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Natural Latex Mattress Vs Polyurethane (PU) Foam Mattress

Latex Mattress
Which is better for you, a natural latex mattress or a polyurethane (or PU) foam mattress? This is an important question for anyone thinking of buying a mattress. The answer is that the latex mattress is superior by far, but don't take our word for it. Let's carefully examine the evidence.
What is a latex mattress and how is it made?
A latex mattress is a natural product. The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) produces a milky sap which is harvested and processed into blocks of latex foam. A latex mattress is therefore naturally springy without need for any springs, coils, or synthetic chemicals.
Latex Mattress Core
How would a latex mattress feel to me?
There is a huge demand for latex mattresses because of their excellent comfort and supportiveness. If you were to lie on a latex mattress, you would feel a comfortable softness that allows you to sink in, followed by a firmness which supports you fully in that soft comfort. However, there is more to the latex mattress than comfort, although of course comfort is the number one priority you are seeking in a mattress. Latex mattresses have excellent airflow properties, ideal for a warm humid climate like Singapore. Latex also is naturally mould resistant and dust mite resistant.
What is a polyurethane foam mattress and how is it made?
A polyurethane foam mattress (or PU) is also known as polyfoam. This is the most common type of mattress foam. It is often used as an upper comfort layer in innerspring mattresses. However, a big block of the foam can be used by itself as a polyurethane foam mattress.
At this point you may be wondering if polyurethane foam is similar to memory foam. In terms of feel, it is quite different. Both have polyurethane in them though. The main difference between polyurethane foam and memory foam is that memory foam contains additional chemicals which increase its density and viscosity. So they are chemically related, but feel vastly different to each other. PU foam is a lot more 'bouncy' or springy than memory foam.
Polyurethane foam is made entirely synthetically. There is no such thing as a natural PU mattress, in contrast to latex which can be 100% natural.
PU foam
There are three main grades of polyurethane foam. These are regular grade, high density, and high resiliency. Regular grade and high density are not suitable for an entire mattress. Instead, they are often used as layers in the construction of other mattresses.
The high resiliency grade of PU foam is of much higher quality. It is processed slightly differently from other two grades and comes which a much higher support factor. In fact, a truly outstanding high resiliency PU mattress can nearly begin to approach latex in terms of its comfort.
However, it's important to note that high resiliency PU is quite expensive and therefore not readily used. If you are looking at a polyurethane foam mattress, it is wise to assume that it is one of the lower grades unless it is specifically labeled as high resiliency PU.
Advantages and disadvantages of a latex mattress
Advantages
  • Unsurpassed comfort - latex mattresses offer outstanding comfort. Many people find that latex mattresses are able to alleviate pain when other mattresses are not.
  • Naturally sourced product - latex comes from nature, unlike polyurethane. This makes latex very attractive to those with environmental concerns or who wish to avoid contact with harsh chemicals.
  • Excellent support for body - latex excels at properly supporting the body and spine. In fact, many osteopaths and chiropractors recommend latex mattresses for this reason.
  • Does not easily transmit movement - movement on one side of a latex mattress will not be felt easily on the other side.
  • Naturally resistant to dust mites and mould - latex offers natural resistance to these, without the use of extra chemicals.
  • Long lasting - a latex mattress is highly durable, outlasting other types of mattresses. This can offset its somewhat higher cost.
  • Excellent ventilation - latex has a natural open cell structure which allows good air flow. Furthermore, latex mattresses contain pinholes created during the processing phase, which enhances air flow even further. This point is especially important in warm climates such as Singapore.
Disadvantages
  • Cost - a latex mattress tends to be somewhat pricey.
Advantages and disadvantages of a polyurethane mattress
Advantages
  • Polyurethane is relatively inexpensive - especially in the case of the lower grades of polyurethane mattresses. However, the best grade for sleeping on (the high resiliency grade) is a lot more expensive.
  • Lightweight - a polyurethane mattress is one of the easiest to move or flip.
