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How do you choose which material is right for you?
Ourbest memory foam mattressescan appeal to a range of sleep styles.
Lots of natural mattresses use latex. The Saatva Zenhaven mattress is our top pick
While latex is a less common mattress choice, the durable and hypoallergenic material offers compelling benefits.
How do you choose between the two?
What is a latex mattress?
Lots of natural mattresses use latex. The Saatva Zenhaven mattress is our top pick
Latex foams are made using liquid latex, a natural sap collected from rubber trees.
This sap is then whipped, molded into shape, and then frozen or baked into a foam.
There are two types of natural latex mattresses:Dunlop and Talalay.
The Nectar memory foam mattress is excellent for side sleepers
Dunlop and Talalay are made using the same basic material, but the manufacturing process creates small differences.
Dunlop is typically softer, while Talalay offers firmer support.
In its purest form, latex is a natural material.
The Emma Original is one of our favorite memory foam mattresses, but it can sleep a little warm
The term latex refers to the sap from rubber trees which is whipped and set into a foam.
That doesnt mean latex is always all-natural.
To be sure your mattress is natural latex, look for GOLS certification or ‘all-natural’ labeling.
The Avocado Green latex mattress is easy to set up and care for
For more information head to ourlatex foam mattressexplainer.
What is a memory foam mattress?
A classic memory foam will have a slow response feel that allows the mattress to cradle the body.
Memory foam is made from liquid chemicals that combine to create a foam.
These chemicals are typically petroleum- based.
It is not a natural material.
Latex vs memory foam: what are the differences?
Sleep feel
Memory foam mattresses are known for their cushioning.
Theyre responsive, cradling the body where it sinks into the sleep surface and offering support to achy joints.
There are variations within both these mattress styles.
Some memory foam mattresses have more bounce, while other latex mattresses offer a deeper cushion.
Keep in mind that comfort is personal.
A latex mattress might feel cushioned to you, but too firm for others.
Durability
Latex mattresses are known for their durability.
Latex foam is long-lasting, offering several years of sleep before showing signs of wear and tear.
Natural latex foam, in contrast, is generally accepted to be better at regulating temperature.
However, the heat retention of both memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses can vary between brands.
When investing in a memory foam mattress, it’s worth being a bit wary of brands' claims .
Motion transfer
If you share a bed with another person, then you better consider motion transfer.
Motion transfer refers to how much movement you might feel when the other person moves around in bed.
Latex foam will typically have higher levels of motion transfer.
The slow response feel of memory foam is especially good atmotion isolation.
For light sleepers, this means youre less likely to be disturbed by a restless partner.
Maintenance
Latex mattresses tend to be heavy and difficult to maneuver.
Memory foam mattresses are typically lighter than their latex counterparts.
Good news, as they tend to require flipping and rotating.
Theyre also prone to sagging, as the slow response feel stays molded to your shape.
Unless you have a latex allergy, in which case latex mattresses should be avoided.
Price
If youre considering a latex mattress, be prepared to make an investment.
Latex foam is typically one of the most expensive mattress materials.
Memory foam mattresses are available at a range of price points.
If youre considering memory foam, you should be able to find something within your budget.
Latex vs memory foam mattress: which should I buy?
Just check that the latex is from a sustainable source and isnt mixed with synthetic latex.
An investment upfront, the long-term performance can offset the cost.
Its great for light sleepers or those sharing with a restless partner.
If youre working with a budget, you should find a good range of memory foam options.
