Hi Phoenix,
We went to visit a mattress manufacturer/direct-to-public facility today. I was able to try out two all-latex mattresses extensively. In both, the core and comfort layers are latex. The fire barrier is a rayon/polyester blend. The ticking is cotton.
I got samples of all these layers (except the ticking) to take home with me for a ānoseā test.
As we left the building, the sinus irritation started to creep up on me again. (It is still with me 5 hours later.) I also began to notice a latex smell on my clothes. We went to lunch. When we got back to the car the interior smelled like latex from the samples.
There is no doubt in my mind now. I have an unpleasant sinus reaction to the latex used in mattresses - both Talalay and Dunlop. Maybe I am the only one in the world, but its real.
We went back to the factory/store and discussed this development. The owner suggested the possibility of encasing the mattress in a mattress protector such as:
http://glideaway.com/product/mattress-protector/
He said he has used these successfully for folks with allergy problems.
The protectors are ābreathableā so it wouldnāt be like wrapping the mattress in an airtight film.
He also suggested giving the latex samples a week or so, in a pillow case, with frequent application and removal of weighty objects (to simulate a break-in period). THEN try the nose test again. I will.
On our return visit, I also tried out an inner spring mattress with no latex. It has a total of 3.5 inches of polyurethane comfort layers above and below the innerspring. It felt as good as the latex. The owner cautioned that this mattress would be subject to body impressions, so a rigorous routine of turning and flipping would be essential to prolong the life of the mattress. On the plus side, he said that my light, tall frame would allow this routine to be less rigorous than for the average guy.
I brought home samples of the foam and fire barrier from this inner spring mattress. I understand that the average person will notice that polyurethane out-gasses for about two weeks. The samples had very little smell, but still noticeable to my āhyperā nose.
Iām wondering if a protector like the one at the link would really block molecules of latex, or polyurethane, while letting oxygen through. If so, this could be my way to a happy ending. What do you think?
Thanks.