Memory Foam Vs. Latex Foam Mattresses

It can be difficult to understand the benefits and drawbacks of a memory foam vs. latex foam mattress. We’ve put together a guide that can help you make this distinction, and achieve the best possible sleep solution.

MEMORY FOAM VS LATEX FOAM – The similarities

Both memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses utilize foam as their support system. There are no springs in either of these mattresses; therefore, your body is not subjected to uncomfortable pressure points and you will experience improved circulation and more natural support. The properties of both foams allow for pressure relief and body contouring. Memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses are a great choice for allergy sufferers, as they are dust-mite resistant and hypoallergenic.

MEMORY FOAM VS. LATEX FOAM – The differences

The most remarkable difference between memory foam and latex foam is the material(s) they are made from. LuxaRest memory foam mattresses and LuxaRest memory foam mattress toppers are made from the finest open cell visco-elastic memory foam. A latex mattress is made from either natural or synthetic latex.

MEMORY FOAM

As the name implies, visco-elastic material, such as the visco-elastic memory foam utilized in the LuxaRest mattresses and mattress toppers, exhibits both viscous and elastic characteristics.

A viscous cell slowly re-forms and contours to your body’s shape and weight under the influence of applied pressure, such as the pressure of lying on a memory foam mattress or memory foam mattress topper. When you lie on a visco-elastic memory foam bed or memory foam mattress topper, the molecules that comprise the viscous material are compressed and rearranged. The rate and amount of contouring created by the rearrangement of the viscous cells is determined by the density of the viscous material and your body’s temperature, shape and weight. Once your body heat and the applied pressure are absorbed, the cells soften. This is what causes the memory foam mattress to contour and conform to your body shape. No other bedding works or feels quite like this.

Visco-elastic material instantly reacts when pressure is applied, but once the pressure is removed — for instance, when you change sleeping positions or rise from bed — it returns to its original shape.

The LuxaRest memory foam mattresses and LuxaRest memory foam mattress toppers combine the features and benefits of a viscous cell component and an elastic cell component into a truly remarkable contouring sleep surface.

LATEX FOAM

Considered the premium sleep surface by most European sleepers, latex is gaining popularity in the United States. Latex is a natural product that is derived from the latex rubber extracted from rubber trees. These small rubber particles are suspended and dispersed in water. The liquid is whipped into foam, then heated and dispensed into a mold. Once the latex has cooled, it is classified for degree of firmness (IFD).

Both Memory foam and Latex foam may have a range of both density (weight per cubic foot) and IFD (firmness rating).

Compared to Memory Foam, which is a relatively slow-response foam, Latex Foam is a very quick-response foam. Latex foam will respond and flex to your body, in contrast to memory foam, which tends to mold to your body. Latex foam feels “springier” and more rapidly responsive when compared to memory foam, which feels more solid. Latex foam is not temperature sensitive, while memory foam responds differently as the temperature varies. Latex made from natural rubber will also have natural anti-microbial properties.

During the manufacturing process of latex foam, pincore ventilation holes are created in the latex core. Heating rods are inserted into the latex mold while the rubber is in a liquid state. These heating rods assist in maintaining a consistent curing process, which results in a uniform, high-quality finished product. The greater the number, depth and diameter of these pincore holes, the lower the density of the latex core, which results in a plusher mattress. Conversely, a firmer latex mattress will have fewer, smaller pincore holes. Some latex mattresses have varying sizes or quantities of pincore holes within the same mattress to create different degrees of firmness in multiple areas of the mattress. These are called "zones of comfort" in which one area may be firmer or plusher than another area. These pincore holes allow latex foam to have a more air-filled structure than visco-elastic memory foam; therefore, latex foam has a higher ventilation factor, flexibility and resiliency than memory foam.