Comparing the Benefits of Latex and Memory Foam

Consumers looking for a more comfortable sleeping surface have been considering the benefits of both memory foam and latex mattresses for quite sometime now. Both materials are known for their ability to distribute body weight and relieve pressure points. As the baby boomer generation ages, they have begun to look for more comfort than is generally offered by conventional inner-spring mattresses. It is very common to see both latex and memory foam utilized as plush toppers by many of the major mattresses manufacturers, and some have even begun to produce full foam or latex mattresses, without inner-springs.

Tempur-Pedic mattresses have led the way in introducing consumers to mattresses that replace inner-springs in the core of the mattress with foam. This configuration creates a mattress that is much more effective in distributing your body weight smoothly over the surface area of the mattress. Add to that the pressure relieving qualities of a layer of memory foam and you have a mattress that is much easier on our aging joints. However, memory foam is not without some drawbacks that can influence the purchasing decisions of some consumers.

The single biggest concern about memory foam mattresses is that they sleep hot. The fact that your body sinks into the mattress surface makes it harder for air to circulate and the compressed memory foam absorbs body heat. Memory foam also depends on the ambient air temperature to be warm enough for it to respond effectively. In a cold bedroom, memory foam can be very firm and will take longer to respond to body weight and heat. That being said, the popularity of memory foam mattresses is no surprise, as they will gently cradle your body and relieve pressure points, an experience that is hard to achieve in conventional inner-spring mattresses.
A latex mattress has much the same quality as memory foam when it comes to distributing body weight and relieving pressure points. The similarities end here, as latex has some distinct advantages over memory foam. All natural latex is a sustainable resource harvested from the sap of the rubber tree. Natural latex is anti-microbial, resists dust mites, mold and mildew and is the most durable of all sleeping surfaces. Latex is available in a variety of firmness levels, rated by an ILD number, making it easy to fine tune firmness levels for different body weights and sleeping positions. With the current concerns about toxic chemicals used as fire-retardants in mattresses, an all natural latex mattress, covered only with cotton and wool, is the perfect solution for chemical-free safe sleep.

Coil inner-spring mattresses first became popular around the turn of the century and have been refined many times in an effort to provide body support that also conforms to body shape. Pillowtops are widely used to provide an additional conforming layer to add to the comfort of conventional inner-spring mattresses. The motion transfer associated with inner-springs is good indications that it's much more difficult for these mattresses to individually conform to body weight and sleep position. Foam mattresses, either a latex mattress or memory foam mattress, have very little motion transfer, for the simple reason that they are much more effective in isolating their response to individual weight and sleep position. It goes without saying that an individual response creates much more comfort, whether you're a couple or sleeping alone.

There is a very distinct difference in the feel of the core of a conventional inner-spring mattress and the feel of a "plush" or "pillowtop" created as a conforming layer for that mattress. More and more manufacturers use foam, memory foam or latex in their pillowtop layer due to the high level of comfort provided by these materials. Pillowtops are not necessary with either a latex mattress or a memory foam mattress.

In a latex mattress the core uses the same material as the conforming layer, making the entire mattress more effective in evenly distributing body weight and gently conforming to body shape and sleep position. Usually a core of about 6 inches is comprised of firmer latex, while a softer layer of about 2 inches is sufficient for a plush feel on the surface. Rather than having two distinctly separate layers, composed of different materials, the two layers of latex both work in harmony to create a unified feel to the latex mattress. A quality latex mattress is unmatched in durability, and maintains the same firmness level for the life of the mattress, unlike inner-spring mattresses which slowly breakdown over time. Latex and memory foam provide the best choices in modern mattress materials.

KC Ennis - Marketing Manager -
http://www.foamsource.com - http://www.naturesbedroom.com
Foamsource, offering innovations in restful sleep since 1985, is a direct manufacturer of latex and memory foam mattresses, toppers and pillows.

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Popularity Of Latex Mattresses

The mattress market is seeing a dramatic shift in the way people are buying beds. More and more people are seeing that the right bed can play a key role in being well rested and ache free.

