Latex Vs. Memory Foam Mattress
There are many types of mattresses available on the market using different types of materials, but what does this mean for the sleeper? A mattress is just a mattress, right? Why would the type of material for a mattress matter?
It turns out that different types of materials have different pros and cons, but the ultimate goal is still the same and that is to give your spine the needed support so that it has a neutral spinal alignment without creating uneven focused pressure on your body.
Different mattress materials have pros and cons to your sleep experience. There is a lot of information on the internet, which can be rather overwhelming and confusing, but in this article, we will try to break down the difference between a latex mattress and a memory foam mattress.
What is Latex?
So, what kind of latex mattresses are available on the market? There are three types of latex mattresses that are usually available.
What are the different types of latex mattresses?
There are three different types of latex mattresses you will find on the market.
1.100% Organic, Natural Latex
Natural latex is made from harvesting a rubber tree sap called ‘Hevea Milk.’ It is perfect for those looking for eco-friendly mattresses. It is usually hard to find natural latex mattresses from the big mattress brands as it is very expensive and very heavy, but durable. Usually, brands that do manufacture latex mattresses would include 1-2 inches of natural latex on top. Be very cautious of companies that do not mention the percentage content of natural materials that are within the mattress.
2.Synthetic Latex
Manufactured latex, also known as SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber). This type is made from petrochemicals to imitate natural latex. This type of mattress has a lower cost but has reduced durability. Synthetic latex tends to have less bounce and has a feeling closer to memory foam.
3.Blended latex
Combination of natural and synthetic latex. It offers the benefits of natural latex at a more affordable price point.
Latex mattresses are often marketed to be very Eco-friendly and free of chemicals, however, this is not always true, only 100% natural latex can be given the green label. So, make sure you check before you buy a latex mattress.
Latex Mattress Manufacturing Process
The latex mattresses that you usually see on the market are made using two different processes.
1.Dunlop process
The Dunlop process was the earliest method of making latex mattresses. Liquid latex is poured into a shaped mold. This causes the bottom to be denser and the top becomes softer. A Dunlop mattress can be made using, natural, synthetic, or blended latex. Latex mattresses made with this approach tends to be much denser than the Talalay latex mattress process.
A denser mattress is why you might want to choose a Dunlop latex mattress. It will keep shape longer and less likely to sag significantly over time making it more durable. However, this type of latex mattress is very heavy and is very difficult to move around.
2.Talalay process
The Talalay process, begins with the mold being partially filled with latex. After pouring the latex, the air is vacuumed in to expand the material so that it fills the space within the mold. This allows the latex to be spread evenly and become equally dense when taking shape. By adding air, the mattress naturally has better air circulation. Talalay mattresses can only be made using 100% synthetic foam or blended latex, and therefore cannot be 100% organic.
Whichever latex mattress you choose to purchase, most will have a medium firmness profile. In terms of price, they are on the mid to luxury range. Price varies based on manufacturer and the type of latex used to make the mattress.
What is Memory Foam?
Memory foam is a soft foam material that was invented by NASA in the 1960s to cushion astronauts against turbulence during flight. Due to its ability to be soft and retain shape after being compressed, people quickly realized that this could be used in mattresses, chairs or anything that required cushioning. Over the years, the memory foam has been engineered to offer an optimal sleep experience.
Read this article to learn about everything you need to Or you can consider our latest product Prime Memory Foam Mattress.
What is the difference between latex and memory foam mattresses?
BOUNCE
A latex mattress due to its density nature, has more bounce. More bounce means greater ability to push back against the weight of the body to prevent sinking and your spine being in an uncomfortable position. It reverts to its original shape very quickly. The problem with latex mattresses is that it provides less motion-isolation. If you partner tosses and turns during the night you are more likely to feel the movement disturbing your slumber.Memory foam mattresses has no bounce, but it has superb motion isolation.
HEAT RETENTION
Open-cell structure mattresses are usually the best option when it comes to cooler sleeping because of its ability to transfer and dissipate body heat. Latex mattresses tend to be very good at transferring heat but can be very expensive.
