Are Latex Mattresses Better Than Memory Foam?
You will end up paying more money for all-natural high quality latex mattresses, but for some people they are well worth the extra cost. The best selling mattress on the market today is the spring mattress, but various foam mattresses have quickly become extremely popular as well. In addition to latex mattresses, memory foam, and spring mattresses you can also find brands that contain air, water, or many natural fibers.
Price and comfort are certainly the most important issues for many people when shopping for a new bed, but without knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each mattress type you will be unable to make the wisest choice when selecting the ultimate one for your own particular needs. If you’re looking at price only, you will immediately want to remove latex mattresses and memory foam mattresses from your shopping list. Memory foam, also called visco-elastic, is rather expensive when compared to conventional mattresses, but natural latex mattresses are even more expensive.
Latex Mattresses Can Get Expensive
If the price doesn’t deter you from buying the best latex mattress you will find many benefits to owning one. Latex mattresses come in two varieties, natural and synthetic. Synthetic latex is made from chemicals and has several drawbacks when compared to natural latex rubber, but the big advantage is their lower cost. One of the disadvantages is that people with allergies or asthma may have reactions to the chemicals in the synthetic latex foam. Synthetic foams will also degrade and compress much quicker and therefore will not be as durable or long-lasting.
Natural latex mattresses are made from rubber tree sap, a renewable and biodegradable commodity. Once its lifespan is complete it can be recycled which makes it environmentally friendly. Other types of chemically-made foam mattresses can cause allergic reactions in some people, but natural latex mattresses are ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers. Plus, they are resistant to dust mites and fire.
Latex Mattresses Are Extremely Comfortable
As far as comfort is concerned, latex mattresses are considered by their owners as one of the most comfortable types around. Natural latex mattresses has a bounciness to it that compares well with a spring mattress. On the other hand, memory foam mattresses do not return to their normal shape as quickly, causing a feeling a “sinking in.” This means it’s much more difficult to move around on a bed made from visco-elastic foam than it is on a mattress made of natural latex rubber.
Visco-elastic retains heat which can be uncomfortable for many, especially during the hotter summer months. However, a latex mattress is much more breathable which translates into cooler sleeping in the summer and warmer sleeping in the winter.
Prices for foam mattresses depend largely on their densities and whether or not they are natural or synthetic. You will find that budget brands generally have low densities, which means they will degrade and compress faster, lose their bounciness quicker, and have a shorter lifespan. This is also true for synthetic brands. All-natural brands, those made without chemicals, are more expensive, but will last for 30 or 40 years and sometimes longer. So even though natural latex mattresses are more expensive, they can be cheaper over the long run because you won’t have to replace it for a very long time.
People with back problems who sleep on conventional mattresses may find much relief after switching to a latex mattress. They can be very firm and supportive while still providing that comfortable springiness and ease of movement.
Latex mattresses have tiny pin holes drilled into them. The more holes that are drilled, the softer the mattress will be. In addition to the amount of holes, the size also matters. Most experts agree that the larger the holes, the better the mattress. Holes allow the air to flow through it, making if feel softer and more comfortable. They also provide better air circulation which can decrease the friction in latex foam and increase its lifespan. The holes also allow latex mattresses to breathe, helping it to stay cooler than memory foam. The best way to determine whether or not organic latex mattresses are best for you is to read several latex mattress reviews about specific brands.