Latex Mattress Information
Should I be concerned about buying a synthetic Latex Mattress?
My wife and I are considering buying a latex mattress by Sealy (SpringFree line) that we really liked in the store. The salesman told us they were made of natural latex but some googling revealed that this was incorrect. Sealy claims their latex is “natural-based” which sounds relatively meaningless, but there seems to be a common consensus out there that their latex is 100% synthetic (specifically a European brand called Sapsa).
A lot of natural latex mattress sellers vaguely refer to “chemical outgassing” with synthetic latex, but I could not find any substantial or specific information about what that means and whether it does pose a toxic hazard.
Can any chemists out there shed some light on this? I am looking for an educated, impartial answer (i.e. if you sell synthetic or natural latex mattresses, don’t bother answering).
Thanks!
Superior Quality — The Talalay Process
Compounding
Natural latex is extracted from the tropical rubber tree in a way that is similar to tapping a maple tree for syrup. Natural and man-made latexes, soaps and rubber curing agents are precisely mixed in a temperature-controlled, stainless steel tank. Quality checks are performed on Ph, viscosity and temperature.
Molding
The compound mix is transferred to the pressroom where it is whipped into a frothy liquid form with the consistency of vanilla soft serve ice cream; a robotic arm then injects the foamed liquid latex into an aluminum pin core mold. The pins create our unique aerated cell structure.
The robotic systems distribute the mixture evenly to ensure consistency and final product density.
The mold is sealed and a vacuum is pulled to extract air and completely fill the mold cavity with latex.
The latex is chilled at -20 ° Fahrenheit. Freezing (unique to the Talalay process) prevents particles from settling and ensures a consistent cell structure.
CO2 is introduced to gel the latex. The mold is heated to 220º Fahrenheit to cure the core as it is baked into its final state.
Washing
Unlike other latex manufacturers, Latex International washes EVERY mattress core and pillow. The latex core is removed from the mold and placed on a conveyer belt that carries it through a five-stage fresh water rinsing—the only one of its kind in the industry.
Five banks of 12 self-cleaning water jets wash away residual soaps, curing agents and proteins. Between each set of jets, the products are squeezed to less than 4% of their total thickness to remove the maximum amount of residual materials from deep within the product. This vital step improves durability and comfort by removing residual soaps, curing agents, and proteins that could cause premature softening of the product.
Drying
The Mattress core is transported to a two-lane dryer, which completes the curing process and removes any residual moisture.
Quality Testing & Fabrication
Once dry, every mattress core undergoes a rigorous nine-point pressure/firmness/consistency test to ensure all cores meet stringent quality standards with even density across the core.
Cores are expertly cut and constructed to meet our customers’ product specifications. Our fabrication facilities are able to create custom contours, support zones, edge support and even inlay alternate materials such as visco-elastic foam. Environmentally sound, water-soluble glue is used to create an exceptionally secure bond that maintains high product performance.
Talatech® Latex – Nature’s Nighttime Inspiration
Talatech® latex, the sleep product industry’s highest quality, most consistent, breathable and resilient comfort material available in the world, is a natural, environmentally friendly product for mattresses and pillows.
Latex International’s mattress components and pillow products feature Talatech® latex which is produced using the eco-friendly Talalay process.
The Talalay process features natural, biodegradable ingredients that come from renewable resources and water-based raw materials: natural latex, air and water.
Natural latex is actually a rubber-based material that comes from the tropical hevea brasiliensis tree which is harvested to produce a resilient, cushioning foam that instantly conforms to every body contour for optimal comfort and support.
Air is infused into the latex compound to create latex foam’s open cell structure that provides a cooler sleep surface.
Latex International washes every mattress core using a 5 stage washer to ensure purity.
Conservation Conscious
Energy: Our factory manufacturing automation allows us to optimize energy usage for the molding stage (freezing and baking portion) of the Talalay process. The factory also features energy efficient lighting.
Water: LI has engineered its multi-stage washer to minimize the amount of water consumed.
Certified Healthy
LI’s process does NOT use solvents. It does NOT damage the ozone layer. We do not have to use scrubbers or external filtration as we do not emit harmful elements into the air. In fact, Latex International’s Talalay latex is certified by Oeko-Tex (Europe’s highest environmental consumer product standard) to be free of harmful substances or chemicals.
Talalay Latex Mattress Demo, All Natural Talalay Latex Matt