El Blog
de KIPLI

How do you choose between a natural latex mattress and a memory foam mattress?

Compartir:

vegetation vegetation vegetation
vegetation
vegetation vegetation

You want to buy a new mattress, but with all the offers out there, you're confused.... And we understand you! However, choosing the right mattress for your needs is not an easy task and to do this, it is important to understand the characteristics of the different types of mattresses. In this article, we will explain the characteristics of natural latex and memory foam mattresses. We hope that by the end of this article you will have a clearer picture. Enjoy your reading.

WHAT IS A NATURAL LATEX MATTRESS?

Latex is a plant material extracted from a tree called Hevea Brasiliensis. Natural latex can be used as such or mixed with other materials to make a mattress.

A. Natural latex

As explained earlier, latex comes from a tree called Hevea Brasiliensis, and it is its milk that is harmlessly extracted to make latex. To transform this liquid material into a latex ""block,"" it must be mixed with vulcanizing agents. Thus, a natural latex mattress consists of up to 97% of this material and the remaining 3% of vulcanizing agents (mainly potassium and zinc).

However, attention should be paid to the different names of natural latex mattresses, since their composition varies.

  • Some mattresses are called ""100% natural latex"", which means that the mattress must consist of at least 85% natural latex. This means that the rest of the composition may be made up of synthetic or chemical materials. We recommend that you take a closer look at the composition labeled ""100% natural latex"" to avoid unpleasant surprises. Taking into account the vulcanizing agents, a 100 natural latex mattress may contain up to 12% synthetic materials.

  • Mattresses are called ""100% latex"" because they are made exclusively of synthetic latex. This material consists of a small portion of natural latex and synthetic materials (>85%) (see section below).

For example, the Kipli natural latex mattress consists of 0% synthetic latex or other synthetic materials. To take its solid form, the liquid latex is mixed with 3% vulcanizing agents as explained above.
To provide a healthy and natural mattress, the mattress is free of chemicals or toxins.

B. Synthetic Latex

In your search for the ideal mattress, you will find a large number of synthetic latex mattresses. These types of mattresses are made of synthetic latex and a small portion of natural latex (about 15%). Synthetic latex is a material made from petrochemical foams.

WHAT IS A MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS?

A. Viscoelastic foam

Viscoelastic foam, also known as memory foam, is petrochemically produced and chemically treated. This foam is designed to allow the mattress to follow the shape of the body and accommodate movement.
The minimum density for a memory foam mattress is 60 kg/m2, but for the sake of comfort, we recommend that you choose a minimum density of 80 kg/m2 for a person weighing between 70 and 100 kg.

Mattresses with memory foam provide good support and ensure proper spinal alignment. However, these types of mattresses are not temperature sensitive: in cold weather the material hardens and in warmer weather the mattress absorbs moisture.
The lifespan of viscoelastic foam is estimated at 7 to 10 years. Depending on the quality of the materials used and the composition, the price varies and can be adapted to different budgets.

B. Polyurethane foam

Mattresses with memory foam are also composed of other foams (the memory foam layer is often quite thin and lies on the surface of the mattress). It is mainly combined with polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is a petrochemically produced and chemically treated material. Some mattresses are made exclusively of this material.

It is characterized as a rather light foam due to its density of 28 to 35 kg/m3. In terms of comfort, it offers medium comfort, which can vary according to its density.
The lifespan of polyurethane foam mattresses is similar to that of viscoelastic foam and is quite low, estimated between 7 and 10 years. They are often of low quality and are generally considered entry-level mattresses that can be adapted to a fairly low budget.

HOW TO CHOOSE A MATTRESS?

After this first part, you know more about the composition of latex and memory foam mattresses. However, to choose a mattress correctly, you must also know the properties of these mattresses. If you take into account your needs and their characteristics, you will be able to make a choice more easily.

A. How do you choose the ideal firmness level?

Depending on the type of mattress you choose, you will not have the same level of support or firmness. Our need for support varies with our weight. Here is a table to help you determine which degree of firmness is appropriate.

The comfort of a memory foam mattress depends on its density. The higher the density of the mattress, expressed in kg/m3, the firmer it is. For good support, we recommend choosing a memory foam mattress with a density of at least 60 kg/m3. For memory foam mattresses, you will find different comfort levels depending on the foam used.

