A quick comparison between orthopedic memory foam and latex mattress

You might think the decision about choosing a mattress is simple; just pick the one that is cheap and feels good, right?

Wrong!

It is important to choose the right mattress as we spend 1/3 of our life sleeping in a bed. Although selecting a mattress is a matter of personal preference, enough thought needs to be put in terms of the mattress material, the support it provides and the longevity that it offers. Latex mattresses and orthopedic memory foam mattresses are two of the most popular mattress options out there in the market. Read on to know how to differentiate between these two options and select the one which works best for you?

What is a latex mattress?

Latex mattresses can be made up of natural latex, synthetic latex or a blending of natural and synthetic latex. Natural latex is the best option when compared to synthetic or other combination latex, as it comes from the sap of rubber trees and is completely natural.

The latex is used in a variety of beddings (pillows, mattresses etc.) and can have different densities depending upon the layers that have been used while manufacturing. Because of its organic origin, latex is considered the best natural, eco-friendly and sustainable material option for manufacturing orthopedic mattresses. 

What is an orthopedic memory foam mattress?

Orthopedic is a medical term that is associated with joints and bones. No fixed guidelines or standard define a mattress, an orthopedic mattress. Sellers and marketers may use this term as a marketing gimmick to sell their mattresses to more people, hence it is important to understand what orthopedic comfort can be achieved with this mattress.

In general, orthopedic mattresses are designed with special features and help in providing good support to your joints, spine and overall body. An orthopedic mattress can be made up of various materials like memory foam, latex or innerspring.

The memory foam is one of the most popular materials used in the market to create orthopedic mattresses. Memory foam has good body contouring properties. It feels soft and is high energy absorbent in nature.

A quick comparison between orthopedic memory foam mattresses & latex mattress

 Body support

A latex mattress provides good body support. It’s easier to sleep on a latex mattress than it is on a memory foam one, as latex allows you to sleep more on the mattress rather than sink deep in like memory foam. Latex helps in maintaining neutral spinal alignment and properly supports the sleeper’s body. Latex’s natural physical properties and density make it a perfect fit for those who are looking for a supportive mattress.  Memory foam mattress might not offer the neutral spinal alignment because of its body contouring properties.

Comfort

Memory foam mattresses are well-known for their comfortable feeling. Memory foam has a “slow recovery” time. It means when you apply the pressure on the memory foam mattress and lift it up, it comes back to its original shape quickly. This unique feature makes a memory foam mattress comfortable and supportive for the body. 

Latex is highly responsive in nature and offers buoyant support to your body. It is also comfortable but offers a different feel as compared to memory foam mattresses. Memory foam has a deep body-hugging feel and contours perfectly according to body parts, while latex is well known for its bouncy feeling.

Pressure relief

A memory foam mattress is a good option for pressure and pain relief. It helps in alleviating pressure placed on the neck, shoulders and hips. A memory foam mattress quickly adapts to the shape of your body and helps in relieving discomfort and pain. This is a good option for those who suffer from chronic joint pains or muscular soreness.

Latex is firmer than memory foam. According to a study, it was found that latex mattress reduced peak body pressure and achieved a more even distribution of pressure as compared to polyurethane mattress across different sleeping postures.

Breathability

A quality mattress should have good breathability. It means it should allow for air to circulate properly and absorb the moisture. These features help you keep cool and let you sleep better at night. A latex mattress offers better breathability than a memory foam mattress. A memory foam mattress tends to absorb body heat and does not offer good breathability while sleeping. 

Hypoallergic 

Both latex and orthopedic memory foam mattress are hypoallergic and do not tend to accumulate dust, mites and other allergens. They both work well for people who suffer from allergies or other respiratory disorders. 

Temperature regulation

Orthopedic memory foam mattress tends to retain body heat and make you feel hot at night. It is not a good option for hot sleepers. While latex mattress has amazing cooling properties. They have better temperature regulation than memory foam mattresses. If you are a hot sleeper, then a latex mattress is the best option for you. Nowadays, some manufacturers add extra material (like cool gel) while manufacturing memory foam mattresses to improve their temperature regulation property. 

Motion isolation

Memory foam mattresses and natural latex mattresses, both are good with motion isolation. They transfer less motion from one part of the mattress to another. If you share a bed with a restless partner, you can choose between memory foam mattress or 100% natural latex mattress.

Sleeping position

Sleeping position and body weight are another important criterion for selecting a proper mattress. A memory foam mattress works great for slide and back sleepers. It helps in maintaining a neutral spinal alignment and provides good body support to side and back sleepers. 

Latex is the more suitable option for heavy and stomach sleepers and offers a more supportive feel for them compared to a memory foam mattress.  As the latex mattress is firmer, it is a good option for most sleeping position.

Easy to move

Memory foam is not the most responsive material. Some people might feel hard to move around the memory foam mattress. While latex offers a bouncy and responsive feeling. It is very easy to move around on a latex mattress. They are a good option for those who suffer from mobility issues. 

Natural and eco-friendly

Of course, natural latex is a natural and eco-friendly option. A memory foam mattress usually contains synthetic material and chemicals and might not be a good option for those who prefer natural and eco-friendly mattresses option. 

Affordability

Memory foam mattresses are less expensive as compared to latex mattresses. This is one of the reasons why memory foam mattresses are used extensively as compared to natural latex. When compared with the life of a mattress, natural latex works out to be an affordable option as it lasts longer.

Durability and life span

Latex mattresses are more durable and have an extended life span. Memory foam can sag easily if made up of low-density memory foam. Latex mattresses have the longest durability as compared to all other mattress materials.

Final thought

Latex and orthopedic memory foam mattress both have their pros and cons. The final decision should be based on your body requirement and individual preferences. 

An orthopedic memory foam mattress works great in providing pressure relief. It is great for those who are looking for an easily available and affordable mattress option, while latex works best in offering buoyant body support. If you are looking for a durable, eco-friendly and natural material mattress option, latex will be the best choice for you.