100% Natural Bedding: Latex Mattresses, Toppers and Pillows



Latex Mattress Buyers Guide

 

The latex mattress as a sustainable product


Eco-friendly, Biodegradable and all-natural.
With resources depleting and garbage being pushed into the earth at an overwhelming rate, there is little wonder why there is a ecological nightmare waiting to happen. Innerspring beds represent a substantial amount of nonrenewable, non-biodegradable resources that will simply be thrown into landfills.

With the mattress market currently exploding with all sorts of new mattress designs, shouldn't environmental implications be paramount in any new mattress design? This may seem too optimistic at first glance, but the reality is that such an eco-friendly product is already available. Natural latex mattresses are the product of natural latex rubber, which is the milky sap from the rubber tree (hevea brasiliensis), with a small percentage of natural fillers.

These trees are cultivated on plantations in South Asia, South America, Africa, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, providing jobs for numerous indigenous people. Once the trees have reached the end of their latex producing lives they are cut down, and replanted with new rubber tree clones. The timber is used to manufacture furniture and in construction, ensuring that there is no waste.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi concerned with the exploitation of the forests by logging companies, as well as the inherent effects on biodiversity, proposed a long term plan to ensure sustainability of these important resources. "We want to give priority to plantation forests where only one species of tree may be planted such as new rubber clones which could be used for furniture making and construction materials after their latex have been fully tapped," he said after chairing the 16th National Forestry Council meeting in Putrajaya.


On top of being eco-friendly and biodegradable, natural latex mattresses supply a superb sleeping surface, relieving pressure points with outstanding support that's much better than memory foam. The natural latex mattress is clearly a wonderful choice for the consumer and for the environment.

 

 

Latex mattress buyers' guide

 


    What to know and what to ask when you buy Latex mattresses.

      Deciding to invest in any new mattress is often approached with a great amount of reluctance. With the amount of choices out there and everyone proclaiming the superiority of their product it's hard to settle on a mattress without feeling you might have missed out on something better. The range of prices, features, and stores can make your head spin. This latex mattress buyers' guide will help you avoid some of the pitfalls associated with shopping for a new latex mattress.

      Be sure that quality latex is used throughout the latex mattress.
        In the latex mattress industry there are several manufacturers that produce consistent high quality latex for use in latex mattresses. These companies are Dunlopillo, Latex International, and Arpico. Look out for low end latex such as that coming out of China. Latex mattresses made with cheaper latex foam will not provide the same feel, support, or longevity as latex mattresses constructed from quality material.


      The cover DOES matter on a latex mattress.

        It can be easy to overlook the broad spectrum of materials used to make latex mattress covers. Very basic, cheap materials make the price look good, but do nothing to improve the feel or performance of the latex mattress.  Organic cotton offers great breathability, and is very environmentally friendly.

        Wool presents a naturally breathable and antimicrobial medium to be used as a batting material in quilted covers for natural latex mattresses. Poly fill (name brand Dacron), is a suitable batting material increasing breathability, but offers an environment suitable for microbe proliferation. The overall quality of any cover used for a latex mattress is not only contingent on the type of material used, but also the ticking (the way it is woven into a fabric).

        Be sure the ticking is manufactured by a reputable company such as Deslee, Culp, and Burlington.


      Check that the retailer has been in business for long enough to establish themselves in the latex mattress market.

        Getting a warranty exchange from a business that has gone under is about as likely as seeing George Washington walking down the street. Look for a retailer that has been in business for 10 years or more. This shows that they have the reputation and business savvy to survive in the market, which means they will still be around if any problem should arise with your latex mattress.


      Inquire about the exchange policy.

        This may be one of the most important things to ask about to ensure your satisfaction. Some retailers do not accept exchanges after the purchase, leaving you stuck with a mattress that doesn't perform to your standards. Look for a retailer with an exchange period that allows you to switch around components or even switch mattresses until you find the one that's right for you.


      If no other point of this buyers' guide makes an impression remember this: Not all latex mattresses are created equal and any deal that seems too good to be true probably is.


      Natures' Bedroom has introduced this resources directory to help you understand the wide variety of new bedding options available. Natures' Bedroom also understands that many bedding products are referred to by different names (a topper, for example, is also referred to as a mattress pad), and so there are synonyms included in the directory to help you find the product you are looking for and understand its benefits.

       

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