With natural latex mattresses, the density also affects the comfort level. For example, if you prefer a soft mattress, we recommend choosing a mattress with a density of about 65 kg/m3. For a firmer feel, choose a density of 80kg/m3 or more.
You can also choose reversible mattresses with 2 degrees of hardness to get as close as possible to your preferences. For example, the Kipli 100% natural latex mattress has two sides with different densities (65 and 85kg/m3).

B. How important is comfort?

Sleeping Independence

  • We all dream of a good night's sleep and feeling good when we wake up! But what is more unpleasant than being woken up in the middle of the night by your partner's movements? To avoid this kind of problem (and certainly arguments), we recommend that you choose a mattress with good sleep autonomy.
  • The role of memory foam is to adapt to the shape of the body and absorb movements. Therefore, memory foam mattresses offer a good degree of independence.
  • Polyurethane foam, on the other hand, has a lower degree of independence.
  • Natural latex is known for its elasticity. This material also provides a good degree of sleep independence and means that you are not affected by each other's movements.

Breathability

  • Memory foam mattresses are made of viscoelastic foam that is sometimes mixed with polyurethane foam. However, these foams are petrochemical and are not known to breathe well. They retain heat and can feel uncomfortable at night. This type of mattress is not recommended if you sweat easily at night.
  • Natural latex has the advantage of being a naturally breathable material. Its honeycomb structure and natural properties prevent heat accumulation. With a natural latex mattress, you will hardly have to worry about sweating at night.

C. How are the different types of mattresses treated?

  • To keep pests such as bacteria or dust mites at bay, memory foam mattresses are often treated, as these foams do not have natural properties. These treatments are usually chemical and can be harmful to health, as they release VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are partially responsible for indoor pollution.
  • Anti-fire treatments are also often not recommended because their composition is often controversial.
  • As for natural latex mattresses, the air permeability of this material creates an environment that is not conducive to the development of these pests. Thus, natural latex is a natural anti-mite and anti-bacterial material without undergoing chemical treatments.

D. How long do memory foam and natural latex mattresses last?

  • When you want to buy a mattress, you quickly notice that there are different prices. However, a mattress is an investment and choosing a low-priced mattress does not mean it will pay off in the long run. In fact, these low-quality mattresses are easily damaged and force you to change your bedding more quickly. I'm not sure this is the best solution....

  • As mentioned earlier, memory foam mattresses have an estimated lifespan of between 7 and 10 years. However, natural latex mattresses are more durable due to the quality of the material. For example, the Kipli natural latex mattress has a CATAS certification, which means that even after 10 years of use, the mattress only loses 1% of its height. This means that a 100% natural latex mattress has a longer lifespan, which can be up to 15 years.

  • Another criterion that affects the lifespan of a mattress is its breathability. The less breathable a mattress is, the more moisture it retains in the air and the easier it is for mold to grow.
  • Finally, if you choose a mattress with a low-quality composition, it will sag quickly, shortening its lifespan.
  • If you want to know more about the lifespan of a mattress, here is an article that can enlighten you: What is the life span of a mattress?

E. The ecological impact

  • Today we can no longer ignore what is happening in the world and the environmental impact of our consumption patterns. This is a subject that comes up often and this ecological criterion must also be taken into account when purchasing a mattress.

  • Viscoelastic foam and polyurethane foam are produced by the petrochemical industry, a highly polluting industry. These synthetic and chemically treated mattresses emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that contribute to the pollution of our interiors. In addition, these mattresses are hardly recycled at the end of their useful life and again the impact on the environment is significant.

  • To make an environmentally friendly purchase, we recommend that you choose natural mattresses. Their composition and manufacture guarantee respect for nature. If you choose a natural latex mattress, you should know that it is completely biodegradable at the end of its life.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you learn more about memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses. You now have the information you need to choose your future mattress correctly. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us by email or through the website chat.

Naturally,
The Kipli team.

Beautify your home, in a natural way

Baby Bio Mattress

Mattress Protector

Do you have any questions? We’ll get back to you with a smile :)

Icon de messagerie

Via Chat

Live Chat

With our fantastic Customer Service

Icon de mail

By email

[email protected]

We’ll get back to the same day