With all the types of mattresses available on the market today, it can be quite difficult to decide on the one that will eventually grace your bedroom. Foam has considerable advantages, but it also comes in several options. Knowing which type of foam to choose can help you achieve the most comfortable and supportive sleeping surface for your long-lasting enjoyment.
High-quality foam, whether used on its own or along with a spring base, is one of the most popular materials used for mattresses. It comes in various types that have their own features corresponding to equally varied sleep and comfort requirements. Two of the most widely used foam types for mattresses are latex and memory foam. These two foam types each have their own benefits and drawbacks that should be carefully considered to ensure you are getting the type of mattress that will address your specific needs and preferences. Lying on a memory foam mattress will not feel the same as relaxing on a latex mattress, so it is important to look at these two materials’ features before deciding on which one to invest in for your long-term sleep pleasure.
Lates is a natural substance that is derived from the sap of the rubber plant. Natural latex is 100% biodegradable and is an ideal choice for those who are looking for an organic foam mattress. Synthetic latex, on the other hand, is made using synthetic materials and may not have the wonderful bounce and remarkable durability associated with natural latex. Blended latex combines natural and synthetic latex to form a material that comes at a more affordable price range. Latex foam can also be categorized according to the manufacturing process used. The process for Talalay latex involves more air added into the mold, resulting in a material that is lighter than Dunlop and has a consistent feel all throughout the structure. The Dunlop latex process involves the mold being filled completely with the raw material, which results in a denser and heavier structure compared to Talalay latex.
Durable
Latex is known for its strength and durability. Natural latex mattresses have an average life expectancy of 15 years or even longer, while the synthetic and blended latex options last for about 6 to 10 years. This is a much longer period compared to memory foam mattresses that have an average lifespan of around 5 years. A latex mattress can maintain its high-quality performance and appearance much longer compared to a memory foam mattress, giving you more time to maximize your investment and overall enjoyment.
Organic
Mattresses made with natural latex can be considered organic and are free from harmful chemicals. Natural latex mattresses are made with only the purest material and may be the safer choice for people who are extremely sensitive to strong substances that may be present in synthetic materials used for other mattress types. Latex also has a natural resistance to fire so latex mattresses are often constructed without using chemical flame retardants.
Bouncy Feel
Latex foam has a bouncy feel that makes movement on the mattress easier. This is a significant difference from memory foam, as memory foam tends to make you feel like you are stuck on the surface with little ability to move on and around the bed. The springiness of latex mattresses makes them more enjoyable for non-sleep-related activities, since the material encourages more enthusiastic movements that will not be hindered by a sinking sensation.
Cooler Sleep
Latex has a more breathable structure compared to memory foam. Latex mattresses allow more air to pass through the material, so heat is dissipated instead of being accumulated within the structure.
This keeps the surface cool and comfortable, preventing overheating.
Overheating may be an issue when using memory foam that does not have additional cooling materials. So latex mattresses may be the ideal choice for people who quickly warm when sleeping, or for use in places with warm climates.
Good Pressure Relief
While latex does not conform as closely to your body as memory foam does, it still follows your body’s shape enough to provide good pressure relief. Latex foam allows your body to gently settle on the surface so pressure buildup in different spots of your body can be prevented. This gentle pressure relief can help you achieve pain-free sleep for long hours.
Heavy
The dense structure of latex foam results in a heavy mattress. This can be a problem if you need to move the mattress from time to time without help. Cleaning all the surfaces of the latex may also be challenging since its heavy weight can be difficult to maneuver when necessary.
Expensive
Latex mattresses are some of the most expensive options on the market. Those that are made with natural latex may be the most expensive ones and may not be the most ideal choices for those who want to get the most affordable mattresses.
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that was originally used by NASA during the 1960s to provide protective cushioning for their pilots. It consists of a blend of chemicals that delivers the density and viscosity that gives memory foam its unique structure and performance. Memory foam mattresses are popular choices for people who prefer their sleeping surface to conform very closely to their body for a more customized, supremely comfortable feel that also prevents pain.
