The basis of a quality mattress is its internal filling. And one of the most popular mattress fillers is natural latex. This material is used as the main material in springless orthopedic mattresses, and also as one of the layers in other types of mattresses. Sometimes latex is combined with coconut coir. Moreover, the ratio of these materials can be completely different: 50% to 50% (with this ratio, the layers can alternate or be divided in half); 20% to 80%; 70% to 30% and so on. Sometimes a layer of natural latex is used as a top layer to soften the surface of a high-firm mattress.
Benefits of natural latex
Natural latex is an environmentally friendly and safe material. It has hypoallergenic properties, so it is recommended for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. This type of latex has a spongy structure, which allows the mattress to “breathe” and provides excellent ventilation, as well as rapid evaporation of moisture.
This type of latex has bactericidal properties, which prevents the ingress of dust and does not provide an environment for the growth of bacteria. It also does not smell and does not absorb odors.
The porous structure of a natural latex mattress allows you to retain heat in the cold and not heat up on hot summer days. It also does not absorb moisture, and therefore retains its properties well. operational properties in rooms with high humidity.
Natural latex has good wear resistance: it will serve you for 10-15 years without loss of quality.
Due to its excellent elasticity properties, natural latex helps to distribute the load evenly across all areas of the body, which ensures correct work circulatory system during sleep. Your sleep on such a mattress will be more sound and relaxing.
What is natural latex made from?
Natural latex is a material belonging to the group of elastomers, which does not emit toxic and other harmful substances. This is a high-molecular compound that has the ability to undergo reversible deformations (due to the fact that the latex molecule has the shape of a twisted spiral).
Natural latex is produced from the milky sap of the rubber tree of the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Milky, white sap is released when the bark of a tree is cut. In the process of collecting this raw material, the tree seems to cry. Interestingly, the word “rubber” itself is translated as “tears of a tree.”
Even representatives of ancient civilizations began to use the unique properties of milky juice. For example, the Mayan tribes dipped their feet in the sap collected from a tree, thus protecting their feet from contact with the ground, that is, they got a kind of prototype of rubber shoes. And the ancient Aztecs made rubber balls from collected raw materials and played with them.
Historically, this tree was native to the equatorial forests of South America. At the end of the 19th century, Hevea began to be resettled in other countries, but this plant did not take root everywhere. Today, this tree is cultivated quite successfully in tropical Asia: in Vietnam, on the island of Sri Lanka and the Malay Peninsula. But the main largest suppliers of latex are three countries: Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Natural latex production process
The basis of the raw material from which rubber (latex) is subsequently obtained is, as already mentioned, the milky juice of the Hevea plant. The final product, latex, consists of 34-37% rubber and 52-60% water. A small amount of minerals, resins, sugar and proteins are also added to the resulting substance.
In its pure form, natural latex can change its properties under the influence of temperatures. At high temperatures it becomes sticky and plastic, at low temperatures it becomes brittle or hard. At room temperature latex may undergo oxidation processes.
The work of collecting the milky juice itself is a rather lengthy and labor-intensive process. To do this, you need to make a diagonal cut in the tree bark and place containers where the sap will drain. Next, the resulting liquid undergoes a process of purification from impurities. Next, ammonia is added, which acts as a preservative. And for the latex coagulation process, an admixture of formic or acetic acid. Then the resulting raw materials are subjected to a smoking or drying process. At the final stage, rubber in the form of crumbs or sheets is packaged and sent for production.
One of them is called Dunlop - this is a classic method of producing foam rubber, which at one time became revolutionary in the field of household and hygiene. It was invented in 1929 by a company of the same name. This method of producing latex foam relies on the liquid latex itself being mixed with air (before the vulcanization process), which is then poured into a mold and heated. With this method, softness and breathability are achieved using perforations that are made on the molds for pouring. To make the foam softer and more breathable, special perforations are made in the pouring molds.
Some time later, this process was improved by the Englishman Joseph Talalay. He added a few more intermediate stages to the previous scheme. And in the 40s and 50s, his sons Leon and Anselm had already refined their father’s method: after the foamed latex solution was poured into the mold, the air was pumped out from there - this allowed the foam to evenly fill the entire cavity of the mold; This was followed by a process of rapid freezing, as a result of which the cell structure of the resulting substance partially burst; then carbon dioxide was supplied to the mold, it was heated until the latex vulcanization process; it was then cooled again, eventually the latex foam was washed, wrung out and dried.
