The Difference Between Latex & Memory Foam Mattresses – Which Is Right For You?

February 19, 2018

You’re looking to buy a mattress. You start with the traditional considerations: size, budget and general comfort. But then you remember hearing about memory foam, so you decide to do some research to figure out how much you can really believe in the hype. In your research, you stumble onto latex mattresses, and now you’re back at square one with more to consider than ever before. Today we’re taking a closer look at the difference between latex and memory foam mattresses in several key categories. Get the best information before you buy!

Difference In Materials

Memory foam is a synthetic material that was first developed by NASA. It has since made a significant splash in the mattress market for its spongey, cloudlike comfort. Latex can either be natural or synthetic, created from rubber. When it comes to mattresses, both provide superior comfort when compared to traditional innerspring mattresses.

Other than that, a key difference between latex and memory foam mattresses is their health appeal. Premium, natural latex is hypoallergenic, resistant to mold and mildew, and unlike synthetic memory foam, has no noxious off-gassing.

Cost Factors

When it comes to the actual price of the mattress, there are several factors to consider. Many shoppers who are excited to try memory foam or latex can be quickly disheartened when they see the price tag. Keep in mind, of course, that a higher price doesn’t guarantee a better mattress. With all of the online retail options, more consumers are choosing to buy factory-direct bedding and furniture rather than dealing with the hassles of brick and mortar retail store. This can save you time, energy, and money by cutting out the middle man.

Comfort & Support

Comfort is of course subjective and specific to your sleep needs. However, generally speaking, we can think of comfort as softness and pressure relief. Support is typically firmer. Certain areas of the body, such as your joints, will require pressure relief while other areas, such as the lower back, need proper support.

Typically, memory foam mattresses offer great comfort and pressure relief, while latex offers comfort with superior support. Memory foam will be somewhat softer, and latex will be somewhat firm.

Durability Considerations

High levels of comfort can come at a cost, however. Memory foam is temperature sensitive. It expands as it heats up, and after many nights of absorbing your body heat, this expansion can lead to breakdown in the foam. While some latex mattresses may sag over time or become indented, they are typically more durable. However, when compared to traditional innerspring mattresses, both memory foam and latex mattresses can offer a similar to greater level of durability.

Absorbing Body Heat

Let’s talk more about sleep temperature. As mentioned above, memory foam is known to absorb body heat, which can lead to a sweaty night’s sleep. The initial comfort of the mattress can quickly vanish as you find yourself sinking into your bed like a damp pit of quicksand. Fortunately, you have options to help keep you cool with memory foam. Consider a cool-gel infused memory foam mattress for instance, or even a cool gel mattress pad. Latex mattresses are typically better at keeping you cool, because the open cell structure of the material allows for superior breathability.

The Verdict?

We’ve covered some of the differences between latex and memory foam mattresses, so which is better? Memory foam clearly receives the most hype, but it has some serious drawbacks. Latex seems like it could be a better option, but is it too close to tell? Maybe you don’t have to choose between the two…

Introducing The Swift Bed

Hybrid Latex & Memory Foam Mattress

Why settle for one material over the other? Just settle down to sleep. With our innovative Swift Bed, you get the best of both latex and memory foam—and then some:

• We’ve addressed issues of durability with our quality craftmanship and our high resilient support base.
• To solve the issue of body heat absorption, we infused our memory foam comfort layer with cooling gel to keep you comfortable all night long.
• We topped it all off with a layer of premium, natural Talalay latex to give you the perfect blend of comfort, support, and breathable air circulation.

Ready to shop? Order direct from our factory and receive free shipping, plus our 100-Night Guarantee!

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