Do you know which mattress is best for you? How do you choose between latex and memory foam mattresses?
There are different types of mattresses: spring mattresses, foam mattresses, latex mattresses... But each of these categories also includes different materials... Polyurethane foam, memory foam, synthetic latex, natural latex... There are so many materials that sometimes we don’t even know half of the components in a mattress! Buying a mattress isn’t an easy task, and it’s important to understand its properties as well as possible so you can choose the right one. In this article, we’ll explain the different characteristics of memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses. We hope that after reading this article, choosing the right one will be easier!
What is a foam mattress?
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foamisa material derived from petrochemicals—that is, petroleum-based products—and treated with chemicals. Its density generally ranges from 28 to 35 kg/m³, making it a fairly lightweight foam. It ismoderately dense and provides a fairly soft feel, but offers little support for the spine.
Polyurethane foam has a lifespan of approximately 7 to 10 years. The quality of polyurethane foam mattresses is quite low, and they are often consideredbasic-quality mattresses.
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is a petroleum-based material that has been chemically treated. Memory foam mattresses are unique in that they conform exactly to the shape of the body and gently return to their original shape when you get up.
With a density of up to 50 kg/m³, memory foam mattresses effectively relieve pressure points and provide proper support for the spine. However,they are very sensitive to temperature. In a room that is too cold, a memory foam mattress tends to harden, and in a room that is too warm, it absorbs moisture.
A memory foam mattresscanbe made with a combination of different types of foam. The lifespan of a memory foam mattress is generally estimated to be between 7 and 10 years. Prices on the market vary depending on the composition and quality of memory foam mattresses.
What is a latex mattress?
Latex is a completely plant-based material: it comes from the sap of a tree called Hevea brasiliensis. This material is used to make mattresses, either in combination with other synthetic materials or in its natural form.
Natural Latex Mattresses
When harvested,natural latex is in liquid form.Toprocess it and create "latex blocks," it is necessary to use substances calledvulcanizing agents. As a result, a natural latex mattress can consist ofup to 97% natural latex. The remaining 3% consists of the vulcanizing agents mentioned above.
However, many mattresses are labeled "natural latex," but it is important to examine their actual composition. As the name suggests, they do not all contain the same percentage of natural latex.
"100% natural latex": This designation requires that a mattress containat least 85% natural latex; the remainder of the composition may consist of petroleum-derived chemicals. The purpose of these chemicals is to reduce the cost of raw materials or increase the mattress's density. Therefore, these mattressesmay contain up to 12% synthetic materialsdespitethe "100% natural latex" label.
The phrase "100% latex" simply means that the mattress is made of synthetic latex. There may be a small amount of natural latex, but this is rare, so we are referring to a synthetic product.
TheKipli 100% natural latex mattresscontains 0% synthetic latexandis made from natural latex. It also contains 3% vulcanizing agents, which are necessary for the latex to take on its solid, foam-like form. The Kipli mattress contains no chemicals or toxins and is completely safe for your health.
Synthetic latex
There are also mattresses made of synthetic latex on the market. These mattresses are made of a small amount of natural latex (about 20%) and mostly synthetic latex. Synthetic latex is manufactured from foams processed using petrochemicals.Because of the low cost of the material and its average lifespan (10 years at most), synthetic latex mattresses may be a good option for those on a tight budget.
How do you choose a mattress?
Now that you know a little more about the composition of foam and natural latex mattresses, it’s important to also understand their characteristics. In fact, to choose the right mattress,you need to consider both your needs and the mattress’s properties.
What firmness level is best for me?
It's important to know that mattresses offer different levels of support and firmness. To choose the right mattress, you should consider your body type. If you want a soft mattress, we recommend a polyurethane foam mattress with a density of about 35 kg/m³. Polyurethane foam mattresses provide a fairly soft feel but offer little back support. With a much higher density of 50 kg/m³, the polyurethane foam mattress offers slightly firmer support.Memory foam mattressesprovidea medium-firm feel thanks to their properties, whicheliminate pressure points and provide greater support for the spine.
