Bamboo Infused vs. Latex

Bamboo Infused

A bamboo infused mattress has one of two of the following properties: its cover is made of bamboo or it has a layer of foam that is infused with bamboo (generally bamboo charcoal) which provides added cooling similar to gel.

As there is a lot of hype around bamboo as a natural ingredient, there have been multiple brands that have included this ingredient for added product awareness.

However, it is important to know that bamboo infused memory foam and bamboo covered foam mattresses are still made of polyurethane, a synthetic blend of organic compounds that has a tendency to off-gas. If you are susceptible to lung issues, please do additional research on the quality of foams before purchasing.

Pros: Bamboo covers provide a cooler sleeping surface and bamboo infused memory foam similarly breathes better.

Cons: Off-gassing and durability problems with lower quality foams still exist despite being infused with bamboo.

Latex

Latex is made from the sap of a rubber tree. Over generations, people have learned how to tap the trees without having to cut them down. This means that it is one of the most eco-conscious and sustainable ways to create bedding.

After the latex is harvested from the rubber tree, it is treated to create foam. The two most common ways of treating latex for bedding is Dunlop and Talalay. The result is a high response and heavy piece of foam that can be used for bedding. By changing the density, the latex can be more or less responsive.

Those that are used to a memory foam feel (a slow response) will be surprised to know that most latex is highly responsive, meaning that although it will react to ones body, it has a natural bounce. Some sleepers prefer this, though others not so much.

Recently, there has been an explosion in latex bedding with the higher demand for eco-conscious foam alternatives. Though latex is natural, there are some that mix it with memory foam. For those that are looking for pure latex bedding, be careful to do your research on the entire bed.

Pros: High response, differing firmness options.

Cons: High expense vs memory foam, some don't like the latex responsive feel.

Learn More About Bamboo Infused

Learn More About Latex

See Our Top Mattress Choices

Material Scores

Overall Score:
Bamboo Infused: 8.9/10
Latex: 9.7/10

Comfort:
Bamboo Infused: 9/10
Latex: 9.4/10

Softness:
Bamboo Infused: 9/10
Latex: 9.4/10

Cooling:
Bamboo Infused: 9.1/10
Latex: 8.5/10

Hypoallergenic:
Bamboo Infused: 8.8/10
Latex: 9.4/10

No Odor:
Bamboo Infused: 8.7/10
Latex: 8.9/10

General Support:
Bamboo Infused: 8.7/10
Latex: 8.8/10

Eco-Conscious:
Bamboo Infused: 8.9/10
Latex: 9/10

Price Value:
Bamboo Infused: 9.2/10
Latex: 8.4/10