latexfoamblog

Latex Toppers Should Be 100% Natural

2010-11-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

By: Chris Simmons

Just because you want the great feel of latex doesn’t mean you have to spend THOUSANDS on a new latex mattress. There are several companies throughout the world who specialize in 100% natural latex whether for mattresses or mattress toppers.

If you already have a good mattress and are just looking for an upgrade, why not look into investing in a latex topper? They are a fraction of the cost of a full mattress, much easier to handle and provide the same qualities of the full mattress. These toppers can range in several depths (from 1-2 inches all the way up to 5inches) and come in all standard bed sizes. Even if you have an odd-size bed, with the design of talalay latex, you can easily trim the topper down to the desired size.

FYI, talalay refers to a process by which latex is processed into foam. All foaming is accomplished using mechanical and environmental catalysts. Yeah, you read correct: that means 100% natural. The process does leave minimal inconsistencies in the foam but most are so small you will be hard pressed to find visual blemishes, much less feel them when you are using it. Adding to the comfort of latex toppers are the hundreds of air channels running vertically through the foam. These are a result of the talalay and molding process. These passages reduce the dense springy nature of the foam and allow air to pass through the foam keeping your body at a moderate temperature and not allowing you to become too hot or too cold.

Other than the fact that sleeping on latex is a great experience in and of itself, the best part of latex is, again, it’s completely natural design and components. No harsh chemicals, not pesticides, no funky odor you have to let dissipate before use. 100% natural latex toppers should contain only one ingredient: Latex rubber.

Now, there are many retailers in the bedding industry that are trying to lure people to the fad phrases: “Green”, “Talalay”, or even “100%”. Yes, I did use “100%” and “Talalay” in reference to latex above. The difference? 100% NATURAL Talalay latex. You may find some companies using: “100% Talalay latex” or “Green Latex”. For starters, talalay is a process, not a type of foam. Secondly, green is a color, not a rubber. If you are thinking about making a great investment in a latex topper, be sure to ask the company some questions before you buy. Make sure the latex is 100% natural and not a synthetic blend (both natural and synthetic). You will also want to be sure the company you are purchasing through is reputable and has sales people who can answer your questions with confidence.

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Why You’ll love the Latex Mattress

2010-11-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

Why You’ll love the Latex Mattress

One of the amazing features of a latex mattress is how well it can wrap around the shape of your body. That’s because with the high quality latex mattress, not synthetic of course, its all natural properties give it just the right amount of “suction”, while at the same time being “springy”. You might be confused at how that could take place — how latex mattresses are at the same time “pullers” and “pushers” — since you will notice that right after you get off of a 100% natural latex mattress, it goes back to its original shape almost magically.

The Increasing Popularity of the Latex Mattress

That’s the way latex, a natural rubber, works. Its use has become increasingly popular in bed mattresses because it spreads out the weight that is placed upon it. Those people who have had injuries or pains of many types notice that when they finish sleeping on a latex mattress their pain is lessened or totally eliminated. You see, with the right combination of softness and cradling as well as firmness and bounce that the best kind of latex mattress provides, the sleeper has a very well-rounded, comfortable sleep experience. The weight of his or her body is spread out evenly across the surface area of the bed . So, the pressure points are given a break and disallow too much pressure from being applied to any one spot or part of the body.

You Won’t Sleep too Hot With a Latex Mattress

An additional feature with very good quality latex mattress beds is that they will come with an airflow system that provides for the sleeper to always sleep in a comfortable temperature. If you are sleeping on a botanical latex mattress that has this type of “technology” built in, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to experience that the heat is directed away from your body, and you won’t be stressing that you sleep too hot, like often occurs with a latex mattress that is a blend of synthetic and natural latex.

