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Caring for a Natural Latex Mattress

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 22:37:00 -0700

Latex warranties are very accurate when they reflect the twenty year time frame that can be expected from a premium natural latex mattress. When purchasing 100% natural latex, you have the finest sleeping surface for comfort, reducing pressure points and durability. When covered with organic cotton, and using a natural wool batting to pass the current 2007 fire codes, you have a latex mattress free from chemicals fire-retardants that are very questionable as to their safety.

Remember, as with any natural product, a little extra care will go a long way in maintaining a high quality latex mattress. Let's start with the latex itself. Most importantly NEVER expose natural latex, without a cover, to direct sunlight. If you left just the latex itself outside in direct sun, it would begin to dry out and crumble in just a few days. Also, DO NOT use a heating blanket on a latex mattress, as the trapped heat over the latex will eventually cause it to dry out and begin to breakdown. To a lesser degree, try and position a natural latex mattress away from external heat source, particularly radiators or similar wall heaters. It is not necessary to rotate or flip latex, body impressions are unusual in high quality latex, even over long warranty periods.

Care of an organic cover is equally important. These covers will use a natural wool batting, such as Eco Wool, which provides the necessary barrier to the 90 second open flame test, mandated by the 2007 fire codes for mattresses. The batting is then quilted to the organic cotton cover material. Organic covers, manufactured in this style, CANNOT be washed. Some natural latex mattress manufacturers aid the cleaning process by designing covers that will zip off on all four sides. Fortunately, natural wool responds very well when hung outdoors to refresh itself. This would also be the time to spot clean your mattress cover with a mild natural cleaner. Another possibility is a natural dry cleaner, using a healthier process than the harsh chemicals used in traditional dry cleaning. Best practice, air the cover out and spot clean, if necessary.

Using these simple guidelines will protect your investment in a natural latex mattress, and assure that it will give you a long a useful life. Here's a great testimonial that provides a real indication of the life expectancy of high quality all natural latex.

In Praise of Simple Sleeping

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:36:00 -0700

How thick does a mattress need to be to give you a perfect nights sleep? How many layers of foam do you need in a pillow-top and how long will that foam last?

Questions most major mattress manufacturers would rather you don't ask. Why? Because in general all that these mattresses offer is smoke and mirrors.

Here's a simple solution. First, recognize that steel inner springs can never conform continuously to your body's contours like a foam mattress. Tempur-Pedic has made believers in the benefits of foam out of many, at the expense of an incredibly expensive media blitz that continues to this day. Unfortunately, that expense is passed down directly to the consumer, grossly inflating the price for a high quality memory foam mattress. In addition, there are realistic concerns about memory foam sleeping hot and its chemical content.

The real solution is the natural latex mattress. How thick does a latex mattress need to be? For most consumers, an eight inch mattress is all they will ever need. An eight inch latex mattress can be broken into three components. First, a solid six inch core provides support and the overall free of your latex mattress. A solid latex core should not be replaced by two three inch latex layers of varying firmness. Secondly, add a two inch topper layer, designed to to conform to your body's contours. This topper layer will generally be softer than the supporting core, particularly for side sleepers. Third, encase all the latex in a cover that uses natural materials, including organic cotton and wool, rather than chemical fire-retardants or fire-socks.

So, what additional benefits are offered by a natural latex mattress? Well, in addition to being the most comfortable, conforming and durable of all sleeping surfaces, natural latex is also anti-microbial, hyper-allergenic and resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew. When a natural latex mattress is match with a cover using wool to resist the 90 second open flame test, no other fire-retardants are necessary. Rather than review the rational concerns over chemical fire-retardants in mattresses, I would just suggest, that if you are not familiar with the very public outcry, just do a little internet research.

A Natural Latex Mattress - The Best Nature has to Offer!

