Latex is the healthy mattress. Memory foam is the comfortable mattress. Let’s compare the pros and cons.

Memory foam mattresses are far more comfortable than latex mattresses. This pressure relieving foam drastically improves blood circulation so there's no tossing and turning, joint pain etc. They outperform natural latex mattresses in all tests which measure comfort. Making the healthy choice ( natural latex ) or comfortable choice ( memory foam ) is a dilemma for many consumers.

Natural memory foam is the solution to this dilemma. The only latex memory foam on the market.






Latex mattresses are some of the healthiest and most eco-friendly mattresses available; however they are not the most comfortable mattresses available.

While conventional memory foam mattresses outperform their latex counterparts in all tests which assess comfort such as pressure point relief, blood circulation and contouring support, they are made using harsh chemicals. Petroleum based memory foams outgas for years and have been linked to itchy eyes, respiratory issues, headaches etc.

Natural memory foam was developed by Essentia to provide a simple solution to the consumer dilemma of health vs. comfort. read more about natural memory foam.





Latex foam is a type of foam designed to have certain feel. It can be made using natural or synthetic ingredients.

There are 3 different types of Latex foam:

    1) 100% natural latex
    2) Blended latex
    3) Synthetic latex


Natural latex foam is processed rubber tree sap. Most brand names refrain from using 100% natural latex in their mattresses as it's the most expensive and durable bedding material on the market (it lasts 15+ years). They usually only include 1 - 2 inches of 100% natural latex on top just to promote its natural qualities. Be suspicious with companies who do don't mention the percentage of natural content in their latex.

Because of the cost of natural latex, it's not feasible for any mattress under $1500 to be made entirely of 100% natural latex.





Sap from the Rubber Tree is collected and processed into latex; the finished product used in mattresses and pillows.


1) Talalay Process
The Talalay process of making latex results in a softer feeling foam. Synthetics are always added to achieve this. 100% Natural Talalay does not exist and most Talalay on today’s market is heavily blended, if not 100% synthetic.


2) Dunlop Process
The Dunlop process of making latex creates a firmer feeling foam.


Both Dunlop and Talalay latex can be made 100% synthetic.





There's an ongoing story about Talalay being the superior latex. This is false and here's why.

Dunlop latex foam was put to market in the 1950's. The goal was not to create a natural foam, it was to create a longer lasting, better feeling product than other foams on the market.

The Talalay process was then invented. It felt better than the Dunlop foam, was softer, more durable and had a more consistent feel. To do this, 80% of the natural ingredients were replaced with synthetics. Remember "natural" was of no concern back then, it was all about the properties of the foam.

As technology improved Dunlop caught up in terms of performance, durability and consistency. Today Talalay is still the softer latex foam but it remains 80% synthetic. The process of making Talalay is also costlier so it remains the more expensive latex foam.





A latex mattress roughly provides comfort equivalent to that of a spring mattress, with extended durability (10-30 years).

The main difference between the 2 types of mattresses is component quality. Companies manufacturing natural latex mattresses tend to opt for environmentally friendly materials; natural and organic wools and cottons are often used while traditional spring mattress manufacturers tend to use synthetic foams and chemically treated synthetic fabrics etc.






- Essentia vs Tempur-Pedic Comparison
- How to choose a memory foam mattress
- Spring mattress or memory foam mattress?


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