The Complete Guide to Mattress Foam Types for Vancouver Sleepers

If you’ve ever started shopping for a new mattress, you’ve probably noticed just how many types of foam are out there. Memory foam, latex, polyfoam, gel foam, open cell foam, plant-based foam... it can get confusing pretty quickly.

The good news is that you don’t need to know every marketing term to choose the right mattress.

Most mattress foams fall into three main categories: memory foam, polyfoam, and latex. The rest are often variations or treatments designed to change how one of these foams feels or performs. For example, gel may be added to help with heat, while open-cell designs are made with airflow in mind.

The real question is not simply, “Which foam is the best?”

It’s how does the foam feel when you sleep on it, and does it suit the way you sleep?

Some foams feel soft and cushioning. Others feel firmer and more supportive. Some let you move around easily, while others have that deeper, slower-sinking feel. Heat retention, pressure relief, responsiveness, and long-term durability can all vary too.

And then there’s the rest of the mattress to consider. The type of foam, its density and thickness, and how it works with the other layers can make a big difference in how the finished mattress feels.

So, if you’re shopping for a mattress in Vancouver and keep running into foam terms you don’t quite understand, King of Mattresses is here to help you out.

What Are the Different Types of Foam Used in Mattresses?

Usually mattresses use three primary foam materials, memory foam, polyfoam, and latex, often in combination across different layers.

Beyond those three, you'll encounter specialty terms:

• Gel infused foam (a modification of memory foam or polyfoam)
• Open-cell foam (a structural modification for better airflow)
• Plant-based foam (a formulation variation using plant derived content)
• Transition foam (a layer term describing where foam sits in the mattress)
• High-density foam (a density specification, not a separate material)

Understanding the difference between base materials and specialty formulations saves a lot of confusion when you're trying to compare mattresses in a showroom.

These ratings can vary. The foam’s density and how the mattress is built can change how it actually feels and performs. 

Memory Foam: What It Is and How It Feels

Memory foam is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam that responds to both pressure and heat. When you lie on it, it softens where your body makes contact, conforms to your shape, and then slowly springs back when you change position or get up.

That slow moving, contouring quality is what makes memory foam feel distinctly different from other materials. It reduces pressure by distributing your body weight across a wider surface area, which is why it became popular for people dealing with joint pain and pressure sensitivity.

The trade off is responsiveness. Memory foam takes time to reshape. If you switch positions frequently through the night, there's a lag period where the foam is catching up to where you are, and during that transition your spine may be temporarily unsupported. Hot sleepers also find that memory foam's heat responsive properties make the sleep surface warmer than other materials.

What Are the Different Types of Memory Foam?

Once you start looking at memory foam mattresses, you’ll notice that not all memory foam are exactly the same. Manufacturers use different versions and methods to change how the foam feels, how it handles heat, and how quickly it responds when you move.

Here are the main ones you’re likely to come across:

Traditional memory foam is the classic version most people picture when they hear “memory foam.” It has that slow, sinking feel that lets your body settle into the mattress. It can be good for pressure relief, but it also tends to hold onto more heat than some newer foam designs.

Gel-infused memory foam has gel beads, particles, or a gel layer added to the foam. The idea is to help move some heat away from your body while you sleep. It can feel a little cooler than traditional memory foam, although gel alone does not magically make a mattress cool.

Open cell memory foam is made with a more porous structure that gives air more room to move through the foam. This can help with airflow and make the foam feel less stuffy during the night. You’ll also find mattresses that combine open cell foam with gel for additional temperature control.

Plant based or soy based memory foam uses some plant-derived materials. The exact formulation varies by manufacturer, but these foams can have a slightly different feel and may be more responsive than classic memory foam.

The important thing to remember is that these names describe variations of memory foam, not completely different mattress materials. The actual feel still depends on the foam’s density, thickness, and how it is used in the mattress.

Polyfoam: The Mattress Foam You May Not Know You're Sleeping On

You may not hear “polyfoam” as often as “memory foam,” but there’s a good chance you’ve already slept on it.

