Memory Foam vs Latex MattressesIt seems we want everything when looking for a new mattress. Will it be comfortable enough? Is it durable, good for your health and if that wasn’t enough, is it good value for money? This means manufacturers have a pretty hard crowd to please, but it’s not impossible. As you know, my website is all about memory foam mattresses and this is because I happen to think they’re the best type on the market right now. However I’m not here to make the decision for you. I realized that some people may be considering a latex mattress instead of memory foam, so what better than to add a page telling you the pros and cons of both? This type of mattress has been around for some years now. In fact, they have been available since the mid 1950’s and they are considered to be one of the healthiest mattresses you can buy simply because latex is a natural substance that comes from the rubber tree. Latex mattresses are also incredibly durable. In fact some models will last as many as 15 years or more, and again this is because of the material used.
If you prefer a firmer mattress, latex might be the answer because although it will conform to your body’s natural curves, it won’t give you that “sinking” feeling that memory foam does. A mattress that contains (or is made of) latex will generally not give that “off gas” odor when it’s new. Heat is less likely to be an issue with a mattress like this although you may find it produces more heat than a traditional spring mattress. Pure latex is very expensive. In fact, if you want the very best and most natural latex mattress, expect to pay thousands for it. If you’re worried about your carbon footprint, be very careful when choosing a latex mattress. Some manufacturers are not very good at telling you exactly how much has been used. Where a combination of materials is used, expect to find more in the way of synthetics which negates the whole “eco-friendly” reputation. Don’t expect to walk into your local bed store and immediately find a latex mattress.
The reason for this is because the material comes from a natural source, it’s not that widely available (another reason why they’re also expensive). If you suffer from severe aches and pains when you sleep, a latex mattress might not be the right choice because they’re not designed with this type of support as a priority. There are a wide range of memory foam mattresses available on the market, and more choice means it’s easier for all types of people to find the right one for them. You don’t have to spend an inordinate amount of money in order to get decent quality because the technology used is widely available thereby making it cheaper. If you prefer a more plush type mattress, memory foam is probably better because they’re designed to cradle your body while you sleep. Some have even been designed with this in mind. For instance, you can take a look at the Ultimate Dreams 13″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress (see here) which is perfect for those nighttime aches and pains.
If you’re constantly woken up in the night because your partner is an “active” sleeper, most memory foam mattresses will eliminate this problem because of the way they’re designed. Memory foam will conform to your natural shape much more efficiently than latex which helps to support the major pressure points over your body. Foam mattresses are constructed from synthetic materials. However, these days’ manufacturers are careful to make sure this is not a danger to your health. Just be sure to look out for the CertiPUR-US certificate. If you tend to feel warm when you sleep, a foam mattress won’t help (although there are models on the market that use various airflow technologies and some even include layers of gel to help keep you cool. The Ultimate Dreams model I mentioned above is a good example of this). Expect to get anything from a slight to fairly strong odor when you first buy a foam mattress. This is because it has to expand into the right shape and certain harmless gases need to escape.
A memory foam mattress probably won’t last as long as latex but again, there are models that offer 20 year limited warranties. Hopefully the information above has given you an idea of which type of mattress will suit you better. As you can see both have the pluses and negatives but ultimately, the decision is yours.Choosing the right mattress type Mattresses are designed to provide the support and comfort you need to relax and rest. If you have had your mattress for a while, you may be wondering if it is time to buy a new one. Research shows that people sleep better, suffer less back pain and experience fewer symptoms of stress when sleeping on newer beds. In general, your sleep quality improves if your sleep surface relieves pressure on joints and other areas of the body. Matching your specific comfort needs with the right product is a very subjective process. Mattresses are made with a variety of materials and technologies to deliver support systems that meet the broad array of consumers’ needs, tastes, and budgets.
Mattresses should be evaluated every seven years for quality and support. If you haven’t shopped for a new mattress recently, there are many options to choose from. The following provides basic information on the different types of mattresses available today so that you are better equipped to choose a mattress that meets your needs.Looking for the best mattress for your money? To cut through the clutter of advertising you'll see out there, Consumer Reports has a look at the best mattresses and mattress retailers. The magazine broke out their findings by category: Traditional innerspring, memory foam and adjustable air. In each category, Consumer Reports recommends a best buy, as well as other mattresses they recommend based on ratings. Innerspring: The Denver Mattress Doctor's Choice for $500. The Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Trust Cushion for $1,275 is also a best buy in this category, with a higher rating, but it's obviously a bit more expensive. Memory foam: Tuft & Needle Ten for $600.
(Message from Tuft & Needle: "We don't actually use any memory foam in our mattress. We use our own time of polyfoam, T&N Adaptive™ foam. We created it with a foam scientist to have the pressure relief and comfort of memory foam and the breathability and support of latex foam.") The Novaform 14" Serafina Pearl Gel (Costco) is also a "best buy" pick for this category, but it's more expensive at $800. Adjustable air: Sleep Number c2 Bed for $800. It's important to remember that price does not necessarily equate to satisfaction with mattresses. A more expensive mattress may not make for a better product. For more tips on finding the right mattress for you, check out Consumer Reports' buying guide here. Read more: What you need to know about sleeping pills On the question of retailers, Consumer Reports ranked the Original Mattress Factory stores as the top choice for customer satisfaction. Costco Wholesale was a close second. The high placement for Costco may reflect their return policy on mattresses: A full money back refund without penalty and no time limit.