The Talalay method involves a longer production process and, accordingly, it is more expensive. But this latex turns out to be softer and more breathable, its mesh structure is more uniform than the material made using the previous technology.
However, today natural latex in its natural form is rarely used. Today, its synthetic “colleague” is increasingly being added to it. The optimal combination of these types of latex allows you to create a material that combines the advantages of both types of raw materials.
Synthetic (artificial) latex: characteristic features
Synthetic latex (foam rubber, polyurethane foam, polyurethane foam) is similar to natural latex in its physical and chemical properties, however, differs in structure. It is used as a filler in artificial latex and other types (independent spring mattresses). In fact, it is highly elastic foam rubber, consisting of soft polyurethane foam (a polymer synthesized from isoprenes of other monomers (wash, butadiene, chlorprene, acrylic acid nitrile, isobutylene), which are also capable of undergoing the vulcanization process).
Benefits of artificial latex
Artificial latex has greater rigidity, and therefore is able to withstand more severe loads (suitable for overweight people). Modern artificial latexes are environmentally friendly and safe for human use different ages. Its main “trump card” is its affordable price.
Like natural latex, artificial latex has hypoallergenic properties. In terms of orthopedic properties, modern foam rubbers also have excellent characteristics and the best The proof is in memory foam mattresses.
This type of mattress is classified as highly elastic polyurethane foam with cells open type. Even a small layer of this type of foam gives the mattress special comfort. And even more so, it is indispensable for people with sore joints and poor circulation. Abroad, memory foam mattresses are widely used in medical institutions: they greatly facilitate the lives of patients with a wide variety of serious illnesses: people with burns, those who have suffered a stroke, the paralyzed, and others. Subtly responding to the weight and warmth of a person, such latex adapts to the contours of a person, which also helps to avoid complications of many diseases.
The only disadvantage of artificial latex is that it has a shorter service life. It tends to crumble or thin out after its service life (it can vary for different mattresses: from 5 to 15 years).
Production of artificial latex
Today, two methods are used for the production of artificial latex (polyurethane foam): box (batch) and conveyor (continuous).
In the first method, the components necessary for the production of foam rubber are mixed in a special box. This method of producing foam rubber is mainly used for small batches, as well as in cases where high demands are not placed on the quality of foam rubber, since its volume and other physical properties may differ from batch to batch. Today, “box” devices are equipped with vacuum chambers, which help make foam rubber of less rigidity and low density.
The second - conveyor - method assumes that the chemical mixture is fed onto the conveyor belt continuously. At the same time, they can be fed into the foaming chamber at both low and low temperatures. high pressure. At the end of the conveyor, the resulting material is cut into blocks of the required size, which then undergo a curing process at a temperature of 60-90 degrees C for several hours. This method allows you to achieve a more uniform structure and quality of foam rubber.
What is artificial latex made from?
The main component for the manufacture of synthetic latex (foam rubber) is polyester foam or polyester foam. This non-polyurethane has good chemical, thermal-oxidative stability, and fire-resistant properties. This material is only afraid of exposure high humidity– under its influence the destructive process will accelerate.
Polyester foam has high elasticity and is not afraid of influence negative temperatures, as well as moisture. In most cases, this type of foam rubber is used in the production of mattresses and upholstered furniture.
To make polyurethane foam, all its components are mixed with water. In some cases, for better foaming, a low-boiling liquid, freon (freon), is added. During the polymerization process, molecules that react with water begin to release carbon dioxide, which causes the mixture to foam. Also, special catalysts and emulsifiers are sometimes added to speed up these reactions to stabilize the foam. After the reaction, the curing process only takes about 10-20 minutes.
Brands of foam rubber with increased elasticity, used in expensive mattresses and upholstered furniture, are made on the basis of special polyesters and isocyanates. In this case, the density of the resulting product (15-45 kg/m3) will depend on the ratio of these components, as well as on the amount of foaming additive. Typically, for the production of synthetic latex for mattresses, medium-density foam from 25 to 35 kg/m3 is used.
The air permeability and elasticity of foam depends on the number of open cells. The more there are, the softer the foam will be. For this purpose, the manufacturing process uses the vacuum or cyclic compression method. The same effect can be achieved by depressurizing the mold at a certain point in the curing process.
One of the important criteria for choosing a mattress is its filling. Today's article is about one of the best modern fillers - latex.
Today, there are two types of it: natural and artificial. Due to the difference in composition, they differ markedly from each other in price and properties.
