Natural and artificial latex: characteristics and production features. Latex and products made from it What latex is used in mattresses

100% natural latex (NRL) is the milky sap obtained from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree. Hevea brasiliensis is actively cultivated in the countries of Southeast Asia, since the favorable climate of these countries contributes to its rapid growth.

In the production of bedding products (, etc.), natural latex has been used since 1926, when the Dunlop company introduced a new technology for the production of latex foam, which has a number of huge advantages, such as: high stretch coefficient, excellent elasticity and superelasticity.

There is a huge difference between 100% natural latex (NRL) and synthetic latex. Synthetic rubber became popular in the United States during World War II. The synthetic latex used in mattresses and pillows is styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). This latex is made from waste oil products and other chemicals.

It should also be understood that there is a difference between 100% natural latex and just natural latex, since the concept of natural latex can mean the so-called mixed latex (15% NRL and 85% SBR or 40% NRL and 60% SBR). This latex is approximately 2 times cheaper, has lower elasticity and elasticity, and is also possibly harmful to health, since the product contains butadiene/styrene molecules that have not fully reacted chemically. However, such latex also has the right to be called natural (since a certain percentage of natural rubber is contained in the overall mixture), which, by the way, is often used by enterprising sellers, but in no case should it be confused with 100% natural latex.

Cultivation of the Hevea rubber tree in Southeast Asia

The optimal climatic conditions for the rapid growth of rubber trees are:

• Rain, about 250 mm of precipitation per year, evenly distributed without a distinct dry season, but with at least 100 rainy days per year
• Temperature range from 20 to 34 °C, with average monthly temperatures from 25 to 28 °C
• High air humidity, about 80%
• Bright sun for at least 2,000 hours per year and at least six hours per day throughout the year
• No strong winds

These climatic conditions make Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, etc. ideal for cultivating Hevea and producing the best latex in the world.

In Vietnam, vast amounts of unused land have been converted into areas specializing in rubber tree cultivation and afforestation. The rubber farm development program has become an important part of Vietnam's agriculture.

(Automatic watering system in seed garden Thuan Phu rubber farm in Vietnam)

(Hevea cross at Thuan Phu farm in Vietnam)

Latex collection

Rubber trees are usually pruned in the morning, and a chip is inserted into the bark, cut at an angle, so that a small amount of sap can be collected daily. Latex can be harvested from each rubber tree approximately 180 days a year, excluding the rainy season and hot summers. The trees give sap for about four hours and after stopping, the latex coagulates naturally at the cut line, thus blocking the latex channels of the tree in the bark cut. A 90 cm long cut produces a nice stream of latex for about an hour, which then gradually weakens over the course of 3 hours. It takes a professional tree trimmer only 20 seconds to trim one tree using a standard half-screw system, and his daily plan is 450-650 trees.

When latex is collected, it contains approximately 2/3 of water and is quite thick in consistency, so it must be recycled.

(Collecting latex in Vietnam at the Thuan Phu rubber plantation)

Latex recycling

If latex is stored for a long time in a collection container (cup) attached to a tree on a plantation, it will certainly coagulate (dry out), so the latex must be collected before coagulation (coagulation). Freshly collected latex is transported in special anticoagulation containers or sealed containers with a mesh for ammoniation, since it is ammoniation (saturation with ammonia) that allows latex to be preserved in a colloidal state (liquid form) for longer periods of time.

The story about the beneficial properties of natural latex and the forms of its use in the production of mattresses and other bedding should begin with the origin of this wonderful material.

Natural latex is made from the foamed sap of the Hevea plant, better known as the rubber tree. Most often, latex is supplied from Malaysia and Indonesia, but a significant share of production also occurs in Brazil.

Why latex?

Natural latex made from foamed sap of a rubber tree, due to its porous structure, can “breathe”, promoting comfortable thermoregulation and ensuring the freshness of the sleeping area.

100% natural latex used in the production of mattresses allows the material to retain all its natural properties: excellent elasticity and softness, wear resistance, hypoallergenic, hygienic

Where is latex used?

Often natural latex is used as a filler for orthopedic mattresses. The fact is that latex reacts to load only at points of direct pressure, without stretching or wrinkling. This allows the human body to take the most comfortable position during sleep, with maximum relaxation and unloading of the spine.

In mattresses and other bedding products, natural latex can be found in three main forms:

monolithic block,

perforated latex

corrugated latex.

