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.
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:
Latex: 9.7/10
Reflex Foam: 8.6/10
Comfort:
Latex: 9.4/10
Reflex Foam: 8.7/10
Softness:
Latex: 9.4/10
Reflex Foam: 8/10
Cooling:
Latex: 8.5/10
Reflex Foam: 8.1/10
Hypoallergenic:
Latex: 8.5/10
Reflex Foam: 8.1/10
Odor:
Latex: 8.9/10
Reflex Foam: 8.9/10
General Support:
Latex: 8.8/10
Reflex Foam: 9.5/10
Eco-Conscious:
Latex: 8.5/10
Reflex Foam: 8.1/10
Price Value:
Latex: 8.4/10
Reflex Foam: 9.2/10
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