by Latex mattresses have become quite popular in recent times. This can be credited to their high durability (check the top rated durable mattresses), making them a reliable partner for your bed. This article will take you on a journey where we will explore all the characteristics and benefits of latex mattresses.
Get ready for the latex voyage!
What Is A Latex Mattress?
Latex foam is extensively used in the bedding industry to make pillows, mattresses, toppers, etc. Typically two to four layers of latex foam construct a latex mattress. Latex mattresses can be made using natural or synthetic latex foams (check the best selling organic mattresses).
Natural latex is extracted from the sap of the rubber plant Hevea, while synthetic latex is developed from petrochemicals, fillers, and other substances. Trees tap to obtain this white milky liquid instead of cutting, making the harvesting process incredibly sustainable and eco-friendly.
According to reports, rubber trees produce 19 pounds of natural latex each year. Latex is the most resilient material on the market due to its cohesive and stable cell structure. It conforms to the curves of the body to provide support and relief from pressure points.
Types of Latex:
Let’s discover three different types of latex foam; their properties and their use in making mattresses.
Natural Latex
Natural latex offers better sleep, health benefits, and a comfortable realm than synthetic and blended latex (check the most comfy mattresses). Although, Natural latex is inherently resistant to mildew and mold. Additionally, its antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties make it a popular bed item.
Since no toxic herbicides and pesticides grow rubber plants, they offer latex that is innocuous and non-poisonous. Rubber plants create low pollution due to very few chemicals in their growth.
Natural latex is durable and makes the mattress stand the test of time. Natural latex mattresses will be an investment you will not regret.
Synthetic Latex
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a rubber-like plastic to make synthetic latex. This material is great for making turfs, gyms, tires, and belts.
Synthetic latex mattresses artificially craft from chemicals and materials to give them a feel that mimics natural latex. However, it’s not as healthy, buoyant, and durable as natural latex.
Synthetic latex will work if you are looking for an affordable and safe replacement for natural latex. However, before buying any synthetic latex mattress, note that it is an off-gassing chemical that can irritate skin, lungs, and eyes and is not for people suffering from respirational disorders.
Blended Latex
This latex is a mixture of 70% synthetic and 30% natural. Blended latex mattresses contain fewer toxins than synthetic ones. They are more durable than synthetic latex.
It is one step up from synthetic latex and offers better features for users at an economical price.
Benefits of a Natural Latex Mattress
Natural latex mattresses are mindful of environmental hazards and healthy living standards. It is a great option for sensitive sleepers, kids, the elderly, and pregnant women. What makes natural latex mattresses an attractive option for them is their good support, long lifespan, eco-conscious ergonomics, and well-ventilated construction. It helps in deep sleep with no chemical off-gassings.
Let’s dive into the benefits natural latex mattress offers.
Pain Relieving
People who suffer from consistent back pains due to a lack of support from their mattress would love it (check 10 amazing mattresses for back pain). It’s a considerably thick mattress with high elastic strength that helps correct the spine’s alignment and relieves pressure points, particularly from the joints.
The soft cradle of latex eases the neck, shoulders, and lower back areas (check the best selling mattresses for shoulder pain).
Low Maintenance and Hypoallergenic
Who wants to see dust mites, molds, and mildew on the bed?
Latex is naturally antifungal, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic. It keeps viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms away from your bed. With this latex mattress, you can easily say, “sleep tight, and don’t let the bed bugs bite.”
People with asthma or sensitivity to allergens will find it an ideal solution to their problems.
Eco-Friendly
From harvesting sap from the rubber plant to its construction, we can easily say that the entire process aligns with eco-friendly standards. Latex does not release any harmful gases into the atmosphere.
You can sleep soundly on this non-toxic and biodegradable surface. It is a very breathable material to make various bedding products. Despite minimal chances of chemical contributions, some manufacturers can still work irresponsibly, so we suggest looking for certifications.
Breathable
The open-cell structure allows enhanced airflow and gives users an extremely breathable sleeping experience. Natural latex mattress has foam layers poked with pin holes to permit maximum gas transfer.
High breathability lets the user wake up fresh and rejuvenated.
Durable
How long can you expect your latex mattress to last?
A carefully and diligently crafted latex mattress will last for 10 to 25 years, and this long durability is due to its high elasticity and buoyancy. The latex can return to its original shape once the pressure removes.
Organic
Extremely popular latex mattresses are made of latex (a natural material) which is obtained by harvesting the plant fluid from a rubber tree in a viable manner that is environment friendly. The derived latex has great elasticity to make various staples, including mattresses.
Natural and Sustainable
Latex mattresses made of 100 % natural materials are resilient and resistant to dust mites, bacteria, and molds, excluding added materials. A natural latex mattress lasts anywhere between 10 to 20 years. Moreover, it is hypoallergenic and has low maintenance.
Firm But Flexible
Latex mattresses are amongst the most comfortable mattresses because they offer firm support with a meager sink letting you sleep peacefully. It reduces pressure spots and distributes the sleepers’ body weight evenly.
Responsive
The responsiveness of a latex mattress causes it to bounce and push back to relieve pressure quickly and causes it to maintain its shape for years to come. Its extremely responsive nature causes it to suppress motion transfer by absorbing the transfer of motion (check the top rated mattresses for motion isolation).
How Does Latex Differ From Memory Foam?
Foam mattresses are extensively used and bought by the public nowadays. They constitute various foams. Among those, latex and memory foam are the most sought-after.
Latex and memory foam mattresses are the gems in the mattress world, and each comes up with a different sensation. In addition, there are several distinct differences between the two.
Make-Up of Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam is synthetic foam with a reaction of polymer polyurethane and additional materials which give viscoelastic properties.