Natural
Natural latex is a mattress filler made from the juice of the Hevea plant (this is evergreen tree family Euphorbiaceae), in other words, rubber of natural origin. To produce such rubber, the juice of the Brazilian Hevea plant, which grows in the tropics, is mainly used.
Pure rubber, without impurities, is susceptible to destruction: it is afraid of ultraviolet radiation and fat. Therefore, an inhibitor (isoprene monomer) is added to it.
Production
The production of natural latex, which is widely used as a filler for mattresses and furniture, can be divided into several stages:
- From a continuous mixing container, the mixture of latex and inhibitor is sent to a special container for foaming.
- The resulting foam is poured into molds and vulcanized at 100°C.
- The resulting block is removed from the mold.
- It is cleaned of foam residues and dried at a temperature of 120°C, then tested for hardness, weighed and packaged.
Natural latex contains no more than 85% rubber. The mattress filler should contain from 45% to 65% rubber, only in this case it will be sufficiently elastic, resilient (due to rubber) and wear-resistant (due to additives).
Mattresses made from this material are considered one of the best due to their unique properties.
Increased elasticity due to the content of natural rubber:
- Thanks to this property, it provides excellent support to the body.
- Removes pressure points that cause unnecessary swaying and vibrations.
- The elastic properties of the filler provide excellent support and comfort.
- Mattresses can be used for beds with any base; they are even suitable for sleepers with adjustable lift.
Remarkable ergonomic and support qualities:
- The remarkable qualities of the filler enable it to gradually adapt to the sleeper’s body and follow his movements. This property allows you to provide comfortable and correct support to those parts of the body that need it: neck and head, lower and upper back, spine.
- To provide maximum effective support, the latex structure is made with different additional comfort zones.
- It is able to respond to even the lightest pressure, thanks to which it perfectly adapts to the anatomical features of the body and, most importantly, allows you to maintain the correct position of the spine during night rest.
Good air exchange and humidity regulation:
- Thanks to the porous structure, it has excellent ventilation, which in turn prevents the accumulation of moisture in the mattress itself. Under the influence of the movements of the vacationer, a pulsation effect occurs, during which air is pumped and constantly circulates.
- Has excellent thermoregulation: winter time It retains heat well and gives pleasant coolness in summer.
Wear resistance:
- Thanks to laboratory research and scientific development, scientists were able to achieve the highest quality and strength. Latex filler is very wear-resistant and is not subject to deformation.
Hygienic and hypoallergenic:
- It is not an environment for the development of harmful bacteria and dust mites, which makes it stand out from other similar fillers that have favorable soil for their habitat.
- Hypoallergenicity allows latex mattresses to be used even by people who have respiratory diseases.
Absolutely silent during use:
Quiet, so great for children and light sleepers.
Artificial
Artificial latex, or in other words, highly elastic polyurethane foam (for example, HR brand filler). This synthetic filler is made from the monomers of butadiene and styrene, both of which come from petroleum.
Compared to other brands of polyurethane foam, latex of artificial origin has increased elasticity. This material- one of the most successful attempts by manufacturers to create a synthetic analogue of natural fillers.
It has excellent restorative abilities and better wear resistance compared to other types of polyurethane foam. However, compared to natural, it has only one advantage - lower cost.
Latex is used:
- in mattresses with springs: here this highly elastic filler gives the mattress elasticity.
- as a monolithic block in mattresses without springs - high-quality ergonomic products with good elasticity are obtained.
Since cunning manufacturers often try to sell artificial latex under the guise of natural latex, every consumer should know how they differ.
How to distinguish natural latex from artificial?
Artificial Natural
Here are the basic tips, using which you can easily determine what type of filler:
- Latex filler, obtained from natural raw materials, does not absorb moisture, its surface is greasy to the touch, although it does not leave greasy marks. It is more plastic and soft, with a grayish tint.
- Artificial - very different from its counterpart. First of all, this is one of the types of foam rubber; it is capable of absorbing moisture well.
- Synthetic filler is usually yellowish-gray in color. It is tougher and if one day you are lucky enough to compare it with natural, you will always remember this difference.
- Over time, artificial filler acquires a dirty yellow tint, becomes brittle and begins to break easily.
- And the most important difference is that natural latex filler has a strong, specific odor. Particularly sensitive people may feel discomfort from its smell. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that you will have to wait about 3-4 days for it to disappear. Also, over time, it changes its shade under the influence of external factors: interaction with oxygen, temperature, time.