Choosing a Latex Mattress

If you have never slept on a latex mattress, you really don’t know what you are missing! A botanical latex mattress is hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant, and petroleum chemical free. It’s about the greenest, most environmentally friendly product on the market, aside from fruits and vegetables. But besides all of these wonderful features of a latex mattress, what is really significant is comfort. And there is plenty of comfort with a latex mattress, just as long as you choose one with the right ILD (Impression Load Deflection), which measures how soft or how firm a mattress is. The best possible thing you can do is to purchase a latex mattress that is made-to-order, tailored to your level of comfort.

Finding the Best Latex Mattress For Your Sleeping Comfort

2010-11-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

Finding the best latex mattress can be a bit tricky. Before you go out shopping, you need to gather your facts together so you can make a truly informed decision. Only then can you resist the sales pressure and misleading tactics that are, unfortunately, the typical norm when mattress shopping.

It's essential to understand that there are several different types of latex, and you need to know what, exactly, you're looking for. Here is a brief list:

All-natural latex or 100 percent natural latex is made from the liquid sap harvested from the rubber tree. Since the sap is "tapped" from the bark of the tree during harvest, it does not harm the tree, which goes on to produce more sap. Therefore, all-natural latex is a renewable resource, an important fact if you are looking for an environmentally friendly bed.

Synthetic latex, as you can imagine, is not harvested from a tree but is made in a chemical lab. It is a petroleum-based product, and its technical name is styrene-butadiene rubber (or SBR). The chemists did a very good job of imitating the molecular structure of natural latex. The look and feel of a synthetic latex mattress is quite close to the real (natural) thing.

Blended latex, as the term implies, is a blend of rubber-tree and SBR latex. This is the most common type of latex used in commercial mattresses. Some people claim this is the best material to use, as each type contributes something important to the mattress. They believe that the synthetic version lends more durability, firmness and resilience, while the natural stuff gives you superior breathability, coolness and softness.

Others, however, disagree with that assessment. It is true that at one time all-natural (rubber tree) latex lacked certain qualities of flexibility and durability, and had the tendency to compact and disintegrate with age. That is no longer true, as manufacturing processes have improved. It is now more a matter of cost. Synthetic latex and blends are cheaper than all-natural latex.

The standard proportion of natural to synthetic is about 60-40. Because of the higher percentage of rubber-tree-based latex, many mattress manufacturers describe their entire mattress as "natural latex." Keep in mind, though, that it is not really all natural. It is a blend.

Why can't they just say so? Simple. The word "natural" translates to marketing magic right now. People are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly, healthy, natural ingredients in their products. The bottom line is, they can put a higher price and make a better profit if they ignore the petroleum-based, synthetic SBR content... or just pretend that it doesn't exist!

So is the best latex mattress made with 100 percent rubber tree sap? Many say yes, but others say no.

Synthetic latex or blends can make a very comfortable mattress, with the same desirable qualities -- including durability, breathability and that special combination of "bounciness" and firm, grounded support -- that is unique quality of latex. This is what makes the best latex mattress such a delight to sleep on. Synthetic blends will give you a good mattress at a somewhat better price.

But if natural is what you want, then there is no reason to settle for anything less. Insist on all-natural, 100 percent rubber tree latex, and you'll get what you want.

Now let's talk about the Dunlop versus Talalay issue...

Whether a mattress is made with Dunlop or Talalay has nothing to do with the natural versus synthetic debate. These terms describe two different methods used during the manufacturing process and apply equally to all types of latex.

Latex mattress manufacturing is a multi-step, complex process that involves mixing, filtering, heating, molding, washing, baking, and so on... but to make it very brief, the Talalay method adds a freezing step into the mix that the Dunlop method doesn't have.

This freezing step affects the structure of the latex to give it somewhat softer, lighter and more resilient qualities.

Some people prefer the lighter, bouncier feel of a Talalay latex mattress... and some prefer the firmer, denser feel of a Dunlop.

So while some will insist that the best latex mattress is made from the Talalay process, others will claim that true comfort can only be had with the Dunlop method.

