Latex vs. Tempur

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.

Tempur

Tempur material is memory foam manufactured by Tempur-pedic. Tempur-pedic owns the original formula of memory foam developed by a NASA contract.

Tempur-pedic offers a variety of mattresses from firm to plush that use varying degrees of Tempur material along with higher density foams.

The main difference between Tempur and other types of memory foams that have been developed by competing foam manufacturers and mattress makers is the blend of substances in the memory foam.

Pros: Tempur material is the 'original' memory foam and has been refined by Tempur-pedic's scientists over the years specifically for mattresses whereas other types of memory foam may not have been as well developed.

Cons: Like other memory foams, Tempur material is a polyurethane foam blend and prone to claims of off-gassing.

Learn More About Latex

Learn More About Tempur

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Material Scores

Overall Score:
Latex: 9.7/10
Tempur: 9.4/10

Comfort:
Latex: 9.4/10
Tempur: 9.4/10

Softness:
Latex: 9.4/10
Tempur: 9.3/10

Cooling:
Latex: 8.5/10
Tempur: 8.8/10

Hypoallergenic:
Latex: 9.4/10
Tempur: 8.1/10

No Odor:
Latex: 8.9/10
Tempur: 8.4/10

General Support:
Latex: 8.8/10
Tempur: 9.1/10

Eco-Conscious:
Latex: 9/10
Tempur: 8.5/10

Price Value:
Latex: 8.4/10
Tempur: 8.5/10