Latex Mattress Buyers Guide

• Provides support where it is needed most. How? Contouring to the body’s natural contours, relieving pressure points, particularly at the shoulders and hips.
• Reduces motion transfer, allowing two people to comfortably share the same bed without disrupting each other. How? The independent cell construction of latex foam
• His and Her sided beds are easy to construct. How? Latex will respond differently depending on body size and weight. Many couples prefer a different firmness in their ideal mattress.
• Removes excess heat and moisture that can prevent a good night’s sleep. How? Integrating an open cell structure with a pin core design allows the mattress to breathe
• No more allergies! How? latex mattresses present a safe haven as they are naturally hypoallergenic, and anti-microbial.
• Easily customized for all sizes. How? Latex foam provides a material for bedding that can easily be used in custom mattresses, perfect for boats and RVs.
• Durable. How? Renowned for their durability, often with warranties of 20 years.

Remember, the primary expense in a natural latex mattress is the latex. Sounds obvious, right? However, much of the information from online sellers in under the “let the buyer beware” headline. Spend your money wisely, be very precise in discovering the type of latex and, most importantly the manufacturer of the latex.

Don’t be fooled, we recommend choosing 100% natural latex from two vendors. For Talalay latex, Talalay Global (previously Latex International) sets the standard, they produce a limited amount of 100% natural Talalay, manufactured in the US. For Dunlop latex, we suggest Latex Green, manufactured in Sri Lanka, and distributed from California.

Protect your investment and learn how to understand an Oeko-Tex certificate, which specifically lists the “tested article”. The “tested article” on the Oeko-Tex certificate is critical, when you are purchasing a natural latex mattress or topper, as it clearly states the material tested.

This is particularly true with Talalay Global. Most of the “Talatech” rubber foam, their name for Talalay latex, is “Standard Talatech latex rubber foam”, a very high quality blend of synthetic and natural latex.

Talalay Global makes a small quantity of “100% natural Talatech latex rubber foam”, which first became available in the last 10 years. The 100% natural Talalay is more difficult to make, increasing its cost.

Latex Green makes 100% natural, as well as organic Dunlop latex, so you don’t need to study the Oeko-Tex certificate as closely as the certificate from Latex International. Latex Green also has the distinction of producing the ONLY latex that is produced from rubber trees that are certified as grown organically.

Latex Mattress Factory Direct Pricing!

Most agree that the plushest and most comfortable natural latex is the Talalay process because of its consistency and feel, both in the core and the topper layer.

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 -20F 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 220F until it has cured.

The Dunlop latex process…

The Dunlop process is the original latex process. The latex is frothed and the mold is filled to the brim, without the vacuum or freezing stage, used in the Talalay process. The Dunlop process can create a firmer feeling, denser product, with a somewhat less even distribution of latex. although the frothing process has been much improved in recent years.

As the Dunlop process as been refined, a Dunlop latex mattress provides all of the benefits of 100% natural latex, at a lower cost, while still providing the unequaled comfort that has made the latex mattress so popular.

Recent remarks by the new head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate the problems created by toxic fire-retardants in foam and mattresses mandated by the 2007 Mattress Flammability Standards. Kaye, the safety commission chairman, said the goal should be laws and regulations that push industry toward safer alternatives.

“There is something inherently wrong when kids can’t play near a couch without parents worrying about them developing chronic illnesses because they are exposed to toxic chemicals,” Kaye said. “As a parent, you are desperate to do whatever you can to ensure they are safe. We should be able to come as close as possible to giving them certainty and guidance. Otherwise I don’t know if we’ve helped them.”