It is really up to you, the individual consumer, to decide what the best latex mattress feels like according to your own unique comfort requirements.

The wisest strategy is to first do your homework so you'll know what questions to ask when you shop around.

Next, try out the different types of latex and decide which offers you the best support and comfort.

Then, decide what matters most to you -- whether it's the eco-friendly all-natural qualities of rubber-tree latex -- or the more budget-friendly but still comfort-friendly qualities of synthetic or blends.

Do keep in mind, however that there is no such thing as a "cheap latex mattress." All versions will cost more than either polyurethane foam rubber or coil spring mattresses. If you see a deeply discounted latex mattress, please beware! It may have non-latex ingredients that you want to avoid. Polyurethane foam cores are often used as a cheap replacement deep inside the mattress -- where the manufacturer figures you'll never venture, so you will not know the difference.

But here is a simple rule: any mattress with polyurethane foam -- is NOT a latex mattress, period. If it is advertised as such, then it's misleading. Avoid that mattress if you want the sleeping comfort and durability of real latex.

Lori Steiner writes on topics related to personal health and creating a healthy home environment. She experienced chronic pain for a number of years and understands the importance of proper mattress quality and support in helping her feel better. Please visit her website, Your Mattress Buying Guide to learn more about the choosing the best latex mattress and other tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lori_Steiner

The Poisons and Allergens That Make up Household Dust

2010-02-23T14:08:00.000-08:00

By JEFFREY KLUGER Jeffrey Kluger – Tue Feb 23, 12:20 pm ET
It's hard to get too worked up about dust. Yes, it's a nuisance, but it's hardly one that causes us much anxiety - and our language itself suggests as much. We call those clumps of the stuff under the bed dust bunnies, after all, not, say, dust vermin.
But there's a higher ick factor to dust than you might think. And there's a science to how it gets around - a science that David Layton and Paloma Beamer, professors of environmental policy at the University of Arizona, are exploring. (See the top 10 scientific discoveries of 2009.)
Layton and Beamer, whose latest study has been accepted for autumn publication in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, knew a lot about their subject even before they set to work. Historically, everyone from chemists to homemakers has tried to figure out just what dust is made of, and the Arizona researchers drew their preliminary data mostly from two studies of household dust conducted in the Netherlands and the U.S. The American survey in particular was a big one, covering six Midwestern states. Layton and Beamer also included a localized study in Sacramento, Calif., that focused particularly on lead contamination. What all those surveys showed was decidedly unappetizing.
The specific dust mix in any household differs according to climate, age of the house and the number of people who live in it - not to mention the occupants' cooking, cleaning and smoking habits. But nearly everywhere, dust consists of some combination of shed bits of human skin, animal fur, decomposing insects, food debris, lint and organic fibers from clothes, bedding and other fabrics, tracked-in soil, soot, particulate matter from smoking and cooking, and, disturbingly, lead, arsenic and even DDT. (Comment on this story)
"There are more [components]," Beamer says. "Dust is a hodgepodge of all sorts of things. It would probably be impossible to make a list of all the possible items."
But dust's ingredient label is not the whole story, since all of those flecks and bits behave very differently and present different levels of health risk. To investigate those factors more closely, Layton and Beamer developed a computer algorithm that looked at the size, source and toxicity of dust particles as well as how easily they enter the house, if they ever exit and, if so, by what route. That information, by extension, can provide at least a rough sense of the dust load in your own home. (See TIME's special report "How to Live 100 Years.")
As a very general rule, the majority of household dust - about 60% - comes from outside, through windows, doors, vents and, significantly, on the soles of your shoes. Smaller dust particles - from 28 to 49 microns, or thousandths of a millimeter - tend to stay on your shoes. The rest is shaken off inside. A higher share of the dust that floats in on the air gets deposited, but again, there's a lot that determines how much any one home will get.
"Here in Arizona," says Beamer, "where we leave our windows open most of the year and have an arid climate, we would probably have a higher ratio." Industrial centers or sooty cities have plenty of dust too, though for different reasons.
There's not much to fret about in simple particles of dirt or organic materials such as pollen (although they can trigger allergies), but lead, arsenic and DDT can be a more serious matter. About one-third of the arsenic in the atmosphere comes from natural sources - volcanoes principally. The rest comes from mining, smelting, burning fossil fuels and other industrial processes. Even in relatively low concentrations, arsenic is not without risk, especially to small children who play on the floor and routinely transfer things from their hands to their mouths. The same is true for lead, which comes less from wall paint - the source most people would expect - than from auto exhaust, smelting and soil deposits. "Lead loading on floors is a key determinant of blood-lead levels in children," Layton and Beamer wrote in their paper. (See "The Year in Health 2009: From A to Z.")
The fact that DDT is still in house dust is a surprise to most people, since the pesticide was banned in the U.S. in 1972. But a house is a little like a living organism: once it absorbs a contaminant, it may never purge it completely. "Dust in our homes," says Beamer, "especially deep dust in our carpets and furniture, is a conglomerate of substances over the life of the home and can provide a historical record of chemicals that have entered it."
The mess that originates within the home is a lot easier to measure and control. The more people who live there, the more skin that's going to be shed, the more pets, the more animal fur. And, as Mom always warned, the more you walk around the house while eating, the more food debris you'll drop on the floor - which also attracts more insects that will die, decompose and add their own special zest to your dust. Cook smoke and tobacco smoke, which are the most obvious contributors when they're being produced, actually make only a small contribution to what winds up on floors and surfaces. The tiny size of the particles makes them likelier to rise and adhere to other surfaces or simply remain in the air than to settle. (See the top 10 medical breakthroughs of 2009.)
It goes without saying that your home will never be dust-free, but there are ways to reduce your own dust loading - and it's important that you try. Dust mites, which feed on shed skin, produce allergens that are known triggers for people suffering from asthma. Same goes for cockroach dust, especially in cities. No one needs much convincing about the wisdom of getting rid of arsenic, and the good news is that about 80% of it can be removed simply by cleaning floor dust regularly.
None of this means that dust poses a clear and present danger or that you need to take any extraordinary measures. Just clean regularly, don't smoke, eat at the table - and try not to freak out. Dust bunnies are still only bunnies; you may just want fewer of them.

