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Natural Latex Mattress Vs Innerspring (Spring Coil) Mattress

Natural Latex Mattress Vs Innerspring (Spring Coil) Mattress
If you are debating between a latex mattress and an innerspring mattress, be aware they are two very different types of mattresses with different properties. Many people are used to an innerspring, but if you have the opportunity to buy a latex mattress you should take advantage of it. Latex is superior to innerspring in many ways.
What is a latex mattress?
A latex mattress does not have any springs or coils in it. Unlike an innerspring mattress, a natural latex mattress is made out of one type of material: latex. You may be wondering what latex is, exactly. It is a natural product that comes from the sap of the rubber tree. This milky sap is processed into mattress blocks which have a natural springiness and which offer excellent spinal support.
A latex mattress will therefore feel soft yet supportive with some natural bounciness to it without any need for springs or coils. Latex is highly breathable due its natural open cell structure, and this is ideal in warm climates like Singapore. Additionally, latex mattresses have pinholes in them which further enhance the natural airflow.
Also, latex is naturally mould resistant and dust mite resistant without needing added chemicals, in contrast with innersprings. Innerspring mattresses usually have chemicals added to them for those purposes.
Latex mattresses are widely considered the most comfortable type of mattress on the market today. Indeed, latex mattresses enjoy a very high customer satisfaction level. They are also one of the most durable on the market, being able to retain softness and comfort for a long time without sagging.
On average, latex mattresses are in general more expensive than innerspring . However, with a latex mattress you will find that the benefits to you are more than worth the extra money.
Latex Mattress
What does a latex mattress feel like?
When you lie down upon a latex mattress, you will first feel a pleasant soft sinking feeling followed by a feeling of firm yet comfortable support. This is why latex mattresses are becoming so popular worldwide.
Those who suffer from chronic pain, such as back pain and scoliosis, find that the comfort of a latex mattress helps alleviate the pain. Increasingly, medical professionals such as osteopaths, physical therapists, and so on are recommending latex mattresses for their ability to align the body and spine properly and comfortably.
What is an innerspring (spring coil) mattress?
An innerspring, or spring coil mattress, is made of many metal coils surrounded by soft supportive foam. The idea behind these coils is to offer some bounciness to the mattress, while the foam is there for comfort.
The number of coils can vary from one mattress to another. Although this can affect comfort, there are many other factors which determine how comfortable an innerspring mattress feels. Some of these things are the size of the coils, the gauge of metal from which the coils are made, the thickness of the foam padding, and so on.
What does an innerspring mattress feel like?
When you lie down upon an innerspring mattress, you will feel like your body is being gently supported on top of a mattress. But you won't feel that soft sinking yet supportive feeling that a latex mattress delivers.
When lying down you should not be able to feel the springs on a well-made good quality innerspring mattress. But be aware that as they age and the foam layers on top break down, you may start being able to feel the spring coils, and this is uncomfortable, especially for those ‘not so good quality’ innerspring mattress.
Advantages and disadvantages of a latex mattress
Advantages
  • Outstanding comfort - a latex mattress performs above and beyond other types of mattresses. The soft comfort and supportiveness of latex is able to alleviate pain.
  • A latex mattress does not transmit movement easily. If someone on one side of the bed rolls over, it won't affect the other person.
  • No harsh chemicals - latex is a natural product.
  • Latex is naturally resistant to dust mites and mould. Latex mattresses do not need added chemicals to protect from these problems.
  • Superb air circulation - latex is naturally breathable due to its open cell structure. Furthermore, latex mattresses have pinholes inserted in them during their processing, allowing for much better airflow than any other mattress.
  • Highly durable - a latex mattress has a longer lifetime than other types of mattresses.
  • Excellent body pressure support - the spine is correctly aligned while sleeping.
Disadvantages
  • Higher cost - a latex mattress can be expensive compared to other mattresses.
