Latex Mattresses (44 Photos): Made Of Natural And Artificial Latex, Thin With Coconut, Pros And Cons, Reviews

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 13:49

Increasingly, latex mattresses and pillows can be found on store shelves. Natural latex is made from rubber extracted from the sap of the Hevea tree. The resulting raw material undergoes long-term processing, resulting in a viscous mass with unique characteristics.

What it is?

Natural latex is particularly flexible. Mattresses made from this material are considered the best in the world and have a number of unique qualities.

Artificial latex is made from synthetic rubber by technology called emulsion polymerization. The differences between synthetic and natural latex are significant.

Filler types

Natural latex is expensive - the minimum price for a mattress made from this material starts at $ 500. Natural latex contains a little more than 80% of rubber, in the fillers for mattresses - from 40% to 70% of rubber.

Artificial latex is cheaper , it is noticeably tougher, its service life is relatively short. Often economic factors are decisive in purchasing, but demand for artificial latex products is not diminishing.

Latex filler can withstand heavy loads. It can be assembled as a monoblock or alternate with other fillers made of artificial materials.

Artificial latex - highly elastic polyurethane foam (HR brand filler), which is made from butadiene and styrene monomers. Compared to other types of polyurethane foam, artificial latex is more flexible, durable and inexpensive.

Artificial latex can often be found in spring mattresses and monolithic mattresses.

Artificial and natural latexes differ markedly.

Artificial latex:

• Absorbs liquids;
• Has a yellowish tint;
• Has a chemical odor.

Natural latex has an oily surface to the touch, but no traces of it remain on the palms, moisture is not absorbed into such material. As the temperature rises, latex becomes sticky, and if the temperature drops to minus marks, it becomes brittle.

The main quality of natural latex is that it is extremely wear-resistant and can serve for more than four decades without losing its properties. Latex is used as the base of the mattress, differentiating into different degrees of hardness (from 3 to 7).

If possible, before buying it is best to "test" the mattress by taking a horizontal position on its surface.

What is better than polyurethane foam?

When buying a mattress, many are lost, not knowing what to prefer - a product made of latex or polyurethane.

Advantages of a natural latex mattress:

• Elasticity;
• Elasticity;
• Harmless;
• Does not absorb moisture;
• Easy to clean.

Of the shortcomings, we can say about the high cost.

Artificial latex is made from polymers that are foamed with water vapor. According to its characteristics, it is very similar to foam rubber - it restores its shape well, but has a relatively short service life.

If in the first place is the question of saving money, then it is most rational to purchase a product made of artificial latex.

The best choice is a branded natural latex mattress. Advantages:

• Does not accumulate static electricity;
• Ideal for a child's body between the ages of 9 and 14, when the spine is actively forming;
• Has a long service life;
• Stimulates blood circulation.

Mattresses can have an orthopedic effect with varying degrees of firmness.

Manufacturing methods

There are two technologies for making latex mattresses. The first method is called Dunlop , it has existed since the 30s of the last century. With it, foam is whipped in an industrial centrifuge, then the product is poured into special forms and settled. With this technology, latex is harder.

Talalay technology - This is a method in which the foamed mass is poured into molds and placed in vacuum chambers, due to which the bubbles in the substance are evenly distributed throughout the entire volume. After packaging in sheets, latex is frozen at -30 degrees. Partitions burst in the bubbles and the mattress becomes "breathing".

Further, the substance is treated with carbon dioxide, which forms micropores. After that, it is heated up to +100 degrees Celsius, after which the latex is vulcanized. The resulting substance is cooled again, then heated again.

The Talalay process is more complex. The production of one product requires more time and labor, therefore, the material is more expensive, but it also has outstanding qualities.

Which of the technologies is better - Dunlop or Talalay, is difficult to answer . The mattress made according to the first method is more resilient, in Russia it has received greater recognition. The objects made by the second method are more airy and softer, their structure is almost homogeneous. These mattresses have excellent air circulation, which ensures the ideal temperature for the entire block. In hot weather, this factor is especially appreciated.

Pros and cons of the material

The latex mattress must be certified according to the following standards:

• Oeko-Tex;
• Eurolatex;
• LGA;
• Morton Thiokol.

Latex, which is 100% natural rubber, is in great demand. PVC additives are not always a good solution because they give off an unpleasant odor. A real latex mattress smells like baked milk.

Chemical additives are harmful to health, especially for the younger generation aged 0-16 years. Therefore, if possible, it is better to purchase a thing in which at least 70% latex.

