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What is natural latex rubber?
Our Hevea milk is also processed close to the plantations, because the raw product destabilizes when kept too long. Other manufacturers avoid the problem by adding chemicals. Our pledge to bring you the purest products possible means that the rubber milk harvested in the morning is molded into sheets by mid-afternoon and is soon shipped to our Canadian mattress plant.
Natural latex rubber is produced by two processing methods: Dunlop and Talalay. For either method, once the resulting latex rubber foam is removed from the mold, it is then washed several times to rid it of excess soap residue.
Dunlop
The Dunlop method is the oldest and predominant processing method used worldwide. In this method, the latex milk is first whipped and poured into a mold. It is then covered and heated at low temperatures until it vulcanizes. During the heating process, the naturally-occurring sediments in the latex settle at the bottom, resulting in a foam that is denser on the bottom than on the top. Dunlop latex is denser and springier than Talalay latex.
Talalay
The Talalay process is relatively new. In this method, after the latex milk is poured into a mold and covered excess air is vacuumed out. The mold is then flash-frozen to stabilize the foam. The Talalay process produced a more consistent cell structure and softer, more fragile latex. Because of the extra steps involved, Talalay is more expensive than Dunlop. Talalay foam pieces larger than 40" wide will have glue seams where two or more pieces are glued together.
Our natural latex rubber foam is made using the Dunlop process. Only air, soda ash, zinc and natural soap are added. Natural latex rubber foam has holes, called pincore holes, which make the foam softer and more pliable.
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 countrya kindness to ourselves and the planet.
Natural latex rubber is naturally anti-microbial, mold-resistant, mildew-resistant, and contains an antibacterial substance that is a natural dust-mite repellent. It is soft and supportive and relieves pressure points.
Unlike mattresses, pillows, futons and other products made from synthetic foam or rubber, natural latex rubber contains no PBDEs, benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, or phthalates.
The finished product is totally biodegradable. Natural latex rubber mattresses without innersprings/coils are an excellent option for people concerned about EMFs.
Natural latex rubber does have an odor that will decrease over time. Unless you are very sensitive to odors, you will probably not notice the odor at all.
Natural latex rubber can be highly allergenic, especially for young children. We encourage you to have your child tested for a latex allergy before using any latex products.
