How to choose the best Latex Foam Mattresses?
What is Latex Foam Mattress?
What Is Latex Foam?Latex foam can be made from natural and synthetic materials. Natural latex is produced from rubber trees so there are no harsh chemicals in the mattress. The sap from the trees is frothed up and baked to create a foam. It's a very popular option for those looking for an eco-friendly mattress.
Natural latex is derived from the sap of the rubber tree, while synthetic latex is man-made. Natural latex goes through one of two manufacturing processes —Talalay or Dunlop— to make the latex foam used in a mattress. Dunlop latex has a denser, firmer feel. Consequently, it’s often used in the transition layers and support core of the mattress. However, there are mattresses with Dunlop top layers. They’re slightly less responsive to movement than a layer of Talalay latex.
Talalay latex goes through an aeration process during manufacturing that makes it lighter and springier than Dunlop latex. Its bouncier feel makes it ideal for comfort layers. However, because it’s less dense than Dunlop, it’s not as durable and isn’t usually used in the support core.
Synthetic latex is derived from petrochemicals. It can feel similar to natural latex and costs less to produce. However, it breaks down faster than natural latex.
Latex mattresses are often compared to memory foam because they both contain foam layers, but these materials have very different feels. Memory foam is more cradling while latex has a lifting feel. Latex is also naturally cooling, while memory foam mattresses can sometimes retain heat.