A natural latex mattress is made out of the sap of the rubber tree. This milky liquid sap (the latex) is processed into blocks of springy comfortable foam. A latex mattress is therefore a natural product. A all-natural latex mattress will not contain harsh chemicals and is naturally dust mite resistant and mould resistant.
What is a memory foam mattress made of?
Memory foam, or viscoelastic foam, is made primarily from polyurethane. Other chemicals are added to it to increase its density and viscosity. Memory foam is therefore an entirely synthetic product. Memory foam first had widespread use in aircraft cushions for safety, and in medical settings to avoid pressure points. It was originally too expensive to use as a mattress material, although the cost has since come down.
What is the user experience of a latex mattress versus a memory foam mattress?
We'll find out more about the specific pros and cons of each of these mattresses, but first let's take a look at how each type of mattress would actually feel.
When you lie down on a latex mattress, you'll initially feel a sort of a pleasant 'sinking' feeling, followed by a feeling of soft supportiveness. This is why so many people enjoy latex mattresses: the superb comfort. In fact, many people suffering from chronic pain (e.g. back pain) find that a latex mattress alleviates the pain.
When you lie down on a memory foam mattress, it feels very comfortable by letting your body form an impression (it springs back, or 'recovers' after you move away). Memory foam conforms to your body contours. Beware that if you roll over, you will find that it takes more energy to move, due to the viscosity of the memory foam. You'll also notice that memory foam feels warm to your body, because of the temperature sensitivity of memory foam. Those in cool climates may enjoy this, but in Singapore a memory foam mattress can feel unpleasantly hot.