Actually, everything is clear with a monolithic block, but the other two forms, in addition to the material properties described above, also have a number of remarkable features.

In particular, corrugated latex is used when the product needs to be given a massage effect. The convex heterogeneous surface of the material promotes stimulation blood vessels, improves capillary blood circulation, due to which the muscles of a sleeping person relax faster and are freed from lactic acid breakdown products.

Perforation of latex is used to divide a block of material into different zones of rigidity: the more frequent the holes and the larger their diameter, the softer the zone. Typically there are three-, five- and seven-zone mattresses. For example, the softest zones are located at the head and “legs” of the mattress, and the central part of the product, where in theory the lower back of a person will be located, on the contrary, has a higher rigidity. And, of course, to increase comfort and increase positive effects, perforated and corrugated latex are often combined within one product.

Latex as a constituent element can be found in almost all collections of mattresses produced under the Harmony brand. In the “Comfort Latex” model (the self-explanatory name) this material is perfectly combined with the Bonnel spring block and gives the product incomparable softness. The “Elite Elegant” model already contains an independent spring block, and perforated latex, in this case, is used to increase the orthopedic properties of the mattress. Well, in children's mattress“Prestige D-10” latex acts in a duet with natural coconut fiber.

Natural latex is used everywhere as a filler for mattresses. And this is not surprising: more “versatile” in its positive qualities the material is difficult to find in nature.

First of all, let's understand the concept of “latex”.

We will not delve into the chemistry of processes (microheterogeneous systems, aqueous dispersions colloidal rubber particles... what a horror!), however, 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. This plant is native to South America, in 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 that contain a minimal amount of 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 seen 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. Recipe for the production of polyurethane foams various manufacturers may vary, 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 are made in latex products, air chambers. 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 carbon dioxide, which helps to combine 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, who also use 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 correct form Helps support a person's head and neck 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 an orthopedic shape, 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. There is an opinion that these properties are preserved in ready-made bedding, and 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 for a short time the smell has 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, it is unlikely that you will be able to press the pillow against yourself or put your hand on it (and I did not note this important advantage, when describing down and 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 soap solution is allowed. If you can’t do it with your hands, then choose the gentle wash mode without spinning. It’s better to squeeze it out 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 latex mattress, it’s 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 (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 a common man in the store distinguish products made from natural latex from products made from artificial latex?

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, you should be wary of the low price. An honest seller will not hide from you the name of the manufacturer (its contact details, 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!

Latex— microheterogeneous natural (milky sap of rubber plants) or artificial systems, which are aqueous dispersions of colloidal rubber particles (globules) stabilized by surfactants and emulsifiers.

general characteristics

The shape and size of latex particles are closely related to the laws of the process of emulsion polymerization of the original monomers. Particles synthetic latexes often have a spherical or similar shape. Latex globules are stabilized by an ionic surfactant, often of the anionic type. Spontaneously, over time or as a result of special treatment (acid-base, hydrodynamic, temperature, etc.) secondary aggregates resembling bunches are formed in the latex dispersion. The primary globules in such “clusters” stuck together, but their coalescence did not take place. In most cases, latexes are not monodisperse and are characterized by varying degrees of polydispersity, which, in turn, depends on the conditions of the polymerization process. Typically, the diameter of primary latex globules is 10–200 nm. Isoprene, butadiene, styrene-butadiene, methylstyrene-butadiene, chloroprene, isobutylene-isoprene, carboxylate, acrylic, urethane and other latexes are widely used in various industries.

Obtaining latex products

A salt solution is applied to the mold, e.g. calcium chloride. The mold is then dipped into latex. The salt solution contains positively charged metal particles - cations. When a mold is introduced into latex, cations begin to diffuse from its surface into the depths of the latex. Encountering negatively charged latex particles on their way, positively charged cations discharge them. And the rubber particles settle as a thin rubber layer on the mold.

Latex based on natural rubber

Opium poppy exudes fresh latex from its cut

Calotropis Procera — herbaceous plant, from which latex is produced. When the integrity of the leaves is damaged, latex oozes from the damaged tissue.

Commercial latex based on natural rubber (RN) is concentrated and stabilized milky juice of the Brazilian Hevea plant. The dry matter content in the original juice is 37-41%, in commercial LP its content increases to 58-75%. Methods of concentration: sedimentation and centrifugation; the latter method is the most effective and efficient.