  • Heavier - a latex mattress weighs heavier compared to most innerspring mattresses
Advantages and disadvantages of an innerspring mattress
Pocketed Spring Coil
Advantages
  • Innerspring mattresses start out low in price. High-end innerspring mattresses can be costly, but a basic innerspring is cheap.
  • Easy to find - innerspring mattresses are one of the most popular types of mattress, so you will have no difficulty finding one to try out when you are shopping.
  • Are often fairly lightweight - the weight varies a lot from one mattress to the other, but innerspring mattresses tend to be moderately light and therefore easy to turn.
  • A very wide range of firmness levels is available.
Disadvantages
  • Comparatively short lifetime - the top comfort layer can wear down rather quickly, meaning that it is possible to then feel the springs. Another reason for the shorter lifespan of an innerspring mattress is gradual sagging over time, and eventually this will lead to sleep discomfort.
  • Metal coils may pose ‘antenna risk’ - those who are concerned about electromagnetic radiation should stay away from innerspring mattresses. The metal of the coils is said to be able to act as an antenna and amplify ambient electromagnetic radiation. Just google ‘mattress antenna’ and you can find articles on this issue.
  • The possibility of noise from springs - an innerspring mattress may make noise in response to movement. This noise is almost always from the springs and can result in annoying squeaking or clunking sounds.
Latex versus innerspring mattresses
Latex is much better than innerspring when it comes to buying a great mattress. A basic innerspring mattress is very affordable, and many people own them, but they just do not perform as well as a latex mattress. Although the cost of a latex mattress is higher, its durability is also longer, so buying one now means you won't have to change it out as soon as an innerspring one.
Also, an expensive innerspring mattress can actually cost more than a normal latex mattress. You will find that a latex mattress will be a lot more comfortable. In contrast, a high-end innerspring mattress may be all about creating a luxurious look for the customer - without actually offering much more comfort than a low-end innerspring.
An innerspring mattress is still a good mattress - but just not as good as latex when comparing the two. Latex clearly offers more in terms of comfort, which is the primary goal of any mattress. Latex also delivers additional benefits which an innerspring does not. For example, in a warm humid climate like Singapore, it's important to recognize the natural mould resistance of latex and its excellent airflow. In contrast, an innerspring mattress is not naturally mould resistant. Overall, a latex mattress has many more advantages, and fewer disadvantages, than an innerspring mattress. Perhaps not surprisingly, latex mattresses boast a very high owner satisfaction rating.
Are you already familiar with an innerspring but not with a latex mattress? If that is the case then you should try out a latex mattress. A latex mattress will be a big step up comfort-wise from what you're sleeping on now.
Since the opportunity to shop for a new mattress comes only rarely, this is a good time to make the most of it! Seize the moment and find out first-hand how a latex mattress feels.

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How Are Latex Mattresses Made
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How Are Latex Mattresses Made

Latex is an all-natural product which comes from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis. Latex looks very different before it is processed into products such as mattresses. You may be wondering how the milky-white liquid sap is made into a comfortable relaxing mattress. Let's find out. It starts with the rubber tree The rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis, grows in many tropical areas. This tree produces a sap which contains latex, and this sap can be tapped to flow out of the tree and be harvested. Most of the plantations which are responsible for the commercial production of latex are found in Southeast Asia. Rubber plantations are managed carefully to ensure consistent growth of new trees for output. This is important, because it can take around six years for a rubber tree to grow large enough to have its sap harvested. Note that each tree can live for 100 years. To tap a rubber tree, a collector will make a thin cut on the diagonal to remove a small piece of bark. This allows the sap (i.e. latex) to run out of the bark down the tree and this fluid is collected in a bucket. However, the flow will stop after about 6 hours, but the tree may be tapped again with a new cut the next day. How much latex does it take to make a mattress? An immense amount of latex is needed to make a mattress. However, remember that latex can be tapped without destroying the tree or creating pollution, unlike other types of mattresses. To make a queen size latex mattress, it will take a whole day's output of 12 acres of rubber trees. But