A Latex Mattress at Any Cost - Shopping Guidelines

Many informed consumers have begun seeking mattresses free from chemical off-gassing and possible toxic fire-retardants, now in use as a result of the new open-flame federal fire codes, which went into effect in July, 2007. Not only have mattress manufacturers continued to use a variety of fire-retardant chemicals, many of which are banned in Europe due to toxic side-effects, but the concentrations of topically applied chemicals to fire-proof mattresses have increased substantially. For example, it is not uncommon to find as much as one and half pounds of chemicals saturating the mattress ticking in a conventional queen sized mattress.

Many consumers, after careful research on the internet, reach the conclusion that the healthiest mattress solution is the purchase of a latex mattress. However, for many, the cost of a latex mattress can be a budget buster, particularly when considering all natural latex mattresses. A natural latex mattress is generally created by using at least 2 layers of all natural latex, covered in organic cotton with organic wool batting, which is a natural fire-retardant. Mattresses constructed with these components will typically cost as much as 2 to 3 thousand dollars for a queen sized mattress.

However, the benefits of latex are certainly available in more affordable all latex mattresses, which can be priced below a thousand dollars for a queen sized mattress. Substituting blended latex, with high natural content, and a cover that avoids the use of topically applied chemical fire-retardants, can create a significant cost advantage in all latex mattresses. In addition to lowering cost, mattress manufacturers using blended latex often feel that it adds a plus by combining the elasticity of natural latex with the consistent quality and durability of synthetic latex.

Off-gassing, which is generally the result of accelerators and curing agents used in the creation of polyurethane foam, is not a problem with either all natural or blended latex. For example, blended latex, made in the USA by Latex International, has been certified to contain no harmful substances and has passed Europe's stringent Oeko-Tex standards. In addition, latex is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and resistant to mild, mildew and dust mites. When considering latex used for a mattress, become familiar with the manufacturer to avoid latex of inferior quality, which is generally the result of fillers added to the latex. "Fillers," tiny particles of clay or other materials that are mixed into the foam, make 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.

The same consideration for materials used in the choice of latex for your mattress should also be applied when considering mattress covers. Mattress covers that are fire-retardant as a result of fire-resistant fibers are far superior to covers with topically applied fire-retardants, which often use toxic chemicals. An added advantage, when considering a latex mattress, is that it is not necessary to add any fire-retardant to the latex itself, while many conventional mattresses have topical fire-retardant applied directly to the mattress ticking.

The use of more affordable materials allows quality mattress manufacturers to offer latex mattresses, with all the benefits of pure latex, at a more affordable price than "natural" latex mattresses. While all natural latex, with an organic wool cover, assures the consumer of the most "natural" mattress possible, quality latex, with a non-toxic mattress cover, continues to offers the tremendous benefits of latex to the consumer, at a more affordable price point.

A quality latex mattress, constructed without the added expense of a natural wool cover and all natural latex, is a very wise mattress choice. Latex mattresses with more affordable components offer the durability, unsurpassed sleeping comfort and hypo-allergenic qualities only available with all latex mattresses, and are a superior choice to the traditional inner-spring mattress. In the effort to find a safe sleeping surface for you and your family, remember that quality latex mattresses stand alone as incorporating the best in non-toxic mattress construction, regardless of the use of all natural components.

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.

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