Consequently they are turning away from their conventional innerspring mattresses which create pressure points that cause tossing and turning in search of a better alternative. Tempurpedic has poured money into advertising their viscoelastic memory foam mattresses, fueling interest in spring free mattresses.

People who are allured by the intrigue of the “space foam” are often unfulfilled by the lifeless feel of memory foam, and begin searching in a new direction. As a result latex mattress makers are experiencing a substantial boom in sales.

Latex international, the top US manufacturer of latex mattress components and latex pillows, is currently generating sales around $80 million a year showing an average increase of approximately 30 percent a year since 2001. With high end mattresses showing an industry average increase of roughly 20 percent, latex mattress producers are ahead of the curve.

This astounding and steady increase in sales is not because of some ingenious new marketing scheme, it simply reflects the consumer response to a quality product. Latex mattresses provide a sleeping surface that relieves pressure points better than memory foam.

They are naturally dust mite resistant and anti microbial, which makes an incredible difference to people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Unlike other mattresses on the market today latex mattresses are biodegradable, and are made from natural, sustainable resources. With an average life span of 20 years, nearly twice those of other beds, latex mattresses outlast the competition.

Looking to the future this trend has no end in sight. With the price of polyurethane foam recently jumping a whopping 55% due to factory closures, the margin between premium latex mattresses and other mattresses narrows giving latex the clear advantage.

Ben Hermsen, a latex mattress and foam cushion engineer, is a manager for http://www.foamsource.com where he champions the benefits of latex mattresses, toppers and pillows for both individual health and also the preservation of our natural environment.

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A Latex Mattress at Any Cost - Shopping Guidelines

Many informed consumers have begun seeking mattresses free from chemical off-gassing and possible toxic fire-retardants, now in use as a result of the new open-flame federal fire codes, which went into effect in July, 2007. Not only have mattress manufacturers continued to use a variety of fire-retardant chemicals, many of which are banned in Europe due to toxic side-effects, but the concentrations of topically applied chemicals to fire-proof mattresses have increased substantially. For example, it is not uncommon to find as much as one and half pounds of chemicals saturating the mattress ticking in a conventional queen sized mattress.

Many consumers, after careful research on the internet, reach the conclusion that the healthiest mattress solution is the purchase of a latex mattress. However, for many, the cost of a latex mattress can be a budget buster, particularly when considering all natural latex mattresses. A natural latex mattress is generally created by using at least 2 layers of all natural latex, covered in organic cotton with organic wool batting, which is a natural fire-retardant. Mattresses constructed with these components will typically cost as much as 2 to 3 thousand dollars for a queen sized mattress.

However, the benefits of latex are certainly available in more affordable all latex mattresses, which can be priced below a thousand dollars for a queen sized mattress. Substituting blended latex, with high natural content, and a cover that avoids the use of topically applied chemical fire-retardants, can create a significant cost advantage in all latex mattresses. In addition to lowering cost, mattress manufacturers using blended latex often feel that it adds a plus by combining the elasticity of natural latex with the consistent quality and durability of synthetic latex.

Off-gassing, which is generally the result of accelerators and curing agents used in the creation of polyurethane foam, is not a problem with either all natural or blended latex. For example, blended latex, made in the USA by Latex International, has been certified to contain no harmful substances and has passed Europe's stringent Oeko-Tex standards. In addition, latex is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and resistant to mild, mildew and dust mites. When considering latex used for a mattress, become familiar with the manufacturer to avoid latex of inferior quality, which is generally the result of fillers added to the latex. "Fillers," tiny particles of clay or other materials that are mixed into the foam, make the resulting latex less costly, but also stiffer and less durable. The term "pure latex" typically refers to latex that does not include fillers, and can be applied to either synthetic or natural latex. Most higher-quality latex mattresses use pure latex.

