Latex Vs. Foam Mattress

Latex

• Many people like latex for its breathability, because it is an organic product, derived from the sap of the rubber tree. This makes it warm in summer and cooler in winter. Although latex molds itself to body contours like memory foam, it springs back more quickly than memory foam, making it easier to move around in bed. Latex's organic compound makes it naturally hypoallergenic, making it ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers. It is resistant to bacteria and dust mites. Latex is environmentally friendly, because mattresses that are 100 percent latex are biodegradable. It is naturally durable and a good quality latex mattress can last for 20 years or more.

Memory Foam

• Memory foam absorbs more body heat than latex. Some people, who like to be warm and comfy in bed, prefer it for this reason. It's a matter of personal preference and several memory foam mattresses are available that alleviate over-heating. Some people also like the fact that memory foam mattresses stop them moving around in bed, especially if it relieves joint strain and stops them disturbing a sleeping partner. The quality of memory foam mattresses varies considerably, depending on the thickness and density of the foam. A quality memory foam mattress will have a foam density of 4 to 6 lbs., according to the consumer website, Consumersearch. Most quality memory foam mattresses have a 10-year guarantee. Some memory foam mattresses are treated to be resistant to dust mites and bacteria, making them good for allergy sufferers.

Polyurethane

• Polyurethane foam has the advantage of being less expensive than memory foam and latex, but hasn't the same durability. The material can degrade and compress over time.

Spine Support

• Memory foam and latex have give good support for your neck and body and will relieve pressure. Anyone suffering from back pain should try out individual mattresses before deciding. Test them out in the store and ensure the product has a minimum 30-day trial period.

Considerations

• Latex mattresses are usually more expensive than memory foam mattresses due to their durability. A queen-sized latex mattress can cost over $2,000, according to the consumersearch website. Memory foam is cheaper and prices depend on the quality. Overweight people may find memory foam uncomfortable and less resilient than latex. Some people report a chemical odor from memory foam, which disappears after a couple of weeks. Continuous use of an electric blanket can damage the cells in memory foam.