Nolah Natural 11 Review

Nolah Natural 11 review – main features

In this Nolah Natural 11 review, you’ll find out about all the specifications, pros and cons, warranty, and shipping details of this all-natural mattress.

The core of the Nolah Natural 11 is made up of a 2-inch Talalay comfort layer and a 1-inch Talalay transition layer. Talalay latex foam is a high-performance mattress material because it is hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant, and mold resistant.

The Nolah Natural 11 features natural components from top to bottom: a GOTS certified cotton cover, GOTS certified organic wool batting, and two layers of Talalay latex. The two Talalay latex layers are molded with pinholes which makes them highly breathable.

The 8-inch coil layer and wrapping material are obviously not plant-based or natural, but this is true of almost every natural latex mattress in the industry. However, the “man-made” steel coils and wrapping material represent a small percentage of the overall components of this mattress Although the coil layer is 8-inches thick, its volume is mostly air. In turn, the coil layer facilitates airflow within the mattress.

Even heavyweight sleepers will experience comfort, support, and durability while sleeping on the Nolah Natural 11, as the base layer consists of an 8-inch layer of HDMax™️ Tri-Zone™️ support coils. The 3-zone coil layer gives you targeted support to keep your spine aligned and to avoid pressure points.

The Nolah Natural 11 is a hybrid mattress. A hybrid mattress will have a core that is made up of a base layer of spring coils and foam on top. Hybrid and all-foam are two of the main types of mattresses. A natural hybrid mattress is a hybrid between the coil and foam components as opposed to an all-foam mattress which does not have any spring coils. In a hybrid mattress, the foam component can be made with polyurethane foam or natural latex foam. With regards to the Nolah Natural 11, the foam comfort layer is made with natural Talalay latex.

The Nolah Natural 11 has the best of both worlds: the traditional bounce of a spring coil mattress, and the durability, pressure relief, and breathability of a natural latex mattress. Changing sleeping positions on a hybrid is easier when compared to an all-foam mattress because of the added bounce. The coils are individually wrapped, so they do not transfer motion to the other side of the bed.

Layers Of The Nolah Natural Latex Mattress

1. Organic cotton cover. 2. GOTS certified organic wool fire barrier adds padding and acts as a transition layer. 3. 2-inch Talalay comfort layer. 4. 1-inch Talalay transition layer. 5. HDMax™️ Tri-Zone™️ Support Coil System. 6. Cotton/GOTS certified organic wool bottom layer. 7. GOTS certified cotton bottom layer.

1. Organic Cotton Cover. The cotton cover is made with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified cotton. GOTS is a world-renowned certification that ensures that the cotton fiber was produced with the highest organic certification standards. The entire supply chain of the cotton is covered, from growing to harvesting to manufacturing and trading. With this certification, you’re sure that the cotton was not treated with hazardous chemicals that could negatively impact your health and the environment.

2. GOTS certified organic Wool Batting. The wool layer is quilted together with the cotton to act as a flame barrier. The GOTS certified organic wool layer has several purposes: it acts as a cushioning layer between your body and the first layer of Talalay latex. Secondly, wool is resistant to open flame, especially when woven tightly. All mattresses sold in the USA need to carry the UL certification. The advantage of wool over chemically-treated Dacron is that you won’t be exposing yourself to toxic chemicals while you sleep.

3. 2-inch Talalay comfort layer. The first of two Talalay latex layers offer a medium-plush surface. The 2-inch Talalay latex layer will keep you comfortable and relieve the pressure at the hips and shoulders. Talalay has a smaller cell structure when compared to Dunlop because the production method freezes the air bubbles into place before the curing process. Some people report that Talalay is softer and more comfortable, but there are many factors that influence this outcome such as one’s body weight, height, and sleeping position. Talalay latex is very breathable, which helps you sleep cool at night.

4. 1-inch Talalay Latex layer. The 1-inch layer of Talalay is a firm layer that will add support and act as a transition layer between the 2-inch Talalay layer and the 8-inch coil unit.

