Latex foam mattress

A Latex foam mattress is often seen as an alternative choice to a memory foam mattress as it has similar but subtlety different sleeping characteristics. Latex foam is now a frequently used material in orthopedic beds.

The main advantage that a Latex mattress has is that, like visco elastic memory foam, it has an ability to shape itself around any person resting upon it, i.e. the mattress conforms to the natural curves of the human body and not the other way around.

This shaping or contouring property means that it has good orthopedic mattress attributes that enable any person resting upon it to retain the natural "S" shape of their spine. For this reason Latex mattresses are seen as being sympathetic to the contours of the human body which is in stark contrast to the old style orthopedic beds of the past which were very firm - if not hard.

What makes a Latex mattress different

Whilst a Latex mattress offers similar body shaping and cradling characteristics to memory foam, it does so without the slow recovery trait of memory foam. Instead a Latex mattress has a very spongy, almost bouncy springiness that sees it recover its shape as soon as the person resting upon it gets up.

This means that, unlike memory foam, Latex foam reacts immediately to any movements or changes in position of the sleeping person. As a result, a Latex mattress has the body shaping features of visco elastic memory foam, but with the reaction and springiness of a traditional coiled spring bed.

The combination of these properties often means that an individual who does not like memory foam beds (or a traditional orthopedic mattress) will like a Latex bed - and vice versa.

Another important differentiating feature of a Latex mattress is its ability to "sleep cool". This expression comes from the fact that some people find a memory foam (or other foam type) mattress uncomfortably warm to sleep on. Latex is however a naturally cool material and for this reason it will suit anyone who has a preference for a "cool feel" bed rather than a warm one.

The Latex used in orthopedic mattresses and pillows is usually perforated to encourage cool air flow and this also gives it a distinctive appearance (i.e. lots of evenly distributed small holes).

As a naturally occurring rubber that is synthesized for its bedding applications, Latex foam is hypoallergenic and ideal for anyone who suffers from allergies.

Latex combination mattress

A Latex mattress can be expensive and, in some observers view, a significant waste of money if used for the full depth of the mattress.

For this reason Latex tends to be used more as a top layer on composite beds that have coiled springs for their main support and Latex as a top contouring layer. This mix of materials provides a bed or mattress with good support, longevity, and the ability to shape itself to any person resting upon it.

As a result, an increasing number of modern orthopedic mattresses and beds utilize Latex foam for its many advantageous properties.

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