Latex Mattresses & Memory Foam Difference by Moe Kittaneh
Latex mattresses have been around for a while but are just recently becoming affordable available to the general public. You have likely seen an advertisement or two or heard a friend talking about latex mattresses chances are you have some questions about them.
This article will introduce you to the basic facts benefits of latex foam answer some common questions people have while shopping for latex mattresses.
How is latex bed different from a standard spring mattress how will it benefit me Well a latex mattress is very different from a spring mattress.
First of all a latex bed contains only latex foam. No springs coils padding or filler materials so latex can last 4 or more times longer than a spring mattress. Since the bed is all foam there are no painful springs to poke pinch. These springs cause pressure point sores poor circulation tossing turning muscle pain back pain. Traditional mattresses place all of the body weight on the hips shoulders leaving the lower back unsupported the spine misaligned. Latex foam spreads the body weight evenly across the surface which supports spinal alignment reduces pressure points. In addition to being body friendly natural latex is environmentally friendly biodegradable. Also natural latex does not contain the potentially harmful chemicals found in traditional mattresses.
What are latex mattresses made out of Natural latex is produced from rubber latex trees in a manner similar to the way maple syrup is extracted. Liquid latex is not tree sap but rather a liquid which exists in the layer between the bark wood. Latex foam can be either all natural all synthetic or a blend of the two.
Most mattress will contain a blend of natural synthetic latex as this is the most price efficient way to produce a quality bed. The downfall of blended latex compared with natural is that it no longer biodegradable chemical free. Natural latex is the most desirable but is more expensive to make.
What are the differences between the types of latex There are two different ways to make latex foam the Dunlop method Talalay method. The original method is the Dunlop process in which the liquid latex is whipped to a foam with air sulfur poured into molds then vulcanized another term for heated until the foam is set.
The Talalay process is bit more involved. Basically the foam is poured to partially fill an airtight mold then the air is vacuumed out of the chamber causing the foam to rise to the surface. CO2 is then used to freeze the foam in place after which it heated to set the shape. The latex is then thoroughly washed to remove trace chemicals. The Talalay method produces a more consistent even foam while Dunlop tends to be denser can have inconsistencies. Many recommend using Dunlop foam as mattress cores the Talalay foam for the top comfort layers.
With any mattress the most important thing you can do is try different latex mattress models brands see what you prefer. For consumers interested in the differences between memory foam mattress latex stay tuned for our next article Latex Mattresses & Memory Foam Difference