Buyer Beware! Greenwashing the Mattress Industry

2010-02-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

In July of 2007 the infamous open flame fire code regulations went into effect, requiring all mattresses to resist an open flame applied to the mattress on the top and side for 90 seconds. As a result, many consumers began to seek out mattresses free from excessive chemical fire-retardants. Over the last two years there has been a proliferation of mattresses from manufacturers labeled as “natural mattresses”. Unfortunately, most of these mattresses do not deliver as advertised.

The only mattress materials that have natural origins are organic cotton, organic wool and 100% natural latex (meaning no synthetic latex has been blended with the natural latex from the rubber tree). Mattresses which are constructed using only these materials have yet to make their way into models from major manufacturers, although a limited selection of 100% natural (sometimes referred to as organic) mattresses have become available on the internet. The claims by many major mattress manufacturers, and some of the boutique “natural” mattress manufacturers, for natural mattresses are often misrepresented by a common advertising tactic known as “greenwashing”.

“Greenwashing” creates a minefield that must be carefully navigated by the consumer in search of a 100% natural mattress, free from chemical fire-retardants and off-gassing from V.O.Cs. In a New York Times article, The Stuffing Dreams Are Made Of?, Julie Scelfo states: “No government agency regulates the labeling of mattresses as “organic” or “natural,” and trade groups like the International Sleep Products Association and the Specialty Sleep Association offer their members no guidelines for using the terms. Throughout the industry — as a number of people within it acknowledged in interviews — promotional materials are rife with vague or misleading information. “The whole thing is a smoke and mirrors industry,” said Ralph Rossdeutscher, the president and owner of Natura World, a manufacturer in Cambridge, Ontario.”

