Natural Latex Mattresses – Good for the Health
Natural latex mattresses can give you a great sleeping comfort as well as optimal orthopedic support. Quality sleep is needed to re-energize our spent body and natural latex mattresses can provide you with just that.
Where does natural latex come from?
Hevea Brasiliensis is the scientific name of the rubber tree where latex comes from. The sap of these trees, which is the main ingredient of natural latex mattresses, are collected and processed.
How is natural latex mattress produced?
There are two methods in which these natural latex mattresses are manufactured. Both of which is to create holes or cores inside the finished product to produce the softness of these mattresses.
The Dunlop, which is the original method, whips the latex liquid which traps air within the liquid creating foam. It is then placed in a mold and heated to vulcanize. The air trapped within the liquid creates the holes or core of the mattress.
The Talalay method is similar to the Dunlop but has variations in the process which gives them more control on how the cores are formed.
Properties of natural latex mattresses:
The mattress cores are 6 to 6 inches thick and have a density of about 4 pounds per cubic foot. They are quite soft, gentle on the pressure points on your body, resistant to molds, resistant to dust mites, anti-microbial and hypo-allergenic. It also has a natural odor but much of it is removed during the manufacturing process. The remaining odor should not be a problem unless you have a very sensitive smell.
Aside from all the benefits, the most important thing with regards to health is that it is natural. It is not made with synthetic materials which may emit chemical odors that could be harmful to the health in the long run.
How available are natural latex mattresses?
Natural latex mattresses are harder to find than synthetic latex mattresses. With research and the convenience of the internet, it should not be too hard to find one.
Are natural latex mattresses cheap?
Compared to synthetic latex mattresses, the natural ones are somewhat more expensive. But the price difference is nothing to worry about when you have health in your mind.
Going for the natural latex mattress?
If you decide to buy a natural latex mattress, combine it with toppers using organic or natural materials so you will be guaranteed a healthy sleep all the way. Even your pillows, choose organic cotton or some other materials that are natural.
We spend about 8 hours each day in the bed. If synthetic materials are used to manufacture your mattress, it would mean inhaling the fumes coming from the chemicals for 8 hours each night. How would it sum up in the long run?
Most synthetic materials are soaked or combined with fire retardant chemicals which pose even more threat to our health. PBDE (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are commonly used as fire retardants. The fumes these chemical emit accumulate in our body over time.
Some of the effects of this toxic accumulation in our body are altered sexual development, immune suppression, delayed brain development, cancer and lower IQ. It can transmit to a nursing baby through the mother’s milk.
For better health and sleeping comfort, go natural.
