What is a latex mattress?

Latex, as you probably know, *wink, wink, is a material that is very versatile in the bedroom. For today's article, we're looking at a slightly more relaxing way to use latex in the bedroom.

What is a latex mattress?

Different forms of latex

Natural latex

synthetic latex

Mixed latex

Latex foam

Memory foam VS latex

You see, latex mattresses have been very popular lately, although the general public generally doesn't say too much about latex mattresses in general.

When it comes to mattresses, it's usually memory foam or hybrid mattresses that rule the roost. But it turns out that latex may just be taking its rightful place at the top of the sleep-inducing world. If you're missing out on sleep or constantly in pain, it may be time to invest in a new latex mattress. Here's a better look at what they are and how they stack up against the competition.

What is a latex mattress?

Latex is a milky white liquid obtained from several plants in the wild. It is therefore completely natural. Now a mattress made of liquid certainly wouldn't work. After all, this isn't the '70s anymore, and waterbeds are unheard of these days, and for good reason.

However, latex is not water. When this milky white liquid is exposed to oxygen, it molecularly changes structure through contact with the air. It changes from a liquid to a solid. When making mattresses, latex is found in the form of the sap from the rubber tree. Latex is therefore springy and rubbery.

If you place your palm firmly on the surface of a memory foam mattress, you will leave an imprint of your palm on the surface of the mattress, and you will notice that it takes a long time for the mattress to return to its original shape. However, if you were to do the same thing with a latex mattress, the mattress would quickly spring back. Latex also offers a little more bounce.

Different forms of latex

There are a few options when it comes to latex mattresses as there are different varieties of latex.

Natural Latex - For starters we have natural latex, the sap from the rubber tree as we mentioned earlier. This is latex in its purest form. If you want to keep costs down and also use a natural product, natural latex is the way to go.

Synthetic Latex - Another form of latex used in the world's mattresses is synthetic latex. Synthetic latex is very similar in structure to natural latex. It is very difficult to tell them apart. However, it is manufactured very differently. Synthetic latex is made from petrochemicals that mimic the structure, properties and feel of natural latex. Synthetic latex is generally cheaper than natural latex. However, since it is cheaper, there may be quality issues.

Blended Latex - Natural and synthetic latex are very different from each other. If you want to enjoy both products without the disadvantages, you can opt for a blended latex mattress. As the name suggests, blended latex is a combination of synthetic latex and natural latex.

Latex Foam - Latex foam is commonly used in several high-end mattresses and hybrid mattresses today, and for good reason. Latex foam can be either a blended, natural or synthetic form of latex, and this is how latex is used in mattresses today.

Memory foam vs latex

With all the hype surrounding memory foam, not to mention the many proven benefits of memory foam, one might wonder if latex foam is needed. It turns out that latex foam and memory foam are two very different things and both offer their unique benefits to sleepers.

For those of you who suffer from joint problems, difficulty getting comfortable, stiff joints, and general pain while sleeping in general, a memory foam mattress or hybrid may be better. That's because these provide support and pressure relief.

However, since not everyone has these types of problems sleeping, a latex foam mattress might be a better option. When you go the natural route, you are first helping to be green as there is nothing artificial in natural latex. Latex mattresses are also useful for people who want to keep costs down. Many latex mattresses today are designed to provide sleepers with additional comfort and support thanks to the material's natural elastic properties.

How is latex different from memory foam?

The main difference between the two mattresses is how they conform to the natural shape and contour of your body. Memory foam became popular because it could perfectly conform to the exact shape of each individual sleeping on the mattress.

Latex mattresses are denser and springier, so they bounce and compress rather than conform to every single curve and contour of your body. Motion transfer is also very different between the two. You will generally find that the majority of people who fall in love with latex mattresses sleep alone. This is because latex mattresses do not provide motion isolation like memory foam does. However, if you're a solo sleeper, you'll almost certainly love the bounce and feel that latex foam mattresses provide.

I've featured it here for a while. If you want to learn more about latex mattresses, click this article (What is a Latex Mattress?) or watch this video below to learn more about latex beds.