Foamsource.com

Latex Mattresses Grow With Your Children

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:57:00 -0500

Latex mattresses for your children present a tremendous value because of their durability. A small child will only need about four inches of medium latex for support. An additional layer of latex in the form of a latex “topper” can be added to the mattress as your child gains size and weight. The incredible durability of latex assures that your initial investment in a latex mattress will continue to pay dividends.

A latex core utilized in your child first mattress, generally a twin, will show almost no effect from its first years of use. The fact that latex is anti-microbial, hypo-allergenic, and naturally resistant to mold, mildew and dust mites creates a mattress that does not suffer the contamination from the possible “accidents” common to a infant’s first mattress. When your child’s first twin is protected with a moisture barrier, such as an organic wool pad, you have the advantage of the safest of all sleeping environments for your children.

The advantage of purchasing a starter latex mattress is that the four inch latex core can then be used as the primary component in building a thicker and more supportive mattress for your children as they grow. The original four inch mattress should offer plenty of support until your child reaches about 100 pounds. At that point the addition of a two or three inch “topper” layer of latex will provide an even more comfortable mattress for your child, until they outgrow the size of mattress.

It’s not necessary to laminate this additional layer to the latex core. In fact, it’s advisable to avoid adhesives and their off-gassing in any mattress. The “topper” can be placed right on top of the existing mattress, covered by a mattress pad and under the sheets. Some manufacturers make custom covers available that effectively create a new mattress by incorporating the existing core and the additional latex layer into the new mattress cover. In either case, your children will be sleeping on a “new” mattress.

The durability of latex makes the future upgrade of your child’s mattress possible. Latex will maintain its form and gentle support for up to twenty years, without any noticeable change. A quality latex mattress is an investment and will outlive two or three high end conventional inner-spring mattresses. However, the benefits of latex do not end with its durability. The feel of a latex mattress is unsurpassed, conforming gently to the nuances of body shape and weight to distribute weight and relieve pressure points, just the perfect surface to cradle your growing infants.

Generally the search for a latex mattress is a result of very real concerns about toxic off-gassing from chemical fire-retardants used in conventional mattress ticking or to saturate polyurethane foam. Many consumers are developing an interest in natural mattresses and that choice is never more important than for your developing children. When you consider how much time your children spend on their mattresses, you certainly don’t want them in close proximity with any harsh chemicals.

In many ways your child’s mattress is the most important health concern in your home. Children are just beginning to develop their respiratory and immune systems and are much more susceptible to problems created from contact with or breathing of toxic chemicals, which leach through mattresses treated with fire-retardants. The choice of a latex mattress protects your children and provides a long term solution to keep them sleeping safely.

Latex creates the opportunity for a long term strategy to provide your children the best possible mattress surface. Latex is far too valuable a material to waste, unlike conventional inner-spring mattresses which loose their ability to comfortably support body and must be regularly replaced. With a little planning, your child’s first latex mattress becomes a building block for many years of safe, comfortable sleep. No planned obsolescence, as your latex core will not lose value and will last for up to twenty years, or more! For those concerned about the environment, it’s nice to know that natural latex is a sustainable resource and is biodegradable.

As your child grows and gains weight, a latex mattress distributes weight and reduces pressure points even better than memory foam, without the off-gassing from polyurethane foam. Air circulation is enhanced by the pin cushion construction used for all latex mattresses, and when combined with a wool mattress pad or cover, no mattress does a better job of regulating moisture and controlling body temperature. Latex is simply nature’s most comfortable mattress material and can be customized to grow with your child, providing a mattress that does not need to be replaced until a larger mattress is needed.

Blended vs. Natural Latex

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:17:00 -0500

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.

Is It Time to Replace Your Mattress?

