When it comes to bedding, everyone has certain reasons for choosing a particular kind. Of course, comfort is not the only important factor to consider, but it is one of the more important ones. Practicality and expense are also important, as are many other things. Although latex mattresses are not as popular as some other types of bedding, there are good reasons for their existence. In this article from Una Mattress, let’s talk a little more about why people might choose a latex mattress.
Therapeutic Benefits
Those who suffer from back issues will often struggle with finding the right bedding. While memory foam is often a good choice, latex foam offers something that is not quite as “squishy.” Some people don’t like the feeling of sinking into the bed that often comes with memory foam. That stuff also tends to cling to the body, making you feel like you’re trapped. Latex is a little more “bouncy” and stiff, so it provides cushioning without swallowing you whole.
There is some reason to believe that stiff bedding is better for the long-term health of the back, neck, and spine. When you use the kind of bedding that makes you sink, the heavier areas of your body will be lower than the lighter areas. This creates a load imbalance that is not conducive to long-term spinal health. Although we are not advising you to sleep on a stiff wooden board, a firmer bed does seem to offer ideal bone alignment.
Better For Hot Weather
Although this is more of a subjective matter, a lot of people find that a latex mattress is ideal for hot weather. The surface of bare latex has a certain cooling feel to it (much like that of rubber or metal). On top of that, the material is a lot more porous than memory foam (although those pores are not easy to see). Because of this, the material breathes much better than other types of foam.
Most latex mattresses are made with small pinholes throughout their surface. This might seem confusing at first, but it is done in order to maximize the cooling effect we just described. These extra pores add more breathability to the material so that it always stays relatively cool.
No Allergic Risks
This one may not be a problem for most people, but it is a huge concern for some. Those who suffer from allergy problems may find that traditional bedding irritates their skin. Latex is a nice alternative for these folks because it is naturally hypoallergenic. That’s a technical way of saying that its’ surface does not harbor mites, mildew, or mold. Since these are the root of most allergies, most allergy sufferers can use latex without a problem.
Of course, there is one little problem that bears mentioning. Some people are allergic to latex itself. Obviously, people with that problem should avoid latex mattresses. Still, if you were allergic to latex, you would probably be aware of that fact, and, therefore, you wouldn’t have read this far in the first place. According to this source, less than 1% of the United States population is allergic to latex.
Longevity
This one is very simple and to the point: Latex does not rot like cloth and most other bedding materials. It will eventually wear out, but it takes quite a few years for this to happen. In fact, some have reported lifespans as long as ten or even twenty years for a latex mattress. In fairness, we should mention that a little bit of cleaning and care is necessary for one to last that long. Nevertheless, one definite fact remains, and that is the fact that latex mattresses tend to last longer.
Eco-Friendly
If latex reminds you of rubber in many ways, there is a good reason for that. Latex is produced from the sap of the rubber tree. Of course, a lot of the latex products made today are made with the artificial version. Synthetic latex is usually made of a substance called SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber). However, it can also be made with a number of other compounds.
As long as you get natural latex, products made from this material are relatively eco-friendly and sustainable. The tree is not killed in harvesting the sap, and even one tree can produce very large amounts of sap. On top of that, each tree will produce sap for about 30 years, limiting the number of trees that need to be farmed and the space needed to grow them.
Conclusion
Although you might hear a few other reasons out there, these seem to be the most common reasons for choosing a latex mattress. This is an option that many people do not consider, in spite of its numerous advantages. Thus, at the very least, we hope that we have helped you to ponder some new ideas. As always, we thank you for your readership.