There are many different types of mattresses on the market: innerspring mattresses, foam mattresses, latex mattresses... Furthermore, each of these categories includes different materials: polyurethane foam, memory foam, synthetic latex, natural latex... It’s easy to get overwhelmed! Buying a mattress is no easy task, and it’s important to know your needs in order to choose the right one.
In this article, we'll explain the different characteristics of foam mattresses and latex mattresses. We hope that by the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding. Enjoy reading!
The Materials Used in Foam Mattresses
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is a petrochemical material. This means that polyurethane foam is made from petroleum-based substances and is treated with chemicals. Its density typically ranges from 22 to 35 kg/m³. This is a relatively lightweight foam. A mattress made from this material is moderately dense and offers a moderate level of comfort as well as limited spinal support. Polyurethane foam has an approximate lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Polyurethane foam mattresses are generally considered to be lower-quality entry-level mattresses.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is another material derived from petroleum. Memory foam mattresses are unique in that they conform exactly to the shape of your body and gently return to their original shape when you get up.
With a density of up to 85 kg/m³, memory foam mattresses are ergonomic and provide the spine with a good level of support. However, they are very sensitive to heat. In a room that is too cold, a memory foam mattress tends to harden; in a room that is too warm, it can become softer.
A memory foam mattress can be made with a combination of different types of foam. The lifespan of a memory foam mattress is generally estimated to be 7 to 10 years. Depending on the composition and quality of the memory foam mattresses, prices on the market vary.
What is a latex mattress?
Latex is originally a purely plant-based material: it is derived from the sap of a tree called Hevea brasiliensis. This material is then used to manufacture mattresses, either in combination with synthetic materials or on its own.
Natural Latex Mattresses
Natural latex is harvested in liquid form. To transform the liquid latex milk into foam, it undergoes a process called vulcanization. Vulcanization requires 3% vulcanizing agents, such as zinc and sulfur. As a result, a natural latex mattress can consist of up to 97% natural latex. The remaining 3% consists of the vulcanizing agents mentioned above.
Many mattresses are labeled as "natural latex." However, before purchasing a so-called natural latex mattress, you should take a closer look at its material composition. In fact, many natural latex mattresses contain a high percentage of synthetic latex.
"100% Natural Latex": This label implies that a mattress contains at least 85% natural latex. The remaining 12% may consist of synthetic latex. It is used to reduce raw material costs or to increase the mattress's density. Therefore, despite the "100% Natural Latex" label, these mattresses may contain up to 12% synthetic materials. The label "100% Latex" simply means that the mattress is made of synthetic latex. Synthetic latex is always produced using a small amount of natural latex.
When purchasing a latex mattress, ask about the exact material composition if it is not clearly listed. However, most sellers of 100% natural latex mattresses list this information directly on their websites. If you want to be absolutely sure that your natural latex mattress contains the highest possible percentage of natural latex, you can purchase it from retailers such as Kipli.
Synthetic Latex
There are also synthetic latex mattresses on the market. These mattresses consist of a small percentage of natural latex (between 15 and 20 percent) and a large percentage of synthetic latex. Synthetic latex is made from petrochemically processed foams.
Because of the lower material costs, synthetic latex mattresses can be purchased even on a tight budget. Their average lifespan is 10 years.
How to Choose Your Mattress
Which firmness level is best for me?
It's important to know that different types of mattresses offer varying levels of support and firmness. To choose the right mattress for you, you need to consider your body type.
For a very soft sleeping experience, we recommend a polyurethane foam mattress with a density of approximately 22 kg/m³. At this density, polyurethane foam mattresses provide a fairly soft sleeping experience but offer little support. Polyurethane foam mattresses with a higher density provide firmer support. Memory foam mattresses also offer a soft sleeping experience.
Natural latex mattresses offer two levels of comfort depending on their density. For a soft feel that still provides adequate support, you should choose a density of about 65 g/m³. For a firmer feel, however, you should look for a mattress with a density of 85 kg/m³ or higher. Some natural latex mattresses, such as the Kipli mattress, have two sides with different densities to meet individual needs.
How do you choose a comfortable mattress?
Sleep Independence
For a restful night's sleep—even when sharing a bed—it's important to choose a mattress with good motion isolation. We toss and turn several dozen times a night, and it would be a shame to wake up every time our partner moves.
Polyurethane foam has a relatively low density and is a fairly lightweight foam that does not absorb movement very well. This material’s ability to accommodate different sleeping positions is average. The same applies to memory foam.
Natural latex is known for its outstanding elasticity. Natural latex has the ability to absorb movement and therefore provides excellent sleep independence.
Breathability
Polyurethane and memory foam are synthetic materials produced through petrochemical processes. They are also fairly dense materials that do not offer good breathability. These types of mattresses are not suitable, especially if you tend to sweat at night.
Natural latex is a naturally breathable material. In addition, its honeycomb structure allows air to circulate and prevents heat buildup. Natural latex is ideal for comfortable, dry nights. Optimal temperature regulation ensures that you won’t sweat or feel cold at night.
Choose a mattress based on your sleeping position
On your side, on your stomach, or on your back: We don't all sleep in the same position. Each position requires different support, so it's important to take this into account before choosing a new mattress.
The Stomach Sleeper:
In this position, your spine and neck are not aligned naturally. A soft mattress can contribute to overextension of your spine and may cause back pain.
The Back Sleeper:
When you sleep on your back, your weight is distributed evenly. Most mattresses are suitable for back sleepers, so you can choose almost any mattress. It’s best to choose a medium-firm mattress that is neither too firm nor too soft.
The Side Sleeper:
When people sleep on their side, certain parts of the body (shoulders and hips) should sink in more to maintain the spine's natural alignment. Some mattresses, such as the Kipli Natural Latex Mattress, feature 7 comfort zones to provide optimal support for every part of the body.
The Various Treatments
Polyurethane mattresses and memory foam are sometimes treated with chemicals that inhibit dust mites and bacteria. However, these treatments can be harmful to your health. We also advise against flame retardants, as their composition is controversial.
Natural latex is a material that is naturally antibacterial and mite-resistant. A natural latex mattress therefore does not require any chemical treatments.
The Lifespan of Mattresses
A mattress is an investment whose price depends on its quality and lifespan. The higher the quality and the longer the lifespan, the higher the price of your mattress.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, memory foam and polyurethane foam have a relatively short lifespan, estimated at 7 to 10 years. Natural latex mattresses are significantly more durable, as natural latex is a particularly resilient material. For example, even after 10 years of use, the Kipli natural latex mattress loses only 1% of its height (certified by the CATAS label). A natural latex mattress therefore has a life expectancy of up to 15 years.
A mattress's lifespan is also affected by its breathability. Synthetic materials, which are less breathable, often develop mold. In addition, a lower-quality mattress will sag more quickly and have a shorter lifespan.
So even if your budget is quite tight, make sure you get good value for your money. A lower-quality mattress will need to be replaced more often and is therefore not a good investment in the long run.
The Environmental Impact
Ecology and the environmental impact of our consumption are important issues today. Even the purchase of your mattress has an impact on these issues.
You should be aware that petrochemical materials are harmful to the environment. They can release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and increase pollution levels in your home. At the end of their useful life, these materials are not biodegradable, and the mattresses end up in massive landfills or are incinerated.
We recommend that you choose natural materials that are sourced and produced responsibly. In addition, natural latex is a completely biodegradable material.
Conclusion
We hope you were able to find all the information you need to choose your foam or latex mattress.