What is latex in mattresses
If you ask a consumer what kind of material real latex is, he will be confused and unlikely to answer the question.
The content of the article
What is natural latex in mattresses
This is the sap of rubber trees. By its nature, the material is fragile and therefore it is supplemented with other ingredients. So, latex will not deteriorate from moisture and light.
Latex containing 85% rubber is considered pure and juice content limits from 45 to 65% it is enough for the material to become more elastic and resilient. It is often used to make mattresses with spring and springless blocks.
Most often, the manufacturer takes proportions with a 20% rubber content to produce the material, because natural latex is much more expensive than artificial latex. “Natural” latex is suitable for a springless mattress block or it is combined with other fillers (coconut coir, etc.)
Important! Natural latex has a beige or yellow tint and a soft smell of baked bread.
Its advantages:
- Microorganisms do not live in mattresses made from it.
- At night it does not heat up from the body of the sleeper
- Durable, does not lose shape, ergonomic
- Elastic. The body takes an anatomical shape during sleep.
- Anti-allergenic material
- The service life of such a mattress is 10–15 years.
Its disadvantages:
- High cost in comparison with an artificial analogue.
- Afraid of high temperatures
What is artificial latex in a mattress?
An analogue of natural material, created for military purposes. Another name is latex foam rubber. The basis of which is simple or complex foamed polyester and isocyanate. In the production of synthetic latex for mattresses, foam with a density of 25 to 35 kg/m3 is used.
Its virtues
- is not a breeding ground for dust mites;
- comfortable, easily adapts to body shape;
- does not crush;
- good for allergy sufferers.
Its disadvantages
- short service life compared to its natural counterpart, only 5–10 years;
- afraid of high temperatures;
- smells bad of chemicals.
Important! When purchasing, you should request certificates of quality and conformity from the seller.
How is latex made for a mattress?
Natural material made from Hevea sap. This unusual plant grows in Brazil; today, it can be observed in Thailand, Malaysia, Africa and other countries. The tree can grow both in the jungle and on plantations created by man. The plant has an antiseptic effect, so the tree does not begin to rot when cut to extract juice and quickly recovers.
- Hevea juice is collected and poured into a deep container;
- in it the composition is mixed with other ingredients and poured into a container;
- in it, Hevea juice is foamed and poured into molds, placed on vulcanization at a temperature of 100 degrees;
- The latex block is pulled out of the mold, dried, tested and packaged.
Proper use of latex mattresses
Do not expose the mattress to direct sunlight:
- absolutely cannot be bought in bed;
- Precautions should be taken when using an iron or curling iron on a bed. The mattress may shrink;
- Do not leave it in cold rooms. Latex is similar to plastic at low temperatures. It will crack easily;
- In case of damage, use special latex glue.
Caring for a latex mattress
The mattress is easy to clean and is not afraid of exposure to water. Latex products can be wetted and even washed in a bathtub or washing machine. For minor stains, wipe it with a cloth with a small amount of detergent, but do not clean it with chlorine-containing substances or keep it in the sun.
In custody
Latex is a durable and high-quality material. It is well ventilated and removes moisture from the body without changing shape. With proper care, the mattress will last for many years and will delight you and your loved ones. You cannot jump on it, which is important if you decide to use it in a children's room.
Important! Every 3-4 months the product is turned over. You should only buy a latex mattress from well-known companies that have proven themselves in the market.
It is recommended to choose a product with a minimalist design and the absence of many layers. During use, multi-layer products can move, making them uncomfortable for sleeping. When choosing a mattress, you should give preference to products made from Sri Lanka or India because Hevea juice can be stored for no more than 12 hours, and it should be translated for further processing. The birthplace of a mattress can be a guarantee of its quality.
You will also find a video about the production of latex for mattresses useful.