Natural latex mattressesoffertwo levels of comfort depending on their density. If you prefer a soft feel, it’s best to choose a density of about 65 g/m³. But for a firmer feel, a mattress with a density of 85 kg/m³ would be a better fit for you. Somenatural latex mattresses, such asthe Kipli mattress, have two sides with different densities to suit everyone’s needs.
How do you choose a comfortable mattress?
Bed Independence
To enjoy a good night's sleep—especially if you sleep with your partner—it's essential to sleep on a mattress with good independent support for each side. When we sleep, we toss and turn dozens of times throughout the night, and we often wake up every time our partner moves.
- Polyurethane foamhasa fairly low density and is a fairly lightweight foam that does not absorb motion very well. The level of motion isolation in this type of mattress is moderate.
- The function ofmemoryfoamisto respond to movement and slowly return to its original shape. As a result, it provides good isolation between sleeping areas.
- Natural latexisknown for its elastic properties. Natural latex has the ability to absorb movement and, as a result, provides excellent sleep independence.
Breathability
El polyurethane and memory foam They are synthetic materials made from petrochemicals. In addition, they are fairly dense materials that do not allow for good breathability. We do not recommend them if you are prone to night sweats, as these mattresses do not provide good temperature regulation.Natural latexisa naturally breathable material. In addition, its structure allows air to circulate and naturally prevents heat buildup. Natural latex is ideal for cool, comfortable nights.
Choose your mattress based on your sleeping position
On your side, on your stomach, or on your back:not everyone sleeps in the same position. Each position requires different support, so you should keep that in mind when choosing your mattress.
Most Spaniards sleep on their stomachs. However, this position is not recommended. In fact, in this position, the spine and neck are not naturally aligned. A soft mattress would only reinforce poor posture, which could lead to back pain.
When you sleep on your back, your weight is distributed fairly evenly, and your back requires more support. Most mattresses can provide relatively comfortable back support, so you could choose almost any mattress. But our advice is to choose a mattress that is neither too firm nor too soft.
People whosleep on their sideneedgood support for different parts of their body: the shoulders, hips, neck, ankles, etc. Some mattresses, such asKipli’s 100% natural latex mattress, feature7 comfort zoneswithsupport tailored to the needs of each part of the body.
The Different Treatments
Polyurethane mattresses and memory foamhave anti-mite and antibacterial propertiesthanksto chemical treatments. However, these treatments can be harmful to health.
If you want to choose a healthy mattress, you should know thatnatural latex possesses these properties by nature.TheKipli natural latex mattress containsnochemicals or toxic substances. This means thatthe Kipli mattress does not release any endocrine disruptors or VOCs, thereby helping to keep the air in your home clean and pure.
The Lifespan of Mattresses
A mattress is an investment, and its price depends on its quality and lifespan. In fact, the higher the quality and the longer the lifespan, the higher the price of the mattress.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article,memory foam and polyurethane foam mattresseshavea relatively short lifespan, estimated at between 7 and 10 years. On the other hand,natural latex mattressesaredurable because natural latex is a resilient material. For example, even after 10 years of use, the Kipli natural latex mattress loses only 1% of its height (as certified by the CATAS label).A natural latex mattress has a lifespan of up to 15 years.
A mattress's breathability also affects its lifespan.Less breathable synthetic materialswill retainmore moisture, making it easier for mold to grow. In addition, a low-quality mattress will sag fairly quickly and have a relatively short lifespan.
So, even if your budget is pretty tight, look for good value for your money. A low-quality mattress will mean you have to replace your bedding more often, and you won't necessarily come out ahead.
The Environmental Impact
Ecology and the environmental impactofour consumption are important issues today, and mattresses should not be left out of these discussions.
You should know that the petrochemical industry is polluting, and so are the products it produces. In fact, in addition to releasing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and contributing to pollution in your home,recycling theseproducts at the end of their useful life willalsohave an impact.
We recommend thatyou choose natural materials that are responsibly grown and produced. For example, the latex used in the Kipli natural mattress is produced responsibly and is certified by the Eurolatex label. The Kipli natural latex mattress is made entirely from natural materials and is biodegradable.
We hope you enjoyed this article and that it helps you in your search for a good mattress!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by emailing contacto@kipli.com or calling us at+34 (0) 919 01 01 75, Monday throughFriday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Kipli Team