Latex vs. Memory Foam: Comparing the Most Popular Mattress Options

Having a good night’s sleep is beneficial for the overall health, so striving to improve yours should be one of the first things you do for improving your lifestyle. From investing in good pillows and comfy sheets to changing the mattress, all of these things are paramount in getting the most out of it. 

The reasons for replacing the mattress, in particular, are many, and practice shows that out of all types, people prefer more the use of latex and memory foam mattresses.

What is Latex Mattress?

Latex Mattress

source: ecoterrabeds.com

 

The latex mattress is one of the most durable and long-lasting types so far. This type of foam-like bed paddings can be made from natural and synthetic materials. It’s said that no chemicals are used for the production of the natural alternative, only the sap from the trees which is frothed up and baked to create a foam. 

This eco-friendly sleep padding is extremely springy, contributing to its comfiness and popularity. The synthetic one, on the other hand, is made from synthetic materials where the SBR (Styrene – Butadiene Rubber) is the most important material of them all. When compared to the natural one, it seems that the latter is less durable and springy. It can be made in two ways:

Talalay Process

The sap is harvested from rubber trees and poured only partway into a mould. With the help of a vacuum, the rest of the mould is filled with air, making this mattress soft.

Dunlop Process

During this method, the sap is harvested as well, but instead of filling the mould partway, the mattress mould is filled completely. This makes the bottom denser and the end result is a firmer foam.

Generally speaking, most of the latex bed cushions sold on the market have medium firmness and they can usually last for a very long time.

Benefits

If you are asking yourself ‘Is a latex mattress good?’, you can have peace of mind that you won’t make a mistake. The natural and eco-friendly latex mattresses allow for better sleep thanks to its density, firmness and bounciness. Being natural also means that they’re a hypoallergenic and antibacterial type of bed cushion that minimises the chance of allergies and the appearance of mould and mires.

This bed cushion is cooler than memory foam because it has an open circular structure which permits good air flow and prevents you from overheating. What’s shared with the memory foam benefits, however, is that this one also provides excellent body contouring support which is excellent in minimising pressure points while allowing the spine to stay in its natural alignment.

The latex mattress padding can range from soft to firmer and it is said that even its softest model can provide you with great support. That is because latex bed cushions can bounce back immediately as you move which isn’t the case with memory foam.

What Is Memory Foam?

Memory Foam Mattress

source: prevention.com

 

Unlike the latex ones which are mainly made from natural sources, memory foam bed cushions are made from synthetic material – polyurethane foam. It feels soft on the touch, has medium to hard firmness and is quite durable. Generally speaking, these bed-padded sleeping solutions are made from several layers of foam ranging not only in size but also in density. Generally speaking, you can choose from three types of memory foam:

  • Traditional – Made with a closed-cell structure that traps heat.
  • Open-cell – Softer and less dense foam that’s also high-density to make the mattress more breathable and supportive.
  • Gel Pods – The gel pods on this mattress are added on its top layer for added support and comfort. They are perfect for adding a bouncier feeling which is something that you can obtain mainly from latex mattresses.

Benefits

Practice shows that this bed cushion is good with pressure and pain relief. It’s great for those who sleep with partners as it isolates motion and moulds to your body. It’s soft and less noisy. But, there are some disadvantages too. Unfortunately, this padding for bed has less bounce back, it can trap heat and it is hard to move around because of its weight. It also tends to sag over time and it isn’t as long-lasting as the latex one.

Is It Okay to Choose Latex and Memory Foam Mattresses?

If you are attracted to both of these mattresses and you really can’t decide which one is better, you have the option to choose from the large selection of latex/memory foam blend mattresses. They feature a latex top layer because it provides greater durability, better responsiveness to body weight and reduced sagging. Underneath, there is a foam layer that provides pressure relief and support. 

The combination of both of these layers creates the perfect mattress which will provide you with the best of both worlds – increased comfiness and support without motion distribution and sagging. Just make sure that you choose one from a trusted store that sells quality mattresses that come with a good guarantee.