Mattress Ratings >> Memory Foam Mattress Ratings
Memory Foam Mattresses vs Latex Mattresses → Based on Data From Over 3,400 Actual Owners
Page last updated May 20, 2010
Based on our research involving over 3,400 actual owners, memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses are compared below on several important factors.
Comfort
Based on owner data, the two types are virtually tied on this issue. It should be pointed out, however, that of the 16 people in our research who said that they have owned both latex and memory foam (mattress or topper), the clear majority say that latex is more comfortable.
Advantage: Tie
Pain Relief
Both types perform well on this issue. At least 15% of memory foam owners report relief from pain, especially back pain. About 12% of latex owners report the benefit. The more expensive brands, or those mattresses that use a substantial amount of latex or higher density memory foam, tend to relieve pain somewhat better than less expensive / lower density brands.
Slight Advantage: Memory Foam
Durability / Longevity
Memory foam mattresses have been on the market for many years and millions of people own them. This has allowed much information to be learned about them, especially concerning long-term durability / longevity. By contrast, some of the new / improved processes that have made latex competitive in the mattress industry are fairly new and, as a result, the number of latex mattress owners is comparatively small, as is the amount of long-term owner data on latex mattresses.
But based on the owner data that does exist, memory foam is somewhat less likely to prematurely sag than latex. Until more long term data is collected on latex, it is probably best to err on the side of caution and not expect outstanding durability / life span for latex, regardless of manufacturers' claims and warranties.
Slight Advantage: Memory Foam
Sleeping Hot
A bed "sleeps hot" if it acts as a heat trap for the sleeper's body heat, resulting in an uncomfortably warm sleeping surface. On this issue, latex mattresses appear to sleep hot less based on owner data. About 9% of memory foam owners included in our data report sleeping hot, compared to about 6% of latex owners, which is still significant.
Slight Advantage: Latex
Off Gassing
Off gassing refers to an odor, often chemical in nature, that a mattress emits for a limited time after it is new. Latex clearly beats memory foam on this issue based on our owner data. Specifically, about 3% of latex mattress owners report off gassing, compared to about 10-15% for memory foam beds as a group.
Advantage: Latex
Weight
Both memory foam and latex mattresses are heavy. And the more dense the foam, the heavier the mattress. As a result, moving / transporting them or even making up the bed can be difficult.
Advantage: Tie
Turning / Flipping
Manufacturers of both types of mattresses usually say that their beds do not need to be turned / flipped. However, our owner data for both memory foam and latex beds shows that some owners have the need on occasion to turn / flip their mattress to combat sagging and body impressions.
Advantage: Tie
Sex
The few complaints about sex on a latex mattress usually have to do with a lack of bounce. A substantially large percentage of memory foam bed owners, however, have issues with the temperature and weight sensitivity of their beds and how this can affect love making.
Advantage: Latex
Affordable
Prices for both types of mattresses can vary substantially, depending mainly on how much memory foam or latex is used. Both types have become increasingly affordable, but memory foam is usually at least somewhat cheaper.
Advantage: Memory Foam
Value
Value refers not necessarily to a low price, but to what you actually get for your money, or "bang for the buck". On this issue, taking into consideration all factors, especially comfort and durability / longevity, memory foam gets the slight nod.
Slight Advantage: Memory Foam
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress keeps motion on the bed localized. The benefit of motion isolation is that one person's movement on the bed will be absorbed and not travel to another person on the bed to possibly disturb him or her. On this issue, both mattress types do very well.
Advantage: Tie
Dust Mites
Manufacturers of both latex and memory foam beds claim that the mattresses are dust mite resistant. This is a little misleading. While it is true that dust mites do not eat the actual memory foam or latex, the mites can and will live inside the material because this is where their food (mainly dead skin cells) settles.
Advantage: Tie