Mattress Comparison
Latex and memory foam mattresses are often compared. Although they are both foams, they have distinct characteristics and feel. There are mattresses that combine both foams, so you can enjoy the best of both.
There are many options for memory foam and latex mattresses if you’re looking to buy a new mattress. We have done comparisons between each foam to show you the differences and what you can expect of a mattress with them. Our guide should help you find the right mattress for you, whether it’s memory foam, latex or a hybrid.
Latex Mattresses
Latex is a liquid that has tiny particles of polymer suspended in it. Latex mattresses can be made from natural latex derived from rubber trees or synthetic latex made of man-made materials. There are mattresses that combine natural and synthetic latex, either in separate layers or together.
Synthetic Vs Natural: What’s The Difference?
Natural latex can be found in the milky-white sap of the rubber tree. The tree is protected by latex. The sap must be removed quickly after harvesting. It can become clumpy if left out in the open for too long.
Once the latex is extracted from the sap, it undergoes one of two processing- Talalay or Dunlop- before being made into a mattress. These mattresses are made from natural latex and can be made from sustainable resources.
Synthetic latex does not come from natural latex or plant extracts. Instead, it is made from petroleum products and synthetic material. The majority of synthetic latex used for mattresses is made from styrenebutadiene rubber. The latex goes through the same Dunlop and Talalay manufacturing processes to make a mattress.
Dunlop vs Talalay – All Latex isnt processed the same
Before a mattress can be made from natural or synthetic latex, it must go through one of the two processes. The Dunlop process is the older and more popular of both. The Dunlop Tyre and Rubber Company researcher discovered the process in 1929. However, the first Dunlop latex mattress wasn’t released until 1931.
Although the process has been updated and revised since then, it still produces great latex.
The process begins by stirring the latex extract to make a froth. This froth is then spread onto a mold. To remove moisture, the mold is baked in an oven. The mold is then removed from the oven and the latex is washed. The latex is then removed from the mold and washed. Finally, it is baked to remove any moisture. This is because sedimentary material settles at the bottom of the mattress, making one side denser than another. Dunlop latex mattresses are firmer than Talalay models. Dunlop latex can also be used as comfort or support layers. However, due to its higher density, it is more commonly used as a support layer.
All-natural Dunlop Latex mattresses are more environmentally friendly than Talalay mattresses. Talalay latex mattresses can be all-natural. However, Dunlop uses less resources and steps, making it more environmentally-friendly.
The Talalay process was created by three Russian brothers, Ansil Talalay, Joseph Talalay, and Leon Talalay. This process works in the same way as the Dunlop process, except that the mold is only partially full. The latex extract is then vacuum sealed so it expands to fill all the mold’s space.
Flash-frozen the mold to add carbon dioxide to the latex, and it solidifies. This helps to keep the latex light and aerated. After the mattress has been baked, it is removed from its mold. Before it can be used, the mattress must be dried and washed again.
Although it is more laborious, the result is a lighter mattress with a uniform density. Talalay latex, which is lighter and softer than Dunlop, makes it better for comfort layers. You can alter both to make mattresses with different firmnesses.
However, Dunlop latex tends to be denser and firmer than Talalay, while being less conforming.
There are many latex-layer mattresses. Latex is more breathable that memory foam but can trap body heat. Mattress manufacturers often aerate their mattresses while they are still in the mold by creating channels of airflow in the foam.
Latex mattresses don’t conform to the body like memory foam, but they can cushion and hug your body curves. You will feel more like you are sleeping on the mattress than in it.
Amerisleeps Organica Is The Best Latex Mattress
Amerisleep is well-known for its high-quality memory foam mattresses. Organica is a latex mattress that they recently launched. The hybrid design of this bed includes pocketed spring coils as well as a latex foam comfort coating. This mattress is ideal for all types of sleep styles thanks to its medium firmness.
Organica mattresses are covered with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), certified organic cotton. This ensures that it is free from harmful pesticides and chemicals which could irritate skin and lungs. The cover is perforated to allow for maximum airflow and protection from night sweats.
