Latex Mattresses

The latex mattress provides support where it is needed most by contouring to the body's natural shape. It relieves pressure points, particularly at the shoulders and hips allowing for better circulation, and in consequence, less tossing and turning for a deeper more restful seep. The independent cell construction of latex foam is not prone to transfer movement, allowing two people to comfortably share the same bed without disrupting each other with every motion.

The latex mattress foam provides a medium in bedding that can easily be used in custom mattresses. Available in a wide range of firmness levels, it is simple to build a latex mattress that caters to an individual's needs; custom sizes are not a problem, perfect for boats and RVs; his and her sided beds are easy to construct; toppers can fine-tune the feel to fit anybody's preference, and can easily be exchanged to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible when it matters most.

Integrating an open cell structure with a pin core design allows for maximum breathability essential for removing excess heat and moisture that can prevent a good night's sleep. For those who struggle with allergies latex mattresses present a safe haven as they are naturally hypoallergenic, and anti-microbial. This means that molds, mildew, and dust mites that may help trigger allergies will not be waiting for you in a latex mattress, where they can be the most frustrating.

A naturally resilient and durable material, a natural latex mattress will supply consistent performance for 20 years or more.

History of the latex mattress

The latex mattress, being a natural rubber product, is the result of a long line of innovations in rubber technology. Natural latex rubber, utilized by indigenous people of South America for centuries, was not apt for industrialized usage until Charles Goodyear discovered in 1829 that, when vulcanized with sulfur, the previously unstable sticky substance became stable, durable, and very elastic.

This discovery of vulcanization opened the door for the natural latex rubber industry and the latex mattress. In the late 19th century rubber became a hot commodity with the onset of automobile production. With the demand skyrocketing, there was a lot of pressure to make the production of rubber more economical, starting at the source. At the time almost all of the latex used in natural latex rubber was harvested from wild hevea brasiliensis trees in Brazil.

Due to the plants natural tendency to grow far away from each other, an adaptation to prevent the spread of the crop killing fungus that causes leaf blight, the process of harvesting the latex was extremely inefficient.

It became obvious that plantations were necessary in a place free of South American leaf blight. After many failed attempts to transport viable seeds from South America to Asia, success was finally seen in 1876 when Englishman Henry Wickham exported 70,000 seeds to England.

Of these, 2800 germinated and were shipped to what is present day Malaysia. After overcoming initial problems, plantations were established producing a far greater quantity of latex than possible in Brazil with immensely improved efficiency.

It wasn't until the 1920s that latex was exploited to make foam. E.A. Murphy, a scientist for the Dunlop company, is accredited with producing the first latex foam in 1929 and opening the door for the first latex mattress. After five years of research and failed attempts, Murphy finally discovered how to create the necessary bubbles to create the desired product.

The discovery came in the form of his wife's cake mixer which he used to whip the latex before using a gelling agent and vulcanizing it in a steam oven. The newly created latex foam was a big success, rapidly growing in popularity as seating cushions. In 1931 the first latex mattress was marketed by Dunlopillo and promoted as being a time saver, as it didn't require flipping or fluffing to maintain its incredible level of comfort.

The Japanese occupation of Malaysia during World War II cut off the supply of latex, and led to large setbacks in the industry for years. During this period latex mattresses were available by prescription only. With the potential of the market beginning to be realized the most recent innovation in latex mattress technology was introduced to the industry in 1965. This innovation, known as the Talalay process (after Leon Talalay) added a stage to the production of latex foam during which air is vacuumed out of the mold to distribute the liquid latex evenly. This process rapidly became the standard method of synthesizing latex into foam used for latex mattresses and pillows, and remains the standard today.

© Buy Beds.org.uk 2006

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