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Natural/Botanical Latex Rubber Provides Flexibility and Resilience
We use only the finest grade of pure botanical rubber for the support core at the center of our mattresses and overlays. Botanical latex rubber is an ideal choice for mattresses because it is flexible, yet stable, for superior comfort. Natural rubber is also extremely durable lasting decades when maintained correctly. The latex rubber in all of our mattresses use the Dunlop process and is a pure rubber product without the use of synthetic rubber.
Where It Comes From
Rubber is harvested by tapping the milk (sap) of Hevea brasiliensis (the common rubber tree). The trees grow in Sri Lanken plantations especially selected for their high-quality product. No herbicides, pesticides or fungicides are used in these operations during the production life of the trees for our GOLS Certified organic latex used in all of our molded pillows. When a rubber tree ceases to produce, its wood is used for furniture. The rubber trees are all FSC certified and the latex is Oeko-Tex certified.
The Hevea milk is processed close to the plantations, because the raw product destabilizes when kept too long or transported. Other manufacturers avoid the problem by adding stabilizing chemicals and large quantities of ammonia or fillers. By having our rubber manufactured where the trees' milk is harvested, we also help to sustain the local economy. Jobs are created without depleting the natural resources of the country--a kindness to ourselves and the planet.
Our Rubber - Natural methods only
An injection system produces the purest natural product--for mattress cores that will keep their shape. Only air, natural soap, and natural vulcanization agents are used. At the end of the mattress life cycle, the rubber breaks down, because it is a natural, biodegradable substance. Thus reducing the waste in our clogged land fills.
Talalay vs. Dunlop
There are two methods which are used to make latex foam - talalay and dunlop processes. The Talalay process is a more modern process by which the liquid latex is first flash frozen and then heated quickly to form uniform open cell structure in state of the art facilities. This process produces a piece of latex that is uniform and consistent every time. This method also uses some chemicals during the process and latex from many different sources around the world. The talalay method can produce some of the softest latex as it allows the solids to stay evenly distributed or "frozen" in time during the baking process. This creates a more airy piece of latex which is also a bit softer. The talalay also uses more energy to produce and requires the transport of the liquid latex to more industrialized countries.
The Dunlop process, on the other hand, has been around for decades. Many manufacturers have improved the process by using an injection method to help press out excess air lending to more consistency in the finished product. The dunlop process is done near the rubber plantations and typically use only a single source of Hevea milk. The trees on these plantations are bud-grafted for the most consistent raw material available. This process gains consistency of the finished product straight from the source - the milk itself. Very little ammonia is needed since the Hevea milk is not being transported great distances. The water used in the process is all run through a water purification systems and then re-used. This process puts people native to the region to work and helps our world economies grow. Child labor is never used and the work is done without the need for any protective gear as it is totally natural. Finished latex is then factory sealed in recyclable plastic bags and loaded onto containers for shipping. We buy our latex directly from the supplier via container shipments.
A Word About Latex Allergies
Latex allergies stem from the proteins in the liquid latex that comes from the rubber tree sap. These proteins are present in the raw material before it is made into a finished product. Latex allergies are typically a progressive allergy that develops from over-exposure to these proteins. This being said it is important to make a distinction between those latex products containing the natural proteins and those that do not. Natural/Botanical latex can be processed in one of two ways: dipped products and poured products. A dipped product is one that is impermeable such as gloves, balloons, catheters, etc. These products trap the proteins within their membrane and the proteins can then leach out into a person's pores. Over time, a person can develop a sensitivity to the proteins and possibly a severe allergy. The talc in gloves assist in the leaching process which is why we see so many latex allergies in the medical profession. The second process is where the liquid latex is vulcanized and poured into a mold and baked to create a foam. This process results in an end product that is porous and the foam goes through an intensive washing process. The proteins are washed out of the product and therefore not present in the final piece. In a mattress or pillow, the latex is then covered to prevent tactile contact with the latex adding another layer of safety. Studies have shown that infants born with spina bifida are prone to these allergies, which can result in acute anaphylaxis and death. If you, or the person you are buying for has a latex allergy, there are plenty of other organic options for you. It certainly isn't worth the risk.
Benefits of Natural Rubber
It's a little known fact that Hevea milk contains an antibacterial substance that is a natural dust-mite repellent.
- Superior durability and elasticity (for mattress longevity)
- Retention of shape and firmness (for even support)
- Flexibility combined with stability (for continuous sleep comfort)
- Excellent heat and moisture regulation
- Superior air circulation (for preventing the growth of molds and mildew)
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Green by Design
