This page is a continuation on our introduction to latex foam. More technical aspects are discussed here. For those seeking more of a brief overview, page 1 will be the best place to start.

Although latex allergies are cause for concern, the type of latex foam used in mattresses and pillows is incredibly safe. Latex is a touch allergy, which means you have to come in direct contact with it to have a reaction.

Latex proteins, which are harmless and benign to most people, cause allergic reactions to a very small percentage of the population. Proteins migrate to the surface of products like gloves and condoms and attach to powders and lubricants added during manufacturing. When the glove comes out of the package, the powder becomes airborne and enters through your respiratory system and pores.

Latex mattresses are manufactured differently than most latex products though.

• Mattresses are washed thoroughly during manufacturing
• Neither powder nor lubrication is added
• You never touch latex when you sleep on a latex mattress

All of the natural latex products we offer are covered, ensuring no direct contact. We have had many success stories where our clients were sensitive to latex medical gloves and subsequently purchased and happily recommend their latex mattress, free of any symptoms.

The Mattress & Sleep Company offers a unique buy-back programme on all natural latex products we sell. In the highly unlikely event of a documented medical reaction, The Mattress & Sleep Company will issue a full refund on the purchase price of any natural latex products proven to cause an allergic reaction.

Under most circumstances, a strong case can be made for natural latex being the superior product.

Although synthetic latex does mimic the feel and comfort of natural latex, it does not offer many of the same health benefits. Natural latex contains proteins which severly limit the ability of dust mites and other allergens from forming.

Natural latex is desirable for it's unique ability to stretch without breaking. Synthetic latex simply does not offer this same "stretchability" which leads to a less durable, less supportive product. Certain types of natural latex take this concept even further. For example, Green Sleep has created their own custom rubber tree, which is 20% more elastic than the standard Pará rubber tree.

North Malaysia 600 is Green Sleep's own exclusive proprietary process. Green Sleep's Natural Rubber cores are derived from their very own tree farm. These trees have been bud grafted to create the North Malaysia 600 seed which in turn produces the purest most elastic rubber on the planet. No latex or synthetic fillers are added to core production.

One of the primary benefits of sleeping on a latex mattress is the ability of the mattress to conform properly to body shape. As the natural latex cells are more malleable and stretchable than standard synthetic latex it is easy to see why its ability to conform to the complex shape of the human body is enhanced when using higher natural latex content.

When it comes to synthetic latex the primary advantage remains to be one of price. Natural latex is more expensive to produce as the harvesting process is relatively slow so as to ensure sustainability of the trees. For those that cannot justify the cost of 100% natural latex, a blend of natural and synthetic latex will keep cost more reasonable. Natura offers 60% synthetic/40% natural blend latex in all of their standard mattresses.

The term "organic latex" is used in our industry to describe a product which should actually be termed "natural." Technically speaking it is impossible to make organic latex foam. A foaming agent must be added to the hevea milk during production. With natural latex this foaming agent is also 100% natural and is not harmful.

Should you come across a retailer or salesperson offering "organic latex" please ask them to clarify what they mean. Our experience shows that this claim can mean anything from 100% natural latex to 100% synthetic latex.