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Every Latex Mattress is NOT Created Equal.

Shopping for a latex mattress can often times be a bit overwhelming. Latex mattresses vary greatly in quality – so much so that some aren’t even really latex! Comparing the various models to ensure you get the type of latex bed you’re looking for is essential. Ask a sleep specialist, at Urban Sleep Store in Los Gatos, or simply ask a salesperson at a big box store these 5 questions. It will make shopping for a latex mattress easier and you’ll know what you’re getting in the end.

Question 1: How many inches of latex rubber is in this latex mattress?

This is an important question because sometimes you’ll find that an 11 inch “latex mattress” has only 3 inches of latex in it. The other 8 inches of mattress is filled with foam or other things. On the other hand, there are true latex beds that have 11 inches of mattress with 10 inches of latex. This is a glaring difference that you need to be aware of. Not only will the latter be more structurally sound, more importantly, the difference in benefits from pressure relief will be remarkably substantial.

What You Need to Know: Make sure you know how many inches of actual latex is used in the latex mattress.

Question 2: Is the Latex Mattress Made from Talalay or Dunlop Latex?

With the Dunlop method, the material is combined with something known as centrifuge. Following this, the resulting liquid is then drained into a mold. From there it is put into a big oven and baked, and during this process, the mold basically sinks to the bottom, which ultimately makes it firmer at the bottom then the top.

The Talalay method for latex mattresses simply adds a few steps, because following the pouring of the material; the mold is then sealed and put in a vacuum. Here, 100% of the air in the mold is eliminated, and at this point, the mold is put through something known as flash freezing.

To learn more about the differences in strength, support and longevity between these two types of latex you can read our article here about the difference between Talalay and Dunlop Latex.

What You Need to Know: Decide, before shopping, whether you want a less pure but longer lasting Talalay latex or the Dunlop latex which is a bit heavier because it’s more pure but has a shorter life span.

Question 3: From What Part of the World is the Latex Made?

When purchasing a latex mattress, we are of the opinion that you should buy mattresses with latex that has been made in the USA. Not only to support the purchasing of US products but because the process used to create the latex in the US is superior to most processes around the world.

The primary difference is the amount of proteins left in the latex. In the United States the Talalay latex is rinsed five times to remove these proteins. Talalay Latex made in other parts of the world is rarely rinsed once if rinsed at all so these proteins remain in the latex. These proteins can be harmful for people with latex related allergies so the latex made in the US (that employs the process of washing) leaves minimal potential for sensitization.

What You Need to Know: Make sure the latex used in the mattress is from US made latex.

Question 4: Is it a Natural Latex Mattress or an All Natural Latex Mattress?

The mattress industry has two latex mattress classifications: “Natural” and “All Natural.”

If the latex mattress you are purchasing is “natural” latex that means that its blended to provide the healthy benefits of latex and deliver more comfort, more pressure relief and more durability.

“All Natural” latex is the purer counterpart. If you’re environmentally conscious this may be the option for you. All natural latex is much purer although it tends to be firmer, heavier, more expensive, and less durable.

Question 5: How is the Latex Distributed in the Mattress?

You want the latex in your mattress to be as close to the surface as possible. This ensures the bed will be breathable, mold and mildew proof, dust-mite resistant and pressure relieving.

It’s important to understand the difference between a “latex mattress” and a “mattress with latex in it”. A lot of “latex mattresses” are not latex at all. In fact, they often contain less than 25% latex. Take a look at the white label attached to the mattress. It will tell you the latex content for any brand of mattress. The more latex you have in a latex mattress, the more pressure relief, durability and support it will deliver.

What You Need to Know: How much latex is in this mattress and where it’s located (look at the Law Label).

Pure Latex Bliss Makes a Superior Latex Mattress

This article was an expansion on an article entitled “The Important Questions” on Pure Latex Bliss’ website Blissipedia. Pure Latex Bliss is a wonderfully crafted latex mattress with many options to choose from. Urban Sleep Store is proud to offer the complete line of Pure Latex Bliss Latex Mattresses.