To quickly check how high-quality the product is, you can conduct a small test. Put a glass of water on the right side of the mattress, then jump on the left side. If the thing is made with high quality, then the glass of water will remain motionless. Another positive quality of latex is that it does not make unnecessary noise. There are no toxins in such products, this fact is confirmed by the strict Oeko-Tex certification.

Another positive quality of a latex mattress is durability . It can serve for many years without changing its properties. Dust mites that provoke allergies are absent in latex mattresses.

If we talk about artificial latex, then mattresses made of such material bend better. They are also in good demand on the market due to the harmonious combination of low prices with excellent functional characteristics.

Artificial latex was originally developed for the defense industry. Its second name is latex foam rubber. It is based on foamed polyester and isocyanate. In the production of such a product, foam with a density of 26 to 34 kg per m3 is used.

Disadvantages of Artificial Latex:

• There is a chemical odor;
• Serves no more than 10 years;
• Poorly tolerates high temperatures.

Varieties

Antiseptic and other additives are usually added to latex. Manufacturers can write in the output that the mattress is 100% natural latex, however, additional components are present in the product anyway. The reason for this is that it is necessary to protect it from fungal attack and premature damage from moisture.

The combined latex mattress can consist of one or more layers and is a sandwich with coconut coir and holofiber.

Multilayer latex mattresses have some advantages. Layers can be interchanged, adjusting to the parameters of the body. For example, a composition of 16 cm and 5 cm layers is preferred over a single 21 cm layer.

Memory foam latex mattresses are made in a variety of qualities , therefore, the range of prices is significant. Sometimes such products can cost more than one thousand dollars. The structure density of the memory foam latex mattress varies from 34 to 95 kg / cu. m. The higher the density of the foam, the longer the product retains heat. With the disappearance of the load and body heat, the substance takes on its original state. On such products, the body is fixed in the maximum number of points, which gives a feeling of absolute relaxation.

The use of a latex mattress is especially useful for a child's body when the skeleton is just being formed and there is a high risk of curvature of the spine. Modern children experience increased stress on their backs, carrying huge backpacks full of books and spending many hours at school at their desks or at home preparing lessons.

For babies, a double-sided mattress is the best choice. Such a product has two types of rigidity. The harder side is suitable for the little ones who are not yet one year old.

The advantages of a similar latex product:

• Strength;
• Durability;
• Elasticity;
• Does not contain allergens;
• Has a beneficial effect on the development of the skeleton;
• Does not emit unpleasant odors;
• Air exchange takes place inside;
• Does not crumple;
• Restores its shape quickly.

The softness of the latex mattress is provided by microgranules with air, they deform under the influence of body weight. The level of hardness is directly proportional to the number of such cells per cubic centimeter. If there are certain additives in the latex mattress, then it acquires the corresponding rigidity.

Dimensions (edit)

The most popular children's mattresses are available in sizes:

• 63x158;
• 120x60;
• 65x156;
• 68x153;
• 80x150;
• 75x120.

Sizes for single adult models:

• 190x80;
• 160x70;
• 73x198.

For a double bed, the optimal parameters are:

• 140x200;
• 160x200.

A good rest largely depends on how thick the mattress is. The thinnest specimens do not exceed a height of 7 cm, it is uncomfortable to rest on such products. Experts do not recommend using them for children, as well as for patients with osteochondrosis. There are models with a layer thickness of 10, 12, 15, 17 cm. Such products also belong to the category of thin ones.

The optimum height of a monolithic bed is from 15 to 30 cm. Mattresses with independent spring blocks are available in thickness from 18 cm.

Mattresses with many layers are considered more comfortable. Premium models are 25 to 42 centimeters thick. The most common standard is 18 to 24 cm, ideal for an adult.

The width of the mattress should be slightly less than the width of the bed, otherwise the edges will hang down, which leads to inconvenience and inadequate sleep. Sometimes, if the bed is too wide, two mattresses are purchased that correspond in size to the specified parameters.

Manufacturers rating

Before buying a latex mattress, you should definitely test it and try to lie down on it. A different mattress is suitable for each person, men most often like harder products, while women prefer softer ones.

Russians annually bring thousands of units of latex products from Thailand and Vietnam. Thailand is famous for quality natural latex and products made from it. There are dozens of latex factories in the small country, especially in the southern regions. They produce not only mattresses, but also pillows, headrests and other products.

It is recommended to purchase goods from well-known manufacturers only. Even if the price of the products is dumping, it is not worth purchasing a latex mattress of dubious quality. A good double sample is priced at no less than $ 400, a pillow from $ 70.

