Latex foam is a foam that is produced from liquid latex through the vulcanization process. There are a few different variations of this process that are used in the production of latex foam. All of these processes, however, can be completed using 100% natural latex, 100% synthetic latex or a blend of natural and synthetic latex.
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Natural latex is a milky white liquid which is extracted from the Hevea-Brasilienis tree, better known as the rubber tree. Rubber trees are native to South America and were spread around the world in the 19th century because of their great value. The latex used in our products is harvested mainly in Sri Lanka. Rubber trees have thrived in Sri Lanka since their introduction to the island. This has led to the development of a large natural rubber products industry which has grown around the vast supply of natural latex on the island.
Rubber trees are tapped through a method that is very similar to maple trees being tapped for their maple syrup! A small piece of the bark is carved away, and latex quickly begins flowing from that cut and into containers below. To see this process in action, check out our video and blog post about harvesting natural latex.
Rubber trees must be grown for several years before they will yield latex. Each tree can be used for up to twenty years. The cuts in the tree are periodically changed to maximize yield. After the latex is collected from the rubber trees, it is thickened (by removing excess water) and shipped to factories for use.
100% natural latex foam has a supportive and springy feel. High quality natural latex foam such as our Pure Green latex foam is extremely durable and will last longer than any other type of mattress component. While it does have an odor, natural latex foam usually has a much more mild and less abrasive odor than that of synthetic latex. Most true 100% natural latex foam will meet the most stringent textile and furniture emissions standards such as ecoInstitut, Oeko-Tex and Greenguard.
The only drawback of natural latex foam is that it is not always as aesthetically perfect as synthetic latex foam. Small air pockets and aesthetic inconsistencies can be present on the finished foam. While these inconsistencies usually do not impact the performance of the foam in any way, Sleep On Latex committed to producing the best looking natural latex foam available in the world. Our Pure Green natural latex foam is produced to conform with several aesthetic quality standards.
Synthetic Latex is a synthetically produced compound that mimics the properties of natural latex. Rather than being harvested from rubber trees it is produced from petrochemicals. Several types of synthetic latex exist but SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) is the most common type of synthetic latex used in the production of synthetic latex foam.
Synthetic latex foam usually has a more dull, less springy feel than natural latex foam. It is generally a bit less durable than natural latex foam and will tear easier. Synthetic latex foam also generally has a stronger and more abrasive odor than natural latex. It is uncommon to find synthetic latex foam that meets textile and furniture emissions standards such as ecoInstitut, Oeko-Tex and Greenguard.
Blended latex foam is produced with a blend of natural and synthetic latex. While blended latex is sometimes described by retailers as bringing together the best qualities of each type of latex, it is mainly used because it is a cheaper way to produce latex foam that contains natural latex. Many latex mattress retailers and manufacturers vaguely market blended latex as natural latex. Usually, blended latex contains mostly synthetic latex with only a small amount of natural latex. Often retailers selling blended latex foams market it as “made with 100% natural latex”, “contains natural latex” or “100% latex, natural origin”. Others simply falsely claim it to be “100% natural latex”.
When we started Sleep On Latex years ago, we sold both 100% natural and blended latex foam products. In the beginning of 2015, we chose to transition to only selling natural latex foam.
We originally sold blended latex foam because we could sell it at a lower price point and could source it from a factory in the USA. We eventually came to the conclusion that our customers had much more interest in our 100% natural latex foam. We also strongly preferred to sell our customers 100% natural latex foam because we knew it was a much better product.
We found that occasionally customers were simply buying blended latex from us because they did not fully understand the difference and wanted to save a little bit of money. In the end, we decided that while synthetic latex or blended latex has some merit, we have a much stronger belief in the merits of 100% natural latex foam. We felt that we were selling our customers short by selling them a product, that while a little cheaper, was very clearly inferior.