Sat, 24 May 2008 15:29:00 -0500

It often seems that we take our mattresses for granted and assume that they are providing the same support as when they were first purchased. Our bodies can be very adaptable, but by the time we are aware of discomfort as a result of a sagging mattress, we have gone months or years on a sleeping surface that is no longer effective. Consider that most inner spring mattress manufacturers look for an inch and a half of sag, with out any weight applied, as the criteria for warranty claims. The core of any mattress, whether it is inner spring, foam or latex, provides the support for your body weight and gives the overall feel of firmness to your mattress. Long before there is a noticeable sag in an inner-spring mattress, the core has begun to break down and compromise the overall support of the mattress.

Many consumers have become familiar with mattresses featuring foam cores, often topped with memory foam, such as the TempurPedic, although many other foam mattresses are available. The advantage of a foam core, whether polyurethane or latex, is that it is much slower to break down and lose support over time. If properly configured in a mattress, a foam core can be much more successful in distributing body weight. Many configurations of pillowtops or “toppers” featuring a wide variety of materials are available, providing a plush surface layer that conforms to the shape of your body. The core of the mattress must successfully support the conforming layer. If the core itself is sagging, no amount of pillowtop can compensate for the overall breakdown in the mattress.

The mattress industry recommends that you replace your mattress every 8-10 years, sooner with any signs of discomfort. Because our needs for comfort and support change as we get older, many mattress manufacturers recommend that you shorten the replacement period as you grow older. A conventional inner-spring mattress will gradually lose the ability to evenly support your body weight over time and they are much less effective than memory foam or latex in distributing your weight and reducing pressure points.

It no surprise that more and more consumers look to the extended warranties offered by memory foam and latex mattresses as an indication of greater comfort over the lifetime of the mattress. A latex mattress is particularly durable, with a much longer life than even polyurethane foam. Often mattresses constructed from latex will have warranties of up to 20 years, and even after 20 years, a premium latex mattress is unlikely to sag. An inner-spring mattress usually requires a body impression of one and half inches, without any weight on the mattress, for warranty replacement. It has become much more common to find inner-spring mattress that feature pillowtops using either memory foam or latex, taking advantage of the excellent pressure point relief both materials provide.

However, the overall body support is the most important feature of any mattress, and generally inner-spring will begin to breakdown sooner than mattresses that feature polyurethane or latex foam. Many consumers, particularly if they have back or joint problems, feel that they must have a firm mattress for support. While is true that a firm mattress can offer very solid support for a longer period, they are generally not very forgiving in the manner in which they conform to your body. Proper spinal alignment often depends on a mattress core that has more give than an inner-spring mattresses, and latex or memory foam provide this type of support, very evenly distributing body weight.

To put it simply, if your mattress has the firmness that most successfully supports your body and relieves pressure points, then you do not want the mattress to change significantly over time. Once it has begun to change, you no longer have the ideal mattress. In the case of an inner-spring mattress, purchase the best quality mattress you can afford and replace it at the first sign of discomfort, or opt for the extended durability that is found in a latex mattress, and to a lesser extent, in polyurethane foam. Both materials will change much more slowly over time and, in the case of latex, will not be altered in firmness for years after your original purchase.

The Latex Solution to the Federal Mattress Fire Codes

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:51:00 -0500

Recent years have seen significant changes in the federal fire code regulations. The most stringent requirements went into effect in July of 2007. All mattresses must now resist an open flame on the side and the top, except those prescribed by a doctor, osteopath or chiropractor. Manufacturers have a variety of fire-retardant solutions, all of which must be tested and labeled to assure that they are compliant with the current codes. There are no labeling requirements for the chemical fire-retardants used in mattresses. Solutions that meet the federal standards fall into three primary categories.

Chemical fire-retardants are utilized to saturate the mattress ticking in conventional inner-spring mattress. The chemicals must be used in high concentrations, typically adding as much as a pound and a half of chemicals to a typical queen inner-spring.
Fire-retardant fire sock, composed of inherently fire-resistant fibers such as modacrylic, or fiberglass cores, which surrounds the mattress.
Wool batting, a naturally fire-resistant material, generally covered in organic cotton, to create a natural fire barrier, generally used with latex for an all natural latex mattress.

