Latex Mattress Buyers Guide

 

What to know and what to ask when shopping for a Latex Mattress

Deciding to invest in any new mattress is often approached with a great amount of reluctance. With the amount of choices out there and everyone proclaiming the superiority of their product it's hard to settle on a mattress without feeling you might have missed out on something better. The range of prices, features, and stores can make your head spin. This latex mattress buyers guide will help you avoid some of the pitfalls associated with shopping for a new latex mattress.

Be sure that quality latex is used throughout the latex mattress. In the latex mattress industry there are several manufacturers that produce consistent high quality latex for use in latex mattresses. One such company is Latex International. Look out for low end latex such as that coming out of China. Latex mattresses made with cheaper latex foam will not provide the same feel, support, or longevity as latex mattresses constructed from quality material.

Check that the retailer has been in business long enough to establish themselves in the latex mattress market

Getting a warranty exchange from a business that has gone under is about as likely as seeing George Washington walking down the street. Look for a retailer that has been in business for 10 years or more. This shows that they have the reputation and business savvy to survive in the market, which means they will still be around if any problem should arise with your latex mattress. Sleepworks has been in the Latex Mattress business for over 35 years.

Not all latex mattresses are created equal

If no other point of this buyers' guide makes an impression remember this: Not all latex mattresses are created equal and any deal that seems too good to be true probably is.

The latex mattress, being a natural rubber product, are the result of a long line of innovations in rubber technology. Natural latex rubber, utilized by indigenous people of South America for centuries, was not apt for industrialized usage until Charles Goodyear discovered in 1829 that, when vulcanized with sulfur, the previously unstable sticky substance became stable, durable, and very elastic. This discovery of vulcanization opened the door for the natural latex rubber industry and the latex mattress.

How Latex Mattresses are Made

 

 

Two methods: Dunlop process and Talalay process

There are two methods in which latex is synthesized into the foam used in latex mattresses and latex pillows. The most commonly used method is the Talalay process which consists of six steps. First, the raw liquid latex is whipped with curing agents and additives into a froth. Next, the appropriate amount of latex froth is injected into the mold. All of the air is then vacuumed out causing the latex to expand and perfectly distribute itself throughout the mold. The latex is then flash frozen to -20 ¡F to prevent any settling that may occur. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is then introduced to cause the mixture to gel. Finally, the latex is vulcanized at a temperature of 220 ¡F until it has cured through.

The Dunlop process is similar to the Talalay process except that the mold is filled to the brim and there is no vacuum or freezing stage. The Dunlop process creates a firmer, denser, less consistent product that is used as a latex mattress core. Talalay is considered the premium process used for the latex mattress today.

Latex Mattresses, An Overview

The latex mattress provides support where it is needed most by contouring to the body's natural nuances. It relieves pressure points, particularly at the shoulders and hips allowing for better circulation, and in consequence, less tossing and turning for a deeper more restful sleep. The independent cell construction of latex foam is not prone to transfer movement, allowing two people to comfortably share the same bed without disrupting each other with every motion. Integrating an open cell structure with a pin core design allows for maximum breathability essential for removing excess heat and moisture that can prevent a good night's sleep. For those who struggle with allergies latex mattresses present a safe haven as they are naturally hypoallergenic, and anti-microbial. This means that molds, mildew, and dust mites that may help trigger allergies will not be waiting for you in a latex mattress, where they can be the most frustrating. A naturally resilient and durable material, a natural latex mattress mattress will supply consistent performance for 20 years or more.

The Cover DOES Matter

It can be easy to overlook the broad spectrum of materials used to make latex mattress covers. Very basic, cheap materials make the price look good, but do nothing to improve the feel or performance of the latex mattress. Tencel, a fiber made from wood pulp, has a very soft supple feel, good breathability, and will stretch with the latex to conform to your body. Amicore is an antimicrobial fiber that does not allow dust mites, mold, mildew, fungus, or other microscopic pests to make a home in your bed, a blessing for allergy and asthma sufferers. With active ingredients imbedded within every strand Amicore maintains its antimicrobial properties through hundreds of wash cycles. Some fabrics used to make latex mattresses have carbon fibers to dissipate static build up in the body. Organic cotton offers great breathability, and is very environmentally friendly. Wool presents a naturally breathable and antimicrobial medium to be used as a batting material in quilted covers for natural latex mattresses. Poly fill (name brand Dacron), is a suitable batting material increasing breathability, but offers an environment suitable for microbe proliferation. The overall quality of any cover used for a latex mattress is not only contingent on the type of material used, but also the ticking (the way it is woven into a fabric).