Memory Foam vs. Latex: Which Is Right for You?

Mattress technology has come a long way in recent decades and consumers have more choices than ever before. Unfortunately, this means it can sometimes be difficult to make a decision when it’s time to replace your old mattress. The purchase of a new mattress boils down to personal preference, health issues, and of course, test-driving different models at the Wildcat Mattress showroom near Lexington. Here, you’ll find a variety of mattresses to choose from, including premier memory foam and latex mattresses. Learning about the advantages of each model and experiencing for yourself just how comfortable they are will guide your decision.

Mattress composition

Latex and memory foam mattresses are both worlds away from traditional innerspring mattresses. Memory foam is made up of a space age material called viscoelastic polyurethane. Additional substances are added to increase its density and thickness. Memory foam was first created by NASA in the 1960s. Today, it’s among the most popular types of mattresses. Memory foam gently molds to your body, responding to both body temperature and pressure. Its ability to hug the contours of your body means that you can sleep perfectly supported while feeling as though you’re on a cloud. Memory foam mattress toppers are also available to people who aren’t quite yet ready to upgrade to a new mattress, but do want the comfort of memory foam.

Latex mattresses can be either natural or synthetic. The natural latex models are made from substances extracted from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), whereas the other models are made from man-made rubber. The unique composition of these mattresses allows them to offer the comfort of memory foam, but with additional support. This makes them particularly ideal for sleepers who prefer a medium firm to firm mattress.

Benefits of memory foam and latex

Memory foam and latex are fairly comparable in terms of motion transfer, temperature regulation, and overall comfort and support. Owners of memory foam mattresses generally report better motion isolation than owners of latex. This means that it’s unlikely your partner’s movements would wake you. However, sleepers who like to move around a lot to get comfortable might do better on a latex mattress. Latex mattresses tend to rank higher for support, whereas memory foam mattresses tend to rank higher for relieving painful pressure points like the hips and shoulders. Both types are fairly well matched for temperature regulation, although people who sleep hot might feel a little more comfortable on a latex mattress.

Mattress longevity

Memory foam and latex mattresses will both last for quite a long time; however, latex is the superior choice for longevity. Proud owners of memory foam mattresses typically report their models last at least 10 years, whereas owners of latex mattresses might get an incredible 20 to 30 years of use out of their beds.

Get help from the mattress experts to make your decision

Wildcat Mattress is a small, locally owned showroom just outside of Lexington, KY. Our family genuinely cares about helping your family get your best sleep. When you visit our showroom, you can test drive the best mattress models from top brands, including Simmons, Easy Rest, Aireloom, and Restonic. We even carry adjustable beds! Give us a call at 888.492.3128 today or stop by our showroom to ask about our current offers.