Do you find yourself waking up every morning with neck stiffness or pain shooting down your spine? Your pillow could be the contributing factor. Our heads and necks need to be supported appropriately and aligned when we sleep. Accordingly, sleeping on the incorrect pillow can interfere with your quality of sleep, and over a longer period, your health.
Memory foam has become the buzzword when we look at pillows in the market, but we can’t forget about the long-standing latex foam pillows as well. So, which one do we pick? Our latex vs memory foam pillow guide is here to help you choose the right option. But first, let’s go through what latex and memory foam are.
Latex foam
Latex is natural foam developed with sap (the fluid that circulates the vascular system of a plant) taken from the hevea-brasiliensis rubber tree. This sap was made into a foam that contained an enormous amount of air bubbles which could later lay claim to the soft and bouncy texture of the latex foam we know today.
Latex pillows, on the other hand, have a speedy recovery time and a lot more bounce. If you press your body into a pillow made with latex and then raise your body off, the pillow will quickly resume its original shape.
There are various types of latex that can be used for pillows, including natural latex which is the purest form of its kind, and is economically made. Natural latex pillows are a preferred choice for those who need an all-natural and breathable option.
Memory foam
Memory foam pillows are made from polyurethane foam and other materials. Memory foam is durable and has been recognised for its ability to absorb impact. Memory foam is also known for its heat moulding capabilities, where the foam uses your head’s heat to shape and absorb your impact, creating an excellent cushion for your sore neck and back pain.
The cushioning feeling that memory foam neck pillows provide comes from their ability to adjust around certain pressure, as well as the time it takes to bounce back into shape.
What’s the difference between latex and memory foam?
The significant difference between memory foam and latex foam pillows is how they conform to your body. Memory foam will conform to the exact shape of each person’s body. However, the latex pillows will compress and bounce back. Plus, it will conform to the general shape of the head and neck, offering adequate, all night long support. Whichever option you prefer depends entirely on your personal preference, needs and sleeping style.
A memory foam pillow is known for its neck support, which helps in even weight distribution and contouring your neck and head, which helps ease neck pain. Memory foam pillows are considered the best pillow for neck pain, as many people suffering from aches and pain choose memory foam for relief.
When it comes to price range, a memory foam pillow is available in many ranges and qualities, so can vary in price. On the other hand, latex is priced as a premium product, but the quality depends on the pillow brand and manufacturing company. If you are looking for the best pillow for neck pain in latex foam, you may be spending more money in comparison to the best pillow for neck pain in memory foam.
Is a latex pillow good for my health?
Having a proper pillow that suits your sleeping style and conforms to your body is always best. Whether you prefer latex or memory foam pillows, both are good for your overall health and quality of sleep. Latex pillows are good for your health plus many more benefits.
Latex pillows can last even longer than a memory foam pillow. Plus, they mould to the contours of the neck and head but not in a constricting way. A latex pillow feels softer to your touch than the best memory foam pillow — which many would consider the best pillow for neck pain. It is an excellent choice for people who like how memory foam feels, but not its firmness.
Latex pillows are also naturally hypoallergenic and anti-fungal, making them the most hygienic choice, as well as the most comfortable for anyone who suffers from dust allergies. It eliminates heat and has better moisture-wicking material than memory foam pillows, which means that you can sleep comfortably even in hot weather.
What is better — latex or memory foam?
Do you prefer a bouncy pillow that works best in hot weather, or would you instead opt for a pillow known for support that conforms to your shape? If we compare the two purely on cost, latex tends to be more expensive than memory as it comes from a rubber tree and is labelled as 100% natural.
Still, memory foam pillows can conform to your body shape and are a more popular choice for consumers. This is likely because memory foam is suitable for any sleeping position; it contours and moulds to your natural body shape. By comparison, latex is generally better suited for people who sleep on their side or stomach as it’s bouncier. It also has greater elasticity, meaning it will return to its natural form more quickly.
So, which one to choose — latex vs memory foam pillows? Ultimately, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. It’s a case of what works best for you and your sleeping style.
Visit your local bed and pillow store to feel the different pillow’s materials and discuss with the sleeping experts on your pain points so they can best direct you to the appropriate choice. Here at SwissAire, our brand promise has always been about providing our customers with the highest quality mattresses and pillows to ensure you get a good night’s rest, plus improve on your overall health and wellbeing. If you have any questions on latex vs memory foam pillows, reach out to our team today.
Comments