The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing sbr latex supplier

Author: Daisy

Apr. 14, 2025

Chemicals

Latex Mattresses: The Best Latex Mattress Guide - Amerisleep

When shopping for a new mattress, you will likely come across several latex varieties. Latex has become an increasingly popular mattress material for its ability to contour to the body, relieve pressure points, and reduce pain, among other unique qualities. But what is a latex mattress, and how do you know if one is right for you? In this article, we answer these questions and more. Read on to discover why many people are finding better sleep on a latex foam bed.

HAOZE contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

What is Natural Latex?

Natural latex is the white, milky substance, or sap, found in the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree. Trees are not cut down to harvest this liquid; instead, they are tapped. One rubber tree produces around 19 pounds of latex a year, and each tree can continue to make latex for up to 25 years. The process of harvesting natural latex is incredibly sustainable and eco-friendly.

Eco-Friendly
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Since rubber trees are so hardy, they’re easily grown without the use of toxic pesticides and herbicides. With fewer chemicals used in harvesting, latex production creates minimal pollution that could disrupt the ecosystem surrounding the trees. Latex doesn’t need to be treated with harsh chemicals when being made into foam—making it a healthier, non-toxic sleep surface. Plus, natural latex is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and resistant to mold and mildew.

Two Types of Natural Latex Foam

There are two different types of natural latex foam used in mattresses—Dunlop and Talalay. Although both of these foams are made with raw, natural latex, the manufacturing process varies slightly with each style.

Dunlop Foam

When producing Dunlop foam, liquid latex is whipped and poured into a mold. The mold is completely filled with liquid and then placed in a vulcanization oven. Vulcanization turns the liquid latex into a solid piece of foam by applying heat and Zinc Oxide.

Once the vulcanization process is complete, the foam is removed from the mold and washed. Washing helps remove any excess materials from the foam and slows aging without damaging the foam’s elasticity. Once it is washed, the foam is dried to ensure all moisture is removed from the finished product. As this foam settles, it tends to be denser toward the bottom and lighter at the top.

Talalay Foam

As with Dunlop, Talalay foam is produced by whipping raw liquid latex and pouring it into a mold. However, with Talalay, the mold is only partially filled. Next, the mold is sealed, and a vacuum is used to expand the foam within the mold. After the foam has completely expanded, it is frozen by pushing carbon dioxide through the latex. This process causes the foam to gel slightly.

Once frozen, the foam is vulcanized, and the temperature is raised to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. As with Dunlop, the Talalay foam is removed from the mold, then washed and dried after vulcanization.

What is the Difference Between Dunlop and Talalay?

The process of producing Dunlop and Talalay latex foams are very similar. So what’s the difference? Although most people have trouble telling these two foams apart, there are slight variations.

  • Energy Efficiency: The process of producing Dunlop is simpler, requires fewer steps, and uses less energy than Talalay. For a more eco-friendly option, Dunlop is a good choice.
  • Density: Dunlop is also denser and heavier than Talalay foam. However, density should not be confused with firmness. Depending on the brands manufacturing methods, both Dunlop and Talalay foams can be made in several different firmness levels.
  • Fillers: Talalay foam is often made with synthetic latex or polyurethane foam fillers to increase the material’s softness. Therefore, Talalay foam cannot be certified organic. However, not all Dunlop latex foam is organic.

Synthetic Latex

Synthetic latex is made with various materials and chemicals to create a product that feels similar to natural latex. Although the raw latex is artificial, the process of producing this foam is very similar to both Dunlop and Talalay.

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is a synthetic rubber used in a variety of products. This material is commonly found in artificial outdoor turfs for playgrounds, gyms, and sports fields. SBR is widely considered to be safe for human contact. However, the chemicals used in construction may off-gas or leach from the foam when brought indoors. In some cases, off-gassing can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs.

In addition to off-gassing from toxic chemicals, synthetic latex doesn’t have the same buoyancy as natural latex, and it will not last as long. For a higher quality latex mattress, it is better to opt for natural latex.

Blended Latex

Blended latex foam is made with a mixture of natural and synthetic raw liquid latex. Blended latex contains only 30 percent natural latex. The other 70 percent is made with synthetic latex or poly-foam fillers. The production of the foam may be similar to either Dunlop or Talalay latex.

Like synthetic latex, blended varieties are not as durable or as responsive as natural latex foam.

Certifications and Labels

As you shop for a latex mattress, you will come across several certifications and labels. To help you make sense of these descriptions, we offer a thorough explanation of each one below.