Latex mixtures are prepared by introducing many ingredients into its composition: vulcanizing agents, accelerators and activators of vulcanization, antioxidants, powder fillers, surfactants, anti-stabilizing additives that help reduce the stability of the colloidal system, thickeners, plasticizers, defoamers or, conversely, foam stabilizers, etc. etc. When preparing mixtures, it is advisable to use freshly prepared dispersions and emulsions of ingredients. They should be stored in containers with continuous stirring, avoiding foaming. First, stabilizers are added to the latex, then the remaining ingredients and, lastly, before direct use, a zinc oxide dispersion. To mix latex with emulsions, dispersions, solutions, use enameled or rubberized containers with anti-corrosion coatings, equipped with jackets for cooling or heating and stirrers with variable frequency rotation within 30-40 rpm. The duration of preparation of the mixture is 30-60 minutes. In some cases, the mixture “ripens” for 6–24 hours at 20–60 °C with slow stirring. At the same time, the colloidal chemical characteristics of the mixture change (the pH level decreases, the viscosity increases, etc.), its homogeneity increases, the polymer in the mixture partially vulcanizes, and the technological properties of the mixture improve.

The bulk of LN is used to produce natural rubbers, about 8-10% is used to produce latex products: gloves, meteorological, radiosonde and pilot ball shells, medical products, rubber threads, sponge rubber, light rubber and sports shoes, latex adhesives for various purposes: for leather, rubber, metals, for the production of shoes, for gluing the spines of book bindings, gluing boxes, bags, gluing labels, in the manufacture of sheet plywood and others wooden products, for gluing parquet, linoleum, polymer tiles To various reasons gender; in the production of textile materials and carpets (for joining cotton, wool and linen threads without the formation of knots and thick folds), for the production of abrasive materials in combination with melamine-formaldehyde oligomers; for gluing expanded polystyrene, foam rubber, PVC materials, for gluing ceramics, glass, metals to paper, fabric, leather, polystyrene and other soft and hard materials. In addition, it is used in the production of latex mattresses, latex pillows, latex bolsters

Latexes based on synthetic rubbers

Latexes based on synthetic rubbers (SR) are colloidal aqueous dispersions of synthetic rubbers and other polymers (polystyrene, copolymers of styrene with 20-35% (by weight) butadiene), obtained in most cases by emulsion polymerization of one or more dienes, vinyl, vinylidene and others monomers. Some drugs are manufactured by dispersing in water in the presence of surfactants of “ready-made” polymers (butyl rubber, polyisoprene SKI-3, siloxane and other synthetic latexes). Drugs also include aqueous dispersions of thermoplastics (PVC, PVA) obtained by emulsion or suspension polymerization. Important Features for the consumer is the average size of the globules, pH of the medium and solids content: than larger size globule, the more content dry residue can be achieved by concentrating the drug; with small globule sizes, the stability of the drug is higher.

Prepared based on website materials - Wikipedia

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Latex foam is one of the most popular mattress fillers today. The material is elastic, elastic, breathable, which makes the product as comfortable as possible for use. The pricing policy on the market for such a product is determined mainly by the origin of the underlying content. A latex mattress can be artificial or natural. Sleeping on such a surface is necessary and even useful for both adults and children.

Characteristics of latex

Latex is a natural filler obtained from the foamed liquid of the Hevea tree. The milky viscous juice of Hevea, an evergreen southern plant, is a solution of organic and minerals. Rubber makes up up to 40%. It has everything best qualities: elasticity, flexibility, due to which it perfectly adapts to the human body. And besides this, such products are hypoallergenic and bacterial, allow air to pass through well and are moisture resistant, which ensures optimal temperature sleeping place. The appearance of dust mites and other harmful microorganisms in them is excluded. Only the sun's rays and settling sebum have a negative and destructive effect on the surface, and then the filling itself.

Production Features

Natural latex can be produced in two ways - “Talalay” and “Dunlop”. In the first case, the sap of the rubber tree is foamed using a centrifuge and poured into molds of the appropriate size. Before placing latex into molds, the air is completely pumped out of them to better distribute the material throughout the entire space. After which the mold is carefully sealed and placed in a vacuum chamber. Finally, the composition is cooled, and the foam is pumped with carbon dioxide and processed chemicals. After heat treatment and vulcanization, the hardened latex is washed and post-vulcanization is performed.

