latex mattress

Latex Mattresses vs Memory Foam

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A common question we get here at San Diego Mattress Makers, is what type of mattress should I get, a latex mattress or memory foam? Usually the person who asks that question is tired of their innerspring mattress and wants to try something different.  A simple answer to that question is it depends… There are many variables to factor when choosing which type will be right for you.  In this post we’ll examine each sleeping surface and hopefully equip you on making a wise decision.

 

The 6 factors we’ll go over when comparing latex vs memory will be:

  1. Comfort
  2. Back Support
  3. Durability
  4. Motion Separation
  5. Temperature factor
  6. Price

  

Let’s first start with Latex Mattresses.

 

I assume you’re somewhat familiar with what a latex mattress is at this point, if your not too familiar with what a latex mattress is I recommend reading our post on What Is A Latex Mattress first to give you an overview.

 

Comfort and Feel

 

When people are looking for a new mattress comfort is usually the first thing they look for. Memory foam and latex mattresses each have a very distinct and unique feel. Latex mattresses have a more springy buoyant feel, while memory foam has a more dense and slow sinking feel. Your comfort preference is purely personal, however latex mattress do offer more variations of feels than memory foam does. If you are more accustomed to or prefer a traditional mattress feel but want to get away from a spring mattress, then latex will give you that option because you can add the quilted top to give you a more traditional feel without losing any of the benefits of latex. Memory foam mattresses do not give you that option. You can’t add any other comfort layers or padding on the top layer because you will then lose the benefit and feel of memory foam. So if you like the slow-response sinking in feeling that memory foam offers memory foam would be your best choice. If you’re looking for more variation on feel then we suggest to choose latex.

 

Edge- Latex

 

Back Support

 

Another important aspect in shopping for a mattress is back support. Like comfort, back support is a very personal thing. There are no two bodies that are exactly alike. There are so many different body types and different needs. Some people carry their weight more on top while others carry their weight near the hips and mid section. What you want to look for in a mattress is to make sure that the mattress is going to conform to your body and keep your spine in alignment.

 

Memory foam mattresses do a great job of conforming to your body’s curves. With memory foam you can be sure that there will be no empty gaps or spaces between you and the mattress. Now keeping your back straight without sinking in too much is a different matter. Not all memory foam beds are created equal when it comes to back support. When looking for a memory foam mattress, make sure there is a solid support layer underneath the memory foam so you’re not sinking in too deep. You want to make sure the support layer is a high density foam that is at least 2.5lb in density. Any thing less than that would compromise your support long term. Another thing to be aware of when trying out memory foam is, you want the memory foam to be at minimum 4lb of density, anything less than 4lb of density will begin to feel that your hips and lower back sink in much lower than the rest of your body. 

 

Latex mattresses also do a great job with conforming to your body. The big advantage of latex mattresses is that they while it conforms to your body’s curves it also distributes your weight evenly and keeps your spine in alignment. Overall latex is a more solid and consistent material, thus preventing you from sinking in too deep into the mattress. 

 

The major difference that latex mattresses have over memory foam mattresses when it comes to back support, is that with memory foam mattresses, the memory foam itself is not providing you the support, it is the poly foam (polyurethane foam) support layer under the memory foam  where you get the support. And over time poly foam does tend to break down faster than latex foam.

 

Edge- Latex

 

Durability

 

A mattress that lasts  at least 8-15 years is a good indicator of a quality mattress. The durability is one of the most important factors. Latex mattresses have a great reputation of durability. Years ago when I used to deliver mattresses, I remember taking old latex mattresses out of customers houses that were 30-40 years old, and noticed that the integrity of the mattress was not compromised. The mattress wasn’t saggy or lumpy and the only reason they were replacing their mattress was because they either wanted something softer or more firm. 

 

I’ve recently found a video showing a 50 year old latex mattress still in very good shape. 

 

In looking for a latex mattress, going with an all natural or natural and synthetic blend is the way to go in terms of durability. There is less expensive latex out there that has fillers put in to bring down the cost, and even though it feels like latex you lose the overall support and durability compared to an all latex mattress.There are also different qualities of memory foam mattresses available and one of the biggest factors that determine it’s durability is the density. As I said earlier you want to make sure the memory foam you’re getting is at least 4 lb density. Anything less than that you run the risk of premature body impressions.

 

Overall there are way too many variables with memory foam to give you solid data on it’s durability. It is very hit or miss with memory foam to determine it’s durability because China now is a major importer of memory foam products. Latex on the other hand is much more consistent and has been proven to out last any other mattress type.

 

Edge – Latex

 

Motion Separation

 

We’ve all seen the commercials with the wine glass and the person jumping up and down on a mattress. This is a great demonstration of the motion separation from Tempurpedic. When I first saw this demo I was a bit skeptical but when I used to work as a salesperson at a popular mattress store in San Diego I had a couple walk in with a bottle of wine and actually asked to do the wine test. I was brand new at the time and didn’t know what to do so I let them do it with a towel underneath the wine of course. And to my surprise the test actually did work. The wine bottle did not tip over. 

