Foam vs Latex Mattress: We evaluate comfort and price for you
Shoppers praise this bedroom item for having the “perfect level of back support” and “best value for money”.
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Clothing, balloons and gloves aren’t the only things latex can be found in. It’s also a popular pick for the bedroom, with many all-foam and hybrid mattresses adding the natural material to improve breathability and support.
Regular latex mattresses are also frequently compared to one of the most popular types of foam mattresses – memory foam – as a much cooler twin that won’t leave hot sleepers overheated every night.
RELATED: Our expert’s guide on picking the right mattress
We don’t want to pick favourites, so we’ve compiled a roundup of some of our top-rated foam and latex mattresses.
Shoppers wanting “comfort like no other” are happily settling down with the Ergoflex 5G Memory Foam Mattress – which is currently on sale for $362.50 off (now $1087.49, down from $1449.99). Fans say it has the “perfect level of back support” and agree it's the “best value for money”.
Although for a true bargain buy, there’s the Oakleigh Home Sleepzone Hybrid Euro Top Mattress. It’s only $399.99 for a queen size bed and “feels like luxury with a budget price”.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST FOAM AND LATEX MATTRESSES FOR SUPPORT
Ergoflex 5G Memory Foam Mattress, $1087.49 (down from $1449.99) at Ergoflex
Ergoflex 5G Memory Foam Mattress
What You Need To Know
Now in its fifth generation, the Ergoflex 5G Memory Foam Mattress is a favourite for shoppers looking for “comfort like no other” and the “perfect level of back support”. Many impressed reviewers also agree it’s the “best value for money”.
One customer even dubbed it the “best mattress for back pain – period”.
This Ergoflex foam mattress is topped with a 9cm high density visco-elastic memory foam layer to contour the shape of your body, and another 9cm worth of high resilience foam at the bottom as the foundation and for longevity. And for hot sleepers, there’s a Cool-Sleep airflow system layer to help circulate airflow and regulate temperature.
“Such good value for money, and it’s so comfortable! This is the second mattress we’ve purchased from Ergoflex. We bought the first one in 2018, and that mattress is still just as comfortable,” praised another fan.
“Best mattress – I have been using Ergoflex for the past six years and bought another one. Can’t go back to traditional spring mattresses,” a third raved.
Origin LumbarCloud Mattress, $3159 at Origin
Origin LumbarCloud Mattress
What You Need To Know
If you prefer something with springs, hybrid mattresses like the Origin LumbarCloud Mattress are worth checking out. The latest version received a few cool upgrades, including a graphite-infused latex foam layer to help wick away moisture and avoid those uncomfortable, sweaty and sleepless nights.
Origin also added the brand’s HexGrid Ultra and ComfortCloud layers for extra temperature regulating power, plus twice tempered titanium springs and high density foam for more support and less sag.
“Best Mattress ever – we love our new Origin LumbarCloud Mattress,” a reviewer posted.
“Although it feels a bit too firm, I am waking up with no stiffness or sore back as did previously prior to purchasing this mattress. We are both sleeping better and also cannot feel each other move around at night as the mattress stays firm and feels like it has moulded to your body shape.”
P.S If you sign up to become a member, you’ll immediately get the discounted member-exclusive price ($2527.20, down from $3159).
BEST BUDGET FOAM AND LATEX MATTRESSES
Ergopedic 5 Zone Spring Mattress, $419.95 (down from $549.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Praised as a “great value for money mattress” by one shopper, this Ergopedic option is a wallet friendly option for anyone wanting a pocket spring mattress or a latex mattress without the usual high price tag. It’s made with a five-zone support system to offer pressure relief in targeted areas, and includes a latex layer to encourage airflow and wick away moisture so you can stay dry.
“Very comfy and easy to fall asleep. Bought for a 60+ year old person and she is happy with it.” posted a Myer customer.
“Good mattress for the price paid. Affordable and easy to store when not needed straight away,” a second wrote.
