Latex foam has been available in mattresses for more than 70 years. The following information provides a brief background about latex and the specific advantages it offers.

Synthetic latex is created from petrochemicals. It is known as Styrene-Butadiene-Rubber. Bedding products will feature either natural or synthetic latex, or a combination of both.

It is important to note that because natural latex is a polymer of isoprene, synthetic latex is actually very different from natural latex. Thus, the performance of synthetic latex is not the same as the natural variety.

Most latex foam products sold in Canada are of the synthetic or synthetic-blended variety. Currently our products are either 100% natural rubber tree latex or they are a blend of 30% natural rubber tree latex and 70% synthetic latex. Our primary focus remains 100% natural rubber tree latex foam and the vast majority of The Mattress & Sleep Company's selection is dedicated to this variety. Every product in our store and on our website containing latex lists very clear information regarding the exact composition of the foam.

With the Dunlop Process (circa 1929), air is beaten into the liquid Havea milk to form the wet foam. This material is then steamed to vulcanize the rubber. Subsequent to stripping, the foam goes through a thorough washing and drying process.

With the Talalay process (circa 1940), the basic foam is cast into an aluminium mould, which is only partially filled. The aluminium mould is then closed and a vacuum is created. The foam is then frozen to -30 degrees Centigrade which ensures preservation of the round cell structure. This creates a consistent, open cell structure which ensures durability and allows airflow. It then goes through a similar stripping, washing and drying process to that of Dunlop latex.

• Instantly responds to body shape, ensuring proper conformance and support.
• Excellent Air Circulation.
• Excellent Temperature Regulation.
• Is not heat sensitive and performs well at any normal temperature.
• Pressure relief; less tossing and turning, resulting in rejuvenating sleep.
• Excellent life-span, 15 to 25 years of comfort life is not uncommon for a high quality latex mattress.
• Environmentally friendly; bio-degradable. (100% natural rubber tree latex)
• Does not normally require flipping or turning.
• High quality latex is inherently anti-microbial, dust mite resistant, and hypoallergenic.

Latex fillers are fine particles of chemically inert materials such as calcium oxide, China Clay (Kaolin clay) or titanium dioxide. They are used in low quality latex foam production, as they can greatly reduce the cost of producing latex foam.

Using fillers destroys the hypoallergenic properties of latex, which severely limits the health benefits that latex foam normally provides.

There are absolutely no fillers in any of the high quality Green Sleep and Natura products available from The Mattress & Sleep Company.

Price is typically a very good indicator of what you're getting when comparing latex options. When in doubt, do not hesitate to ask the salesperson or the store to show you documentation on the latex composition.

Although latex allergies are cause for concern, the type of latex foam used in mattresses and pillows is incredibly safe. Latex is a touch allergy, which means you have to come in direct contact with it to have a reaction. All of the natural latex products we offer are covered, ensuring no direct contact.

The Mattress & Sleep Company offers a unique buy-back programme on all natural latex products we sell. In the highly unlikely event of a documented medical reaction, The Mattress & Sleep Company will issue a full refund on the purchase price of any natural latex products proven to cause an allergic reaction.

Read More

This is untrue. Talalay simply refers to one of the processes for creating latex foam. The actual source material can be either natural latex, synthetic, or a blend of the two.

This myth most likely stems from the fact that the majority of latex found in North America is of the Talalay variety, and is often 100% synthetic. Natura mattresses are either a blend of 70% synthetic/30% natural, or 100% natural. Green Sleep only uses 100% natural rubber tree latex for all of their products.

Certain models within Natura's Eco Organic series do offer 100% natural rubber tree latex made with the Talalay process. The Mattress & Sleep Company clearly discloses this information under the product specifications both in-store and online.