Latex Mattress Guide

Off-Gassing… What is it and Should I be Concerned?

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What Is Off-Gassing

When it comes to mattresses, off-gassing refers to the chemicals from the foams, glues, and fire-retardants that are being emitted into the air. Specifically, the types of materials that are found in mattresses are acetone, benzene, formaldehyde, and methylene chloride. Such chemicals are named VOCs, (Volatile Organic Compound). These are emitted as gases from the solids that are derived from the mattress. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors, (up to 10 times higher), than outdoors. So it gives off a very distinct smell, most say it resembles the smell of cleaning supplies or a, “new car smell”.

 

Should I Be Worried About Off-Gassing?

VOCs, (Volatile Organic Compound), can have short-and long-term adverse health effects. Some side effects of the off-gassing are irritation in the eyes, throat, and nose, and it may cause asthma. Just as comfort is subjective, chemical sensitivity is subjective as well. It varies from person to person. It really boils down to how chemically sensitive you are. Some people are very chemically sensitive where in they would need a completely natural mattress. To some other people, this issue not a priority. But for those of us that want to be responsible consumers, this is good information for us to have handy.

 

Is there any solution?

Yes! There is a solution, if you love the feel of memory foam or a polyurethane foam, Certipur is your answer! Certipur is a non-profit organization that serves as a certification program that tests polyurethane foams to give consumers confidence in the foam they’re buying. They have rigorous standards placed on foam producers. Part of their standard is that they do not accept any foam made with Mercury, lead, other heavy metals or made with formaldehyde. Here at Mattress Makers we only use foam that is certified by Certipur. The other option, and most preferred, is buying Latex! It’s a natural material with no harmful chemicals! It lasts 3 to 4 times longer than foam and it sleeps cool! These are the two options that are available for consumers that are worried about chemicals.

 

All in All

As we learned, off-Gassing is the the result of VOCs being emitted into the air. Those VOCs are the toxic chemicals that are used to make the mattress, which we learned can be harmful for either the short or the long-term. There are solutions though, first with Certipur. The second and most preferred option is Latex, its a natural material with no harmful chemicals, lasts 3 to 4 times longer than foam and sleeps so cool! This information was provided in order for you to make an educated purchase, but it’s ultimately it is up to the sleeper to decide if they find it a priority to sleep naturally.

If you are currently on your mattress shopping journey download our FREE Mattress Shopping Guide to make sure you find the perfect mattress for you. Just click the image below to get it!

 

 

 

Bibliography

 

Memory Foam-Pros and Cons- https://www.themattressunderground.com/our-articles/memory-foam-pros-and-cons.html

Tips for a Perfect Minimalist Bedroom

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Latex hybrid mattress and minimalist bedroom

You’ve just bought a new latex hybrid mattress, but it just doesn’t seem to work with your bedroom. Well, if you want to freshen things up a bit, and you’re thinking of going minimalist, here’s some advice to get you started.

Get rid of excess furniture

First thing you should do is remove any unnecessary furniture. Clutter doesn’t go well with minimalism. Keep only the things you need, the ones you think will work with the new design. And sleep is always better with fewer things distracting you, so approach this first step thoroughly.

Use neutral colors

Never go crazy with colors if you want to achieve minimalist nirvana. As with furniture, less is more. You can start off with painting the walls white or light beige, gray even. This will allow the rest of your space to pop. Adopt the same principle with latex hybrid mattress covers and linen. Keep them light and simple, which will add a welcome airiness to your sleeping space.

Pick quality over quantity

Minimalism equals thoughtfulness. Instead of going on a bedroom shopping spree, think before you buy. Carefully choose hand-crafted goods that will infuse your space with a touch of that rustic feel. Also, by opting for one-of-a-kind pieces, your bedroom becomes unique, and there is enough room for those really special additions to shine. Although it is a bit more expensive, it is certainly worth it.

Experiment with textures

Don’t overdo it though. This is the part of the decorating process where you can allow yourself a bit more imagination, but you shouldn’t go over the top. Minimalism is in the smallest of details, and if you’ve done everything up to here properly, even the slightest of patterns will make the world of difference. The best way to do so is to buy interesting pillows to go with your latex hybrid mattress. Just mind the colors.

