Latex vs. Memory Foam: Best Mattress for You?

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.

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.
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.
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

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. Sweet Night 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!

Are you ready to finally get a good night’s sleep? Come with Sweetnight!