Latex Vs Memory Foam Mattress – Which Is Better?

People are becoming more health-conscious in recent days. Therefore, they are trying every possible way to maintain their health and make sure that they can alleviate stress and depression from their lives. For example, people are now focusing on proper diet, having less pressure from work, etc.

If you, too, are one of them, have you ever thought that your mattress also plays an important role in maintaining your health?

No, right? 

Mattresses are crucial in maintaining health, both physical and mental. However, if you choose the wrong product, not only will your sleep remain incomplete, but you can see the impacts on your physical health also. This is why you need to know the differences between the two most popular mattresses based on materials- memory foam and latex.

There are few things you must know before buying a mattress in online.

This article will help you identify the differences between latex and memory foam mattresses so that choosing the best one can become much easier and smoother for you.

To grasp the discrepancies between high resilience and high density foam, check out our article – HR Foam Vs HD Foam.

1. Latex Vs Memory Foam Mattress – A Brief Definition 

In memory foam mattresses, the core layer is made from memory foam that acts as a comfort source. The material is made from high-density polyurethane with a difference in viscosity. Unlike PU foam, memory foam is highly viscous, so it can change its shape by applying pressure and heat. 

In the latex mattresses, organic latex foams are added. It acts as both a comfort and support layer, thereby ensuring peaceful sleep throughout the time. Moreover, most latex foams have pin core technology where a stack of sharp pins are inserted into the foam when it’s still soft. This creates an open cell structure for better ventilation. 

1.1 Types of Memory Foam 

There are three types of memory foam used in manufacturing mattresses. These are: 

1. Regular memory foam is made from PU foam and has an open-cell structure. 
2. Gel-based memory foam is where micro cooling gel globules are injected into the material’s pores. It will absorb the body heat and keep you clean. 
3. Next-gen memory foam is a high-standard material constructed with more conformity and soreness-alleviating properties. 

1.2 Types of Latex Mattresses

Latex material can be divided into two types based on the origin of the liquid latex. 

1. Organic latex foam is made from the sap collected from the rubber tree. It’s thick and white, processed in the factories to make the foam. 
2. Synthetic latex foams are made from polymers that have latex features. 

2. Latex Vs Memory foam Mattresses: Features and Functions

Features	Latex mattress	Memory foam mattress
Temperature control	Can control the temperature but not as efficiently as the memory foam.	Can control the temperature easily, thanks to the open-cell structure.
Motion transfer	Will allow the motion to get transferred to a certain extent	Won’t allow the motion to transfer from one position to the other
Conformity	It can conform to the body but not like the memory foam	Has a higher level of conformity for the ultimate body-hugging experience
Hypoallergenic	It is hypoallergenic only if the foam is made from organic latex	It is hypoallergenic but not usually suitable for people having sensitive skin
Durability	It is highly durable and can last for a long time without any support layer.	It is less durable and can sag early if hard base support is not present.
Firmness	It is usually firm, with firmness ranging between 5.5 to 6.5.	Medium firmness with a value between 5.5 to 6.
Odour and noise	It might give off slight woody and musky scent with no noise	No odour or noise

2.1 Temperature Control

The memory foam used in mattresses usually has an open cell structure to maintain air circulation at an optimal level. Besides, when the foam is filled with micro cooling gel molecules, it will absorb both surface and body heat, ensuring that the bed remains cool. 

On the other hand, latex foam cannot ensure ventilation like memory foam. Therefore, the mattress’s surface may seem to be a bit hotter. 

2.2 Motion Transfer

Memory foam can have high viscosity, but it can easily prevent motion transfer. On the contrary, the latex mattresses do not have motion transfer. 

2.3 Conformity 

Memory foam mattresses have a higher level of conformity. Therefore, applying pressure and heat can change its shape accordingly and provide you with an excellent body-hugging experience. It will also release pressure from the trigger points and ensure that you won’t have to deal with soreness the next morning. 

Latex mattresses, on the other hand, have less conformity. It can release the pressure from knotted muscles but won’t change its shape completely when pressure or heat is applied to the surface. 

2.4 Hypoallergenic

Memory foam is usually hypoallergenic. Therefore, it won’t cause allergies, rashes, and tenderness in your skin. However, it’s possible only if the chosen mattress has open-cell structured memory foam. 

If you buy an organic latex mattress, there is nothing to be worried about since it won’t trigger any adverse skin reactions. But synthetic latex mattresses can be harmful to your skin, no matter how sensitive you are. 

2.5 Durability

The memory foam mattresses are softer, and therefore, the durability is less than the latex mattresses. Besides, the sagging rate is more for memory foam than latex. 

2.6 Firmness 

Memory foam usually has low firmness, with the value ranging between 5.5 to 6 due to soft PU foam. It does not have high density, unlike latex foam which is hard and can support your body weight perfectly. The latex mattresses usually have a firmness value ranging between 5.5 to 6.5.

2.7 Odour and Noise 

Both memory foam and latex mattresses won’t make any noise. But the latex mattress can give off a woody and musky smell at the beginning since the raw material is obtained from natural rubber plants. 

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing a Memory Foam Mattress

3.1 Advantages 

1. Memory foam mattresses can hug your body like a second skin and release the pressure from your tensed muscles in a breeze. 
2. The products are not allergic and, therefore, safe for all sleepers. 
3. Memory foam can regulate the temperature through its open cell structure or the micro cooling gel molecules infused in its structure. 

3.2 Disadvantages 

1. Memory foam mattresses can sag much earlier than necessary. 
2. The sagging rate is also higher for the memory foam. 

4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing a Latex Mattress

4.1 Advantages 

1. Latex mattresses have higher firmness and are perfect for orthopaedic patients suffering from chronic to severe issues. 
2. They can offer both comfort and support to your body, thereby reducing both soreness and stiffness from your bones. 
3. The latex mattresses are organic and won’t cause any allergy to your skin. 

4.2 Disadvantages 

1. Latex mattresses cannot prevent motion transfer from one point to the other. 
2. Temperature control is not up to the mark in the latex mattresses. 

Also Read, Coir Mattress Vs Foam Mattress – Which One to Choose?

Conclusion 

Now that you are aware of the differences between memory foam and latex mattresses, we are certain that you will choose the best product without any hassle. However, consider your health needs, budget, and the features you want before you decide whether the memory foam will be good for you or the latex. 

Hence, you have to decide carefully, and that’s where this mattress buying guide will help you.

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