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Natural Latex Mattress Vs Memory Foam Mattress

Natural Latex Mattress Vs Memory Foam Mattress
Are you debating between a natural latex and a memory foam (viscoelastic) mattress? They both excel at comfort, and each has their own set of pros and cons. However, latex comes out as the better option of the two. Find out why here.
What are they made of?
A natural latex mattress is made out of the sap of the rubber tree. This milky liquid sap (the latex) is processed into blocks of springy comfortable foam. A latex mattress is therefore a natural product. An all-natural latex mattress will not contain harsh chemicals and is naturally dust mite resistant and mould resistant.
Memory foam, or viscoelastic foam, is made primarily from polyurethane. Other chemicals are added to it to increase its density and viscosity. Memory foam is therefore an entirely synthetic product. Memory foam first had widespread use in aircraft cushions for safety, and in medical settings to avoid pressure points.
What is the user experience of a latex mattress versus a memory foam mattress?
We'll find out more about the specific pros and cons of each of these mattresses, but first let's take a look at how each type of mattress would actually feel.
When you lie down on a latex mattress, you'll initially feel a sort of a pleasant 'sinking' feeling, followed by a feeling of soft supportiveness. This is why so many people enjoy latex mattresses: the superb comfort. In fact, many people suffering from chronic pain (e.g. back pain and scoliosis) find that a latex mattress alleviates the pain.
When you lie down on a memory foam mattress, it feels very comfortable by letting your body form an impression (it springs back, or 'recovers' after you move away). Memory foam conforms to your body contours. Beware that if you roll over, you will find that it takes more energy to move, due to the viscosity of the memory foam. You'll also notice that memory foam feels warm to your body, because of the temperature sensitivity of memory foam. Those in cool climates may enjoy this, but in Singapore a memory foam mattress can feel unpleasantly hot.
Advantages and disadvantages of a natural latex mattress
Natural latex mattress
Advantages
  • Extremely comfortable - a latex mattress offers a soft yet supportive sleeping experience, able to alleviate pain. Latex mattresses have a very high owner satisfaction rating due to their restful comfort.
  • Good body pressure support means that the spine will be lined up correctly while sleeping. The body pressure distribution properties of latex mattresses prevent pressure points on the body.
  • Latex is a natural product - no exposure to harsh chemicals.
  • Naturally mould resistant and dust mite resistant without use of added chemicals, unlike other mattresses.
  • Excellent air circulation - the natural open-cell structure of latex allows air to circulate. In addition, latex mattresses are constructed with pin-holes in them which improve the air circulation even further.
  • Durability - a latex mattress is one of the most durable types of mattresses. It keeps its comfort and softness without sagging for a very long time, beyond that of other mattress types.
Disadvantages
  • Expense - an all-natural latex mattress is relatively expensive compared to other mattresses, although not in comparison to memory foam.
Advantages and disadvantages of a memory foam mattress
Memory foam mattress
Advantages
  • Very comfortable - many people enjoy the sensation of sleeping on a memory foam mattress.
  • Does not transmit movement easily - movement on one side of the bed does not affect the other side. Memory foam excels at this property above and beyond other mattresses.
Disadvantages
  • Feels hot when sleeping - this property is due to the heat sensitivity of memory foam. Many people in warm climates such as Singapore find a memory foam mattress unpleasantly warm to sleep on.
  • Off-gassing - this is an unpleasant chemical odour which is emitted by many memory foam mattresses, especially when new. Not only does off-gassing smell nasty, but health-wise you might be concerned about breathing in these chemicals when sleeping.
  • Takes more energy to roll over - when you roll over or move on a memory foam mattress, it takes up more of your energy to do so. This is because of the high viscosity of memory foam. Therefore, those who move a lot in bed may find this interrupts their sleep more than it would on another type of mattress.
  • Poor air circulation - air does not circulate easily in a memory foam mattress, making it less well suited for warm humid climates such as those found in Singapore.
