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What Is The Most Elastic And Durable Mattress?

What Is The Most Elastic And Durable Mattress?
With so many different mattress types out there, it can be difficult to know which is the most elastic and durable type of mattress. Fortunately though, we can look at mattress testing results.
Although people can talk about how comfortable their mattress is, the only way to really get objective quantitative results is to physically test the mattress. These tests are what we'll look at today.
Bounce eggs on latex
Yes, it's actually possible to bounce a raw egg on a latex mattress without the egg breaking1. So if a latex mattress can bounce the egg up into the air without any breakage, imagine how comfortable this mattress would feel to lie down upon. Latex is extremely springy and elastic due to its molecular structure. Yet it is also very comfortable and offers excellent body support.
Bounce a weight on latex
Even a heavy weight can still be bounced on a latex mattress with significant rebound1. This is further evidence of the elasticity of latex.
Most other types of mattress will offer little, if any, rebound to a heavy weight dropped on it. In contrast, latex mattresses are comfortably yielding yet offer plenty of elasticity.
Quantitative tests of latex elasticity and durability
The rebounding we learned about above with the eggs and the weight are qualitative tests - meaning you see these test results in a direct visual manner. However, if you instead wanted to get some hard numbers on the elasticity and durability of latex, we would need to turn to quantitative tests.
Fortunately, our principal supplier, Latexco, has carried out a lot of quantitative testing on the latex mattress cores in our products2. Let's take a look at some of these results.
Elasticity
The elasticity of a mattress is measured by the rebound height of a steel ball dropped from a specific height onto the mattress.
This elasticity is measured as a percentage of the rebound height compared to the original drop height. The higher the number, the more elastic the mattress is.
You will be pleased to know that results show latex has an elasticity of 60 - 70%2, which is better than other mattress types. Instead, PU foam mattresses have a much poorer elasticity of only 40 - 50%, as do HR foams at 50 to 60%2. Slow recovery foams, such as memory foam, have an even worse value of zero or negligible elasticity2.
Therefore, quantitative testing clearly shows that latex mattresses have the most elasticity compared to other mattress materials.
Durability
Testing the durability is done by simulating the load bearing during the expected full life span of a mattress. This is done by repeatedly rolling a 140kg weight up and down the mattress, for 30000 repetitions (yes, thirty thousand times!) After that, the decrease in height and hardness is measured and compared to the original height and hardness of the mattress. The results for latex show only a 3mm loss of height and a 3% loss in hardness after this process2.
These results show latex to be extremely durable under testing conditions designed to simulate normal use of the mattress during a full lifespan.
Testing the comfort of latex
You would expect a highly elastic and durable mattress to be comfortable, and it is. Yet for the sake of completeness, Latexco has run additional tests of factors that are more directly related to comfort. These factors are hysteresis, SAG factor and pressure distribution. Let's deal with each of these individually.
Hysteresis (energy absorption)
Hysteresis is a measure of the mattress's ability to compress and decompress when a load is put onto it. This is equivalent to how well the mattress absorbs energy. To test this, a weight is lowered onto the mattress with gradually increasing force, and then gradually released, while measuring the deforming and reforming the mattress.
Latexco mattresses give a hysteresis result of 20 - 30%2, in line with the 'happy medium' of hysteresis that will cause optimum comfort of around 20 - 30%. In contrast, mattress materials with a much lower hysteresis value means the mattress does not have enough 'give' - meaning the person sleeps 'above' the mattress2. At the other end of the spectrum, mattress types which have an overly high hysteresis value (e.g. memory foam) absorb so much energy that it then becomes difficult for the person to roll over.
So the hysteresis results show that latex falls in the range of optimum comfort in terms of its energy absorption.
SAG factor
The SAG factor is another indicator of comfort. It measures how well the mattress supports the body equally, and is related to how a latex mattress feels soft and first but then offers stronger support as you 'sink in'. This SAG factor is tested by the ratio of how much force is needed to compress the latex to 65% compression versus the amount of force needed for only 25% compression 2.
In this situation, the higher the SAG factor, the more comfortable the mattress will be.
Results from Latexco show a SAG factor ratio of near 4 for latex mattresses2, which is much better than the much lesser 2 - 3 ratio of PU foams2. This tells us that a latex mattress supports the body equally, delivering a very comfortable sleep.
Pressure distribution
For the sake of wellness and good blood circulation, a mattress should have an equal pressure distribution, and there should be no hard pressure points. Discomfort and poor blood circulation can result if there are local peak pressure points above 38mm Hg2.
The pressure distribution of a mattress is measured by a pressure mapping system of sensors while someone is laying down on it. Results from the measurements of Latexco mattress cores show that 99% of the measured points were less than the 38mm Hg2. This shows the latex mattress is comfortable and offers good blood circulation within the safe range.
