Differences Between Latex Foam and Memory Foam

"Fast Response" Resilient Latex Foam

"Slow Response" Temperature Sensitive Memory Foam

The properties of both latex foam and memory foam allow for pressure relief, body contouring and healthy support. There are no springs in either of these mattresses, therefore, your body is not subjected to uncomfortable pressure points and you will experience improved circulation and more natural support.

It can be difficult to understand how latex foam and memory foam differ from each other. While one foam is not better than the other, each type of foam has its own feel and advantages. We’ve put together a guide that can help you make this distinction, and achieve the best possible sleep solution.

The Similarities

Both latex mattresses and memory foam mattresses utilize foam as their support system. There are no springs in either of these mattresses, therefore, your body is not subjected to uncomfortable pressure points and you will experience improved circulation and more natural support. The properties of both foams allow for pressure relief and body contouring. Memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses are a great choice for allergy sufferers, as they are dust-mite resistant and hypoallergenic.

The Differences

The most remarkable difference between latex foam and memory foam is the material they are made from. Thomasville® Natural Flex® Latex Foam Mattresses and Natural Flex® Latex Foam Mattress Toppers are made from the finest Dunlop latex or premium Talalay ULTRALatex. Memory foam beds are made of open cell visco-elastic memory foam or cooling gel enhanced memory foam.

Another significant difference is response time. Response time refers to the length of time it takes compressed foam to return to its original state. Memory foam is a "slow response" foam. It "remembers" your shape after you remove the applied pressure. Latex foam is a "faster response" foam. It will spring back to its original shape immediately after removing the applied pressure.

Properties of Latex Foam

Considered the premium sleep surface by most European sleepers, latex is gaining popularity in the United States. Latex is a natural product that is derived from the latex rubber extracted from rubber trees. These small rubber particles are suspended and dispersed in water. The liquid is whipped into foam, then heated and dispensed into a mold. Once the latex has cooled, it is classified for degree of firmness (IFD).

Compared to Memory Foam, which is a relatively slow-response foam, Latex Foam is a very quick-response foam. Latex foam will respond and flex to your body, in contrast to memory foam, which tends to mold to your body. Latex foam feels “springier” and more rapidly responsive when compared to memory foam, which feels more solid. Latex foam is not temperature sensitive, while memory foam responds differently as the temperature varies. Latex made from natural rubber will also have natural anti-microbial properties.

Latex foam contours to the shape of your body, providing healthy pressure free support as you shift sleep positions throughout the night. Latex foam also absorbs movement, so if you sleep with a partner, you're not likely to be disturbed by their tossing and turning.

Properties of Memory Foam

As the name implies, visco-elastic material exhibits both viscous and elastic characteristics.A viscous cell slowly re-forms and contours to your body’s shape and weight under the influence of applied pressure, such as the pressure of lying on a memory foam mattress or memory foam mattress topper. When you lie on a visco-elastic memory foam bed or memory foam mattress topper, the molecules that comprise the viscous material are compressed and rearranged. The rate and amount of contouring created by the rearrangement of the viscous cells is determined by the density of the viscous material and your body’s temperature, shape and weight. Once your body heat and the applied pressure are absorbed, the cells soften. This is what causes the memory foam mattress to contour and conform to your body shape. No other bedding works or feels quite like this.

By molding to the shape of your body as your weight shifts through the night, memory foam reduces pressure points, and relieves pain. Like latex, memory foam also absorbs movement, so if you sleep with a partner, you're not likely to be disturbed by their tossing and turning.