The initial stages of the Dunlop method are similar to Talalay. The tree sap is foamed in a centrifuge and poured into containers, after which they are heated. As the temperature rises, the elements settle to the bottom of the mold, resulting in the bottom layer becoming denser and harder. It hardens during the cooling process, creating an airy, porous structure.

At the same time, “Dunlop” is almost always the base of the mattress, while “Talalay” serves only as the top shell and is rarely found as the main element.

To transport the initial raw materials, ammonia is added to it. And depending on the amount of this substance, the labeling is HL (high) and AL (low).

Types of latex mattresses

The bedding market offers high-quality spring and non-spring models, monolithic blocks, or alternating fillers. It is worth noting that latex is an expensive material and these mattresses do not always include only natural ingredients. To create a monolithic block, artificial latex is often used, while natural latex is diluted with other fillers and used in spring models. The thickness of the product can vary from 5 to 15 cm.

Mattresses with natural latex

Depending on the type of production, products can be organic or inorganic. Cost of a mattress with natural filler will be an order of magnitude higher than others, but the service life of such a product is much longer. Therefore, it will pay for itself during operation. The abbreviation NRL will be indicated on tags and in the description of bedding made from natural latex.

Among similar synthetic analogues, the artificial product is closest to the natural one in all its characteristics. In addition, in comparison with polyurethane fillers, it has better restorative abilities and a longer service life. The undeniable advantage of this invention is its low, reasonable price. The packaging of artificial latex products always bears the inscription SBR.

Combination of artificial and natural latex

Often, in order to reduce the cost of products, natural latex is combined with synthetic latex. This combination is not always inferior in characteristics exclusively natural product. Moreover, a successful combination allows you to create a mattress with different supporting properties.

The composition density of such a mattress ranges from 34 to 95 kg/cubic meter. m. And the higher this value, the longer the product retains its body shape. When the load disappears, the mattress completely restores its original shape. It is worth noting that on such surfaces the body is fixed at the maximum number of points, thereby achieving the greatest comfort and feeling of relaxation.

Advantages and disadvantages of latex mattresses

As can be seen from the material described above, this product has more than enough advantages:

• Environmental friendliness of the product and quality;
• Ideal adaptation to the figure of a sleeping person;
• Do not change shades and are not subject to deformation;
• Completely isolates movement. When one person moves, the other does not feel it;
• Indispensable for allergy sufferers;
• Have acceptable elasticity;
• Long service life.

Minor disadvantages include high cost, heavy weight and the possibility of an unpleasant odor, but only for the first time. The structure of the product is made in such a way that it cracks at high values negative temperatures. If this happened, in any furniture store You can purchase special glue for cracks in latex mattresses.

How to choose a latex mattress

Appropriate marking will prevent knowledgeable person Do not confuse the natural component with the synthetic one. The color will also indicate these differences. Natural latex has a gray tint, and the substitute is yellow-gray. In addition, the latter absorbs moisture better and is harder to the touch.

All latex mattresses have different hardness, which makes it possible to choose the best option for each specific user. Before purchasing, it is better to test the product to purchase the most convenient and practical one.

There are multi-layer models, the design of which allows you to change the layers in places, adjusting them to your body. Two-layer types have also been released, where the stiffer side is filled coconut filler, and the softer one is latex. Latex is an adaptable material and gently supports the body, while coconut, a hard product, acts as the opposite, directing the action to unload the spine. Typically, such double-sided mattresses have a dividing core of artificial origin. This is an indispensable purchase for people suffering from osteochondrosis or spinal curvature.

Caring for a latex mattress

Latex mattresses are easy to clean and are not afraid of water. They can be wetted and safely washed in the bathtub or washing machine. Any stains can be wiped off with a small amount detergent applied to a sponge. As mentioned above, products are susceptible to the destructive effects of sunlight, so they need protection - during daylight hours it is better to cover it with a blanket or blanket.

Summarize

You should carefully study the labels of the products you purchase and pay attention to abbreviations. Remember that the inscription “100% Latex Natural Origin” means natural latex, and the stamp “100% Latex” indicates that the product is made from 100% natural latex using more synthetics. Both products are safe High Quality and are in demand. You need to select a latex mattress individually, but experts recommend taking into account that for those who toss and turn and sleep on their sides, it is better to take a mattress with a predominance of latex, and for those who rest on their back, it is better to choose one with coconut. The choice depends only on the wishes of the buyer and the budget allocated for the purchase.

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