Question from Celestine
I just got a latex mattress, used, that was said to be organic. That probably just means it is not synthetic. It is sublimely comfortable. I slept an extra hour with no wakeup in the night. However, I’ve been told that the latex is extracted with toxic chemicals! And that these stay in the latex and do affect people. This morning I had a mild headache and a runny nose–which are not things that usually happen with me. I am not prone to allergies. If it is a case of toxins in the mattress, any idea if there is a type of barrier cloth that would keep it from affecting me? I really would like to keep this mattress if I can. For one thing, it is enormous and extremely heavy–took three men to get it up to my room. But it is also metal-free, which I wanted. Thanks, Celestine
Debra’s Answer
I totally understand your dilemma. Latex is very comfortable, but not everyone can tolerate it. I can’t sleep on a latex mattress or pillow because of the natural odor or latex, but that doesn’t mean it’s toxic.
With regard to the organic and toxic chemicals part, I’m working on sorting out about organic latex. And yes, some latex does use toxic chemicals in processing. But we can’t make generalities with this because different latexes are processed in different ways.
My suggestion to you would be to go back to the manufacturer and find out about any toxic chemicals used in their organic latex. Nothing to be concerned about if no toxic chemicals were used.
Your reaction may be simply to latex itself. You could try a barrier cloth mattress cover, or several layers of blankets.
there are a lot of different kinds of latex beds – some are mostly latex from the tree – some are blends of synthetic and latex but are still legally allowed to say all natural latex because petroleum is ‘natural’ – the way to tell is the smell and color
synthetic latex has a much stronger smell and is more yellow
all truly natural latex is much brighter, almost white, and has very little smell unless you put your nose right into it
becasue there are no laws or regulations about labelling the differences, you just cannot go by what the manufacturers or sellers say
the only all natural latex I know of is by Latex Green and they make a very substandard product that has dents, waves, uneven springiness, and is hard as a rock
so I would get some synthetic but as little as possible
make sure your mattress seller can give you something in black and white where it says what percentage is synthetic and what percentage is from the latex tree
Thanks you for this! The mattress was used, but I can go back to the seller and find out who made it, if possible. Then, do research.
Meanwhile, I am doing better with it and I continue to find it ridiculously comfortable. I have the thick latex mattress and my two featherbeds, and I think the world’s worst insomniac would fall asleep on it.
Best,
Celestine
Thanks for all your comments! The mattress is more yellow, so probably has some synthetic. I don’t know the manufacturer. I got the mattress from craigslist and have to dig up the phone number of the lady who owened it previously.
Meanwhile, whatever was happening between me and the mattress seems to have resolved. What I notice now is that I sleep better, and usually sleep right through the night. The comfort is really something! I also like getting all the metal out of the bed–which has been achieved.
Celestine
In addition to the barrier cloth, you could run a good quality air filter all night. I like to do that because it blocks out noise. You could also strip the bed and heat the room and perhaps it would outgas. That sounds like a lot of work but it might help. Seems like the location of the bed might be an issue. If it is in a corner, the odors or whatever might not be able to disperse as well as if it were in the middle of the room.
I know we are all sensitive to many things, however here the ‘used latex mattress’ could be causing you adjustment. I would open windows and air the thing out like crazy. No way of knowing what it was previously exposed to and fabric absorbs things – as in mattress casing.
The chemicals used in making latex do vary from manufacturer – but I have also seen many try to seel an ‘organic latex mattress’ that is not organic latex, but regular dunlop in an organic casing. Big difference. Check the label and or manufacturer.
Some manufacturers don’t put much else between the latex and the casing – do use a thick pad/mattress cover. Do air it out every day – let it breath.
Hi,
i would love to know which brand of mattress the questioner is having problems with. My parents are very interested in buying a Savvy Rest, which seems like a great mattress but I worry a little about the latex too.
Can you let us know what is the brand you have?
Thanks!