Memory foam is the more affordable option, but traditional foam mattresses had body heat retention issues, which could result in a very hot sleep experience. Most manufacturers will include a gel memory foam layer, which helps to dissipate heat, better for a cooler sleep.
HYPOALLERGENIC
Whether you choose to buy latex or a memory foam mattress, both options are very hypoallergenic. Rubber trees produce latex as a natural means to fend off insects, and thereby naturally wards against dust mites. If you suffer from allergies, both are a good choice in comparison to an innerspring mattress, because the two materials are resistant against bacteria, mold, or mildew.
WEIGHT
A latex mattress is heavier due to its density. The average queen mattress can weigh more than 140pounds (~63kg). A foam mattress is significantly lighter and can be moved around easier.
RESPONSIVENESS
A latex mattress is much more responsive than a memory foam mattress, which makes it better for sleepers than tend to move around a lot. If you want to see responsiveness, try dropping a golf ball or a tennis ball on a latex or foam mattress. Latex has more bounce whereas a foam mattress you will close to minimal bounce.
MOTION ISOLATION
Due to its responsiveness and bounce, latex mattresses have very little motion-isolation. Memory foam is excellent when it comes to absorbing body pressure and movement. The more movement absorbed, the less likely your partner will wake you up during sleep if they tend to toss and turn. Motion isolation also helps with pain and pressure relief.
PRICE
A general memory foam mattress is more affordable than a 100% natural latex mattress. Even though there are different types of latex, memory foam mattress will still be lower in price.
DURABILITY
Both memory foam and latex mattresses are very durable options. How long they will last will depend on the manufacturer, quality, and how well you take care of the mattress. SweetNight memory foam mattresses come with a 10-year warranty so you do not have to worry about any durability and quality issues.
Which mattress should I get?
Buying a mattress is about making sure you get adequate spine support first for your sleeping position and what material is a matter of preference. If you want a lighter, bouncier, and faster response mattress with less of a ‘sinking feeling,’ go with a latex mattress.
If you enjoy a mattress that cushions the contours of your body, offers great motion isolation and great pressure support, then you should go with a memory foam mattress.
Both materials are great options with pros and cons, but at the end of the day ask yourself are you comfortable?
If you are interested in memory foam mattress checkout our product range right here.
Latex Vs. Memory Foam Mattress
When shopping for a new mattress, you will likely come across many different types of mattresses. But why the fuss? A mattress is just a mattress, right? It should not matter what type you get, right?
Well, it should and it does. Depending on the material your mattress is made of, you will experience your sleep very differently. Unfortunately, there is a lot of information on the internet, which can make research overwhelming and confusing.
Both mattresses are often compared to each other as they both contain foam layers, but the materials have very different feels.
So continue reading to find out the difference between a mattress made of latex, and a mattress made of memory foam.
What is Latex?
Latex mattresses have been on the market since the 1950s, long before Memory Foam was created by NASA scientists. Created to provide a different experience to the mattresses at the time, this mattress type has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years.
What are the different types of latex mattresses?
There are three different types of latex mattresses you will find on the market.
1.100% organic, natural latex
Natural latex is made by harvesting rubber tree sap called Hevea Milk. It can be ideal for those who are looking for an eco-friendly mattress. It is rare to find natural latex in brand name mattresses as it is very expensive and durable. Usually, these brands would only include 1-2 inches of natural latex on top. Be suspicious of companies that do not mention the percentage of natural content in their mattress.
2.Synthetic latex
This is man-made and knows as SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber). It is made from petrochemicals to imitate the feel of natural latex. This lowers production costs but also reduces durability. Synthetic latex tends to have less bounce than a 100% natural mattress, thereby feeling a little memory foam.
3.Blended latex
This is a mixture of natural latex with synthetic latex. It offers the benefits of natural latex at a more affordable price.
Latex mattresses are often marketed to be very ECO-friendly and free of chemicals, however, this is only the case if 100% natural latex is used. So make sure you do your research before buying a mattress.
You will find a latex mattress can be made using two different processes
1.Dunlop process
This process was the first on the market. Latex is poured to fill an entire mold. This causes the bottom to be denser and feel softer on the top. A Dunlop mattress can be made using natural, synthetic foam or a blend. The mattresses using this process are usually much denser than Talalay mattresses.
