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The Pros and Cons of Latex Mattresses

The Pros and Cons of Latex Mattresses
‘What are the Pros and Cons of latex mattresses?’ is a common question asked by customers looking for latex mattresses. If you are considering a latex mattress, you should be aware of its advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a look at these.
Pros

1. Extremely comfortable. A latex mattress delivers ultimate comfort. When you first lie down on a latex mattress, you'll at first feel a soft sinking feeling, followed immediately by a buoyant supportive sensation. This is due to the natural springiness of latex, and it feels incredibly comfortable. 
2. Promotes pain relief. Latex mattresses are an ideal choice for those with back pain or joint pain. Many health professionals such as osteopaths, physical therapists and chiropractors recommend latex mattresses for pain relief. This is because of the comfort and cushioning properties of the latex, as well as its ability to promote natural spine alignment. In any case, if pain is interfering with your sleep, a switch to a latex mattress could help you significantly.
3. Natural spine alignment. A huge advantage of latex mattresses is their ability to promote proper spine alignment. Heavier parts of the body such as the shoulders and hips sink into the latex, yet lighter areas are still strongly supported to align the spine naturally. The ability to support the natural curvature of the spine is a huge bonus for health and wellness, as well as keeping pain at bay. Furthermore, with this good pressure distribution, blood circulation is improved on a latex mattress.
4. All-natural. Latex is a natural product, produced from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. The milky-white sap is processed into a comfortable foam mattress block. The springiness you feel when you lie down is entirely due to the natural properties of the latex. Because of its all-natural origin, you do not have to worry about toxic chemicals or metals being present in a latex mattress, unlike other mattresses. At Heveya® Singapore, we only sell 100% pure latex mattresses.
5. Natural resistance to mould and dust mites. Latex is naturally mould resistant and dust mite resistant without the use of any added chemicals. This factor alone is a huge advantage in warm humid climates such as that of Singapore. Other types of mattresses are either not resistant at all - resulting in big problems such as visible mould growth - or they are resistant but only because harsh chemicals have been added. You won't want to sleep on a mattress which contains dust mites or mould, and neither would you want to sleep on a cloud of chemicals. Hence, latex is the ideal choice for a naturally hygienic and healthy sleeping environment.
6. Naturally allergen free. Did you know that the vast majority of allergies in the bedroom are actually caused by the body's reaction to proteins produced by dust mites or mould?  Latex mattresses are naturally resistant to mould and dust mites, so they simply do not contain these allergens. Therefore, those who suffer from year-round allergies may find relief with a latex mattress.
7. Environmentally responsible. When you purchase a 100% pure latex mattress, you are supporting the growth of the rubber tree. Tapping the rubber tree to collect the latex-containing sap will not kill the tree. Therefore, the production of latex mattresses encourages the growth of rubber trees. Plantations are carefully managed to ensure their growth is sustainable. The trees in these plantations remove carbon dioxide from the air, so you are helping the environment when you purchase a latex mattress. There is simply no other type of mattress which is as environmentally responsible. All other types of mattresses require a lot of synthetic ingredients and harm the environment instead of helping it. 
For those who want the ultimate in environmental friendliness, organic latex mattresses are available. This is becoming increasingly popular, especially among eco-conscious shoppers and parents of babies and young children. Organic latex is 100% natural latex which has been grown without the use of pesticides. 
Whether or not you opt for the organic variety, you can feel good about doing your part for the environment when you purchase a latex mattress. 
8. No metal, therefore no amplification of electromagnetic radiation. The zero-metal content of latex mattresses make them very popular among those who want to sleep safely. In contrast, the metal springs in spring coil mattresses are believed to amplify electromagnetic radiation, acting like an antenna: this is not a good environment for our bodies to sleep on. 
Use latex mattress with open cells and pinholes for a cool night sleep
9. Excellent air circulation. Latex has a natural open-cell structure, allowing for good air flow. In addition, a series of pinholes are added during the processing of latex, and this increases airflow even further. This excellent air circulation makes for a cooler night's sleep - a big advantage in the warm humid climate of Singapore. In addition to comfort, hygiene is another benefit of the superb air circulation of latex mattresses. Perspiration does not linger or make a latex mattress feel damp.
10. Does not transmit movement easily. The natural resiliency of latex means that movement on one side of the mattress is not transmitted easily to the other side. This means that if you sleep with a partner, you will both be a lot more comfortable and will sleep more deeply than you would on a mattress which transmits movement.
11. Highly durable. Latex mattresses are among the most durable types of mattresses. They last a lot longer than other types of mattresses before needing to be replaced. This high durability is one of the many reasons for the high level of owner satisfaction with latex mattresses.
Cons
1. Heavy. A latex mattress tends to be, on average, heavier than many other types of mattresses. That being said, all mattresses differ greatly in their weight, depending on the different types of materials present and their density. Overall though, a latex mattress can require a little more effort to move or lift. However, this is not a big drawback because it does not occur very frequently that you will need to move your mattress.
2. Cost. Latex mattresses tend to be more expensive than a regular spring coil mattress or polyurethane (PU) foam mattress. However, this is a case where the extra cost represents extra value. A latex mattress is more durable, and part of the cost increase is offset by the reduced frequency of replacing old mattresses. Another factor is the vastly improved performance that a latex mattress offers. You'll get a more comfortable sleep, healthier body support and a more hygienic way to sleep when you use a latex mattress. Furthermore, a very high-end spring coil mattress may quite easily cost more than a latex mattress, yet do not offer similar performance compared to a latex mattress.
The take-home message from this list of pros and cons is that latex mattresses deliver a stellar quality of performance. There are many advantages and very few disadvantages to purchasing a latex mattress. You'll feel more comfortable, well rested, healthier and happier after sleeping on a latex mattress.