Labels

Some latex manufacturers may use the following descriptions when advertising their products.

All-Natural

Both Dunlop and Talalay latex foams are natural because they are made with raw liquid latex derived from rubber tree sap. Dunlop is often advertised as being more natural than Talalay because some Talalay foams may have synthetic fillers.

Synthetic and blended latex foams are not natural because they are manufactured, not harvested.

Eco-Friendly

Dunlop and Talalay latex foams both contain natural liquid latex, which is harvested in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner. However, the process of producing synthetic latex varies considerably from brand to brand. Some synthetic latex brands may use an eco-friendly method, others may not. To ensure you’re getting an eco-friendly mattress, read the fine print regarding the materials.

Non-Toxic

Dunlop latex is widely considered non-toxic because no synthetic fillers are added to the foam during manufacturing. The toxicity of Talalay foam can vary depending on the number of fillers added during production.

Blended and synthetic latex foams tend to release unpleasant off-gassing odors when brought indoors.

Organic

Dunlop latex foam is considered organic if it is derived from rubber trees that have not been sprayed with harmful pesticides or herbicides. Although Talalay latex foam is natural, it is rarely considered organic because it is often made with synthetic fillers. To verify if a mattress uses organic latex foam, look for one of the organic certifications below.

Keep in mind that if you are looking for an organic mattress, the other fabrics in the bed should also be certified organic.

Certifications

The following certifications back up claims made by latex mattress manufacturers.

GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)

The mattress must contain at least 95 percent organic raw material to obtain a GOLS certification. GOLS verifies rubber trees were grown without the use of pesticides, and that latex was harvested responsibly. They also confirm that the final product is free of synthetic fillers and chemical additives.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

Although this certification does not apply to the latex foam itself, you may see this guarantee when shopping for a latex mattress. A GOTS certification guarantees the textiles used in the construction of the bed are at least 70 percent organic. These fabrics typically include cotton and wool.

GreenGuard Gold

GreenGuard certifications are monitored by UL Environmental, a unit of Underwriter Laboratories. This certification ensures the product has little to no VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions and is safe for human contact. Certifications labeled as “GreenGuard Gold” guarantee the product is safe for those who are particularly vulnerable to chemical emissions, such as children, the elderly, and those with health issues.

eco-Institut

The eco-Institut is an organization that tests household items, such as furniture, bedding, mattresses, paint, and flooring. They ensure the products have no harmful substances such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde that could result in toxic off-gassing when brought into the home.

OEKO-TEX®

An OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification ensures that every material used in the mattress is free of additives that pose a risk to human health. This certification tests foam, textiles, threads, and buttons.

Latex Mattress Types

Latex foam is used in two different types of mattresses—an all-latex or hybrid latex bed. We offer a clear description of each style below, so you can determine which one is right for you.

Hybrid Latex Mattresses

A latex hybrid mattress has a comfort layer made of 2 to 3 inches of latex foam. Some brands let you add a pillowtop with two more inches of latex foam for a soft, plush surface. Beneath the latex layer is a pocketed coil support core. In a hybrid mattress, coils are typically pocketed—this means they are individually wrapped in fabric, allowing them to move independently of one another.

Pocket coils are very different from the steel coils used in traditional innerspring mattresses. Standard coils are often interconnected, forcing them to move as an entire unit when pressure is applied. These coil systems do not offer adequate contouring because they respond to each area of the body with the same level of pressure.

Near sensitive areas where you need more compression, standard coils may cause pain and tension to build up. Since these coils are connected, they also create more motion transfer, which can be disruptive if you share your bed with a partner. For couples, a mattress for motion isolation is key to comfort.

The independent movement of pocketed coils allows them to respond differently to each area of the body. Near the hips and shoulders, these coils are softer—reducing pressure build-up while still supporting the body. Near the lumbar region, they offer more firmness and keep the lower back stable. Pocketed coils also have better motion isolation, so you and your partner can get in and out of bed without disturbing each other’s sleep.

For allergy sufferers, switching to a latex mattress can be a great way to find relief. Since pocketed coils are individually wrapped, contaminants such as dust, dirt, and other allergens are less likely to collect in the bed.

Depending on the brand, latex hybrid mattresses may also have a layer of latex foam beneath the spring coil base to absorb shock and improve durability.