Polyfoam, short for polyurethane foam, is used in all kinds of mattresses. You’ll find it in affordable mattresses, but it also shows up in higherend models as a comfort layer, transition layer, or support layer.

The biggest difference is how it responds.

Polyfoam generally springs back faster than memory foam, so you don’t get that deep, slow sinking feeling. It can feel softer, firmer, bouncier, or more supportive depending on the density and formulation used.

And there’s one thing worth clearing up here: polyfoam and memory foam aren't completely unrelated materials. Memory foam is actually a type of polyurethane foam. The difference is that memory foam has a special viscoelastic formulation that gives it that slow, contouring feel. When mattress manufacturers use the term “polyfoam,” they’re usually talking about standard polyurethane foam without those memory foam characteristics.

Is Polyfoam Good for a Mattress?

It can be.

There’s no simple “good” or “bad” label you can put on polyfoam because the quality can vary quite a bit. The density, thickness, and where the foam is used in the mattress all make a difference.

For example, a high density polyfoam used as a support or transition layer can provide solid, consistent support and hold up well over time. A cheaper, low density polyfoam used in a comfort layer may soften or lose its shape much sooner.

So if you see “polyfoam” on a mattress label, don't automatically assume it means the mattress is cheap or poorly made. Look at the density, construction, and overall quality of the mattress to get a better idea of what you're actually buying.

Latex Foam: Natural, Synthetic, Dunlop and Talalay

Latex foam is derived from rubber tree sap (natural latex) or synthesized from petrochemical compounds (synthetic latex), or a combination of both (blended latex).

Natural latex has an open cell foam structure that allows airflow through the material, giving it better temperature management than memory foam. It responds instantly to pressure changes, which means when you shift positions there's no lag period. It also compresses proportionally to the weight applied at each point, so heavier areas of the body get more give and lighter areas get more resistance.

Synthetic latex is manufactured to approximate the feel of natural latex using petrochemical processes. It's less expensive and can perform adequately, but it doesn't replicate the natural breathability and longevity of the real material.

Dunlop vs Talalay Latex

Both Dunlop and Talalay are manufacturing processes for natural or blended latex rather than different materials entirely.

Dunlop pours latex into a mold and lets it set in one continuous process. The result is a denser, slightly heavier foam that tends to be used in support and transition layers.

Talalay adds a flash-freezing and vacuum stage that distributes the foam cells more evenly through the mold before it sets. The result is a more consistent, lighter, and slightly softer material that's often used in comfort layers.

Neither is universally better. Dunlop provides robust support. Talalay provides a refined, more even comfort layer feel. Many quality mattresses use both in different positions within the layer stack.

Memory Foam vs Polyfoam vs Latex: What's the Difference?

Let’s look at how each foam feels, responds, and supports you through the night.

Which Foam Has the Most Pressure Relief?

Memory foam is the leader for deep, contouring pressure relief because of how it softens under body heat and weight. Latex provides excellent pressure relief through its proportional compression, without the deep sink. Polyfoam varies considerably depending on density and formulation.

Which Foam Is Most Responsive?

Latex is the most responsive by a significant margin. It springs back immediately when pressure is released. Polyfoam is faster than memory foam but varies by formulation. Memory foam is the slowest.

Which Foam Sleeps Coolest?

Natural latex usually sleeps the coolest because its open-cell structure lets air move through more easily. Gel infused and open cell memory foam can sleep cooler than traditional memory foam, but latex still has the edge. Polyfoam falls somewhere in the middle. If the mattress also has a pocket coil support system, the space between the coils allows more airflow, helping the mattress feel cooler overall.

Which Foam Is Most Durable?

Does Foam Density Actually Matter?

Yes. Foam density tells you how much material is packed into a certain amount of foam. It’s measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). For example, 4 PCF foam contains more material than 2 PCF foam in the same amount of space.

In simple terms, higher-density foam is usually stronger, holds up better under regular use, and is less likely to break down quickly. That can mean better durability and a mattress that keeps its shape and feel for longer.