Much has been said about the exposure to possible toxic chemicals as a result of the use of chemical fire-retardants. It seems fairly certain that we will absorb chemicals if they are used in our beds and that some of these chemicals should be a cause for concern. In general, it seems that the best solution is to error on the side of caution. Any mattress that contains high concentrations of chemical fire-retardants just adds additional cause for concern for the risks of chemical contamination in our homes.

Natural latex mattresses have become the most popular solution for consumer concerns about toxic fire-retardant chemicals. A latex mattress, covered with organic cotton and natural wool will pass the new fire code regulations, without the addition of any chemical fire-retardants. In addition, a latex mattress is anti-microbial, resist dust mites, mold and mildew, while providing the most durable sleeping surface available. A natural latex mattress, covered with organic cotton and wool, can assure you and your family that you are sleeping safely without exposure to toxic off-gassing.

Going Green In Your Bedroom

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:31:00 -0500

Going green is the current hot word for our generation and a needed concept to carry us all into the future. Sustainability for our planet’s resources is the most important issue that we face and also at issue is our health. Unfortunately, we continue to discover more and more chemicals, once thought to be beneficial, that have harmful long term side effects. DDT, PBDE’s and other chemical have been determined to breakdown so slowly in the environment that we will suffer their consequences for years to come.

It is very possible that the cumulative effects of so many toxins in our environment, and in our bodies, are beginning to weaken our immune systems, making us more susceptible to the possible side effects of toxic chemicals. We are unable to determine the exact cause of increases in autism, asthma, hyperactivity and other developmental disorders. However, more and more evidence seems to support concerns about the toxic chemical environment in which we live. The proliferation of chemicals used to aid in controlling pests, fighting germs, fertilizing food and in growth hormones has left use surrounded by residual toxins that we ingest through our food sources, inhale in the air we breathe, or absorb through our bodies.

A great place to begin in creating a green bedroom is your mattress. An all natural latex mattress is a sustainable resource harvested from rubber trees. 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 your mattress, where they can be the most frustrating. A latex mattress provides support where it is needed most by contouring to the body's natural nuances. A latex mattress 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 covering of your mattress is particularly important as it can contain fire-retardant chemicals in the ticking or in “fire socks” that are used to pass the federal standards. Fortunately all natural latex mattresses can be found with organic cotton and wool sleep surfaces. Properly configured on a latex mattress, wool and cotton covers offer sufficient protection to pass the new open flame standards. A latex mattress will then offer the superior qualities of wool for moisture transport and regulating body temperature and will also remain free of mold, bacteria and dust mites. A green latex mattress will provide healthy and chemical-free restful sleep for years to come!

Find Lasting Value With a Latex Mattress

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:18:00 -0500

The latex mattress is quickly moving to the forefront of solutions for creating a bedroom for safe sleep. The current interest in natural latex mattresses can be the result of the savvy consumer’s concern for keeping a chemical and toxin free environment in their bedroom. Once introduced to the benefits of a latex mattress, many consumers happily find out that many latex mattresses carry warranties of up to 20 years. The extended warranties that accompany a latex mattress are a result of the incredible durability of latex, creating a mattress that will remain unchanged in its chosen firmness for the life of the mattress.

When considering the cost of a quality latex mattress, consumers should balance any price concerns with the long term durability of a latex sleeping surface. Latex has not seen the price increases that have affected the cost of polyurethane foam as a result of polyurethane’s dependence on the price of petrochemicals. As the gap between the cost of man-made foam and natural latex decreases, a latex mattress has even more value. Latex is much more durable than man-made foam and offers the additional benefits of its anti-microbial and dust-mite resistant qualities.

A quality latex mattress can easily outlive 2 or 3 conventional inner-spring mattresses and will not develop the sagging that indicates an inner-spring mattress must be replaced. It's worth noting that most inner-spring mattress manufacturers consider that a mattress must sag up to an inch and a half, with out supporting any weight, to be considered out of warranty. Long before a mattress begins to noticeably sag, it has begun to breakdown and lose its ability to comfortably support your body weight. A latex mattress provides quality sleep for years and should be considered a long term investment in your sleep comfort.

