Natural latex is popular in the mattress industry, as well as for sofas, loveseats, and armchairs. But what exactly is natural latex? And is it toxic?
Thankfully, natural latex is both safe and sustainable and is the preferred choice over polyurethane or memory foam when searching for an organic mattress.
Keep reading to learn more.
What is natural latex?
Natural latex is made of rubber tree sap. The sap is harvested and baked into cozy layers of latex which are then used inside mattresses, pillows, sofas, and more.
Keep in mind that some brands use a blend of natural and synthetic latex so make sure you opt for truly natural latex that doesn’t have any unnecessary additives.
Look for certifications such as the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) or Cradle to Cradle. These certifications emphasize material purity and sustainability, giving you peace of mind that the product you’re purchasing is indeed healthy.
Is natural latex safe?
Yes, natural latex is considered safe. It is not treated with harmful chemicals such as pesticides or formaldehyde.
However, if you have a latex allergy, you may want to ask for a sample to see if you have a reaction before purchasing a latex mattress.
Not all latex is the same, so while you may react to latex gloves, you may have zero reaction to natural latex. Always speak to your doctor before exposing yourself to any known or potential allergens.
Does natural latex off-gas?
Everything off-gasses but the more important question is: Does natural latex off-gas toxic chemicals? And the answer is no.
This is what makes a natural latex mattress or sofa such an important investment.
For example, we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, which means during that time we’re exposing ourselves to what our mattress off-gases. Mattresses made of memory or polyurethane foam typically off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carcinogens such as benzene.
Getting healthy sleep
The first step towards healthy sleep is choosing a natural mattress.
Savvy Rest offers GOTS-certified organic mattresses made of natural latex. Savvy Rest mattresses are also customizable so you can have the exact feel you want (and even choose a different firmness than your partner’s side).
The most popular Savvy Rest model is the Serenity, which includes three layers of latex.
Yes, natural latex is considered safe. It is not treated with harmful chemicals such as pesticides or formaldehyde. However, if you have a latex allergy, you may want to ask for a sample to see if you have a reaction before purchasing a latex mattress.
Natural rubber latex – A milky fluid that consists of extremely small particles of rubber obtained from plants, mainly from the rubber tree, dispersed in an aqueous medium.
A latex allergy is a reaction to natural rubber latex that can cause hives, itching, swelling, runny nose and watery eyes. Severe reactions can be life-threatening. Management includes avoiding latex and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.
What is Natural Latex Really? Latex is the natural sap from a rubber tree … but the sap needs to be converted first, so it can be made into a mattress. For latex to bake into the layers that form a mattress, curing agents must be added. This means that the final product is never truly 100% Latex.
Natural Latex is Safe, Comfortable and Extremely Durable
Natural latex mattresses are layered to provide different firmness combinations. All that is necessary to complete the mattress is an organic mattress cover.
Natural latex comes from the sap of rubber trees that are native to Southeast Asia. The sap is collected by tapping the tree, much like maple syrup, and then processed to create the final product. Natural latex has many benefits, including being hypoallergenic, breathable, and long-lasting.
Most natural latex used for manufacturing is harvested from Hevea brasiliensis, the rubber tree. But many plants contain latex, including milkweed, poinsettias, mulberries, sunflowers, and some common vegetables, such as artichokes and lettuce. Even banyan trees produce latex.
While synthetic latex isn't necessarily bad, it's not going to be as healthy for you—or the earth—as natural latex. Natural latex isn't only naturally hypoallergenic, but it's also more durable and breathable than synthetic latex.
Latex – Latex refers to any polymer in a water-based liquid or viscous state. The word by itself does not refer to natural rubber latex. Natural rubber – This term includes all materials made from or containing natural latex.
Most people use cosmetic products containing latex without adverse effects. However, some people may have had allergic reactions to latex-containing products. Because of this the FDA is concerned that consumers might not be aware that some cosmetic products contain natural rubber latex.
However, The Mattress Journal states, “The cons of synthetic (latex) include the fact that the polyurethane foam releases environmental toxins during manufacture and will continue to emit carcinogenic gases as it breaks down over the years.”
A latex allergy is a reaction to the proteins present in natural rubber latex. Most people have found they are allergic to latex by using items made from natural rubber, including elastic bands, latex gloves, baby bottle nipples and balloons. Natural latex is known to cause Type I and Type IV allergic reactions.
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