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.
Wool is made of sheep fur. It is sheared from the sheep multiple times in their lives.
The most famous kind of wool being used in mattresses is New Zealand wool because of its attention to quality.
Wool is commonly found in the cover or as a comfort layer. As a comfort layer, it is packed tightly in the mattress so it can add softness to the top layers of the mattress. Some untreated wool may have a slight natural barnyard smell. It is also a natural fire retardent.
Pros: Wool is an all natural alternative to other types of comfort layers.
Cons: The quality of wool bedding is entirely dependent on mattress craftmanship. If the packing is too loose, there can be quick sagging and durability issues.
Overall Score:
Latex: 9.7/10
Wool: 9/10
Comfort:
Latex: 9.4/10
Wool: 8.9/10
Softness:
Latex: 9.4/10
Wool: 9.3/10
Cooling:
Latex: 8.5/10
Wool: 9.2/10
Hypoallergenic:
Latex: 8.5/10
Wool: 9.2/10
Odor:
Latex: 8.9/10
Wool: 9.1/10
General Support:
Latex: 8.5/10
Wool: 9.2/10
Eco-Conscious:
Latex: 9/10
Wool: 9.3/10
Price Value:
Latex: 8.4/10
Wool: 9.2/10
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