“It arrived vacuum-sealed in a box and I was surprised that it could be used that night. My son says that it is really comfortable for sleeping. Excellent value and quality, and cheaper than most mattresses I considered,” a third commented.
Oakleigh Home Sleepzone Hybrid Euro Top Mattress, $399.99 at Temple & Webster
Oakleigh Home Sleepzone Hybrid Euro Top Mattress
What You Need To Know
There are more than 2200 five-star reviews backing this budget buy, with many loving how the balance between comfort and support leaves the bed feeling “just right”. This boxed mattress is made with a five-zoned pocket spring system, and features latex and an egg crate foam design to help with pressure relief and breathability.
“The comfort level is exceptional – it’s soft and inviting, but not so soft that you sink too deeply. The mattress has the perfect amount of plushness to feel luxurious without losing essential support,” posted a happy customer, giving it five stars.
“I was apprehensive about purchasing a mattress in this price range, but it is as good as my mattress that I have paid in excess of $1500. Delivery was quick (and) slept so well. Highly recommend,” one bargain hunter posted on the Temple & Webster website.
“Feels like luxury with a budget price! Winning!!”
BEST FOAM AND LATEX MATTRESSES FOR GUESTS
Sleep Republic High Definition Pocket Spring Mattress, $1198 (down from $1399) at Sleep Republic
Sleep Republic High Definition Pocket Spring Mattress
What You Need To Know
Whether it’s in your main bedroom or guest bedroom, everyone’s going to have mattress envy over this Sleep Republic hybrid mattress. A great option for hot sleepers, it contains natural latex, pocket springs and a 3D spacer fabric (i.e. a layer which has different fabrics knitted together). It also features pocket springs to help circulate airflow and regulate temperature, as well as adding support and minimising motion transfer. There are also higher tensile steel springs on the sides for edge support.
“Best mattress we have ever had. We loved this mattress so much we bought a second one for our guest room and another king single for our son. Just the right amount of firmness and oh so comfortable from the first night. Worth every cent,” a customer commented.
“I’ve never slept on a more comfortable mattress in my life … The mattress is incredibly supportive and doesn’t sag like some others I’ve tried. Plus, the cooling system keeps me from getting too hot, which is great because I tend to run hot in my sleep,” another reviewed.
Giselle Bedding Folding Foam Mattress (Double), $152.95 (down from $237.99) at Myer
Giselle Bedding Folding Foam Mattress
What You Need To Know
Need a mattress that’s easy to store away? Whether you’re camping or have surprise extra visitors, this foam mattress is an affordable option that’s easy to wash and won’t take up as much space as a regular bed. It also still contains a high density foam, similar to many regular mattresses.
“I find it convenient and comfy, personally. (It’s) easy to put away, easy to set up (and) lightweight),” a shopper wrote.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between foam vs latex mattresses?
Here are a few standout differences to keep in mind when choosing latex vs foam.
Feel and firmness
Latex mattresses are generally firmer, bouncier and more responsive compared to all-foam mattresses (particularly memory foam mattresses). This means that while both types of mattresses contour to your body shape, a foam mattress will feel like a ‘deeper hug’ and take longer to return back to its original shape.
Temperature regulation
Foam mattresses can get quite hot since they’re denser than latex mattresses, which have an open cell structure that allows air to flow throughout the mattress more easily (similar to coils in a spring mattress).
Latex is actually one of the most breathable materials and often used in different types of mattresses to as a way to regulate temperature and prevent you from feeling overheated. Meanwhile, a foam mattress will rely more heavily on cooling technology to stop the night sweats.
Cost and availability
Latex is much more expensive and difficult to find compared to foam mattresses. Hybrid mattresses can be an easier and more affordable alternative.
Durability
While this varies between products, latex mattresses typically last longer than foam mattresses. But if you’re keen on a foam mattress, memory foam is the way to go and maintains a similar lifespan of around 10 years.
What is latex
Latex is naturally sourced from the sap of rubber trees, producing a similar consistency so polyfoam and other synthetic materials.
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