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Have been reading all I can from the forum. I have notes also from a dozen different websites, unfortunately no notation of where they came from. One said that the blended latex is non toxic. Do you know if that is true? If true of some, can you steer me to non-toxic blends? It seems that the blended holds up better? What do you think of it for a topper? One thread here compared the feel of the blended versus natural latex and thought it had a more springy feel. I often read that latex is springy. Have only experienced memory foam, which I like until it loses its firmess and resilience - usually in a few months. I have this picture of laying down and popping up on the foam. :-) Can someone give me an idea of what is meant by "springy." I know it's probably an abstract feeling, but would appreciate any feedback! Thanks! |
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Both natural and synthetically blended latex foams are somewhat springy. Some people find 'talalay' processed latex (which can be natural or usually a blend) will be a little springier than 'dunlop' processed latex (which is usually natural although can also be a blend). By springy think of the type of comfort provided by latex foams more intune with that of a traditional coil mattress, not the dead lifeless feeling of memory foams. As far as what is better, between blended and natural it is really tough to be completely objective. Blended latex's have not been sold as widely as natural rubber (latex) mattresses in the past, realistically BOTH are very durable. Natural rubber has more elasticity which makes it less resistant to crumbling (which is precisely why 100% synthetic latex is very rare even though it is inexpensive). Synthetic rubber usually makes a more consistent product, particularly when being processed in places where rubber trees are not located (european and american made latex foams). Realistically the best rubber in the world is natural rubber, but there is a very wide disparity in the quality because of both the quality of the actual trees (just like how different grapes produce different wines, and types of wines, some tree's produce more elastic rubber than others), and production methods. On the toxicity issue; synthetic latex is made from two petrochemical derivatives styrene and butadiene, both are unstable toxic chemicals. However the overall risk of chemical exposure is very low. Once these chemicals have been 'polymerized' they are stable and will no longer off-gas. Additionally high quality manufacturers such as latex international wash the finished product many times to remove residual soaps, curing agents and non polymerized material. The biggest difference as far as health concerns has less to do with chemicals as it is to due with allergy concerns. If someone was purchasing rubber primarily because it is meant to be anti allergen (dust mite, fungi, and bacteria resistant) this is specifically referring to NATURAL hevea milk or natural latex. The proteins that are found in natural rubber are actually what make the product anti allergen. The complex processes used to mix synthetic and natural rubber together, as well as the synthetic latex itself actually reduce or completely destroy these proteins, eliminating the benefits associated with it. Synthetic blend rubber will typically be less expensive to procure and it is a very good product though. So you will have to hopefully find a dealer near you that carries both types of latex to see if you can feel a significant difference, and whether the natural is worth the extra cost to you. |
| Wow! Thank you for the thorough and easy to understand explaination. |