How to check if a mattress is made of natural latex foam?

In recent years, latex mattresses have gained immense popularity because of many reasons. Latex mattresses offer many health benefits. They contour to your body parts perfectly and provide good balance and support. And they are equally good for the environment too. 

Latex mattresses can be made of various types of latex, for eg: 100% natural latex foam, organic latex or blended latex. Nowadays, with so many varieties of mattresses offering multiple varieties and combinations, it can be tough to make the right choice.

As a customer, it is your responsibility to be aware of the various claims and not fall for these marketing gimmicks. It is important to perform thorough research before buying a new natural latex mattress. 

What is a latex mattress? What are the benefits of latex mattresses? And how can you check if a latex mattress is natural or fake? Read the post to know more!

What is a latex mattress?

Natural Latex is a milky white substance that comes from the sap of rubber trees. Natural latex is well-known for its responsiveness and offers a bouncy feeling. It comes back to its original shape quickly when the applied pressure is released. It provides buoyant support to our body and provides good pressure relief. Natural latex contains no chemicals or fillers, and it is a superior option than other varieties of latex like synthetic and blended latex. 

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Types of latex mattress

Here are some common types of latex foam mattresses. 

Natural latex mattress

As the name suggests, natural latex is made of 100% natural latex. They are one of the best natural latex options as they do not contain harmful chemicals and are good for both health and the environment. Dunlop and Talalay are the two most common processes used to create natural latex foam. Dunlop is firmer and denser than Talalay. A Dunlop natural latex mattress could be a great option if you are looking for a firm mattress. MM Foam natural latex mattresses are made using the Dunlop process. 

Fake or Synthetic latex mattress 

It is made of petrochemicals and mimic the qualities of natural latex. Fake or Synthetic latex mattress contains various chemicals which may cause chemical off-gassing and may harm the health. As this is not made of natural latex it is termed as fake latex.

Organic latex

Organic latex is certified natural latex. It is certified by various government or independent certification agencies like GOTS, GOLS, eco-institute and OKEO. These certifications guarantee that the latex used is 95% natural latex and is of superior quality. 

Blended latex mattress

Blended mattress are made of a combination of natural latex and other kind of foam. Blended latex usually contains a layer of natural latex and there may be multiple other layers of different types of foam. Blended latex mattresses are cheaper than natural latex mattresses.

How to check whether a mattress is made of natural latex

Here are some pointers that will help you to recognize whether a latex mattress is made of natural latex or fake latex. 

Appearance 

The appearance or look of latex is the first thing that helps to distinguish natural latex from fake latex. Fake latex has a yellowish color, while natural latex is whitish in color.

Texture

Fake latex is crumbly and tears off easily, while natural latex has a firmer consistency. 

Feel and support 

Natural latex feels responsive and offers a bouncy feeling and provides good support while fake latex offers a dull and less bouncy feeling and does not provide good body support. 

Smell

Fake latex has a stronger (abrasive) smell due to the use of chemicals. Natural latex may have a natural smell (like vanilla) in the beginning, but after a few days, the smell goes on its own. 

Weight

Natural latex is heavier than fake latex. Thus, a natural latex mattress also feels heavier than a fake latex mattress. 

Bending 

A natural latex mattress gets bent easily while a fake latex mattress will not. 

Durable

Natural latex is more durable and lasts longer, while fake latex breaks down easily and does not last long. 

Check the labels 

If a mattress is made of natural latex, it will have proper labelling which mentions the proper detail of manufacturing materials (natural latex), while a fake latex mattress may have misleading labels like the use of soft foam etc. Paying proper attention to labels, might help you recognize the quality of latex used. 

Check the certifications

Certifications are one of the most important aspects to check whether a latex mattress is natural or fake. 

Here is a list of some important certifications that assure you that you are making the right choice. 

• GOTS (Global organic textile standard) certification
• GOLS (Global organic latex standard) certification
• Greenguard
• Oeko-Tex 100 certification
• Eco-institute certification

So, these are some easy ways to check if your latex mattress is made of natural latex. But why is it necessary to identify and use natural latex mattress? Knowing the benefits of natural latex mattress will help you understand this need better.

Benefits of natural latex foam mattresses?

Here are some important benefits of natural latex mattresses. 

Provide proper support 

Natural latex provides proper support to your body. They help in maintaining a neutral spinal alignment and help in dealing with back pain issues. Natural latex foam offers a perfect balance of comfort and support.

Offer effective temperature regulation

Natural latex foam has an open-cell structure. It offers effective temperature regulation and keeps your body cool even in hot summer weather. 

Natural latex has good motion isolation properties

As another advantage, natural latex has good motion isolation qualities. It did not transfer the motion much from one part of the mattress to another. If you or your partner is a restless sleeper, then a natural latex mattress could be a great option for you. 

Good for environment 

Natural latex does not contain harmful chemicals and not cause off-gassing like memory foam mattresses. They are eco-friendly and the best option to buy if you are looking for an eco-friendly and natural option. 

Hypoallergic

Natural latex offers natural resistance to dust and mite and has amazing hypoallergenic properties. The natural latex mattress is the best option for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. 

Durable 

Natural latex is also a durable option. They last for longer years and provide good durability. 

If you are planning to buy a natural latex mattress, then it is important that you identify 100% natural latex mattress from the rest and make the right choice for peaceful and healthy sleep.