Disadvantages
  • Poor support for spine or body - polyurethane foam does not support the body or spine properly.
  • Not particularly comfortable - a polyurethane mattress does not feel especially comfortable. The high resiliency grade does a better job, but even then it does not match a latex mattress.
  • Movement on one side is felt on the other - the very 'bouncy' nature of polyurethane foam means that any movement is transmitted throughout the whole mattress.
  • Poorly ventilated - unlike latex, there is little to no airflow in a polyurethane mattress.
  • Short lifetime - polyurethane foam breaks down quickly. It will need to be replaced much sooner than a latex mattress.
Not all foam mattresses are alike. Just because latex and polyurethane mattresses look like a foam block does not mean they will feel similar. Indeed, you need only to lie down on each of them once to realize immediately that you are dealing with two very different types of mattress.
Latex Mattress Core
Polyurethane foam is actually a very poor choice for a mattress on which you will be sleeping regularly. This is because it is one of the least comfortable types of mattresses and has one of the shortest lifetimes. A polyurethane mattress is not recommended for regular use. If you must have one, they are better as occasional-use mattresses, for example as a spare mattress for occasional short-stay guests. The lightweight portability of polyurethane foam means you can store the mattress out of the way when it is not being used, freeing up space. Even so, there are other inexpensive mattress types that would fulfill those needs and be much more comfortable for your short term guests.
Conclusion
As we can see from the above evidence, a latex mattress is clearly far superior in many different ways to a polyurethane mattress. Latex offers a lot of benefits beyond its outstanding comfort. The excellent airflow makes it ideal for warm climates like Singapore, and its natural mould resistance and dust mite resistance are additional advantages. Rest assured that the higher cost of a latex mattress is offset by its much longer lifetime. Also, a latex mattress offers unsurpassed comfort - and you can't put a price on that!

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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Do you sleep on your side? If so, then your mattress needs to fulfil certain considerations to ensure you get the best night's sleep. Unfortunately, it's all too easy for side sleepers to wind up with shoulder pain or hip pain if their mattress isn't well suited to this sleeping position - and most mattresses aren't. Let's take a look at some of the unique problems with a side sleeping position, and what you need in a mattress if you're a side sleeper. What happens to your body position when sleeping on your side? Firstly, remember that it's almost impossible to maintain a perfectly symmetrical side sleeping position. When you lie on your side, your top leg will 'fall in' toward the mattress to rest on it, twisting your hips. When that happens, it's natural for your top arm and shoulder also to fall toward the mattress, as there would be no other source of support for it. The lower arm may either be tucked under the body or extended upward near the pillow. It is important to note that while you may think of a side sleeping position as a symmetrical 'leg-on-leg' position, in reality it's not that way. Instead it should be imagined more as an inward-turned position, where the sleeper is turning in toward the surface of the mattress. What are some of the problems with a side sleeping position? A side sleeper puts a lot of pressure on his or her shoulder and hip closest to the mattress, which can cause discomfort. Adding to that problem is the twisting of the hips and shoulders described above, which prevents the body from forming a natural alignment. If side sleeping is so bad, should I consider switching sleeping positions? There are many sleeping positions. It certainly doesn't hurt to try other positions, but odds are if you're a side sleeper then that is the position that feels most natural to you. In that case, you may not benefit by switching to another sleep position: it won't feel natural and therefore it may be harder to get to sleep and stay asleep in the new position. Each sleep position has its own set of pros and cons - there is no 'perfect' sleep position. Instead you may therefore wish to concentrate on transforming your side sleeping position into the most comfortable sleep experience possible. Some people have to sleep on their side Besides those who prefer to sleep on their side, you may be among the individuals who need to sleep on their side due to a medical condition. For example, pregnant women beyond the first trimester should avoid sleeping on their stomach or their back - leaving only the side sleeping positions available to them. Another example is that those who suffer from heartburn are recommended to sleep on their left side. And those who