Add plants

This is the correct way to add some color to your minimalist bedroom. You can add some lavender in a translucent bowl, or a bouquet of daffodils if you want some brighter shades. Salvaged branches from a hike can also be an interesting addition, as they’ll make the entire room feel a tad bit more rustic. You do not have to go for the more expensive plants, as the trick is in the arrangement, not the price.

Light is your friend

This is the finishing touch. Natural lighting is essential when creating a minimalist bedroom. Can you just imagine those big, top-to-bottom windows, bathing the entire room in light? You could also add a large chandelier in the center of the room, making for a great show-stopper. And if you need lamps, opt for a metal lamp, to keep with the color scheme. And never skimp on the bulbs. Vintage Edison bulbs are just the thing you need to finish the experience off.

Best latex hybrid mattress on the market

The bedroom design may affect the quality of sleep – and a mattress definitely does. Mattress Makers offers the best selection for latex hybrid mattress, which fit perfectly in any space. Browse our stock and find the one for you.

Latex Mattress vs. Topper

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Natural response mattress - smiling lying woman

Has it been a long time since you’ve had a good-night’s sleep? Perhaps you are longing for that soothing embrace of your bed all day long, but come bedtime, something’s amiss, and that might just be your mattress. Over the years, it’s become home to minuscule critters that you do not want anywhere near you and most likely lost its original form. Not only does this cause discomfort and lack of rest, but also directly leads to numerous health issues.

Although popular mattress choices include spring coil mattresses and memory foam mattresses, what would definitely eliminate all these problems is a natural response mattress. With its modern innovations and all-natural materials, natural latex is your best bet for optimum rest.

But if you think that there is hope for your old mattress after all and a simple makeover is all it needs, then maybe you’re considering purchasing a topper as an addition that would make it more comfortable. For your convenience, we’ve compared the two options to help you make a sage decision.

Cost

So now you’re thinking how much money you’ve stashed under your mattress and if you can actually afford a new one. If you think purchasing a brand new mattress would put too much strain on your budget, maybe you could consider settling for a topper, at least for the time being.

But, if you think you owe it to yourself to invest in a new one, then by all means go for a natural response mattress. Although more expensive, they’re well-worth it, and despite the fact that toppers come at a lower cost, they are, after all, just a temporary fix which won’t eliminate the core problems.

Health & Comfort

In this respect, the topper is definitely a losing battle. As mentioned before, it will make your old mattress somewhat more comfortable, but it cannot work wonders. After a while, your back will go back to suffering from lack of proper support. What’s more, although the latest toppers have seen more luxurious improvements, being made of hypoallergenic and natural materials, these come at a heftier price.

The natural response latex mattress, however, provide excellent support for you back, allowing you thorough rest. This applies to hot sleepers as well, since its combination of natural materials efficiently regulates temperature.

Another amazing innovation of the natural hybrid mattress is the individually wrapped coil feature. These coils reduce motion transfer, so you can continue enjoying your sweet slumber even if your partner needs to get out of bed in the middle of the night. This mattress is available in three varieties – soft, medium and firm, depending on your personal preferences.

Not only are natural response latex mattresses all-natural and eco-friendly, you can also rest easy and forget, (literally),about allergies.

Durability

Depending on its quality, investing in a mattress topper could delay your investment in a new mattress for a few years. But if you want to know you’re spending your money wisely and investing in your health and comfort, a natural response mattress is the way to go. With its 20 years of warranty, you’re likely to enjoy decades of comfort before the thought of replacing it crosses your mind.

Having a hard time deciding? Reach out to Mattress Makers for help!

At Mattress Makers, we have over a decade of experience in providing a varied selection of the highest-quality natural response and latex hybrid mattresses. The mattresses in our diverse selection are organic, chemical-free and are sure to provide plenty of restorative sleep in years to come. Check out our in-store collection and consult our helpful staff about the best choice of a mattress for you!

What Latex Mattress Should you buy

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Woman and mattress - Mattress Stores in San Diego

Do you wake up feeling fresh or do you sometimes feel more exhausted than when you went to bed? If it’s the latter, then maybe your shoddy old mattress is the culprit. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, young or old, the quality of your mattress and, by extension, your sleep, can make all the difference.

