Latex vs Memory Foam

What Is Latex Foam?

Latex foam is a natural product made of rubber and polymer. It is a high-density material with properties similar to memory foam but with a latex feel. Latex is extremely durable, lasts for years, and can easily be cleaned.

The best latex foam mattresses conforms well to human body shape and can easily adjust to changes in temperature. 

Because of this characteristic, the latex foam mattresses are often called "temperature-regulating" mattresses. 

Manufacturers adopt two vulcanization processes to create latex foam.

These include:

Talalay Process

The Talalay method involves collecting sap from rubber trees and pouring it into a mould halfway. Manufacturers would usually fill the rest of the mould with air. As a result, the talalay manufacturing methods produce softer and less dense latex foam mattresses. 

The downside is that this type of mattress tends to have lower resilience and longer recovery times than polyurethane or memory foam mattresses.

Dunlop Process

The Dunlop manufacturing process is slower and more traditional than the Talalay process. During the Dunlop process, liquid latex is poured into a mould and baked. 

The baking process causes the latex to expand and form air bubbles. This creates a firmer, more supportive mattress.

The main advantage of latex foam is its ability to maintain constant firmness over time. It breathes, giving it a soft and smooth feel. 

The foam itself can be made in various densities, including firm, medium, soft and extra soft.

What Is Memory Foam?

Memory foam is made of polyurethane or polyester fibre. It was developed in 1966 by Charles Yost at NASA. At first, it was created to help astronauts feel more comfortable during long space missions. 

Today, most people use these mattresses in conjunction with their existing beds. It's considered a "smart" material, meaning it doesn't just conform to your body but responds to changes in its shape. 

Memory foam mattresses provide exceptional comfort, support and firmness when used together with a boxspring (or foundation). Additionally, cutting a memory foam mattress is easy and will not ruin it. It will come back to its original shape once you place it back on the bed.

Memory foam mattresses come in three types. These include:

Traditional/ Opened-cell Foam

This type of memory foam is usually the cheapest. It typically feels bouncy, springy, and has a soft texture. It is more commonly used in budget mattresses than the other types of memory foam, but it still has some advantages. 

The main advantage is that open-cell memory foam mattresses are typically cheaper than the other types of memory foam. They also tend to be very durable.

Gel Memory Foam

This type of mattress has the highest density and most gel content. This means that it's the softest and most comfort-focused. It's also the most responsive, so you'll feel like you're floating on air while lying on top of it.

Closed-cell Foam

This type of mattress consists of a lattice pattern that allows air to flow through it. This helps keep your body temperature regulated and prevents heat from escaping through the material of the mattress.

Latex vs Memory Foam: Features To Consider

Motion Isolation

When it comes to motion isolation, memory foam trumps latex every time, if you are a light sleeper or have a partner who tosses and turns at night, a memory foam mattress is the way to go.

Edge support

Also, if you are looking for edge support, you should find the memory foam mattress a proper fit. These mattresses are designed to support the edge of the bed, which is important for people who like to sleep or sit on the edge of the bed.

Breathability

Another important factor to consider when choosing a mattress is breathability. Memory foam mattresses tend to be less breathable than latex mattresses, making them hot and uncomfortable for some people.

Pressure Relief

If you are looking for a mattress that will provide pressure relief, memory foam is the way to go. They contour to your body and relieve pressure points. This can be especially beneficial for people with back pain or who suffer from arthritis.

Responsiveness

Latex mattresses are more responsive than memory foam mattresses, meaning that they return to their original shape faster. This can be beneficial for people who like to switch positions often during sleep.

Latex Or Memory Foam Mattress: Which Should You Buy?

So which mattress should you buy? The answer depends on your sleeping habits. If you tend to toss and turn a lot, a latex mattress might be a better fit for you. Latex mattresses are naturally bouncy and, because of this, can make some noise while sleeping or moving around on the bed.

Latex mattresses are made from natural latex derived from rubber trees. They tend to be more expensive than memory foam mattresses, but they're also more durable. Latex mattresses are also a good choice for an environmentally friendly mattress.

The memory foam mattress is typically more affordable and can be more accommodating for those looking for a softer sleeping surface. 

A word of caution, though: memory foam mattresses tend to take longer to break in than latex mattresses because they tend to be firmer and heavier.

When you compare latex vs memory foam, the main difference is that memory foam mattresses provide better pressure relief with their higher density.

This could be important for those who are sensitive or have chronic pain issues when choosing a mattress instead of latex. 

Whatever the mattress you choose (latex or memory foam mattress), ensure you properly store your mattress to ensure the integrity of the foam.

These are just a few of the differences between latex and memory foam, but it should be enough to get you started!