Wool vs. Foam

Wondering what the difference is between natural and synthetic bedding? You’re not alone. When it comes to finding the best bedding for you, there are a few important things to think about before making your final decision, such as the thickness, the filling, the weight, the environmental effects, the size and the manufacturing process. These are all key factors that make a big difference to which fiber you go for.

But you also need to think about your personal circumstances. Do you need anti-allergy bedding? If so, what are the accreditations to look out for? Do you have a medical ailment or a condition that will make an impact on which bedding is best for you? In our guide below, you’ll find out everything you need to know about the different types of bedding out there – from the packaging and comfort levels to the health and hygiene benefits.

So how do you choose between natural and synthetic bedding? That’s the big question. Ultimately, natural bedding filling is softer, warmer and more breathable than synthetic alternatives. This is because natural fibers, such as wool, have much better thermal insultation than memory foam or latex, which means you don't need as much filling to achieve the same level of comfort and coziness - often making them lighter and far more breathable.

But what is memory foam and why is it so popular?
 

What is memory foam bedding?

Memory foam bedding combines a layer of padded foam with either pocket springs or an additional layer of support foam. Used more commonly in mattresses, a memory foam filling uses your body heat to soften and mold to your natural sleeping shape and position.
 

Is memory foam good?

So, is memory foam good for you? And does it have a positive impact on your sleep? Memory foam mattresses are made of high-density foam and lots of layers, resulting in a thick, weighted base which isn’t ideal for a comfortable night’s sleep. The dense foam traps all the air inside the mattress itself, and doesn’t facilitate the natural airflow for that desired cooling effect.

It’s also often believed that the perk of having your mattress adjust to the shape of your body is a positive thing, but it can actually do you more harm than good over a prolonged period of time. If you’re sinking into your bed every night, the heaviest parts of your body will mold directly into the mattress, running the risk of misaligning your spine and causing back pain, joint problems or muscle aches.
 

Wool mattress vs. memory foam mattress

In the wool vs. foam debate, it’s easy to see why a natural bedding fiber like wool comes out on top. Unlike memory foam, a wool mattress is breathable, hypoallergenic, sustainable and naturally controls your temperature while you sleep. We don’t call it the miracle material for nothing!
 

What is latex bedding?

Not too dissimilar to memory foam, a latex mattress is a combination of latex foam with either springs or reflex foam to create a sleeping surface. However, because latex is a natural product, some of these mattresses are often combined with other natural fillings to create a more organic sleeping environment. This makes it more environmentally friendly than memory foam, but isn’t necessarily the key to a comfortable, healthy sleep.

There are three different types of latex foam:

• Natural latex
• Blended latex
• 100% synthetic latex

Natural latex foam is made from rubber tree sap, and it’s rare to find on the market as it’s not easy to source and is usually on the more expensive side. Big box brands will usually only include 1-2 inches of natural latex on top so they can promote a ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ mattress. In reality, latex foam bedding is made up of more synthetic materials than anything else. So it’s worth being a little more cautious of companies who shy away from mentioning the percentage of natural content in their latex products.
 

Wool mattress vs. latex mattress

With all of this in mind, the wool mattress vs. latex mattress argument is much more simple. Easy to source and completely natural, wool is a fiber that promises excellent quality time and time again. The journey and production of wool ensures total sustainability. So, when you’re finally done with your wool mattress after many years of happy and healthy sleep, you don’t need to worry about it hanging around and polluting the environment - thanks to its biodegradable capabilities.
 

Why choose wool?

Not only is wool luxuriously comfortable, breathable and 100% organic, but it’s also extremely clever. With its moisture wicking properties, wool works hard while you sleep to ensure that you maintain a healthy body temperature, keeping you warm in the winter and refreshingly cool in the summer.

And if that’s not enough, each of the farms that our wool bedding is sourced from are verified and audited to give us – and you – complete assurance. Our wool is graded, scoured, washed twice and delivered to our factory, before being carefully quilted and lovingly crafted into an all-natural mattress.

If you’re still questioning the wool vs. foam debate, check out our wool mattresses and find out more about how organic bedding benefits your sleep.