Stick to the basics, organic cotton and organic wool (a natural fire-retardant) for the mattress cover, with only 100% natural latex used as the supporting layers within the mattress and you can rest assured on a 100% natural or organic mattress. Natural latex provides the additional benefits of unsurpassed sleeping comfort combined with its natural properties: hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, resistant to mold, mildew and dust mites. The most durable of all mattress materials, natural latex mattresses generally carry warranties of up to 20 years, with almost no deterioration or body impressions during that time period.

The Lasting Value of A Latex Mattress

2008-04-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

A latex mattress is an investment in the quality of life for you and your family. It is not unusual for a quality latex mattress to out live even two or three conventional innerspring mattresses. The value of the sleep comfort associated with latex mattresses extends into all your waking hours in the form of revitalized energy for work, play and relationships. The quality of the latex utilized in your mattress, whether it is a latex blend or all natural latex, determines the quality of your investment.

When you begin the process of purchasing a latex mattress, begin by first determining the origins of the latex and its composition. You will probably already have decided if you are looking for an all natural latex mattress, usually with an organic cover, or a mattress using blended latex. Both offer the excellent weight distribution and the relief of pressure points that have made latex such a popular sleeping surface. There has been a recent surge of interest in natural latex mattresses, covered with organic materials, as a result of concerns over possible toxic chemicals utilized as fire-retardants. Research carefully and with any online purchase, make certain that you have the opportunity to discuss the details of the latex with a knowledgeable salesperson.

The Importance of Choosing Quality Latex

2008-04-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

Latex mattresses have become the rage on the internet of late and, of course, can vary greatly in price. While the height of the mattress and the quality of the cover are important details in the purchase of a latex mattress, the most important consideration is the source of the latex. Latex can be provided as a blend of synthetic and natural latex, or as all natural latex.

Latex is produced by two different methods, the Dunlop process and the Talalay process, and either process can produce natural latex or blended latex. Adding to the confusion is the prevalence of some mattress and latex suppliers to use the term natural latex for any latex that contains some percentage of natural latex. Equally confusing is the term 100% natural latex, as all latex includes some residual proteins, soap and zinc, and at most can be about 97% natural latex.

The single most important consideration is the actual source of the latex utilized for your mattress, and then the determination of natural or blended latex. All natural latex mattresses have become very popular for consumers who are trying to create a bedroom free of synthetics and chemicals. However blended latex is possibly more durable than all natural and certainly offers all the benefits that latex provides for a premium sleep surface. Considering the durability and extended warranties offered for latex mattresses, it’s worth the cost to purchase latex that you are certain comes from well established latex manufacturers such as Latex International, Dunlopillo, Latex Green, and others. Avoid latex of indeterminate origins as it’s very difficult to ascertain the quality of latex from manufacturers that don’t handle latex in the high volumes of more established companies.

Latex Mattress for the Savvy Sailor

2008-03-27T11:03:00.001-07:00

The close quarters and unusual conditions of a boat make it hard to find a good mattress. Luckily for the sea faring adventurer, there are several innovations in bedding well suited to the demands of the boating. While polyurethane foam, memory foam and latex are all used for maritime bedding, latex is truly the only logical choice of sleep surface for a water bound vessel.
The latex mattress is not only the best quality sleep surface that money can buy, but it is also better equipped to handle the problems an oceanic environment creates for bedding.

Latex is an unparalleled sleep surface both at sea and on dry land. Overall benefits of latex include durability, comfort and support of your posture. Latex spreads the body’s weight more evenly than a normal mattress. This prevents pressure points that cause discomfort, back problems and disrupted sleep. A latex mattress also maintains its firmness so it won’t sag and doesn’t require flipping.

