Is natural latex supposed to be crumbly?
Sep 6, 2011 3:51 PM
Joined: Aug 1, 2009
Points: 175
Just received my N3 natural Talalay-processed topper from SLAB. It has a seam (not necessarily a problem, but I was not expecting that in a full-size topper) and it is crumbly. I just emailed SLAB to ask about this, but would really appreciate some input from the people here who are knowledgeable about latex

Is there any reason for the natural stuff -- as opposed to the blended stuff -- to be crumbly? Doesn't seem like it should be, unless it's been sitting around exposed to air & light.

(It's crumbly all over, not just at the edges, but it's more crumbly at the edges.)

Every time I touch this thing, I get covered in itty-bitty crumbly bits. Doesn't seem right, especially for the price I paid, and I can't see using this topper if it's going to continue to leave tiny bits of latex all over the place. (I haven't had this problem with any of the blended-latex products from SLAB.)

A sticker on the side of the topper says 5/16/2010.

This message was modified Sep 7, 2011 by Catherine
Re: natural latex -- great customer service from SLAB & LI
Reply #16 Sep 23, 2011 5:56 PM
Joined: Aug 1, 2009
Points: 175
An update to close this thread out:

I sent the N3 piece in question to LI, as instructed. They inspected it, and said that it was fine, and that the little crumbles were left over from the cutting process. I had described it as best I could, but there wasn't really a way for them to tell for sure except by looking at the actual piece.

The replacement N3 topper came yesterday, and it was carefully packaged (not a single crumb), and it was perfect. They even sent me a seamless piece, though the seam in the first piece, while not expected, was not a problem. Pretty great customer service there.

 

"Sleepswithcats" asked: "If you wipe off all of the latex crumbles is the latex perfect? ....  Is the color uniform?  Does more latex crumble off the mattress with handling?"

The color was uniform. Lots of tiny bits of latex came off the topper every time I handled it -- that's why I asked about it -- but they were apparently left over from the cutting process and would have stopped coming off eventually. Honestly, I did not have time for extensive testing. (I'm just glad it was on a day when I didn't have to go into the office for any meetings.)

To be clear: When I contacted SLAB about the topper, it was more of a request for information than a complaint. My wording was along the lines of "this is what I've observed in the first two toppers I bought from you [they were perfect]; this is what I've observed in this N3 piece [the crumbles]; what can you tell me about it?" SLAB forwarded my note to LI, and we went on from there (with 3-way communication). LI asked to see the topper; I sent it; they offered to send a replacement; and I accepted the offer.

The new N3 piece is on my bed, under my 24 ILD Talatech piece.

-Catherine

This message was modified Sep 23, 2011 by Catherine
Re: Is natural latex supposed to be crumbly?
Reply #17 Oct 8, 2011 11:41 PM
Joined: Nov 9, 2010
Points: 12
The same "Crumbles" were all over the layers of Latex I received from SleepEZ.  I order three FULL size layers.  I ordered the 100% natural latex.  I called SleepEZ and it was explained to me that LI does not make factory FULL size latex cores.  SleepEZ cuts larger cores and then glues them together to get a full size core.  When I took mine out of the bags, there was latex crumbs and dust everywhere.    I was actually worried about breathing too much of it.  I have a sealed HEPA vacuum (Miele) and vacuumed the best I could, but I could never get it all off. 

I called SleepEZ and they said this is normal, it is non-toxic, and there is no way to make a full size core without cutting.  SO I kept the cores.  Once sealed inside the cover, I did not see any more dust or crumbs.  It was disconcerting though.

I think the replacement you received from LI was cut by the factory and then WASHED.  There are videos of the process they use and they have some really nice machines that water wash the cores before they are packed.  My guess is that this process removes virtually all remaining dust and "crumbs". 

I suppose those that order LI factory cut sizes don't have any dust or crumbs because of their washing process.

Re: Is natural latex supposed to be crumbly?
Reply #18 Oct 10, 2011 3:45 PM
Joined: May 3, 2008
Points: 827
I get crumbly debris when I swap the layers of latex around.  But The glued piece of latex is something I don't like.  I wish we could get hold of the queen layer mold pieces instead of the glued twin and a piece.

 

The natural dunlop latex was the most crumbly piece I had, don't know why but it was.  The Latex International gets crumbles when I move them around still.  I try to be careful.  But a queen piece does take some effort on my part to move.

This message was modified Oct 10, 2011 by Leo3

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