You’ve seen ads on TV and over the web for all kinds of foam mattresses, but have you wondered what do they mean and what is better for you?  There are no “best” mattresses, but putting a little effort into to finding the right foam mattress can reveal the best mattress for you.

Memory foam and latex foam mattresses are often confused or thought to be the same type of mattress.  Though they may have some similar characteristics, they are two completely different materials with two different sleeping experiences.  Choosing a foam mattress should be given a lot of thought, and a little research goes a long way.  This article will discuss some of the main characteristics of memory foam and latex foam mattresses.

Materials and Characteristics

Memory foam is a completely man-made material designed by adding chemicals to polyurethane (PU) to increase its density.  Though it may seem firm to the touch at first, the benefit of memory foam is that it reacts to body heat and softens.  This reaction allows the mattress to mold to your body’s shape, supporting you in the areas that need support, and returning to its original shape once the pressure is removed.

Many memory foam mattresses are built with cooling properties to keep you cooler while you sleep; however, many lower end foam mattresses do not have such properties and do get fairly warm.

Natural latex foam appeals to many people because it’s made out of 100 percent organic, eco-friendly materials.  This is because the latex rubber used in natural latex mattresses are from the rubber trees.  Rubber trees have a long sap-producing life, but when they are no longer producing quality latex sap, they are cut down and often used in the production of quality hardwood furniture and replaced with new seedlings.  Natural latex has high elasticity which will keep the foam at the right density for a long time.  Synthetic latex’s elasticity will decrease over time and sink creating a shorter life.  However, the quality of the latex and use of synthetic, non-organic materials vary between manufacturers and productions.  Do not assume your latex mattress is organic unless otherwise stated.

Another benefit of a natural latex mattress is that it is naturally hypoallergenic.  It resists mold, dust-mites, and other allergens making it perfect for those who have allergies.

Density

Memory foam density is most often measured in pounds per square foot, which means that a mattress advertised at a 3lb density weighs 3 pounds per square foot of material.  Lower end mattresses have a density of 3lbs or lower which doesn’t last as long and have less “memory” retention.  Higher density memory foam is not as expensive as they used to be, offers higher durability, and relieves pressure better due to more support.  Very dense foam up to 8lbs is recommended for people with severe back or hip problems and need the extra pressure relief, but can be quite expensive.  For the budget conscience, high density memory foam is often made as a topper or mattress pad.  But remember, memory foam mattresses feel firmer when you first lie down and soften as they warm up.  If you want the soft feeling when you first lie down, consider a memory foam mattress with a pillow top.

Eco Planet Memory Foam Mattress Memory Foam vs Latex Foam Mattresses

Unlike memory foam, latex foam does have that soft feeling when you first lie down.  There are essentially two types of latex foam processing that determines how resilient your mattress will be to “bounce” back to its original shape.  Talalay processing creates a supple, more resilient mattress, while Dunlop latex processing creates a stiffer feel and doesn’t return to its natural shape as easily.

Thickness

When shopping for both memory foam and latex mattresses, you’ll notice they’re sold by their thickness which is generally between 8 to 14 inches.  However, do not determine your bed’s density by it’s thickness but determine its support.  A majority of quality mattresses are made of several layers (not just one slab of foam) that have layers that can increase the height without affecting the over-all comfort.

When shopping for memory foam mattresses, try to know the thickness of the upper-most memory foam layer or layers as opposed to just the over-all height.  A 12 inch thick mattress may only have 2 inches of actual memory foam which won’t be that comfortable.  A mattress that has two or more layers of memory foam will allow you to sink into the foam a little more without bottoming out to the firmer support layers.  As an example, the Eco Planet 12” Memory Foam Bed by Boyd Specialty Sleep has a total of 5 inches dedicated to memory foam:

  • 3” Memory Foam Layer
  • 2” Channel Vented Memory Foam Layer
  • 1” High Density Convoluted Support Foam
  • 6” Channel Vented Foam Spring Support System

The Sky 12” Memory Foam Mattress by Enso Sleep Systems is another 12” memory foam mattress, but it has fewer layers of memory foam which may lead to a firmer sleep and will also offer more support:

  • 1” Plush Comfort Memory Foam
  • 2” Premium Memory Foam
  • 2” Premium Airflow Pressure Relief Foam
  • 7” High Density Support Base Foam

Knowing the thickness of the memory foam layers will help you determine how firm or soft your mattress will be. Picking the right one will come down to your preference.  Some people may find Boyd mattresses to be more relaxing, but some may find Enso mattresses are better for supporting their hips.  Testing out many mattresses is the only way to find out what’s right for you.  After years of heavy use, some mattresses will compress, so you will want to make sure your mattress will stay comfortable after the first few years of use.

A latex mattress has layers just like memory foam starting with comfort layers at the top and support layers at the bottom.  Determining the resiliency of the layers is based on the Talalay or Dunlop processing discussed earlier.  A good quality natural latex bed’s natural elasticity will not sag for many years and may last longer than your average memory foam bed.  Investing the extra money in a high quality latex mattress now may give you a longer lasting mattress compared to a memory foam mattress.

Shopping Advice

Like many offers out there, if it seems like too good of a deal to be true, it often is.  Genuine, 100 percent natural latex and memory foam is often misrepresented.  Many manufacturers use fillers like clay to firm up their mattresses, or advertise a bed as memory foam when it is not.  Do your research to find a reputable company, read internet reviews, and never be afraid to call companies if you’re not sure.

Sky Memory Foam Mattress Memory Foam vs Latex Foam Mattresses
When you take the materials, density, and thickness into consideration when shopping for a foam mattress, you’ll end up with the perfect one for you.  Since both memory foam and latex foam mattresses have a different initial feel, it is recommended that you test out both before choosing one over the other.  Shopping online will allow you to compare prices and features easier.  Reading customer reviews will give you a great insight to how well the mattress performs in real world conditions.  Plus, some online stores offer great deals by selling wholesale and offering free shipping.  Take your time when shopping for a new mattress, your sleep and health will depend on it.
- Alaina Young

Related posts:

  1. How do Latex Memory Foam Mattresses compare?
  2. Foam Mattresses versus Latex Mattresses
  3. Foam Mattresses versus Latex Mattresses
  4. Basic Difference Between Memory Foam Mattresses and Latex Foam Mattresses
  5. My memory foam Question: do memory foam/latex mattresses loose firmness over a couple years like the pillows do of similar material??

Filed under: Memory Foam Mattress

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