A restful night’s sleep can make all the difference in our busy modern lives! Finding the right mattress is key to achieving comfort and convenience. So what is the difference between polyurethane foam, memory foam, gel foam, and latex foam? If you’re feeling out of your depth deciding on a foam mattress, we’re here to help!
Foam comes in different finishes and not all foam is created equal. Today we’re looking at several different types of foam to help you make the best choice.
Polyurethane foam vs. memory foam
Polyurethane (PU) or polyurethane foam is quite possibly the most popular type of mattress foam. It is often used as a top comfort layer in indoor mattresses. However, a large block of foam can be used by itself as a polyurethane foam mattress.
At this point, you may be wondering if polyurethane foam is similar to memory foam. In terms of feel, it’s completely different. They both have polyurethane in them. The main difference between polyurethane foam and memory foam is that memory foam contains additional chemicals that increase its density and viscosity. So they are chemically related but feel very different from each other. Polyurethane foam is much more ‘bouncy’ or springy than memory foam.
Polyurethane is relatively inexpensive – especially in the case of lower grades of polyurethane mattresses. However, the best sleep grade (high resilience grade) is much more expensive.
Foam gel
A gel foam mattress is similar to a memory foam mattress, but with gel capsules added to the top layers of foam. These gel capsules provide additional support for the lower back and neck. In addition, they add more bounce to your mattress, allowing the foam to return to its original shape faster. What’s more, the gel foam conforms to the body and relieves pressure by distributing weight evenly for personalized support.
latex foam
Latex is a springy, durable substance derived from the extract of rubber trees. When cured into a foam for the mattress seams, the latex gently deflects and produces a slight bounce as you get in and out of bed. Latex mattresses can be a suitable alternative if you want a mattress that supports your body without the deep “hug” of memory foam. Latex also retains minimal body heat, so this mattress is a good choice if you’re a hot sleeper.
At Foam Factory, not only do they make just about any type of foam, mattress, pillow, or overlay you can think of, they also make the best of their own—all at factory low prices.
Visit the Foam Factory for more information.