The differences between latex and memory foam

Unfortunately, the marketing wars between mattress manufacturers have pitted latex against memory foam in a contest that seemingly causes people to utterly condemn one type of foam while fully supporting the other. Yet, the truth of the matter is that reality lies somewhere in the middle. Most of the extreme claims made in both camps are exaggerations at best, if not patently untrue. Both latex and memory foam have their pros and cons. But neither is so superior as to cancel the other one out.

Before continuing, it’s important to note that there are four basic types of foam used in bedding:

• natural latex
• synthetic latex
• standard polyurethane/cold foam
  
• memory foam

Natural Latex Foam

Natural latex foam is made from the sap of rubber trees. The sap is extracted, “cooked,” and treated with additional compounds such as enzymes and amino acids. The finished product is then poured into a mold and then further treated according to one of two processes. Those two processes are known as the Dunlop process and the Talalay process. The Dunlop process accounts for the vast majority of natural latex mattresses because it is the less expensive of the two.

The Talalay process adds two extra steps to manufacturing to produce foam that is much more uniform in density. These added steps require more labor and, thus, more cost. Proponents of Talalay latex foam believed the uniform density provides better support, lasts longer, and sleeps more comfortably.

Synthetic Latex

Synthetic latex is made of petrochemicals and was developed during World War II when there was a shortage of natural latex. Not only did the scientists who developed the product manage to alleviate the short supply of latex, but they also ended up developing a process that could create synthetic latex much more cheaply than natural latex. Because of that, synthetic latex exploded onto the market after the war to be used in everything from seat cushions to insulation materials to bedding.

Synthetic latex mattresses are generally cheaper than natural latex while still providing the same amount of firmness and support. Between the two types, firmness and support are the main reasons people choose latex foam mattresses. They offer more firmness and support than memory foam mattresses without the pressure points associated with innerspring mattresses.

Latex is also healthier for individuals with allergies because it is hypoallergenic and doesn’t provide a comfortable home for dust mites. It’s also a good choice for individuals prone to infection because it doesn’t support bacteria growth.

Standard Polyurethane

You may have heard of this foam under its other commonly used names; Polyfoam or just Poly. Polyurethane foam is another synthetic product developed by combining a recipe of various ingredients into a frothy batter of sorts. The eventual density and rigidity of a mattress are determined by the amount and types of catalyst compounds added to the batter in order to stimulate the forming process. Certain combinations make a lighter and more flexible foam, while other combinations create a firmer and denser product.

It’s important to note that the most firm and dense polyurethane foam products are too rigid for mattress use. Instead, that foam is used as an insulation in car doors, refrigerators, and other similar applications.

The main benefit of standard polyurethane is its durability. It provides support and firmness similar to natural latex but is prone to a much longer and useful life. Most of the breakdown of polyurethane foam occurs within the first year of its use. Still, that breakdown is so slight that it is barely noticeable. From there, any continued breakdown occurs gradually over the next decade or so. This characteristic means a polyurethane mattress usually has an average life of 20+ years before users began to complain of comfort issues. But regardless of this longevity, users normally still prefer memory foam or latex which last “only” 10 years, due to the better comfort those foams provide.

Cold Foam

Many people wonder what a cold foam mattress is. It’s actually the same material as polyurethane foam. The difference lies only in the production process. The advantage of polyurethane foam is that the production process creates a finer cell structure which makes it support the body more evenly over the surface area and is therefore more comfortable to lie on. Cold foam is more irregular and strong in the cell structure which makes it less comfortable. However, both materials are equal in effectiveness if they are only used for the bottom layer in a mattress. The purpose of the bottom layer is only to provide a solid foundation for the other softer layers on top of it.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a modified polyurethane foam product made more soft and body-conforming by introducing certain gases during the manufacturing process. These gases create an open cell structure as opposed to the closed-cell structure of standard polyurethane. And because the cells of the foam are open, they accept heat much more readily when an individual lies on it. As it accepts heat, it also softens, thus giving memory foam its body-hugging properties.

Memory foam is the mattress material of choice among people who like a fair amount of firmness combined with softness and body-conforming properties. For many people who have never slept on memory foam, it is an experience that takes some getting used to. A typical user feels as though he is being “hugged” by his mattress because it conforms so well to the body. This makes it an ideal material for people with some forms of arthritis, back problems, and other musculoskeletal issues.