I recently called a Latex manufacturer to the get to the bottom of all the hype and misinformation out in the market place surrounding the latex mattress industry. Interestingly Kevin a Rep at Latexco was extremely helpful and informative and gave me a little more insight on why to buy latex from a reputable seller?
"We may be a little biased at Latexco, but many bedding industry professionals will honestly state that the best mattress
today has been the best since the 1920s. Latex has always been “Mattress Makers Mattress”, when it comes to support,
comfort and durability. Historically, the entrepreneur mattress maker could choose any of his mattresses for personal use
and most frequently chose a latex mattress. European Royal families have long been and continue to be latex mattress
loyalists.
The terms rubber and latex go hand in hand. The term.“Rubber” was first used by British Chemist,
Joseph Priestly, around 1770. Its first modern use was in 1818 for raincoats .Latex was first
used for making a mattress in the 1920s. They were always more expensive then innersprings,
but lasted a considerably longer period of time, giving them a better “cost per year” value. Today,
you get that same value…but you can spend even more on an innerspring or other type of
mattress and not have it hold up nearly as well.
Even among latex mattresses, there are things to watch out for. Cheap fillers mixed into the latex
formulation are the absolute worst possibility, causing softening and body impressions. Ask your
supplier if your latex contains fillers. Avoid latex with fillers at all costs and avoid consumer
complaints and a poor quality reputation.
Does this mattress contain Latex foam with fillers?
How many inches of Latex?
Many so called “Latex” mattresses have very little latex in them. These are referred to as “Latex Hybrids”
by the manufacturers, but quite often, retail salespeople won’t bother to make the distinction when selling them. So,
as with any mattress, it’s important to know what’s inside. The answers to the questions “Does this mattress contain
latex foam with fillers” and “How many inches of Latex?” will provide a good measure of the total mattress quality.
Comparison shopping is next to impossible only knowing the model name. The model names for nearly every
mattress will differ from store to store. Latex mattresses are made in a multitude of formulations: all natural, a
blend of natural and synthetic, and all
synthetic. All are durable. All latex formulations
will contain about 5% “other” ingredients
that are required to form
the liquid into foam. The
synthetic latex is considered
best for consistency of manufacture but an all synthetic latex mattress does not have the “WOW” factor resiliency of a blend. As with any
natural product, the consistency of natural latex can vary without adequate quality manufacturing techniques.
• There is no 100% synthetic latex foam. There is no 100% natural latex foam. All latex
foams need about 5% “other stuff” to make the liquid into foam.
• An all synthetic latex foam is less resilient and loses the “WOW” factor feel.
• An all natural latex foam has consistency issues with most of the “green” latex core
manufacturers in the world today. It is always best to check into their quality controls
from the “tree to the sea”.
• 85% of the latex used in the world today for latex bedding is a blend of natural and
synthetic latex. The blend offers the best of nature-made and man-made ingredients.
• Latex mattress cores are made in molds. Each size has its own mold. Avoid pieced
together latex cores and toppers when possible. One piece king size cores and toppers
eliminate vertical glue seams which may cause consumer complaints.
• Fillers are cheap non-latex additives that lower manufacturing costs and quality. Make
your latex foam source certify that your latex components contain zero filler content.
You will be grateful next year.
Latex Mattress
“Insider” Facts
7 Easy Steps to Build the Perfect
Latex Mattress For Your Royal Family:
- Choose the best formula. A high natural
rubber blend works. - Insist that no cheap fillers are used in
the manufacturing of your latex. - Insist that your latex is molded in one
piece with no vertical glue seams. - Use “Progressive Resistance” in your
construction, softer over firmer. - Don’t make your cover too tight and
lose the WOW feel of the latex. - The quilt package and design is critical.
Minimize the content of the layers, fiber
and/or super soft latex are best. Too much
stitching will also increase firmness. - Choose a high quality foundation or box
spring that will match the long life of the
latex mattress.
For everything that you ever wanted to know about latex & rubber, including a great historical timeline go to: www.Bouncing-Balls.com"