A layer of organic Joma Wool is just below the cover. It provides additional protection from heat retention and acts naturally as a fire barrier.
The top layer is made up of Amerisleeps Talalay latex foam. The eco-Institut and Rainforest Alliance have certified this material to be sustainably harvested, manufactured, and safe for the environment. Latex foam’s natural bounce is ideal for those who have back problems, people with back pain, or anyone who is heavier. It prevents over-sinking, keeps the spine in a neutral position, and helps to keep it that way.
Amerisleeps pocketed coils are used in the base of Organica’s mattress. These coils move independently, reducing motion transfer and noise. It also increases contouring. This stable base ensures that body weight is evenly distributed, and joints are cradled and protected against pressure points.
The Organica mattress comes with free shipping and a 100-night trial.
Amerisleep Organica
- Cover made from certified organic cotton by GOTS
- Comfort layer made from all-natural Talalay latex
- Base for pocketed spring coils
Memory Foam Mattresses
NASA invented memory foam originally for spacecraft seating. It was introduced to the mattress market in the 1990s. It was loved for its ability to support the body and relieve pressure. Memory foams today have many of the same characteristics, but with significant improvements.
The base of memory foam is always polyurethane, but there are other ingredients depending on the formula. Many mattresses also contain poly-foam which is made of polyurethane. All memory foams have polyurethane but not all memory foams.
Each manufacturer uses their own formula and process to create their unique blend. To create dense, energy-absorbing foams, they use either synthetic chemicals or plant-based oils.
Memory foam is sensitive to heat and pressure. Memory foam softens when it is heated, so its conformability decreases the more it comes in contact with heat or pressure. Your body sinks deeper into the surface of the foam the more you lie on it. It is also slow to respond. It will retain the shape of your hand for some time before returning to its original form.
Memory foam mattresses offer many impressive advantages. Memory foam can come in many densities to be used in mattress comfort and transition layers. Memory foam mattresses offer exceptional pressure relief and motion isolation. Many memory foam mattresses include layers of latex or poly-foam. Many innerspring hybrid mattresses have memory foam in their comfort layers.
It Is Important To Understand The Structure Of Memory Foam Cells
Memory foam mattresses of the early days trapped heat due to their dense, closed-cell structure.
Closed-cells don’t allow heat or air to pass through them, trapping it against your body. Memory foam is designed to contour closely to the body so that trapped heat does not become an issue.
Manufacturers have tried to resolve this problem by making memory foams that are open-cell. The foam’s larger individual cells allow heat to escape more easily. Open-cell foams are durable despite their airiness. Open-cell foams also increase the responsiveness of memory foam, which means that sleepers will feel less stuck in their mattress.
Cooling Technologies
Manufacturers adapt memory foam formulas in many ways to increase sleeper comfort, including open-cell foam. These are just a few of the many additions and techniques that can be used to increase airflow and breatheability.
- GelThe memory foam is infused with gel beads that absorb heat and move it away. For further cooling, some manufacturers add a gel layer to the memory foam.
- CopperCopper beads, a great heat absorber, transfer heat away from your body and out of your mattress.
- GraphiteGraphite beads absorb heat and dissipate it, just like copper and gel.
- Structure convoluted:You’ve probably seen eggshell foam pads with a complex structure. This design allows for more air to flow through the valleys and peaks, increasing breathability.
- Channeled designsMemory foams with channeled patterns work in a similar way to memory foams with convoluted shapes. Channels allow heat and air to flow freely through the channels, allowing the body to breathe.
To cool down sleepers, manufacturers combine many of these technologies and techniques. A gel-infused layer of memory foam may be used underneath a layer of traditional memory foam. Many mattresses combine memory foam with latex foam layers in order to achieve the conforming properties of memory foam while retaining the flexibility and breathability of latex.
Zoma Mattress Is The Best Memory Foam Mattress
The Zoma Mattress is a high-quality, memory foam mattress that retains heat well.
