Natural latex vs memory foam: which mattress is right for you?
Natural latex and memory foam both mould to your body, so they often get compared. But they are made from very different materials and feel very different to sleep on. In short: memory foam sinks and holds; natural latex supports and springs back.
We sell natural latex mattresses only, so we're not neutral. This guide aims to be fair anyway: memory foam suits some people, and we'll say who.
What each one is made of
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam, made from petrochemicals. It is "viscoelastic": it softens with body heat and slowly takes the shape of whatever presses into it.
Natural latex is made from the milky sap of rubber trees. The sap is whipped into a foam and baked into a solid, springy core. Pinholes through the core let air move through it.
Be careful with the word "latex" on its own. Many latex mattresses are synthetic latex (made from petrochemicals) or a blend of natural and synthetic. Ours are 100% natural latex.
Side-by-side comparison
| Item | Natural latex | Memory foam |
|---|---|---|
| Main material | Sap of rubber trees | Polyurethane (petrochemical) |
| Feel | Buoyant; you lie on it | Sinking; you lie in it |
| Response | Springs back instantly | Recovers slowly |
| Moving and turning over | Easy | Can feel like climbing out of a dip |
| Temperature | Open-cell core with airflow channels; generally sleeps cooler | Holds body heat; many people find it warm |
| Smell when new | Faint, slightly sweet, fades with airing | Often a noticeable chemical smell |
| Pressure relief | Good, spread evenly | Very good, deep contouring |
| Motion transfer to a partner | Low | Very low |
| Weight | Heavy | Lighter |
| Price | Higher | Wide range, often lower |
Who suits natural latex
- People who sleep hot or wake up sweaty.
- Combination sleepers who change position during the night and don't want to feel stuck.
- Anyone who wants to avoid petrochemical foams, including people sensitive to smells. (See our chemical sensitivity guide.)
- People who want a mattress that keeps its shape. Natural latex is resilient and springs back rather than slowly taking an impression.
Who might prefer memory foam
- People who love a deep, hugging, slow-sinking feel.
- Some people with specific pressure-point pain who want maximum contouring. A medium or soft latex can also work well here, so it's worth trying both.
- Shoppers on a tight budget, since basic foam mattresses cost less to make.
Common questions about the feel of latex
Is latex too bouncy? No. A natural latex mattress responds quickly but doesn't bounce like an innerspring. It feels supportive and lively rather than springy.
Will a latex mattress be too firm? Not necessarily. Our mattresses come in soft, medium and firm. Side sleepers usually prefer soft to medium, which gives more at the shoulder and hip. Back and front sleepers often prefer medium to firm.
Can couples with different needs share one? Yes. Our Partner Solution puts two single cores under one cover so each side can have its own firmness (€115 extra).
Our four natural latex ranges
| Range | Depth | Natural latex | From (90 × 200) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Eco | 14 cm | 12 cm of natural latex offcuts, bonded with natural latex ("Flexicuts") | €950 |
| Natural Basic | 16 cm | Up to 14 cm | €1,205 |
| Natural Classic | 18 cm | Up to 15 cm | €1,665 |
| Natural Deluxe | 23 cm | Up to 20 cm | €2,445 |
All prices include VAT, delivery and assembly anywhere in Ireland. Allow 6–8 weeks; each mattress is made to order in Germany.
Questions
Frequently asked
Is natural latex better than memory foam?
It depends on what you want. Latex sleeps cooler, springs back faster and is made from a natural material. Memory foam gives a deeper sinking feel and is usually cheaper.
Does a latex mattress need a special base?
We recommend a slatted base rather than a solid board or the floor, so air can move under the mattress. See our slatted frames.
Is latex OK if I have a latex allergy?
Talk to your doctor first and ask us about a material sample. Natural latex comes from rubber trees.
Can I try one before buying?
Our new showroom in County Wexford is coming soon. Until then, book a free phone or video consultation and we'll talk you through how each range feels.
Free, no pressure
Feel the difference yourself
Reading only gets you so far. Ten minutes lying on a natural latex mattress tells you more than any comparison table.
Keep reading
More guides
Guide
Chemical sensitivity
What goes into a conventional mattress, what goes into ours, and what to ask before you buy if smells or synthetics bother you.
Read the guide
Guide
Mattress sizes
Irish and European sizes side by side in centimetres, and what changes for your bed frame, sheets and room.
Read the guide
Guide
How to choose a mattress
Seven steps from how you sleep to size, cover, base and budget, so you know what to ask for.
Read the guide