Natural Latex Mattress — Better Sleep For Brighter Mornings
We were in the market to buy a new mattress and we weighed all the pros and cons associated with the different mattress types. In my previous article I highlighted the pros and cons of using memory foam mattresses/bedding for you all. After a thorough research, finally we zeroed on our choice of mattress to be of natural latex foam. Here in this article I am going to share some facts that I got to know when I was trying my best to be well informed about the latex mattresses. For many people buying the perfect mattress can be a challenging task as all the advantageous factors cannot come together. So do your research on all the advantages and disadvantages of the different mattress types.
There are many reasons why it might be best for you to choose natural latex foam to be your core bed material. This is a healthy & quality based option over other synthesized rubber bedding materials that consist a bunch of questionable chemicals. So it is important to know that not all of these are made naturally from pure rubber trees. Many latex beds are made up of different layering systems as well, that adds to the feel of the bed. To ensure that you are getting exactly what you want, make sure to know what each layer is made of and the reasoning behind each layer. Do consider your sleep requirements based on health-favourable factors and also your personal requirements so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.
History Of Natural Rubber
The natural latex beds come straight from the rubber trees. There is an interesting information about latex foam that not many of us have come across. The credit of discovering natural latex rubber goes to Christopher Columbus in 1492, in Haiti, a small Caribbean country on the island of Hispaniola. It was during one of his voyages that the European navigator happened to come across this place. It is where he noticed people bouncing and playing with balls which were made of milky sap of a native rubber tree (Scientific Name: Hevea Brasiliensis). Columbus intrigued by what he stumbled upon, brought rubber tree specimens back to Europe. Eventually these rubber trees tree were cultivated and farmed not just in South America but extended to Southeast Asia and Africa as well.
But it was in 1839, Charles Goodyear, an American chemist who made the revolutionary discovery of developing the vulcanization process. In this chemical process the rubber was stabilized by making it nonreactive to temperature change. He patented the vulcanization process later down the years in 1844. This remarkable discovery by Charles Goodyear led to the widespread use of natural rubber for everything from elastic products to pencil erasers and gradually later covered more streams such as bedding materials.
Types Of Latex Foam Mattresses
- Natural Latex foam mattresses are made purely of the white sap that is collected from the Rubber Tree. The latex foam here is an all-natural one.
- Synthetic latex foam mattresses have many chemicals in them that aim to change the overall feel of the bed in order to mimic the feel of genuine natural latex mattresses.
- Blended latex foam mattresses are a blend of both natural latex and synthetic latex foam at an affordable price.
- Hybrid latex foam mattressess are a blend of latex foam top and a coil support system below.
In this article the emphasis is on natural latex mattresses. Natural Latex comes from rubber trees and is the purest form of its kind when it is solely made from this source. To create natural latex foam, manufacturers harvest or procure rubber tree sap. Made from sap extracted from rubber trees, these healthy, bouncy and comfortable mattresses have become very popular for eco-conscious and well-informed consumers. It is comparatively expensive compared to other types of mattresses but is the ideal choice for someone who wants an all-natural option. Since they can be the most natural and best in terms of health, they are worth the price.
Process Of Rubber Extraction From Rubber Trees
It is interesting to know how the natural rubber is procured from the trees and latex foam mattress is made. Hevea brasiliensis is the scientific name for rubber tree. Natural latex foam is made by processing Hevea milk, which is also known as rubber tree sap/white sap.
- The rubber is extracted in the form of a white milky fluid held in the inner layers of the tree barks by making proper incisions into the bark using a method known as ‘tapping’. Latex is the white sap that is collected from the Rubber Tree. The latex is a sticky milky colloid in the liquid form which is drawn off using a special knife and collected in a container until it begins to coagulate.
- The sap is sieved to remove unwanted particles present along with it.
- Then it is whipped in a huge steel tank to convert it into a thick frothy and foamy paste. Collected sap is cooked to concentrate it and remove the extra liquid. That paste is the treated pure latex foam.
- Once the latex foam is procured and ready, it is punched with thousands of pin core holes to make the material more bouncier and breathable.
- The foam is then transferred to mattress moulds using different processes either the Talalay or Dunlop process. They are simply two methods of manufacturing latex. The primary difference between the two is the process in which the mattress is produced.
