Here are a few comparison points between latex and other mattress varieties. Various chemicals are used as catalysts in the production of synthetic latex that are washed out at the end of the manufacturing process. Latex is adaptable and is manufactured in a wide range of firmnesses and varieties, from sustainably-harvested botanical latex to synthetic latex varieties. Be sure you understand how each mattress is constructed so you know youâre really comparing similar products. Many mid-grade latex mattress manufacturers use blended latex, adding a small percentage of natural latex to a synthetic product before vulcanization in attempt to increase resilience and quality. In Talalay processing, the liquid latex is first whipped and then poured into a frame. Each processing type has its own strengths and weaknesses. As noted above, the latex used in mattresses can be from natural sources or synthetic ones. Latex foam is made from natural materials that are extracted from rubber tree sap. Synthetic Latex Synthetic Latex is a synthetically produced compound that mimics the properties of natural latex. Natural latex is made from the sap of a tree and offers a wide array of benefits, as further addressed below. Synthetic Talalay latex makes a stronger, more comfortable product but is still no match for the real thing. These companies tend to have cost-saving measures in place that allow them to focus on investing in quality inventory. Natural latex is a biological byproduct of the rubber tree plant. Mattresses containing cotton, wool and natural latex will all produce lower levels of gases. Designed specifically to work in medical settings where patients may be sensitive to pressure applied to the body, gel gives optimally at pressure points while supporting other parts of the body. Do You Need a Box Spring With Your Mattress? Latex mattresses cushion your body, align your spine, regulate body temperature, and have the staying power to last 20 years or more. One drawback here is that you need to be doubly sure of the quality of the brand you are buying â with compression over time certain air mattresses have been known to develop air leaks in the casing. Potentially firmest. Both Dunlop and Talalay can be either soft or firm (or in between) but the Dunlop process can produce latex foam thatâs firmer than the firmest Talalay. Choose one that does not need to be flipped or rotated, and the weight of the mattress won’t be a huge issue. Latex offers a range of improvements over traditional mattresses: Resilient. All-natural latex foam, at a cellular level, has a characteristic âbounceâ that no other material ânot even synthetic latexâcan match. Because of its solid construction, this type of mattress will allow for an even distribution of motion across the mattress surface. These companies tend to minimize overhead costs while keeping up top notch quality control, so you get the best mattress for your money. This means that you can find Talalay-based mattresses at a wide range of price points, though Talalay processing is itself more cost intensive than Dunlop processing. Top-of-the-line Talalay bedding is undoubtedly one of the most expensive bedding options on the market â but itâs worth it. However, it is important to remember that this type of mattress also provides a greater durability than most, giving it a much longer lifespan. It is best to also avoid ironing clothing on the surface of the bed. Eventually, that extra pressure can lead to a quicker breakdown of mattress materials. In the early days, settling during the cooling process could result in a Dunlop mattress that was denser (and thus firmer) on one side than on the other. âSleep hot,â causing the sleeper to wake overheated, sweaty, and uncomfortable â increasing the chance of mold accumulation and negatively impacting quality of sleep. The array of latex mattress options can be bewildering, but with a little background it can be easy to choose the bed thatâs right for you. This is not too hard to work around since there are so many variations of this type of mattress available. (Blended is a combination of natural and synthetic latex.) The entire mattress, including the outer fire-resistant layer, is constructed using sustainable methods and materials. An âall-naturalâ latex mattress may be produced without the use of petrochemicals or synthetic materials. Synthetic latex is made by polymerizing a monomer that has been emulsified with surfactants. This mitigates the need to have natural latex shipped in from rubber tree estates after intensive harvesting practices, so the cost of synthetic latex is often less than that of natural latex foam. We spend a good portion of our lives sleeping, and a good sleep regime promotes a healthy, balanced body and contributes to our overall well-being. An âall-naturalâ label means the bed is made using botanical latex. Most of the things that would be considered potential drawbacks for choosing this type of mattress can be sorted out with a bit of education on the topic and proper handling and set up of the mattress. Synthetic latex is simply latex made from a chemical process, and uses fillers such as polyurethane foam to create a less expensive alternative to natural latex. Synthetic latex, also known as Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) or SBR latex, is derived from petroleum-based chemicals. A latex mattress is comprised of natural or synthetic rubber. Many times a combination of the two are used to reduce manufacturing costs while still providing the many benefits that natural latex offers. A natural latex mattress can make the difference between unrefreshing sleep and the deep, restorative sleep that promotes health. Latex foam mattress materials. While quite durable, synthetic latex is a bit less durable than natural latex. While most other types of mattresses come as-is, a latex mattress can come in such a variety of configurations that it makes it easier to find one that suits your needs. Latex will harden when exposed to direct sunlight, so it is important to protect your mattress from constant sun exposure. ), youâre spending up to twice that amount. Are There Mattresses That Are Especially Good For Pet Owners? Studies also show that sleep quality is even more important than sleep quantity in protecting good physical, mental, and emotional health in both young, healthy adults and in the elderly. Make sure youâre comparing apples to apples. In the venerable Dunlop method, pioneered in the mid-20th century, liquid latex is poured into frames in layers, cooled, and vulcanized. These blended latex beds still donât match the bouncy, body-contouring support of real latex, but they may be a decent approximation if youâre on a budget. Both Dunlop and Talalay latex production can achieve a range of latex foam densities ranging from soft to firm. When you choose top-of-the-line latex, youâll get a mattress that no imitation can match. Vinyl. Synthetic latex: Synthetic latex is derived from various petrochemicals. In addition, during foam latex manufacturing (especially in the Talalay processing method) the mold contains metal rods inserted through the latex liquid leaving âpinholesâ that allow the mattress to breathe, keeping you cooler when itâs warm and warmer when itâs cool outside. 