The great thing about designing your own mattress from scratch is, well, all the customizations, obviously! But that also means you’ve got choices to make, and they might not always be clear, especially when we’re talking about premium stuff like natural latex or pocket coil-memory foam hybrid mattresses. And then even less so when there’s weird shapes involved, like cut corners or a mattress with a hinge.
But that one’s neither here or there.
This little Mattress 101 is about the biggest factor in your custom mattress design: the material it’s made of. We get a lot of questions from customers on the pros and cons of latex vs memory foam in mattress construction. So let’s take a look at just that –
Pros of a Custom Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses might be synthetic or natural, depending on where you get them from; most standard-made latex mattress are synthetic. Not ours, though! Our natural latex mattresses are made of latex sourced from rubber tree sap. So no weird off-gassing or nasty chemicals. Other great things about latex mattresses include:
Custom latex mattresses are durable.
Latex mattresses are known for how long-lasting they are. Take care of your mattress correctly and you’ll be surprised how many years it lasts.
Latex is a supportive mattress material.
Latex is the perfect material for those looking for a firm or even extra-firm mattress. While latex sleep may not be soft, it’s definitely supportive.
Latex mattresses are hypoallergenic.
People with allergies love latex mattresses because natural latex doesn’t cause a histamine reaction.
Custom latex construction makes a mattress breathable.
Latex mattresses are also great at temperature regulation, because the construction and material are breathable.
Latex mattresses can fit many types of sleepers.
Latex is a material that’s ideal for several types of sleepers simply because it does offer so much support. Latex mattress construction works for overweight and larger people, people with back problems, side sleepers, those who sleep hot – not to mention latex is a great choice for mattresses that are exposed to the elements, like on boats or in RVs and converted vans. It’s resistant to moisture and tiny gross creatures like dust mites.
Drawbacks to Latex
Nothing comes without its caveats, though! But only two this time:
Latex mattresses tend to be more expensive because of the naturally-sourced material. Counterpoint: if it lasts a super-long time, is it actually expensive?
Since latex mattresses are firm, they’re not for everyone – some of us want to sleep on a cushy cloud-like mattress, and these are not that.
Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam is a polyurethane-based foam used for a host of comfort items – from shoe insoles to mattress toppers and ergonomic pillows. Memory foam mattresses are by far the most popular, buzz word material on the mattress market today. And for good reason – it’s comfy! Other reasons people love memory foam mattresses are:
Mattresses made of memory foam ease pressure points.
Anyone who really needs that pressure point relief at the end of the day should choose memory foam for their custom mattress construction, as it takes the pressure off of the major joints like hips and shoulders.
Memory foam mattresses isolate motion.
Whether you sleep with another person, people, and/or pets, memory foam mattresses ensure that every time someone else moves, your sleep isn’t disrupted.
Custom memory foam is hypoallergenic.
Memory foam, believe it or not, is also a hypoallergenic material that’s resistant to things like mites, so it’s another solid option for those with allergies.
Memory foam mattresses are cozy.
Do you love feeling all warm and surrounded by plush softness? Memory foam mattresses are where it’s at.
Memory foam fits many types of sleepers.
Just like latex, memory foam mattresses are a good choice for many types of sleepers. People with painful conditions like arthritis enjoy the pressure relief. People who sleep on their back love the way they contour to your body. And people who share a bed appreciate the lack of motion transfer.
Cons to Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses aren’t without a few shortcomings:
Custom memory foam might be expensive.
Memory foam mattresses are not the best choice for larger/overweight people.
Memory foam is not as durable as latex.
Memory foam retains heat, so is not good for those who sleep hot.
Pocket Coil is Another Option to Consider
Another option to consider, if neither of these are feeling just right, is pocket coil construction – not to be confused with innerspring, which is notoriously terrible. Pocket coils are individually-wrapped, which means no weird poky or saggy spots as you wear the mattress in. Pocket coil mattresses have a lot to offer:
Durable
Supportive
Come in a variety of firmness options
Good mix of support and pressure relief
People who should consider pocket coil for their custom mattress construction include:
Heavyweight sleepers
Side sleepers
Back sleepers
CustomMattress.com Lets You Create a Mattress that’s Tailored to You
Now that you’ve got the 411 on mattress materials, it’s all easy from here! Now you just need to know your length, width, depth, desired firmness, and any customizations like cut corners, radius corners, or a hinge to make a folding mattress. Or, choose giant sizes for your custom bed, like the Alaskan or Wyoming king.
The last (and easiest) step to finish everything out is to have us make matching custom bedding – especially since none of these mattresses are standard sizes or shapes. Custom Egyptian cotton bed sets ensure you get the most comfort and luxury out of your new mattress – not to be overlooked in your design process.
Want to know more? Check out our mattress and bedding selections and get started on your custom mattress journey!