The highest prices for products - traditionally tourist places - are in Koh Samui, Phuket, Pattaya. Best Latex Firm in Thailand - Patex. Good products are made by Durian, Knobby.

In terms of quality, mattresses from Vietnam are not inferior to products from Thailand. Vietnam is traditionally considered one of the largest suppliers of latex to the world market.

When buying, you should pay attention to the initial data . If the label says 100% latex, then you shouldn't believe it, especially for little-known manufacturers. Companies, whose trademarks are not "promoted", try to save as much as possible on expensive raw materials during production.

It is recommended that you purchase items from well-known brands, even if you have to overpay for them a little. For example, the Lien factory makes quality mattresses. Its products can often be found in stores throughout our country. The products of this manufacturer correspond to the declared characteristics that are present on the label

How to choose?

It is not recommended to buy designer products, but mattresses from manufacturers you can trust. Before making a final choice, it is better to read the reviews. With such information, it will be easy to navigate the vast variety of offers and to search for the right thing that will meet your needs will become much easier. It is better to collect information from different sources, since paid reviews are common on the Internet. When making a purchase, the seller can be an important source of information. Not only is he interested in selling a latex mattress, it is also important to him that there is no return to the store.

Serious manufacturers provide up to ten years warranty Moreover, they are ready to change products after several years of operation, if any problems suddenly arise. To take advantage of this warranty case, you must keep the mattress intact. It is also very important that the violation in its work was precisely a production defect, and not mechanical damage. The service department of most companies makes sure that unscrupulous buyers do not deceive them and carefully monitor the quality of products supplied to the market. so such cases are rare.

It is important to evaluate the firmness and size of the mattress. Each person chooses a thing for himself - someone likes the mattress to be soft or medium firm, someone on the contrary. The density of the material also matters. In this regard, multilayer mattresses are in greatest demand.

When buying, you should check the availability of certificates and product certificates. If their authenticity is in doubt, then it is better to refrain from purchasing the thing, even if it has an attractive price. Dumping price is another trick of unscrupulous manufacturers, who thus try to sell goods that do not meet the required standards.

Care

The advantages of a latex mattress are well known:

• Dust mites do not get along in it;
• It does not provoke the development of allergies;
• The product can be used for up to 40 years.

Latex also has disadvantages. It cannot be stored at subzero temperatures, as it cracks. If, however, this happens, then there is a special compound that glues the latex.

The mattress is machine washable , but he is "afraid" of detergents in which chlorine components are present. It is also not recommended to keep such products in direct sunlight for a long time.

The mattress needs a good base. The bed must have high quality slats. If it is very large, then it needs additional support in the center of the bed. It is recommended to turn the product over every three months so that it does not sag in places of constant stress. If possible, in warm sunny weather it is recommended to ventilate it by placing it under a canopy in the fresh air.

It is also necessary to change the places of the mattress from the position of the head to the feet. It is recommended to do this every 3-4 months. All children love to jump on mattresses, but it is strongly discouraged to do so, since even high-quality products cannot withstand large point loads.

For a mattress to last longer, you should definitely use mattress toppers. They take the brunt of the loads. It is recommended to vacuum the product once a month. Inevitably, dust and various microparticles get on its surface, which serves as a breeding ground for the appearance of bed mites.

To clean mattresses, you should use shampoo or soap solution, which is easy to prepare yourself. This is done as follows: dishwashing detergent (70 g) is added to the glass. Then the contents are poured into the mixer. The device turns on, a thick foam appears, which will be a means for cleaning the mattress.

Customer Reviews

The lion's share of comments about latex mattresses are positive, but there is always a problem of choice. The prices for latex mattresses are high, so buyers often wonder how to buy a good quality mattress so that it suits in all respects without spending a lot of money. To do this, it is best to buy such products in an offline store during the sales period, so as not to stumble upon a fake.

Often there are discussions about the amount of natural latex from a particular manufacturer . Hevea juice hardens for twelve hours, so real connoisseurs of comfortable rest claim that natural latex mattresses can be bought only in Sri Lanka, Vietnam or Thailand. This question is controversial. The frozen juice of hevea is just a valuable raw material, but it is possible to make a wonderful thing out of it with the availability of modern technologies at any time.

Latex mattresses made according to the Ergo Foam method are also in noticeable demand. Such products are slowly but steadily conquering the Russian market. Customers are increasingly preferring these particular mattresses.