Mattresses

Published April 20, 2022

7 min

Latex vs Memory Foam Mattress: How To Make The The Right Choice

Is your mattress already sagging or has it formed lumps that leave you with aches and pains in the morning? There is a considerable chance that your mattress is in dire need of replacement especially

Nectar Editorial Team

Table of contents

What Is A Latex Mattress? What Is A Memory Foam Mattress? Benefits Of Latex Mattress Benefits Of Memory FoamHow To Choose From Latex VS Memory Foam Mattress

Is your mattress already sagging or has it formed lumps that leave you with aches and pains in the morning? There is a considerable chance that your mattress is in dire need of replacement especially when you are no longer getting a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, you will not have any shortage of options when you are in search of a mattress because there are several types to choose from such as memory foam , foam, innerspring, and latex. Out of all these options, two mattress types are getting plenty of positive feedback from their users, and these are latex and memory foam. Let’s find out more about these two.

What Is A Latex Mattress?

Latex used in a mattress is harvested from rubber trees which offer greater elasticity and faster recovery time to return to its original shape. Latex mattresses are known to be more firm than a memory foam mattress and feature a distinct bounciness bounce even. There are three types available, and these are natural, synthetic, as well as blended variations.

NATURAL LATEX FOAM

As the name suggests, this foam is made from raw rubber tree sap and processed to produce foam layers. If you are looking for a natural feel to your mattress, this is a good option to consider. If you come across a certified organic natural latex mattress, it means that only the purest or organic materials are used and that there will be minimal off-gassing to worry about.

SYNTHETIC LATEX FOAM

This type of latex foam can be made from various synthetic materials that are often constructed from styrene-butadiene rubber or SBR. You may notice that it has a similar feel to an all-natural latex mattress, but there are some who will notice that it has less bounce to it.In terms of the manufacturing process, there are two options that are used for this type of mattress, and these are:Dunlop latex mattress – This process is where latex is poured into the mold in one continuous pour. The result is that you will end up with a denser foam at the bottom, while the top is softer.Talalay latex mattress – Natural Talalay latex foam is formed using the Talalay process, where the mold is partially filled with latex then air is introduced by vacuum output to help expand the latex until it reaches its desired shape. This way, you are left with a less dense latex material

What Is A Memory Foam Mattress?

Most people have narrowed down their options to latex vs. memory foam, and now that you have an idea on what latex is all about, understanding what a memory foam bed is next. Memory foam first appeared on the scene when NASA developed this material to help protect their astronauts while in space. The material is made from polyurethane that makes use of various chemicals to create a product that is not only dense but can absorb energy too.Unlike latex models that have a quick recovery time, this type of foam takes a while before it goes back to its original shape. Simply put, when you press down on the memory foam, you will see the indentation even when you have removed yourself from the bed. This sinking feeling is actually what makes this type of mattress comfortable for many, particularly those who are side or stomach sleepers.

Benefits Of Latex Mattress

Since we are talking about latex vs. memory foam, it is also important to know what benefits you’ll get from each. Here’s what you can get when you opt for a latex mattress.

HYPOALLERGENIC

One of the benefits of opting for a natural latex mattress is that it is hypoallergenic which means that it’s not prone to allergens that can irritate your nasal passages when you sleep. If you have some form of airborne allergy, you may find this type of mattress worth investing in.

NATURALLY RESISTANT TO DUST MITES

Some mattresses are more prone to mold, bacteria, dust mites, and even bed bugs because of their make and their design, but with a latex mattress, it naturally repels critters compared to a traditional mattress.

COOLER TEMPERATURE

Another benefit to choosing a latex mattress is that latex tends to be cooler compared to memory foam because of its open cell structure. Although latex may still conduct some form of heat, it is not as hot as what you may experience with memory foam.

ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY

What can you get out of a natural latex mattress? Since natural latex is sustainably sourced and the process that it undergoes is considered safer for the environment, you are actually sleeping on a bed that is eco-friendly.

Benefits Of Memory Foam

A memory foam mattress is among the most popular choices today. Here are a few reasons why:

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Our body temperature plays a role in whether we will get a great night’s sleep or not. The memory foam mattress is designed to conform or mold to the shape of your body and retains more heat. If you have higher body temperature, consider gel memory foam mattress, like Nectar, as they are designed to have a cooling effect thanks to the real-time cooling gel memory layer.

ALLERGY FRIENDLY

Just like a latex mattress, high-quality memory foam is considered hypoallergenic because of the polyurethane foam that it is made of. The polyurethane foam is made from fibers that prevent dust mites from accumulating inside your bed. And because memory foam is so dense, there is no place for allergens to thrive.

CONTOURS TO YOUR BODY

Another benefit to choosing the best memory foam mattresses is that it easily conforms to the shape of your body as soon as heat is introduced. When this happens, your body gets ample support from your mattress as you sink into it. This is due to the materials used in memory foam that offers pressure relief. Those who are having a hard time sleeping may find this a more comfortable mattress to sleep on.

MINIMIZES MOTION TRANSFER

Memory foam also yields another benefit which is in reducing motion transfer. If you are in bed with your partner and he or she tends to move often, you will not be disturbed by constant motion because your area is isolated. This can increase the likelihood of sleeping well into the night until the morning even.

How To Choose From Latex VS Memory Foam Mattress

It is understandable that when it comes to latex vs. memory foam mattress, it is hard to choose which type is right for you considering they both have benefits to offer. That being said, if you want to get the best value for your money, you will want to compare the two as much as possible. Here are a few factors to consider:

MATTRESS CONSTRUCTION

Memory foam also referred to as viscoelastic foam, is a kind of high-density polyurethane foam which softens when there is the presence of pressure and heat, thus achieving conformity. Natural latex, on the other hand, is made from the rubber tree sap, undergoing either baked or frozen processing that provides you with the bounce and firmness that you need.

OFF-GASSING

Since memory foam is synthetical made, there can be an initial off-gassing, that is, the smell that you’ll notice once you remove the plastic covering of your new mattress. This odor is perfectly normal for most memory foam mattresses. This is less common with a natural latex mattress since it is made from more natural materials.

DURABILITY

In terms of durability, latex mattresses stand out as they tend to last longer compared to others. A high-quality memory foam mattress, however, can last up to a decade with the proper care. Also, consider the density of the foam as it can determine the lifespan of your mattress.

HEAT

As mentioned before, a memory foam mattress that doesn’t have a gel cooling component tends to retain heat. Premium memory foam mattresses, like Nectar, use a dual-cooling approach to keeping you cool throughout the night. The first is a breathable cover that increases airflow. The second is a modern gel component that dissipates your natural body heat in real-time keeping you temperate neutral. The open cell structure of the latex mattress allows the air to circulate throughout your bed, thus alleviating the discomfort that you can feel when heat is present.

COST

Although a latex mattress comes with plenty of benefits, the price is generally substantially higher than a memory foam mattress. Memory foam, in general, is more affordable. However, it really comes down to your personal preference as either option may suit you depending on your personal needs.