The same consideration for materials used in the choice of latex for your mattress should also be applied when considering mattress covers. Mattress covers that are fire-retardant as a result of fire-resistant fibers are far superior to covers with topically applied fire-retardants, which often use toxic chemicals. An added advantage, when considering a latex mattress, is that it is not necessary to add any fire-retardant to the latex itself, while many conventional mattresses have topical fire-retardant applied directly to the mattress ticking.

The use of more affordable materials allows quality mattress manufacturers to offer latex mattresses, with all the benefits of pure latex, at a more affordable price than "natural" latex mattresses. While all natural latex, with an organic wool cover, assures the consumer of the most "natural" mattress possible, quality latex, with a non-toxic mattress cover, continues to offers the tremendous benefits of latex to the consumer, at a more affordable price point.

A quality latex mattress, constructed without the added expense of a natural wool cover and all natural latex, is a very wise mattress choice. Latex mattresses with more affordable components offer the durability, unsurpassed sleeping comfort and hypo-allergenic qualities only available with all latex mattresses, and are a superior choice to the traditional inner-spring mattress. In the effort to find a safe sleeping surface for you and your family, remember that quality latex mattresses stand alone as incorporating the best in non-toxic mattress construction, regardless of the use of all natural components.

KC Ennis - Marketing Manager -
http://www.foamsource.com - http://www.naturesbedroom.com
Foamsource, offering innovations in restful sleep since 1985, is a direct manufacturer of latex and memory foam mattresses, toppers and pillows.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kc_Ennis

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Latex Mattress vs Memory Foam Mattress

(latex mattress)

Basic Difference Between Memory Foam Mattresses and Latex Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattress and latex foam mattress have equally contributed to quality sleep and comfort and both are beneficial. It may be the personal choice of people which one they prefer. Here, we will discuss both mattresses one by one.

Memory foam mattress can really be of great relief for those who are suffering from backache and chronic fatigue. Patients of chronic fatigue are simply written off as slothful and hypochondriacs. It has been proved that chronic lack of energy includes short-term memory loss, sore throat, impairment of concentration and non-refreshing sleep and so on. Thus, memory foam mattress can play a significant role to cure chronic fatigue syndrome.

According to experts, it has been proved that having a sound, profound sleep at night will allow the person to remain energetic and free from fatigue and laziness. People will remain calm and composed throughout the day and will solve their day-to-day problems. Therefore, you must not compromise with the quality of your memory foam mattress on which you spend almost one-third of your life.

Now the second best idea of suitable foam mattress is of latex foam mattress. These kinds of mattresses are made of the juice of rubber tress. However, latex foam mattresses today are made of synthetic latex. This has reduced its cost substantially which otherwise is quite expensive.

Now, with the reduction in price of latex foam mattresses, the market of latex foam mattresses has increased substantially. Generally, the surface of the latex foam mattress is treated as the most suitable surface to rest on. Due to this, its demand has soared high. This foam mattress smoothly supports your neck, hips, shoulders, back and even spine.

Latex foam mattresses do possess some extraordinary properties due to which germs and bacteria do not germinate.

Due to above-mentioned qualities of both the mattresses, more and more people are getting attracted towards them. It is a commonly asked question which one is better, memory foam mattress or latex foam mattress?

Being in the industry for many years and studied both these fantastic products, Id say memory foam has edged ahead of latex foam.

Dave Clark has many years experience writing articles, he has also written many books, and is well known in the industry. Dave currently has many projects he is working on, he is also on the board of directors for Cushy Sofa a manufacturer and online retailer of Divans, Memory Foam Sofas, Memory Foam Toppers, Memory Foam Mattresses, Buy your Memory Foam Pillows direct from the manufacturer

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Latex Foam Mattress

(Latex Mattress)

Sleep is the basic need of a human body. If a person doesn't take a deep and sound sleep, he'll definitely fall ill and will suffer from body ache and mental disorder. Humans have been continuously finding new ways to sleep better. It is said "that a good sleep for few hours is better than sleeping for whole day". When the evolution took placed and humans were born, they used to sleep on ground, however they didn't find it comfortable and sleeping on ground also aroused the fear to be eaten by animals. Human then started to sleep on trees which were more uncomfortable. Then Humans opted to sleep in Caves and then innovative mind resulted to sleep on animal skins. Sleeping on animal skins was more comfortable rather than to sleep on trees and bare ground. Humans also slept on hay, feathers and leaves. Humans used leaves, cotton, fiber, feathers filled mattress to sleep.

