What Is a latex mattress
What Is A Latex Mattress: A latex mattress features a layer of natural latex foam or a combination of synthetic blended latex foam materials. The base layer of a latex mattress has either innerspring, individually wrapped pocket coils, or dense polyfoam, giving it a firmer feel and slight bounce. The cover of a latex mattress is usually made from organic cotton or an organic cotton blend.
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what does a latex mattress feel like
a medium firm feel with a traditional bounce
Firmness
On a 1 to 10 firmness rating scale with 1 being the least firm and 10 being the most firm, a latex mattress is rated at 6.5 to 7 for a medium-firm feel.
Contouring
Most customers describe sleeping on a latex mattress as a supportive, levitating feel, compared to the sinking-into-the-mattress feel of memory foam.
Cooling
Latex mattresses are known to deliver a cool sleeping experience. The open-cell structure of natural latex allows for continuous airflow. As a result, a latex mattress will help dissipate your body heat efficiently.
Bounce
Latex mattresses feature a slight bounce, as they are made of sap from rubber trees.
Motion Isolation
Latex is designed to absorb and dampen motion transfer. This helps reduce sleep disruption as your partner moves.
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Different Types Of Mattress Latex
The differences between Natural latex, synthetic latex and blended latex
Natural Latex
Natural latex used in mattresses originates as a milky white liquid that comes from rubber trees. The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) produces around 90 percent of the world’s natural rubber.
Synthetic Latex
Synthetic latex used in mattresses originates using chemical plants using petrochemicals. Neoprene (polychloroprene) is the most common synthetic latex and is created by mixing acetylene and hydrochloric acid. Emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (E-SBR) is a second very commonly used synthetic latex rubber.
Blended Latex
Modern mattress companies often use a combination of synthetic and natural latex called blended latex. This innovation delivers the feeling and benefits of latex at affordable pricing.
made with non-toxic materials
Latex manufacturing Process
The differences between Dunlop and Talalay Latex manufacturing
Dunlop manufacturing Process
- This manufacturing process was developed in 1929
- The milky rubber sap from a Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree is whipped into a froth in a centrifuge
- The frothy sap is then poured into a mold, covered, and steam baked
- Natural sediments present in the rubber sap settle to the bottom of the mold, which cause the bottom to become firmer than the top
Talalay manufacturing Process
- The milky rubber sap from a Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree is whipped into a froth in a centrifuge.
- The rubber froth is sealed into a vacuum chamber to remove all air
- The entire rubber sap in the mold is flash frozen with the use of chemicals
- The mold is then steam baked
- Natural sediments present in the rubber sap settle to the bottom of the mold, which cause the bottom to become firmer than the top
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Dunlop vs Talalay Latex
Two different production methods to deliver the same latex feel
Here, we define the two primary processes used to create the latex foam layers, Dunlop and Talalay.
Dunlop latex and Talalay latex use a vulcanization process. This process cures the liquid form latex into a harder solid substance. When sulfur particles cross-link with liquid latex, the hardening process completes. Scientifically, the application of heat and zinc oxide accelerators complete this process.
Dunlop latex
Dunlop latex uses a more energy efficient method of latex production than Talalay. While the latex is still in the frothy white liquid form, it is poured into the baking mold. Once full, the mold cover is applied and then placed into a vulcanization oven to bake. Next, the latex layer is removed from the oven and thoroughly washed. Finally, the latex foam layer is dried at a high temperature to ensure all moisture is eliminated.
talalay latex
Talalay latex has a similar feel as Dunlop but requires more energy to produce. While the latex is still in the frothy white liquid form, it is poured into the baking mold but only partially filled. The liquid inside the mold expands using a vacuum process. Once the expansion is complete, the latex is flash frozen. Carbon dioxide gas is then pushed through the mold to convert the liquid into a gel. To complete the vulcanization process, the mold is placed into an oven to bake. Then, the latex layer is removed from the oven and thoroughly washed. Lastly, the latex foam layer is dried at a high temperature to make sure all moisture is eliminated.
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Who should buy a latex mattress
Amazing sleep delivered from eco-friendly materials
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly mattress, latex is perfect for you. The process to make latex requires an expert craftsman but results in sustainably responsible comfort.
You want to sleep cool
Latex features an open-cell structure that promotes proper air flow. This consistent circulation helps you to keep your body temperature neutral throughout the night.
You Don't want to share the bed with dust mites
Latex is naturally resistant to dust mites without the use of any added chemicals. This provides an excellent choice for a hygienic sleep environment.
The Awara mattress is a natural mattress made with Dunlop latex, organic cotton and a 5 zone pocket coil base. For the money, it’s hard to beat. To top it off the mattress comes with a 365 night trial period where you can basically have it for an entire year and if not happy, return it for a full refund.
* Awara may compensate third-parties for purchases made through the links in their reviews