Creating a Bedroom for Safe Sleep

2008-03-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Pollution, in all its forms, has become a justifiable concern in our modern life. Studies have shown that our indoor air is often 3-5 times more polluted in than the air outside. Often it is the very chemicals we use to clean that contribute to air quality problems inside the home. In addition, most bedding and mattresses are treated with a variety of chemicals. Most conventional innerspring mattresses contain chemical fire-retardants and formaldehyde is commonly used to create wrinkle free sheets.

The proximity of harsh or toxic chemicals while you are sleeping is best to avoid. The popularity of the latex mattress, using natural materials in the cover instead of chemical fire-retardants, should come as no surprise. When we consider that a full third of our life is spent in the bedroom, it makes sense to choose the most careful approach in creating a safe refuge that is as chemical and toxin free as possible.

The other important components for safe sleeping are chemical free sheets, blankets and pillows. The best materials are free of synthetic dyes, bleaches and wrinkle proofing treatments. Organic cotton and wool are great choices, and can easily found on-line. Natural pillows filled with buckwheat, natural latex and cotton or wool provide safe sleep comfort free of chemical and dust mites.

Creating Deep and Restful Sleep

2008-03-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

It’s possible that no area of your daily life needs more attention than creating the proper environment for restful, revitalizing sleep. In lifestyles where we regularly depend on the fast pace of our lives to accomplish all our daily tasks, it can be easy to over look our body’s need for deep and restful sleep. Current studies certainly prove this is most often the case. Many consumer are finding the benefits of a latex mattress greatly enhance the quality of their sleep.

Natural sleep refers to the rhythm of sleep habits that enhance the rest and relaxation that you carry forward into your daily life. Sleep creates a reservoir of recovery from daily stress that we draw upon during our waking hours. When this reservoir is deep and clear with powerful and refreshing energy, we bring the best of ourselves into our work and all our relationships.

Surveys have shown that between 40 and 60 percent of the general population regularly has trouble sleeping. It seems that we sometimes assume that a poor night’s sleep goes hand in hand with daily stress and worries, pressure from jobs and families and the aches and pains that accompany aging. However, a solid night of sleep is critical for our overall health and well-being. We just can’t put our best foot forward when a poor mattress robs us of the quality sleep we require.

The Basics of Choosing a Latex Mattress

2008-03-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

The popularity of latex mattresses grows daily and the internet features numerous configurations. However, a quality latex mattress should have three basic features:

1) The mattress should have a latex core of about 6 inches or more which provides the overall support for your body weight. The core of a latex mattress will provide its overall feel of firmness, generally medium or firm cores are the choices provided.

2) Many manufactures then provide the option of an additional layer of latex on top of the core. Sleep position, size and weight will dictate the choice for this layer, so be sure to get expert advice to fine tune your selection.

3) The cover for your latex mattress is equally important. Many consumers now choose a natural latex mattress with an organic cotton and natural wool cover. The addition of wool in the mattress cover provides unsurpassed moisture transport and aids in the regulation of body temperature. Wool is naturally anti-microbial and resists dust mites and mold.

Popularity of the Latex Mattress

2008-03-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Latex mattresses are quickly finding their way into bedrooms across the country…..again. Latex foam was first created by a Dunlop research scientist in 1929 by whisking together liquid latex, soap and gelling agents and baking them in a steam oven. Latex quickly became popular for automotive cushions, seating for cinemas and, of course, mattresses and pillows.

The 1960’s saw the introduction of the more advanced Talalay Latex process, resulting in a product with greater uniformity and consistency that can be washed. Synthetic latex (SBR) can be blended with natural latex in either the original Dunlop Latex process or the Talalay Latex process.

The popularity of the latex mattress is a result of its amazing combination of comfort and durability. Latex can be produced in a variety of firmness levels, which can be layered to create the perfect combination of body support, weight distribution and relief of pressure points. Quality manufactures have begun building all natural latex mattresses by utilizing layers incorporating latex cores, toppers and a covers of organic cotton and organic wool to produce a custom feel for individual firmness comfort levels.