In 2015 we made a commitment to only sell 100% natural latex foam products. We wanted to make it completely clear to our customers how strongly we believed in 100% natural latex foam. We also wanted our customers to be completely confident that when they are buying from us, they are buying only 100% natural latex foam products.
Too many people are losing sleep from mattress myths. From scare tactics to blanket statements, you can find a lot of mattress myths in both showrooms and online. Some of the myths are based on outdated information. Others are on purpose for promoting specific brands. You've likely heard different myths from friends, from salespeople, even on Facebook, or other social media sites — information meant to entice you, persuade you, or otherwise get you to purchase their mattress right away.
Not only are mattress myths inaccurate, but they could also cause you to make a poor decision. Good mattresses are something most individuals don't know a whole lot about, in terms of things like:
The construction quality
The quality of the materials
The type of materials
The manufacturing process
What the final product should look like
There is so much information out there, it can be difficult to know who to trust, or which information is accurate, and which isn't. Below are some common mattress myths debunked to help you uncover what's fact from fable.
Common Mattress Myths
Myth #1: A One-Size-Fits-All Mattress Is Perfect for Everyone
Totally inaccurate. Think about it, why would all mattresses feel the same, have the same lifespan, provide identical support, and be ideal for every single person? They wouldn’t.
Some people prefer sleeping on a soft to medium-firm mattress, while others like firm mattresses. Further, some people like to sleep on a low-profile mattress (think 7 inches), while others like more height in their mattress (think 9 inches or greater).
Many newer mattress companies seem to be trying to cut the complex distinctions between a whole range of different mattress models, and make it appear as though all mattresses are basically the same. They offer just one “bed-in-the-box” option, with no ability to customize the mattress whatsoever.
But, when buying a new mattress, it's crucial to factor in things like your:
Sleeping preferences
General preferences
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Sleeping disorders or difficulties
Age and weight
All types of latex mattresses come with pinhole designs and open-cell technology, which allows and encourages air to move freely around. This creates a cooler sleeping atmosphere, particularly when compared to a memory foam mattress..
One thing to note: Most individuals who have issues with overheating should look at their sheets and mattress pads, which might contain materials that don't properly breathe.
While latex mattresses are frequently classified as a healthier and eco-friendly alternatives to standard beds, all latex isn't made equally. Styrene-butadiene rubber, or synthetic latex, is crafted from chemicals, like petroleum-based ingredients, that don't provide the same benefits linked with natural latex. Most of the latex mattresses on the market are a blend of natural latex and synthetic latex, and latex mattresses could still have unnatural materials like chemical flame retardants.
Some new mattress companies could classify their latex as "natural", even if it only contains 30% natural materials.
If you're concerned about the environmental or natural benefits, ensure the mattress you buy is made with 100% natural latex, and the other materials in the mattress are also natural, like with a Latex For Less Natural Latex Mattress.
Myth #4: You Can't Set Up a Bed Properly Without a Box Spring
You don't require a box spring, unless your bed frame uses slats for support. Box springs were originally invented for helping absorb shock because mattresses by themselves were too thin back in the day. In some cases, all box springs really do is raise your bed profile. They're really an unnecessary, extra cost in many cases.
All you really require is a solid platform underneath for supporting your mattress. You could try a Latex For Less foundation.
Myth #5: You Can't Clean Mattresses
Many people believe they can't clean their mattresses. This might have been true a long time ago, but it isn't true these days. You can definitely clean mattresses, and how you clean them will depend on the type of mattress you own. You can vacuum any mattress to remove dust and loose dirt (typically dust mites and skin cells), and to keep your mattress healthy to sleep on.
You can also reduce your need for cleaning your mattress by using a mattress cover and a mattress topper. You'll find mattress toppers in various heights and hardness levels from soft to quite firm. Mattress toppers also absorb spills, and are less costly than it would be to replace your whole mattress. You can machine wash most of them, too.
