About a month ago I purchased all natural latex pillows for both my wife and daughter because they kept talking about how badly they wanted to try them after seeing our “new green product line” here at Rocky Mountain Mattress. My wife already has some nice down pillows we purchased for her about a year ago, but really was captured by the look and feel of the all natural latex pillow. Here is a picture to get a better idea what the pillow looks like:

Since giving them the pillows, I have had rave reviews from both my daughter and wife about how good their neck feels, and how soundly they sleep, and how fast they feel the pillow helps them fall asleep. They both agree that it is the most comfortable pillow they have ever laid their heads on. Normally my wife has to pile up two pillows to keep her neck where she wants it during the night, but with the latex pillow, it keeps her neck in a comfortable position, and it never loses its shape!

I am excited to be able offer the all natural latex pillow on Rocky Mountain Mattress as its an “eco-friendly” product, and is a great addition to our “green” product line.

When looking for a new mattress, many consumers find themselves face to face with a tough question:

“Should I go with a temperature-sensitive memory foam mattress, or an all-natural latex mattress?”

The decision is really one of personal preference, as high-quality mattresses are available in both materials. To help take away some of the mystery surrounding the debate, though, here is a side-by-side comparison of natural latex mattresses and memory foam mattresses on several key points.

Support & Design

Memory foam is temperature sensitive, and conforms to your unique shape as the foam reacts to your body temperature. With high quality memory foams like those available from Rocky Mountain Mattress, this leads to a supportive, conforming experience. With quality memory foam mattresses, expect little to no motion transfer.

Natural latex also offers quality support, although the material is not conforming and heat sensitive. Natural latex mattresses are often a bit more firm than memory foam, and while motion transfer is still minimal, you may experience slightly more movement on a natural latex mattress.

Durability

Memory foam mattresses are designed to weather numerous compressions and years of use without losing their original shape. As long as consumers stay with high-quality, American made memory foam mattresses, you can expect 10-15 years of quality use out of a memory foam mattress set.

Natural latex mattresses are similarly designed to offer years and years of use. In fact, in many cases a high quality latex mattress can offer support and quality sleeping experiences for two decades or more.

Natural Features

While memory foam itself is not inherently hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial, many owners choose to purchase a mattress cover that does bring these features to the memory foam sleep system.

Natural latex, though, is safe for allergy suffers and prevents the growth of fungus and mold through its naturally occurring features.

Customization

Memory foam sleep systems are among the most customizable options for individuals to use. Memory foam can be cut to virtually any size and shape, and layers of support foam, foundation foam, and toppers - all in varying densities and heights to meet the consumer’s desire - can be designed to order.

Because latex is also a “foam” it too can be customized in terms of layering - and size and shape can also be determined by the customer.

Latex foam offers a number of special features and benefits that have made it one of the most popular mattress materials over the past few years. Natural latex is environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic and anti-microbial, durable, and provides a superior sleeping experience when compared to traditional inner-spring mattresses.

Durability & Longevity

The purchase of a latex mattress or all natural latex mattress topper is a long-term investment. In fact, it’s not uncommon for latex beds to last up to three decades, as a result of the product’s durability.

Support & Luxury

Besides boasting a long life, latex products offer superior orthopedic support. Our latex mattress toppers work great for anyone, although, we specifically recommend latex over memory foam for individuals who weigh 250 pounds or more. Aside from being supportive the natural latex is also therapeutic, conforming naturally to body contours and weight.

Breathable & Moisture-Resistant

Part of the reason latex mattress products have such a long life is owed to its moisture resistance. This water resistant feature in simply not found in many other mattress products. Latex mattresses and mattress toppers are pinholed, which keeps them breathable, helping the mattress stay fresh, cool, and dry.

Anti-Microbial, Anti-Bacterial, & Dust Mite Resistant

Many mattresses are prone to the growth and spread of bacteria, fungi, and dust mites. Natural latex mattress toppers and mattresses provide natural prevention against these potentially obnoxious problems. Bacteria growth can lead to the spread of disease, while fungi, mold, and dust mites can lead to respiratory problems, asthma, and other related problems for allergy sufferers.

