I purchased a natural latex mattress. However, it is not as comfortable as I thought it would be. When I checked its materials and process of making, I found out that it contains 40% synthetic latex. What can I do to avoid this mistake in the future? How can I purchase a certified organic latex mattress?
If you are also planning to purchase an organic latex mattress, you are in the right place.
Latex is a well-known mattress material that is widely utilized to prepare organic and natural mattresses. Although this material and organic nature of the mattress allow more comfort to the user, it can be often overwhelming to select the right mattress.
An array of materials is used in mattresses and various certifications are offered to different qualities of mattresses. To reduce your hassle, we have discussed organic latex mattresses in detail below.
What is Organic Latex Mattress?
The synthetic latex material, which is present in multiple latex mattresses, is extracted from petroleum and varied chemical sources. However, natural latex is derived from trees known as hevea brasiliensis. The liquid of this tree is extracted in an eco-friendly manner without impacting the sustainability of the trees.
There are two ways of making natural latex form:
The Dunlop method, which adds certain stabilizers and other agents to the liquid form of latex. Then, this mixture is heated and cleaned to gain certified organic latex. This is one of the most widely utilized methods for the formation of the latex form.
The Talalay method includes some additional freezing and vacuum steps to control the formation of natural latex in a better way. However, some stabilizers are required in this process as well.
Before putting the prepared latex to use, its pinhole density, amount, and other similar factors are analyzed thoroughly.
Depending upon the quality of latex foam, the firmness rating is often imparted to the mattress. You will find this rating in the form of Identification Force Deflection (IFD). These ratings give an idea of the weight you need to put on the mattress for 25% compression.
How to Buy a High-Quality Organic Latex Mattress?
When you are willing to purchase an organic latex mattress, there are some things that you should keep in mind. We have discussed these factors in the following pointers.
1. Construction
Since organic latex mattresses are not prepared using spring, it becomes necessary to check the foam used in the bed. Sometimes, layers of latex are used and other times, the form is used. It is also possible for the manufacturer to use polyurethane foam. While you may not realize the difference, the presence of cheap polyurethane foams compromises your comfort as well as the benefits offered by organic latex.
2. Type
The type of latex mattress also matters. You may find organic, synthetic, natural, and blended types. The synthetic and blended variants of latex mattress won’t offer a chemical-free environment. It is best to select a mattress, which is prepared using one of the above methods, Talalay and Dunlop.
3. Thickness
The thickness of the mattress defines the level of comfort you can receive from the mattress. However, the price of the mattress is often proportional to the thickness you select.
If you are heavy or you like to sleep on your side, a thicker mattress can offer your extreme comfort and full-body support. A thicker mattress is generally 12-15-inches.
If you are petite or sleep on your back, a mattress with normal thickness can also offer optimum body support. A less thick mattress is generally 6-inches.
4. Identification Force Deflection (IFD)
The IFD of the mattress provides you an insight into the firmness or softness of the mattress. Depending on your requirements, you can select the right IFD quality.
However, if you need a deep idea of how your mattress will offer support to your body, look for a detailed description of each layer’s IFD.
5. Material
Usually, an organic latex mattress is covered with natural material to protect the mattress and support your weight. Either organic cotton or wool is used. Both the materials are great as far as these layers are organic.
Organic cotton is soft against the skin and it is breathable. Organic wool is naturally flame retardant and it can regulate the temperature of the body at night.
Natural Or Organic?
There are three types of latex mattresses available:
- Natural
- 100% natural
- Organic
The natural latex mattress can contain some percentage of synthetic latex. For instance, 20-40% of synthetic latex. The remaining percentage would be natural latex.
The 100% natural latex mattress only contains 100% natural latex. However, the processing and preparation contain additives and chemicals which can harm the individual sleeping on the mattress.
An organic latex mattress is the best type. It is prepared with 100% natural latex material using chemical-free processes. The additives in organic mattresses are below 5%.
Certifications to Check
To ensure that you purchase an organic latex mattress, check for certifications provided by some reputed certificate provider. Here are some of the certifications carried by Flexus Comfort Company's latex mattresses
- Global Organic Latex Standard
- Global Organic Textile Standard
- Oregon Tilth
- Oeko-Tex 100
Conclusion
An organic latex mattress is best suited for the comfort and health of the individual. However, before purchasing, it is necessary to ensure that you purchase a high-quality organic latex mattress. For that, check the above information and make the right decision. Don’t forget to check the certification of the mattress before buying it.
