Are latex foam mattresses safe?

It’s time to dispel the myths around latex foam

As it falls under the ‘foam’ category, latex has been given a bad reputation in the mattress world. Some people think it’s unsafe, but the opposite is true. It’s actually a durable and natural material, sourced from the sap of rubber trees.

It’s also one of the most environmentally friendly products used in mattresses, and it provides comfort levels similar to memory foam. Find out just how safe they really are, and uncover where the silly myth started.

At Sleep Republic, we sell comfortable, safe, natural latex hybrid mattresses. Check out our range of durable latex mattresses in our online store.

What is latex?

Latex is a white liquid sap produced by rubber trees. The liquid is tapped from the tree trunk and cleaned, before being spun into latex foam. It’s then covered, and baked into the foam you see in mattresses.

Is latex safe in mattresses?

High quality natural latex is safe. However, cheap latex is sometimes infused with toxic chemicals (like formaldehyde) to enhance its elasticity and ventilation. That’s why we only trust 100% natural latex Dunlop foam. We’ve even attended the processing facilities to ensure every step, from to start to finish, is conducted to the highest standards.

What are the benefits of latex foam?

Latex mattresses and hybrid varieties offer support and pressure relief for every kind of sleeper. It’s breathable, and lasts much longer than similar products, like memory foam. While memory foam retains body heat, it loses its ability to bounce back. After years of sleeping on a memory foam mattress, it will eventually form dips and sags. You won’t experience this with a latex mattress.

In summary, a latex foam bed has the following benefits:

• Comfort
• Longevity
• Motion isolation
• No toxic chemicals
• Hypoallergenic
• Environmentally friendly

Natural latex is also naturally fire resistant, so suppliers don’t need to add flame retardant chemicals during the manufacturing process.

What does off gassing mean and is it dangerous?

‘Off gassing’ refers to the emission of noxious gases. If you’ve ever been inside a brand new car, that’s what it smells like. It happens when Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) break down. VOCs have a negative impact on the environment, and contribute to greenhouse gas pollution.

Manufacturers often add chemicals to ensure their products are fire resistant, and often the glues used in mattresses contain additional toxins. Some of the VOCs used in mattresses include:

• Chlorofluorocarbons
• Formaldehyde
• Benzene
• Methylene chloride
• Toluene
• Trichloroethane
• Naphthalene
• Perfluorocarbons

While the chemical levels found in an everyday mattress are not harmful in the long-term, they can cause some people to experience short-term symptoms of:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Asthma
• Itchy skin

When you buy a natural latex mattress or hybrid mattress, you don’t need to worry about off gassing.

Which is better, synthetic or all-natural latex?

Synthetic latex is a synthetically produced compound which mimics the properties of natural latex. It’s produced from petrochemicals which fall under the VOC umbrella. Compared to natural latex, it’s:

• Less durable
• Emits a strong smell due to off gassing
• Loses elasticity more easily

However, synthetic latex mattresses are often cheaper than their natural latex counterparts. But when you factor in how long they last, it’s apparent that in the long run, natural latex mattresses are more cost effective.

Why choose Sleep Republic

At Sleep Republic, we’ve spent years perfecting our hybrid mattress. We’ve experimented with different comfort layers, and worked out how to squeeze up to 2250 high density pocket springs in one bed, while still fitting it in a box. Our customers routinely give us great feedback, saying things like:

• “Having tried inner spring, pocket spring and all foam, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a hybrid. But I was highly impressed at the amount of softness yet supportiveness there was.” – Jesse P.
• “We love our king mattress! It looks and feels nothing like a mattress in a box, it’s got a full pillow top layer, a woven plush top and is so supportive. My partner and I prefer very different feels in a mattress, and this is the first one we’ve both agreed on.” – Michelle
• “I highly recommend this mattress. It is the ultimate mix of firm support, combined with a lovely soft top that gives perfectly at all the pressure points.” – Natasha S.

What makes our mattress so good? We’ve combined the best materials with a solid foundation to give you support and comfort at night. Our comfort layers include:

• Cashmere knitted fabric
• Gel-infused memory foam
• Natural latex
• High definition pocket springs
• Dynamic edge support
• 3D spacer fabric

If you’re looking for a mattress which will last you the next 10-20 years, check out our award winning mattress. If you’re not satisfied with your mattress within 100 nights of purchase, you can return it — no questions asked, no hidden asterisks.