Latex Foam Information - Page 2 of 2

The focus of page two is slightly more technical in nature. For those seeking a brief overview of latex, page 1 will be the best place to start.

About Latex Allergies

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.

Latex proteins, which are harmless and benign to most people, cause allergic reactions to a very small percentage of the population. Proteins migrate to the surface of products like gloves and condoms and attach to powders and lubricants added during manufacturing. When the glove comes out of the package, the powder becomes airborne and enters through your respiratory system and pores.

Latex mattresses are manufactured differently than most latex products though.

• Mattresses are washed thoroughly during manufacturing
• Neither powder nor lubrication is added
• You never touch latex when you sleep on a latex mattress

All of the natural latex products we offer are covered, ensuring no direct contact. We have had many success stories where our clients were sensitive to latex medical gloves and subsequently purchased and happily recommend their latex mattress, free of any symptoms.

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.

Which is better, synthetic or natural?

Under most circumstances, a strong case can be made for natural latex being the superior product.

Although synthetic latex does mimic the feel and comfort of natural latex, it does not offer many of the same health benefits nor is it as durable. Natural latex contains proteins which severly limit the ability of dust mites and other bothersome allergens from congregating in your mattress.

Natural latex is desirable for it's unique ability to stretch without breaking. Synthetic latex simply does not offer this same "stretchability" which leads to a less durable, less supportive product. Certain types of natural latex take this concept even further. For example, Green Sleep has created their own custom rubber tree, which is 20% more elastic than the standard Pará rubber tree (and consequently 20% more supportive, and 20% more durable).

North Malaysia 600 is Green Sleep's own exclusive proprietary process. Green Sleep's Natural Rubber cores are derived from their very own tree farm. These trees have been bud grafted to create the North Malaysia 600 seed which in turn produces the purest most elastic rubber on the planet. No latex or synthetic fillers are added to core production.

One of the primary benefits of sleeping on a latex mattress is the ability of the mattress to conform properly to body shape. As the natural latex cells are more malleable and stretchable than standard synthetic latex it is easy to see why its ability to conform to the complex shape of the human body is enhanced when using higher natural latex content.

When it comes to synthetic latex the primary advantage remains to be one of price. Unfortunately we do not have rubber trees in North America, which means anything made out of this material needs to be shipped from great distances. Natural latex is more expensive to produce as the harvesting process is relatively slow so as to ensure sustainability of the trees. For those that cannot justify the cost of 100% natural latex, a blend of natural and synthetic latex will keep cost more reasonable. Although the vast majority of latex products we offer are 100% natural rubber tree latex, we do offer carefully selected blended products which use a 70% synthetic and 30% natural mix. Each and every one of these products is clearly marked to avoid confusion with natural rubber products.

What about organic latex?

The term "organic latex" is used in our industry to describe a product which should actually be termed "natural." There is no such thing as organic foam, latex or otherwise. A foaming agent must be added to the hevea milk during production. With natural latex this foaming agent is also 100% natural and is not harmful.

Should you come across a retailer or salesperson offering "organic latex" please ask them to clarify what they mean. Our experience shows that this claim can mean anything from 100% natural latex to 100% synthetic latex.

The other category of "organic latex" claims stems from the fact that certain rubber tree farms follow organic farming practices. It would still be inappropriate to label the finished product as organic. Which is why we wont, even for brands such as Green Sleep, who do source their raw Hevea milk in this manner.

One of our blog posts discusses "organic foam" in great detail.