Mattresses
Latex mattresses are considered one of the best bedding products available today. They are able to adapt to the shape of the sleeper’s body, support the spine and evenly distribute the load. Withstand high pressure and restore shape well.
The thickness of natural latex mattresses varies from 5 to 15 cm. A fifteen-centimeter one can be placed on the bed or floor without using additional mattresses, but even with five centimeters you can feel the orthopedic effect of using the product, although for this it is better to place a latex mattress on a regular one. The sizes of models made from natural raw materials start from 100x100 cm - for cribs and up to the size of a double bed - 180x200 cm.
Watch the educational video:
So we have revealed all the production secrets, advantages and disadvantages of natural and artificial latex. We hope this information will help you buy a good quality mattress.
1) First of all, pay attention to the country of manufacture. There is an Association of 100% Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC). The official website of the organization is http://www.anrpc.org. As of 2013, these countries control 97% of the global natural latex market. This organization includes 11 countries. - Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. It is in these countries that the rubber tree grows - Hevea brasiliensis, from the sap of which latex is made. And Hevea juice remains in a liquid state for only 12 hours, during which time it must be foamed (then latex turns into rubber, it cannot be foamed). It is impossible to export the juice, only in the form of rubber or a finished product. Thus, all products manufactured outside of these countries are obviously made from a mixture of rubber, stabilizers (sterol and butadiene), antibacterial additives and synthetic latex. It is unlikely that you will see the inscription “100% natural latex” on the packaging/label of such latex. High-quality natural latex cannot be cheap.
2) Appearance and the smell of latex. The foam from the sap of the Hevea tree has a light yellowish tint and a pleasant smell of baking or powdered milk. It feels greasy to the touch, but leaves no residue. Reluctantly absorbs water. Synthetic latex - or mixed latex with the addition of even 20% synthetic impurities usually has White color, a pleasant scent of perfume that hides the chemical smell. This latex feels dry and rough to the touch. Absorbs water like a sponge. Over time, synthetic latex becomes dirty yellow, more brittle and breaks easily.
3) Factory label. The label must indicate the composition “100% natural latex” and the manufacturer. If the label indicates the composition - “Latex” or “Natural latex”, then most likely you purchased the so-called latex mix 60/40% or 15/85%, since according to the legislation of many countries, including Russia, latex has the right to be called natural even if the final product contains only 15% of Hevea tree sap.
Our branded labels look like this:
4) Check for product certificates. High-quality products must have Russian and international certification.
Russian certification of sleep products made from natural latex is divided into mandatory (declarations of conformity) and voluntary (certificates of conformity). The authenticity of declarations of conformity can be checked on the state website of the Federal Accreditation Agency - http://fsa.gov.ru. To do this, just go to the register and enter the declaration number or the name of the importing company.
Our declarations of conformity look like this:
As a rule, all leading manufacturers of 100% natural latex have this certificate and indicate serial number this certificate (ID) on your label.
On our labels it looks like this:
It is very simple to check whether the manufacturer has received this certificate or not; just enter this ID on the website in the search field (SEARCH), and you will immediately receive the necessary information.
Let's take a closer look at what this certification is all about.
ECO certification consists of the certificate itself, which looks like this:
The certificate itself, unlike the study, does not have any useful information and says that the manufacturer provided a sample of the product for research to this institute and the product complied with European safety standards. According to the application to this certificate, it is very easy to distinguish 100% natural latex from synthetic latex or mixed latex and see the purity of the product (the amount of impurities for latex foaming). Naturally, it is impossible to obtain latex foam from pure Hevea tree sap; to do this, it must be vulcanized using elements such as sulfur and zinc oxide (this is actually Dunlop technology), but the fewer impurities there are in the final product, the better.
To determine these parameters, we need to carefully look at the attached study (test report) and find 2 important points, which are called:
5) Pay attention to the latex itself. If a manufacturer is proud and values his name, he will definitely put a brand on his products.
The mark looks like this:
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First of all, let's understand the concept of “latex”.
We will not delve into the chemistry of the processes (microheterogeneous systems, aqueous dispersions of colloidal rubber particles... what a horror!), but it is important to note that latex materials can be based on both natural and synthetic components.
