The quest for superior living standards has led to the deterioration of the environment and severely impacted Planet Earth.
It is imperative for the entire human race to collectively adopt eco-friendly lifestyles to protect the environment from further degradation. Every individual should make a concerted effort to live a life free of hazardous chemicals.
In recent years, individuals are increasingly adopting biodegradable alternatives like a natural latex mattress as an integral part of their routine sleep essentials.
Certified sleep science experts are actively advocating the use of an organic latex mattress.
Listed herewith is a comprehensive guide that highlights the benefits of using natural latex mattresses:
Contents
What Is A Natural Latex Mattress?
A natural latex mattress is manufactured using pure latex, a natural derivative produced from the extracted sap of a rubber tree known as Hevea Brasiliensis.
The origin of latex, the base material used in the construction of a natural latex mattress, can be traced back to the early 1930s’.
What Is The Process Of Manufacturing A Natural Latex Mattress?
Multiple layers of latex are used to construct organic mattresses. The various layers differ in density, thereby increasing the breathability of the product.
The base layer of a natural latex mattress is sturdy and known as the support core. The top layer, known as the latex mattress topper, is designed specifically for comfort with materials such as natural wool or organic cotton.
There are two ways of producing latex. Buyers have to select the preferred type of latex before purchasing the mattress.
The two favored techniques of producing latex are:
- The Dunlop Method:
The Dunlop method has been used to produce latex since the 1930s’. Manufacturers use basic processing techniques to stir the sap of the rubber tree to produce the latex. Thereafter, the latex is baked and used to construct the mold of the mattress.
However, the sedimentation that occurs during this process tends to accumulate in the base of the mold, making the organic latex mattress heavy and unwieldy.
- The Talalay Method:
The Talalay method involves a process wherein the molten latex is tipped into a vacuum-sealed vessel for ensuring better foam texture. Thereon, the liquid latex is flash-frozen to eliminate the sedimentation from settling down at the bottom. The process is completed once the frozen latex is baked into a solid-state.
Two prime factors that motivate individuals to buy an organic latex mattress is the sustainability of the product and the innate softness that guarantees a good night’s sleep.
The flash-freezing procedure that is conducted during this process is known to soften the latex foam and increase the durability of the product.
Currently, the Talalay method is the most favored option of organic latex manufacturers across the nation.
What Is The Difference Between A Natural Latex Mattress And A Synthetic Latex Option?
Buyers have to be aware of the difference between natural latex and synthetic latex whilst purchasing mattresses from the market.
A natural latex mattress is known to be a healthier option as compared to a synthetic latex option due to the hypoallergenic properties that are inherently present in the organic base material.
Synthetic latex is a petroleum–based derivative that is known to cause health ailments due to ‘Off-Gassing’ – a process wherein a foul smell emanates from an unused, new mattress. The release of these harmful toxins can trigger serious allergies in individuals using these mattresses daily.
A synthetic latex mattress may appear cheaper initially, as compared to a natural latex option but the cost implications for treating allergy-related ailments can prove to be an expensive ordeal.
What Advantages Do Natural Latex Mattresses Offer?
Sleep science experts have discovered numerous benefits of using a natural latex mattress; a few have been listed herewith:
- Comfort Factor:
Natural latex mattresses are known for the comfort factor due to the higher foam density. These mattresses are firm but take the shape of the body and provide a feeling of buoyancy. Natural latex foam has an open-cell structure that enables even air-flow within the mattress. This aspect keeps the mattress cool and comfortable in warm weather conditions.
- Motion Isolation:
This unique feature ensures that any movement by one individual does not cause sleep disruptions for others sleeping on the same latex mattress.
- Anti-Allergic Eco-Friendly Mattress:
An organic latex mattress is free of toxic chemicals such as perfluorocarbons and formaldehyde that are known as allergy triggers.
Organic latex is loaded with hypoallergenic properties and repel dust mites and mold-causing bacteria.
These organic mattresses are produced using natural latex that is 100% organic and completely biodegradable.
- Strength & Durability:
Organic Latex Mattresses and latex mattress toppers are renowned for their strong build quality and extended life-span as compared to the conventional sleep systems. With proper maintenance, these durable products are known to last over a decade or more.
- Best-Suited For Various Sleep Styles:
Natural latex mattresses are suitable for all sleep styles, be it a side sleeper, a back sleeper or a stomach sleeper.
Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, there are some drawbacks that buyers need to consider before investing in a natural latex mattress such as:
- Cost factor:
The time-consuming technique of processing latex from the sap of a rubber tree requires a skilled work-force that entails higher production costs.
Therefore, an organic latex mattress coupled with a latex mattress topper is relatively more expensive than other sleep essentials that are available in the market.
- Mobility Of The Mattress:
Shifting of the mattress whilst moving residence from one location to another will require more effort as the overall density of a latex mattress makes it heavier than other conventional mattresses.
The ever-increasing popularity of natural latex mattresses clearly indicates that the current generation is aware, concerned and prepared to take definitive steps to undo the damage to the eco-system.