Latex Mattress Guide

(latex mattress)

Latex Overview
Although they have been available for many decades, latex mattresses are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly in Europe. In general, latex shares many of the benefits of memory foam, particularly in terms of its exceptional support and durability. However, latex lacks the highly conforming nature and slow recovery time that characterize memory foam. For those who dislike these aspects of memory foam, whether due to the warmth of the mattress, difficulty in changing positions or otherwise, latex is a very compelling alternative. Fans of latex praise its well-balanced support, long lifespan (which in some cases can exceed 20 years) and allergen resistance. Critics cite challenges in finding the perfect combination of comfort and support, as well as the somewhat rubbery smell of latex mattresses.

Latex Mattress Construction
Like memory foam beds, latex beds tend to be relatively simple in their construction. Typically, a latex mattress consists of anywhere from 1 to 4 layers, with the bottom layer (known as the "core") being the firmest, and each layer above getting progressively softer. The core, which provides the underlying support for the mattress, tends to be about 5-6" thick and is typically made from either relatively dense latex (in high-quality latex mattresses) or polyurethane foam. The upper layers, also known as the "comfort" layers, are designed to give the bed a softer feel and are most often made from either softer latex or memory foam.

Latex typically contains numerous "pincore holes" — deep, cylindrical holes spread throughout the mattress to help soften its feel. Larger pincore holes create a softer feel. Some manufacturers place different-sized holes in different parts of the mattress in order to offer different zones of support and comfort for the various parts of the body.

Types of Latex
Latex mattresses can be made from either natural or synthetic latex, or (more typically) a blend thereof. Though all-natural latex mattresses are available, they are the least common and most expensive. Natural latex, produced from the rubber tree, is known for its softness and elasticity, as well as its biodegradability and inherent resistance to bacteria, mold and dust mites. That said, as a natural product, it is inherently subject to greater variations in quality. Synthetic latex, made through a chemical process using petroleum-based materials, shares many of the same physical properties as natural latex, but often has a slightly stiffer feel and is thought by some to better maintain its resiliency over a very long period of time. Blends of natural and synthetic latex generally aim to capture the advantages of both natural and synthetic latex and thus have become quite popular. Mattress manufacturers using blended latex often claim that it combines the elasticity of natural latex with the consistent quality and durability of synthetic latex.

Some latex also includes "fillers," tiny particles of clay or other materials that are mixed into the foam, making the resulting latex less costly, but also stiffer and less durable. The term "pure latex" typically refers to latex that does not include fillers, and can be applied to either synthetic or natural latex. Most higher-quality latex mattresses use pure latex.

Latex Production Techniques
There are two different production processes used to make latex mattresses, the differences in which are largely a matter of personal preference. The older, more established process (dating back over 75 years) is known as Dunlop, while the newer, more involved (and more expensive) process is known as Talalay. In the Dunlop process, liquid latex is "whipped" with air until it becomes wet foam, at which time it is poured into a mold, hardened, and vulcanized. In the Talalay process, the wet latex foam is similarly poured into a mold, but extra room is left at the top of the mold. Once the mold is sealed, air is vacuumed out of the mold, causing the foam to expand such that it fills the empty space inside the mold. The mold is then frozen and quickly vulcanized, locking in the expanded structure of the foam. Not surprisingly, Talalay latex is generally softer and less dense, while Dunlop latex tends to be firmer and heavier.

Latex Mattress Manufacturers
Unlike with certain other types of beds, the latex mattress market is not dominated by a single brand. That said, some of the more well-known latex mattress brands include Nature's Rest, SpringFree (Sealy), Nature's Finest (Englander), FloBeds and Sleep EZ.

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Latex Mattress:The Next Big Thing in the Mattress Industry

(Latex Mattress)

Most people only purchase a mattress once every few years (if even that frequently). Therefore, they don't keep up on the latest offerings in the industry until they actually go into the store buy a mattress. That means that the majority of consumers are unaware of the newest trend to hit the market. Latex mattresses have become extremely popular recently, and for good reason. You may not know about this phenomenon, so here's some info that will get you started next time you head out shopping for a new mattress to place in your bedroom.

