Everyone has their own reason to buy a latex mattress. Some are attracted by moderate rigidity and increased comfort, some like the ability of such models to retain their shape and properties for a long time, and for others, only such a product provides optimal body position during sleep in case of problems with the spine. At the same time, it is necessary to know as much as possible about the properties, composition, advantages and disadvantages of this material in order to understand whether it is worth making a choice in its favor.
Pros and cons of latex mattresses
Mattresses made from natural latex are very popular, however, like any other filler, it has both advantages and disadvantages.
pros
- Maximum convenience. A moderately elastic and at the same time soft and slightly springy mattress allows you to settle in with all possible comfort in any sleeping position you are accustomed to. Latex prevents the mattress from sagging excessively, and thanks to this you can completely relax on it.
- Orthopedic effect. Mattresses with latex gently relieve stress on the spine, eliminate pinching of nerve endings, provide anatomically correct body position during sleep, and therefore are often recommended for people with problems with the musculoskeletal system.
- Environmental friendliness. For latex models, only natural raw materials are used, making them hypoallergenic and safe even for children.
- Outstanding performance properties. Mattresses with latex filling effectively remove moisture, are well ventilated, and harmful microorganisms practically do not multiply in them and dust mites do not grow in them.
- Long service life. The service life of latex products is from 10 to 20 years, and they do not require specialized care. That is why, even at a fairly high cost, such a mattress will be a profitable investment.
Minuses
- Smell. A distinctive feature of products made from natural latex is a unique vanilla aroma. Some people may not like it, but just wait a little: the smell will dissipate within a few days.
- Price. The cost of a high-quality model starts from 13-15 thousand and increases depending on the volume of the latex plate. However, if you take into account its long service life with the preservation of all properties, then such expenses are completely justified.
- Inconvenience. Some people consider latex mattresses to be extremely adaptive and therefore not very comfortable. However, these sensations are subjective and individual, so before purchasing, you should lie on such a mattress to evaluate how comfortable it is.
Synthetic latex
From the name “synthetic latex” it is immediately clear that the product is made of artificial material. It consists of a specific composition of chemicals that determine its synthetic origin. The most important advantage of such synthetic latex mattresses is their low price.
The main disadvantage of this product is its artificiality. Often, a mattress made of synthetic latex can cause various allergic reactions upon periodic contact with the skin of an allergic person. With increased skin sensitivity, this is also felt. People who do not suffer from allergies can use this mattress quite normally.
It is important that artificial latex, despite all its shortcomings, has all the advantages of its expensive natural counterpart. It is also elastic, although more rigid. A mattress made from artificial latex has a much shorter service life than natural latex.
Spring latex mattresses
The question of which mattress is better - spring or latex - can be easily resolved by purchasing a model that combines both design features. The combination of a block of independent springs and a latex layer provides an optimal combination of support and elasticity with comfort. In addition, the material can be easily combined with other fillings, which allows you to create the ideal sleeping place for you.
Artificial latex
It differs from its natural counterpart and is made from polymers. At its core, artificial latex is the commercial name for polyurethane foam (PPU). It also easily provides proper orthopedic support, has anatomical properties, does not rot, does not mold, and is not a habitat for pathogenic microbes. However, its service life will be shorter (8-10 years). Among the advantages, its hypoallergenicity should be highlighted.
Having figured out what latex is, it’s time to consider which latex mattress is better . All models can be divided into spring and springless.
Springless latex mattresses
Models in which the latex filler is presented as a solid monolithic block are the most expensive among products made from a similar material. At the same time, they are especially comfortable for people of average build, as they provide soft support in any position. The height of such mattresses is usually 10-20 cm, so choosing a comfortable thickness for yourself will not be difficult.
Natural latex
A material made entirely or almost entirely from natural raw materials. There are two types of latex, the properties of which are determined by the manufacturing method.
Dunlop
Latex production using this technology began in 1929. With this method, Hevea juice is foamed in a special centrifuge, poured into closed molds and heated. Thus, blocks are obtained with fairly dense upper layers and even denser lower layers, which ensures their effective use in monolithic springless mattresses.
Talalay
A technology that appeared relatively recently. In this case, the rubber juice is also spun in a centrifuge until foam forms, then drained, the mold is sealed and foaming is completed in a vacuum chamber. Then the composition is quickly cooled and stabilized, and then subjected to heat treatment again. The result is a softer and more uniform material, which is most often used as an additional layer in multi-component mattresses or in the production of toppers.