All-Latex Mattresses

As its name suggests, all-latex mattresses are made up of various layers of latex foam. These beds typically contain 3 to 4 layers of latex. Each layer is roughly 2 to 4 inches thick and can vary in firmness from soft to extra firm, with equally varying mattress thicknesses to match.

Most all-latex mattresses have a base layer of firm to extra firm foam to create a stable support base and allow the bed to keep its shape. The top layer is often made of soft to medium foam to hug the body’s curves and prevent pressure points.

Since latex beds are so dense, they collect very few pollutants that could aggravate allergies and other sensitivities. All-foam beds also have very little motion transfer, which is perfect for couples with different sleep schedules.

Feel of Latex Foam

Latex foam can be made in a variety of firmness levels. While Dunlop latex tends to be denser than Talalay, this does not always mean Dunlop will have a firmer feel. Both types of natural latex can be made to feel firm or soft.

Natural and organic latex foams are often softer than synthetic and blended varieties. For this reason, foams with artificial additives are typically used in the base of the mattress, where it can support the weight of the softer top layers.

Firmness Scale

The firmness of latex foam varies from brand to brand, so it’s essential to understand how the comfort level is rated. Many brands use a firmness scale from 1 to 10 to describe the feel of their latex—1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

However, this is not a standard scale, and one brand’s medium-soft mattress may be another brand’s medium-firm. As you shop, be sure you understand the scale the brand relies on.

The following is the most commonly used firmness scale and can give you an idea of how different latex foams will react to body weight.

  • Soft Mattress (1 to 2 on the firmness scale): Mattresses rated between a 1 and 2 sink quickly when pressure is applied. Soft mattresses allow the heaviest parts of the body to sink deeply.
  • Medium-Soft Mattress (3 to 4 on the firmness scale): Medium-soft mattresses compression similar to the soft beds, but these beds are slightly firmer. Although these mattresses contour to the body, they do not allow for as much sinking as a soft bed.
  • Medium Mattress (5 on the firmness scale): A medium mattress offers a balance of compression and firmness. Pressure points are cradled on a medium bed, while vulnerable areas, such as the lower back and neck are supported.
  • Medium-Firm Mattress (6 to 7 on the firmness scale): Beds rated between a 6 and 7 in firmness typically have minimal sinking. Sleepers will stay more lifted on the bed rather than cradled.
  • Firm Mattress (8 to 10 on the firmness scale): A firm mattress will have little if any sinking or contouring.

What Firmness is Right for You?

Your sleep position and body type often determine the firmness that will feel the most comfortable for you. Below, we explain how to decide which comfort level is most suited to your needs.

Sleep Positions

Side Sleeping

Side sleepers need a mattress that is soft enough to contour to sensitive areas such as the hips and shoulders. These areas bear the brunt of the body weight when side sleeping, therefore, they need to be cushioned to prevent pain points. If the mattress is too firm, friction can build-up near these spots and leave sleepers with sore joints.

The best mattress for side sleepers will also prevent excessive sinking. If heavier areas sink too far into the bed, it can force the spine out of alignment with the hips and shoulders, resulting in aches and pains in the morning. Since latex foam has a natural elasticity, these beds tend to keep sleepers from sinking too far into the bed. We recommend side sleepers choose a comfort level between soft and medium.

Back Sleeping

When resting on the back, the torso will naturally sink more than the rest of the body. When this happens, it can put pressure on the spine and cause tension to build-up. Therefore, back sleepers need a bed that will evenly distribute their body weight and reduce sinking. The best mattress for back sleepers is between medium and medium-firm.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping exaggerates the natural curvature of the spine—this puts pressure on the back and neck. Over time, stomach sleepers may even develop chronic back pain. Therefore, we recommend that you avoid resting on your stomach whenever possible.

If you find it difficult to sleep in any other position, it’s best to opt for a latex mattress that is medium-firm to firm. Firmer mattresses for stomach sleeping keep the torso from sinking, lessening the spine’s curve, and alleviating some of the pressure of the back muscles.

Combination Sleeping

Some sleepers don’t favor just one sleep position, or they may toss and turn during sleep. The best mattress for combination sleepers is one with a medium comfort level. A balance of compression and firmness will keep sensitive areas protected, and the back supported no matter which position you end up in.

Body Types

Your body weight determines the amount of pressure applied to the mattress, and, therefore, the level of sinking you will experience. Before deciding on the firmness level that is right for you, consider your body weight as well.