Traditional mattresses use a combination of springs and foam to provide comfort. This setup comes with a significant disadvantage, however. Each of those springs represents a pressure point on your body. With a latex mattress, you can completely get rid of that entire problem, because there are no springs to worry about! This is the reason that many orthopedists recommend a latex mattress to their patients who suffer from chronic back pain.

The first concept to tackle: what exactly is latex? This versatile compound is used in more instances than you may have previously thought. Latex is a form of rubber that is found naturally as well as manufactured. Your mattress may contain completely natural latex, man made latex, or a combination of the two.

Latex mattresses have some key advantages over their more traditional counterparts. If you're allergic, a latex mattress may be the answer you've been looking for. These mattresses are extremely resistant to dust mites, as well as being anti-microbial. Latex is also much more resilient to impressions than normal mattresses, including memory foam. That means that there won't be any more sagging areas of the mattress, especially right in the center. Instead, a latex mattress supports the body by responding to your natural curves. That means a more comfortable night of sleep! Latex also "breathes", which means that you'll be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Best of all, latex mattresses can last up to twenty years. While you may pay more initially for your latex, you'll save money in the long run because of its extreme durability.

You also may be asking what the difference is between latex and memory foam. While the comfort levels may be similar, you might be risking your health by choosing memory foam. The materials used in creating memory foam are considered to be toxic by some well-known names in the industry. That's certainly not a good thing. Is it really worth risking you and your children's health to save a few bucks? That's a question that you'll have to ask yourself.

Purchasing a new mattress is a huge decision when you consider how much time you actually spend laying down in it. For that reason, you should save up your money and purchase the best of the best. These days, if you're looking for top-notch quality, your search is bound to end up with a new latex mattress resting in your bedroom.

Your mattress has a lot to do with how well you sleep. With sleep being so important to your wellbeing buying a mattress is definitely not something you want to skimp on. New technology has just made an amazing new kind mattresses possible.

Better then latex mattresses you ask? Most definitely. Find out for yourself what makes this new kind of mattress worthy of all its praise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_William

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Sustainable Natural Latex Mattresses

(Latex Mattress)

Natural latex mattresses not only provide an unsurpassed sleep surface, they replace conventional inner-spring mattresses, which generally end up in the landfill, with a sustainable resource. Natural latex mattresses use rubber harvested from the milky sap of the rubber tree (hevea brasilienises), with a small percentage of natural fillers. Latex was originally harvested from rubber trees that grew in the wild in Brazil and had been used by indigenous people for centuries. The rubber trees were widely dispersed, with a natural tendency to grow far from each other, making harvesting extremely inefficient. As demand for rubber grew, seeds were eventually transplanted in what is present day Malaysia with great success.

In an era when we are surrounded by synthetic materials which greatly tax our environment and resources, natural latex represents the best that Mother Nature has to offer. Anyone who has slept on a latex mattress can attest to the incomparable comfort from the natural ability of latex to distribute body weight and relieve pressure points. In addition latex is a very durable material, creating mattresses that regularly last for 20 or more years, without any significant changes in the support or feel of the mattress. Rubber trees are now grown on plantations in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Asia, Africa and South America, providing jobs for numerous indigenous workers. Latex is very efficiently harvested and trees that have reached the end of their productive cycle are replaced and the lumber is used for furniture and in construction.

It is not only refreshing to sleep on a natural latex mattress, but also to know that it's a bio-degradable resource that is easily replenished. Conventional inner-spring mattresses carry with them a variety of hazards. The new federal open-flame fire standards for mattresses have added more than a pound and a half of possible toxic chemicals in the ticking of the average queen mattress. These chemicals can create toxic off-gases that are released into our home environment and then the chemicals are dumped along with the mattresses into land fills, with components that will not bio-degrade. Simply put, once a conventional mattress has outlived its usefulness, generally 2- 7 years, they become a nuisance to our environment.

