How well you sleep affects how much energy you’ll have for your day, including work, family time, and hobbies. Therefore, your choice of mattress can make an impact on your overall quality of life.
There are many materials to choose from when you’re looking for a mattress, but two stand out as the most popular choices. Latex and memory foam are both high-quality materials that dominate the mattress market today.
In this article, we will do a complete latex vs. memory foam comparison with tips for you to choose the best material for your mattress the next time you go shopping for one.
What Is Latex?
Latex is a natural material known for its durability and responsive feel. It is made out of the sap of rubber trees. The sap is processed and turned into a dense substance that looks like foam. This latex foam is generally firmer than memory foam, and this extra density gives it a bouncy feel and more durability.
Latex mattresses are thought to last a long time, but this can also depend on the quality of the mattress itself. There is also a cheaper option – synthetic latex – which simulates the feel of a latex mattress but doesn’t quite have the same properties.
A natural latex mattress is a more expensive option, but it can be worth the investment as it will last up to 20 years with regular maintenance.
What Is Memory Foam?
Memory foam, as it is commercially known, is a polyurethane compound treated with chemicals to produce a material with higher viscosity and density.
The result is a durable foam that reacts to body heat and follows the contours of your body to provide that “body-hugging” feel people enjoy and buy it for.
It was first intended to be used on NASA’s airplane seats. This synthetic material was designed to absorb shock better than conventional foams. Today it is used for blankets, cushions, sports helmet paddings, and more.
What Is the Difference Between Memory Foam and Latex?
In terms of how they perform, there are several clear differences between these two foam materials.
The density and quality of latex and memory foam will have some effect on how the mattress feels, how firm it is, how well it supports you, and how long it lasts.
Keep in mind that this comparison is made between an average memory foam mattress and an average latex mattress, so when you start looking to buy, make sure that you get a product from a reputable manufacturer and use caution if you’re buying a mattress online.
Price
When people go shopping for a new mattress, one of the first things they look at is the price tag.
In most cases, a latex foam mattress can be more expensive than a memory foam mattress, but it is also thought to be of higher quality. They will last longer, and it might be worth the investment.
If you’re on a budget and trying to buy a new mattress, you are more likely to find a top-grade product with memory foam that will last eight to 10 years.
Feel
How a mattress feels is arguably its most important feature. Most latex mattresses have a springy or firm feel to them. When you lie down, memory foam adapts to the contours of your body, and over time, this can result in sinking, so if you prefer a little more pushback from your mattress, a latex one would be a better fit.
Support
In the comparison between latex vs. memory foam, it all comes down to preference with the support they provide.
Latex mattresses are firmer and perform slightly better than memory foam when it comes to support, which is beneficial for people who require that added pushback for their back.
Otherwise, memory foam mattresses are equally adequate for most people. Some people prefer that cushioned feel, but you should check that your memory foam is not too soft so that it may still properly support the spine while you rest.
Pressure Relief
When it comes to pressure relief, memory foam mattresses perform better as they are softer, which helps with aching joints and pain relief.
The extra firmness of latex mattresses makes them more responsive, and that springy effect causes discomfort to some sleepers.
Temperature Regulation
When we compare latex vs. memory foam in terms of how the two materials handle body heat, latex is much more neutral, and for those who struggle with sleeping hot, this might be a better choice overall.
Memory foam tends to absorb and trap body heat. This shouldn’t be a cause for concern, as cooling gel memory foam can improve this feature significantly. Alternatively, you could get a quality mattress topper to mitigate this issue.
Durability
Latex mattresses are much more durable and can last as twice as long. A good latex mattress can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance. Latex springs back to shape quickly and is less prone to wear and tear, while memory foam can sag with time.
This means that you will need to replace your memory foam mattress sooner, as they usually last eight to 10 years. You should take this into consideration when shopping and see what fits your budget.
Sleeping Positions
The differences between latex and memory foam in terms of firmness and responsiveness mean that one or the other may better suit a specific type of sleeper and the sleeping habits and positions they prefer.
Those who sleep on their stomach might benefit from a latex mattress more, as the added support helps keep their spine in alignment.
In contrast, those sleeping on their side will prefer a memory foam mattress because it is better for pain relief and sleeping on the side puts more pressure on your shoulders and hips.
Latex is also a better choice for those who twist and turn during sleeping, as the latex material will respond faster and make it more comfortable as they change their sleeping positions.
Those who sleep on their backs will get enough support from both mattresses. However, memory foam beds will provide more pain relief for the shoulders, as it absorbs pressure better.
Hypoallergenic
For those struggling with allergies, the memory foam vs. latex dilemma is a real one. Latex is a natural material that repels allergens such as mites and moulds, and you won’t have to clean it as often.
Memory foam is also dense, which is good for protection against mites, but sometimes gives off volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, which contribute to indoor pollution.
Motion Transfer
Memory foam is much better at isolating movement and that is the reason many couples prefer it. Even if your partner tends to be restless during sleep, you can still get an undisturbed rest.
Latex is naturally much more bouncy and is not as good at isolating movement. So if your partner tends to toss and turn during sleep, that could mean loss of sleep for you, as latex tends to be very responsive.
Bottom Line
You should view buying a new mattress as an investment that improves your quality of life and consider the fact that quality usually comes with a price.
In this article, we compared the two most popular choices. Both memory foam and latex are quality materials with a lot to offer, and the choice comes down to personal preference.
Memory foam can be a more affordable option, but latex mattresses usually last longer if treated with proper care. Some people like how responsive latex is, while others prefer the soft and padded feel of memory foam.
FAQ
Is latex firmer than memory foam?
Latex is a natural material that is firmer than memory foam and therefore has a quicker response and a bouncier feel. Memory foam is softer, and it conforms to the contour of the body over time, which can have its own benefits, like putting less pressure on the joints while you’re sleeping.
Is there anything better than memory foam?
If you need a quality mattress but are not satisfied with the soft feel of memory foam, you should check out mattresses made out of latex. They are a more expensive option but are also more durable, and the investment can pay off in the long run.
Which is better, memory foam or latex?
Both latex and memory foam have their advantages and disadvantages. Comparing latex vs. memory foam should be done considering two products in the same quality range, as there are many options on the market.
Pricewise, latex tends to be more expensive and durable, while memory foam is better for those who like a padded feel. Both materials are considered to be good options for a mattress, but you should avoid some cheaper materials, such as polyurethane foam.