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:45:00 -0700

Having it source in nature, natural latex has some excellent properties. It retains the original plant defenses of the rubber tree, so the natural latex mattress itself is quite resistant to dust mites, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and is hypoallergenic at the same time. Some, perhaps, may challenge the hypoallergenic part, but the the only allergic reaction that could result from natural latex would come from other chemicals mixed in with the natural latex, if only synthetic latex is used, or an improper washing of the latex leaves behind residues or proteins. That is why it’s very important to determine the source for the natural latex used in your mattress. When a latex mattress is advertised as natural latex, please be certain that it is certified 100% natural latex and not "natural latex" that is often poorly produced latex, misrepresented as natural.

The 100% natural latex mattress is more resistant to dust mites, and also more resistant to bed bugs, whose population has been on the upswing the last few years, across the United States.

One of the best characteristics of the natural latex mattress is its open-ended cell structure, which provides for superior ventilation. As opposed to memory foam mattresses, which are temperature activated, the latex foam mattress has thousands of holes that are that are a result of air bubbles formed when the latex is frothed. The cell structure allows for your body to stay warm when the season is cold, and keeps you cooler in the warmer seasons. In effect, natural latex is like getting naturally insulated. Latex conforms to your body curves naturally and supports you without feeling snug. The end result is an incredibly comfortable and durable mattress, unsurpassed in relieving the pressure points that often occur with traditional mattresses.

WARNING - Probable Carcinogen in Childrens Products

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:25:00 -0600

by Lisa Collier Cool

Flame retardant baby products: In the 1970s, the flame retardant Tris was removed from kids’ sleepwear as a suspected carcinogen. In May, a study found chlorinated Tris in more than one-third of the polyurethane foam baby products tested, including nursing pillows, car seats, baby carriers and high chairs. A program within the EPA not only has identified the chemical as a cancer hazard, but also reports that animal studies link it to developmental defects, anemia, liver failure and reproductive problems. Classification: Probable carcinogen.

Sources of Natural Sap for the Latex Mattress

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:29:00 -0600

The Latex for the Mattress is Actually a Natural Rubber from a Tree

Not everyone knows this however, the latex mattress is created from the sap that comes from a rubber tree. Much of the very best botanical latex comes from the country of Sri Lanka. This is top top quality natural latex which is produced by tapping the tree to get the sap to flow. It is a method similar to extracting maple syrup from the Maple tree. Once about 2,500 rubber trees are tapped to get the latex from them (the necessary sap for a queen-sized latex mattress), then the frothing process begins, soon after which it is put in a processing mold to create the core of the natural latex mattress.

Receiving a Latex Mattress in Your Home

It’s very interesting to follow the natural latex sap from it origins to the end when the customer gets their mattress created from latex foam. The very first night on a latex mattress is an exciting one due to the anticipation that you have in receiving the finest of all sleeping surfaces. You hear about the comfort of the latex mattress and then you finally get to experience it for yourself. One of the very best things about latex foam mattresses is the resilient and gentle support that you feel, due to the fact that it gently supports your bodies natural shape. This way, no location of your body is supported in a manner that would apply excessive pressure.

The Habitat Contributions of Latex Mattresses

A latex mattress which is natural is so environmentally friendly, and it provides employment to the locals who extract the sap and gather it from the trees. The trees are in no way harmed by way of the procedure, but continue growing as normal. The truth is, latex mattresses created from natural latex are biodegradable and put out zero carbon emissions, due to the fact, in contrast to other foam mattresses, that they’re not produced using harmful petrochemicals.

Sri Lanka Contains Some of the Best Latex for Mattresses

You’ll find distinct locations that produce latex sap for natural latex mattresses and Sri Lanka has many well maintained tree farms to produce the sap necessary for a high quality natural latex mattress. Rubber trees from this area are known to produce a clean and pure natural sap.

You will generally find two types of latex mattresses – the Talalay latex mattress and the Dunlop latex mattress. The Talalay latex mattress is a softer, more resilient mattress, because the latex material is distributed more evenly throughout the mold, whereas the Dunlop procedure is such that the denser material can move towards the bottom giving a somewhat denser feel to the mattress overall, while still providing the natural comfort of a quality latex mattress. Whichever latex mattress you choose, you’re certain to appreciate the advantages of pure, natural latex!