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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.
What Are the Benefits of Latex Mattress
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What Are the Benefits of Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. You may be wondering what a latex mattress is and what it will offer you in terms of your sleep. What is latex? Latex is a natural material that comes from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and possesses elasticity. It is this elasticity which allows the mattress to conform pleasantly to your body shape. Those who have slept on a latex mattress report that it feels wonderfully soft at first touch, but 'firms up' as your body settles deeper, giving the body full support. It is no surprise then that many people with musculoskeletal ailments such as back pain and scoliosis find relief with a latex mattress. The benefits of a latex mattress A latex mattress offers you many benefits and a high quality sleep experience, explaining its popularity. The first of these benefits is its unique balance of soft comfort with proper support for your spine. A latex mattress is also naturally resistant to dust mites, mould and bacteria without the use of added chemicals, and this benefit appeals to many people. Also, excellent air circulation is provided by the open-cell natural structure of latex and by pinhole patterns purposefully created during manufacturing. This allows for good breathability, resulting in a comfortable sleeping temperature. This is important in warm humid climates such as that of Singapore. The superb body pressure distribution properties of latex mattresses are also frequently recommended by medical professionals such as chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths as a way to counteract backaches and muscle-aches. An additional benefit of a latex mattress is that it does not transmit movement easily, meaning that if you sleep with a partner, you won't feel their movements on your side of the bed. Lastly, it is important to note that latex mattresses are one of the most highly durable mattress types available. If you are going to be purchasing a mattress, it makes financial sense to purchase one that will last you for a long time. What type of latex mattress do I need? There are many different types of latex mattress. However, in general, they can be differentiated and compared in the following ways: Natural latex mattress vs synthetic-natural blended latex mattress All-latex mattress vs mattress containing latex combined with other materials And the 2 processes: Dunlop & Talalay processes. While these questions could each require considerable further discussion, there are some generally accepted guidelines. When it comes to all-natural latex vs a blend with synthetic latex, the all-natural is considered the better option if you strongly believed in buying products with its raw material derived from nature. However, a synthetic-natural blended latex mattress is not necessarily inferior to a natural latex mattress. To achieve the perfect combination, as well as consistency for both comfort and support, some leading manufacturers continue to produce synthetic-natural blended latex mattresses. Just like when shopping for a new natural latex mattress, make sure that the synthetic-natural blended latex mattress you are buying has also undergone various stringent tests and has achieved certifications of international standards - such as Oeko-Tex, Eurolatex, LGA and Morton Thiokol - to certify that the latex core excels in elasticity and durability, and does not contain any harmful substances. Likewise, when comparing 100% latex vs latex containing other materials, the 100% latex is considered better. This is mainly because the 'other materials' typically consist of polyurethane foam as part of its mattress core, which tends to off-gas or emit an unpleasant chemical smell. Moreover, 100% latex mattress enjoys all the advantages as explained above. The Dunlop and the Talalay processes refer to the two alternative ways that the latex is processed to create mattresses. In that instance, there is no 'superior' or 'inferior' option, but instead the two methods simply result in different mattress properties. The major difference you should be aware of when shopping is that the Dunlop process tends to produce a firmer mattress while the Talalay process creates a softer mattress. There is no right or wrong. Ultimately, it comes down to which mattress feels most comfortable for you. How can I be certain of finding the perfect latex mattress? With the different types of latex mattress described above, you may be thinking that finding the perfect mattress sounds complicated. Fortunately, all you have to remember is that your comfort is the key. You can only do this by trying out the mattress yourself. Reputable mattress shops will allow you a free in-home trial of your mattress for up to 100 days, which helps ensure you find the perfect mattress. If the mattress does not suit you, you can change it out for a softer or firmer one, for example. You spend more time on your mattress than on any other piece of furniture, so it's worth it for you to explore your options when mattress shopping. Don't feel rushed into making a purchase. Ask questions, a reputable mattress seller should be properly knowledgeable about the product he or she is selling. Regardless of whether you are simply replacing an old mattress, looking to relieve back pain, or seeking to enhance your overall wellbeing, a latex mattress will leave you feeling refreshed and rested.
What Is a Latex Mattress
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What Is a Latex Mattress

