The Sleep War: Latex vs. Memory Foam

Mattress sales are a cutthroat industry! People are always looking for a good new mattress, but what's to say that one brand or style of mattress is better than another? It's mostly about marketing, promotions, and good salesmanship, but the construction of the mattress will also have a role to play in the success of a certain type of mattress. If you're going out shopping for a new bed, you've got to know the truth about which mattresses are best for you.
The War of Latex and Memory Foam
Let's take a look at the factors involved in the latex vs. memory foam war:
Price -- This is probably the first factor most people consider, and it has importance for those mattresses shopping on a budget. Interestingly enough, memory foam mattresses will actually cost you about 20% less than you'd spend on a latex foam mattress.
Comfort -- When you think about a comfortable mattress, do you think a rock hard bed, a plush cushion, or something in the middle? Comfort is something each person has to determine for themselves, but memory foam has been proven to be more comfortable than latex. The reason for this is that the foam will conform itself to the shape of the person, reducing discomfort, wear, and strain on the neck, shoulders, hips, and back. The right mattress can reduce joint pain, and memory foam has a small edge in the pain relief department.
Support -- Back support is important for larger people, heavier people, or those with back pain. Latex mattresses are usually pretty firm, so they can be a good option for those that need a solid, hard surface. However, memory foam will conform to the contours of your back, so it will be customized support - a good thing indeed!
Easy Movements -- Do you spend a lot of your night rolling around? Do you need to get out of bed every few hours? With latex mattresses, it's actually easier for you to move around and get out of bed. This is because latex is firm, so you have a solid surface to press against when trying to push yourself out of bed. While memory foam may be more comfortable when you're actually lying down, it will usually make it harder for you to move around.
Weight -- Latex is very dense, so it will be a whole lot heavier than a memory foam mattress. However, the high-density foam mattresses will also be fairly heavy, and you'll definitely struggle when moving either of these mattresses. If you get a light-density mattress, it won't weigh too much more than a regular spring mattress - but it won't be as durable either!
Durability -- When it comes to a long lifespan, you just can't beat latex. Latex is a very dense material, so it will provide you with a fairly firm sleep surface for a long time. The average latex mattress will last for up to 13 years, while memory foam mattresses will last up to 10 or 12 years. Memory foam will usually start to sag after a few years, while latex may develop body indentations from regular use.
Eventually, you're going to have to replace them both anyways, but with latex, you can wait another year or two.
Which is your best choice?