Written by KC Ennis
Latex has quickly become the most popular material for natural or organic mattresses. Yet anyone who has priced all natural latex mattresses has probably had to deal with a certain level of sticker shock. Natural Talalay latex is the most expensive of all latex manufactured today. It’s important to note that blended latex can have most of the qualities which make latex a premium sleeping surface.
Most manufactures combine synthetic latex with natural latex to facilitate processing of the latex. Only natural latex creates the soft flexible feel that makes latex ideal for mattresses. However, synthetic latex acts as a bonding agent when used with natural latex and the result can be more easily controlled for firmness and consistency, making a more affordable product. Premium quality blended latex from manufactures like Latex International has been tested and proven to contain no harmful substances and is also hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and resistant to dust mites.
Blended latex certified to Oeko-Tex standards will contain no harmful substances. Most toxic off-gassing is a result of curing agents and accelerators. These substances are often used when manufacturing polyurethane foams. Premium latex, blended or all natural, is cured only with CO2 and will contain no other curing agents. A blended latex mattress gets its feel from the natural latex and a processing efficiency from the addition of synthetic latex.
The goal for most consumers in purchasing a latex mattress is a natural sleeping surface, with all the benefits of latex. A great place to use blended latex, either Talalay or Dunlop, is in the core of a latex mattress. Cores are generally about six inches thick and determine the overall body support and feel of the mattress. The use of certified premium blended latex in the core creates a more affordable mattress, with no concerns about toxic off-gassing or harmful substances in the mattress.
There are many solutions for the actual sleeping surface of latex mattresses and the composition of the top layers can be determined by the personal preferences of the consumer. The surface layers often have a “topper” layer of latex, generally about two inches, and the mattress cover. The most natural sleeping surface is created by using an all natural Talalay latex “topper” covered with organic cotton and a natural wool batting. Configured with an all natural Talalay core, you will have the ultimate in a natural or organic mattress. However, by substituting a premium blended core, either Talalay or Dunlop, you can have significant cost saving and still maintain an all natural sleeping surface.
Additional savings are created by the different combinations offered by many mattress manufactures. This can include a blended “topper” and covers from a variety of materials. To save on the cost of a latex mattress consider these options, a blended Dunlop core is most affordable followed by a blended Talalay core. The “topper” layer can also consist of blended latex, or can be upgraded to all natural latex for its premium feel. Natural wool batting is unsurpassed for moisture transport and regulating body heat, but various combinations of organic cotton, natural cotton and quality synthetics create significant cost saving.
The most important selling point for the consumer is the feel of a latex mattress, the most comfortable of all sleeping surfaces. By substituting blended latex, you can enjoy the unsurpassed feel of latex, avoid toxic off-gassing, and create a superior mattress than costs less than many inner-spring mattresses. Latex is an extremely durable material, maintaining its form and quality for up to 20 years or more. Remember that neither premium blended latex nor all natural latex have curing agents or accelerators added during processing. Latex processed in this fashion has no chemical content that will off-gas, keeping you and your loved ones safe.
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