The gel memory foam comfort layer on this bed pulls away heat and moisture from the body, resulting in a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Zomas memory foam molds to your body to provide instant pressure relief. However, it won’t cause over-heating or night sweats. This foam has a medium feel that is ideal for combination, side, and back sleepers.
The comfort layer molds to your body to provide pressure relief. However, the transition layer with Triangulex supports the lumbar spine to prevent any sinking or misalignment. This latex-like foam maintains the hips and shoulders at the same level, so that the back muscles can fully relax during sleep.
Their Support+ foam prevents sagging and indentations on the Zoma’s stable foam base. This base improves the mattress’ lifespan and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
The Zoma Mattress includes free shipping, a 100-night trial and a 10-year limited warranty.
Zoma Mattress
- Gel-infused memory foam top layer
- For a neutral spine, a responsive transition layer is required
- Stable foam base resists sagging
Promotion
Zoma Mattress
Many people find that memory foam and latex mattresses provide a restful night’s sleep. Which one is best for you? It all depends on what you need from your mattress. They offer different benefits to sleepers. Let’s take a look at what each foam can offer you:
Pros of Latex Foam:
- The mattress conforms to the body but does not completely mold to it, so the sleeper is still on top.
- Receptive and buoyant
- All-natural
- Synthetic latex is more durable than natural, but it’s still very durable.
- Can you be eco-friendly?
- Aerated produce less heat retention
- Hypoallergenic, unless your latex allergy is severe (synthetic latex doesn’t trigger latex allergies since it is not made from natural latex).
Conveniences of Latex Foam
Memory Foam Pros
- Molds that mold to your body
- Heat and pressure can soften and mold more deeply
- Minimal motion transfer
- Quiet
- It is durable and lasts as long as it is high-quality
- Latex is less expensive than latex
- Even a responsive sleeping surface
- Cooling technologies that improve temperature regulation are excellent
Memory Foam Cons
- Can you keep warm without cooling technology?
- Initial off-gassing smell (does not dissipate).
- Some sleepers feel trapped under the mattress
FAQs
Is Latex More Comfortable Than Memory Foam?
Latex foam is generally more breathable than memory, in general. But, memory foam is now being produced by mattress manufacturers with the same breathability as latex foam. Memory foams made from plant-based materials and graphite-infused foams retain more heat and moisture than traditional memory foam.
Is There Any Latex In Memory Foam
Latex is not a common ingredient in memory foam. It is important to fully understand the foam construction of each brand to determine the level of comfort. Some latex foams contain synthetic chemicals that mimic memory foam.
Can Latex Be Used For Side Sleeping?
Yes. There are many firmness levels of latex foam mattresses, some of which can be used for side sleepers. Side sleepers will find soft to medium latex mattresses the best.
If I Am Allergic To Latex, Can I Still Sleep On A Latex Bed?
If you are allergic to latex, we recommend that you avoid latex mattresses. Some people with latex allergies find that a waterproof protector for their mattress is sufficient to protect them. However, it is best to talk to your doctor before you make any decisions.
Is It Harmful To Inhale Latex?
When they first arrive indoors, most foam mattresses (e.g. memory foam or latex foam) have a mild odor. The VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), which leach from mattresses as they expand, causes this odor. This odor is usually not dangerous and will disappear within a few days.
What’s The Difference Between Memory Foam And Latex Mattresses?
With the right model, both materials can offer cool and comfortable nights of sleep. The best mattress for you depends on your needs. If you are looking for more bounce, responsiveness, and low carbon footprint, a latex mattress might be a good choice. If you are looking for an organic, eco-friendly mattress, latex is a great option.
Memory foam mattresses are the best for side sleepers as they offer pressure point relief and contouring. Memory foam mattresses offer more comfort than latex mattresses, which can come in a variety of firmnesses.
High-quality beds can be made from both these materials, as well as hybrid and mixed foam mattresses. When you’re looking for a mattress, think about what you want most out of your bed. This will allow you to narrow down your options and ensure that you find a mattress that is comfortable for you.