The main advantages of the Dunlop and Talalay natural latex over polyurethane are that it is more durable, more breathable, and hypoallergenic.

5. 8-inch HDMax™️ Tri-Zone™️ coil layer. The coil layer has 3 zones in order to optimize the pressure relief at the hips. The coils in the middle of the mattress are a lighter gauge and thus softer. This will allow your hips room to sink in while avoiding the buildup of excess pressure. Since the coil layer is a full 8-inches, the 11-inch Nolah mattress is also recommended for heavy people in the 230-300 pound range.

6. Cotton/GOTS certified organic Wool batting layer. This layer acts as a natural transition between the coils and the cotton cover. It is there to protect the cover so that none of the hard coils rest against it. The cotton/wool batting layer adds to the stability and durability of the mattress.

The main advantages of Dunlop and Talalay natural latex over polyurethane are that they are more durable and more breathable. Natural latex foam is hypoallergenic.

7. Organic cotton bottom and sides. The bottom and sides of the Nolah Natural 11 are made of extra durable organic cotton. It helps protect the mattress, keeping the inner components aligned. It is recommended that you use a mattress protector or a mattress encasement if you plan on moving. This will keep the mattress in pristine condition and avoid scuffs, tears, and soiling.

About the Talalay comfort layer

The pure sap from the Hevea Brasiliensis Rubber Tree is the main ingredient in the latex foam that is at the core of the Nolah Natural 11. The bark of the tree is cut into at a diagonal using a chisel-like tool. The sap is “intercepted” from its ascension toward the branches and flows down the diagonal ridge that has been carved into the bark. It flows down the angled incision and drips into a container. The sap is collected in coconut-sized containers. Sometimes, coconut shells are used for this purpose.

At the factory

The pure latex sap is brought to the factory where it is filtered, whipped, and frothed into a milkshake-like substance. The substance is poured into a mold with some space left for expansion. The mold is closed, vacuum sealed, and the frothy sap expands.

Once fully expanded, the latex is flash-frozen, baked, and removed from the mold. It is then washed, dried, and cut to shape in some instances. It is then prepped for shipping to mattress manufacturers all around the world. During the expansion and freezing process, the Talalay latex develops a highly breathable and uniform cell structure. 

Talalay is the name given to the specific process that is used to make it. What makes it distinct from Dunlop natural latex is the vacuum seal and flash-freezing process.

Thanks to these extra steps in the Talalay manufacturing method, the air bubbles within the latex remain in suspension and evenly distributed, creating a balanced and uniform material. Dunlop latex, on the other hand, will have slightly bigger air bubbles or cells on the top side. Air that is trapped within the frothed liquid will slowly rise as the latex is baked.

Talalay is an amazingly bouncy, flexible, natural, and durable material. It is one of the best materials for luxury bedding.

Sustainability of rubber tree plantations

Cutting into the bark of a Hevea Braziliensis tree to harvest the sap does not harm or kill the tree. A plantation rubber tree that is properly harvested and cared for can be productive for up to 25 years. In some situations, the trees are cut down at the end of their productive life and used as fuel to heat the latex during the baking process. 

Mattress Prices and Sizing

At the time of writing, the Queen size Nolah Natural 11 is priced at $1199, which is very competitive when compared with other natural latex mattresses of similar thickness.

The price for the Queen size is still more expensive than some polyurethane mattresses of the same thickness, and that is because of the higher production cost of natural materials. Talalay latex is also more expensive than Dunlop to produce, because of the additional steps that are needed to produce the material. In the Talalay process, the latex must be flash frozen before curing to ensure that the air bubbles are consistent and evenly distributed.