Natural latex is the milky juice of plants such as the Brazilian Hevea, dandelion, poppy and others. Latex is approximately 33% rubber, 66% water and about 1% other substances. In industrial quantities, the juice of the Brazilian Hevea plant is used for the production of latex. The homeland of this plant is South America, during a certain period infectious diseases practically destroyed the plant on the continent. Now Hevea grows in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, but the world leaders in the cultivation and, accordingly, the production of natural rubber and latex are the countries of the so-called rubber belt. In Southeast Asia these are: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia. On the African continent - Nigeria, Congo, Liberia.
The latex is collected by hand. The technology is somewhat reminiscent of collecting birch sap: a special cut is made on the tree, and the flowing sap (only a few tens of grams from one tree at a time) is collected in special bowls.
Why do I focus so much on geography? The fact is that the milky juice of the Hevea froze for a very short time, counting on hours. Latex collected from plantations is quickly delivered to factories, where it is filtered and processed. Natural rubber is obtained from latex, or converted into latex foam, which serves as the basis for the production of bedding, mattresses and pillows. Exporting liquid latex (as opposed to rubber) is extremely difficult, if at all advisable, therefore the production of products from fresh Hevea juice is possible only in areas where the rubber tree is cultivated on an industrial scale, while the technology still involves the use of various additives in the form of stabilizers and antibacterial substances. It’s good if the volume of additives is 5-10%, such products can be called “100% natural” :).
Latex pillows from Thailand are probably the most famous in Russia, but if you start surfing the Internet in search of latex mattresses and pillows, you will find many offers where, for example, such European countries as Belgium, Italy, and Holland will be the producers of natural latex products , as well as the United States and others.
The question arises, where, say, in Europe does natural latex come from? After all, the climate here is not very suitable for growing Hevea, and Europe is not famous for its rubber tree plantations.
Well, if we are talking about products of large corporations that say “natural latex”, the consumer is not being deceived. This product actually contains Hevea juice. In this case, latex can be recovered from natural rubber. On average, the percentage of rubber in a product ranges from 30-60%, the maximum value is 85%. According to European standards, products containing at least 85% natural rubber are considered 100% natural latex products. Such products may be stamped “100% Latex Natural Origin”. The “100% Latex” stamp indicates that this is a high-quality product made from (based on) 100% natural latex with the use of synthetic additives. A more accurate ratio of natural and artificial components, in theory, can be found on the official website or from a representative of the manufacturer.
As you can see, products made only from natural latex are very rare, and high-quality products, which include minimal amount synthetics are quite expensive.
Most pastel latex accessories are made from a mixture of artificial and natural latex, and the more synthetics in the product, the lower the price.
What is artificial latex? It can also be presented under the name “highly elastic polyurethane foam”. I have also come across the names “highly elastic latex polyurethane foam” or “latex foam rubber”, etc. In fact, this product belongs to a variety of plastics. Foam rubber, well known to us since Soviet times, is also a type of polyurethane foam, although its characteristics differ from the material we are discussing. The recipe for the production of polyurethane foam may vary among different manufacturers, so we will not delve into the monomers styrene and butadiene, but will focus on the fact that this is a synthetic material, which in its properties is close to natural latex. It has increased elasticity, restores its shape well, and is quite wear-resistant (compared to other types of polyurethane foams). Its indisputable, although probably the only indisputable advantage over natural latex is its price.
Technology for the production of latex bedding.
However, the price of latex products depends not only on the ratio of natural and synthetic raw materials, but also on the technology used to produce certain pastel accessories. There are two of these technologies: Dunlop and Talalay.
Dunlop technology.
Latex is foamed in special mixers, the resulting foam is poured into molds that correspond to certain sizes of future products, and placed in ovens. Under the influence of temperature (100 o C), latex vulcanization occurs. After baking, the latex semi-finished products are washed, placed in special centrifuges, where the products acquire a certain elasticity, and then the products are dried. Molds have special spikes, thanks to which special holes and air chambers are made in latex products. The holes can be through, or made approximately to the middle of the product on each side. Thanks to these holes, ventilation of the products is ensured, mattresses and pillows “breathe”. In addition, the number and thickness of the spikes regulates the rigidity and elasticity of the product.
Talalay technology.
It's more modern technology. To put it simply, the differences between Talalay and Dunlop are the addition of a few extra steps. When the latex foam is placed into the mold, the mold is sealed. The air is pumped out from the mold, and under vacuum conditions the foam evenly fills the entire space. Then the latex foam, placed in an airtight mold, is subjected to sharp freezing (-30 o C), causing the bridges of the foam bubbles to burst. At this stage, the product is purged with carbon dioxide, which helps to unite the individual cells into a single monolith, after which the vulcanization process takes place under the influence of temperature. The next stage involves cooling semi-finished products (up to 30 o C), washing, pressing and final heating (up to 85 o C), the so-called post-vulcanization process.
