Latex — aka rubber — is used to make a lot of everyday items. Car tires, toys, shoe soles, and rubber bands are all made from rubber latex. This material is prized for its elasticity benefits and long-term durability, which is why you can find it almost everywhere.
But not all latex products are natural. Some are manufactured from synthetic latex or natural and synthetic rubber.
The distinction is important, especially when investing in something that impacts your health, such as your mattress. Choosing the right type of latex mattress can impact your sleep quality, which affects everything from your mood to your daytime performance.
Let's look at what natural rubber latex is made from and how to ensure you buy 100% natural latex.
Is Latex a 100% Natural Material?
The short answer: it can be.
Natural latex is made from the milky white substance harvested from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree, also known as the rubber tree.
A product containing natural latex without any fillers or petroleum compounds is 100% natural. However, a lot of products labeled as natural latex aren't completely natural.
The Story Behind Natural Rubber Latex
The process for extracting the latex sap from rubber trees is similar to harvesting sap from maple trees for maple syrup.
Someone taps the rubber tree by cutting into the bark, which causes the liquid to ooze out. A mature rubber tree yields about 19 pounds of rubber per year, and harvesters can collect about one cup of the milky fluid every other day.
The collected latex has to then be processed to remove impurities and other substances, leaving nothing but the rubber. This natural rubber is then treated with curing agents to create latex foam.
Traditionally, these foam slabs are pressed into blocks to remove any excess moisture. After that, they're ready to ship to factories so they can undergo specific manufacturing processes to create erasers, rubber gloves, and other natural latex products.
Natural Rubber vs. Synthetic Latex — What's the Difference?
Natural rubber latex refers to latex that is derived from the raw, milky latex that drips out of rubber trees. There are no harmful chemicals used in the manufacturing process of natural latex.
Synthetic latex is usually made from two petroleum compounds: styrene and butadiene. This version costs less, which is why a lot of products are made from it, including latex paint and glues.
Also, it doesn't contain the proteins found in natural rubber that cause allergic reactions in people who have latex allergies.
But it does present health concerns. Synthetic latex mattresses, for example, can contain polyurethane foam and other harmful chemicals. These chemicals can emit extremely small particles as they break down. Some of these compounds are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
You have to be careful when comparing products to ensure you are actually getting natural latex.
Here's what you need to know:
- A latex product can be labeled as 'natural' or 'containing natural ingredients' even if it also contains synthetic latex and toxic ingredients.
- Blended latex contains both natural and synthetic latex. As you might have guessed, because synthetic rubber latex is less expensive, most of these products are heavy on synthetics.
- If you want to purchase pure natural rubber latex, look for products that are certified organic under the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). That way, you know you're buying pure latex.
- Curing agents are used to create the right consistency when processing raw latex milk — without them, the natural rubber would be a liquid instead of a foam. That's why you won't find a 100% natural latex mattress.
- You can find 100% natural and organic mattresses. Just look for manufacturers that use the maximum percentage of natural rubber latex possible and blend natural plant extracts into the latex instead of chemical curing agents.
The Benefits of Choosing Organic Latex Mattresses
With an organic latex mattress, you get all the benefits of latex foam plus the peace of mind that comes with sleeping on an organic, toxin-free mattress.
Latex mattresses are more elastic than synthetic latexes, which is why they're able to offer better support to your joints.
Natural rubber latex is also incredibly durable, so you can expect your organic latex mattress to last for years without losing its consistency and comfort.
Choosing natural latex is also better for the planet. Natural rubber is a sustainable material and doesn’t harm the environment like petroleum products do.
Conclusion
Raw latex sap is a natural material. And because it's so elastic, durable, and versatile, it's used to make products in a variety of industries.
But once that latex milk is processed, it might not be 100% natural. As a consumer, you also have to be wary of products that claim to be natural but are a combination of natural and synthetic latex, particularly when it comes to your sleeping surface.
Essentia latex mattresses are GOLS-certified Dunlop latex and are completely free of synthetic ingredients. We start with organic hevea milk derived from rubber trees grown on organic plantations to create our Beyond Latex™ organic foam mattresses.
Then, we add organic essential oils and natural plant extracts, such as grapefruit seed oil and jasmine essence, to create a supportive latex foam that soothes your body and mind while you sleep.
Our mattresses are designed to help you wake up feeling refreshed. Learn more about how our natural latex mattresses are made.