With a comfortable, new mattress, you will finally look forward to getting up in the morning, knowing that you’ll feel invigorated and ready to kick-start your day. But with so many mattress stores in San Diego, how do you know where to go and which mattress to choose?

Read on as we fill you in on the various types of latex mattresses to help you avoid the common pitfalls when purchasing a new mattress and choosing one that’s just right.

Latex Mattresses by Latex Type

Latex is a type of dense white foam-like liquid which comes in three varieties – natural, synthetic and the combination of the two. We are firm believers in nature, so we’ll focus on natural latex. This one is obtained from rubber trees which are not even slightly damaged by the process.

Not only is natural latex biodegradable, but the rubber trees that yield the sap used to produce it have a powerful impact on the reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere. This means that you won’t just be doing yourself a favor by purchasing a 100% natural, (and equally comfortable), latex mattress – you’ll be doing the planet a favor as well.

If you’re worried about allergens, fear not! The free proteins that cause allergic reactions are washed off in the production process. Likewise, with genuine all-natural latex, you can rest assured that your mattress will be completely free of toxins.

Latex Mattresses by Production Process

When choosing your prospective natural latex mattress, you should pay attention to its ILD, (indentation load deflection), a unit used to measure how firm a mattress is – the higher the value, the more firm a mattress is. Another factor affecting the firmness of your natural latex mattress is its density.

The final step before making an informed decision about your natural latex mattress is deciding between the two manufacturing methods – Talalay and Dunlop.

The Talalay method is newer and slightly more complex than Dunlop, making its end-product the pricier of the two. If you want your mattress to be bouncy (without quickly returning to its original form), this is the type you need. It is less dense than Dunlop, but also airy and breathable. Its structure is consistent, making it softer as well.

Dunlop-style mattresses, on the other hand, are more firm due to higher density. This production process is faster, making the product less expensive. What is probably the main advantage of this mattress style is its excellent durability. In addition to that, the carbon footprint of this process is minimal, making it the greener option of the two.

The choice between Talalay and Dunlop depends mainly on your personal preferences, but the undecided among us can have the best of both worlds – a firm Dunlop core and a fluffy Talalay top layer for optimal enjoyment.

Stop by a premier mattress store in San Diego

At Mattress Makers, you are sure to find a selection of latex hybrid mattresses and also natural hybrid mattresses of the highest quality. The mattresses in our selection are all organic and chemical-free – choose a mattress that fits your needs and budget!

Latex Mattresses vs. Spring Coil Mattresses

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San Diego mattress stores - latex or spring coil

San Diego mattress stores - latex or spring coilHave you already been on a tour around San Diego mattress stores? Whether you are scrounging information up to make a good shopping decision or whether you are simply interested to know the difference for some future consideration, read on. Here are the most important points.

The basics

First off, you should be aware that both latex and spring coil mattresses come in numerous varieties. Not all latex mattresses are created equal, and the same goes for innerspring ones. You can find both in top-quality and cheap varieties.

Latex mattresses are best when labelled as all-natural. Otherwise, you can come across synthetic latex mattresses and “natural” mattresses infused with synthetic latex, memory foam and other chemicals. An all-natural latex mattress is a best guarantee for a healthy sleep, with zero off-gassing and unwanted allergens. Depending on the production process, different firmness levels can be achieved.

Spring coil mattresses are the familiar, traditional mattresses. The technology has advanced in leaps and bounds across decades, so now there are top tier varieties like pocketed spring coil mattresses. Mattresses with innerspring contain foam, memory foam or even latex, such as hybrid latex mattresses. Buyers should be careful about the materials that go into the composition of innerspring mattresses – they often contain gassy or unhealthy substances like formaldehyde. Ask whether the manufacturer whether any harmful substances were used.

Comfort and support

If you don’t have any health issues, a quality, well-kept innerspring mattress can be a very good choice for you. Mattress Makers use only 1.8lb density foam in our hand-made innerspring mattresses, which makes for better support and longevity. However, if you are in the market with specific requirements, you could be better off with a pocketed spring coil, hybrid latex or all-natural latex.

Pocketed coil mattresses are great if your partner is a restless sleeper. The reduced motion transfer means your sleep is unlikely to be interrupted if your partner gets up a lot in the night, rolls around or if your bed gets silently invaded at night by your kids or pets.

