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Latex mattress buyers' guide
What to know and what to ask when you buy Latex mattresses
Deciding to invest in any new mattress is often approached with a great amount of reluctance. With the amount of choices out there and everyone proclaiming the superiority of their product it's hard to settle on a mattress without feeling you might have missed out on something better. The range of prices, features, and stores can make your head spin.
This latex mattress buyers' guide will help you avoid some of the pitfalls associated with shopping for a new latex mattress.
Be sure that quality latex is used throughout the latex mattress.
Latex Mattresses How latex mattresses are made The latex mattress as a sustainable product: Resources In the latex mattress industry there are several manufacturers that produce consistent high quality latex for use in latex mattresses. Considering the durability and extended warranties offered for latex mattresses, it’s worth the cost to purchase latex that you are certain comes from well established latex manufacturers such as Latex International or Latexco (Latex Green), the only two manufacturers of all natural latex in the USA. Look out for low end latex such as that coming out of China. Latex mattresses made with cheaper latex foam will not provide the same feel, support, or longevity as latex mattresses constructed from quality material.
The cover DOES matter on a latex mattress.
It can be easy to overlook the broad spectrum of materials used to make latex mattress covers. Very basic, cheap materials make the price look good, but do nothing to improve the feel or performance of the latex mattress.
Wool presents a naturally breathable and antimicrobial medium to be used as a batting material in quilted covers for natural latex mattresses. Look for the highest quality certified organic wool when purchasing a 100% natural latex mattress . Organic cotton offers great breathability, and is very environmentally friendly.
An Overview
The natural latex mattress provides support where it is needed most by contouring to the body's natural nuances. It relieves pressure points, particularly at the shoulders and hips allowing for better circulation, and in consequence, less tossing and turning for a deeper more restful sleep. The independent cell construction of latex foam is not prone to transfer movement, allowing two people to comfortably share the same bed without disrupting each other with every motion.
Latex foam provides a medium in bedding that can easily be used in custom mattresses. Available in a wide range of firmness levels, it is simple to build a latex mattress that caters to an individual's needs; custom sizes are not a problem, perfect for boats and RVs; his and her sided beds are easy to construct; toppers can fine tune the feel to fit anybody's preference, and can easily be exchanged to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible when it matters most.
Integrating an open cell structure with a pin core design allows for maximum breathability essential for removing excess heat and moisture that can prevent a good night's sleep. For those who struggle with allergies latex mattresses present a safe haven as they are naturally hypoallergenic, and anti-microbial. This means that molds, mildew, and dust mites that may help trigger allergies will not be waiting for you in a latex mattress, where they can be the most frustrating.
A naturally resilient and durable material, many consumers are becoming aware of the benefits of a 100% natural latex mattress. A high quality latex mattress mattress will supply consistent performance for 20 years or more.
Two methods: Dunlop process and Talalay process
There are two methods in which latex is synthesized into the foam used in latex mattresses and latex pillows. The most commonly used method is the Talalay process which consists of six steps. 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 through.
The Dunlop process is similar to the Talalay process except that the mold is filled to the brim and there is no vacuum or freezing stage. The Dunlop process creates a firmer, denser, less consistent product that is used as a latex mattress core. Talalay is considered the premium process used for the latex mattress today. 
Eco-friendly, Biodegradable with All-Natural Latex
With resources depleting and garbage being pushed into the earth at an overwhelming rate, there is little wonder why there is a ecological nightmare waiting to happen. Innerspring beds represent a substantial amount of nonrenewable, non-biodegradable resources that will simply be thrown into landfills.
With the mattress market currently exploding with all sorts of new mattress designs, shouldn't environmental implications be paramount in any new mattress design? This may seem too optimistic at first glance, but the reality is that such an eco-friendly product is already available. Natural latex mattresses are the product of natural latex rubber, which is the milky sap from the rubber tree (hevea brasiliensis), with a small percentage of natural fillers.
These trees are cultivated on plantations in South Asia, South America, Africa, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, providing jobs for numerous indigenous people. Once the trees have reached the end of their latex producing lives they are cut down, and replanted with new rubber tree clones. The timber is used to manufacture furniture and in construction, ensuring that there is no waste.
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi concerned with the exploitation of the forests by logging companies, as well as the inherent effects on biodiversity, proposed a long term plan to ensure sustainability of these important resources. "We want to give priority to plantation forests where only one species of tree may be planted such as new rubber clones which could be used for furniture making and construction materials after their latex have been fully tapped," he said after chairing the 16th National Forestry Council meeting in Putrajaya (For more information go to the website at the end of this article).
On top of being eco-friendly and biodegradable, natural latex mattresses supply a superb sleeping surface, relieving pressure points with outstanding support that's much better than memory foam. The natural latex mattress is clearly a wonderful choice for the consumer and for the environment. 
Learn more about Latex, Memory Foam and Polyurethane
The FoamSource has introduced this resources directory to help you understand the wide variety of new bedding options available. The FoamSource also understands that many bedding products are referred to by different names (a topper, for example, is also referred to as a mattress pad), and so there are synonyms included in the directory to help you find the product you are looking for and understand its benefits.
Go to the Resources Directory here!
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