Latex Mattress

For those looking for the ultimate in luxury, a latex mattress is worth taking into consideration.

When latex mattresses first hit the market back in 1931 they were promoted as being a time saver due to the fact that latex doesn't require turning or fluffing to maintain it's comfort and support. This is still true today; latex is a very durable material and a good latex mattress should last you around twenty years, which is around twice the average life span of a sprung mattress.

Latex foam is a soft, resilient material that contains millions of tiny air bubbles; it gives to pressure but always springs back to retain its original shape, just like memory foam. It contours to the curves of the body, providing support where it is needed and reducing pressure on points such as the shoulders and hips. This even distribution of weight improves circulation and allows for a more restful nights sleep.

The sound and movement absorbing properties of latex foam means that couples can sleep in peace even if one of them is prone to tossing and turning at night; gone are the days of being woken by creaking springs!

A latex mattress feature holes called pin core holes. The purpose of these is to soften the latex and make the mattress more comfortable. The larger the holes are in the latex, the softer the feel of the mattress will be. Most latex mattresses will feature just one size of hole; this gives the mattress a consistent level of support and comfort throughout. Some latex mattresses are comprised of sections of latex with different sized pin core holes, this allows differing areas of comfort and support throughout the mattress. This can be ideal for couples that have conflicting preferences when it comes to mattress firmness, as one side of the latex mattress can be firm and supportive and the other side softer and cosier. These pin core holes, along with the open cell structure of latex, create a highly breathable mattress that will allow excess heat and moisture to be transferred away from the body.

Latex foam is naturally hypoallergenic and has anti-microbial properties, which is great news for allergy suffers; the growth of mould, bacteria and dust mites are inhibited, giving allergy prone individuals the chance to sleep in peace.

There are both natural and synthetic latexes available. Manufacturers of either will tell you that their product is best, some consumers say it is hard to tell the difference so it generally comes down to personal taste. Some manufacturers even use a composite of both types of latex in their mattresses which some say gives a superior product.

Natural latex is made from the milk of the rubber tree and is a good choice for consumers wanting a ‘green' product, as natural latex is a biodegradable and renewable source. This is something to bear in mind considering that sprung beds and synthetic foam mattresses contain a substantial amount of non-biodegradable, non-renewable materials that will eventually end up in a landfill site. In fact, many natural latex mattresses are being marketed as organic because they are generally free from the chemicals used in the manufacture of synthetic materials. These organic latex mattresses are combined with materials such as organic wool and cotton to give a fully natural product free of metals, chemical irritants and environmentally unsound materials. 100% natural latex mattresses do tend to be one of the most expensive mattress options on the market but they are also one of the most durable and resilient. A good quality, all natural latex mattress will last for 20 years or more, which is longer than most other types of mattress available. There have even been reports of natural latex mattresses sold in the 1950's still going strong today!

Synthetic latex was first developed during the Second World War. It is cheaper to produce than natural latex, so synthetic latex mattresses generally cost less than their natural counterparts. In terms of comfort and support, a synthetic latex mattress is comparable to a natural one and will perform just as well. The only real difference in quality could be the longevity of the mattress itself; a synthetic latex mattress won't last as long as natural one. That said though a synthetic latex mattress will still last as long as or even longer than any other type of mattress.

As well as the two types of latex (natural and synthetic), there are also two different manufacturing processes. The original method used is the Dunlop method; here liquid latex is whipped into a foam and injected into moulds before being vulcanised (treated with sulfur at a high temperature). The second, and most recent method is the Talalay method; here too the liquid latex is whipped and injected into a mould, then the air is vacuumed out allowing the latex to expand and distribute evenly throughout the mould before being flash frozen. Finally, carbon dioxide is introduced to the latex before it is vulcanised.

Natural latex mattresses tend to utilise the Dunlop method as it uses all natural materials. The Dunlop process creates denser, firmer, less consistent latex foam, whereas the Talalay process creates less dense foam with a more uniform structure. Some claim that latex mattresses made via the Dunlop method posses a more elastic, sprightly feel that is more responsive to the touch but due to its consistent structure Talalay method latex foam is considered the premium choice for mattresses.

Due to the way in which latex mattresses are made, they are ideal for custom sized beds.