I’ve come to the conclusion that natural latex is the optimal mattress-making material. I’ve tried all kinds of mattresses: goose down, wool, foam, cotton futons and box spring mattresses. But I have to say that my first few nights sleeping on a latex mattress were the most comfortable I ever experienced.
It’s a natural material which we will probably never fully reproduce synthetically. Latex’s power is that it is yielding, but also highly resilient. Latex mattresses do not require flipping or turning, and last around 15 years.
The “mattress” I am sleeping on is actually a king-sized 3″ natural latex topper. I also have a natural latex pillow
Latex is the milky sap of the rubber tree. It is mostly harvested in South East Asia, where trees are tapped for latex by cutting a groove in the bark of the tree. It is a renewable process — each tree can produce latex for 20 years.
Latex is also hypo-allergenic and its anti-microbial properties inhibit the growth of bacteria, mildew, and dust mites.
I like 100% latex mattresses because they are completely biodegradable. Other “Talalay” latex mattresses have a synthetic material added, to increase their durability.
Here are a retailer that sells full, natural latex mattresses (i.e. not just a topper): Natural Lux Mattress by The Form Source.
Hi Justin, i love your post. I hope u can visit my blog with same topic.
Cheers!
latex mattress toppers
I can attest to the fact a latex mattress is the best to sleep on. Ther is no perfect mattress in this world but latex comes the closest to it! It is also the safest mattress to sleep on. I wrote and article on our blog some of your readers may be interested in mattress buyers guide to off-gassing. Feel free to post on your blog if you’d like. Keep up the great work!
Latex is very green but not known for its comfort. Check out our mattress: http://www.essentiadirect.com
natural memory foam made from latex 😉
I wonder if they’re as easy to find in Spain as in the US… I hope so! I’d be really interested in trying these. 🙂
And they are much cheaper than I expected, that’s great.
As to the term “hypoallergenic”, I think most of you seem to be forgetting that this term doesn’t mean “no allergies” – it only means “much less allergies”.
Same thing that happens when you hear about “hypoallergenic dogs”, for example. They CAN cause allergies if you’re very sensitive, it’s just not as probable. 😉
I got a natural latex mattress a few years ago…I think it’s made by Rocky Mountain Mattress. We love it! and I’m thinking of getting another one for my RV. Does anyone have any suggestions on others they have liked? I think this is the natural latex mattress we have now.
We purchased a latex mattress specifically because of its eco-friendly nature. I think the brand was “Nature’s Rest”. I agree, it is the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on! It is ‘wicked heavy’ however and the movers during our last move complained a bit. But, I am a big fan of this mattress.
There are two types of latex allergies. One allergy is to the chemicals and/or synthetic latex used in latex items like latex gloves. Most people have this type of allergy. However, some people do have a true natural latex allergy which is an allergy to the proteins in natural latex. Most people who do have a true latex allergy will have no problem sleeping on a natural latex mattress, because there are layers between the latex and the outside of the mattress.
So the latex protein responsible for triggering allergies is found in latex gloves but not in latex mattresses? How is that possible?
nice post.
can you suggest some latex producing firms in India where i can experiment with the material?
The latex allergies mentioned by OSHA is due to workplace exposure to a different form of latex that is used in medical gloves and other equipment. There have been no reported allergetic reactions to the latex in pillows.
Latex is not hypo-allergenic.
OSHA link.