Environmentally Friendly

Natural latex is an eco-friendly alternative to many other mattress products. The serum used to make latex mattress products is taken directly from the rubber tree. The process used to manufacture latex mattress products does not emit CFCs or other harmful emissions, and no dangerous chemicals are used to produce our products.

All Natural Latex Mattress Toppers

Rocky Mountain Mattress offers two all-natural latex mattress toppers. These eco-friendly toppers provide additional support and comfort for any of our high-quality mattresses, and are available in two densities. Each mattress topper features perforated holes to promote air flow, leading to a fresher, drier, and more sound sleeping experience.

Our medium-firm natural latex mattress toppers have a density of 5.2 pounds offering superior support for those who prefer a firmer sleeping surface. The medium plush topper offers a density of 4.75 pounds, which provides for a more plush topper. Both latex mattress toppers are available in 1, 2, 3, and 4 inch profiles.

All Natural Latex Pillows

Rocky Mountain Mattress also offers an all natural latex pillow that (in my opinion) is the most comfortable pillow on the face of the earth!

When it comes to the production of latex mattresses, two main processes are used. The Dunlop process, which is the oldest form of latex production still used today, and the Talalay process, which is a newer process. Both processes offer advantages, and in many cases, the production method is simply a matter of personal preference for consumers.

At Rocky Mountain Mattress, we strive to make sure our customers have access to all of the high-quality products they seek. That’s why we offer latex mattress products made via the Dunlop process and those made using the Talalay process.

Overview of the Dunlop Process

The Dunlop process is the most common method of producing mattresses and other products made from natural latex. In this process, the serum is collected from rubber trees, then frothed in a centrifuge. The material is then poured into a mold and baked at a low temperature. As the latex bakes and begins to firm, particles and sediments tend to fall and settle at the bottom of the mold. Because of this, products made through the Dunlop process often have one side - the bottom - which is somewhat firmer.

Around the world, the Dunlop process is the most common method of latex production. Latex products made using the Dunlop process are typically more dense than those made using the Talalay process.

Overview of the Talalay Process

The Talalay process of latex production is a somewhat more modern means of production, though with the advanced method comes a higher cost of production. Once extracted and prepared, the latex compound is ready to be poured into the mold. Once the latex material has been poured into the mold, the mold is sealed off. Air is then vacuumed from the mold, which is designed to evenly distribute the foamy latex material inside the mold. This leads to an open-cell, consistent end product.

Once the air has been drawn from the material, the mold is flash frozen for stabilization and the lock the latex product in place.

Natural latex offers some differences in material and composition from synthetic latex materials, and it’s important to understand what it means to offer all-natural latex mattress toppers and other memory foam products.

What is natural latex?

Natural latex is just that - it is a naturally-occurring material that is derived from the rubber tree, and is a biodegradable material that provides natural cushioning and support.

What are the benefits of Natural Latex?

Natural latex is especially desirable for individuals with sensitive skin or with allergies, as natural latex is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and dust mite resistant. That means natural latex will not irritate the skin of those with certain sensitivities or cause problems for allergy sufferers.

The material is also breathable by nature, which makes it possible to keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. During the production process, natural latex is manufactured in varying support levels ranging from medium to extra firm.

All-natural latex products do not contain any toxins, and are completely safe for the environment. Even the process used in the production of natural latex mattresses and mattress toppers is safe for the environment as no toxic gases are released during the process.

I’m allergic to latex gloves. Will natural latex mattress toppers cause problems for me?

Probably not! Latex gloves are made of a closed-cell structure, which traps the proteins that cause problems for some individuals who are allergic to latex. The all-natural latex used in mattress toppers and mattresses creates a foam with open cells. That allows these proteins to be washed out and released, which will greatly reduce the chance of having an allergic reaction, even if you know you are allergic to latex. Still, we advise our customers to test out the all-natural latex mattress toppers and mattresses just to be sure.