Responsiveness
When pressure is applied to the mattress foam, it will hug and produce a response to that applied pressure. The different types of mattress foam show different response times (how quickly the mattress changes to pressure). Still, by and large, memory foam offers a procrastinated response in comparison to other mattresses.
Firmness
Different types of memory foam show different firmness levels and feel. One thing to recall about memory foam is that all memory foams are polyurethane, but not all polyurethane foams are memory foams.
Adaptation
Memory foam mattress adapts to your body shape when you first lay down but eventually regains the original shape once pressure is cut off. Although the memory form performs a great task of providing body support and keeping the vertebral column straight, it begins to sag with the passage of time hence reducing the support.
Sinking Sensation and Pressure Relief
The memory foam mattress is the right option if you want a soft or sinking feel. If you want advanced pressure relief, you should use memory foam.
Durability
Memory foam mattresses being less durable, can last around 10 years because they are more likely to undergo wear or tear, and you would have to change them more often than latex mattresses. Memory foam mattresses have a disadvantage over latex mattresses regarding temperature regulation because it absorbs heat and causes discomfort to the sleeper by making him warm.
Make-Up of Latex Mattress
Vis a Vis, Latex mattresses are composed of naturally elastic latex rubber lacking springs. Whereas latex comes entirely from the rubber tree. Natural latex is foam rubber extracted from pure rubber tree sap or hevea milk.
Elasticity and Responsiveness
Latex foam got more elasticity and gives a firm hug than memory foam. Moreover, Latex foam provides a huge bounce and quicker response time. Latex foam comes in natural, machine-made, and mingled varieties.
Adaptation
A latex mattress adapts to the shape of your body, but you will notice that it contours to the shape of your body less than memory foam.
Support and Pressure Alleviation
Being foresighted, we can say that the latex mattress is superior then the memory foam mattress when it comes to providing support to the movements of the sleeping person.
Durability and Temperature Regulation
Latex beds having higher durability than memory mattresses, can last up to 20 years because of the resilience of latex. If you are the type of person who sleeps hot latex mattress is suggested to you because it acts as a temperature-neutral material. Latex mattresses are more expensive than memory foam because of the higher quality of the latex material.
What’s The Difference between Talalay Latex and Dunlop Latex?
Two processes currently produce latex foam: the Dunlop and the Talalay processes. Dunlop process was the first that introduced latex foam to the market arena. However, Talalay produced a better version of latex foam by implementing modern strategies such as vacuum-sealing and flash-freezing.
The latex obtained via the Dunlop process is 100% natural rubber sap. Meanwhile, the Talalay latex contains fillers like polyurethane in its formation. Dunlop mattress is denser than Talalay latex but is not as uniform in consistency as Talalay is.
Due to different firmness levels, both latex mattresses offer a different feel. Talalay is preferred for a more comfortable sleep, while Dunlop is famous for its deep support system.
Want to find out the pros and cons of the respective latex? Read ahead.
Pros of Dunlop Latex
- Perfect for those who are seeking an all-natural mattress
- It has a quick response time and is highly durable
- It will not need frequent replacing
Cons of Dunlop Latex
- Non-uniform density
- Due to the manufacturing defect, one side is firmer than the other, which is softer.
Pros of Talalay Latex
- Consistent density all over
- More aeration and bounce
- Considered a luxurious latex option (check the top rated luxury mattresses)
Cons of Talalay Latex
- Has less durability
- The use of synthetic and other materials is considered damaging to the environment
Key Takeaways: Latex Mattress Benefits
Nature of Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses have garnered popularity, primarily because of their long-lasting durability. These mattresses are typically crafted from two to four layers of latex foam, which can be either natural, sourced from rubber tree sap, or synthetic.
Environmentally-Friendly
One of the standout features of natural latex mattresses is their eco-friendliness. The sap is harvested without cutting the rubber tree, making it a sustainable choice. Furthermore, this material does not release harmful gases into the environment, ensuring a clean sleep environment.
Diverse Types of Latex
Latex mattresses come in a range of types, such as natural, synthetic, and blended latex. Each offers specific advantages, with natural latex standing out for its health benefits, durability, and eco-conscious properties.
Benefits of Natural Latex
Natural latex mattresses are a beacon for environmental responsibility and health-conscious living. They offer commendable support, have a long lifespan, and are constructed with eco-friendly ergonomics. Moreover, they are hypoallergenic, which makes them a suitable choice for individuals prone to allergies.
Comparison with Memory Foam
While both latex and memory foam mattresses are sought-after in the bedding industry, they have distinct characteristics. Latex mattresses, for instance, offer greater elasticity and responsiveness compared to memory foam. They are also more durable and provide better temperature regulation.
Conclusion
This article has highlighted how latex mattresses are made and their benefits. Knowing about your right mattress and making an investment that is wise and worthy is imperative (check the top rated mattresses).
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hevea_brasiliensis
https://www.nectarsleep.com/posts/what-is-latex-mattress/
Latex mattress benefits FAQs
What Are The Drawbacks Of Latex Mattresses?
Latex mattresses are a bit expensive. They have a natural ability to trap heat and thus can affect breathability. Some people find them too firm and thick, but it varies with users' interests.
Is Latex Safe To Sleep On?
Natural latex is an extremely safe and healthy option. It does not release any harmful gases that could harm the users. However, synthetic and blended latex use artificial and chemical materials in their composition and are found to be toxic.
Do Natural Latex Mattresses Smell?
Natural latex has a very faint smell, like vanilla. It does not have that sharp pungent odor that other mattresses like memory foam and poly-foam have. Many users like the sweet smell of vanilla emanating from this latex foam.