Latex foam

Latex is a natural material that comes from the rubber tree and the most common type of latex used in mattresses and bedding is Talalay latex.

Latex is similar to memory foam and both of these materials are competing for the same market where balanced support, weightlessness and body contouring are the sleeping person’s desired requirements. There are however some subtle, but important differences between these two materials.

What latex foam offers

Pressure relief and balanced support are the big features of latex. Latex has an elastic springy feature that means that it is always trying to spring back into place. This contrasts with the “slow recovery” feature of memory foam which does not give the same impression of lifting or pushing up against the body. If you lay on a memory foam mattress and then on a latex mattress you will immediately contrast the difference. Some people will like the memory foam, but others will prefer the springy latex.

Latex foam does cradle the body, shape and mould around curves and bends and, unlike memory foam, it instantly adjusts itself to the sleeper’s movements. For this reason it is easier to move when resting on a latex mattress. The latex does not resist movement nor does it try to hold someone in position in the same way as memory foam.

One feature of latex foam that the manufacturers make great play of is the claim that it is more durable and consequently longer lasting than other foams. The result of this is that a latex mattress or pillow “should” have a greater lifespan than other foam types – although this has yet to be evidenced. It is also important to be aware that, when unprotected, latex can be torn or ripped much more easily than most other foams.

Another differentiating feature of latex foams is their cool properties. Latex gets about three times the airflow of memory foam and this makes it a more ventilated and cooler feeling material. This can be very noticeable in summer on warm days when latex still retains a cool fresh feel when some other foams can be warm and encourage sweating. If you prefer to feel cool when in bed, then latex may be your material of choice.

A final feature of latex is the combination of its natural formation and its hypoallergenic properties that make ideal for those with allergies. It also makes it hard for any kind of bacteria to grow or survive on this bedding material.

Like memory foam there are different grades of latex foam and it is not unusual for mattress core manufacturers to use more than one grade in a single mattress. E.g. to have a top layer that is more effective at contouring and shaping and a lower base layer that is firmer.