snore tend to get relief from sleeping on their side. Whether or not you have much choice about sleeping on your side, the good news is that there is a lot you can do to ensure your mattress delivers the high quality of sleep you are seeking. Softness vs firmness There is no hard and fast rule about the level of firmness you need, as it will vary from one side sleeper to another. But as a general rule, most side sleepers will need a mattress which is no firmer than a medium-firm. The reason for this is that side sleepers have a lot of contact with hips and shoulders, and on a firm mattress are more likely to wind up with back and shoulder pain due to these pressure points. In contrast, a softer mattress is more supportive for a side sleeper because it allows the shoulders and hips to sink into it, while the side of the body is supported by the mattress. This results in more contact between the side of the body and the bed, without placing uncomfortable pressure on the hips and shoulders. Mattress material Side sleepers need a mattress with unique properties of yielding to the touch, yet still being firm and supportive. This allows shoulders and hips to sink into the mattress while maintaining proper spinal alignment. Overall, the best choice you could make is a latex mattress, because it is a solid block of luxurious foam which allows a 'sinking in' while still offering good support for the spine. A second choice would be memory foam, but the main problem is that memory foam tends to 'sleep hot' - and you certainly don't want that in the warm Singapore climate. The worst choice for a side sleeper is a spring coil mattress, because you end up sleeping 'on top' of the mattress, creating hard hip and shoulder pressure points and preventing proper spinal alignment. In contrast, latex will allow the hips and shoulders to sink in softly, so there will be no uncomfortable pressure points. Other tips for side sleepers Neck support is important. A good pillow for a side sleeper should be firm enough to give good support to the head and not let it sink down too much. A dense and supportive pillow is best, and it also needs to be thick enough that the head remains level with the spine. A latex pillow is an ideal choice to fulfil these requirements. Additionally, you'll love the extra comfort you'll get with a latex pillow. This is not the most common type of pillow that people get, but it does offer the best for relaxation. Use a bolster or body pillow. It is a good idea to minimize the amount of twisting that the hips are doing. Hugging a body pillow or bolster helps to support your body and maintain a proper spinal alignment. If you don't have a bolster, positioning a pillow between your knees also can help your top leg to rest on your bottom leg. This can avoid, or at least drastically decrease, the amount of hip twisting going on, allowing you to sleep in a more comfortable position.
Best Mattress for Person with Allergies
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Best Mattress for Person with Allergies

Allergy sufferers know that congestion, runny nose and itchy watery eyes make for a very difficult night's sleep. But fewer sufferers are aware that their mattress can have a big effect on their allergies. A mattress which is allergen-resistant can offer welcome relief from unpleasant allergies. What are the causes of allergies in bed? Allergies can be triggered by a variety of things. The most common causes of allergies in bed are dust mites, mould spores, and pet dander. Dust mites Dust mites are tiny creatures which feed on flakes of human skin. They are therefore commonly found anywhere that people live. Because we tend to shed flakes of skin as we sleep, dust mites are especially prevalent in bedding. Dust mites prefer relatively high humidity levels, which is why they can often be found in bedding. Dust mites are unappealing but do not actually bite or spread disease. However, they are harmful to people who are allergic to them. A dust mite allergy occurs when a person reacts to proteins from the body and fecal material of the dust mites. The symptoms of dust mite allergy may vary from one person to another, but generally include a runny nose and sneezing. In more severe situations, this may be present in the form of asthma. A latex mattress is the best type of mattress for those with dust mite allergies. This is because latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree, which is naturally dust mite resistant. In contrast, an innerspring mattress with its many layers of padding and construction is a breeding ground for dust mites. Mould spores Mould spores are a major but often overlooked cause of allergies. Do you have allergy symptoms year-round which worsen during damp weather? If so, it is possible that you may be allergic to mould spores. Mould is a fungus, and even if you do not see spots of mould, they can be present inside and outside the home. In particular, warm and humid environments cause mould to thrive. A mould allergy