  • Not so durable - eventually the memory foam loses its ability to 'spring back'. The heavier the person is, the faster a memory foam mattress will break down.
  • Expense - a memory foam mattress is more expensive than most other types of mattresses.
Natural latex mattress versus memory foam: the verdict
Latex and memory foam both excel at delivering restful comfort. However, latex comes out as the better option overall because it offers a lot of additional advantages, such as mould resistance, excellent airflow, and high durability.
Memory foam has a lot of disadvantages which all too often shoppers are not aware of until after they have purchased one. Some of these are smelly off-gassing and an unpleasantly hot sensation while sleeping, and these can actually interfere with your sleep.
Overall, a natural latex mattress is better than a memory foam because latex has a lot more advantages, and less disadvantages, than memory foam. Memory foam is somewhat over-hyped. It is widely touted as being comfortable - and it certainly is - but many shoppers are simply unaware that memory foam comes with some significant disadvantages. In contrast, latex mattresses have a lot of advantages without significant disadvantages.
If you're thinking of shopping for a latex mattress, try one out and enjoy! You'll see first-hand why they are in high demand worldwide.

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Natural Latex Mattress Vs Polyurethane (PU) Foam Mattress

Which is better for you, a natural latex mattress or a polyurethane (or PU) foam mattress? This is an important question for anyone thinking of buying a mattress. The answer is that the latex mattress is superior by far, but don't take our word for it. Let's carefully examine the evidence. What is a latex mattress and how is it made? A latex mattress is a natural product. The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) produces a milky sap which is harvested and processed into blocks of latex foam. A latex mattress is therefore naturally springy without need for any springs, coils, or synthetic chemicals. How would a latex mattress feel to me? There is a huge demand for latex mattresses because of their excellent comfort and supportiveness. If you were to lie on a latex mattress, you would feel a comfortable softness that allows you to sink in, followed by a firmness which supports you fully in that soft comfort. However, there is more to the latex mattress than comfort, although of course comfort is the number one priority you are seeking in a mattress. Latex mattresses have excellent airflow properties, ideal for a warm humid climate like Singapore. Latex also is naturally mould resistant and dust mite resistant. What is a polyurethane foam mattress and how is it made? A polyurethane foam mattress (or PU) is also known as polyfoam. This is the most common type of mattress foam. It is often used as an upper comfort layer in innerspring mattresses. However, a big block of the foam can be used by itself as a polyurethane foam mattress. At this point you may be wondering if polyurethane foam is similar to memory foam. In terms of feel, it is quite different. Both have polyurethane in them though. The main difference between polyurethane foam and memory foam is that memory foam contains additional chemicals which increase its density and viscosity. So they are chemically related, but feel vastly different to each other. PU foam is a lot more 'bouncy' or springy than memory foam. Polyurethane foam is made entirely synthetically. There is no such thing as a natural PU mattress, in contrast to latex which can be 100% natural. There are three main grades of polyurethane foam. These are regular grade, high density, and high resiliency. Regular grade and high density are not suitable for an entire mattress. Instead, they are often used as layers in the construction of other mattresses. The high resiliency grade of PU foam is of much higher quality. It is processed slightly differently from other two grades and comes which a much higher support factor. In fact, a truly outstanding high resiliency PU mattress can nearly begin to approach latex in terms of its comfort. However, it's important to note that high resiliency PU is quite expensive and therefore not readily used. If you are looking at a polyurethane foam mattress, it is wise to assume that it is one of the lower grades unless it is specifically labeled as high resiliency PU. Advantages and disadvantages of a latex mattress Advantages Unsurpassed comfort - latex mattresses offer outstanding comfort. Many people find that latex mattresses are able to alleviate pain when other mattresses are not. Naturally sourced product - latex comes from nature, unlike polyurethane. This makes latex very attractive to those with environmental concerns or who wish to avoid contact with harsh chemicals. Excellent support for body - latex excels at properly supporting the body and spine. In fact, many osteopaths and chiropractors recommend latex mattresses