What's better, Latex or Memory Foam Mattresses?

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

Memory foam mattresses are renown for their pressure relief and comfort.

Latex mattresses are known for their durability and natural properties.

For many, latex memory foam mattresses are the solution.

Latex Mattress vs. Memory Foam Mattress

Latex mattresses are some of the healthiest and most eco-friendly mattresses available. Their comfort however leaves much to be desired.

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.

Making the healthy choice (natural latex) or comfortable choice (memory foam) is a dilemma for consumers.

Natural memory foam is also an option.

What is Latex Foam and Why isn't it Widely Used?

Latex foam is a type of foam designed to have certain feel. It can be made using natural or synthetic (man made) 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 very expensive and durable, lasting 15+ years. For this reason they usually only include 1 - 2 inches of 100% natural latex on top just to promote its natural qualities. Be suspicious then companies don't mention the percentage of natural content in their latex.

It's not feasible for any mattress under $1500 to be made entirely of 100% natural latex due to the costs.

There are 2 different processes to create latex found in mattresses:

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 and air 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.

Clarifying the Misinformation

People often say Talalay is 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.

How do Latex Mattresses Compare to Spring Mattresses?

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.

People who read this article also read:

- Essentia vs Memory Foam Mattresses
- How to choose a memory foam mattress
- Spring mattress or memory foam mattress?

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