A latex mattress can be customizable, with two sides of the bed made to fit different comfort preferences. You can’t beat that. A latex mattress also has reduced motion transfer. For those who suffer from back issues or joint problems, latex is unrivaled for its lack of pressure points.

Longevity

Depending on the quality of materials and manufacturing technology, spring coil mattress can last up to around 10 years. If you turn them regularly, they can provide you comfort with minimum sinking and sagging throughout that time.

Latex mattresses can come with a 20-year warranty. In any case, they are market champions when durability is concerned.

Health and sustainability

Health can be an issue with spring coil mattresses if you don’t pay attention to their certificates. Mattress Makers use only CertiPUR-US high-density foam in our spring coil mattresses, to ensure that your sleep is healthy.

Natural latex mattresses are produced in a superior way. Rubber trees are fertilized with organic, pesticide-free products, and rubber trees are replanted. Latex mattresses made by Mattress Makers are certified by Oeko-Tex and Global Organic Latex Standard.

The takeaway is: whereas natural organic latex mattresses outshine all other mattresses as far as health and sustainability go, you can also get innerspring mattresses that adhere to very high health standards.

What’s the final take?

Innerspring mattresses will go easier on your budget, if out-of-pocket expenses are an issue for you at the moment. Even though they are more budget-friendly, you should be careful to get a high-quality spring coil mattress, to get the best value for money.

Latex mattresses are the best and longest-lasting investment in the quality of your sleep. Even though they are on the higher end of the price range, not all premium quality latex mattresses will break your bank.

Stop canvassing San Diego mattress stores

Stop trying to wriggle your way out of the term, price and quality conundrum. Stop by Mattress Makers’ showroom – we’ll take the headache out of your mattress hunt. A local, family owned business with an enviable tradition and a deep passion, we love what we do and deliver our superior products directly to you. Free of middlemen, we are able to provide you handmade boutique mattresses of premium craftsmanship at the most affordable prices in the market. Come see us now!

Here Is Why the Latex Hybrid Mattress Is So Popular

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Children in Bed with a Laptop - Latex Hybrid Mattress

We have all been witness to the shift in the perspective towards the eco-friendly and sustainable technologies. It is not surprising that we also have natural hybrid mattresses that fall into this category. After all, we spend a large portion of our lives sleeping. Therefore, being surrounded by safe eco-friendly materials during the most important part of our day just makes common sense.

Not all mattresses are created equal. The type that has been gaining a lot of attention in the mattress industry lately is the so-called Latex Hybrid mattress. Read on to find out what makes Latex Hybrid mattresses stand out.

Composition

The San Diego Mattress Makers Company has always taken pride in using natural materials in our latex and hybrid mattresses, creating the mattresses our customers can enjoy. The natural response mattress itself is a hybrid Comfort CoreTM mattress. What it means is that it combines the softness and the durability of the latex mattress, with the support and feel only a coil mattress can provide.

Innovations

The latex hybrid mattress comes with individually wrapped coils. The coils have very limited interaction with one another, causing less motion transfer between two people. If your partner (or kids or pets) decide to jump all over one side of the bed, it will have drastically less effect on you than you’d expect if you are accustomed to traditional coil mattresses.

Natural materials

As mentioned before, San Diego Mattress Makers is dedicated to using natural materials to produce these fine mattresses. Latex Hybrid mattresses are composed of all-natural latex. The latex itself is not treated with any harsh chemicals, so no residual toxicity is an option. The wool used is New Zealand Joma wool, chemically untreated and natural. Finally, the cotton used to line the mattresses is 100% USDA and GOTS certified organic cotton. Just like the latex and the wool, it is not treated with and harmful chemicals, so you can rest assured that you and your family can have a healthy and happy sleep on these mattresses.

Support

The latex layer brings the softness and the feeling of sleeping on a cloud, but it is the coils that provide the rigidness necessary in a quality mattress. And it is precisely this combination that makes this type of mattress an ideal solution for people who prefer the sturdy support, but aren’t willing to sacrifice the comfort. Of course, you get to choose the firmness of the top layer to your preference. Basically, you get the best of both – the support your body needs, and the comfort you want.