Discounts and Deals

Nolah is one of the few mattress companies that offers you the possibility of saving $150 off the purchase price when you waive the 120-day trial period. This is a very rare offer in the natural latex mattress industry and is a unique opportunity to significantly lower the price of your mattress order. I recommend this option if you are petite or of average weight and you sleep comfortably on most mattresses, even when traveling. If you have special needs regarding the mattress firmness or maximum weight capacity, then waiving the trial period might not be a good option.

Mattress performance

Motion Isolation

The Talalay latex in the Nolah Natural 11 conforms to every curve of the body and is a good material for attenuating motion. Since the coils in the 8-inch coil layer are all independent and individually wrapped, the motion transfer is minimal. Couples sleeping on the Nolah Natural 11 benefit from the bounciness of a hybrid mattress but without motion isolation.

Pressure Relief

The Talalay comfort layer in the Nolah Natural 11 provides unparalleled contouring to every curve of your body while providing support and pressure relief. A mattress with good pressure relief will evenly distribute your body weight across the surface of the mattress. In terms of pressure relief, the Nolah Natural 11 will help reduce the pressure buildup that is commonly felt in the hips and shoulders.

Some sleepers claim that Talalay latex is softer than Dunlop, but both types of latex foam come in a variety of firmnesses. Considering this, some people prefer Talalay over Dunlop for pressure relief.

The zoned coil layer adds to the pressure-relieving qualities of the Nolah Natural 11. The hip section has lighter gauge coils so that the hips can have more contouring. This means that while sleeping on your side, you will feel less pressure buildup that could cause discomfort. Ultimately, the pressure that is felt on certain areas of the body is highly dependent on sleeping position, body type, and weight.

Temperature Control

There are several components in the Nolah Natural 11 that add to its effectiveness in temperature control. The GOTS certified organic wool layer helps move excess moisture and humidity away from your body. Wool helps regulate the sheep’s body temperature and humidity, and when integrated into the mattress, it has the same qualities.

The 2-inch and 1-inch Talalay foam layers help keep your body cool while you sleep. In comparison to polyurethane foam, Dunlop and Talalay latex are far more breathable, thanks to the open cells of the material. By “open cells”, it means that the air bubbles in the latex foam material let the air and moisture pass through, whereas, in a polyurethane mattress, the movement of air and humidity will be much more restricted.

In addition to the amazing breathable qualities of Talalay latex material, it is molded with pinholes, which promote and facilitate airflow.

Edge Support

Like most hybrid natural latex mattresses featured on NaturalMattressFinder.com, the Nolah Natural 11 has a coil layer that has a reinforced perimeter. This means that you won’t have the feeling that you are falling off the bed if you sleep too close to the side. Having a reinforced perimeter is also important when you are sitting on the edge of the bed. You don’t want a bed that sinks in too much when you lie down or sit on it. The Nolah Natural 11 will keep you well-supported while you are lying down, as well as when you are sitting on the edge of the bed.

Is it easy to change sleeping positions?

Talalay is very contouring, responsive, and supportive, which means that you won’t sink in excessively. Some people find that memory foam makes it hard to change sleeping positions because you tend to sink in more than on natural latex. In addition, memory foam can be distracting, because every time that you change positions, it takes a few minutes for the foam to contour around your body and for you to fully sink in.

Off-gassing and smell

The Nolah Natural 11 has no synthetic components aside from the coil unit liner, the metal coils, and some nylon stitching thread. The coil liner is a thin layer of woven polyester. It is so thin that it would not cause any significant off-gassing. Most hybrid natural latex mattresses regardless of the company will have a polyester coil liner. Coil units are manufactured by 3rd-party companies with a standard line of products. Having an organic cotton coil liner would certainly affect the price of the mattress and make it cost-prohibitive for most people. Aside from the coil liner, metal coils (which won’t off-gas), and some heavy-duty nylon thread, all the components of the Nolah Natural 11 are 100% natural and won’t off-gas any VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).

In conventional mattresses, the flame barrier can be a major source of VOCs. In a conventional mattress, the polyester fiber is treated with a slew of fire retardant chemicals, which slowly off-gas into your home environment for years after the mattress purchase.