This is a very valid reason for why you might want to choose a Dunlop mattress. By being denser, it will probably keep its shape longer and avoid sagging over time making it more durable. However, it will also mean that it is heavier which would make moving it around more difficult.
2.Talalay process
With the Talalay process, the mold is only partly filled with latex. After pouring, the air is vacuumed in to expand the material to fill the mold. This has two effects. Firstly, the mattress is equally dense everywhere. Secondly, by adding air, the mattress has better air circulation. You will not find a Talalay mattress which is 100% organic. Only 100% synthetic foam or a blend can be used.
Talalay is often the preferred choice. This is because Talalay mattresses tend to be lighter which makes transportation and moving it a lot easier.
No matter which type of latex mattress you choose, most will have a medium firmness. In terms of price, they are considered mid-tier to luxury, always depending on the manufacturer and the specific latex mattress you choose.
What is Memory Foam?
Invented in 1966 by NASA, memory foam was first intended to just cushion astronauts against any turbulences. Quickly though, people realized that this soft, slow-reacting foam could also be used in mattresses. Over the years, memory foam has been engineered to offer an improved sleep experience.
Read this article to read about everything there is to know about memory foam.
What are the differences?
BOUNCE
A latex mattress has more bounce, thereby pushing back against your weight to prevent a sinking feeling.
It will quickly revert to its original shape
This does mean that there is less motion-isolation, so you will feel your partners tossing and turning during the night.
HEAT RETENTION
Its open-cell structure helps to prevent heat retention which in turn allows for a cooler sleeping
Especially natural latex, but also its synthetic counterpart tend to be quite expensive, so a memory foam mattress is considerably more affordable
Memory Foam is generally known to be bad at retaining heat unless it is specifically engineered for cooler sleep. Due to its breathability latex naturally gives offers cool sleep throughout the night.
HYPOALLERGENIC
Both mattresses are very hypoallergenic. Rubber trees produce latex to fend off insects, thereby naturally warding off dust mites. If you suffer from allergies both make a good choice compared to, say, an innerspring mattress as both are resistant against bacteria, mold, or mildew.
However, it is important to note that some people are allergic to latex. If there is a possibility that you or your partner are allergic, it would be better to consider different mattresses.
WEIGHT
A latex mattress is much heavier due to its density. The average queen mattress weighs 140 pounds (~63kg). If you plan for it to stay in one place for multiple years this will not be a problem, however, if you decide to transport it or move it around, you will have a much harder time.
RESPONSIVENESS
A latex mattress is much more responsive than a memory foam mattress, which makes it better for active sleepers who move around a lot.
To test the responsiveness you can bounce a golf or tennis ball on the mattress foam. On a memory foam mattress, it will barely bounce back whereas on a latex mattress it will jump straight back up.
MOTION ISOLATION
Due to its bounce, latex mattresses have very little motion-isolation. Memory foam is great at absorbing body pressure and movement so that you cannot tell if your partner is moving at night, making it the better choice for couples. This also makes it a better choice if you are seeking pressure and pain relief.
PRICE
A memory foam mattress will generally be the more affordable option as 100% natural latex is hard to come by thereby making it the more expensive choice.
DURABILITY
Both latex and memory foam latex mattresses are very durable. How long each mattress will last during use will depend on the manufacturer, the quality, firmness, and of course how well you take care of your mattress. Sweetnight Memory Foam mattresses come with a 10-Year warranty.
So which mattress should you get?
To summarize, if you wish to have a mattress that feels lighter, has more bounce, faster response time and have less of a “sinking feeling”, you should choose a latex mattress.
If however you enjoy a mattress that hugs your body, offers motion-isolation, good pressure support, better edge support (not feel like you are rolling off the edge), you should choose a memory foam mattress.
Both mattress types can provide you with a lot of comforts, and at the end of the day, it all depends on your preferences as to what to buy.
If you are interested in a memory foam mattress you can check out our mattresses right here.
If you are on a budget, a memory foam mattress topper can also be an excellent choice, if you want to prolong the life of your mattress for less money.
Use the discount code SweetSleep15 to receive a 15% discount on your next purchase!