instead of harming the environment, this helps it: the same number of trees tapped for a queen size mattress will over the course of one year remove 143 tons of carbon dioxide from the air. Furthermore, this same 12 acres of rubber trees will keep 8 rubber tappers employed too, creating important jobs in areas where jobs may be scarce. In other words, when you purchase a latex mattress, you are helping the world environment. You are doing this by supporting the growth of rubber tree plantations and in doing so removing carbon dioxide from the air. You're also creating much-needed jobs for people who tap rubber trees. How is the liquid latex made into a mattress? It seems strange at first to think that the milky sap of the rubber tree can be turned into a mattress! Yet it can be done. This step is called processing. There are several different methods that the latex milk can be processed into a comfortable foam mattress block. In common to all of them, the liquid latex sap is first mixed with a small proportion of materials which will later help the latex solidify. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' manufacturing process; they each have different advantages and disadvantages. Dunlop method In the Dunlop method, the liquid latex formulation is first mixed so that it will foam. This foamy mix is placed on a conveyer or into a shaped mould, and is then passed into a special oven which solidifies the mixture and allows it to. The product is then passed on to the washing station, where residual small amounts of liquid latex and any unreacted solidifying agents are washed away. The latex foam block is then dried by hot air and is ready for use. With the Dunlop method, the latex foam may be created in any shape that is needed; for example a king size mattress may be prepared in one mould. Talalay method The Talalay method is newer than the Dunlop method and produces a slightly different texture of latex. With the Talalay method, the liquid latex formulation is transferred into a shaped mould and sealed closed. Then a vacuum is applied, and the purpose of this is to disperse the latex evenly throughout the mould. After that, it is flash frozen, and immediately afterward it is flash heated so that it will permanently solidify. After cooling, the solid latex block is removed from the mould and is ready for use. The Talalay method cannot be used to produce very large blocks of latex, so latex mattresses made with this method are created from smaller blocks glued together. Locations of the seams may vary, and this is something to take into account when purchasing a Talalay mattress. How EB latex mattresses are made EB latex mattresses are made using the Dunlop process. Manufacturing of EB latex core is fully automated. Firstly, the latex formulation is mixed continuously with compressed air in order to create foam. Once the latex foam has the right density, minuscule air bubbles are mixed into it. In this way, air is infused into the compound resulting in an open cell structure. It is these open structures that gives the mattress the required air circulation and guarantee an agreeable temperature in bed. Once the latex foam is ready, a robot spread it into a mould which incorporates pin core holes to define the pattern of the mattress comfort zones. The filled moulds are then vulcanize, in other words baked. The comfort patterns of the mattress are defined by the pin core structure in the mould, bigger pins make bigger holes in the core and the mattress feels softer. The adapted firmness of the different zones ensures perfect lying comfort. After the vulcanization step, the fresh latex core is then taken out of the mould and thoroughly washed. The remaining residue is removed completely and the core dried. Each mattress core is tested and examined individually to measure the hardness, the density and is reviewed for visual perfection. Once the mattress has been rigorously checked for its quality, it then goes to the automated warehouse where it is packed and stored. Soon after that, it is shipped under carefully controlled conditions to customers around the world. The latex mattresses are certified by different independent organizations and carry several quality certificates. These certificates give customers and users the guarantee that every latex mattress is synonymous with exceptional comfort and safety. Conclusion Latex is a natural material which is produced from the sap of the rubber tree. This liquid sap is made into a comfortable solid foam block using one of the processes outlined here. When you buy a 100% natural latex mattress, you are helping the environment by supporting the growth of rubber tree plantations, which remove carbon dioxide from the air. You are also providing jobs for rubber tappers in areas where employment opportunities are often scarce. A natural latex mattress goes above and beyond the delicious comfort you'll feel when you lie down. It's also about the satisfaction you'll feel in knowing you're purchasing an environmentally responsible product.

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