Everything you need to know about latex mattresses

Latex springless and classic mattresses have gained popularity among lovers of comfortable sleep. Reviews of thin models from Thailand and other versions of such products look promising, but manufacturers give very little detailed information about how they are better than PPU, about the pros and cons in general. A detailed review will help you to appreciate the orthopedic mattresses made of latex 160 × 200 cm and other sizes, and will reveal the secret of the popularity of such sleeping accessories.

The latex mattress is filled with foam obtained from the sap of the Hevea tree. It is hypoallergenic, has high elasticity, but does not create an overly hard bed that can interfere with a calm rest. The obvious advantages of natural latex products are:

• long service life - from 10 years;
• natural origin;
• flexibility and elasticity;
• antibacterial properties;
• breathability;
• moisture resistance.

There are also disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the characteristic odor of rubber - 40% of the latex is rubber. But with the right processing, it becomes almost imperceptible.

This material is produced in only two ways. The Talalay method involves centrifuging Hevea juice followed by pouring the foam into special molds, from which air is evacuated. The containers placed in the vacuum chamber cool down and are exposed to chemical attack. Finished products are vulcanized, washed, then proceeded to further processing.

Dunlop technology is similar at the start. The sap of the tree foams, spills, and is heated. The latex produced by this method has a denser bottom layer. The usual foam structure is acquired by the material during the cooling process. It is she who becomes the basis for most latex mattresses.

When choosing a mattress with latex filling, it is often necessary to compare this material with other analogues on the market. Elastic and resilient foam can have the effect of Memory Foam with the memory of the body position, but even in its usual performance, such a basis quite copes with its tasks.

Most often, struttofiber and polyurethane foam are compared with latex. The first material looks a bit like a synthetic winterizer, it has a fibrous structure made up of polyester. Natural cushioning elements in struttofiber - horsehair, wool, flax, coir. It costs less than latex, but is completely inferior to it in terms of performance.

Orthopedic latex mattresses can be produced with memory effect or in their usual design. As a cover - removable or one-piece - sisal, knitwear, jacquard fabric are used. The main division into types is based on the type of base used in the mattresses.

1. Natural. These mattresses are made from natural raw materials. They fully possess the advantages of latex and are produced from foamed hevea juice.
2. Synthetic. Artificial latex is characterized by increased rigidity and density. It is less durable than natural, wears out faster.
3. Mixed. This category includes combination mattresses in which artificial and natural latex are combined in a multi-layer structure. With the right choice of components, such a base can be even more successful.

The size range largely depends on which beds the product is intended for. Thickness varies from 11 to 20 cm and more, the most popular indicator – 15 cm, for thin toppers it does not exceed 40-60 mm. Single-bed models are available in sizes 80x200, 80x190, 90x200 cm. Double models have indicators of 140x200, 160x200, 180x200 cm. Standard options from different manufacturers may differ by 5-10 mm.

Most of the latex mattresses are imported from Southeast Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia. It is there that the main plantations of hevea are located - a rubber plant used in the production of foamed base. Domestic producers also use imported raw materials. Among the companies deserving attention are Atlant, Latex Comfort, Multi Latex.

The most popular mattress models in this category are worth considering in more detail.

• Latex bio 2. The mattress of the Russian manufacturer "Atlant" refers to products of medium hardness. Inside is an independent spring block surrounded by dense layers of latex and a coconut slab.

• Dreamline Sleep Smart Zone. The combination of an independent spring unit and a seven-zone layer of latex foam provides a pronounced massage effect, creates a comfortable environment for sleep and relaxation. The mattress is supplied in a knitted cover. Designed for a load of up to 150 kg per seat, it is characterized by an average degree of rigidity, it is presented in a wide range of sizes.

• Consul. One of the most popular models in the assortment of products of the Multi Latex brand. A spring mattress with natural filling has different degrees of firmness for each side. Produced in a wide range of sizes, withstands a load of up to 100 kg per seat. The block of independent springs is surrounded by natural latex layers on 2 sides.

• "Only Soft Lux". Dimax products belong to the category of soft mattresses, since they do not have a spring block inside. This is a 100% latex mattress in the form of a monolithic slab 140 mm thick. Supplied in a version with a removable and non-removable cover, the fabric of which is impregnated with the antibacterial composition AloeVera, quilted with padding polyester. The product is hygroscopic, the model is designed for a weight of up to 120 kg per bed, suitable even for people with orthopedic problems.