Is Foam Density the Same as Firmness?

No. They’re two different things, and it’s an easy mistake to make when shopping for a mattress.

Density tells you how much material is packed into the foam. It can give you an idea of how well the foam may hold up over time.

Firmness is about how soft or firm the foam feels when you lie on it.

So, a high-density foam can still feel soft, while a lower-density foam can feel firm. They aren’t the same thing.

If two foams have a similar firmness, the higher density option will generally be more durable and hold up better with regular use.

How Do You Compare Foam Density When Shopping?

Don’t be hesitant to ask about the foam density when you’re shopping for a mattress. It can give you a better idea of how well the foam will hold up over time.

For memory foam, around 3 PCF or higher is a good starting point, while 4 PCF or higher is often found in more premium foams.

For polyfoam, look for around 1.8 PCF or higher if you want good long-term durability.

Latex is a little different. Its density is measured differently, and you’ll often see ILD listed instead. Just remember that ILD tells you how firm the latex feels, not how dense it is.

Does Memory Foam Sag?

Lower-density memory foam can develop body impressions over time as the cell structure compresses permanently under repeated load. 

Does Latex Sag?

High quality natural latex is the most resistant of the three foam types to permanent sagging. Its rubber structure resists compression.

Does Polyfoam Break Down Faster?

It can, but it really depends on the quality of the foam.

Low-density polyfoam, which is common in cheaper mattresses, tends to wear out faster, especially when it’s used in the comfort layers. Higher-density polyfoam can be much more durable and is often used in mattress support layers.

That’s why it’s worth looking at the foam density and overall mattress construction, not just the fact that it uses polyfoam. There’s a pretty big difference between low-quality and high-quality polyfoam.

What Do Mattress Foam Layers Actually Do?

What Is a Comfort Foam Layer?

The comfort layer is the top layer of the mattress, closest to you. It provides the initial feel, pressure relief, and surface response. This is where memory foam, Talalay latex, or gel-infused foam typically sits.

What Is a Transition Foam Layer?

Think of the transition layer as the middle layer between the soft top of your mattress and the firmer support layer underneath.

Its job is to keep you from sinking too far into the mattress and suddenly hitting the harder support core. It also helps create a smoother, more comfortable feel as your body moves from the softer upper layers to the firmer base.

Transition layers are often made with denser polyfoam or Dunlop latex because these materials provide a good balance of cushioning and support.

What Is a Foam Support Layer?

The support core is the foundation of the mattress. It maintains spinal alignment by preventing the hips from sinking excessively. High  density polyfoam or a pocket coil system (in a hybrid) provides this function.

What Should You Ask a Mattress Store About the Foam?

Walking in with the right questions makes the conversation much more productive:

• What type of foam is in each layer?
• What is the density of the comfort layer and the support core?
• Is the foam memory foam, polyfoam, or latex?
• How thick is each layer?
• What is the support core made of?
• Is any foam certified (CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX)?
• How does the mattress handle heat overnight?
• What's covered under the warranty if the foam develops impressions?

Our team at King of Mattresses is able to answer all of these clearly, and will point you towards the right collection according to your situation and preferences. 

Wrapping Up

Mattress shopping gets a lot easier once you stop getting caught up in the names on the label.

Memory foam, polyfoam, latex, gel-infused, open-cell, high-density... these terms can sound complicated, but they’re really telling you what the foam is made of, how it behaves, and where it fits into the mattress.

The other thing to remember is that the foam is only one important part of the mattress. The thickness of each layer, the density of the foam, the support system underneath, and the way everything is put together can completely change how a mattress feels.

So the next time you’re comparing two mattresses that look similar on paper, look a little deeper. Ask what’s inside, how the layers work together, and what you’re actually getting for the price.

That’s something we’re happy to help with at King of Mattresses in Vancouver.  You can try different mattresses in person, ask us about the materials and layers, and get clear answers without having to figure out all the confusing mattress terms.