Myth #6: You Can't Sleep on a Latex Mattress if You Have Latex Allergies
Latex allergies are a big concern for millions of individuals. Because the latex foam usually stays covered by fabric, however, most individuals won't be in direct contact with the latex foam. Also, the washing process usually means that almost all allergy-causing proteins are washed away. You can also add in extra protection by using a waterproof mattress cover, or order foam samples to test with your allergist before you purchase a latex mattress.
Myth #7: Higher Prices Mean a Higher-Quality Bed
You'd think the more costly a mattress is, the higher quality it will be. This is a myth. Certain brands are purposely costly, and charge top dollar, but still use cheaper materials.
And, on the other side of things, a top-of-the-line mattress might not even be an ideal fit for you. When you're shopping for mattresses, take comfort into consideration before prestige.
This is not true. Actually, there are many benefits of shopping online for your mattress, including:
Plus, if you purchase a latex mattress from Latex for Less, you have multiple forms of customer service options, including email, phone, and chat online.
While latex mattresses might be considered on the higher price end of all mattresses, it's essential you consider their life span, in order to gain the true cost. You should see your new latex mattress as an investment with a long lifespan, which can save you money in the long run. Not to mention, they offer unquestionable durability, and you'll find it difficult to match their longevity. By purchasing a latex mattress, you won't have to budget for a new mattress for many years.
When you buy from Latex for Less, there is no middleman, which makes these latex mattresses affordable.
A myth out there is that you should replace your mattress every eight years. This might be the case when you're buying a traditional innerspring mattress, but it's not the case with a latex mattress, which lasts an average of upwards to 20 years — in some cases even 25 years!
Shopping for your new latex mattress at Latex for Less will also get you a full 20-year warranty against defects. You can learn more about Latex for Less's warranty here.
On the contrary — latex resists dust mites and mold naturally. These are some of the leading causes of allergies from mattresses. What's more, natural latex mattresses don't contain any harmful artificial flame-retardants, or any other chemicals factories often put in beds to ward off mold and dust mites. You may find relief from dust mites, mold, or chemical allergies if you sleep on a natural latex mattress.
It’s a good idea to check the mattress certifications that certify that the mattress is made of 100% natural latex.
When buying a new mattress, common recommendations suggest you spend a minimum of 20 minutes lying on any mattress you're thinking about buying. Even if you narrow your choice down to firm mattresses and price range, you could still face a large selection you'll need to personally test. For instance, one store provides five models, and another provides six. If you're lying on each mattress for 20 minutes, you'll be spending four hours simply testing out mattresses. Plus, you'll have to fend off the pushy salespeople.
Ideally, you would want to try out your mattress at home for a few weeks. Not all showrooms allow this. Most online mattress dealers do, however, including Latex for Less.
Latex for Less offers you a 120-night sleep trial where you can try out a latex mattress for 120 nights. If the mattress isn't what you want, no big deal. Latex for Less will arrange to have it picked up, and they'll even cover the return shipping.
Not true. Some individuals believe latex is unnatural or an artificial chemical. Actually, it's totally the opposite of that. It's a natural material, constructed out of the rubber sap harvested from trees. The sap is then combined with other organic ingredients, making the natural latex mattress.
Actually, latex has natural cushioning and comfort properties that support your body, and help with adequate spine alignment. Natural latex mattresses, like memory foam mattresses, "hug" your shape from your head down to your toes. Your denser body parts, such as your hips, will sink right into it, and the rest of your body is naturally supported through even pressure distribution.
Some individuals think latex mattresses are susceptible to breaking down as time goes on. However, this is very far from the truth. Since they're constructed of rubber-like balls, they're flexible, elastic, and durable. The rubber tree's milky extract forms the latex bed's solid sheets. These materials are one of the most durable you'll find on the market, and is the reason why latex mattress last on average about 20 years.
Don’t Fall for Mattress Myths
As you can see, when it comes to mattresses, there are some strange myths flying around. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, and you’re trying to sort out the facts from the fables, we hope this list of mattress myths debunked can help. And, if you have any questions, be sure to reach out to us here at Latex for Less.
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