Anyone know much about latex mattresses?

LibbyK · #1 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008, 12:54 AM

I am now totally confused and hope someone can help me.

We are in need of a new mattress and I think latex is the best option for us, due to allergies and I wanted something natural that is going to last for a while.

After a weekend of reseaching different types of latex mattresses, DH and I put a deposit on one this afternoon.

There was a Belgium company I liked the sound of for a few different reasons one of which they don't use Formaldehyde. I emailed the company and found out where their mattresses were sold in Aust and then when we were looking at their mattresses today, I noticed they use they talalay process (use of synthetic petrochemical materials). So now the mattress that I thought was as natural latex as we could get doesn't seem to be that way.

From what I can gather, the use of petrochemicals in manufacturing latex mattresses is more of an environmental hazard, than a health hazard, anyone know if that is that right?

I'm not really sure what I am trying to get at here and I'm probably not making sense (it's too late!).

For those of you with latex mattresses, which type do you have, how long have you had it for, and how do you find it?

Anyone in the mattress business and can shed any light onto the subject?

The shop we have bought it from is a big company and as I said we have only paid the deposit today, so surely if we changed our mind they would let us swap to a different mattress?

Or should I just stop worrying about things like I always do an be grateful that we are getting such a comfy mattress?

emd · #2 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008, 03:16 PM

We have a latex mattress from Makin Mattresses. Environment and health were not big factors in the buying decision. It has lasted well but we've only had it three years so far. I don't know if you can get a truly natural, eco-friendly mattress unless you go for an organic futon or something?

LibbyK · #3 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008, 09:28 PM

Thanks Emma

I have managed to swap it for one that I am happier with, yay!

Amanda.R · #4 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 08:38 PM

I too am looking at latex mattresses, what did you end up with? I have been looking on the town and country website as they have one with a removable bamboo cover. I want one that is just latex with no wool padding or springs etc. There are 2 main types of latex natural and man made. I would definately be going for the natural. I hear they last a really long time and dont get dust mites etc, which is why in the long run I think it would be better than organic wool or cotton especially with kids, not to mention the comfort factor.
I fany one has any advis efor me before i bye one that would be great. im in victoria.

Amanda.R · #5 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 08:59 PM

Just looked at my post above sorry about spelling!

MindfulMama · #6 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 10:33 PM

we got one from town & country & haven't had a problem with it, although it did easily split when being moved & we had to glue it back together (they are all heavy & floppy as there is no "core" so parts of the latex tore away). i have chemical sensitivity & haven't had any problems with it (no headaches or anything). we had it on the floor for ages & it wasn't hard enough for me but once we put it on a base it was much better.

definately go for belgian or nz latex - nothing else! (oh & it takes a while to get used to the smell until it doesn't smell "new" - i found putting a few drops of lavender on the mattress cover helped. unless of course you like the smell of latex

)

emd · #7 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 11:14 AM

What's the difference between Belgian/NZ latex and latex from other places? Is it just that the only natural latex ones come from Belgium or NZ?

MindfulMama · #8 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 09:54 PM

From what we were told when we were looking, the ones from Belgian/NZ are better quality & don't have chemicals/petrochemicals/synthetic fillers etc used in the manufacturing process. Not sure how true it is, but we did hear this from a number of different sources so I dont have any reason to doubt it

Amanda.R · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 01:40 PM

thanks for that, did you get one with the topper on it? do you think it would be any good for a sore back?

MindfulMama · #10 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 10:23 PM

i can't remember if we got a topper or not - i don't think so? i have a terrible back & i have found the bed comfy (we asked for one that was quite firm). hth