The Importance of Quality Latex

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:29:00 -0500

Latex mattresses have become the rage on the internet of late and, of course, can vary greatly in price. While the height of the mattress and the quality of the cover are important details in the purchase of a latex mattress, the most important consideration is the source of the latex. Latex can be provided as a blend of synthetic and natural latex, or as all natural latex.

Latex is produced by two different methods, the Dunlop process and the Talalay process, and either process can produce natural latex or blended latex. Adding to the confusion is the prevalence of some mattress and latex suppliers to use the term natural latex for any latex that contains some percentage of natural latex. Equally confusing is the term 100% natural latex, as all latex includes some residual proteins, soap and zinc, and at most can be about 97% natural latex.

The single most important consideration is the actual source of the latex utilized for your mattress, and then the determination of natural or blended latex. All natural latex mattresses have become very popular for consumers who are trying to create a bedroom free of synthetics and chemicals. However blended latex is possibly more durable than all natural and certainly offers all the benefits that latex provides for a premium sleep surface. 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, Dunlopillo, Latex Green, and others. Avoid latex of indeterminate origins as it’s very difficult to ascertain the quality of latex from manufacturers that don’t handle latex in the high volumes of more established companies.

A latex mattress is an investment in the quality of life for you and your family and it is not unusual for a quality latex mattress to outlast even two or three conventional innerspring mattresses. The value of the sleep comfort associated with latex mattresses extends into all your waking hours in the form of revitalized energy for work, play and relationships. The quality of the latex utilized in your mattress, whether it is a latex blend or all natural latex, determines the quality of your investment.

When you begin the process of purchasing a latex mattress, begin by first determining the origins of the latex and its composition. You will probably already have decided if you are looking for an all natural latex mattress, usually with an organic cover, or a mattress using blended latex. Both offer the excellent weight distribution and relief of pressure points that have made latex such a popular sleeping surface. If you are making your purchase online, make certain that you have the opportunity to discuss the details of the latex with a knowledgeable salesperson.

While it can seem some bargains might be available in latex, assure yourself that that you have confidence in the manufacturer of the latex that you are purchasing. There are no shortcuts in the manufacturing of latex, Talalay is a more expensive process than Dunlop, as two additional steps are added in the processing, and all natural latex is more expensive to produce than blended latex. Consistency in the manufacturing of latex will assure you that the ILD numbers for the latex will be accurate and that the latex will be uniform in its ILD. Uniformity is particularly true for the Talalay process as the extra steps involved in its manufacturing are designed specifically to more evenly distribute the latex.

A Safe Solution for Restful Sleep

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:44:00 -0500

It’s often the case that no area of your daily life needs more attention than creating a safe refuge for restful, revitalizing sleep. In lifestyles where we regularly depend on the fast pace of our lives to accomplish all our daily tasks, it can be easy to over look our body’s need for deep and restful sleep. Current studies certainly prove this is most often the case. It can be of great benefit to you and your family to make positive changes in the perception of natural sleep.

Surveys have shown that between 40 and 60 percent of the general population regularly has trouble sleeping. It seems that we sometimes assume that a poor night’s sleep goes hand in hand with daily stress and worries, pressure from job and family obligations and the aches and pains that accompany aging. However, a solid night of sleep is critical for our overall health and well-being. We just can’t put our best foot forward when a poor mattress robs us of the quality sleep we require.

Natural sleep refers to the rhythm of sleep habits that enhance the rest and relaxation that you carry forward into your daily life. Sleep creates a reservoir of recovery from daily stress that we draw upon during our waking hours. When this reservoir is deep and clear with powerful and refreshing energy, we bring the best of ourselves into our work and all our relationships.