Heavy Sleepers

Heavier sleepers, those over 230 pounds, will naturally sink further into the bed. If the mattress is too soft, it can cause heavier sleepers to bottom out on the hard support core in the base of the bed, resulting in pain points near sensitive areas. A soft mattress can also force the spine out of alignment with the hips and shoulders, leaving sleepers sore and stiff.

The best mattress for heavier sleepers is one with a medium-firm feel. This firmness will keep the curves of the body cushioned, while also preventing excessive sinking. Plus, latex foam has a natural bounce that helps reduce sinking, making these beds perfect for heavier sleepers.

Average Weight Sleepers

Sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds tend to be most comfortable on a mattress with a medium to medium-firm comfort level. These beds will ensure adequate contouring without the risk of sinking too far into the mattress.

Lightweight Sleepers

Sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds may not sink far enough into the bed. If lightweight sleepers rest on a firm mattress with minimal compression, tension can build up along the body, resulting in pain near the joints. We recommend lightweight sleepers choose a latex foam bed with a soft to medium comfort level. This firmness will ensure these sleepers experience adequate contouring and that sensitive joints remain cushioned.

Benefits of a Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses come with several benefits. These beds are comfortable and supportive, but they’re also safe and healthy for both you and the planet.

Responsive and Conforming

Latex is derived from rubber, which gives it a natural elasticity. When turned into foam, this material keeps the heaviest parts of the body lifted while it also contours and cushions. This combination provides pressure relief and reduces the likelihood of excessive sinking. On a latex mattress, whether hybrid or all foam, the body will stay supported, and the spine will rest in a safe, neutral position.

Reduces Motion Transfer

Since latex foam has a unique elastic quality, it can isolate motion transfer across the bed’s surface. If your partner frequently tosses and turns during sleep, you will be less likely to feel their movements on a latex mattress.

Durable

Natural latex is incredibly strong and durable. Mattresses made with this material tend to have the longest lifespan of any other bed on the market. A high-quality latex mattress made can last up to 15 years if properly cared for.

Naturally Breathable

Latex foam has more breathability than other mattress foams. Since this material is naturally derived, it does not retain heat or increase body temperature the way synthetic materials do. When resting on Dunlop and Talalay latex foams, sleepers are less likely to experience night sweats and overheating.

However, synthetic and blended latex foams will not have the same breathability. The more petroleum-based chemicals contained in the foam, the more it will retain heat.

Sustainable

As we mentioned above, rubber trees do not need to be cut down to harvest liquid latex. These trees are tapped and can go on to produce latex for up to 25 years. The harvesting process also results in very little contaminates that could pollute the soil, water, and air, or disrupt the local ecosystem.

Non-Toxic

Natural Dunlop latex is completely non-toxic since it is derived from liquid latex and has no synthetic fillers. Although natural Talalay latex can have artificial additives, they are used in small amounts and are widely considered safe for human contact.

Synthetic and blended latex foams contain more petroleum-based chemicals and may have a noxious off-gassing smell when brought into the home.

Brands that rely on organic latex often go to great lengths to ensure other parts of the mattress are organic as well. They may use organic cotton covers or a natural wool fire-resistant barrier, the latter of which can establish an excellent mattress without fiberglass. With more organic materials, the bed will have fewer harmful pesticides.

For a genuinely non-toxic mattress, it is also essential to look at the type of fire-resistant materials the brand relies on. Some companies use harsh chemical flame retardants that cause VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) to off-gas or leach from the bed. For a safer, healthier mattress, opt for one with natural flame retardants, such as silica or wool.

Cleaner

Both Dunlop and Talalay latex foams are naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial—this means that germs and viruses cannot live within the bed. Both of these foams help create a surface that is clean and free of potentially harmful allergens. Keep in mind that synthetic and blended latex foams do not have these same properties.

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For more information, please visit sbr latex supplier.

Latex Allergies

About 1 to 6 percent of people in the US are allergic to the proteins within liquid latex. Although not particularly common, a reaction to latex can become dangerous. Symptoms of a latex allergy include hives, runny nose, sneezing, and itchiness. In some cases, these reactions can lead to anaphylaxis—a life-threatening state of shock that occurs within 12 hours of exposure to the allergen.

A reaction is typically triggered by direct exposure to the latex material. Therefore, if a fabric cover is placed between the latex foam and your body, it may not lead to a reaction. However, it is best for those with this allergy to avoid latex foam whenever possible. These sleepers can opt for a memory foam mattress since these beds feel the most similar to latex.

