Natural Latex Foam
Natural latex foam is one of the most durable materials for a mattress. Its comfort potential was discovered in the early 1900s, and we’ve been using it for manufacturing mattresses and pillows since then.
Read on to learn how natural latex foam is made, where it comes from, and how it compares to other popular materials like memory foam.
What Is Natural Latex Foam and How Is It Made?
Natural latex foam is made from milky white liquid extracted from the rubber tree, also known as Hevea brasiliensis. Although these trees are native to South America, they were spread worldwide in the 19th century and are now mostly grown in warmer climates. This white sap is collected similarly to maple syrup.
The harvester makes a small cut in the tree’s bark, and the latex runs down the side of a tree into a container (usually a coconut shell). The process is slow, and it usually takes a whole day to fill a small container.
Once the sap is collected, it is whipped into a froth and mixed with several other additives such as sulfur. The latex foam is then poured into a mold with tiny rods and baked during a process called vulcanization. It allows molecules to cross-link, giving latex mattresses that characteristic flexibility and bounciness. The latex is then removed from the mold, washed, dried, and inspected for imperfections.
The main ingredient of the milky white liquid is polymer isoprene. There is also a synthetic latex foam, and it’s made of other materials such as petrochemicals, butadiene, and styrene. That makes it completely different than natural latex.
How Durable is Natural Latex?
Durability is one of the main selling points of latex mattresses. While the lifespan of standard mattresses is 7-10 years, the latex ones can last anywhere between 10-20 years.
The natural rubber is resilient, so your latex mattress can stay in its original shape for many years without showing any sign of deterioration. That is why buying this type of mattress is perfect for people looking for a long-term sleeping solution.
What Is the Difference Between Latex and Memory Foam?
You probably wonder how natural latex foam compares to memory foam. After all, it is one of the most popular mattress materials.
Firstly, we must say that both latex and memory foam are great options for your mattress, and you can choose either one based on your sleeping preferences, budget, and other factors.
The main characteristics of memory foam are the soft feel and contouring abilities. You sink into the mattress, and it feels like it’s hugging you. This feature offers superb pressure relief and comfort. On the other hand, latex is more bouncy, and while it offers moderate pressure relief, you won’t have that sinking feeling. So, it’s better for people who like to sleep on the top of the mattress instead of sinking into it.
Latex is more durable and environmentally friendly, but it is also more expensive. It’s naturally resistant to dust mites, so it’s great for people with allergies. It’s also more breathable than memory foam, and it doesn’t retain body heat.
Natural Latex Foam Pros and Cons
Pros:
- It’s durable It is highly breathable
- It’s excellent for hot sleepers
- It’s highly responsive It’s eco-friendly
- It provides support, comfort, and pressure relief
- It’s hypoallergenic
Cons:
- It’s the heaviest mattress type
- Poor motion isolation
- It’s expensive
- Sometimes has an initial rubbery smell
Where to Buy a Natural Latex Foam Mattress?
If you are looking for a mattress made from natural latex, CustomMattress.com is the perfect place for it. Our Sleepify® Mattress features a top layer made from natural latex foam that provides soft touch and superb comfort. And the best thing is that it’s fully customizable. You’ll be able to choose everything, from the exact dimensions to the firmness level. That way, you always get the mattress you want.