happens when someone reacts to the chemical compounds released by these spores. The most common symptoms of mould allergy involve upper respiratory problems, coughing and sinus drainage. Anything you can do to discourage growth of mould will decrease mould allergies. Keeping the home as cool and dry as possible will help. This is not always easy in the warm and humid Singapore climate, but it is possible to get a cooler night's sleep by following a few tips. Selecting a mattress which is mould resistant is one of the best things you can do if you are an allergy sufferer. A latex mattress is the best possible choice you can make in this regard, because latex is naturally mould resistant. Its composition, from the sap of the rubber tree, is just not a conducive environment for mould to grow. In contrast, many other types of foam and mattresses with a lot of cloth-like material are a good breeding ground for mould spores. Pet dander Pet dander - flakes of dead skin from your cat or dog - can cause allergy symptoms in sufferers. Runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing are typical symptoms of pet dander allergies. Pet dander can get everywhere in the home, even places where the pet has not ventured. For example, even a house guest who arrives without their pet may have dander clinging to them or their luggage. This dander unintentionally spreads around in your home. In this situation the best thing to do is to avoid contact with pets as much as possible. For those who have allergies while sleeping, it is critical to disallow pets on the bed or into the bedroom at all. How can I make my bedroom safe from allergens? The good news is that there is a lot you can do to give yourself relief from troublesome allergies. Although you can never get rid of every allergen particle, you can work to decrease them to a manageable level where your symptoms become less severe or frequent. When you follow these tips, bedtime need not cause you misery with extra coughing and sneezing. Update your old mattress with a new latex mattress The best type of mattress for allergy sufferers is a latex mattress. It is naturally mould resistant and dust mite resistant. Virtually all other types of mattresses are a breeding ground for dust mites and mould, as well as being a collection point for pet dander. These particles are virtually impossible to get out of a mattress once they are there. For example, by sleeping on an old innerspring mattress, you are breathing in all these allergens whenever you sleep. With a new latex mattress, you can be rest assured that you'll be sleeping on a safe, hygienic environment and it will stay that way, due to its natural allergen-free properties. Opt also for a mattress that comes with a removable and washable cover. Just like your bed sheets, the mattress cover can collect dust, mould and bacteria. Periodically washing it will help reduce the amount of allergens that stay on your bed. At Heveya® Singapore, all of our latex mattresses come with a removable-cleanable mattress cover. This way, you can take control of your mattress hygiene and relax knowing that you're sleeping in a hygienic and fresh environment Avoid upholstery in your bedroom Your new latex mattress will make a huge difference - but you will still need to keep other areas of your room safe from allergens. Upholstery of any kind, such as stuffed chairs and upholstered headboards, can attract allergens and are extremely difficult to clean. You simply cannot get the allergens out of upholstery. Instead, go with wood and glass furniture. A clean-cut modern look is about more than just aesthetics. It's about having surfaces which can easily be wiped down to remove every trace of allergens. Vacuum regularly Vacuuming at least twice a week is especially important in any carpeted areas, which can otherwise collect allergens. For allergy sufferers, not just any vacuum will help. You'll need one with a HEPA filter - otherwise the allergens will not be trapped by the vacuum and simply go back into circulation in the air again. Fortunately, most of the newer vacuums today come with HEPA filters. Being vigilant about vacuuming will help keep your bedroom allergen-free. Do not also forget window treatments. Your curtains and blinds can collect a lot of dust, which attract dust mites and trigger allergies. You don't want that when you're trying to get a good night's sleep. So instead of dry-clean only curtains, opt for washable ones and wash them frequently. Make sure your blinds are easy to clean, and keep a regular cleaning regimen for these. You do not need to put up with more restless nights with watery eyes, runny nose, coughing and sneezing. There is so much you can do to make your bedroom safe for you from allergies. If you are an allergy sufferer, the best mattress for you is a latex mattress because it is naturally allergen-free. Not only will a latex mattress decrease your allergy symptoms at night, but its sheer luxury and restfulness will help your whole body feel better.