Customer Review

Sun, 15 May 2011 13:23:00 -0600

Comments on the Durability of Latex Mattresses:

We just wanted to thank you for the great service, and to extol the virtues of your long-lasting mattresses. We bought our original latex mattress at the Foam Source back in 1991--18 years ago. We chose a firm mattress, which was just perfect for my husband and me back then, and we've enjoyed many restful nights on that bed over the years. More recently, however, we had come to the conclusion that we needed a softer sleeping situation--numerous sports injuries and just general aging (of us, not the mattress!) have caused us to sleep less comfortably.

On visiting your store last month searching for an upgrade, we were amazed to learn that we could keep using the latex core from our old mattress (which is as good as new inside the cover) and simply add a new 2" soft latex topper. We took your advice and also splurged on a beautiful new cover that accommodates the extra height. Now, it looks like we have a brand new 8" mattress, for much, much less. And, we did the environmental thing and kept our still-good mattress out of the landfill. Most importantly, we are sleeping very comfortably now--the extra 2" soft topper cushions us in luxury. Ahhh!

Many thanks,
C + D

What’s Really ‘Green’ in the Confusing World of Mattresses?

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:40:00 -0600

By Jonathan L. Gelbard, Ph.D.

Last fall, I began work for my first client in the “green” mattress industry. To familiarize myself with their products and the current state of sustainability in the sector, I researched materials and certifications and developed a competitive landscape matrix. I dug into the websites of over a dozen top green mattress brands and read peoples’ blog and forum questions and comments about green mattress motivations. I also led a team that staffed a booth at Green Festival in San Francisco, where we heard dozens of green mattress questions and concerns first-hand.

What I’ve learned is that while there are many exciting advances happening in what’s historically been a polluting industry, the mattress sector is drowning in the same kind of greenwash that plagues other industries. The marketing language on mattress makers’ and retailers’ websites too often features vague, unsubstantiated claims, resulting in confusion about what these claims really mean in terms of measurable, verifiable benefits to the health of ecosystems and people.

Take a deeper look at the claims presented on mattresses I’ve encountered:

Green, Eco-friendly, Eco-green, Natural…

These claims, alone, mean nothing in terms of real, measurable benefits. What are specific examples of attributes that justify the green claim? What certifications verify the claim?

No chemical fumes or off-gassing

As tested and certified by whom? I see the claim and often a certification, which is great. However, in almost all cases, I don’t see a certificate number or link to a copy of your certificate to verify that the claim is authentic and/or current.

Biodegradable

“Biodegradable” is a common latex calim, but does any mattress really meet the FTC Green Guide definition of “biodegradable”, which is that “the entire product…will completely breakdown and return to nature within a reasonably short period of time after customary disposal”? (the 2010 FTC updates specified the time period to be “no more than one year”)

Recyclable

Does the mattress really meet the FTC Green Guides guideline that to make an unqualified “recyclable” claim, it is necessary for a “substantial majority” of consumers/communities to have access to mattress recycling facilities? Likely not (a problem the industry needs to figure out a way to solve, including via designs that make cradle-to-cradle end of life more logistically feasible for products as large as mattresses)

Organic cotton, organic wool, organic essential oils

Certified by whom? Too many brands don’t specify.

GMO-free (“GMO” = genetically modified organism)

Does the plant-based material literally come from GMO-free crops, or is it just so heavily processed that it no longer contains the genetic signature of its GMO origins?

Certified by (fill in the blank)

Anyone can claim a certificate on their web site. To make your claims verifiable, it’s best to provide a certificate number or copy of your certificate. This will help build consumer trust in green claims – and that’s important for growing our industry.

“Natural Latex”, “All-Natural Latex”, “100% Natural Latex”, “Pure Latex”

What on Earth do all these $#*@)! latex claims mean?? I assume literally 100% latex and nothing synthetic, but I’m hearing conflicting reports.

“Organic Latex”

Wait – another brand claims that “Organic latex does not exist.” Alright, who’s lyin’?

Our foam core is “soy foam” or is “XX% plant oils.”