Added benefits

We have talked about the natural materials only from the aspect of not requiring strong toxic chemicals in the production process. That alone is a benefit to you as a consumer and for the planet, as the lack of toxic chemicals means less pollution. However, natural ingredients tend to have some (un)expected health benefits. The wool used is hypoallergenic, as it repels dust mites, mildew and mold. In addition, it also has fire retardant properties. The latex layer helps with thermoregulation; something we can all be thankful for during the hot summer nights.

Make the right decision for yourself and your family. Mattress Makers are more than just another mattress store, we manufacture and stand behind our products 100%. Visit our store and find your next mattress.

Is Your Bed Gassy?

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I know silly question right? How can my mattress possibly be gassy since it can’t eat beans or cabbage?

Obviously that is not the gas I am referring to.

The “gas” released from your mattress which I am referring to should be cause for concern.

Not the type of concern that makes you paranoid and having you feel you should live in a bubble.

But, the type that should pique your interest and cause you to look further into this matter.

There are 3 questions I want to answer as it pertains to mattress Off-gassing.

The first, “what does off-gassing mean?”

The second, “where are the chemicals in a mattress found?”

And lastly, “How can you limit your exposure to the off-gassing of your mattress?”

What is off-gassing?

Simply put, off-gassing is the release of chemicals and toxins in the form of a gas.

Have you ever been in a room that was recently painted?

Well, that nasty smell you are breathing that is causing you to feel nauseous and dizzy is the off gassing of toxic chemicals from the paint.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know breathing in those fumes can be detrimental to your health.

So paint is an obvious culprit when it comes to off gassing. But what about your mattress?

What most people don’t realize is the majority of mattresses manufactured today are made with harmful chemicals.

So where are the chemicals hiding in your mattress?

The chemicals which are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs) can be found in the foam, the fire retardant, or the adhesive used to glue the inside of the mattress.

The most common material used in mattresses today is polyurethane foam.

Whether it be traditional foam or memory foam, they are both Polyurethane foam.

However, memory foam has added chemicals to enhance its elasticity and viscosity.

I know big and confusing words but the chemicals are added to give it that slow response.

Polyurethane foam contains chemicals such as Toluene Diisocyanite which has been known to significantly increase incidences of tumors in the pancreas, liver, and mammary glands during animal testing.

Other common chemicals are Benzene (known Carcinogen) Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) known to cause cancer and thyroid problems and happens to be banned by the European Union.

These are just some of the chemicals in polyurethane foam.

And then you have the fire retardants.

Most major manufacturers don’t disclose what is in their fire retardant because they consider it a proprietary trade secret.

Trade secret…. yeah sure “trade secret.” Common chemicals in fire retardants are Boric Acid , Antimony and Decabromodiphenyl Oxide.

How can you limit exposure to the off gassing of your mattress?
In order to limit your exposure to these harmful chemicals the best solution is to avoid buying a mattress that use these toxic ingredients.

For instance, instead of buying a mattress with polyurethane foam, opt for an all natural-latex mattress or a mattress that uses organic cotton in the comfort layer instead of polyurethane foam.

Also, avoid a mattress that uses chemical fire retardants.

Your mattress can still be fire safe by using all-natural wool as the fire barrier or having the inner part of the mattress wrapped in a kevlar sock.

If it’s too late and you already bought a mattress with these harmful chemicals and the smell is unbearable then a good way to get rid of the odor is let the mattress sit outside under the sun’s rays for a few hours.

If you can’t get the mattress outside, open all the windows to the bedroom and remove all bed sheets and get it as close to direct sunlight as possible.

This solution is more for odor control and doesn’t completely eliminate those harmful chemicals already in the mattress.

If you have found this info helpful and are now paranoid on what you are sleeping on please click the share button below. Because we all know it’s not fun being paranoid alone.

 

Latex Mattresses vs Memory Foam

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latexvsmemfoam

A common question we get here at San Diego Mattress Makers, is what type of mattress should I get, a latex mattress or memory foam? Usually the person who asks that question is tired of their innerspring mattress and wants to try something different.  A simple answer to that question is it depends… There are many variables to factor when choosing which type will be right for you.  In this post we’ll examine each sleeping surface and hopefully equip you on making a wise decision.