Finished latex products produced using Talalay technology have a more uniform structure; the air permeability of such mattresses and pillows is 4 times higher than that of similar Dunlop products. Talalay technology is more expensive, it requires more complex and expensive equipment, and production time is significantly longer. This of course is reflected in the price; Talalay products are more expensive.
Despite the number of advantages of Talalay latex, there is no consensus on the unconditional superiority of this technology over the more traditional Dunlop. Dunlop latex is a little denser and a little stiffer, very durable and at the same time cheaper. Manufacturers of products made from natural latex (fresh Hevea juice) traditionally often use Dunlop technology; modern manufacturers, including artificial latex, prefer Talalay. Although in both cases there are exceptions.
Pros and cons of latex pillows.
There is already so much text, and nothing yet about the actual benefits or harms of latex pillows. I want to emphasize that further we will talk about products that contain natural latex, and the more, the better.
- Latex is often used in the production of high quality orthopedic pillows. The elasticity of this material, combined with the correct shape, helps support a person's head and neck in the correct position during sleep. This allows you to remove excess stress from the muscles of the neck and spine, which means it promotes complete relaxation and quality rest. However, not all latex pillows have orthopedic uniform, which should be taken into account when choosing.
- Natural latex is safe, natural material, which has antibacterial properties, it can be used as a natural antiseptic. It is believed that these properties are preserved in finished bedding throughout the entire service life.
- Latex products are very hygienic. Products made from natural latex do not retain moisture; thanks to the porous structure, the product “breathes”, and moisture is quickly removed and evaporated. The pillows do not become electrified and do not attract dust. All this prevents the development of rot and microbes; dust mites cannot live in latex products. Such pillows can be great for allergy sufferers, asthmatics, and people who often suffer from colds.
Although with allergies, not everything is so simple. Natural latex contains proteins that can cause allergies. There is evidence that latex allergies occur in only 1% of the population, but still...
- Unlike fillers such as buckwheat husk, latex pillows do not squeak or rustle.
- This material is very durable. The manufacturer's warranty may be 10 years, although correct operation mattresses and pillows can last 30 years or more.
- Latex does not heat up during sleep. Whether this is an advantage or a disadvantage, everyone decides for themselves, but unlike, for example, a down pillow, a latex pillow will not warm you with cozy warmth on long winter evenings.
- New latex products have a peculiar smell. I read in several articles that it has a slightly sweet aroma, reminiscent of powdered milk, other sources admit that the pillows smell like rubber. I don’t have a hypersensitive nose, but at first the pillows really “smelled”, and, to my taste, milk smells a little different. Manufacturers claim that the smell disappears quite quickly, and indeed, after a short time the smell stopped bothering me, but if you are the lucky owner of a sensitive nose, be careful.
- Products made from natural latex are quite expensive, many argue that this is the only drawback. In this case, everything is relative; a good down pillow costs the same, or even more.
From personal experience.
Well, if you are impressed by the description of the benefits of products made from natural latex and decide to purchase such a pillow, not only for yourself, but for the whole family, perhaps a small note from my experience will help you not to be disappointed in your choice.
The main thing I want to warn you about is that you need to get used to a latex pillow! And this will not happen (if at all) in one day, especially if you have always preferred to sleep on a soft, high down pillow.
The height, shape, and sizes of latex pillows differ: there are orthopedic, there are anatomical, there are high and hard, there are very low, there are massage ones with tubercles. If you are choosing your first latex pillow virtually, say, in an online store, it is very easy to make a mistake. The descriptions of each type of pillow are so attractive! I would like it to support my neck, a massage wouldn’t hurt, and to prevent snoring, etc., etc.
It is advisable to buy a latex pillow not just by holding it in your hands, but by trying it on. You are unlikely to be able to take a nap for half an hour, but some stores provide the opportunity to lie down on a pillow. Be sure to use this option and try all the options. And they didn’t just lower their head for five seconds, it seemed comfortable, the first sensation could be very pleasant. Lie on your chosen pillow for at least 5 minutes, you should feel comfortable and comfortable. Remember, latex pillows do not adapt to you, your sleeping habits and style over time. Choosing such a purchase can be compared to trying on shoes; the “slightly tight” option is not suitable This is especially true for orthopedic and massage pillows.