Conclusion
As we saw from the test results above, a latex mattress is the most elastic and durable type of mattress. Not only that, but the latex mattress is also the most comfortable type. Testing of the comfort factors - hysteresis, SAG factor and pressure distribution - all showed results indicating a very relaxing and restorative mattress.
Of course, test results are no substitute for actually lying down on the mattress and trying it out! So why not come in and visit our showroom? You'll be able to test out the mattress and experience its luxury and comfort first-hand.

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How Are Latex Mattresses Made
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How Are Latex Mattresses Made

Latex is an all-natural product which comes from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis. Latex looks very different before it is processed into products such as mattresses. You may be wondering how the milky-white liquid sap is made into a comfortable relaxing mattress. Let's find out. It starts with the rubber tree The rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis, grows in many tropical areas. This tree produces a sap which contains latex, and this sap can be tapped to flow out of the tree and be harvested. Most of the plantations which are responsible for the commercial production of latex are found in Southeast Asia. Rubber plantations are managed carefully to ensure consistent growth of new trees for output. This is important, because it can take around six years for a rubber tree to grow large enough to have its sap harvested. Note that each tree can live for 100 years. To tap a rubber tree, a collector will make a thin cut on the diagonal to remove a small piece of bark. This allows the sap (i.e. latex) to run out of the bark down the tree and this fluid is collected in a bucket. However, the flow will stop after about 6 hours, but the tree may be tapped again with a new cut the next day. How much latex does it take to make a mattress? An immense amount of latex is needed to make a mattress. However, remember that latex can be tapped without destroying the tree or creating pollution, unlike other types of mattresses. To make a queen size latex mattress, it will take a whole day's output of 12 acres of rubber trees. But instead of harming the environment, this helps it: the same number of trees tapped for a queen size mattress will over the course of one year remove 143 tons of carbon dioxide from the air. Furthermore, this same 12 acres of rubber trees will keep 8 rubber tappers employed too, creating important jobs in areas where jobs may be scarce. In other words, when you purchase a latex mattress, you are helping the world environment. You are doing this by supporting the growth of rubber tree plantations and in doing so removing carbon dioxide from the air. You're also creating much-needed jobs for people who tap rubber trees. How is the liquid latex made into a mattress? It seems strange at first to think that the milky sap of the rubber tree can be turned into a mattress! Yet it can be done. This step is called processing. There are several different methods that the latex milk can be processed into a comfortable foam mattress block. In common to all of them, the liquid latex sap is first mixed with a small proportion of materials which will later help the latex solidify. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' manufacturing process; they each have different advantages and disadvantages. Dunlop method In the Dunlop method, the liquid latex formulation is first mixed so that it will foam. This foamy mix is placed on a conveyer or into a shaped mould, and is then passed into a special oven which solidifies the mixture and allows it to. The product is then passed on to the washing station, where residual small amounts of liquid latex and any unreacted solidifying agents are washed away. The latex foam block is then dried by hot air and is ready for use. With the Dunlop method, the latex foam may be created in any shape that is needed; for example a king size mattress may be prepared in one mould. Talalay method The Talalay method is newer than the Dunlop method and produces a slightly different texture of latex. With the Talalay method, the liquid latex formulation is transferred into a shaped mould and sealed closed. Then a vacuum is applied, and the purpose of this is to disperse the latex evenly throughout the mould. After that, it is flash frozen, and immediately afterward it is flash heated so that it will permanently solidify. After cooling, the solid latex block is removed from the mould and is ready for use. The Talalay method cannot be used to produce very large blocks of latex, so latex mattresses made with this method are created from smaller blocks glued together. Locations of the seams may vary, and this is something to take into account when purchasing a Talalay mattress. How EB latex mattresses are made EB latex mattresses are made using the Dunlop process. Manufacturing of EB latex core is fully automated. Firstly, the latex formulation is mixed continuously with compressed air in order to create foam. Once the latex foam has the right density, minuscule air bubbles are mixed into it. In this way, air is infused into the compound resulting in an open cell structure. It is these open structures that gives the mattress the required air circulation and guarantee an agreeable temperature in bed. Once the latex foam is ready, a robot spread it into a mould which incorporates pin core holes to define the pattern of the mattress comfort zones. The filled moulds are then vulcanize, in other words baked. The comfort patterns of the mattress are defined by the pin core structure in the mould, bigger pins make bigger holes in the core and the mattress feels softer. The adapted firmness of the different zones ensures perfect lying comfort. After the vulcanization step, the fresh latex core is then taken out of the mould and thoroughly washed. The remaining residue is removed completely and the core dried. Each mattress core is tested and examined individually to measure the hardness, the density and is reviewed for visual perfection. Once the mattress has been rigorously checked for its quality, it then goes to the automated warehouse where it is packed and stored. Soon after that, it is shipped under carefully controlled conditions to customers around the world. The latex mattresses are certified by different independent organizations and carry several quality certificates. These certificates give customers and users the guarantee that every latex mattress is synonymous with exceptional comfort and safety. Conclusion Latex is a natural material which is produced from the sap of the rubber tree. This liquid sap is made into a comfortable solid foam block using one of the processes outlined here. When you buy a 100% natural latex mattress, you are helping the environment by supporting the growth of rubber tree plantations, which remove carbon dioxide from the air. You are also providing jobs for rubber tappers in areas where employment opportunities are often scarce. A natural latex mattress goes above and beyond the delicious comfort you'll feel when you lie down. It's also about the satisfaction you'll feel in knowing you're purchasing an environmentally responsible product.