Firmness

Nolah rates the Natural 11 at a 6.5 out of 10 for firmness, with 1 being very soft and 10 being rock hard. Most people will find this firmness to be perfect, but for some with special preferences, it might not be ideal. Nolah refers to this firmness as a “Luxury Firm”

Sleeping Style and Bodyweight

No two people will have the same sleeping experience on the same mattress. There are many factors that determine whether or not someone will feel “comfortable”. Firmness preference, sleeping position, body height, body weight, and sharing the bed with a partner are all things that will influence someone’s liking for a mattress.

Slide Sleepers

Side sleepers tend to have more pressure buildup around the hips and the shoulders. In the side sleeping position, the body weight is focused around a smaller area. So, if the mattress is not conforming,  supportive and pressure-relieving, discomfort and pain can follow, leading to restless sleep. The Talalay comfort layer contours and conforms around the hips, which takes the pressure off. This means that you will change sleeping positions less often.

Furthermore, the zoned coil layer provides targeted support, so that your spine stays aligned in all sleeping positions.

Back Sleepers

Most back sleepers of average weight (155-180 pounds for men, 110-170 pounds for women) will get comfortable and rejuvenating sleep on the Nolah Natural 11. Someone that weighs more than average can also take Nolah up on the 120-night trial period, sleep on it for 30 nights, and then decide if it is a good fit. Generally, back sleepers and stomach sleepers tend to prefer firmer mattresses.

Stomach Sleepers

Most people occasionally sleep on their stomachs.  Sleeping exclusively in this position is quite rare. A “Stomach Sleeper” that is, someone that sleeps exclusively in this position requires a firm sleep surface. A firm sleep surface is needed to keep the lower back from sinking too much into the mattress and producing an unnatural arch in the lower back.

That being said, the Nolah Natural 11 may be a good fit for some stomach sleepers. The luxury firm sleeping surface will be contouring and supportive for most stomach sleepers. The 120-night sleep trial is there for you if you are worried about whether or not you will be comfortable on the Natural 11 as a stomach sleeper.

The cover is made from GOTS certified organic cotton.

3rd party certifications

The cotton cover is certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) which ensures that the entire supply chain from the field to the finished product follows the certification’s guidelines.

The mattress as a whole is certified by Oeko-Tex. This certification ensures that the mattress does not emit any harmful chemicals in the form of VOCs. With this certification, you know that the Nolah Natural 11 will not be polluting your home environment while you sleep.

The Nolah Natural 11 is certified by Eco Institut, which guarantees that a product is low in or completely free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Rain Forest Alliance certifies that the latex that is used in the was produced following sustainable forest and business practices at rubber plantations. This protects the environment and the rights of farmer’s and plantation workers.

Cradle To Cradle provides certification based on a measurable indicators for safer and more sustainable products. Certified products must meet five distinct criteria: social fairness, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, material health and material reuse.

The Nolah Natural 11 has the OEKO-TEX 100 certification which guarantees that the materials do not contain any chemicals that may by harmful to your health. Furthermore, it is hypoallergenic and the latex is resistant to dust mites and mold.

Trials, warranty, and shipping policy

The Nolah Natural 11 comes with a 120-night sleep trial. Nolah requires that you complete a 30-day break-in period, so you can have time to get used to the feel of the mattress. If you are absolutely sure that the mattress is not for you at the end of this trial period, you can submit a refund request.

Learn more about the Nolah Natural 11 trial period (scroll to the FAQ at the bottom of the page).

How to instantly save $150 off your order

Nolah gives you the option to waive the 120-trial period in order to save $150 off the purchase price. The reviews for the Nolah Natural 11 are fantastic, so you can be sure that it’s a high-quality mattress. This deal can be an interesting option if you are someone that is of average body weight, all-around, back, or side sleeper and you generally sleep well regardless of the mattress you are sleeping on. If you sleep well when traveling and not at home, look out for this option at checkout to save $150 off the purchase price.

