Home / Foam Comparison Chart
| Latex Foam | Synthetic Rubber Latex | Polyurethane |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Natural Latex (NR) was discovered 500 yrs ago in Brazil (Heavea Brasiliensis). It is now grown in South East Asia. | 1. Synthetic Rubber Latex was discovered in the 1950's. | 1. Polyurethane Foam was invented in the 1960's. |
| 2. 100% NR Latex Foam was invented in 1929 by Dunlop. | 2. Synthetic Rubber Latex was used to produce foam with the blend of natural latex in the early 1960's. | 2. Polyurethane Foam was produced on a commercial basis in the early 1960's. |
| 3. NR is derived from rubber trees as a milky juice which is naturally found to be durable, non toxic & bio friendly. | 3. Synthetic Rubber Latex is produced from petrochemical product and doesn't have the inherent everlasting resilience like Natural Latex Foam. | 3. Polyurethane Foam is produced from petrochemical formulas. |
| 4. NR Foam recovers quickly and dampens the movements without disturbing the sleeping partner because of its inherent resilience. | 4. Synthetic Rubber Latex doesn't recover quite as fast as Natural Latex Foam. | 4. Quality foam recovers very well. But it must be quality foams (heavy density) to achieve good recovery. |
| 5. The excellent rate of recovery from deformation has always been a feature of great value in the properties latex foam. | 5. The recovery of Synthetic Rubber Latex foam is not as good as "Latex" foam and loses its hardness and shape while in use after a period of time. | 5. Good quality polyurethane foam will not bottom out, or at the very least will soften slowly over time. |
| 6. The NR foam mattresses give perfect support without pressure to the body in which ever position a person lies. It is self ventilating as it has millions of tiny interconnected cells. | 6. Doesn't give perfect support and ventilation efficiently as good as natural latex foam. It doesn't let out hot air and perspiration transmitted from the body as quickly as "Latex" foam. | 6. Foam also 'breathes' equally as well as natural latex. Cells are interconnected. Most mattresses use foam layers, and those producers have 'done their homework' where breatheability is concerned. |
| 7. NR foam has the highest natural bacteriostatic & bactericidal properties which is unmatched by any other foam. | 7. Synthetic Rubber Latex foam doesn't have natural bacteriostatic & bactericidal properties. | 7. Most foams these days have been treated with a special antibacterial inhibitor which makes the environment within unfriendly for such nasties as dust mites. |
| 8. NR foam can be used again & again because of its lasting durability and resilience so it can withstand hard wear without collapsing & loosening shape. | 8. Synthetic Rubber Latex foam has less capacity to withstand hard wear and tear without collapsing and losing its shape. | 8. Quality foams should last years and years without losing too much support integrity. Cheap foams WILL bottom out. Only purchase quality foams. It's that simple. |
| 9. NR foam has a unique pattern of small pencil holes and the hardness characterstics are isotropic and all surfaces present an uniform smoothness giving maximum comfort. | 9. Synthetic Rubber Latex foam has a unique pattern of small pin holes on both sides and the hardness characterstics are isotropic and all surfaces present an uniform smoothness giving sufficient comfort. | 9. Urethane foam construction techniques ensures totally consistent support. No 'soft spots' ... No 'hard spots'. Nice and even. |
| 10. NR foam never goes lumpy, never creates dust or fluff and is excellent for asthma & allergy sufferers. | 10. Synthetic Rubber Latex foam never goes lumpy, never creates dust of fluff but doesn't have the inherent natural bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. | 10. Quality foam doesn't create dust. It retains its integrity. Due to its anti-bacterial treatment, it is also excellent for asthma and allergic conditions. |
| 11. NR foam is only slightly affected by wide changes in humidity and temperature and the mattresses will not become damp and will remain well ventlated even when not in use. | 11. Synthetic Rubber Latex doesn't dissipate heat, moisture and perspiration as quickly as Natural Latex Foam. | 11. Foam, through its interconnecting network of cells, retains the ability to ‘breathe’ no matter the humidity and temperature. For hygiene reasons, for any bedding product, you need to air it say 3 or 4 times a year in a dry airy place. |
| 12. On ignition, NR foam produces black smoke mostly containing unburnt carbon. | 12. On ignition, Synthetic Rubber Latex foam produces black smoke containing phenolic substances which are toxic. | 12. Foam produced in Australia meets regulatory flammability ratings. |