Top 10 problems with All Natural Latex Mattresses
This is a follow-up to our Top Ten Benefits of Latex post from a few weeks ago.
- Latex Mattresses are expensive.
If you look at it from an up front cost this is true however if you consider how much longer latex beds last compared to other mattress types especially mattress and boxsprings which typically only have 20-30 percent of the life, these quality mattresses will pay for themselves. - Natural rubber Latex Mattresses do not hold up.
This statement could not be more false. Latex is a byproduct of the rubber tree. The natural sap is converted into a solid form and is extremely resilient. It may very well be one of the most durable mattresses on the market. - Latex beds are too firm.
Actually just like any other mattress on the market latex beds are offered in various firmness levels. Latex is measured by its ILD. If the number is higher then the mattress will be firmer and if the ILD is lower the rubber mattress will be softer. - Latex Mattresses Smell bad.
First off every mattress has a smell whether it be a conventional spring mattresses, memory foam, waterbeds or yes even latex. This is similar to a new car or anything else that is brand new. This has really has been blown out of proportion yes some latex mattresses have a stronger odor than others like any mattress can. We recommend asking for a sample of the latex and take a sniff. Be sure to smell the latex mattress you are testing. Every mattress will need a short period of time to air out when first removed from its plastic bag. - Latex Mattresses are not good for a bad back.
We really do not get this statement at all. Like any good quality mattress it is designed to support your back properly. It is flexible enough to support your back yet resilient enough to stand the test of time. Before you take the lead in statement as gospel, know this we would suggest learning the background of the person who made the statement and determine their level of knowledge about mattresses. Many doctors and chiropractors know little more about mattresses than you know about back surgery. - Latex mattresses are bad for the environment.
Considering that the average coil spring mattress lasts only 6-8 years and a real all-natural latex mattress can last 20 years plus. We should see fewer latex mattresses in landfills. Dunlop latex is biodegradable. - Latex mattresses are responsible for the depletion of our forest.
The Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), or the rubber tree is able to produce a sap that is harvested like maple syrup. The tree produces up to 25 years or so and is replenish able unlike other mattresses claiming to be all natural and are derived from our depleting natural oil reserves and takes less energy to produce just an addition thought in the going green movement. - Latex Rubber Beds are just another fly by night mattress fad.
In 1931 the first latex rubber mattress was built. In 1931Richard Pieris and Co. Ltd., started building the Dunlop process of latex foam in 1952. It simply gave way to the invention of a cheaper to produce material called polyurethane foam. Today people have asked for a more durable alternative to cheaper foams and chemical laden mattresses being produced today. - 100% Natural Latex mattresses sleep hot.
All forms of latex mattresses have a pinhole design that allows air to move around freely creating a cooler sleep environment. Something with can be a much more significant cause of heat is using mattress pads and sheets that have material that do not breathe properly. - Some people are allergic to latex so why buy a mattress made of it?
First less than 1 % of the public is allergic to latex and this includes all classes of individuals and allergy types. There is considerable literature on reactions between those who have been diagnosed as latex sensitive. Most of this is related to the medical industry not the mattress industry.
These comments are consistent with the results of the research I have done. I discovered latex mattresses by accident during a mattress search. And, I had a preconceived prejudice against them. The first time my wife laid on one in a store to test it she was sold. Then we did our research talking to a lot of people in the business, a personal friend who had one (Sealy), and Internet data. We are convinced they are the best available foundation and have found the prices to be competitive with other quality mattress construction. Along the way we picked up a story about a major chain discontinuing the product line after a problem was noted about the material “drying out” and “crumbling”. So, I diligently chased the information. I found a furniture sales manager at a major chain (important, he has been in the buiness a long time) who said today that about 10 years ago they did have a problem with the product as I described above. He said they pulled it back (the manufacturer) reformulated the manufacturing process, and he has had no complaints/issues with their current product line.
Oh, and my friend? He has had his a while. He says it is heaven.
Comment by Ralph B. — July 16, 2008 @ 7:25 pm
The genuine latex beds Sealy, Sterns & Foster, Simmons, Serta, Ikea produce are synthentic blended latex.
Unfortunatly the government allows mattress manufactures claim their mattresses are 100% genuine latex, natural latex if it has less than 20% synthentics added.
These beds manufactured by the big “S” brands still have a lot of other synthetic foams (by various made up names)in the comfort levels. They quilt to polyester batting, which also shows body impressions. The crumbling and drying out is probably due to they synthetic blend in the mattress.
They still have to pour flame retardant chemicals into it to pass the FR1633 federal flame retardant law. Because it is a synthetic blend with other synthetics in the mattress. It is a proven fact synthetic materials are highly flammable because they are synthetic materials.
The odor you might smell is the bonding agent used in all natural latex, is ammonia or sulfer. I doubt anyone would smell it with the ticking and sheets on it. I have 3 latex beds in my home and I don’t smell anything & I have severe lung sensitivites. At least they are not petro-chemicals and formaldehyde which is in all the other beds.
Really great post, I enjoyed it…Joyce
Comment by Joyce Robertson — April 21, 2009 @ 3:09 pm
Joyce thanks for your great response and some very good points were made I might add. I would like to point out however that we ought to be very careful what we ask for, inviting the government regulate what is and is not organic. The last time they got involved in regulating mattresses, we ended up with the out of this world piece of legislation you mentioned in your post: (FR1633 federal flame retardant law). Without a doubt it advanced the mattress green movement moving it the front burner. The industry is still very young and of course by no means perfect. They are working diligently to develop some industry standards defining green, organic, all natural etc.
Here is a blog I wrote recently on the topic. Green Mattresses Standards Coming What Are They?
BASICS OF POLYURETHANE FOAM
AND THE USE OF COMBUSTION MODIFYING ADDITIVES
http://www.pfa.org/EFC9_Handout.html
While some all natural latex rubber like yours very well may have little to no have odor, others can be quite strong like car tires, rubber bands, or balloons. All natural latex with such odors, according to all the information I have learned about them thus far seem to incorporate more fillers and a higher chemical composition. Hopefully someone with a better knowledge than myself might comment and set the record straight.
Ticking and bed sheets definetly will not stop odor, after all the are designed to breathe. Just look at all the complaints on memory foam mattresses.
Comment by Doug — April 21, 2009 @ 9:47 pm