Foamsource.com

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 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.

The 7 Sins of Greenwashing

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:10:00 -0600

By Dan Shapley from The Daily Green

According to one set of high standards, only 2% of products claiming in some way to be "green" actually measure up. The rest -- a whopping 98% -- are making false claims that mislead consumers into thinking a product is sustainable.

Things are so bad out there that the report's author, TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, had to add a seventh sin of greenwashing to the original six it developed for its first report, in 2007.

Since then, the market for green products has exploded; the rate of green advertising has tripled from 2006 to 2009, according to one TerraChoice survey. Of 2,219 products surveyed in North America in 2009, 98% committed at least one "sin" that could mislead consumers. The most sinful categories of products: kids toys and baby products, cosmetics and cleaning products.

Terrachoice defines greenwashing as "the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service." For consumers trying to make responsible decisions in the marketplace, it's a huge problem.

For more thoughts, from a different and venerable institution, consult Consumer's Union, which publishes the great Greener Choices Eco-Label Center. Beware terms like "eco-safe", "eco-secure", "eco-preferred" and "natural" which are meaningless.

The 7 Sins of Greenwashing

1. Sin of the Hidden Trade-Off: If a product claims to be green in one sense, but ignores other significant impacts, the marketers sin. According to TerraChoice: "Paper, for example, is not necessarily environmentally-preferable just because it comes from a sustainably-harvested forest. Other important environmental issues in the paper-making process, including energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and water and air pollution, may be equally or more significant."

2. Sin of No Proof: If you can't prove it with reputable third-party verification, you can't claim it, according to TerraChoice: "Common examples are facial or toilet tissue products that claim various percentages of post-consumer recycled content without providing any evidence."

3. Sin of Vagueness: Terms such as "all-natural," "environmentally friendly" and other vague or unregulated descriptors can mislead consumers. TerraChoice points out: "Arsenic, uranium, mercury, and formaldehyde are all naturally occurring, and poisonous. 'All natural' isn't necessarily 'green'."

4. The (new) Sin of Worshiping False Labels: Often, a product has an official-looking seal, but the seal is meaningless because it is dreamed up by the product marketers themselves, without any application of third-party standards.

5. Sin of Irrelevance: If a claim is true, but doesn't distinguish the product in any meaningful way, marketers have sinned. According to TerraChoice: "'CFC-free' is a common example, since it is a frequent claim despite the fact that CFCs (that's chlorofluorocarbons - the chemical that depletes the ozone layer) are banned by law."

6. Sin of the Lesser of Two Evils: Even if a green marketing claim is true -- the cigarette is organic, or the SUV has a hybrid engine -- it fails this TerraChoice test if the claim fails to recognize the overall harm caused by the product. The SUV may get better mileage than others in its class, but still achieve dismal fuel economy when compared to other vehicles; the cigarette, however organic, still causes lung cancer.

7. Sin of Fibbing: Simple. It's a lie. Some companies will go as far as claiming to be certified organic or Energy Star-certified, but cannot back up the certification.

Safe Sleep on a Natural Latex Crib Mattress

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:20:00 -0700

With the steady rise in children's health problems such as autism, asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems, it certainly best to limit exposure to any possible sources of contact with toxic chemicals or their off-gassing. There is no better place to start than your infants crib mattresses which, unfortunately, are often passed down in our families. Infants are developing so rapidly and spend so much time on their crib mattresses, that it is imperative that we keep their crib as safe as possible. The safest of all materials for crib mattresses is all natural latex.

Research into toxic crib mattresses will turn up several very significant concerns. Many current fire-retardants, saturating mattresses to pass the open-flame standards, contain boric acid and antimony. Antimony is a heavy metal which even the CPSC acknowledges will be absorbed over time and will bioaccumulate in our body. Antimony has been banned in Europe due to concerns that it contributes to SIDS. Many crib mattresses are made from polyurethane foam, which tends to off-gas formaldehyde as it breaks down. The dangers of this chemical are well documented, and they have significant negative impact on developing respiratory systems.

Older crib mattresses often contain PBDEs, an inexpensive fire-proofing chemical banned in Europe because of high concentrations in the milk of nursing mothers. All of these chemicals are know to leach through the vinyl covering of the standard crib mattress. Because of the warm moist environment on a crib mattress, it is a natural breeding ground for mold, mildew and fungus. When mold and fungus break down polyurethane foam it can form highly toxic off-gases, which may also be a significant source of SIDS.

Consider an all natural latex crib mattress and its benefits. Latex is the most comfortable of all mattress surfaces, gently conforming to your babies sleeping position. Latex resists mold, mildew and fungus and is naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and resists dust mites. Latex absorbs very little moisture and when protected with a natural wool moisture barrier helps keep the crib dry, clean and free from bacteria. When the health of your newborn or children is concerned, a latex mattress will assure you that they are in nature's safest sleeping environment.

It would not be difficult, utilizing current research into the many methods of fire-proofing mattresses, to set off a general cry of alarm about the long-term consequences of exposure to the various chemical which saturate mattresses. However, a far simpler approach is provided by a natural latex mattress, covered with wool. Wool is a natural fire-retardant and is particularly effective in transporting moisture. Mother Nature really does know best! Your children are a precious gift, as is much of what is provided in the nature. By using natural materials, a latex mattress not only provides unsurpassed comfort, but also creates peace of mind, knowing that your children are not spending hours at a time in direct contact with "chemical beds".

With so much at stake, isn't it much better to error on the side of caution when your newborn or children are concerned. In no other situation will your children be in such close proximity or direct contact with any surface. Infants are developing their respiratory system so rapidly that you want their little lungs to be breathing only the purest possible air. There is not a question if certain mattresses off-gas, even the CPSC has documented how much of specific chemicals we absorb. As adults, we've developed completely and built up our immune systems, but this is not the case for children as they develop. Chemical exposure to your developing child can be very dangerous. Keep your children safe on a natural latex crib mattress.

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