The Lifespan of a Latex Mattress

Mattresses made with all-latex foam can last between 12 and 15 years. The natural elasticity of this foam allows it to quickly reform to its original shape once the pressure is removed. This buoyancy prevents sagging and indentations from forming in the foam—allowing it to support you for many years.

The lifespan of a hybrid latex can vary depending on the type of coils used in the base. Hybrids with pocketed spring coils tend to last around 15 years. This is much longer than the average lifespan of a standard innerspring bed, which lasts approximately 6 years.

Blended and synthetic foam mattresses will not last quite as long. These foams have artificial additives that cause the foam to break down quickly. These beds may last between 6 to 8 years.

Cost of a Latex Mattress

The cost of a latex mattress can vary depending on the type of latex used and the comfort system. Beds made only with layers of latex foam tend to have a higher price point than latex hybrid mattresses.

For a queen size mattress made with only organic Dunlop latex, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,000. All-latex mattresses made with synthetic latex are cheaper, but these beds have a shorter lifespan, are less breathable, and often have a strong, chemical smell when brought indoors.

A high-quality mattress with a latex foam comfort layer and a pocketed spring coil base will cost between $ and $. This price may increase if additional layers of latex are added to the bed.

Our Recommendation for a Latex Mattress

Latex Mattress Materials: Putting it All Together - PlushBeds

Buying a new mattress is a big decision. Whether you’re looking for a mattress to last the next five years or the next 25, it’s important to know the materials that go into the mattress you’ll sleep on every night for as long as you own the mattress. One of the most frequently-asked questions that latex mattress shoppers have is what materials go into their latex mattress. If you spend an average of seven hours of sleep per night in bed, you’ll be spending a lot of time with your new mattress over the next few years. It’s a good idea to make sure you’re making the right decision for your needs for sleep, health, and peace of mind. A natural latex mattress can do all of those things for you. Here’s why.

100 Percent Pure Joma Wool

Pure Joma wool is the fire retardant you’ll find in a PlushBeds natural latex mattress. Most flame retardants used in mattresses today contain Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs). These chemicals are the same ones the UC Davis Health System found to be linked to social, behavioral, and learning deficits.

An added benefit of Joma wool is that it allows air to flow through keeping you comfortable and cool throughout the night, as well as protected from combustion.

Organic Cotton

The mattress cover for the Botanical Bliss line of latex mattresses from PlushBeds is made of non-woven organic cotton. Being knit instead of woven, this allows the mattress to maintain maximum elasticity to assist in the exceptional pressure relief the mattress delivers night after night.

Natural Latex

PlushBeds uses organic latex from the sap of rubber trees to create its softness-enhanced Dunlop organic latex comfort layer as well as the firm Dunlop latex core of the mattress. The softness-enhanced Dunlop latex comfort layer provides exceptional buoyancy, while the firmer Dunlop layer serves as the mattress’s supportive foundation layer.

Spruce Wood

The wood mattress foundation of your PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress is constructed of all-natural spruce to provide adequate support, while allowing the pressure relieving flexibility necessary for restful, healthful sleep.

GreenGuard Gold Certification

We take great pride in the fact that our Botanical Bliss line of mattresses has been awarded GreenGuard Gold Certification. This was once referred to as Children and Schools Certification because mattresses that meet these standards are suitable for use among the most sensitive and vulnerable members of populations (children and the elderly). Products that meet GreenGuard Gold Certification standards are acceptable to use in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and other places that house children, the elderly, and the infirm.

While it’s always wise to know what’s in your mattress, it’s also a good plan to pay attention to what’s not in your mattress. When you purchase Botanical Bliss mattresses from PlushBeds, you aren’t buying:

  • Chemical Retardants
  • Glues
  • Formaldehyde
  • Carcinogens
  • Synthetic Blends
  • Petroleum Fillers
  • Harsh Chemicals
  • Pesticide-Treated Cottons
  • Anti-Fungicides

What you are getting is a mattress made from materials you can sleep on with a clear conscience and real peace of mind that you’re making a good choice for the sake of your health, your planet, and your home.