As with many products, consumers are rethinking traditional purchases and looking for green alternatives that are toxin-free and environmentally friendly. Articles that stress the need for safer materials and chemical for use in the home abound and many of these express concerns about "toxic mattresses." A little research will find extensive discussions about the dangers of toxic fire-retardant chemicals in mattresses. When newborns and infants are involved, the purchase of a green mattress is one of the most important decisions a parent can make, as certain fire-retardants are banned in Europe and have been linked to SIDS.

Much of the latex used in mattresses is a blend of synthetic and natural latex to lower the cost and, perhaps, to add some durability. However, it is the natural properties of latex which set it apart. Only natural latex is anti-microbial, hyper-allergenic and a sustainable resource. In addition, it is the natural latex that creates the feel that has made latex mattresses so popular. Synthetic latex would feel just like polyurethane foam without the addition of natural latex.

Do your body a favor and investigate the feel of an all natural latex mattress. Much of what Mother Nature has supplied cannot be duplicated by artificial means, and natural latex is no exception. A natural latex mattress will last for 20 or more years, has an unsurpassed feel, the wonderful qualities of remaining free from dust mites, mold and allergens and is created from a resource that is green and sustainable. Going green has never felt better!

KC Ennis - Marketing Manager -

http://www.foamsource.com

http://www.naturesbedroom.com

Foamsource, offering innovations in restful sleep since 1985, is a direct manufacturer of latex and memory foam mattresses, toppers and pillows.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kc_Ennis

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A Latex Mattress Naturally Resists Dust Mites

(Latex Mattress)

Research shows that the household dust mite, in particular its feces, is the most common cause of bronchial asthma and other chronic sinus or respiratory conditions. The periodic replacement of a mattress is one of the primary methods to control allergy causing dust mites, according to Duncan Bain, a leading researcher. Bain has been involved in the development of British, European and international standards for the evaluation of mattresses and cushions and states that "the number of people effected is rising throughout Europe (and indeed world wide), now impairing the health and quality of life of a substantial proportions of children, as well as many adults."

Mattresses, particularly inner-spring mattresses, provide the ideal environment for dust mites as a result of the moisture our bodies give off and the dead skin that we slough off, while we are sleeping. In general, the older the mattress the larger is the dust mite concentration, which will continue to grows for years, until the mattress reaches maximum colonization. Even when the maximum density of dust mites is reached, the dead bodies and feces continue to build up over a longer period, and it's primarily the dust mite's feces that contribute to allergic reactions.

While it's unlikely that dust mites can be completely eliminated from your household, there are control measures that can be effective. Moisture is a primary environment for dust mites, and can be controlled with a dehumidifier and ventilation system. However, our bodies give off moisture while we sleep and, as a result, the highest concentrations of dust mites eventually end up in our mattresses. Dust mite barriers that are constructed of fabric, rather than plastic, can be an effective method of control, particularly when combined with mattress replacement at reasonable intervals.

A natural latex mattress is the most effective solution for allergic reactions to dust mites and their feces. Latex naturally resists dust mites and is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and resistant to mold, mildew and fungus. When a latex mattress is combined with a natural wool cover, also naturally resistant to dust mites, the environment for dust mite colonization is almost null. A natural wool cover, or an organic wool mattress pad, that can be removed and aired out for six hours or more on a sunny day will completely eliminate the possibility of dust mite colonization. Of course, the fact that natural latex is the most comfortable and durable of all sleeping surfaces, gives you a feeling for the finest choice available in quality mattresses.

KC Ennis - Marketing Manager -
http://www.foamsource.com - http://www.naturesbedroom.com
Foamsource, offering innovations in restful sleep since 1985, is a direct manufacturer of latex and memory foam mattresses, toppers and pillows.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kc_Ennis

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Latex Mattress Products

(Latex Mattress)

There are of course many mattresses, mattress products and other mattress items on the market, and it is important to shop around for not only the best price but the best quality and value as well. When it comes to buying latex mattress products this focus on quality is even more important.