 

Latex mattresses however are the next best thing when it comes to motion transfer. Because the latex absorbs the energy of any one moving, you will also have a hard time feeling the other person as they get in and out of bed. However, since it does have a more springy, bouncy feel you can feel the person move a bit more than you would on a memory foam. So with out a doubt memory foam mattresses definitely give you the best motion separation from the other person in bed.

 

Edge- Memory Foam

 

Temperature factor

 

Heat can be a make or break when getting a good night sleep. In my years of selling memory foam beds and in specific Tempurpedic, the biggest complaint we would get was that the mattress sleep hot. Memory foam by it’s nature is designed to respond to the temperature around it. If the room is cold the mattress will be very firm, if the room is warm the mattress will be much softer. Tempurpedic got its name from “temperature” because it not only responded to your weight but also your body temperature.

 

The past year or so several different cooling foams and gels have been added to mattresses to try to get them to sleep cooler. From the experience I have had with other customers, sales people from other mattress stores, and even experiencing it myself, the new cooling technology has been a little improvement but not enough to make a significant difference.

 

Latex mattresses have a more open cell structure as well as the have holes going through the mattress which naturally allow the mattress to breathe and allow for air to circulate throughout the mattress. So overall in mattress breathability we would have to give the edge to latex.

 

Edge- Latex

 

Price

 

Perhaps the most important factor for some shoppers is the price of the mattress.  The biggest drawback for people in going with latex mattresses is the price. A queen size mattress that is all latex will run you at least around the $1200 mark. And that is on the low end. However there are some latex blended products with filler foam that I’ve seen for under $600. But I would advise against going too cheap on latex because you then lose all the advantages latex that we talked about. So if you’re looking for a quality latex mattress look to spend at least $1200-$2000.

 

Memory foam on the other hand has quite a few more options. The choices for different memory foam mattresses has increased exponentially over the last 5 years. Now it’s no longer just Tempurpedic and a few no names to choose from. You literally have hundreds of different memory foam brands to sort through, and because of that the price has gone down dramatically. I’ve seen memory foam mattresses for under $300 recently which makes it appealing to anybody on a budget. So if price is your biggest factor then memory foam might be a better choice.

 

Edge – Memory foam

 

And The Verdict Is?…

 

If you want to count the wins and losses above then go for it. However these factors don’t all carry the same weight for some people. For some back support is the number one factor and to others it may be motion separation.  But if you are looking for more of a diverse feel with great support that will last you a heck of a long time then latex will be the clear cut winner. If you’re looking to save some money and want great motion separation then maybe a memory foam mattress might be right for you.

 

The best advice I can provide is go into a store and try both. Your body is the best judge and if the store has a lenient return or exchange policy then great, don’t sweat the decision.  Try them both out and go with the one that fits your body best. We would love to hear about your experience and which one you decided. So shoot us an email or respond in the comments and let us know!

 

 

Talalay Latex VS Dunlop

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dunlop-vs-talalayIf you are in the market for a latex mattress the biggest question you probably want to know is what’s the difference between Talalay and Dunlop.  I am sure you have already went over to the google machine and started some research of your own.  If you have, you may be getting conflicting information about which is better.

 

On one hand you have all the Talalay supporters stating their case why they think Talalay is better and on the other side you have the Dunlop supporters saying Dunlop is better.  While their argument is going on you are caught in the middle of them just trying to find out what are the differences between the two. From the sound of their arguments you would think they were talking about their preferred political party or some pressing social issue.

 

I don’t blame you if you have second thoughts on buying a latex mattress since I am sure you don’t want to be associated with those Latex freaks.  Well, before you reconsider I am here to give you the differences between the two and also share the advantages and disadvantages of both.  At the end, I will also go over which method I prefer.  So let’s get started.

 

Talalay Latex

 

Talalay is one of the processes in which a Latex mattress is made and should not be confused with synthetic latex or all natural latex.  It is a seven-step process, which makes it more complex than that of Dunlop. The steps of the Talalay process are:

 

1)    First it is whipped into a frothy liquid

2)    Next the liquid is poured precisely by robotic arms into the mold

3)    Then the mold is closed and gets vacuum sealed so that the Latex gets distributed evenly

4)    It is then chilled to -20 degrees

5)    After which, CO2 is introduced to gel the Latex foam

6)    It is then heated to 220 degrees to cure the Latex final shape

7)    Lastly it is washed and dried

 

 

Advantages of Talalay

 

  • More breathable than Dunlop due to the manufacturing process
  • Wider range of ILDs. However, Talalay is still softer than Dunlop even if they are both labeled as the same ILD.
  • Conforms to the body better since it is more “airy”
  • More consistent feel throughout the mattress
  • Usually better having Talalay in the comfort layer due to its “pushiness”
  • Softer

 

 

Disadvantages of Talalay

 

  • More expensive than Dunlop
  • Softer
  • Less dense

 

 

Dunlop Latex

 