A natural latex mattress provides the most comfortable possible sleeping environment, by providing unbelievable support for your body weight and contours. A natural latex mattress is generally a simple configuration that bypasses the concerns that have developed as the result of the widespread use of chemical fire-retardants in many conventional innerspring mattresses. Current labeling does not require labeling that lists chemicals contained in the ticking of the innerspring mattress.

Pollution, in all its forms, has become a justifiable concern in our modern life. Studies have shown that our indoor air is often 3-5 times more polluted in than the air outside. Often it is the very chemicals we use to clean that contribute to air quality problems inside the home. In addition, most bedding and mattresses are treated with a variety of chemicals. Most conventional innerspring mattresses contain chemical fire-retardants and formaldehyde is commonly used to create wrinkle free sheets.

Certainly chemicals have provided tremendous improvements in our health and quality of life, but the proximity of harsh or toxic chemicals while you are sleeping is best to avoid. The popularity of the latex mattress, using natural materials in the cover instead of chemical fire-retardants, should come as no surprise. When we consider that a full third of our life is spent in the bedroom, it makes sense to choose the most careful approach in creating a safe refuge that is as chemical and toxin free as possible.

To upgrade your existing mattress and to provide a barrier from any possible chemicals, consider the purchase of a natural latex topper of 2” or 3”. A latex topper is also a great introduction to the unsurpassed sleep comfort of latex foam, nature’s finest sleep surface. The other important components for safe sleeping are chemical free sheets, blankets and pillows. The best materials are free of synthetic dyes, bleaches and wrinkle proofing treatments. Organic cotton and wool are great choices, and can easily found on-line. Natural pillows filled with buckwheat, natural latex and cotton or wool provide safe sleep comfort free of chemical and dust mites.

Be aware of the changes in your life that can signal the need for a new mattress or indicate that your sleep habits can be improved such as deep fatigue during yours hours at work, general irritability, weight gain or loss and general lethargy. If you are waking up uncomfortable or tired, it’s time for a new mattress. Provide your body with the rest and recovery it needs, you’ll find benefits in every area of your life.

Join the Latex Revolution

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:37:00 -0500

Latex mattresses are quickly finding their way into bedrooms across the country.....again. Latex foam was first created by a Dunlop research scientist in 1929 by whisking together liquid latex, soap and gelling agents and baking them in a steam oven. Latex quickly became popular for automotive cushions, seating for cinemas and, of course, latex mattresses and pillows. The supply of rubber was interrupted during the 1940’s by the war, but quickly resumed when the supply from rubber plantations was again available. Sears produced rubber (latex) mattresses in the 40’s and the 50’s, latex mattresses that proved so durable that families passed them down through generations.

The 1960’s saw the introduction of the more advanced Talalay Latex process, which added the additional steps of freezing the latex foam to capture the bubbles and then gelling it with carbon dioxide gas. The result is a product with greater uniformity and consistency that can be washed. Synthetic latex (SBR) can be blended with natural latex in either the original Dunlop Latex process or the Talalay Latex process. Both processes will also produced an All Natural Latex, without the addition of any synthetics.

The popularity of the all natural latex mattress is a result of its amazing combination of comfort and durability. Latex can be produced in a variety of firmness levels, which can be layered to create the perfect combination of body support, weight distribution and relief of pressure points. Quality manufactures have begun building All Natural Latex mattresses by utilizing layers incorporating latex cores, toppers and covers of organic cotton and natural wool to produce a custom feel for individual firmness levels.

The fact that natural latex is a sustainable resource, produced from the rubber tree, is an attractive quality to many who are looking for alternatives in the materials that they utilize for their home environment. In addition, the use of wool batting in organic covers with a latex mattress provides sufficient protection to by-pass the widespread use of the chemical fire-retardants that saturate most conventional inner-spring mattresses. The experience of sleeping on a high quality latex mattress is a reminder that nature often does know best!

Latex Mattress Buyer's Guide

Sun, 13 May 2007 12:51:00 -0500

Shopping for a new latex mattress or topper is not something to be taken lightly. There a number of vendors, and you should know the right questions to ask before you make your purchase. As such, the FoamSource has compiled the following buyer's guide to give you all of the information you need in order to buy a latex mattress or latex topper

Have questions? Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-255-0181 and we can go over any of these points in detail!