Finally, you made a choice and bought a new one comfortable pillow made from natural latex. Another test awaits you - sleep! Latex is considered soft material, but everything is known by comparison (in the east they still practice wooden and stone cushions). Be prepared for the fact that, out of habit, you can “lay down” your ears if the pillow has a special shape for sleeping on your side - sleeping on your back can be painful; important advantage I didn’t mention it when I described the down-feather pillows).
Over time, you can get used to a lot of things; some of my friends are very happy and assure that they can’t imagine any other option for themselves. Others have never gotten used to the new sensations, although during the day they enjoy using latex pillows to relax in front of the TV. My little daughter sleeps great on a latex pillow, but I only sleep on it occasionally. Sometimes it seems to me that it is comfortable, but sometimes I don’t have the strength, as I want a normal, familiar, soft pillow!
Caring for products made from natural latex.
Caring for latex pillows is very simple; in fact, it all comes down to the fact that it is necessary to periodically change the pillowcases.
Wash.
Sellers claim that once every five years or as needed, pillows can be washed, and even almost every washing machine, but manufacturers do not recommend machine washing.
It is advisable to wash latex products by hand, in warm (not higher than 40 °C) water without using aggressive chemical powders; if necessary, a weak wash is allowed. soap solution. If you can’t do it with your hands, then choose the gentle wash mode without spinning. Squeeze better with your hands, very carefully, and even better, leave the pillow on flat surface so that it just glass.
Sun (ultraviolet).
Latex should be protected from ultraviolet radiation, direct sun rays, otherwise the product may become rigid and lose its unique qualities. You should not sunbathe on latex or warm up pillows and mattresses in the sun, which would be very beneficial for your downy counterparts.
Low and high temperatures.
Latex is afraid high temperatures. Contact with something very hot may cause the product to lose its shape, shrink, and generally become unusable, so be extremely careful if you are used to drinking hot coffee or smoking in bed (however, this is dangerous not only for latex). Neighborhood with hot batteries is also not the best option. Be careful with the iron; some housewives, especially in the morning, have no time to lay out ironing board To iron a random crease on trousers, use a sofa or bed instead of a board. If you have a latex mattress, it is better to forget about this method of express ironing.
Latex also does not like low temperatures; at -40 o C it becomes brittle and can crack under load, like a plastic product. It is unlikely that anyone would think of sleeping on latex pillows outside a heated room in such terrible cold, but weather conditions must be taken into account during transportation. This information may also be relevant for drivers who use seat cushions. Manufacturers claim that when the temperature rises (already up to -35 o C), latex products completely restore their properties, the main thing is not to sit on the pillow until it has thawed :).
How to distinguish natural latex from synthetics?
Can an ordinary person differentiate products made from natural latex from products made from artificial latex in a store?
The question is quite complex, because, as we saw a little earlier, there are practically no products made from natural latex without adding something, and the composition of the products is a mix of both natural and artificial components, the question is in proportions.
There are several signs that indicate the “natural origin” of your pillow, but it is not always possible to evaluate them in a store:
- Natural latex feels greasy to the touch, although it does not leave any traces of grease on your hands. You will be able to feel the latex if the product is sold without a cover or in a cover with a zipper. However, some stores (including “factories” in Thailand) sell pillows in high-quality cotton covers, and in order to touch the contents, you will have to rip open the original cover :(.
- Natural latex feels different from artificial latex. It is softer and very elastic. They say that once you compare two samples, you will forever feel the difference, but... you must first find two samples :). In addition, the rigidity of the product depends on the technology (Dunlop or Talalay), as well as on perforation (the greater the number and width of holes in the latex, the softer it is).
- Natural latex, unlike artificial latex, does not absorb moisture well. The store is unlikely to allow you to pour water on the pillows and see what happens.
- Natural and artificial latex differ in color. But this difference is clearly visible on products with “experience”. Over time, artificial latex acquires a dirty yellow tint (this is typical of most foam rubbers and polyurethane foams), while natural latex does not change its color over time. Modern synthetic products, especially when they are new, can be identical in color to natural ones.
- Smell can also help distinguish natural from artificial materials. Synthetic latex is often scented to mask the chemical smell behind a pleasant aroma. Natural latex smells quite specific (I already wrote about this a little higher), over time the smell becomes less and less pronounced.
