Natural Latex
In 1931, the world’s first latex mattress was introduced with many positive features. It didn’t have to be flipped, it stayed fresh, responsive, supportive, and it kept its shape. These many benefits of the latex mattress made it a huge success with consumers through the ages. A natural latex mattress is more supportive, durable, eco-friendly, and better for sleep health than a mattress made from synthetic materials. Latex is made from the milk-like sap of a rubber tree and is the most natural mattress material out there. The sap is harvested and refined and can be tapped from the same exact tree for up to 30 years. Once the sap is harvested, it is processed into a soft, supportive, extremely durable, foam core that can last for decades. Latex offers you support and comfort without the use of harsh chemicals. Latex foam is known for both its comfort and support, no other materials are needed to make a quality supportive, comfortable mattress. Both the support layer and comfort layer can all be one material. Latex comfort foam cradles your hips and shoulders and provides pressure relief for your spine and joints. Its natural elasticity maintains natural spinal alignment and lightly supports your back and neck. Natural latex has a quick response to pressure, so it is bouncy and lively. It is hypoallergenic, naturally antimicrobial and biodegradable. Latex has an open-cell structure to permit constant airflow, enhance breathability and regulate body temperature naturally.
There are two methods of processing the sap, Dunlop is a quicker, more economical and eco-friendly process but Talalay provides a superior, consistent product with little room for error. Dunlop latex is made by pouring liquid foam from whipped sap into a mold and heating it up in an oven to harden. After hardening, the latex is removed from the mold, washed and then dried. Talalay latex requires more time and energy. Just like Dunlop, the sap is whipped into a foam and poured into a mold but the mold is only filled halfway. The mold is then sealed and a vacuum is used to expand the latex until it completely fills the mold. It is then placed in a freezer and carbon dioxide is injected into the rubber to create a gel-like texture. The gel-like foam is then hardened with heat, removed from the mold, washed, and dried. The finished latex is softer and bouncier than Dunlop and sold at a higher price. Most manufacturers that make mattresses with natural latex also use other natural resources like cotton and wool in the mattress cover. Wool provides a temperature-controlled sleep environment that’s perfect for your body, no matter the season. In the winter, wool produces warmth and in the summer the natural moisture-wicking property keeps you cool. Latex mattresses will be the most beneficial for side sleepers and back sleepers. Side sleepers will benefit from the additional cushioning, body-contouring abilities and can help with pressure point relief for your back and neck. Back sleepers will benefit from the additional support and spinal alignment from a latex mattress.
Experience the luxurious feel of natural Talalay latex at any of our Mattress Express locations with our Posh and Lavish latex collection.