The importance of a good night’s sleep can’t be stressed enough when it comes to ensuring you feel physically and mentally active even after enduring a hectic day. That’s why opting for a high-quality mattress that provides your body the rest it requires is crucial. Since there are a large number of mattresses and brands out there, it can get a bit confusing when you are trying to make the major decision of choosing a comfortable mattress.
With all the information that is available on the internet in regards to mattresses, you might be feeling overwhelmed. It is high time that you learned the real pros and cons of the mattresses, and sort out the reality from the myths so that you can make a better, well-informed decision regarding your sleep choices. In this article, we have compared Memory Foam vs Latex so that you would know which one is a better choice for you. There is also a comparison table, summary along with the benefits and drawbacks of each, with the help of it you will understand the differences and similarities between Memory Foam and latex mattresses.
Table of Contents
Memory Foam vs Latex Compared
| Memory Foam Mattresses | Latex Mattresses |
| 1. Made from synthetic substances | 1. Made from natural substances, i.e., Latex |
| 2. Higher exposure rate to chemicals, VOC | 2. Very low exposure to chemicals, VOC |
| 3. Gets warm with body heat since it uses the body heat to mold around the shape of the body | 3. Stays relatively cooler though uses body heat to mold around the shape of the body |
| 4. Provides protection from pressure sores | 4. Doesn’t provide protection against pressure sores |
| 5. Evenly distributes body weight which allows a better and increased blood circulation | 5. Doesn’t evenly distribute the body weight |
| 6. Absorbs movements of your partner and helps you sleep better | 6. Doesn’t absorb movements on the mattress |
Memory Foam has the following key features:
- Better motion transfer
- Molds around the body
- Insulates heat
Following are the key features of Latex:
- Long-lasting
- Molds around the body in a better way
- Comes from a natural substance
Memory Foam
Memory Foam is not a modern invention. It is rather old, originating for the first time in the 1960’s. NASA used to make airplane seats from memory foam since it was soft.
In response to the pressure of your body and also the heat radiating from it, Memory Foam molds around your body. It distributes the weight of your body in an even manner. It regains its original shape when the pressure is removed from it, but not very quickly and retains the shape of your body for a while. It is extremely comfortable. Apart from mattresses, it is being used in shoes and seating pads.
You have the choice of either buying the complete mattress made out of Memory Foam or buying it to be used as a mattress topper. Different chemicals are used in the making of memory Foam to give it its unique properties and characteristics. Memory foam is polyurethane which has been designed using several chemicals which make it dense and capable of absorbing energy.
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Advantages of Memory Foam Mattress
If you are making a comparison, i.e., you are looking at Memory foam vs Latex; you will find out that mattresses made out of Memory foam are way more comfortable. They help with the circulation of blood and easing the pressure points when are sleeping.
It is designed in such a way that it molds to your body, and changes according to the position you are sleeping in. The foam fits the shape of your body as you change your position in the bed. As soon as your body shifts, the Memory foam changes its shape accordingly. They will fit exactly to the shape of your body.
For people who are bedbound, there is a high risk of pressure sores. Memory foam eliminates that risk as it is not too hard and pretty supportive.
Another advantage of Memory Foam is that it is movement absorbent. So if your better half moves around in the bed, you will not feel that movement very much as compared to other mattresses. This will lead to a more comfortable, peaceful sleep.
If you sleep on your back, Memory foam mattresses will provide adequate support to your back and spine. Even if you sleep on your side, it will provide support and comfort to your hip joints.
Since it is hypoallergenic, it is great for people suffering from allergies and having breathing issues. Dirt and bacteria cannot thrive in it since the material of the Memory Foam mattress is pretty dense.
Disadvantages of Memory Mattress
Memory foam conducts heat with the help of which it molds to the shape of your body. If you live in a hot country, memory foam mattresses may become too warm for your taste, and you have lain on them for a while.
Memory Foams are not made from natural substances but are made from chemicals. You may notice a strong smell when you unwrap the mattress for the first time. Air your mattress for a period of at least 24 hours when first opened, prior to use. However, you should know the mattresses are tested to make sure the chemicals are well under the levels of harm.
Latex Mattresses
Latex Mattresses aren’t a modern invention either since they have been in the market since the 1950s. When comparing Memory Foam vs Latex, they have quite a few advantages. They are usually of three types:
- Mattresses made from Natural Latex
- Mattresses made from Blended Latex
- Mattresses made from Synthetic Latex
Rubber tree sap gives us Hevea milk from which the Natural latex is made off. This doesn’t come cheap. So if you are going to buy a 100% natural latex mattress, you should keep it in mind that it won’t be easy on the pocket. On the bright side, a natural latex mattress can last up to a period of 15 years, so this means that you would be investing in for a long time.
Advantages of a Latex Mattress
If you have breathing issues or suffer from allergies, completely natural latex mattress would be a good choice for you, since it is hypoallergenic. Since it is made from natural substances, it is good for the environment as well.
Latex mattresses are resistant to the following:
- Bed Bugs
- Mites
- Different types of bacteria
Although Latex mattresses also conduct heat, as compared to Memory Foam mattresses they are relatively cooler. So if you live in a hot country and prefer to say cool during the night, go for a Latex mattress.
Learn more about How Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Mattress?
There are two ways of collecting the rubber tree sap from which Latex mattresses are made from.
- Talalay Process
The Latex made using this process is relatively soft. 100% natural mattress produced by using this process, since to create the puffier feeling, air and a few synthetic materials need to be used. It is the lighter version of the latex mattress. This makes it relatively easy to transport when compared to other latex mattresses. It also remains cool during the night as it can hold more air, which makes it an ideal choice if you cannot sleep on a bed that is too hot.
- Dunlop Process
This process creates a bit more firm foam. This means that the mattresses made using this process don’t sag over time and retain their shape. This makes them a lot more durable.
The Recovery time of a latex mattress is very good, that is when the pressure is relieved from the mattress, and it regains its original shape very quickly and has a certain amount of bounce to it.
Disadvantages of a Latex Mattress
One of the major disadvantages of a Latex mattress is its cost. Getting pure natural latex rubber is an expensive process by the proxy of which such a mattress would be difficult on the pocket.
They will fit the general shape of your body but not fit exactly as compared to the Memory Foam Mattresses.
Latex rubber mattress can be a bit too firm for the taste of some people. Although it may soften over a period of time, in the beginning, it would have a firm feel to it. If you prefer a soft mattress, then this mattress may not be the choice for you.
If you sleep in the same place every night, you may notice a depression in the mattress. However, this risk is much lower in 100% pure latex mattresses.
They are a bit on the heavy side. If you need to move the mattress quite a number of times, you may take this factor into consideration since it is not easy to move around.
Since it is bouncy and has a quick response time, it will not absorb the movements made by your partner during the night. So if you want a peaceful sleep and do not want to be disturbed by the movements of your partner, this is not the mattress for you.
Conclusion
If you are having difficulty in deciding between Memory Foam vs latex, you should go through the above benefits and drawbacks of both of them which have been given above. The choice is completely yours since it depends on your levels of comfort and desires. Choose the mattress which is perfect for you. Remember, that a good night’s sleep can render miracles for your day and have a great impact on how you deal with things in particular and life in general.