As you can see, in practice it can be extremely difficult to distinguish quality products from fakes. In any case, the low price should alert you. An honest seller will not hide from you the name of the manufacturer (his coordinates, telephone numbers, official website), the percentage of natural raw materials and the technology used to produce the product. Even if all the signs of real latex are on your face, it wouldn’t hurt to ask for supporting documents and certificates.
Happy Choice!
Have a good sleep!
Natural latex belongs to the group of elastomers - high-molecular compounds capable of very large reversible deformations, because its molecule is twisted into a spiral. Latex is a hydrocarbon, it is environmentally friendly and does not emit any toxic substances.
The basis for the production of natural latex is the milky sap of certain plants, mainly the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The word rubber in translation means “tears of a tree”, since when the bark is cut, an abundant secretion of milky sap begins. The equatorial forests of South America are considered the homeland of this plant. Even the ancient Aztecs played with rubber balls, and the Mayans used something like rubber shoes, dipping their feet in latex. At the end of the 19th century, they tried to resettle it in other territories, but these trees did not take root everywhere.
Currently, the plant is cultivated in tropical Asia (the island of Sri Lanka, the Malay Peninsula, the Malay Archipelago, Vietnam), there are large plantations of Hevea brasiliensis and in some African countries, for example in Nigeria, Liberia. At present most of latex is collected in three countries - Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
The main raw material for the production of natural rubber, the milky sap of rubber plants (latex), contains 34-37% rubber (polymer of isoprenes), 52-60% water, as well as small amounts of proteins, resins, sugar and minerals. To collect latex, a diagonal cut is made on the tree bark, and the released juice flows into special containers. Then it is cleaned of impurities, ammonia is usually added as a preservative, and the latex is coagulated using acetic or formic acid. The resulting rubber is smoked or simply dried and packaged in the form of sheets or crumbs, convenient for transportation.
Dunlop latex
In its pure form, latex is very unstable - it oxidizes easily at room temperature, when it rises it becomes plastic and sticky, and at low temperatures it becomes hard and even brittle. In 1839, inventor Charles Goodyear accidentally discovered that heating latex with sulfur eliminated its unfavorable properties, causing natural rubber molecules to interact with sulfur, which led to the formation of stable macromolecular bonds with the formation of network structures. This gives the rubber high elasticity over a wide temperature range. This is how durable and elastic rubber was invented, and the process itself was called vulcanization.Currently, latex is converted into foam in one of two ways to make mattresses.
In 1929 the company "Dunlop" a method was invented for producing latex foam, in which, before the vulcanization process, liquid latex is mixed with air, and then poured into a mold and heated. Additional softness and breathability of latex mattresses is provided by perforation, for which special molds are provided for filling. Dunlop- a traditional method of producing foam rubber, which is still called by the name of the company that created it. This invention revolutionized the field of hygiene and everyday life.
Latex Talalay
Later in England Joseph Talalay improved the process by adding several intermediate steps. Subsequently, in the 40s and 50s, the method was refined by his sons Anselm and Leon. Now, according to the method they developed, after pouring the foamed latex solution into the mold, the air is pumped out of it, while the foam evenly fills the entire mold. Subsequent rapid freezing changes the structure, the cells partially burst, after which carbon dioxide is supplied and the mold is heated until the latex vulcanizes. Then the mold is cooled again. And at the end, the resulting latex foam is washed, wrung out and dried.
Method Talalay longer lasting and correspondingly more expensive than its predecessor, but provides the mattress with several times greater softness and breathability than the previous technology, and has a more uniform mesh structure. IN Lately natural latex is rarely used in its pure form; it is increasingly being mixed with synthetic latex, which allows one to successfully combine the advantages of both materials.
Synthetic latex
Synthetic latex is a polymer of synthesized isoprenes or other monomers (butadiene, styrene, neoprene, chlorprene, isobutylene, acrylic acid nitrile, etc.), which can also be processed into rubber by vulcanization. It is similar to the natural product in terms of chemical and physical properties, but differs from it in structure. It is not used in its pure form for the production of mattresses, since synthetic latex requires more complex and lengthy processing, unlike natural latex or mixtures.Latex mixtures (sometimes with a very small content of natural latex) for use in mattresses have become quite widespread as a cheaper replacement for latex. Developers assign original, recognizable names to some mixtures, such as Hydrolatex, Waterlatex, in the intermolecular bonds of which there are water molecules, giving them additional elasticity.
