The Natural Bedding Co. mattresses are organic latex (although this is not a focus for me, I’d be happy with natural latex) and they are hand made. They do not come in a removable cover but the model I’ve looked at online is reversible - cotton, 1cm wool layer, comfort layer, 15cm core layer, comfort layer, wool layer, cotton cover all held together by what looks like buttoning. See images below. The Cloud 9 Mattress is 25-26cm thick, and 60kg in weight. From the information on the website I think the 10cm core is medium density as they offer another Cloud model that they say has a firm core. The price is comparable to the Heveya. Any comments on the Cloud 9? What is your view on reversible latex mattresses that are buttoned?

Cloud 9 Latex Mattress | Handcrafted Organic Mattresses

[Micron]

Just a quick update. Quokka 7.5cm latex layers in firm are 85kg/m3, their medium are 75kg/m3 and their toppers are 55kg/m3. So, it is a bit difficult to compare this with the Heveya 15cm core in soft/medium which is 70kg/m3, or their medium/firm is 80kg/m3. The comfort layer 5cm thick is 65kg/m3. it seems that Quokka have the more “standard” densities for medium and firm (75 and 85) and they don’t have a soft apart from the 55kg/m3 topper. To me the 70kg/m3 for a 15cm core is medium/soft and you put the 65kg/m3 5cm comfort layer on and the overall feel is softer than the Quokka 3 layer firm/medium/medium. Putting the soft topper on a firm/medium/medium might give a similar feel to the Heveya 70kg/m3 core and 65kg/m3 comfort layer. Heveya sits in the middle with 70 and 80 for what they refer to as soft and medium.

The natural bedding company has not replied regarding their density options but their cloud 9 mattress has, as I said, a 15cm core and the two comfort layers (one on the bottom and one on the top of the core) are 3.5cm covered by a 1cm layer of wool and then a cotton cover, not quilted but buttoned to the comfort layer.

We tried the cloud 9 today on a euro flexi base and it is very comfortable, perhaps a bit bouncier than the Heveya and feel of being closer to the latex. It appears that the 3.5cm comfort layer is quilted/buttoned to the wool layer and the top cotton cover and you can access the centre core layer by unzipping the cover.

However, we have decided on the Heveya medium/soft core. Looking at my husband’s alignment, he is better aligned on the medium/soft with the soft comfort layer than he was on the medium/firm with the same soft comfort layer. He has broad shoulders and the firmer option did not appear to allow them to sink into the top layer sufficiently. We like the fact that the core for a QS is split in half so if he did want to swap for the firmer option within the trial period he could, which is not possible with the Cloud 9. Also, the comfort layer on the Heveya is thicker, which he liked. Having the core split means that it will be easier to turn the layers, which they recommend you do from time to time. So you rotate sometimes and at other times you would unzip the cover, take the comfort layer out and flip the core over, flip the comfort layer put it back in the cover on top of the now flipped core.

I will get back here once we have slept on the mattress for a few months. Thanks for all your help.