Types of Latex

Latex beds come in more than just one type. You can choose from a few types of latex:

  • Natural latex mattresses: These are constructed from rubber tree sap. Generally, there are two forms of natural latex that make up the latex layers and comfort layer: Talalay latex and Dunlop latex, although PlushBeds uses technologically innovating processing to better distribute the latex in the Dunlop process, so uses only organic Dunlop latex in each layer, without ever having to use Talalay latex, thus keeping to our truly organic ethos! We are able to make soft Dunlop latex for comfort, as well as firmer Dunlop latex for sturdiness and support.
  • Synthetic latex mattresses: These are constructed with chemical compounds to help imitate the feel of real latex. This form is a bit less durable than natural latex. Because it's constructed with synthetic materials, it shouldn't trigger you with a latex allergy.
  • Blended latex mattresses: This is a mixture of synthetic and natural latex. It costs less to make than all-natural latex, and is more durable than synthetic latex. Frequently, it has more synthetic material in it than natural material.

Natural latex is frequently thought of as the best type of latex. This is because a natural latex mattress is frequently one of the more eco-friendly and long-lasting mattresses.

How are Natural Latex Mattresses Made?

While it's widely known the benefits of a 100% natural latex mattress, like its certified organic cotton and wool, the comprehensive details of the process involving their fabrication are not as understood. The final delivery of your new latex mattress to your home ends the entire journey that starts on an Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree plantation in a tropical climate.

1. Raw Material Collection

Along with the certified organic cotton and wool, the primary ingredient used in constructing a natural latex mattress is taken from the Hevea brasiliensis tree (rubber tree). This rubber tree is cultivated on a larger scale in West Africa and Southeast Asia where the tropical climate is great for growth. The rubber tree can grow to 100 to 130 feet tall in the wild, and could live up to 100 years. It's the sticky white sap that's the actual latex by the rubber tree when the tree's trunk is cut.

The sap harvesting process starts with the creation of deep spiral incisions into the rubber tree's trunk. Then, a vessel is put at the end of the spiral for collecting the oozing latex from the tree. Extracting latex doesn't harm the tree. For a few hours, the latex flows steadily along the incisions into the vessel. When exposed to direct sunlight, latex undergoes coagulation, causing it to prematurely harden which makes the processing cycle complicated. To keep this from occurring, latex is typically harvested in the early morning or during the night when the sun isn't out.

2. Processing the Latex

When exposed to direct sunlight or open air for extended periods, liquid latex goes through a rapid coagulation process. So, it's essential to transport the harvested latex to the processing facility in the shortest time possible. To reduce the likelihood of untimely coagulation, the latex is typically transferred into big airtight buckets, and then taken to the closest processing plant with 24 hours of being harvested. Sometimes, small amounts of ammonia might be added during the transportation of the latex, which helps delay the coagulation onset.

After the liquid latex is brought to the processing factory, it's poured into a big cylindrical tank through a sieve that takes out coagulated lumps, and unwanted particles. This tank has a shaft on it that spins quickly to combine air with the latex, producing a thick, foamy paste. To ensure the mattresses are constructed spongy, air particles are incorporated into the latex. Mattresses would wind up densely packed and stiff if this process was skipped. They would be uncomfortable and hard to sleep on.

3. Molding the Mattresses

During this stage, the blended liquid latex is turned into a solid mattress either through the Dunlop latex or Talalay latex method.

These methods make a latex mattress with slight property differences.

Dunlop Latex Method

With the Dunlop latex method, the latex foam goes into a big rectangular mold that contains a few vertical rods that create perforations in the finished mattress. These perforations create natural airflow around the mattress to keep the right temperature for anyone using it. The mold then goes through a vulcanization process where it's shut, and heated to high temperatures. The vertical rods that run through the latex help ensure this temperature is distributed evenly around the mold.

The latex is then taken out of the mold once it's gone through the vulcanization for a certain time period, and sprayed with water to help clean up any soapy compounds that might have formed on the surface. It's at this point where the latex is turned to a rubbery mattress with a few perforations running through it. After the mattress is washed, it's placed into an oven, and baked to eliminate excess moisture.

Talalay Latex Method

During the Talalay latex method, the latex is put into a mold that contains vertical rods, similar to the Dunlop latex method. But, instead of heating the mold, it's attached to a vacuum pump that sucks the air bubbles out from the mixture while ensuring the latex is distributed evenly within the mold.

The liquid carbon dioxide then covers the mold to quickly freeze the mattress inside. This is done to keep denser particles from settling at the bottom of the mold where it could result in the mattresses being produced with uneven densities across the latex layers. Then the mold is heated, so the mattress rises to the desired level of thickness before it's taken out.

