Latex FAQ
What is Latex? Latex is a rubber particle suspended in water. There are two types of latex, Natural Rubber Latex (NR), or Styrene Butadiene rubber (SBR) man made latex. All latex is either a blend of the two or 100% pure natural latex. Customarily mattresses are built from proprietary blends of natural and man made to provide the balance between comfort and durability. Natural latex is durable and can be stretched like a rubber band. However, synthetic latex is manufactured from two monomers - styrene and butadiene rubber which are both derivatives of oil. Synthetic latex has a number of benefits:
- It is very strong and has excellent load bearing properties which is important for mattress cores
- It is easy to control, so has more consistent properties and does not require stabilizers to prevent breakdown during transport/storage
Unlike natural latex, synthetic latex has no proteins – therefore there is virtually no chance that it may cause an allergic reaction. Man made latex resists “sagging” because it can be compressed over and over yet feels the same continually.
How is latex different from memory foam?
Latex is an organic rubber-based product. Memory or visco-elastic foam is derived from man made synthetics. Latex is used to provide instantaneous recovery and it contours and supports any body movement. On the other hand, memory foam provides slow recovery and is general supported by high resilient foam. Memory foam requires body temperature to soften the foam to obtain optimum contouring support, whereas latex support is immediate. Both latex and memory foam has different support benefits, and consumers should test both before making any decision.
So, where does latex come from?
Natural latex in its purest form is the milky white liquid that is tapped from the trunks of mature rubber trees. It has a very high elasticity, which is a benefit in manufacturing and handling latex foam. Natural latex is also very tough which makes the foam product very durable. The rubber tree originated in Brazil but today is mainly grown in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. What about allergy sufferers. Latex is naturally hypo-allergenic, anti microbial – inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. It is dust mite resistant, and its open cell structure heightens air circulation. And the open cell structure of Talalay latex makes it an ideal material to water wash efficiently. The washing process ensures the healthiest sleeping conditions by removing all residual elements that may give rise to odor, allergies or bacterial/fungal growths. It is moisture and heat resistant. Latex is a natural derived, renewable resource in an eco-friendly process.
It is durable?
Highly resilient latex bounces back and latex pillows does not needs fluffing, will not bunch, flatten or sag.
|