After all, while many other mattresses and mattress toppers are designed merely for comfort, a latex mattress is also designed to provide real world usefulness, and the quality of the latex that is used in the construction of the mattress is an essential consideration for the shopper.

The fact is that a latex mattress product that is easily torn or easily damaged will quickly become useless, and given the often high prices of these mattress products it is a bad idea to settle for poor quality. While a poor quality latex mattress may be less expensive to buy up front, it will quickly become more expensive if it needs to be replaced every couple of years. A high quality mattress product, made using the highest quality materials and construction methods, can last for many years, and these high quality products will be the most cost effective solution in the long run.

Of course, every maker of latex mattress products claims to make the best product on the market, so it pays to know what to look for. One of the most important places to look is on the local newsstand. The various consumer oriented magazines often run regular reviews of mattresses, mattress toppers and sleep systems, and they can be a great source of information on which products are the best and which are best avoided.

Of course the search for the best mattress products goes beyond the local newsstand, and there are plenty of product reviews on the internet as well. Some of these product review sites allow real users to share their ideas and experience regarding different brands and models of mattress topper, while others take a more structured and scientific approach to finding the best latex mattress products. It is generally a good idea to read several different reviews of the same model and brand in order to get a real feel for what you can expect.

After you have narrowed the many choices down to the best latex mattress products on the market, it is important to get the best possible price on the mattress and mattress accessories you need. The prices on the same brand and model of latex mattress or latex mattress topper can vary quite a bit, so it definitely pays to shop around as much as possible. Shopping around is the best way to get the best quality at the best price, whether you are shopping for the best latex mattress or any other product.

Ella Morgan is a publisher of ArticleClick.com. To submit articles and find free articles for your websites visit www.ArticleClick.com.

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Tips for Finding The Best Natural Latex Mattress

(Latex Mattress)

By: Ella Morgan

There are of course many great advantages to buying a natural latex mattress, including the ability to keep the mattress clean, dry and free of stains. The significant expense of many mattresses on the market today makes it more important than ever to take proper care of those mattresses, and that is where a good latex mattress or latex mattress cover can come in real handy.

One of the most significant drawbacks of a latex mattress, however, is that many people can be sensitive to the chemicals used in the latex manufacturing process. These kinds of allergies and sensitivities are more common than many people realize, and it is important to take that into consideration when shopping for a mattress pad. For those with sensitivity or allergy issues, a natural latex mattress or mattress pad can be a good choice.

When deciding whether or not you need a natural latex mattress or mattress pad it is important to consider not only yourself and your family, but the needs of family members and possible house guests as well. This is an especially important consideration if the mattress or mattress pad will be used in a guest bedroom.

After you have determined that a mattress pad using natural latex is the best choice for you it is important to look for brands and models that are all natural. The best natural latex products will use only natural products, and they will use as little processing and as few chemicals as possible in the manufacturing process. It is important to do plenty of research on each model you consider in order to narrow down the many choices to just a few.

There are also many excellent product review resources to help shoppers learn all they can about mattresses, mattress toppers and other mattress products. There are of course many excellent consumer oriented magazines, and they can be a great choice for finding excellent brands and models of mattresses.

In addition there are many different product review web sites on the market that provide all kinds of information on various models and brands of mattress products. Some of these product review sites incorporate the latest in laboratory testing technology, while others simply allow ordinary consumers to discuss their own feelings about mattress products they have purchased. It is a good idea to look at several different reviews in order to get the best idea of what you can expect.

After you have found the best type of natural latex mattress it is of course important to shop around for the best possible price. There are many different places to purchase mattress products, including mattress stores and outlets, department stores, discount retailers and even the internet. It is a good idea to shop around as much as possible in order to make sure you have gotten the best mattress at the very best price.

Ella Morgan is a publisher of ArticleClick.com. To submit articles and find free articles for your websites visit www.ArticleClick.com.

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