What Are the Benefits of Latex Mattress
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What Are the Benefits of Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. You may be wondering what a latex mattress is and what it will offer you in terms of your sleep. What is latex? Latex is a natural material that comes from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and possesses elasticity. It is this elasticity which allows the mattress to conform pleasantly to your body shape. Those who have slept on a latex mattress report that it feels wonderfully soft at first touch, but 'firms up' as your body settles deeper, giving the body full support. It is no surprise then that many people with musculoskeletal ailments such as back pain and scoliosis find relief with a latex mattress. The benefits of a latex mattress A latex mattress offers you many benefits and a high quality sleep experience, explaining its popularity. The first of these benefits is its unique balance of soft comfort with proper support for your spine. A latex mattress is also naturally resistant to dust mites, mould and bacteria without the use of added chemicals, and this benefit appeals to many people. Also, excellent air circulation is provided by the open-cell natural structure of latex and by pinhole patterns purposefully created during manufacturing. This allows for good breathability, resulting in a comfortable sleeping temperature. This is important in warm humid climates such as that of Singapore. The superb body pressure distribution properties of latex mattresses are also frequently recommended by medical professionals such as chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths as a way to counteract backaches and muscle-aches. An additional benefit of a latex mattress is that it does not transmit movement easily, meaning that if you sleep with a partner, you won't feel their movements on your side of the bed. Lastly, it is important to note that latex mattresses are one of the most highly durable mattress types available. If you are going to be purchasing a mattress, it makes financial sense to purchase one that will last you for a long time. What type of latex mattress do I need? There are many different types of latex mattress. However, in general, they can be differentiated and compared in the following ways: Natural latex mattress vs synthetic-natural blended latex mattress All-latex mattress vs mattress containing latex combined with other materials And the 2 processes: Dunlop & Talalay processes. While these questions could each require considerable further discussion, there are some generally accepted guidelines. When it comes to all-natural latex vs a blend with synthetic latex, the all-natural is considered the better option if you strongly believed in buying products with its raw material derived from nature. However, a synthetic-natural blended latex mattress is not necessarily inferior to a natural latex mattress. To achieve the perfect combination, as well as consistency for both comfort and support, some leading manufacturers continue to produce synthetic-natural blended latex mattresses. Just like when shopping for a new natural latex mattress, make sure that the synthetic-natural blended latex mattress you are buying has also undergone various stringent tests and has achieved certifications of international standards - such as Oeko-Tex, Eurolatex, LGA and Morton Thiokol - to certify that the latex core excels in elasticity and durability, and does not contain any harmful substances. Likewise, when comparing 100% latex vs latex containing other materials, the 100% latex is considered better. This is mainly because the 'other materials' typically consist of polyurethane foam as part of its mattress core, which tends to off-gas or emit an unpleasant chemical smell. Moreover, 100% latex mattress enjoys all the advantages as explained above. The Dunlop and the Talalay processes refer to the two alternative ways that the latex is processed to create mattresses. In that instance, there is no 'superior' or 'inferior' option, but instead the two methods simply result in different mattress properties. The major difference you should be aware of when shopping is that the Dunlop process tends to produce a firmer mattress while the Talalay process creates a softer mattress. There is no right or wrong. Ultimately, it comes down to which mattress feels most comfortable for you. How can I be certain of finding the perfect latex mattress? With the different types of latex mattress described above, you may be thinking that finding the perfect mattress sounds complicated. Fortunately, all you have to remember is that your comfort is the key. You can only do this by trying out the mattress yourself. Reputable mattress shops will allow you a free in-home trial of your mattress for up to 100 days, which helps ensure you find the perfect mattress. If the mattress does not suit you, you can change it out for a softer or firmer one, for example. You spend more time on your mattress than on any other piece of furniture, so it's worth it for you to explore your options when mattress shopping. Don't feel rushed into making a purchase. Ask questions, a reputable mattress seller should be properly knowledgeable about the product he or she is selling. Regardless of whether you are simply replacing an old mattress, looking to relieve back pain, or seeking to enhance your overall wellbeing, a latex mattress will leave you feeling refreshed and rested.

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