Do you want to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day’s challenges? Try sleeping on our 100% pure latex mattress! What is a natural latex mattress? Latex is naturally produced by mother nature. Made from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis, latex mattress is naturally elastic. This elasticity is crucial for the ability of the mattress to mold itself perfectly according to the body shape, whatever the sleeping position. This enables the spine to be kept in its natural position, reducing excessive pressure on certain points of the body and ensuring healthy blood circulation during sleeping hours. What are the main benefits of a natural latex mattress? Natural origin. Latex is made from the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis, and therefore free from harmful chemicals. Progressive support. Latex feels comfortably soft at first touch and as you settle deeper in your mattress, it gives you full support. That's why latex is ideal for providing back support. It adapts to the body contours, keeping proper alignment of the spinal column. Excellent pressure distribution for a good blood circulation. Elastic, allowing you to move freely at night. Latex is made of millions of molecular springs, ensuring support in every point of your body. Naturally anti-dust mite, anti‐microbial and anti‐bacterial and therefore, good for people with allergies. Good breathability for a comfortable sleeping temperature & excellent moisture absorption. Latex has an open cell structure and has ventilation holes allowing you to sleep in a fresh environment. High durability. Latex mattresses are known to last longer than mattresses made of other materials such as spring coil and PU foam. What is the ideal firmness? Many people with back pain think that a very firm mattress will help to relieve their pain. This is not true. What you need is not a rock hard mattress, but a mattress that is comfortable and firm enough to support your body. Here’s how to decide which mattress is best for you. Too HardOur bodies are not flat. When a mattress is too hard, you sleep on top of it and you get no support. All weight will be supported by two pressure points, resulting in bad blood circulation. If your mattress does not follow the contours of your body, then it is time to change your mattress. Too SoftSagging in the middle at the heaviest part of your body is what you get if your mattress is old or of low quality. Such mattress is very bad for your back because it does not give the support that your body needs. If your mattress shows signs of sagging, we recommend you to change your mattress immediately. Just rightThe right mattress gives you both comfort and support. It feels soft and comfortable at first touch, but as you sink deeper, it gives you full support, so that your spine is in the right position and your body pressure is evenly distributed. We call this progressive support. All of our mattresses provide the “just right” support. We use high-quality materials like 100% natural latex which mold perfectly to your body contours and are elastic at the same time. Within the “just right” range, we have firm, medium and soft feels. Depending on your body weight and personal preference, we recommend the following: < 60 kg: soft 60‐90 kg: medium or firm > 90 kg: firm Besides weight, your height will also help determine your ideal mattress choice.Try our mattresses and you’ll know what we mean by “just right”. At Heveya® Singapore, we make only quality mattresses that suit your needs best. What are the health benefits of a good mattress? To get a good night sleep, your mattress should support your body so that your spine is properly aligned and can recuperate during the night. The support and contouring help to distribute your body weight evenly. Thus, pressure points are reduced significantly and your blood circulation is improved. Remember, a good blood circulation is vital for a good health.So the importance of a good and supportive mattress cannot be underestimated. It will improve the quality of your life. With Heveya®, you can rest assured that you are buying a quality mattress that will help you sleep well throughout the night. A good night sleep is just a click away. Get your latex mattress now!

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