Reasons Why Latex is Safer Than Memory Foam
Listed below are the main differences between memory foam and latex. Both materials are derived from rubber tree sap. Latex is available in natural or synthetic forms, or in blends. Read on to find out why latex is a better option. You can also learn about the benefits of latex. Here are just a few of them. The most obvious difference between these two types of foam is their firmness.
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Natural latex
If you’re on the fence about buying a new mattress, there’s good news for you. Natural latex is far safer than other types of foam, and is much more durable than memory foam. A new memory foam mattress often has a strong odor, due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the air when the mattress is first opened and is activated by the body’s heat. However, be warned that some people report experiencing headaches or eye irritation from VOCs. While these levels are low, it’s important to note that synthetic latex can release a chemical odor into the air when you’re first laying down on it. Natural latex may still have a rubbery smell for a few days, but nothing as harmful as memory foam.
The difference between memory foam and natural latex comes down to the type of latex you choose. Memory foam is made from a synthetic compound called polyurethane, while natural latex is derived from the sap of a rubber tree. Both materials are durable, but latex foam tends to be more expensive than polyfoam. Because it is more expensive, natural latex mattresses are safer than memory foam.
When it comes to the materials used in making memory foam, there are two main types: Talalay and Dunlop. Talalay is lighter than Dunlop latex, and it can be a little firmer. While both types are safe, be aware that synthetic latex can break down faster than natural latex. This type of foam is made of polyurethane and other materials. Although natural latex is safer than memory foam, it does not come with any guarantees.
Durability
You may have heard of latex, the popular foam that was first introduced in 1931. Latex mattresses conform to your body, reducing pressure points and reducing motion transfer. In addition, they sleep cooler, quieter and with a springy bounce. There are some key differences between latex and memory foam, though. Natural latex is more durable and is produced naturally, whereas synthetic latex is synthesized from chemicals. Both types of foam are suitable for the bedroom, but one has a higher off-gassing potential.
The difference between latex and memory foam is most obvious when it comes to durability. Memory foam tends to sag quickly, and latex doesn’t. Latex is a better choice for heavier people because it won’t sag under your weight. Both latex and memory foam are expensive, but they are both worth the investment for their long-term durability. Latex mattresses are more durable than memory foam, so you won’t have to replace them every few years.
Regardless of your budget, there are some important things to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress. While both types of mattresses are designed to provide great support, latex is more durable and should last up to ten years. Memory foam, on the other hand, can begin to show signs of wear and tear after just a few years. If the mattress isn’t properly supported, it could start sag and break down.
When it comes to comfort and support, latex is the clear winner for many people. While memory foam can be a good choice for those with neck and back pain, latex is much more responsive to your body. Latex also has a longer lifespan and retains its shape and support for longer. If you are shopping for a mattress, make sure to read reviews about both types. This way, you can choose the one that suits you best.
VOCs
There’s some good news for consumers when it comes to the health benefits of latex mattresses. In fact, it is safer than memory foam when it comes to VOCs, the volatile organic compounds that are considered toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency. While latex is composed of natural substances, some synthetic blends contain harmful chemicals. These chemicals are released into the air when you sleep on them. The FTC recently found 3 mattress manufacturers guilty of making misleading claims about their products’ safety.
One of the biggest problems with memory foam is its high levels of VOCs. While polyurethane is necessary to create memory foam, you can substitute plant-based materials for it to minimize the harmful effects of the substance. These plant-based alternatives have been around for a few decades and are known to be much safer than memory foam. In fact, some companies have even started marketing their products using the CertiPUR-US certification. According to the CertiPUR-US literature, it was developed by the global foam industry. While this is true, it doesn’t prevent VOCs from emitting into the air.
When it comes to VOCs and the health benefits of latex, consumers need to do their homework. To avoid the risk of VOCs, consumers should look for mattress certifications. These certifications are performed by a third party laboratory to ensure the safety of the mattress. Make sure that you choose a latex or memory foam mattress with a certification from a trusted third-party organization.
CertiPUR-US certification also makes it easier for consumers to choose safe and natural materials. Look for certifications that state that the mattress is made from 95% organic latex. This certification is the gold standard. It means that the manufacturer has undergone extensive testing to determine how many VOCs are present in the mattress. If the mattress is certified to this standard, the manufacturer has met rigorous third-party emissions standards. The CertiPUR-US certification also means that the mattress’s materials are nontoxic. This means that it’s better for consumers to buy latex than memory foam.
Firmness
Memory foam and latex mattresses are both good options when it comes to resolving back pain, but they have very different characteristics. Memory foam tends to provide more support for side sleepers, and latex is less supportive. However, both mattresses are generally considered safe to use and may be a better choice for people with allergies. A latex mattress is also generally more durable than memory foam. This difference in durability makes latex a better choice for people with back and joint problems.
While memory foam and latex are both made from natural materials, there are a few differences between the two. The firmness of latex foam is often determined by the density, or ILD, of the material. Density is a measurement of weight per square foot. The higher the density, the safer the latex mattress is. Latex foam can last for up to 10 years longer than memory foam, and the durability is comparable.
Although latex mattresses have more bounce than memory foam, they are not heat-sensitive. They will retain their feel even if you sleep in a hot room. Memory foam, on the other hand, will become firmer in colder climates, while softening in warmer ones. This inconsistency is bad for your back, and it negatively affects the mattress’ overall comfort. So, you should consider latex if you’re worried about memory foam’s heat-generating properties.
As latex is naturally cooler than memory foam, it is a better option for those who prefer sleeping on their sides. While memory foam has the tendency to retain body heat, latex mattresses are cooler to the touch. Using cooling gel or an open-cell latex mattress can help reduce the tendency of memory foam to become warm and causes restlessness. Memory foam can also trap heat, which could cause circulation problems and restlessness.
Posture support
There are many advantages of latex mattresses. For starters, they naturally conform to your body shape and push back to support spinal posture. Unlike memory foam, latex does not “bottom out” on most people, meaning that they do not sleep hot. Additionally, they do not retain heat or feel hot as they do with memory foam. However, these mattresses can cause pain and discomfort in the morning. You should always check the density before you buy.
As far as toxins are concerned, memory foam has been widely criticized for its toxic ingredients. These chemicals can irritate the nose, eyes, and throat. This is why some manufacturers are moving toward organic memory foam. Latex foam is a safer option than memory foam for posture support because it has an elastic-contouring structure. The natural properties of latex foam prevent your body from realigning itself in an unnatural position, which helps relieve morning back pain.
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam made by the Talalay or Dunlop processes. Talalay latex is softer, but most of the material in the market today is synthetic. Dunlop latex is more firm and can be both natural and synthetic. Memory foam is a human-made product, which is made using a blend of polyurethane and other materials.