3. The material is subjected to vacuum molding and flash-freezing, congealing quickly into foam. Generally more affordable. The Dunlop manufacturing process is simple enough to conduct on-site, so many manufacturers build their mattresses on location to minimize costs. "Blended" mattresses, on the other hand, are derived from a mix of synthetic and natural latex but they are 100% latex mattresses. Eco-friendly. Dunlopâs on-site processing means a smaller carbon footprint, and the more streamlined production method uses fewer chemical agents. Todayâs mattress customers are smart, savvy shoppers â and itâs a good thing! "Hybrid" denotes a mattress built partially of latex and partially of non-latex components. C, Camarillo, CA 93012 1-888-PLUSH-BEDS, Organic Latex Mattress - The Botanical Bliss, Natural Latex Mattress - The Natural Bliss, Gel Memory Foam Mattress: The Ocean Mist®, Luxury Memory Foam Mattress: The Cool Bliss®, Luxury Baptiste White Goose Down Comforter, 100% Organic Cotton & Wool Lanadown Comforter. Talalay production is more high-tech, and usually requires that liquid latex be shipped to a dedicated processing facility separate from the rubber tree estate. Air Mattresses: High-quality air mattresses can also be quite luxurious. Why Would I Choose a Really Soft Mattress? A latex mattress is created by combining latex foam to provide sleepers with a mattress that is both supportive and durable. Most high quality, long lasting latex mattresses combine the use of both Talalay and Dunlop latexes. When you dive into the world of online or small-business buying, it can be easy to be taken for a ride by slick salespeople or fraudulent operations. Latex provides a semi-firm surface while still offering a high degree of comfort. Synthetic latex can be less resilient and elastic than natural latex. This is especially true if you are choosing a 100% natural latex based mattress. They can also be quite expensive. Synthetic latex is firmer than natural latex and so can provide a firmer feel in mattresses for a lower cost than natural latex which is less firm. Often more expensive. The cost of all-natural Talalay bedding must take into account the processing costs of the Talalay method, including raw materials, chemical additives, and expensive machinery. In all-latex mattresses, it is the only component of the interior build, and in latex hybrids it is layered above innerspring coils. Certified Organic Cotton. It has been chemically engineered to have a feel that is similar to natural latex, but its production does not require the harvesting of sap. The production of Vinyl uses toxic, harmful chemicals from start to ⦠Some latex blends contain mixtures of synthetic and natural latex, though. Medical science is increasingly emphasizing the importance of quality sleep to human health, and a comfortable mattress has been scientifically shown to have significant impacts on quality of sleep. Body-contouring. The same resilience and shape-sustaining properties that give latex its resilience give it an unmatchable ability to contour to your body. Without all of the technological gadgetry or gimmickry, natural latex for a mattress surface is the integrous one whose characteristics of comfort and support are what get imitated most often. Itâs available in a range of ILDs (measurements of support) and layered âcomfortâ configurations, so you can find the bed that maximizes your own personal comfort and that of your sleeping partner. The âorganicâ tag may mean that: Hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial. The surface of latex foam is impermeable to dust mites and discouraging to mold and mildew. Blends that incorporate both natural and synthetic latex are most common, though products are also available that place latex over poly foam cores or spring supports. Synthetic Latex Synthetic latex, made with SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber,) is primarily used to complement the benefits and features of natural latex: SBR used in synthetic latex has some superior properties, such as the ability to resist heat aging, abrasion and softening. If you have allergies, even mild latex allergies, a latex mattress can give you peace of mind and the medical relief you need to get a good nightâs sleep. Gel Mattresses: Gel is also beneficial for pressure-relieving support and temperature-regulating comfort. Back pain is one of the ⦠Latex can also be manufactured using a range of components and techniques. In truth, either Dunlop or Talalay can be comfortable, supportive, long-lasting, and cost effective. This means when you change positions during the night, a latex surface will move along with you rather than keeping you more confined to one spot. Your sleep is a vital part of your recovery from life’s day to day stresses. Medical research backs up our own experienceâhigh-quality sleep lasting seven hours or more is integral to keeping a healthy body and a healthy quality of life, and your mattress can significantly impact your sleep. Eco-friendly. Natural botanical latex can be sustainably harvested without killing the rubber tree plant that produces the serum. The result contains a mix of latex and air thatâs uniformly distributed from side to side and top to bottom down to a molecular level. The classic solution to sagging or impressions in innerspring configurations is to flip the mattress, but the most comfortable innersprings tend to have a comfort layer on one side, making flipping impossible. Temperature regulating. The same open cell structure that gives latex its hypo-allergenic properties helps it to regulate body temperature while you sleep, allowing air flow. The result is you need a lower density to get the same firmness that you would from a very dense natural latex. A latex mattress provides superior pressure relief. The materialâs adaptability, long life, and comfort have achieved a high level of customer satisfaction on the open market. Organic latex mattresses have a guaranteed seal of environmental approval so you can be sure that your mattress is free of man-made products and chemicals. Natural latex is resistant to mildew, mold, dust mites, and a variety of other irritants that can cause flare-ups in those who suffer from allergies. They offer customization, so you and your partner can each find the sleep surface that suits you best. The result? Synthetic latex is usually manufactured using the more high-tech Talalay production process, since Dunlop processing creates a truly inferior product when synthetic imitations are used. Do they have live online chat enabled on their website? Additionally, these additions can provide a degree of flame retardant protection to the mattress. Most mattresses youâll find in these locations are synthetic, blended or (at best) all-natural mid-grade latex, not a true luxury product. Best for Back Pain: OrganicTextiles 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper. Longer-lasting. The simple Dunlop construction method imparts less air to the mattress than with Talalay processing. 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