So if it’s “soy foam,” that sounds 100% natural to most. Really? If you’re doing better by specifying the percentage of soybean oil used, are you referring to the percent of the “polyols” component of your foam that is soybean oil (vs. petroleum), or to the percent of the entire core that is bio-based? There’s a big difference, so it’s important to be specific to avoid misleading your customers.

Even fellow sustainability experts have told me their green mattress search left their heads spinning. One simply gave up and decided to just get a topper for her current bed. We need to do better.

In my next post, I’ll provide Part II in this series: a framework for understanding your green mattress choices.

***

Jonathan L. Gelbard, Ph.D., Principal at Conservation Value, Inc., is a rare combination of conservation scientist, sustainability expert and communication specialist. He is a researcher, writer, speaker and problem-solver who excels at serving as a bridge–applying the science underlying sustainability to develop cutting-edge solutions. Dr. Gelbard is currently serving as a sustainability consultant for Spaldin.

Buyer Beware! Greenwashing in the Mattress Industry

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:55:00 -0700

In July of 2007 the infamous open flame fire code regulations went into effect, requiring all mattresses to resist an open flame applied to the mattress on the top and side for 90 seconds. As a result, many consumers began to seek out mattresses free from excessive chemical fire-retardants. Over the last two years there has been a proliferation of mattresses from manufacturers labeled as “natural mattresses”. Unfortunately, most of these mattresses do not deliver as advertised.

The only mattress materials that have natural origins are organic cotton, organic wool and 100% natural latex (meaning no synthetic latex has been blended with the natural latex from the rubber tree). Mattresses which are constructed using only these materials have yet to make their way into models from major manufacturers, although a limited selection of 100% natural (sometimes referred to as organic) mattresses have become available on the internet. The claims by many major mattress manufacturers, and some of the boutique “natural” mattress manufacturers, for natural mattresses are often misrepresented by a common advertising tactic known as “greenwashing”.

“Greenwashing” creates a minefield that must be carefully navigated by the consumer in search of a 100% natural mattress, free from chemical fire-retardants and off-gassing from V.O.Cs. In a New York Times article, The Stuffing Dreams Are Made Of?, Julie Scelfo states: “No government agency regulates the labeling of mattresses as “organic” or “natural,” and trade groups like the International Sleep Products Association and the Specialty Sleep Association offer their members no guidelines for using the terms. Throughout the industry — as a number of people within it acknowledged in interviews — promotional materials are rife with vague or misleading information. “The whole thing is a smoke and mirrors industry,” said Ralph Rossdeutscher, the president and owner of Natura World, a manufacturer in Cambridge, Ontario.”

Stick to the basics, organic cotton and organic wool (a natural fire-retardant) for the mattress cover, with only 100% natural latex used as the supporting layers within the mattress and you can rest assured on a 100% natural or organic mattress. Natural latex provides the additional benefits of unsurpassed sleeping comfort combined with its natural properties: hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, resistant to mold, mildew and dust mites. The most durable of all mattress materials, natural latex mattresses generally carry warranties of up to 20 years, with almost no deterioration or body impressions during that time period.

Choosing Custom Foam

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:20:00 -0700

BUILDING A CUSTOM CUSHION

Our custom cushion interface gives you the opportunity to build up to three layers of your chosen foam, whether it be from the high quality Qualux series, the simple space-filling R series, memory foam, or the comfort and durability of latex. For reversible cushions, simply match the height of the 1st and 3rd foam layers.

All of our custom cushion can be priced, built and ordered online! Many of our custom cushion have the option of being built with dacron or organic cotton covers, please call 800-255-0181 for more information.

PLEASE CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING FOAM PRODUCTS:

POLYURETHANE FOAM

One of the more impressive everyday uses of polyurethane foam is in couch and seat cushions because of its comfort and lifespan. Today's polyurethane foam will retain its form and cushiness, likely outlasting the life of your couch, chair or mattress!

Polyurethane foam is available in varying firmnesses and qualities, ranging from the premium Qualux Series (also called "Q" Foam) to the economy (also called "R" foam).

