What Is The Difference Between Memory Foam And Latex Mattresses?
Mattresses made form latex and memory foam are often compared to each other most of the times, with many people wondering which one may work best to provide maximum comfort. Both of these mattresses often have layered, thus being able to properly adjust to the body of whoever is sleeping on them.
We have gathered all the necessary information, so that by the end of this article, you will be well aware about the main differences between the latex and the memory foam mattresses. We shall for this reason, look at each one of them, know their properties, pros and cons; so that you can understand how you will benefit from either material or both, depending.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are often created using polyurethane and other additional materials. For this reason, it tends to have properties that are viscoelastic. Any small application of pressure on these mattresses will lead the the surface of the mattress contouring and hugging the applied pressure.
The response of how quick these mattresses change to pressure is dependent on the specific type of memory foam mattress, but generally they tend to respond slower compared to other mattresses. The viscoelastic foams often conform to the heat and pressure form bodies, but bounce back to their original shapes when the pressure is removed.
The memory foam mattress is well able to take on different feels and firmness levels. Of great importance to note is the fact that all memory foam mattresses are polyurethane foams, however not all polyurethane foams are memory foam.
This type of mattresses has a structure that is open-celled and thus enhances breathability. Most manufactures mostly infuse them with gels for cooling, together with other conducive agents, to help keep heat away.
Pros
• Inhibits motion transfer across the bed. As a result, it is very unlikely for someone to wake up a sleeping partner while changing positions at night.
• Contours and comfortably supports the body, and hence enables users to sleep better.
• Is highly resistant to dust mites. For this reason, it is very unlikely that you will find dust mites in these foam mattresses, because of its high density; in comparison to other types.
• Is designed in such a way that they are able to support side and back sleepers. They are suited for people who mostly sleep on their side or back.
• They tend to have extended periods for return; and warranties that are long, to give customers enough trial periods.
Cons
• Not recommended for stomach sleepers
• They emit strong smell of gas while still new. These gases are mostly comprised of volatile organic compounds.
• Has high heat retention, because they are quite dense. They may be uncomfortable for people who sweat a lot.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are of made up of either synthetic or natural rubber. They are often fitted with springs, and for this reason, they bounce back when someone pushes into them. Some of these Latex mattresses are also made from a combination of both the natural and synthetic latex.
The natural latex mattresses are made using raw latex that is harvested from rubber and processed naturally, to create layers of foam. They are quite ideal for people who may be in need of natural mattresses.
Synthetic latex on the other hand is often made from a variety of different materials, which are unnatural. They are mostly made from styrene-butadiene rubber. This type of mattress tends to have a feel that is similar to the natural latex, expect for the fact that it bounces less.
Pros
• Are very highly durable, because latex is a strong material that can last for several years.
• Promotes airflow, since latex has small holes that allow for air to easily flow through the mattress.
• Are quite comfortable to sleep in, since latex conforms to the general impressions formed by the body.
Cons
• Are not suitable for people with latex allergies.
• Have an increased weight, hence they are so heavy and moving them around is therefore quite cumbersome.
• They are more expensive than other types of mattresses.
Major Differences between Memory Foam and Latex
Conformity
The memory foam mattress will conform to the exact shape of the body. The latex type on the contrary will tend to bounce and compress, and will end up only getting alignments and conformations of the impressions made by the body.
Transfer of Motion
The memory foam type does not easily allow for transfer of motion. What this means is that if your partner is sleeping on one side of the bed and keeps moving around, you will hardly feel any motions.
The latex mattress on the other hand does not easily isolate motion. In the same event that your partner is moving around, you will be able to feel every movement. This is mostly because latex is very bouncy and has a quick response time.
Conclusion
The discussion above has given the in-depth details about the memory foam latex mattresses. The advantages and disadvantages of each type have also been elaborately discussed. You are thus able to clearly distinguish the differences between the two. This will help you in choosing what best suites you, depending on your needs.