I am highlighting few beneficial aspects for all who are looking to changeover to a healthy mattress.
Advantages
- One of the biggest features of all-natural latex mattresses is the fact that it is healthy and safe for all people. Since they contain no toxins, they release none.
Volatile organic compounds are harmful chemicals that are present in some of the memory foam mattresses and can lead to health issues. All-Natural latex contains no VOCs, meaning it will be healthier for you and your family to sleep on.
- There are alternating types of firmness when it comes to latex mattresses depending on the type of latex material used for the bedding. So you can choose from a wider category depending on what you prefer for your need.
- A huge advantage of latex mattresses is their ability to promote proper spine alignment. The ability to support the natural curvature of the spine is a huge bonus for health and wellness. With medium firmness, latex mattresses provide the required support to the back. The increased back support, in turn, reduces body pain.
- Latex beds are one of the most comfortable options in the market because the level of firmness is extensively varying for everyone’s requirements, be it a latex bed with medium firmness for good body support or a latex bed which is extremely firm for someone suiting their orthopaedic-related reasons. So you can be well aware of all the types available and their purposes to make an apt choice for yourself.
- Body pressure is evenly distributed in the latex mattresses thereby being frequently recommended by medical professionals and physiotherapists.
- The springiness and the bouncy element you feel when you lie down is entirely due to the natural properties of the latex and the all-natural latex foam used as the core material.
- Latex foam mattresses are cooler compared to other categories of mattresses. They have all systematic holes punched into them. The purpose of these holes is to allow air to flow through them and provide air circulation so that the mattress does not retain any heat. So latex mattresses have an edge over types, as these beds do not cause heat while you are sleeping on it.
- The holes which are purposefully made into latex mattresses during manufacturing are called pincore holes. Latex foam with pincore provide the benefit of good ventilation. Along with that, the natural latex foam itself naturally has an open cell structure. With both these beneficial factors making good airflow, latex mattresses are very well- ventilated.
- The structured holes are also made for another reason. Because air can circulate through the holes in the interior layers, they provide the ability to cushion more effectively.
- Latex mattresses make it possible for motion isolation feature. Motion isolation is when one partner changes their position in the bed or continuously tosses around the movement is barely felt by the other sleeper on the other side of the bed. This will enable fewer movement disturbances for both the partners.
- Because of the excellent air circulation in latex foams, they are more resistant to mould and growth of bacteria over time. They do not let bacteria, fungi or other microbes breed on the surface or sides of the mattress.
- Latex mattresses are one of the most highly durable mattress types available, the ones made of natural latex. From financial sense mattress purchase cannot be done often, so it makes a great sense to purchase one that will last you for a long time.
- There is absence of any chemical kind of odour in natural latex mattress types. So be assured that there will not be any odour being emitted from these mattresses.
Disadvantages
- Synthetic, blended and hybrid latex mattresses are also largely out there in the market in order to reduce the cost of production. People buy them without knowing the fact that there are various chemicals and additives that are used in making synthetic or blended latex mattresses. If not organic latex, then the added chemicals can cause various allergies to people.
- Since such mattresses are not completely organic, they can emit unhealthy fumes which can cause allergic reactions.
- Latex is the heaviest mattress material because of it’s density. It is slightly heavy when compared to other mattresses of different materials. They can be difficult to handle since they are floppy and not stiff like other mattresses.
- They are more expensive as compared to other mattresses. This is because of the fact that sourcing of natural latex is difficult and cumbersome.
Finally different types of mattresses have their own set of pros and cons. Always consider your personal preferences such as your sleeping position, your body support requirements, any physical pain points to address, allergy sensitivities and your budget. Considering these factors can help you make your right choice which will enable you to make a well-informed and beneficial purchase.
If you just can’t seem to get a good night’s sleep, then perhaps it’s time for you to invest in a new mattress that is perfectly suited to your personal health and sleep needs. Arriving at a good, reliable and satisfactory decision based on which your purchase is made will be always make a sensible choice. My suggestion would be opt for an all natural-mattress if you strongly believe in buying an organic mattress with it’s raw material derived naturally which will be healthy to sleep on for you and your family.