MEMORY FOAM

Memory foam is considered medium in firmness and responds to your body's pressure and temperature. It conforms to the curves of the body, offering support without discernable pressure on bones and joints. Because of this lack of pressure, improved comfort and circulation is a noticible effect of quality memory foam.

There are several makers of memory foam internationally, but the Foamsource uses only the highest quality materials. Memory Foam is available in varying densities from a comforting 3lb to a premium 5lb.

TALALAY LATEX FOAM

For customers unfamiliar with latex, it is important to contrast that Memory Foam feels more molded. Latex tends to bounce back when touched, whereas Memory Foam will offer the sensation that your body is being conformed to. Both types of foam will reduce pressure points.

The amazing properties of talalay latex foam provide unmatached comfort and durability and are available as blended or 100% natural latex. Natural latex, also known as latex rubber, is a sustainable natural resource from the rain forests of Sri Lanka. It is derived from rubber trees, and provides a number of impressive health benefits including an impressive resistance to allergens.

Rest Your Head on a Natural Latex Pillow

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:09:00 -0600

Consumers are becoming much more discerning about exposure to possible allergens and chemicals in their sleeping environment. If you are waking up in the morning with a stuffy nose, it’s very possible that your bedding may be the culprit, particularly your pillow. Some of our most popular pillows, including feather pillows, are a haven for dust mites and their droppings. For a long time, people with allergies and asthma have been encouraged to avoid feather pillows because they were thought to aggravate allergies more than the synthetic alternatives, which are often referred to as "hypoallergenic" pillows. However, some studies have shown that more dust mite allergen can be found in synthetic pillows than in feather pillows. Recent research reported at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) shows that synthetic pillows may contain more pet allergens than feather pillows.

A warm, moist environment can harbor dust mites or molds and mildews and play havoc with your sinuses and allergies. Many known irritants can contaminate our bedding, including our pillows, and some chemicals with well documented health risks will be absorbed by our bodies. Here’s what the National Geographic Green Guide has to say “…if not filled with petroleum-based polyester or polyurethane foams, which deplete non-renewable resources, "natural" pillows can be made with conventional cotton, which is responsible for billions of pounds of pesticides and synthetic nitrate fertilizers. Synthetic fillings also absorb moisture, providing an optimal breeding ground for dust mites: Ten percent of the weight of a two-year-old pillow can be composed of dead mites and their droppings. As for moisture- and stain-resistant finishes, they employ everything from perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA to formaldehyde, both likely human carcinogens according to the EPA.”

Fortunately, a wide variety of truly natural and organic pillows are available, including pillows filled with organic wool, natural latex and alternative materials such as kapok and buckwheat. Many of these pillows are sold to those with allergy problems. However, we will all reap the benefits of cradling our heads on a pillow that is chemical free and hypo-allergenic. This is particularly true for your children, who are just developing their immune and respiratory systems. Because of its proximity, nothing influences the air we breathe while sleeping more than our pillow. In many cases we actually breathe through our pillows as we sleep, making a pure, clean pillow critical to a comfortable night’s sleep.

One of the finest materials for a pillow is natural latex, a highly durable material which will keep its shape for years. All natural latex pillows utilize a sustainable resource that is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and resists mold, mildew and dust mites. Available in different firmness levels, natural latex pillows are molded with a pin-cushion construction that creates a pillow that breathes and absorbs very little moisture. Shredded latex also creates a very effective pillow with a filling that can be shifted for thickness and latex distribution for that “just right” feel.

Covering a latex pillow with a layer of wool sewn inside an organic cotton cover offers you the best of both worlds, with wool not only repelling dust mites and other allergens, but also wicking away moisture for a dry and fresh sleeping experience night after night. The natural insulating properties of wool regulate body temperature and alleviate problems such as overheating, your head feeling sweaty or restlessness.

A quality pillow is every bit as important for a comfortable night’s sleep as your mattress. Remember that your pillow provides the most direct access to your sinuses and breathing passages when you are sleeping. A natural pillow should protect you from mold, allergens, bacteria, chemical off-gassing and dust mites. Make your pillow your first line of defense against any contaminants in your sleeping environment and wake up clear-headed every morning.