• Compact New. The mattress from the Russian brand "Ascona" is made of synthetic latex in the form of a monolithic plate without spring blocks. The material used is GreenFlex containing soy extract. This is a fairly cheap product, more rigid than natural counterparts, resistant to thermal effects. One side is embossed with a massage effect.

• Lonax Latex 14. Springless monolithic mattress with natural latex slab. The product provides several zones with different degrees of rigidity. The mattress has a height of 150 mm, withstands a load of up to 110 kg, has a hypoallergenic structure, does not make noise during the most restless sleep.

• Comfort Line Latex2 Eco Roll. The model, made of a combination of natural and artificial latex, has 2 sides with varying degrees of rigidity, 140 mm thick, withstands a load of up to 110 kg per berth.

Finding a quality latex mattress is quite simple - most manufacturers have such models. But you should not count on solid savings. Pure natural latex is expensive, and the spring combination models still do not provide the expected effect for maximum comfort and relaxation.

However, when choosing the best option, not only the price is important, but also a number of factors.

1. Marking. The NRL mark indicates the natural origin of the filler, SBR is placed on artificial latex mattresses. They are often used in combination to obtain optimal stiffness and consumer properties. This is especially true for multi-zone mattresses.
2. Density. In order for latex foam to have a memory effect, it must have this figure in the range from 34 to 95 kg / m3. For ordinary quality mattresses, these parameters are lower.
3. Structure. Monolithic and multilayer products are on the market. The first option is the softest, with an excellent supportive effect. The presence of the relief allows you to get a massage effect during sleep. Multilayer products allow you to vary the degree of hardness in different zones, make it possible to better adapt the mattress to the peculiarities of the body structure.
4. Maximum permissible load. It is indicated on the basis of 1 berth. Latex mattresses are considered one of the most reliable in this regard. Models with a spring block easily transfer the weight of 100-130 kg into place, completely soft - up to 200 kg.
5. The degree of hardness. It is determined not by the presence of orthopedic properties, but by the density of the porous material. The softest and thinnest products are called toppers - they are easily combined with existing bases. The most rigid models are combined, with a spring block and an insert made of coconut coir.
6. Compliance with the size of the bed. You need to very carefully measure the inner perimeter of the bed in advance. It is not worth relying on standard indicators, as well as reducing the difference of 1 cm. The mattress should sit tightly.

Keeping a latex mattress in order is a task that most buyers have to solve on their own. There are little secrets here that you need to know about.

1. Latex foam does not need any special care. If you have a mattress topper and a cover, you do not need to subject it to any additional manipulations.
2. Ultraviolet light is harmful. Unlike downy products, latex products should not be periodically exposed to the sun for ventilation and disinfection. If you neglect this advice, the surface of the mattress can become more rigid, covered with characteristic sticky brown spots.
3. Thermal exposure is prohibited. Not only direct sunlight can damage the product. No less dangerous are hot batteries, an iron, a cup of coffee placed directly on the mattress. Overheating will deform the latex foam. Store mattresses in a heated room, as the material becomes fragile in the cold.
4. Dust removal. It is recommended to vacuum the latex mattress on a monthly basis, even with a cover. The possibility of using the steam generator in this case is not too great, this can lead to deformation of the product.

Do not postpone cleaning if stains appear. Any liquids must be wiped off before they are absorbed. Fresh coffee and wine stains can be removed with salt. It is better not to clean the old ones with aggressive chemical compounds, dispensing with surface treatment. You can use a soft cloth and soapy water, the soda will remove the unpleasant odor.

According to buyers, the purchase of a latex mattress can be a good solution for those who do not like too much crumpled spring bases. Such products are distinguished by high elasticity, provide good support for the body during sleep, without deformation and painful sensations. Some variants have a memory effect that adapts the bed to the individual characteristics of the human anatomy. Buyers note the convenience of transportation and storage - the mattress can be rolled up.

Such products are tougher, they are often taken by people with a lot of weight. Sleeping on a very firm base is not very comfortable. In addition, the mattress's lifespan is almost halved. Models made of natural latex receive negative reviews only for their massiveness - such a base for a double bed weighs about 40 kg.