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Koala Launches 3 New Mattresses – Which Is Best?

Adjustable firmness and luxury materials put this mattress on top.

Meta rating 4.7
Starting from $799 $599
Latex Memory Foam

Understanding the Memory Foam Mattress

One of the more popular designs, a memory foam mattress is best for pressure relief and body-shaping contour. This dense foam responds slowly to weight, making it ideal for compression support. Since memory foam is notoriously firm, these mattresses often combine different foams for comfort and support.

A memory foam mattress is any design constructed primarily of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and a dense poly foam support layer. These mattresses may also include latex, gel-infused foam, or padding for added comfort. Memory foam is great for support and body-shaping contour, as it slowly responds to body heat and lets sleepers relax into the mattress.

The majority of concerns around Australia’s memory foam mattresses relate to “VOCs” or “off-gassing.” These terms both refer to chemicals in the foam breaking down and releasing into the air. Many memory foam mattresses have a “new smell” from this process, which disappears after several days or weeks. To combat possible health and chemical-related issues with this process, mattress companies are creating low-VOC foams and using plant-based foams. As with any mattress, this foam is safe if it meets proper production regulations.

There is no better or worse mattress when it comes to memory foam and latex. The two materials have different feels, firmness levels, and chemical properties. Choosing a material that is better for you depends on your unique sleeping preferences. If you like a firmer mattress that hugs you in all the right places, memory foam may be the best choice. Prefer a mattress with more bounce? Latex gives a soft, yet springy feel.

No memory foam mattress has the same durability as another. While some industry experts believe memory foam lasts for 7-10 years, others estimate it lasts 10+ years. A memory foam mattress is only as durable as its materials, so it’s important to pick a mattress with quality foam and enough support. While memory foam becomes more responsive over the years, a high-density foam base can improve the longevity.

Gel memory foam is exactly what it sounds like: a blend of gel and memory foam. There are two common ways to create this foam – one uses gel-infused beads and the other blends the materials together. Both are designed to combine the cooling benefits of gel with the shaping abilities of memory foam. Since memory foam retains heat, gel helps disperse heat away from sleepers and makes the foam more responsive.

Memory foam mattresses suitable for many types of sleepers. Gel-infused memory foam mattress are a good choice for people who need more cushion than an all-memory design. On the other hand, firm memory foam mattresses are ideal for sleepers who need a supportive surface or suffer from back pain. If you enjoy a medium-firm to firm mattress, memory foam could be the right pick for you.