An Overview

The 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 seep. 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.

The latex mattress 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, a natural latex mattress will supply consistent performance for 20 years or more.

History of the latex mattress,
From discovery to finding a place as a natural, renewable resource

The latex mattress, being a natural rubber product, are the result of a long line of innovations in rubber technology. Natural latex rubber, utilized by indigenous people of South America for centuries, was not apt for industrialized usage until Charles Goodyear discovered in 1829 that, when vulcanized with sulfur, the previously unstable sticky substance became stable, durable, and very elastic.

This discovery of vulcanization opened the door for the natural latex rubber industry and the latex mattress. In the late 19th century rubber became a hot commodity with the onset of automobile production. With the demand skyrocketing, there was a lot of pressure to make the production of rubber more economical, starting at the source. At the time almost all of the latex used in natural latex rubber was harvested from wild hevea brasiliensis trees in Brazil.

Due to the plants natural tendency to grow far away from each other, an adaptation to prevent the spread of the crop killing fungus that causes leaf blight, the process of harvesting the latex was extremely inefficient.

It became obvious that plantations were necessary in a place free of South American leaf blight. After many failed attempts to transport viable seeds from South America to Asia, success was finally seen in 1876 when Englishman Henry Wickham exported 70,000 seeds to England.

Of these, 2800 germinated and were shipped to what is present day Malaysia. After overcoming initial problems, plantations were established producing a far greater quantity of latex than possible in Brazil with immensely improved efficiency.

It wasn't until the 1920s that latex was exploited to make foam. E.A. Murphy, a scientist for the Dunlop company, is accredited with producing the first latex foam in 1929 and opening the door for the first latex mattress. After five years of research and failed attempts, Murphy finally discovered how to create the necessary bubbles to create the desired product.

The discovery came in the form of his wife's cake mixer which he used to whip the latex before using a gelling agent and vulcanizing in a steam oven. The newly created latex foam was a big success, rapidly growing in popularity as seating cushions. In 1931 the first latex mattress was marketed by Dunlopillo and promoted as being a time saver, as it didn't require flipping or fluffing to maintain its incredible level of comfort.

The Japanese occupation of Malaysia during World War II cut off the supply of latex, and lead to large setbacks in the industry for years. During this period latex mattresses were available by prescription only. With the potential of the market beginning to be realized the most recent innovation in latex mattress technology was introduced to the industry in 1965. This innovation, known as the Talalay process (after Leon Talalay) added a stage to the production of latex foam during which air is vacuumed out of the mold to distribute the liquid latex evenly. This process rapidly became the standard method of synthesizing latex into foam used for latex mattresses and pillows, and remains the standard today. How latex mattresses are made
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 -20 ¡F 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 220 ¡F 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. The latex mattress as a sustainable product:
Eco-friendly, Biodegradable and all-natural

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. 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.

In the latex mattress industry there are several manufacturers that produce consistent high quality latex for use in latex mattresses. These companies are Dunlopillo, Latex International, and Arpico. 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.

Check that the retailer has been in business for long enough to establish themselves in the latex mattress market.

Getting a warranty exchange from a business that has gone under is about as likely as seeing George Washington walking down the street. Look for a retailer that has been in business for 10 years or more. This shows that they have the reputation and business savvy to survive in the market, which means they will still be around if any problem should arise with your latex mattress.
Inquire about the exchange policy.

This may be one of the most important things to ask about to ensure your satisfaction. Some retailers do not accept exchanges after the purchase, leaving you stuck with a mattress that doesn't perform to your standards. Look for a retailer with an exchange period that allows you to switch around components or even switch mattresses until you find the one that's right for you.
If no other point of this buyers' guide makes an impression remember this: Not all latex mattresses are created equal and any deal that seems too good to be true probably is. 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!