for this reason. Does not easily transmit movement - movement on one side of a latex mattress will not be felt easily on the other side. Naturally resistant to dust mites and mould - latex offers natural resistance to these, without the use of extra chemicals. Long lasting - a latex mattress is highly durable, outlasting other types of mattresses. This can offset its somewhat higher cost. Excellent ventilation - latex has a natural open cell structure which allows good air flow. Furthermore, latex mattresses contain pinholes created during the processing phase, which enhances air flow even further. This point is especially important in warm climates such as Singapore. Disadvantages Cost - a latex mattress tends to be somewhat pricey. Advantages and disadvantages of a polyurethane mattress Advantages Polyurethane is relatively inexpensive - especially in the case of the lower grades of polyurethane mattresses. However, the best grade for sleeping on (the high resiliency grade) is a lot more expensive. Lightweight - a polyurethane mattress is one of the easiest to move or flip. Disadvantages Poor support for spine or body - polyurethane foam does not support the body or spine properly. Not particularly comfortable - a polyurethane mattress does not feel especially comfortable. The high resiliency grade does a better job, but even then it does not match a latex mattress. Movement on one side is felt on the other - the very 'bouncy' nature of polyurethane foam means that any movement is transmitted throughout the whole mattress. Poorly ventilated - unlike latex, there is little to no airflow in a polyurethane mattress. Short lifetime - polyurethane foam breaks down quickly. It will need to be replaced much sooner than a latex mattress. Not all foam mattresses are alike. Just because latex and polyurethane mattresses look like a foam block does not mean they will feel similar. Indeed, you need only to lie down on each of them once to realize immediately that you are dealing with two very different types of mattress. Polyurethane foam is actually a very poor choice for a mattress on which you will be sleeping regularly. This is because it is one of the least comfortable types of mattresses and has one of the shortest lifetimes. A polyurethane mattress is not recommended for regular use. If you must have one, they are better as occasional-use mattresses, for example as a spare mattress for occasional short-stay guests. The lightweight portability of polyurethane foam means you can store the mattress out of the way when it is not being used, freeing up space. Even so, there are other inexpensive mattress types that would fulfill those needs and be much more comfortable for your short term guests. Conclusion As we can see from the above evidence, a latex mattress is clearly far superior in many different ways to a polyurethane mattress. Latex offers a lot of benefits beyond its outstanding comfort. The excellent airflow makes it ideal for warm climates like Singapore, and its natural mould resistance and dust mite resistance are additional advantages. Rest assured that the higher cost of a latex mattress is offset by its much longer lifetime. Also, a latex mattress offers unsurpassed comfort - and you can't put a price on that!

Why Is It Best to Purchase Latex Mattress From a Specialty Shop
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Why Is It Best to Purchase Latex Mattress From a Specialty Shop

A common mistake is to try to shop for a latex mattress in a mainstream bedding store. You may have seen one or two latex mattresses in mainstream bedding shops, but for the most part latex mattresses can be quite hard to find in regular mattress stores. Here we'll find out why it's best to purchase from a shop specializing in latex mattresses. A wide range of latex mattresses are available in a specialty mattress store Just like how you probably wouldn't buy an innerspring mattress from a showroom which stocked only one or two of these mattresses in total, you should consider shopping for a latex mattress at a store specializing in latex mattresses. In a specialty latex mattress shop, you'll find many different types of latex. You can decide between a blend of synthetic and natural latex, or 100% natural latex, or even organic 100% natural latex. This distinction is important to many customers. For example, if environmental concerns are very important to you, then you may be exclusively seeking organic latex mattresses - something which few mainstream bedding shops will stock. At Heveya®, you can find blended (natural and synthetic mix) latex mattresses in the EB brand, 100% natural latex mattresses in the Belatex brand, and 100% organic natural in the Heveya brand. You won't find all those in a mainstream mattress store. Secondly, there is the fun and exciting decision of the correct firmness level for you. For this you'll need to lie down and try out the various firmness levels for the latex mattress model(s) in which you're interested. You can readily