Where to buy it?

The Nolah Natural 11 is a bed-in-a-box mattress that is available online at nolahmattress.com. Some people may feel uncomfortable about buying a mattress online without trying it out first in a store. Keep in mind that even if you try a mattress out in the store for 5 minutes, you won’t get an accurate picture of how it will work out for you in the long run. The Natural 11 comes with a 120-night sleep trial, so if you’re not satisfied with it, it is possible to arrange for a return. In most furniture stores, you get 5 minutes to try out a mattress, while with Nolah, you get 120 nights.

Shipping

The Nolah Natural 11 is shipped from the factory straight to your door at no extra cost. Since the mattress is a “bed in a box”, it is compressed, rolled, wrapped, and put into a robust cardboard box for shipping. The compression and rolling of the mattress do not damage it in any way. Once the mattress is removed from the packaging it will regain its original shape.

Additional services

Nolah offers a mattress removal and set up in your home at a cost of $125. Some companies refer to this as “white glove delivery”. This is a great option if you are physically unable to set up your mattress or if you don’t have time to deal with setup and removal.

Sleep Trial

The sleep trial for the Nolah Natural 11 is 120 nights. Nolah requires that you sleep 30 consecutive nights on your mattress before going forward with the return process. In the initial 30 days, you will have enough time to get used to the mattress and see if it meets your needs. Sometimes a negative first impression regarding a mattress changes over time, especially if you have never slept on a latex mattress before. If you have doubts about whether or not you will be comfortable on the Nolah Natural 11 in the long term, commit to the 30 “break-in” period so that you can make an informed decision.

When you purchase the Nolah Natural 11, you have the option to remove the 120-night trial period. When you select this option, you get $150 off the purchase price of the mattress. If you’re someone that has no problem sleeping on medium firmness mattresses, whether at home or while traveling, then consider waiving the trial period as an option.

Warranty

The Nolah Natural 11 comes with a lifetime warranty that covers any manufacturer’s defects. This includes body impressions that exceed 1.5-inches.

The Nolah Natural 11 is compressed, rolled, and put in a box for shipping. The rolling and compressing do not damage the mattress.

Why you should make the Nolah Natural 11 your next mattress

• Price. You can get the Queen size Nolah mattress for $1049 if you factor in the extra $150 off to remove the trial period (price at the time of writing: October 6th, 2021). This is an incredibly low price for a hybrid natural latex mattress. When compared to other natural latex mattress models of the same thickness, the price of the Nolah Natural 11 is very competitive.
• Talalay Latex. Talalay latex has a more consistent and uniform density when compared to Dunlop latex. When comparing a crosscut of the two types of latex, the air bubbles in the Talalay will be more evenly distributed than in the Dunlop. In the Dunlop latex, the air bubbles vary in size and the larger ones will be more present on one side vs the other. Whether this influences the comfort of the Dunlop vs. the Talalay is open to debate. However, some people report that the Talalay will be softer and spongier than Dunlop. Typically, Talalay is more expensive to produce because there are more steps involved in the production.
• Biodegradable materials. Not only are the materials (cotton, wool, Talalay latex) in the Nolah Natural 11 extremely durable, but they are also biodegradable. This is an important factor to consider because all mattresses have a finite lifespan. Apart from the steel coils and coil liner, all the materials are biodegradable.
• Lifetime warranty. If there is anything regarding the mattress that breaks down, you’re covered by Nolah’s lifetime warranty. This includes body impressions that exceed 1.5 inches.
• 120-night sleep trial. Worried about not finding true comfort on the Nolah Natural 11? You can rest assured because you’re covered by the 120-night sleep trial. In order to initiate a return, you must sleep 30 consecutive nights on the Nolah Natural 11. If you don’t love it by the end of the 30 nights, just send an email to their customer support to begin the returns process.
• GOTS certified organic cotton and wool.