Characteristics of latex
Latex is a natural filler obtained from the foamed liquid of the Hevea tree. The milky viscous juice of Hevea, an evergreen southern plant, is a solution of organic and mineral substances. Rubber makes up up to 40%. It has all the best qualities: elasticity, flexibility, due to which it perfectly adapts to the human body. In addition, such products are hypoallergenic and bacterial, allow air to pass through well and are moisture resistant, which ensures the optimal temperature of the sleeping area. The appearance of dust mites and other harmful microorganisms in them is excluded. Only the sun's rays and settling sebum have a negative and destructive effect on the surface, and then the filling itself.
Latex has all the best qualities: elasticity, flexibility, due to which it perfectly adapts to the human body.
Production Features
Natural latex can be produced in two ways - “Talalay” and “Dunlop”. In the first case, the sap of the rubber tree is foamed using a centrifuge and poured into molds of the appropriate size. Before placing latex into molds, the air is completely pumped out of them to better distribute the material throughout the entire space. After which the mold is carefully sealed and placed in a vacuum chamber. Finally, the composition is cooled and the foam is pumped with carbon dioxide and treated with chemicals. After heat treatment and vulcanization, the hardened latex is washed and post-vulcanization is performed.
The final form of latex after processing using the first “Talalay” method.
The initial stages of the Dunlop method are similar to Talalay. The tree sap is foamed in a centrifuge and poured into containers, after which they are heated. As the temperature rises, the elements settle to the bottom of the mold, resulting in the bottom layer becoming denser and harder. It hardens during the cooling process, creating an airy, porous structure.
The final appearance of latex after Dunlop processing.
At the same time, “Dunlop” is almost always the base of the mattress, while “Talalay” serves only as the top shell and is rarely found as the main element.
An example of combining latex processed in two different ways.
To transport the initial raw materials, ammonia is added to it. And depending on the amount of this substance, the labeling is HL (high) and AL (low).
And depending on the amount of ammonia, HL (high) and AL (low) are marked.
Tips for choosing
The question of how to choose a latex mattress often arises among those who are interested in organizing a high-quality and comfortable sleeping place. To choose the best option, you must rely on the following criteria:
- Make sure there are different types of latex. To avoid mistakes and deception when purchasing bedding, you need to clarify the type of filling. Artificial latex is yellowish in color and has a noticeable, pungent odor, while natural rubber material is greyish-white and has a subtle odor. In addition, manufacturers are required to affix the SBR mark on mattresses made of synthetic material.
- Choose the right degree of hardness. Latex mattresses can have different elasticity, so before purchasing, it makes sense to lie on each of the models you like and evaluate which one is most comfortable.
- Request quality assurance. Responsible manufacturers attach to each mattress documentation established by law, which indicates the composition, properties, features of product care, material certificates and quality guarantees. Don’t be shy to ask the seller: these documents contain maximum useful information.
- Don't save money. There are no cheap and high-quality latex mattresses. Those who are interested in their own comfort should be prepared to pay a decent amount for bedding - but the expense will pay off almost immediately.
Latex mattresses remain among the most popular models. By choosing the right bedding, you can ensure proper rest, sound sleep and back health for many years.
How to choose a latex mattress
To avoid mistakes when purchasing a natural latex mattress, it is recommended to pay attention to several aspects.
- Filler composition. It is recommended to check the naturalness of latex on the label (NRL). If the cover has a zipper, check the shade of the material (for artificial ones it is yellow-gray). Natural latex is more rigid than artificial latex.
- Spring or springless. A spring orthopedic mattress is cheaper than a springless latex mattress. The presence of a latex layer is often put forward as an argument in favor of spring mattresses. It will lose its characteristics faster under the influence of springs. An orthopedic mattress made from a single block will last longer.
- Hardness level. If you have any doubts on this issue, it is better to choose a mattress with a combined filler in a zippered cover. This design will allow you to independently change layers and select the required rigidity.
- Availability of quality certificates. Checking the documents for the offered product will allow you to verify the authenticity of the product and, if necessary, make claims.
- Manufacturer. Choosing a manufacturing company is not the last argument when choosing. Customer reviews will help you decide which brands you can trust and which ones you should avoid.
- Manufacturer's warranty. The warranty period must be indicated on the packaging of mattresses. Considering that natural latex lasts a long time, the warranty period should not be limited to two or three years. It is recommended to ensure that this is the case before purchasing.
- Price. You should not trust sellers who offer natural latex mattresses at low prices. The production of this material is costly and labor-intensive. Products made from natural latex cannot be cheap.
