The Earth Friendly Organic Latex Mattress

Lately there seems to be a great deal of interest in earth-friendly products. This has found its way into our bedrooms in the form of an organic latex mattress. But why are people beginning to choose mattresses made of natural products instead of their more synthetic brethren?

But just what is natural latex and where does it come from? Natural latex rubber is collected or tapped from actual rubber trees using methods that date back for generations. The 3 primary latex producing countries include Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand and together they produce about 72% of the world's natural rubber.

Workers in rubber tree plantations go out in the early morning to harvest the trees natural rubber. They tap each tree in the prescribed manner and collect the latex in small buckets that hang on each tree. Once the rubber is collected it is delivered to a processing plant where it is then turned into latex using one of two processes; the Dunlop process and Talalay Process.

Where as the Dunlop method uses only natural processes and additives the Talalay method uses a synthetically produced petroleum product called vanillin. Many times you will see Talalay latex mattresses advertised as all natural but it is important to remember that there are some chemicals used during this process. So picking between the two types will basically depend on how "Organic" you want to be.

No matter which type you choose there are several health benefits that are inherent in organic latex mattresses. They are hypo-allergenic, resist dust mites, mold and mildew, and is flame retardant when batted with wool. Let's take a closer look as to why these health benefits are true.

First natural latex derives its hypo-allergenic ability due to the purity standards adhered to during its processing. It is probably the best mattress choice for anyone who suffers from moderate to extreme allergies. Of course those with latex allergies should be wary of purchasing such a mattress but only about 1 to 6% of the population of the United States suffers from this type of allergy.

If you are unsure you can get kits that test for latex allergies. Another unique feature of latex used in mattress construction is its cell structure. This cell structure, referred to as pin core holes, allows the mattress to breath, a feature not found in conventionally built mattresses.

This breathability is what keeps mold, mildew, and dust mites at bay. Just like other mattresses you can get a latex one in a variety of rated firmnesses. These will include extra soft or firm, soft, firm, medium, and super firm.

A neat thing for couples is essentially taking two mattresses of differing firmness and knitting them together, allowing each person the ability to have a side of the bed that they are most comfortable on. If you're looking for an earth friendly alternative in the bedroom then it's hard to beat the benefits and features of an organic latex mattress. From its anti-allergy make up to its supportive yet comfortable feel a natural mattress is sure to give you a good night's sleep.