Today, Humans have the best thing to sleep. They have mattresses, the best thing to sleep upon. The soft is the mattress, the fine is the sleep. Different humans used different types of mattress. Mattresses are of many types like cotton, foam, unused cloths, hay, beans etc. The most common type of mattress among humans is Latex form mattress, and costly too. Latex is a vulcanized rubber with bonded cotton outside. Latex trees are grown in countries like South Asia, South America, Africa, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Humans choose the best affordable mattress to sleep upon. Still Today many humans sleep on ground.

Latex foam mattress comes in different thickness and quality. The latex foam mattress is popular because of its salient features like pressure exerted by a human body is evenly distributed, the heat radiated is absorbed by the foam and the most highlighted feature is the foam which adjust itself as per human body. The Latex foam mattress is made in cells, which makes it more durable and comfortable. Cells makes the mattress to bear the pressure applies by the body. Latex Foam Mattress prevents us from diseases like body ache. A bad sleep affects your whole day, you'll not perform well in office, you'll not study well in school i.e. you'll mess all your work and will feel sleepy and tired whole day.

A motionless, deep and sound sleep is necessary to be healthy and happy.

Select Foam offers high quality Memory Foam Mattress. Have a look at Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide

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Latex Mattress

Use of mattresses to ease our body constrains from day to day work pressure and desire to sleep comfortably and relaxed without any sort of disturbance. After a day filled with stress, sitting on a chair in one posture and working continuously each and every person wants a relaxed and sound sleep. Thus mattresses should be comfortable enough.

Latex mattresses are popular spring mattresses used commonly by athletes and have a good quality of no flip. Flipping is not required with latex mattresses. Latex mattresses have a beneficial property of being warm in winter and cool in summers. An emulsion of polymer micro particles in an aqueous medium is Latex. It may either be natural or synthetic. Latex in its natural form is the milky sap of many plants that has the tendency to coagulate on exposure to air and is biodegradable.

Latex is very long lasting and does not sustain molds, bacteria, mildews and other microorganisms. They are thrice more impervious to microbes than other ordinary mattresses. It is made up of proteins, sugars, oils, tannins, resins, alkaloids, starches and gums. Latex can be in variety of colours such as white, yellow, orange and even scarlet. It is also used to refer to natural latex rubber; particularly for non-vulcanized rubber. Synthetically polymerizing a monomer that has been emulsified with surfactants leads to the formation of artificial latex. The laticiferous system of plants found in roots or stem of plants contains latex in cells and vessels. The latex of many plant species can be processed to produce other materials.

Latex provides the commercially popular natural rubber as the most important product. Primarily, our latex choice can be either NaturalSense or Talalay process latex. These both types of latex result in long lasting and more resilient latex. NaturalSense latex is 100% natural and therefore has achieved the perfect resilience and longevity, while the Talalay Latex contains a mixture of synthetic and natural latex. Natural talalay is also available in market but is more expensive.A quality innerspring latex mattress should last long, be durable, strong, insect resistant and anti-sagging. Latex Mattress is perfect for the ultimate combination of luxury and practicality. All natural Latex Mattresses are multi-layered with enhanced support.

Latex mattress customarily adjusts to the contours of our body, providing comfortable orthopedic support thereby maintaining proper alignment of spinal cord without impacting capillary blood flow restriction. Latex has a major drawback as it is allergen and might cause anaphylactic shocks. Residues of other components used for processing of latex also act as possible allergens and cause reactions known as multiple chemical sensitivity.

Select Foam offers Tempurpedic quality memory foam mattresses at significant cost reduction. Visit Selectfoam.com today for your next memory foam mattress!

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