Examining The Latex Mattress
April 27th, 2010 | 
Author: If your current bed needs to be replaced and you’re ready to go shopping for something new, then one of your preferred options might be a latex mattress. This is a type of foam mattress you would assume is made not from petrochemicals but from a more natural substance. In fact, that natural substance is the sap from rubber trees, which should make latex foam mattresses your most eco-friendly choice. But of course nothing is ever that simple. Latex has also been created synthetically, from petrochemicals, meaning that you need to do as much investigation with these mattresses as with any other product.
There are two processes used to create latex mattresses. With the Standard method, the liquid (whether it’s the rubber sap or the petrochemical substance) is whipped into a froth, which creates the millions of air bubbles that are responsible for the special properties of a foam mattress. Then the liquid is poured into a mold, which is sealed and heated until it cures into its finished mattress form. In the Talalay method, the mold contains countless tiny pinprick spikes that make extra little channels for air to move through. This method creates a latex foam mattress that’s somewhat more resilient and buoyant.
Given that natural latex works just as well with either process, you might reasonably wonder why a latex mattress would ever be made with petrochemicals. The difficulty with natural latex is that the mattresses can turn out to be less comfortable. This is why a foam bed is often made entirely with synthetic latex. Or frequently, a manufacturer might use mostly natural latex and blend in some of the petrochemical version, just enough to add the extra give and softness that people want. So latex mattresses can be made of natural or synthetic materials, or a blend of both.
It’s absolutely essential to do your research before buying a latex mattress. If it is comfort that you are looking for, then this does not mean you’re stuck with only synthetic latex choices, as an infusion of natural oils can now make natural latex just as comfortable. Yet even a “green” label might hide the fact that your foam bed still contains synthetic materials. This is why you’d do well to read about mattress manufacturers, their products, and what processes and materials have been used. Be informed with these mattress tips and more, and have all the facts at your disposal before you head out mattress shopping.
Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed panic attacks help as well as tips on the various anxiety disorder medication available at anxietydisordercure.com.
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