 

The 6 factors we’ll go over when comparing latex vs memory will be:

  1. Comfort
  2. Back Support
  3. Durability
  4. Motion Separation
  5. Temperature factor
  6. Price

  

Let’s first start with Latex Mattresses.

 

I assume you’re somewhat familiar with what a latex mattress is at this point, if your not too familiar with what a latex mattress is I recommend reading our post on What Is A Latex Mattress first to give you an overview.

 

Comfort and Feel

 

When people are looking for a new mattress comfort is usually the first thing they look for. Memory foam and latex mattresses each have a very distinct and unique feel. Latex mattresses have a more springy buoyant feel, while memory foam has a more dense and slow sinking feel. Your comfort preference is purely personal, however latex mattress do offer more variations of feels than memory foam does. If you are more accustomed to or prefer a traditional mattress feel but want to get away from a spring mattress, then latex will give you that option because you can add the quilted top to give you a more traditional feel without losing any of the benefits of latex. Memory foam mattresses do not give you that option. You can’t add any other comfort layers or padding on the top layer because you will then lose the benefit and feel of memory foam. So if you like the slow-response sinking in feeling that memory foam offers memory foam would be your best choice. If you’re looking for more variation on feel then we suggest to choose latex.

 

Edge- Latex

 

Back Support

 

Another important aspect in shopping for a mattress is back support. Like comfort, back support is a very personal thing. There are no two bodies that are exactly alike. There are so many different body types and different needs. Some people carry their weight more on top while others carry their weight near the hips and mid section. What you want to look for in a mattress is to make sure that the mattress is going to conform to your body and keep your spine in alignment.

 

Memory foam mattresses do a great job of conforming to your body’s curves. With memory foam you can be sure that there will be no empty gaps or spaces between you and the mattress. Now keeping your back straight without sinking in too much is a different matter. Not all memory foam beds are created equal when it comes to back support. When looking for a memory foam mattress, make sure there is a solid support layer underneath the memory foam so you’re not sinking in too deep. You want to make sure the support layer is a high density foam that is at least 2.5lb in density. Any thing less than that would compromise your support long term. Another thing to be aware of when trying out memory foam is, you want the memory foam to be at minimum 4lb of density, anything less than 4lb of density will begin to feel that your hips and lower back sink in much lower than the rest of your body. 

 

Latex mattresses also do a great job with conforming to your body. The big advantage of latex mattresses is that they while it conforms to your body’s curves it also distributes your weight evenly and keeps your spine in alignment. Overall latex is a more solid and consistent material, thus preventing you from sinking in too deep into the mattress. 

 

The major difference that latex mattresses have over memory foam mattresses when it comes to back support, is that with memory foam mattresses, the memory foam itself is not providing you the support, it is the poly foam (polyurethane foam) support layer under the memory foam  where you get the support. And over time poly foam does tend to break down faster than latex foam.

 

Edge- Latex

 

Durability

 

A mattress that lasts  at least 8-15 years is a good indicator of a quality mattress. The durability is one of the most important factors. Latex mattresses have a great reputation of durability. Years ago when I used to deliver mattresses, I remember taking old latex mattresses out of customers houses that were 30-40 years old, and noticed that the integrity of the mattress was not compromised. The mattress wasn’t saggy or lumpy and the only reason they were replacing their mattress was because they either wanted something softer or more firm. 

 

I’ve recently found a video showing a 50 year old latex mattress still in very good shape. 

 

In looking for a latex mattress, going with an all natural or natural and synthetic blend is the way to go in terms of durability. There is less expensive latex out there that has fillers put in to bring down the cost, and even though it feels like latex you lose the overall support and durability compared to an all latex mattress.There are also different qualities of memory foam mattresses available and one of the biggest factors that determine it’s durability is the density. As I said earlier you want to make sure the memory foam you’re getting is at least 4 lb density. Anything less than that you run the risk of premature body impressions.

 

Overall there are way too many variables with memory foam to give you solid data on it’s durability. It is very hit or miss with memory foam to determine it’s durability because China now is a major importer of memory foam products. Latex on the other hand is much more consistent and has been proven to out last any other mattress type.

