I am concerned about latex
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Hello everyone, I am in the process of finding a new mattress. I now have a very old and worn out futon mattress. And it has to go very soon. I have been out trying different kinds of mattresses, and the ones I like the most are latex mattresses. I had decided to buy one, but then I began hearing about latex allergy. I am quite sure that I dont have latex allergy, but still I am concerned. With regard to latex in mattresses, here is how I understand it:There are people that say that you shouldnt worry about mattresses made out of latex, because people that are allergic to latex are allergic to a protein in latex that is washed out of the latex in the manufacturing process of the mattress. But.... ...we cant be sure of this, apparently. There are studies that show that scientists have been able to extract these allergen proteins out of latex mattresses. And honest sellers of latex mattresses do not advocate latex mattresses to people that have latex allergy. But why if the protein allergens have been washed out ? Well, the sellers themselves say that you cant be 100 percent sure that all the proteins have been washed out. That is why I think that perhaps latex mattresses should be a concern for people that are not allergic. I am concerned that people are at risk of DEVELOPING A LATEX ALLERGY. We hear so much about people working with latex at their jobs DEVELOPING latex allergies. (That a higher percentage of people in this group have latex allergies - up to 10 percent or more) If people working with latex 8 hours a day develop latex allergies because they are so close to it for such an extended period of time, why wouldnt people that sleep close to latex proteins (assuming that there are still some left in the mattress even after being washed severel times) be at risk of developing latex allergy ? I am very interested to hear what your thoughts are on this. I very much want to buy a latex mattress, (I have tried some that fits me very well, that I feel are very comfortable) but am not sure if it is such a good idea in light of what I have just been writing. I hope someone out there can calm my mind, and convince me rationally that it is a good idea to by a latex mattress. Especially since the ones I have tried are exchangeable. Looking forward to some responses Sting |
Re: I am concerned about latex
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I don't think anyone here is qualified to give you an answer. IMO, the risk of developing an allergy to latex from a latex mattress is extremely minimal so I don't worry about it. If you are worried about developing a latex allergy and further allergies to fruits, etc. - that's beyond the scope to this forum. You might want to consult with an allergist I don't think you would have much, if any direct exposure to latex proteins if the latex core is covered with a mattress cover. I am much more comfortable with natural latex and a natural fiber cover than with synthetic chemicals - but that's just my opinion. Jimsocal is talking about a splint which is a brace or heavy bandage on an injured body part. He had a latex splint on his wrist which made the skin itch when he wore it all night. That is a localized irritation or sensitivity due to direct skin contact for a long time - not really an allergy. This message was modified Feb 2, 2008 by mattressmom
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Re: I am concerned about latex
| You should probably be more concerned with the chemicals in standard innerspring mattresses if you're worried about allergies. As Lynn pointed out, you are insulated from the latex by the mattress cover so you aren't actually in contact with it. And since you don't seem to have any sensitivity to latex why obsess on the remote possibility that you might have an allergic reaction to a latex mattress? Forget about it! |
Re: I am concerned about latex
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mattressmom wrote: Personally, I'm a lot more concerned about the fire retardant chemicals used in many mattresses than I am about developing a latex sensitivity.
As far as the studies cited, etc ... you can find a study in favor of/against nearly any topic if you research enough. Real world experience is a more reliable factor if we're talking about real world odds of developing any of the issues you mentioned. |
Re: I am concerned about latex
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Hi Yeah I guess you are all right. Polyurethane is probably more of a realistic irritant. Now I am not concerned about latex anymore. I have found something new to be concerned about. Great. No Now I will try and relax a bit. I have just been in one of those "its dangerous to live" moods. It happens whenever I make changes in my life. Thanks for the input everyone. Sting |
Re: I am concerned about latex
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sting wrote: Hi</p><p>Yeah I guess you are all right. Polyurethane is probably more of a realistic irritant. Now I am not concerned about latex anymore. I have found something new to be concerned about. Great. No Now I will try and relax a bit. I have just been in one of those "its dangerous to live" moods. It happens whenever I make changes in my life. Thanks for the input everyone.</p><p>Sting That's the spirit! Life's too short to sleep on a crummy old futon. I hate to discount people's allergy concerns but I doubt you have anything to fear from latex. |
Re: I am concerned about latex
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Sting: If you want to give latex a try before investing in a mattress, you might purchase a latex pillow ($45 - $60) and see how you do with it. |