4. Grading and Quality Inspection of the Mattresses

Occasionally, defective products could come out of bigger-scale production lines. This is normal. Natural latex mattress manufacturing is no exception. Every mattress that's extracted from the mold must go through a stringent inspection process to make sure quality is consistent. Any defective mattresses found are taken out of the production line immediately, and discarded.

5. Stitching the Cover and Detailing the Mattresses

The mattresses are still not completed and ready to be used even after the completion of the quality inspection process. During this fifth stage, they are really still only solid rectangular pieces of natural latex. Some mattresses might even have minor inconsistencies on the edges that would have to be trimmed. The latex beds are placed on a calibrated table, and trimmed carefully to provide them with a sharply defined outline as well as ensure their overall dimensions are accurate.

Each mattress is then upholstered with a fabric certified organic cotton and wool cover, and inserted into the mattress cover. Then flanges are stitched around the mattress's edges to secure the cover firmly in place.

Now the production stage is finished once the flanges and certified organic cotton and wool cover are stitched on each mattress. Labels can now be put on each mattress, which provides details on their:

  • Care instructions
  • Specifications
  • Warranty details

Finally, the natural latex mattresses are then placed in clear plastic covers, and shipped off to their point of sale.

How Latex is Different From Memory Foam

A memory foam mattress is a man-made, synthetic product. Latex, on the other hand, is pure and comes from the sap of rubber trees. It's natural, unlike memory foam, which is chemical.

Initially, a memory foam mattress offers great pressure relief — initially is the key word.

It retains your body heat which allows the mattress to hug your pressure points, and move with you. This will not only make you sleep hot, but memory foam eventually has problems bouncing back. Sags and dips are quite common with a memory foam mattress.

Advantages of Latex Materials

There are many benefits of latex layers materials, including:

Cooling

Latex is a cool material, naturally, and a lot of manufacturers help improve its breathability by adding in aerated channels. Latex typically doesn't conform closely to cut off airflow, which allows the air circulation to carry body heat off before it has a chance to build up and interrupt your sleep.

Eco-Friendly

Because natural latex comes from rubber trees, and doesn't require a lot of additives to whip it into foam, it's an amazingly eco-friendly material. A lot of mattress companies use other types of natural materials like organic wool or cotton to manufacture a completely organic mattress.

Durable

Natural latex is also very durable. A lot of owners are still sleeping comfortably on their latex beds after 15 years of use. This only applies to all-natural latex mattresses, however. Blended and synthetic latex has a shorter expected lifespan, and can break down after several years.

Flame Retardant Properties

A lot of mattresses today on the market have flame retardant properties to keep the mattresses from easily catching fire. If you're looking to buy an all-natural mattress, however, you likely don't want a chemical layer laced in its surface.

Fortunately, many latex mattresses can still meet the flame retardant laws of the country, since many include wool barriers (a natural flame retardant material) to enhance their flame resistance. So, you can still sleep on a safe mattress that doesn't have those unwanted chemicals.

You'll want to check the mattress's label before you purchase it to see which flame retardant the mattress is using.

Motion Isolation

Certain mattresses handle motion transfer better than others. Motion transfer is where you're sleeping comfortably on your side of the bed, and then you're jostled by your partner's movement on the other side. This is a big reason why spring mattresses are very outdated. They offer the least amount of motion isolation.

Since latex is so supportive, motion transfer might not disrupt your sleep as much as other mattresses would. In fact, you’ll likely experience zero motion transfer. Latex has outstanding motion isolation, which means when your partner moves on their side of the bed, you won't feel it on your side.

Where PlushBeds Gets Our Latex

PlushBeds partners directly with farmers, so they're able to source single-origin latex, enabling them to accurately calibrate its firmness to a specific degree others can't. Plus, PlushBeds only uses global organic latex standard certified organic Arpico natural latex, which is recognized as the industry's standard for quality.

Is Latex Recyclable?

A natural latex mattress is constructed with recyclable materials like botanical foam. Depending on which type of latex mattress you bought as well as what other materials were used in the construction of your mattress, it should be 100% recyclable.

At a minimum, you should be able to recycle most of your mattress, which can still significantly reduce the effect on local landfills when you're ready to dispose of it.

You'll find local recycling centers in most communities that will recycle your old mattress. You can call the waste management facility in your area to learn where the mattress recycling centers are in your city. You'll also want to inquire about curbside services.

What About Sleeping Positions?

Many individuals prefer one of a few sleeping positions, and fall asleep on their back, stomach, or side. Try and determine how you fall asleep, and the position you find yourself in when you wake up.