 

Edge – Latex

 

Motion Separation

 

We’ve all seen the commercials with the wine glass and the person jumping up and down on a mattress. This is a great demonstration of the motion separation from Tempurpedic. When I first saw this demo I was a bit skeptical but when I used to work as a salesperson at a popular mattress store in San Diego I had a couple walk in with a bottle of wine and actually asked to do the wine test. I was brand new at the time and didn’t know what to do so I let them do it with a towel underneath the wine of course. And to my surprise the test actually did work. The wine bottle did not tip over. 

 

Latex mattresses however are the next best thing when it comes to motion transfer. Because the latex absorbs the energy of any one moving, you will also have a hard time feeling the other person as they get in and out of bed. However, since it does have a more springy, bouncy feel you can feel the person move a bit more than you would on a memory foam. So with out a doubt memory foam mattresses definitely give you the best motion separation from the other person in bed.

 

Edge- Memory Foam

 

Temperature factor

 

Heat can be a make or break when getting a good night sleep. In my years of selling memory foam beds and in specific Tempurpedic, the biggest complaint we would get was that the mattress sleep hot. Memory foam by it’s nature is designed to respond to the temperature around it. If the room is cold the mattress will be very firm, if the room is warm the mattress will be much softer. Tempurpedic got its name from “temperature” because it not only responded to your weight but also your body temperature.

 

The past year or so several different cooling foams and gels have been added to mattresses to try to get them to sleep cooler. From the experience I have had with other customers, sales people from other mattress stores, and even experiencing it myself, the new cooling technology has been a little improvement but not enough to make a significant difference.

 

Latex mattresses have a more open cell structure as well as the have holes going through the mattress which naturally allow the mattress to breathe and allow for air to circulate throughout the mattress. So overall in mattress breathability we would have to give the edge to latex.

 

Edge- Latex

 

Price

 

Perhaps the most important factor for some shoppers is the price of the mattress.  The biggest drawback for people in going with latex mattresses is the price. A queen size mattress that is all latex will run you at least around the $1200 mark. And that is on the low end. However there are some latex blended products with filler foam that I’ve seen for under $600. But I would advise against going too cheap on latex because you then lose all the advantages latex that we talked about. So if you’re looking for a quality latex mattress look to spend at least $1200-$2000.

 

Memory foam on the other hand has quite a few more options. The choices for different memory foam mattresses has increased exponentially over the last 5 years. Now it’s no longer just Tempurpedic and a few no names to choose from. You literally have hundreds of different memory foam brands to sort through, and because of that the price has gone down dramatically. I’ve seen memory foam mattresses for under $300 recently which makes it appealing to anybody on a budget. So if price is your biggest factor then memory foam might be a better choice.

 

Edge – Memory foam

 

And The Verdict Is?…

 

If you want to count the wins and losses above then go for it. However these factors don’t all carry the same weight for some people. For some back support is the number one factor and to others it may be motion separation.  But if you are looking for more of a diverse feel with great support that will last you a heck of a long time then latex will be the clear cut winner. If you’re looking to save some money and want great motion separation then maybe a memory foam mattress might be right for you.

 

The best advice I can provide is go into a store and try both. Your body is the best judge and if the store has a lenient return or exchange policy then great, don’t sweat the decision.  Try them both out and go with the one that fits your body best. We would love to hear about your experience and which one you decided. So shoot us an email or respond in the comments and let us know!

 

 

Talalay Latex VS Dunlop

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dunlop-vs-talalayIf you are in the market for a latex mattress the biggest question you probably want to know is what’s the difference between Talalay and Dunlop.  I am sure you have already went over to the google machine and started some research of your own.  If you have, you may be getting conflicting information about which is better.

 

On one hand you have all the Talalay supporters stating their case why they think Talalay is better and on the other side you have the Dunlop supporters saying Dunlop is better.  While their argument is going on you are caught in the middle of them just trying to find out what are the differences between the two. From the sound of their arguments you would think they were talking about their preferred political party or some pressing social issue.

 

I don’t blame you if you have second thoughts on buying a latex mattress since I am sure you don’t want to be associated with those Latex freaks.  Well, before you reconsider I am here to give you the differences between the two and also share the advantages and disadvantages of both.  At the end, I will also go over which method I prefer.  So let’s get started.

