Mattress foam comes in multiple different types: memory foam, polyurethane, and latex. Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that has lower resistance so it reacts and slowly reforms when pressure is released. It generally makes up the surface layers of a mattress.
Polyurethane comes in multiple different forms - making it useful in the middle and base layers of many foam and memory foam mattresses.
Latex is the natural alternative to memory foam and polyurethane foams. It is created from sap from a rubber tree and is treated to create different densities to cover both soft and firm requirements. Like rubber, it is highly responsive and has a bounce that some sleepers love and some others hate.
Pros: Depending on the foam type, it can be quite comfortable, safe, and responsive.
Cons: Lower quality foams can break down quickly, causing sagging issues within only a few months or years.
Reflex foam is commonly found in the transitionary and base foam layer of foam mattresses. It is higher density than memory foam, but still has enough give to it where it isn't as hard as a solid surface.
Reflex foam, like memory foam, is a polyurethane foam blend, which has been adjusted for higher density during its manufacturing.
Although some very firm mattresses are made completely of reflex foams, most foam mattresses are a blend of memory foam on the top layer followed by reflex foams in the middle and bottom layers.
Pros: Firmer, supportive foam that enables enough contour for heavier sleepers and support to traditional memory foam mattresses.
Cons: Lower quality foams can offgas toxic chemicals and sag faster than alternatives.
Overall Score:
Foam: 9.3/10
Reflex Foam: 8.6/10
Comfort:
Foam: 9.4/10
Reflex Foam: 8.7/10
Softness:
Foam: 9.5/10
Reflex Foam: 8/10
Cooling:
Foam: 8/10
Reflex Foam: 8.1/10
Hypoallergenic:
Foam: 8.1/10
Reflex Foam: 8.1/10
Odor:
Foam: 8.4/10
Reflex Foam: 8.9/10
General Support:
Foam: 8.7/10
Reflex Foam: 9.5/10
Eco-Conscious:
Foam: 8/10
Reflex Foam: 8.1/10
Price Value:
Foam: 9.4/10
Reflex Foam: 8.1/10
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