What is the Difference Between Talalay Latex and Memory Foam?

PranaSleep manufactures truly amazing mattresses, and this isn’t by chance. We have put an incredible amount of thought into each detail, from the initial design to the hand-crafted stitching that creates your new bed. All PranaSleep mattresses are handmade by master craftsmen, crafted right here in the U.S.A. Part of this dedication to the finest details includes the materials used. One of the materials we are most proud of is our proprietary blend of natural Talalay Latex.

What is Talalay Latex?

Latex is derived from rubber, which naturally flows from rubber trees. Our Latex provides the mattress’s core and comfort layers with firm, yet supple support. Talalay is the process by which that Latex was made. We choose Talalay Latex because it makes it possible to create a mattress that is uniquely comforting while also conforming to your body’s individual curves. 

We use Talalay Latex in two places, the PranaSleep Performance Talalay Core® and the PranaSleep® Performance Talalay Comfort Layer. The core of a mattress is so very important toward how long it lasts and how happy you are with it. The highest-grade mattress foam available, our PranaSleep Performance Talalay Core® has over three times the amount of natural rubber as ordinary Talalay latex, offering perfect comfort and support. A dreamy level of comforting contour is then created by layering densities of the Performance Talalay latex. It is designed to offer maximum pressure relief and deliver a deeper, more restorative sleep every night. Once you lie down on one, you’ll feel the difference right away.

How is it Different Than Memory Foam?

For years, Memory Foam mattresses were considered to be the best there was because the material was new and exciting. The average mattress lasts around a decade, so it is quite possible that Memory Foam was all the rage last time you were shopping. Now, you’re reading this is no longer the case and wondering why.

Viscoelastic polyurethane foam, or Memory Foam for short, was first developed by NASA researchers in the 1960s. As a polyurethane-based material, it is considered synthetic. The polyurethane is treated with petrochemicals that make the material denser and more viscous. Memory foam is engineered to become softer when it comes into contact with body heat, then cool and return to its original shape when the heat is removed. This is why it “squishes down” when you lie on it.

The truth is that Talalay Latex and Memory Foam are more different than the same! Talalay Latex has more elasticity than Memory Foam. When used in a mattress, this means a faster response time and more bounce. If you press your hand into a bed made with Latex and then lift your hand up, the mattress will resume its original shape very quickly. When pressure is applied to Memory Foam, the mattress will hug and contour to your body. Memory foam options will conform to the exact shape of each individual. Some people like this feeling, but others find it very hot. Exactly how quickly the mattress changes to pressure will vary based on the specific type of Memory Foam, but in general, it is going to bounce back slower than Talalay Latex.

What are the Benefits of Choosing a Premium Mattress Made with Talalay Latex?

It is true that Memory Foam offers benefits to sleepers that include being very comfortable and cushiony. When sleeping on both Talalay Latex and Memory Foam, the heavier parts of your body, such as the shoulders and hips, sink into the mattress while lighter areas are still well-supported to align the spine in its natural position. Yet, Talalay Latex offers you much more. This is why we chose this method of Latex when designing our luxury mattresses!

For one thing, Latex is not a man-made chemical. The same cannot be said for Memory Foam. In fact, our Talalay Latex is a natural product, produced from the sap of the rubber tree. The milky rubber tree substance is extracted and a small amount of water is added. The springiness you feel when you lie down on our mattresses, which is the main difference when compared to Memory Foam, is thanks to the natural properties of the Latex. You do not have to worry about toxic chemicals or metals being present in our premium Latex mattresses. For those who want the ultimate in all-natural, premium comfort, we have Natural Latex mattresses available.

“Wait- Latex is taken from trees? Isn’t that bad?” you may be asking. The effects this industry has on the environment may worry you. Nothing could be further from the truth. When you purchase a Talalay Latex mattress, you are supporting the growth of trees because more will need to be planted in order to keep up with demand. Tapping the rubber tree to collect the Latex-containing sap will not kill the tree. The trees are not cut down or damaged during this process and can produce sap for up to 30 years. Plantations are carefully managed to ensure their growth is sustainable. Rubber trees, like all trees, remove carbon dioxide from the air, so you are actually helping the environment when you purchase a Latex mattress! 

Your mattress is an investment in your health, and one you hope will be worth it. It is also important to note that Latex is generally considered more durable than Memory Foam. You can expect your premium PranaSleep mattress to last several years longer in top condition than a competitor’s mattress made from Memory Foam.

Natural Talalay Latex is cooler, more buoyant, more eco-friendly, and better for sleep health than other materials- including Memory Foam. That is precisely why we use this material, in varying densities, in our mattresses. If you want to really feel the difference Talalay Latex can make in your life, you’ll want to look into our Dharma Collection. It features natural silk, wool, and cashmere, as well as a core and comfort layers composed of 100% natural Talalay Latex. Beyond this collection, nearly all of our mattress contains this amazing material. We invite you to visit a PranaSleep retail partner and lie down on one!