Comparing the Best Latex Mattress to a Memory Foam Mattress
Do you want to find the best latex mattress? Is a latex mattress better than a memory foam mattress? Many people do not even know there is a difference between the two and think of them as the same type of bedding, but there are important differences that you must know before buying one. Discover the qualities that determine the best latex mattress or memory foam mattress.
With so many different types of bedding available today it is not easy coming to a final decision about which one is best. There are many factors involved when attempting to determine the best latex mattress or memory foam bed including price, comfort, density, firmness, and others.
Is Cheaper Better?
When it comes to price it is not as obvious as you might imagine. You cannot simply look at 5 different beds, notice their prices, and then buy the cheapest one. Price is but one piece of the puzzle that must be examined before making a final decision.
The only way to look at price is to determine its yearly cost. Divide the total cost of the bed by its expected lifespan and you will come up with the amount of money it will cost per year to own. If a bed cost $1,000 and it was expected to last for 10 years, the cost per year would be $100. It may seem cheaper to buy a $700 bed, but if it only lasted for 5 years it would be more expensive per year than the $1,000 bed.
The Best Latex Mattress Comes in Different Firmness Levels
Both memory foam and latex are relatively new sleep technologies. Each has their own unique advantages and disadvantages which must be examined before deciding on which one is best for you. Plus, the best latex mattress has advantages over cheaper latex mattresses. They are both firm mattresses, but for some people they can actually feel a little bit too firm. Firmness is measured by compressing the mattress. The denser the mattress the less it will compress. Higher ILD ratings mean the mattress is firmer.
Latex mattresses are typically rated at 4 ILD or less while memory foams are usually 5 ILD or higher. This makes the memory foam mattress a bit more firm and the latex mattress slightly less firm, but more bouncy and soft. If you want the absolute firmest mattress you will want to go with memory foam, but if you like a little spring in the bed while still having good support the best choice is latex.
How Does Memory Foam Work?
Memory foams are designed to conform to the contours of the human body. When first laying on the bed it will feel firm, but as the body heat is absorbed by the foam it will begin to soften and distribute the weight evenly over a wide area. This has the effect of relieving pressure points which can be very beneficial for people with joint or back pain. Many people suffering with lower back pain will notice tremendous relief from sleeping on memory foam. Others will not like the feel because the heat is retained by the foam, hence making the mattress too warm.
Is the Best Latex Mattress Produced from Chemicals?
Both of these mattresses are great when it comes to mold and mildew because they are much less susceptible to these problems than older convention beds. The big difference between the two is that memory foam is man-made while latex is made from natural tree sap. Foam has added chemicals that can cause skin reactions in some people while latex does not. Latex is eco friendly and has the ability to resist dust mites and bacterial growth. It is also hypo-allergenic, making it an excellent choice for asthma sufferers or people with allergies.
What Quality Does the Best Latex Mattress Possess?
The best latex mattress has many tiny pin holes drilled into it. The holes can be small or large, but even the largest are still very small. The holes allow more air to pass through the mattress which serves a couple of purposes. First, they reduce the friction in the latex. Without holes there will be more friction, causing it to wear out quicker. Due to these holes and other factors the latex mattress will last as long as 30 years or more. The holes also give the mattress more cushion and softness, increasing the comfort level. According to the experts, if you want to find the best latex mattress, look for one with the largest holes.
The best latex mattress has one downside, its price. The best latex mattress can be rather expensive. However, when you look at the cost per year of the best latex mattress versus bedding of lower quality it just might be the best overall value. If the price for the best latex mattress is still too high you can purchase a latex mattress topper instead. It is much cheaper than a full mattress and can be placed on top of your old bed.
As you can see there are many factors that should be considered when choosing a new bed. The best bed for you will be determined by its cost per year, the amount of firmness or density you feel most comfortable with, whether or not you want an environmentally friendly or chemically made product, and many other factors. It is also a good idea to read some memory foam and latex mattress reviews before making a final decision. However, one thing is for sure: if you want either the best latex mattress or memory foam mattress, both of these mattresses have many advantages over older and more conventional beds.