The Dunlop method has been used since 1929.  The Dunlop process is about four times quicker to manufacture than Talalay.  The steps of the Dunlop process is as follows:

 

  1. First the Latex liquid is emulsified
  2. Next it is poured into the mold
  3. The mold is then closed and gets cooked evenly
  4. Finally the Latex is removed from the mold and is washed and dried

 

Advantages of Dunlop

 

  • More dense
  • Less Expensive
  • Usually better used as the support layer in the mattress due to its density
  • Firmer

 

Disadvantages of Dunlop

 

  • Not as breathable
  • Inconsistent feel throughout the mattress due to the particles settling at the bottom
  • Firmer

 

Although it looks like Talalay is the better method of the two, you have to find out what is best for you.  You may like the firmer feel and choose to go with the Dunlop process.  My preferred combination is having a Dunlop core with the comfort layers being Talalay.  The reason I like it that way is because Dunlop is more dense it gives me that firmer support while I can still benefit from the plush feel of Talalay on the top layers.

Latex Mattress Overview

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So you want to learn about latex?

Latex is one of the older and also newer types of mattresses. Latex has been used in mattresses since the 1920’s but within the last decade have made a huge resurgence. Latex has the reputation of being one of the most durable and supportive mattress types around. Long before memory foam became popular latex was the gold standard for foam mattresses.

 

So what exactly is latex?

Latex is the white milky substance very similar to sap, that comes from the rubber tree which is harvested very similarly to the way maple syrup is taken from trees. The great thing is the trees are not harmed in any way. A thin layer of the bark is removed and the trees are “tapped” and the milky substance is dripped in buckets and barrels and shipped across the world to large rubber factories to be processed.  A typical rubber tree produces enough sap to make about four pounds of rubber per year. 

Contrary to popular belief, latex is really not foam at all, rather it is a different form of vulcanized rubber that has gone through a different process.

 

Natural-Latex
Latex Extracted from a rubber tree

Latex History

Latex was first used for mattresses and was invented in the 1920’s by a Scottish man named John Boyd Dunlop. It was said that the British Royal family was the first to use latex mattresses.

The latex process was refined and three brothers Leon, Joseph, and Ansil Talalay invented a process of latex mattresses that is more consistent and durable than the older Dunlop process by vacuuming all the air out of the latex mold and freezing it which stabilizes the cell structure.  

During WWII, latex and the entire rubber industry took a huge hit because the Japanese controlled approximately 90% of the rubber tree plantations.

After WWII Latex mattresses made a huge comeback in the 1950’s and 60’s and became the preferred choice for mattresses among U.S households.

However, plastics start gaining in popularity and Polyurethane foam became the material of choice by mattress manufacturers because it is cheaper, lighter, and much more easier to produce than latex. As polyurethane became more prevalent, mattress longevity declined and consumers began going through mattresses at a much higher rate, replacing their mattresses every 5-8 years where before they were only having to replace their mattress every 15-30 years with latex.  

 

Latex Today

Today latex is once again making a resurgence, and in this section you will learn all you need to know about latex.

You will learn the different types of latex, which types are better for different circumstances.

The pro’s and cons of latex. And also if latex is even right for you.

What Is A Latex Mattress?

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What_is_a_Latex_MattressWhen I am asked about latex mattresses often times people are curious on the feel and the process on how a latex mattress is manufactured.  Is it funny to think you can sleep on the same thing that is worn on the hands of doctors?

A latex mattress is an all-natural rubber that is tapped from the rubber tree and made from the milky liquid that comes from the tree. An all-natural latex mattress consists of pure latex without the use of synthetic chemicals and is the greenest type of mattress in the market.

Latex can also be made from synthetic material from a chemical called Styrene-Butadiene also known as SBR. Although they are different they are typically made using the same methods known as Dunlop and Talalay.

Dunlop

The Dunlop process is a denser form of latex. This is an older method and has been used in the latex mattress industry since 1931. The Dunlop process is pretty difficult to make in a softer version of latex because during the manufacturing process, it takes time for the liquid to set into a solid latex mold. The Dunlop latex process is best used as a support or core layer of your mattress or for those who prefer a firmer mattress.

Talalay

The Talalay latex process is more complex than the Dunlop process. It is first whipped into a foamy liquid and then poured into the mold. Once it is poured it gets vacuumed sealed so that the latex gets distributed evenly. After it has been vacuumed it is then chilled to -20 degrees. Freezing it prevents gravity from the particles to settle at the bottom giving you that more consistent and “airy” feel. This process is best used as the comfort layer since the desired softness or firmness is rather simple to produce as opposed to the Dunlop process.

Final Thoughts

Although a lot more goes into the Talalay process, it does not mean a Dunlop latex mattress is inferior. It all depends on the individual’s preference and what they are looking for in a mattress. The two differences you will notice are the difference in feel and also the difference in price. Talalay tends to be pricier because it is a more complex process.

When looking for a latex mattress, be sure you know what it is you are looking at. If the sticker on the mattress says “100% latex” then you are more likely than not looking at a blended latex mattress rather than a 100% all-natural latex mattress.