Latex vs Memory Foam: A Constant Battle for Bedding Accessories
Be it a mattress or a pillow, there’s an unending debate about latex vs memory foam. Latex has been in the bedding industry for around 100 years but memory foam is much recent. In some factors, memory foam scores more points while in others, latex is the winner.
This comprehensive guide is to help you choose between a natural latex foam pillow and a memory foam pillow. We have compared both types of pillows for you so that you can decide what’s better for you.
Before concluding what’s better between latex vs memory foam, let’s understand each of them.
What is a Memory Foam Pillow?
Memory foam is an innovative foam made up of viscoelastic polyurethane. Hard to touch, memory foam softens rapidly by using the sleeper’s body heat. A memory foam pillow is hence, a firm pillow that adjusts around the curvature of the head. It supports the neck properly but is quite hot to sleep on.
Moreover, it is made up of chemicals and is hence, not good for sensitive and eco-friendly people. Upon regular usage, a memory foam pillow forms indentation or impression of your head on the surface which decreases its supporting ability.
Pros of Memory Foam Pillow:
- Distributes weight properly
- Relieves pressure and neck pain
- Contours to the head and neck
- Inexpensive
- Soft but not initially
- Firmer than a latex pillow (good in some cases)
Cons of Memory Foam Pillow:
- Traps heat and reduces air circulation
- Not very breathable
- Less durable
- Not eco-friendly
- Unsuitable for babies
- Makes the sleeper sweaty
- Forms impressions after prolonged usage
What is a Latex Pillow?
A latex pillow is made up of latex that is derived from the milky sap of the rubber tree. Latex is of three types: natural, synthetic, and blended. Natural latex is the best type of latex whereas synthetic and blended latex pillows must be avoided. A natural latex pillow is made by creating latex foam with millions of tiny air bubbles.
These are also known as pin core holes and help make the latex pillow very soft, bouncy, and breathable. A latex pillow is highly supportive, and best for back and side sleepers. With its medium firmness, a natural latex pillow is very helpful in preventing neck aches and supporting the spinal column.
Pros of a Latex Pillow:
- Highly durable
- Very cool and breathable
- Excellent air circulation
- Hypoallergenic
- Extremely safe, even for babies
- Very soft and comfortable in comparison to a memory foam pillow
- Anti-microbial and anti-fungal
- Resistant to dust moulds, mites, and allergens
- Outlasts memory foam pillow
- Contours the head and neck better
- Excellent pain relief properties
- Easy to maintain
- Adjusts to the movements while sleeping
- Gives instant support after lying down on it
- Less firm than memory foam pillows
Cons of a Latex Pillow:
- Expensive
At a Glance: Latex vs. Memory Foam
Natural latex is environmentally responsible and hypoallergenic. On the contrary, memory foam is a chemically made material that is firm and hot. A memory foam pillow is meant for people who like to sleep on a firmer pillow. Conversely, a 100% natural latex pillow is not only very soft to touch but also helps in sleeping cool. So, latex vs memory foam also depends on sleeper’s experience and personal choices.
While both of them are pretty supportive for the head and the neck, it is recommended that people should sleep on a medium-firm surface. Generally, latex pillows are available in three variants viz. solid latex pillow, shredded latex pillow, and contour pillow (latex pillow for neck pain). Memory foam pillows have a much wider range according to the density.
What’s Better Between Latex and Memory Foam?
A latex pillow is more cradling and supportive as compared to a memory foam pillow. Also, it is a more durable and long-lasting material. Natural latex pillows are especially recommended for people with cervical or for those who sleep very hot and sweaty. There are more latex pillow benefits than those of memory foam. If you are confused between latex vs memory foam, you must read comprehensive pillow buying guides.
Conclusion
Did you get a quick insight about latex vs memory foam through this blog? We hope you buy the best pillow for neck pain but you must always do enough research before making a purchase. Give equal value to your personal preference and bodily needs. Before buying a new pillow, have a word with your health care provider or physiotherapist to understand what’s better for your neck.
If you have cervical, you should invest in the best latex contour pillow. Morning Owl makes the best natural latex pillow for people of every need – adults, patients, babies, kids, etc. Memory foam pillows take time to adjust to the sleeper and provide support whereas latex pillows provide instant support to the sleeper. If you have any complications, a latex pillow will quickly help you get away with it. And if you don’t, it will prevent aches and stiff neck.
