Also, it’s the only 100% all-natural option – for those who are more environmentally conscious. Oh, and did you know that latex is as old as 1600 BC?
There are two general processes to make latex, which influences factors such as price and durability.
- Talalay: Produces softer and more enduring materials, which makes it much more expensive.
- Dunlop: Creates cheaper and more widely available latex, at the cost of being firmer and not too durable.
Pros
- The most-durable award goes to latex foam, lasting up to 20 years.
- Highly responsive (even when new), also the bounciest of all three – wee!
- Naturally cooler to sleep on, ideal for hot sleepers.
Cons
- All-natural latex foam is the most expensive kind in the market.
- Not-so-great in contouring, which makes it less than ideal for side sleepers.
- Latex off-gasses (releases gas as a byproduct) for a while, both synthetic and natural.
PU Foam – Pros & Cons
PU foam has been around for decades, becoming the staple material when you think of those not-so-comfy, roadside motel spring mattresses. However, PU foam is not a villain. On the contrary, given its affordability and versatility, high-density PU foam makes for an ideal base for high-end memory foam mattresses.
However, low-density PU foam on top layers, not so great. In the beginning, these mattresses will feel comfy and bouncy – but won’t last long.
Pros
- Most-affordable material, by far.
- Polyurethane offers countless degrees of firmness.
- One of the quietest materials to sleep.
Cons
- PU foam doesn’t last, maybe two years if you’re lucky.
- It compresses way too quickly after repeated usage.
Memory Foam – Pros & Cons
Popularized by NASA in the early ’60s, memory foam is the trendiest topic when it comes to better sleep quality and pressure-point relief. Memory foam pillows, cushions, and mattresses outperform latex in support and contouring. This material, also known as viscoelastic foam, beats regular PU foam when discussing comfort and durability.
Pros
- The ultimate champion in providing pressure-point relief
- A perfect match for side sleepers
- Memory foam offers an ideal harmony between durability and affordability
Cons
- Standard memory foam tends to be hotter, ideal for cold sleepers, but not great for hot sleepers.
However, if you worry about heat transfer while sleeping, make sure to give this shredded memory foam body pillow a try!
What are your thoughts? Do you have a favorite? Or perhaps this article managed to change your mind about a thing or two? Make sure to tell us and ask us further questions.