  • Side sleepers frequently need the most pressure relief because pressure points often build up in their hips and shoulders. Otherwise, they may end up waking up with back pain, if their spine should slip out of its alignment, or stiff joints. The ideal mattress for side sleepers typically has a soft to medium feel to it to offer you more conforming and pressure relief.
  • Stomach sleepers are at risk for spine misalignment when sleeping in this position. When you're lying on your stomach on a soft mattress, gravity typically will push your stomach into the mattress. This could overextend your spine. The best bet is a firm mattress for stomach sleepers, which can decrease the chances of sinkage.
  • Back sleepers should purchase a mattress that provides them with enough firmness to offer consistent back support, but is still soft enough that it molds to their back's curves. The mattress should provide a medium-to-firm feel for back sleepers.

If you're a combination sleeper, you likely move between a couple of these positions, or all three as you're sleeping. Material responsiveness and motion isolation are essential in a mattress when you're a combination sleeper. This allows you to shift positions easily without disrupting the sleep of your partner.

FAQs

1. Can Latex Mattresses Cause Allergies?

According to the American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, up to 50 million individuals have allergies. This is equivalent to one in five people living in the United States. While certain individuals when exposed to latex do develop latex allergies, a natural latex mattress's latex doesn't come into direct contact with your skin. Therefore, there's less of a chance of you developing a latex allergy from the mattress.

But, if you already have a latex allergy you already know about, you should call your physician to go over any risk factors of latex, whether you're sleeping on it, or even just owning a natural latex mattress. 100% natural latex mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic.

2. Is a Latex Mattress Susceptible to Bed Bugs?

Although natural latex is bed bug resistant naturally because of its dense construction, there's no such thing as a mattress being totally bed bug resistant. But, if you're taking preventative measures of avoiding bed bug exposure, and you own a natural latex mattress, it will be easier for you to avoid a bed bug infestation in your bed.

3. Can Latex Mattresses Make You Sick?

Although certain individuals find opening up their new latex mattress produces a slight vanilla-like smell, natural latex mattresses shouldn't make you sick, unless you're allergic to latex, and you come into direct contact with it.

When you own a PlushBeds natural latex mattress, the mattress is 100% natural latex, pure natural wool, and organic cotton to ensure no harsh substances inside.

4. How Long Do Natural Latex Mattresses Last?

It's not uncommon for all-natural latex mattresses to last well over a decade. Many offer comfortable support for more than 15 years — some even 20 to 25 years. This is due to the rubber being great at bouncing back into shape when you climb out of bed. PlushBeds offers you a 25-year warranty.

Because blended latex mattresses also contain some synthetic materials, their lifespan isn't as long as natural latex mattresses.

5. Does a Latex Mattress Smell?

If your latex mattress contains any synthetic materials, you could notice a chemical smell when you initially take your mattress out of the box. This is due to off-gassing. Off-gassing is where volatile organic compounds (VOCs) start breaking down at room temperature. Typically, this odor goes away after about a week.

An all-latex mattress might have a vanilla-like smell to it for the first several nights. Some people have said the organic wool component of the bed (common in latex mattresses) has an unpleasant animal odor to it.

If you notice a rubbery or musty odor to your mattress, you can encase it in a waterproof mattress protector, which doesn't just keep liquids out, but also odors.

6. Does a Latex Mattress Harbor Dust Mites?

The nature of latex mattresses makes them uninviting to dust mites, helping to not only eliminate the chances of your mattress becoming filled with dust mite debris, but also helps to decrease the risk of asthma attacks and allergic reactions that frequently occur from dust mite exposure, or from being exposed to the debris they leave behind.

7. Does Mold Grow on a Latex Mattress?

A natural latex mattress is naturally mildew and mold resistant. But, this doesn't mean mold can't grow on latex mattresses. It only means it's unlikely for mold to grow on them, if you properly use and care for them. It is recommended that a latex mattress not be placed directly on the floor.

8. What's the Difference Between Natural Latex and Synthetic Latex?

Latex mattresses aren't all 100% natural. Synthetic latex could be constructed of a variety of materials, but are usually constructed with a specific type of plastic known as Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), which is used commonly as an alternative for natural rubber. This plastic is frequently used for children's artificial turfs, and it's a "safe" chemical, but there is controversy surrounding it.

Synthetic mattresses probably won't have the durability of all-natural latex mattresses, either. They also won't have the same springiness that many people look for in natural latex mattresses.

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