expect to find each of these different comfort levels in a showroom specializing in latex mattresses - but not in a mainstream mattress shop. Finding out your preferred level of firmness is something which is not only enjoyable but also necessary when purchasing a mattress. The widest selection of firmness levels for you to try out will always be at a bedding shop specializing in latex mattresses, and not at a mainstream mattress store or department store, no matter how big the stores are. Thirdly, you'll also be able to try out single-layer versus multi-layer latex mattresses at a specialty latex mattress shop - yet another enjoyable decision. Multiple latex layers can be customized with different firmness levels to give you personalized comfort. However, a single layer latex mattress can work perfectly too if it happens to be at just the right comfort level for you. You'll have the opportunity to try this all out at a specialty latex mattress shop. The price may be even more attractive in a latex mattress specialty shop Some shoppers make the mistake of thinking that a latex mattress will be pricier at a specialty mattress shop, so they will try to buy one from a mainstream store. This is a common misconception. In fact, you may find that your latex mattress may even be priced slightly cheaper at a specialty mattress shop because they buy more of these in volume, allowing them to set cheaper prices. The specialty latex shop can also have stronger business relationships with the manufacturing brands of latex mattresses, allowing the specialty shop to secure better deals for you. Knowledgeability of staff At a showroom specializing in latex mattresses, another advantage is that the staff will be highly knowledgeable about the various latex products being offered. They will fully understand differences between different latex mattress brands, the different firmness levels, the manufacturing process, and so on. You can count on the staff to help you determine which type of latex mattress will suit you best. Staff in a specialty shop are also genuinely interested in latex mattresses and in your comfort. They will not be trying to 'upsell' you or give you a 'hard sell' because a lot of the latex mattresses have similar pricing to one another. Remember: if most of the mattresses in there have similar prices (unlike a mainstream mattress store) then the specialty store has no incentive whatsoever to try to sell you one mattress over another. You can rest assured that their only concern is to assist you in finding the right mattress for you. The origin of a latex mattress is also important to most shoppers. The differences between a synthetic blend vs 100% natural vs organic is something that staff at a specialty shop will be knowledgeable about. Mattress certification is another area where staff at a specialty bedding shop may be far more knowledgeable than their counterparts at a mainstream store. Many brands and models of latex mattresses have certificates to show that they have passed certain stringent international standards or tests. These tests or inspections are carried out independently by the certifying body, and this tells you the mattress conforms to certain specific requirements. For example, the Eurolatex Eco Standard tells you that the mattress complies with specific environmental criteria. At a specialty latex mattress shop, the staff will be only too happy to tell you which mattresses have been awarded which certification(s). They will be able to show you product brochures or other literature to prove that the mattress has a certain certification. 100% latex core is important If you are buying a latex mattress, it's paramount that what you buy is indeed 100% latex - and not other materials. Beware that mainstream mattress shops may try to sell you a 'latex mattress' whose core turns out to be made of many other materials in addition to latex. In that situation, the latex may be merely a thin layer within other layers made from cheaper materials such as polyurethane (PU) foam, felt, polyester padding, and even spring coils. You may not even feel or experience the comfort of latex at all in that situation. In contrast, at a specialty latex mattress shop such as Heveya®, you'll be assured of a 100% latex core. Here at Heveya®, you will only find 100% latex mattresses. Visit the showroom and have them unzip the mattress cover to show you the core - they will be only too happy to do so. Latex is naturally springy and resilient, and wonderfully relaxing and comfortable. You will be certain to get the full sleeping experience with a mattress from a specialty store. If you are looking to purchase a latex mattress, you should really visit a mattress shop specializing in latex mattresses. In there, you'll find a wide range of latex mattresses to try out, knowledgeable staff, and competitive pricing due to strong business relationships with manufacturers. Click here to visit our showroom today!

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