 

Talalay Latex

 

Talalay is one of the processes in which a Latex mattress is made and should not be confused with synthetic latex or all natural latex.  It is a seven-step process, which makes it more complex than that of Dunlop. The steps of the Talalay process are:

 

1)    First it is whipped into a frothy liquid

2)    Next the liquid is poured precisely by robotic arms into the mold

3)    Then the mold is closed and gets vacuum sealed so that the Latex gets distributed evenly

4)    It is then chilled to -20 degrees

5)    After which, CO2 is introduced to gel the Latex foam

6)    It is then heated to 220 degrees to cure the Latex final shape

7)    Lastly it is washed and dried

 

 

Advantages of Talalay

 

  • More breathable than Dunlop due to the manufacturing process
  • Wider range of ILDs. However, Talalay is still softer than Dunlop even if they are both labeled as the same ILD.
  • Conforms to the body better since it is more “airy”
  • More consistent feel throughout the mattress
  • Usually better having Talalay in the comfort layer due to its “pushiness”
  • Softer

 

 

Disadvantages of Talalay

 

  • More expensive than Dunlop
  • Softer
  • Less dense

 

 

Dunlop Latex

 

The Dunlop method has been used since 1929.  The Dunlop process is about four times quicker to manufacture than Talalay.  The steps of the Dunlop process is as follows:

 

  1. First the Latex liquid is emulsified
  2. Next it is poured into the mold
  3. The mold is then closed and gets cooked evenly
  4. Finally the Latex is removed from the mold and is washed and dried

 

Advantages of Dunlop

 

  • More dense
  • Less Expensive
  • Usually better used as the support layer in the mattress due to its density
  • Firmer

 

Disadvantages of Dunlop

 

  • Not as breathable
  • Inconsistent feel throughout the mattress due to the particles settling at the bottom
  • Firmer

 

Although it looks like Talalay is the better method of the two, you have to find out what is best for you.  You may like the firmer feel and choose to go with the Dunlop process.  My preferred combination is having a Dunlop core with the comfort layers being Talalay.  The reason I like it that way is because Dunlop is more dense it gives me that firmer support while I can still benefit from the plush feel of Talalay on the top layers.

Latex Mattress Overview

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So you want to learn about latex?

Latex is one of the older and also newer types of mattresses. Latex has been used in mattresses since the 1920’s but within the last decade have made a huge resurgence. Latex has the reputation of being one of the most durable and supportive mattress types around. Long before memory foam became popular latex was the gold standard for foam mattresses.

 

So what exactly is latex?

Latex is the white milky substance very similar to sap, that comes from the rubber tree which is harvested very similarly to the way maple syrup is taken from trees. The great thing is the trees are not harmed in any way. A thin layer of the bark is removed and the trees are “tapped” and the milky substance is dripped in buckets and barrels and shipped across the world to large rubber factories to be processed.  A typical rubber tree produces enough sap to make about four pounds of rubber per year. 

Contrary to popular belief, latex is really not foam at all, rather it is a different form of vulcanized rubber that has gone through a different process.

 

Natural-Latex
Latex Extracted from a rubber tree

Latex History

Latex was first used for mattresses and was invented in the 1920’s by a Scottish man named John Boyd Dunlop. It was said that the British Royal family was the first to use latex mattresses.

The latex process was refined and three brothers Leon, Joseph, and Ansil Talalay invented a process of latex mattresses that is more consistent and durable than the older Dunlop process by vacuuming all the air out of the latex mold and freezing it which stabilizes the cell structure.  

During WWII, latex and the entire rubber industry took a huge hit because the Japanese controlled approximately 90% of the rubber tree plantations.

After WWII Latex mattresses made a huge comeback in the 1950’s and 60’s and became the preferred choice for mattresses among U.S households.

However, plastics start gaining in popularity and Polyurethane foam became the material of choice by mattress manufacturers because it is cheaper, lighter, and much more easier to produce than latex. As polyurethane became more prevalent, mattress longevity declined and consumers began going through mattresses at a much higher rate, replacing their mattresses every 5-8 years where before they were only having to replace their mattress every 15-30 years with latex.  

 

Latex Today

Today latex is once again making a resurgence, and in this section you will learn all you need to know about latex.

You will learn the different types of latex, which types are better for different circumstances.

The pro’s and cons of latex. And also if latex is even right for you.