When you’re shopping for a mattress, one of the biggest distinctions you’ll encounter is between polyurethane foam (poly foam) and natural latex foam. Although these materials may look similar inside a mattress, how they’re made — and their impact on your health and the planet — is very different.
At Avocado, we want to help you make informed and responsible choices when it comes to your next mattress purchase.
How Polyurethane Foam Is Made
Polyurethane foam is a petrochemical-based material, derived from fossil fuels. It is created through a highly industrial process in which chemicals are mixed, heated, and expanded to form large foam “buns.” The process typically involves:
Petroleum-derived compounds
Chemical blowing agents
Additives for flame resistance, stability, and performance
This manufacturing method has an industrial appearance because the foam forms in long, factory-like lines, with chemical reactions producing the material's structure.
Not All Polyurethane Foams Are the Same
Although “polyurethane foam” is often treated as a single category, there are actually several distinct types, each with its own unique characteristics. Conventional poly foam is the most basic and affordable option, offering simple cushioning but typically breaking down more quickly. High-density poly foam is firmer and more durable, often used as a structural support layer. Memory foam (viscoelastic polyurethane foam) is engineered to contour slowly to the body, but it relies on additional chemical processes and often retains more heat. These differences affect the foam’s lifespan, feel, cost, and manufacturing process, and help explain why poly foam mattresses vary widely in performance.
Why Polyurethane Became So Common in Mattresses
Poly foam has become the dominant material in mattresses because it is so inexpensive to produce and can be manufactured on demand, in almost a continuous production line. But it is far from natural. Watch how the BBC explains the history of polyurethane foam and explains how it is made ...
How Natural Latex Is Made
Natural latex is fundamentally different. Instead of relying on petrochemicals, natural latex comes from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree — a rapidly renewable resource, which grows in the warm, humid climates of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka.
The process is much more agricultural and craft-based:
Trees are tapped for sap, a process similar to maple syrup production.
The sap is whipped and baked into solid latex foam.
Certified organic operations, like the GOLS-certified farms and facilities we partner with in Guatemala and India, can ensure:
At least 95% certified organic latex
Responsible land management
No synthetic fertilizers or harsh agricultural chemicals
In the reference video of our partner facility, you can see how natural and hands-on the process is — from rubber trees growing under the sun to sustainable shaping and washing of pure latex foam. Watch how natural latex foam is made ...
Performance Differences between Polyurethane Foam and Natural Latex Foams
Polyurethane Foam
Soft initially, but tends to break down more quickly
Tends to trap heat
Reliant on chemical additives
May "off-gas" when new, impacting indoor air quality
Lower cost, but often lower durability
Natural Latex
Supportive yet buoyant feel
Breathable, with natural temperature regulation
Highly durable — often lasting longer than synthetic foams
Made from a renewable resource
How Long Do These Materials Typically Last?
Latex is often described as more durable than polyurethane foam, and industry data support this. While lifespan varies based on density, use, and construction, most polyurethane foam mattresses last around 5–8 years, as the material gradually softens and loses support.
In contrast, latex mattresses generally last between 10–20 years, thanks to the natural resilience and structural integrity of rubber. (Avocado's third-party performance testing confirms this durability.) These ranges aren’t brand-specific — they reflect common industry expectations and help illustrate why natural latex is often considered a longer-lasting option.
Why More People Are Switching to Latex
Across the industry, there’s a growing movement away from petroleum-based polyurethane foams and toward natural, renewable, and organically certified materials — and for good reason.
Consumers are increasingly seeking mattress materials that are:
More natural
More transparent in how they’re made
More durable, reducing waste and impact on the waste stream
Healthier for their homes and indoor air environments
More sustainable, thanks to renewable resources and responsible farming practices
GOLS-certified organic latex aligns with this shift, as it supports sustainable agriculture, avoids reliance on fossil fuels, and promotes long-term quality over disposability.
Types of Natural Latex Foam: Dunlop vs. Pure Talalay®
Latex mattresses typically utilize one of two types of latex foam. Both are far more natural, breathable, and durable than polyurethane foam — but they offer different comfort profiles. At Avocado, we use both Dunlop and Pure Talalay®, depending on the mattress.
Organic Dunlop Latex: A denser, more supportive latex with a grounded feel. It’s sustainably harvested and GOLS certified (95%+ organic content), making it the standard for certified organic mattresses. Ideal for individuals seeking stability, support, and long-term durability.
Pure Talalay® Latex: A lighter, springier, and exceptionally breathable latex made through an advanced process that includes flash freezing. FSC®-certified Pure Talalay® offers a buoyant, contouring sensation and is considered the most premium latex foam available.
Both options highlight why natural latex stands apart from polyurethane foam — offering comfort and longevity through renewable, responsibly sourced materials, rather than petrochemical-based foam.
Making the Right Choice for You — and the Planet
While polyurethane foam and latex may look similar inside a mattress, their origins, environmental impact, and long-term performance are worlds apart. Polyurethane foam is fundamentally a petrochemical product created through a chemical reaction. Natural latex — GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex and Pure Talalay® latex — are renewable, farm-grown materials, minimally processed, with a traceable supply chain and a much smaller ecological footprint.
As more people look for healthier environments and more sustainable products, natural latex has become the preferred choice for those who want a mattress made from materials that are better for both people and the planet.