Best Mattress for Heavy People
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Best Mattress for Heavy People

The best mattress for you will depend on many factors - one of which is your overall size and weight. If you are heavier than average, you will need a stronger and more supportive mattress for your comfort and health. How do you know if you are heavy? If you are heavier than average, then odds are you are likely already aware of this. Perhaps your doctor has already mentioned your weight to you as a possible health issue. A good, impartial way to know if you are heavy or not is to look at your body mass index, or BMI. If you don't already know your BMI, you may wish to refer to this handy BMI calculator. Just key in your weight and height, and it will do the work for you! If your BMI is high enough to put you in the at-risk range of health complications, then you tend to be on the heavy side. If this is the situation, it's important that you select a mattress which is supportive and will align your spine and joints properly. Everyone is different There is a big difference between being a couple of kilograms heavier than you'd like (but still within the normal range), to being officially overweight (according to your BMI), to being clinically obese. All these terms have different definitions. Following similar trends worldwide, the obesity rate is increasing in Singapore. Currently around 10% of the Singaporean population is obese. The heavier you are, the more important it is to pick a mattress which is suited to your needs. Therefore, if you are classified as being overweight or obese, selecting the proper mattress is essential for you. What is the best mattress firmness for heavy people? In general, the heavier you are, the firmer the mattress you will require. This is to ensure that the mattress offers enough support without sagging. Also, a firmer mattress will tend to hold its support for longer - another factor that is important for a heavier person. A mattress which promotes proper body alignment is best for your spine and joint health, and a mattress cannot offer proper alignment if it sags. It is not only the firmness, but also the density that counts in this situation. A denser mattress is best for a heavier person, because it provides more support per square centimetre than a less dense mattress. While a firm mattress can sound somewhat uncomfortable, it need not be. It all depends on the type of mattress. Latex can be amazingly comfortable even in the firmest levels. Also, if you are heavier, you will actually find yourself feeling more comfortable on a firmer mattress because of the fact that your joints will be fully supported and your spine will be aligned properly. Are you heavy but still want the comfort of a soft mattress? In that situation, go with a firm mattress and add a soft topper for comfort. Our Heveya range of mattresses can be customised for this purpose. It is not worth picking a soft mattress that may feel good for five minutes but give insufficient support in the long term, leading to aches and pains in the morning. What is the best mattress material for heavy people? As we have learned, a firm supportive mattress is very important. One of the best and most comfortable of these is a latex mattress. This is because latex is naturally springy and bouncy, giving a soft comfortable feel. Yet, latex still fulfils all of the firmness and high density requirements we learned about above. A latex mattress is a luxurious, natural foam block made of the sap of the rubber tree. A latex mattress is highly durable - much more so than an innerspring mattress which is mostly like made of several parts and layers of metal springs and foams. Being heavier means paying more attention to spine and joints You may be a lot more prone to back pain and joint pain if you are overweight. Overuse injuries of the back and joints become more common and more severe in those who are heavier. Degenerative disk disease in particular can cause major problems for sufferers, and is a lot more prevalent in those who are heavier. Therefore, besides eating a healthier diet and exercising more, it is also critical to pick a mattress which offers proper alignment of spine and joints. A latex mattress is ideal for this, and also delivers a comfortable and luxurious sleeping experience. In addition to helping your musculoskeletal health, a latex mattress is simply so restful that you will wonder why you have never tried one before! Of course, a good mattress is no substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. The aim of getting safely and healthfully down to a normal weight should not be neglected. But since we all spend about 1/3 of our life asleep - regardless of our weight - you should do that on a mattress which supports your weight properly. Money spent on your health is money well spent, so consider investing in a new latex mattress if you are of heavier weight. It'll set your body - and your mind - at ease.

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