Memory Foam vs. Latex Mattresses

Introduction

Memory Foam and Latex mattresses are two highly-rated mattress types on the market. According to recent surveys, in terms of owner satisfaction, memory foam wins over latex by a slim margin.

Which is the Best Mattress, Memory Foam or Latex?

Though all kinds of surveys and websites give comparisons of these two types every year, it's still a frequently asked question.

To answer this question, we have to keep in mind that choosing a mattress is a matter of personal preference and requirements.

There's no a single type of mattress that works great for everyone.

What Are Memory Foam And Latex Made Of?

Memory foam is composed of polyurethane with added chemicals, which can be a disadvantage for people with chemical sensitivities or eco-friendly pursuit. A memory foam mattress has three main components: the memory foam layers, the support core, and the cover.

There are three different types of Latex mattresses: Natural latex, Blended latex, and 100% synthetic latex. Natural latex is made from the Hevea milk collected from rubber tree sap. Synthetic latex is made of chemical additives and petroleum-based oils. Blended latex combines natural and synthetic latex.

Also, there are 2 different ways to make latex mattress, Talalay process, and Dunlop process. The Talalay process makes latex mattress feel softer, while the Dunlop process makes it firmer.

How Memory Foam And Latex Feel?

Memory foam has a comfortable cloud-like and sinking sensation. It molds and curves to your body in response to pressure and heat. The mattress transfers the weight across the surface of the bed and distributes body weight evenly. It will slowly spring back to its original shape when you move. Additionally, memory foam's temperature sensitive makes it feel softer when warmer temperatures; and firmer in cold temperatures.

Latex mattress provides pressure relief in a way that you feel more like you are "on" the mattress instead of "in" the mattress. In other words, many people like latex because you get the pressure relief without that sinking in feeling. Latex mattresses tend to be firm, resilient and bouncy when compared to memory foam. Latex mattresses are resistant to allergies, bed bugs, mites or other bacteria.

Detailed Comparisons

Based on the ratings, let's see their similarities and differences.

Similarities

Pressure Relief ：Both mattresses excel at pressure relief.

Pain Relief ：Both memory foam and latex are effective at relieving back and other body pain.

Support：Both offer excellent support compared to other beds.

Guarantees：Both types often come with extended warranties with 20 or more years of coverage and reasonable return policies.

Differences

Price 

On average, both types tend to be more expensive than ordinary spring mattresses (hand-made luxury ones excluded). Latex mattresses are relatively more expensive than memory foam ones, and if you want the most natural latex mattress, prepare to pay thousands for it.

Durability

Both two beds have a longer lifespan than innerspring mattresses, but generally latex mattresses are more durable and last several years longer than memory foam mattresses (even high-density memory foam ones). Many memory foam mattresses tend to stop responding fully after a couple of years, and the support may become uneven.

Conforming Ability

Memory foam contours and conforms to the body better than latex. Memory foam gives owners the sinking and cloud-like feeling.

Easy to Move on

Since people may sink in too much in Memory foam mattress, it's not so easy for them to move around. Latex proves to be easier to move around since they are comparatively firm.

Motion Isolation

On this issue, memory foam performs well than latex. Most Memory foam, especially high-density ones, are designed to eliminate the problem of partner disturbance during night-time.

Resilience / Bounciness

Latex mattresses are known for resilience and bounciness which is sex friendly. Memory foam, on the other hand, tends to be very slow-moving. If you move around on it, the mattress will slowly go back to its original shape.

Sleeping Hot

Sleeping Hot problem is the main complaint that memory foam mattresses often get. Latex mattresses tend to be much cooler on the surface.

Odor

Memory foam can give off an initial gas when they are new due to its chemical composition. Synthetic latex tends to have initial odor too, but all-natural latex doesn't have the problem.

Natural

All natural latex excels in this category with no doubt, while memory foam mattresses are composed of polyurethane with added chemicals.

Weight

There is no question that latex weighs much more than memory foam mattresses, though high-density memory foam also can be very heavy.

Which Is Better For You?

Memory foam and latex mattress each have their benefits and downsides. What makes latex the best mattress for someone could make latex the wrong mattress for another.

Memory Foam might be suitable for people with following requirements：

• Experience painful pressure points
• Require or enjoy the sinking and contouring sensation
• Constantly bothered by partner’s movements at night
• Do not naturally overheat while sleeping

Natural Latex might be suitable for people with following requirements：

• Prefer a resilient and buoyant feel
• Favor the natural and eco-friendly lifestyle
• Customize your mattress
• Big budget