Customized Comfort
Memory foam mattresses conform closely to the unique shape of your body. These mattresses can make you feel like you are being hugged by your sleeping surface, resulting in a soothing sensation that can make you fall asleep faster and can make the entire sleep experience more pleasurable than sleeping on a latex mattress, which has a lower level of conformity to your body’s shape.
Relieves Pressure
The ability of memory foam to conform to your body’s curves also results in excellent pressure relief. The mattress allows your body to sink slightly instead of rubbing into an unyielding surface. This prevents pressure-prone body parts such as shoulders, hips, and ankles from feeling pain, especially when you sleep for long hours. The strong, continuous pressure relief delivered by a memory foam mattress makes sleep more comfortable and completely rejuvenating, without an aching body to greet you when you get up the following morning.
Isolates Movements
A memory foam mattress absorbs the effects of movements before they can spread to other parts. By limiting motion to its origin, memory foam prevents sleep interruptions between individuals sharing one sleeping surface. This means you can continue your blissful sleep throughout the night without being affected by the restless movements of your partner sleeping on the other side of the mattress.
Supports and Aligns the Back
Memory foam mattresses work to support the body to promote proper alignment. The material distributes the weight evenly on the surface to prevent pressure points and to maintain good posture in different sleeping positions. This prevents body pains that can be caused by unnatural positions that the body is forced to stay in for the duration of the night.
Heat Retention
A memory foam mattress can get significantly warmer when used for long hours because the material can retain body heat. It does not have the breathability of latex foam and may not be a suitable choice for those who are prone to sweating and feeling overheated when sleeping throughout the night. However, some memory foam mattresses come with cooling enhancements that can address the overheating issue.
Feeling Stuck
The ability of memory foam to closely conform to your body can also lead to movement difficulties. This is because the material holds on to your body shape longer and can make you feel like you are stuck in the same position.
| Latex | Memory Foam | |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Lifespan |
Approximately 15 years |
Approximately 5-7 years |
|
Pressure Relief |
Good |
Very Good |
|
Conforming Properties |
Loosely conforms to the body’s shape |
Closely conforms to the body’s contours |
|
Motion Absorption |
Good |
Very Good |
|
Cooling |
Good |
Can Retain Heat |
|
Back Support and Alignment |
Very Good |
Very Good |
|
Weight |
Heavy |
More lightweight (also dependent on the layers and materials used) |
|
Price |
Expensive |
Can be more affordable (depending on the materials used) |
Q: What mattress type can prevent overheating?
A: A latex mattress may be more suitable because it has a breathable structure that allows proper airflow, preventing heat accumulation so that the surface stays cool. However, some memory foam mattresses come with cooling beads or gel infusions that can help address the overheating issue.
Q: Why is it easier to move on a latex mattress than on a memory foam one?
A: Latex has a bouncy structure that quickly responds to your movements, so you can freely move on the mattress. On the other hand, memory foam remembers the contours of your body and stays in that shape for a long time, so you may feel stuck in that position.
Q: Do latex mattresses use natural materials?
A: Natural latex mattresses use only natural and organic materials derived from the rubber plant. However, synthetic and blended latex mattresses use an additional variety of synthetic substances.
Q: Which mattress feels more comfortable – latex or memory foam?
A: It depends on your personal preference. A memory foam mattress can feel comfortable because it conforms closely to your body and can make you feel like you are being hugged, but a latex mattress can also feel comfortable because of its breathability and the way it easily responds to your movements.
The type of foam in your bed can affect your level of comfort, especially with long-term use. Determining the advantages and disadvantages of memory foam and latex can help you have an easier selection process when it comes to the type of mattress that can keep you sleeping peacefully for years to come.
SCL Health – https://www.sclhealth.org/blog/2018/09/the-benefits-of-getting-a-full-night-sleep/
Research Gate – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289166642_Natural_Rubber_Latex_Foam
National Sleep Foundation Sleep Health Journal – https://www.sleephealthjournal.org/article/S2352-7218%2814%2900013-8/fulltext
American Psychological Association – https://www.apa.org/topics/sleep/why
US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449130/
Sleep Education – http://sleepeducation.org/news/2012/12/18/sleep-deprivation-disrupts-regulation-of-body-heat
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