Are you looking for a new mattress and wondering what the difference is between memory foam mattresses and latex foam mattresses? Memory foam mattresses and latex foam mattresses are not all the same. Despite being two of the most common types of mattresses, they differ quite a bit.

In this article, we provide insight into the memory foam vs latex foam debate. We'll help you figure out which of these two mattress types is best for you and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Memory foam is also known as polyurethane foam and is a popular mattress choice worldwide. Memory foam slowly compresses when under pressure, moving and shifting to conform to the shape of whatever causes the pressure. When you lie on a memory foam mattress, it compresses and moulds to your exact shape.

Latex foam is made from latex which is a rubber compound that can be naturally sourced or synthetically created. Latex foam is also a popular mattress and bedding material because it is designed to contour around a shape when under pressure.

Most memory foam and latex foam mattresses are not made with 100% of the material type. Instead, they include the memory foam or latex in selective layers of the mattress. When it comes to latex foam there is also a difference between natural latex and synthetic latex. At Dial-a-Bed, you can find a range of mattress types that have one or a combination of foam types in them, namely:

• Forty Winks Sleepfit – contains memory foam in selective comfort layers
• Simmons Healthsmart – also contains memory foam in selective comfort layers
• Simmons Sherbourne – contains 100% latex foam in the comfort layers
• Sealy Skyline- contains latex and memory foam

The main difference between a memory foam mattress and a latex foam mattress has to do with the way they shape and conform to your body. As we’ve mentioned, memory foam moulds exactly to your body shape (as if it has an exact memory of what your shape is) whereas latex foam is more compressed and conforms to the general impression of your body but never fully moulds to it.

Other major differences between the two mattress types include:

Memory Foam Has Edge Support

Edge support in a mattress is when there is extra support around the edges of a mattress. This is to prevent it from sliding down or caving down with use. Memory foam mattresses offer edge support whereas latex foam mattresses do not.

Latex Has More Responsiveness

When a mattress is responsive, it means it conforms and moves easily with your body and its movements. Latex foam is a more responsive material than memory foam, enabling it to conform quicker to your movements.

Latex Foam Has More Breathability

Breathability in a mattress is important because it allows temperature regulation throughout the night. Latex foam allows more breathability during the night than memory foam does. This means that latex foam is slightly better at keeping you at an even temperature throughout the night.

Memory Foam Has Motion Isolation

Memory foam is able to isolate movement better than latex foam. This means that when two people are sleeping on the same bed – like in a double, queen or king bed – when one person moves, or rolls over, the other person will not feel the movement.

Memory Foam Has More Pressure Relief

Thanks to the fact that memory foam is able to conform to the exact shape of your body, it is a better material for pressure relief during the night than latex foam is. While latex foam is comfortable and soft, memory foam is able to really relieve pressure on the body, especially the hips and back.

Choosing a mattress type is really going to come down to personal choice and your unique needs. Ask yourself these important questions about what type of mattress you need:

• Do I need a mattress that gives me pressure relief and a high level of back support?
• Do I need a mattress that helps regulate my temperature at night because I often overheat?
• Do I want a mattress that has motion isolation so I don’t feel my partner turning at night?
• Do I want a mattress that conforms to my body, or is more responsive to my movements?

If you’re looking for the best memory foam mattress vs latex foam, and vice versa, you’ve come to the right place. Dial-a-Bed has a wide selection of all types of mattresses that are designed to suit every body type. Keen to visit a store and feel the difference between memory foam and latex foam for yourself? Try out the different mattress types in our Comfort Test Area, so that you can try them before you buy.

For a range of the most comfortable mattresses, each designed with the latest in sleep technology, and engineered to suit your unique sleep-style. Visit any of our 76 stores nationwide or shop online 24/7 at www.dialabed.co.za.

1. Which is better a mattress - memory foam or latex foam mattresses?

There are quite a few differences between memory foam and latex foam mattresses. Read the article above to find out more.

2. Which lasts longer - memory foam or latex foam mattresses?

Typically, latex foam tends to last longer than memory foam and if you’re investing in a natural latex foam mattress it is also biodegradable which memory foam is not.

3. Which is firmer - memory foam mattresses or latex foam mattresses?

Both mattress types are firm yet soft thanks to their ability to conform and mould, but latex foam is described as being firmer than memory foam because it does not conform exactly to your body shape.