Organic Latex Mattress

In the war of words between mattress and bed manufacturers, there is an ongoing argument over which kind of foam mattress is better. Is organic latex better, or is memory foam better? Both products have their pros and cons, for sure. But given the fact that the average consumer doesn't know anything about either material, perhaps the argument is falling on deaf ears. If so, here is a basic tutorial that might help you understand the issue a little better.

Organic Latex Mattresses

We are careful to use the term “organic” here because there is both organic and synthetic latex. Organic latex is made from rubber harvested from organic rubber trees. Through a process of heating, cooling, and whipping, raw rubber is turned into a creamy foam rubber which is then blown into molds. When the process is complete, the molds are opened to reveal large organic latex blocks which are cut up and turned into mattresses.

The biggest selling point of organic latex mattresses is the fact that only natural substances have been used in their creation. There are no harmful chemicals in the finished product because none were used to produce it. In fact, for a product to be allowed to bear the organic designation, it must meet strict government guidelines in how it can be produced.

Organic latex mattresses are known to be rather firm. They also contour to the body, unlike a coil spring mattress. The millions of tiny little cells are rigid enough to spring back almost immediately upon release. That means people who prefer a rigid mattress will probably appreciate organic latex. However, that rigidity does have a drawback. While the mattress is body conforming, it still pushes back against the body as the foam is trying to return to its normal state. The push back can be enough for some people to cancel out the body conforming benefit.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam was developed by NASA scientists in the 1960s who needed a resilient foam that was both heat and pressure sensitive. The heat sensitive characteristic of memory foam is what sets it apart. Memory foam is made up of millions of open-ended bubbles that pass air back and forth as weight is applied. This air transferal stops the foam from pushing back, thus the user gets support without rigidity.

To ensure the foam didn't collapse under weight, manufacturers had to make it extremely dense. That's where heat sensitivity comes in. When body heat is applied, the foam directly affected by the heat softens, almost like melting. This allows the surface foam to softly conform, while the underlying structure retains its density and support. For this reason, memory foam is a better option for those who like body contouring without the rigidity of latex.

Which One Wins - Organic Latex or Memory Foam?

So, which is the best mattress to choose? Both types of mattresses provide excellent support, are hypo-allergenic, and are durable enough for a long life of reliable service. The choice usually comes down to your preference for organic or synthetic, which for most people is a matter of personal principle. If it's true that people put their money where their mouth is, worldwide sales give the edge to memory foam...for now. But watch out. Organic latex is catching up.