Latex Mattress Reviews

Which is Best, a Latex Mattress or Memory Foam Mattress?

Contrary to what many people believe, a latex mattress is not the same thing as a memory foam mattress. There are some major differences that you must know before deciding on which one to buy. Learn the facts about memory foam and latex mattresses so that you will know which one is best for you.

It can be very confusing shopping for a bed these days, having so many types of mattresses available to choose from. Do you want a spring or air mattress? How about a water bed? Or if you want to take the next step up and buy an ultra comfortable latex mattress or memory foam mattress you will probably want to read some memory foam or latex mattress reviews. All mattresses are not created equal and figuring out which one is best for you might take some effort on your part. But reading a few memory foam and latex mattress reviews will only make your job that much easier.

How to Compare Prices the Right Way

There are two main criteria that most people consider when shopping for a new bed: price and comfort. Comparing prices seems like it would be easy, but there is more to it than you might think. You cannot just look at the price of one bed and then compare it to the price of another. Different foam densities or latex mattress firmness levels may not be the same, making the comparisons inaccurate. Additionally, some mattresses will last longer than others which will make comparisons even tougher.

The best method for comparing prices is to determine the life expectancy for each bed and then divide the price by the number of years you expect the bed to last. If a latex mattress lasts 20 years and costs $2,000, it is going to cost you $100 per year. On the other hand, if a spring mattress costs $1,000, but only lasts 5 years, you will be spending $200 per year on that bed. You may initially think that a $1,000 bed is cheaper than a $2,000 bed, when in reality it is the other way around over the long term.

Are Latex Mattresses For Everyone?

The next and possibly most important thing to consider is the comfort factor. Either a latex mattress or memory foam mattress can be extremely comfortable, but not to everyone. Over 90% of latex mattress owners are very pleased with their bed, finding them comfortable, while the other 10% are not so happy.

If you want to find a bed that will last for 30 years or more the latex mattress is a great choice. It holds up better than other beds and does not sag as much. Most spring mattresses or air mattresses will generally not last nearly as long. A memory foam mattress will typically last about 15 years as long as you flip it occasionally to prevent sagging.

Can a Mattress Really Smell?

Memory foam retains more body heat than other types of bedding which can make it uncomfortable for some people. This type of bedding is also known to “off gas” when new, giving off an unpleasant odor. The latex mattress does not have this problem.

A Latex Mattress is Environmentally Friendly

Latex mattresses have many advantages in addition to their long lifespan. Latex is made from a rubber that comes from tree sap which makes them eco friendly. They are considered a healthy bed because they are hypo-allergenic. This makes them excellent for people with allergies. Additionally, they are fire resistant and also pest resistant.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages with a latex mattress. You will normally pay a substantial amount for this type of bedding, as much as $2,000 or more. However, as mentioned previously, if you factor in the lifespan of the mattress it does not seem so expensive. Latex mattresses are also exceptionally heavy. If you ever decide to move it to a different location it can be quite a job. But being heavy isn’t all bad. Being dense and heavy is the main reason why it will last so long. Lighter beds usually won’t last as long.

Memory foam mattresses are unique in that they conform to the shape of the human body. This quality lessens the amount of pressure on the hips and shoulders which can result in a more restful sleep. Body weight is distributed more evenly and over a wider area, reducing pressure on any one body part. People with lower back pain often find relief sleeping on memory foam.

Which Mattress Type is Best?

So which type of bedding is best? The only way to tell for sure is to come up with a maximum price that you feel comfortable with, figuring in the life expectancy of each bed, and then test them all out. Lying on each bed for an extended period of time is the only way to tell for sure which mattress is most comfortable. However, you cannot lie on a bed for 5 minutes and determine with accuracy which is best. You need to rest on each bed for an hour or two, or possibly longer, to determine which one is the most comfortable. Some beds that feel great for 5 or 10 minutes may be uncomfortable after two hours. And be sure to read more memory foam mattress or latex mattress reviews because they can also help you decide.