Guide to buying a healthy mattress

When you discover there are a multitude of caustic chemicals in your mattress or there are thousands of microscopic bugs feeding on you as you sleep…chances are you are going to look for alternative options to the traditional box springs mattress.

In your search, you will likely find that a latex mattress is the best alternative to traditional mattresses. Most latex mattresses tend to be either made of synthetic latex or a combination of synthetic and natural latex. Some say that the combination latex mattresses make the latex core more resilient. However, studies have shown that an all-natural product is just as resilient and is actually made of natural rubber (as opposed to petrochemical synthetic latex). Synthetic latex may be cheaper and so more cost effective to use in a mattress…but the health costs of sleeping with those chemicals each night isn’t worth the minimal savings.

There are two different types of latex mattresses. The manner, in which the cores are made, is what differentiates them. There are two ways they are manufactured: 1) The original method, called the Dunlop method, involves first whipping the latex liquid with air to make a foam, then pouring the latex liquid into a mold and heating it till it vulcanizes, and 2) the Talalay method, which is a bit more involved. In the Talalay method, the latex foam a vacuum is placed on the mold and other processes are involved that produce foam that has a more consistent cell structure. The foam, in either process, once made is then washed a number of times to get rid of excess soaps and proteins that can make the foam degrade early and washing also reduces the rubbery smell of latex.
Most latex mattress also comes with the option of having a topper added. The toppers range in thickness, but are usually around two inches. The topper is intended to increase the pressure relief. The topper isn’t necessary, but can increase the thickness of the bed, as well as the comfort level.

Last, but not least you will need to decide on the type of mattress cover you will use. There are generally three types: organic cotton, wool, and hemp.

Organic cotton: Cotton tends to give good, firm support, but there are many disadvantages to it. Over time the fibers compress, making it harder and harder with use, and it does not "breathe" well. Cotton is prone to harbor bacteria, as it absorbs moisture in the air and body perspiration quicker than it can release it.

Wool: Wool is fast drying, so it is completely mildew resistant and keeps your body dry and comfortable through the night. It also does not harbor dust mites or bacteria. Wool is naturally flame resistant, so chemical flame retardants are not needed for wool mattresses. Look for wool that has been grown through programs that specify humane treatment of the animals.

Hemp: Hemp is very durable, lasting as much as 3x longer than cotton, and has properties similar to wool. Like wool, hemp does not grow mold or harbor bacteria.

Natural latex mattresses generally last 20-30 years and do not harbor odor, bacteria, mold, or other allergens.

When you visit your local mattress store and do your online shopping, be sure you inquire about the warranty on your purchase. To protect the consumer from defects in workmanship manufacturers put mattress warrantees in place. Warranty lengths and types vary from product to product, manufacturer to manufacturer. Mattress warranties are not guarantees of comfort or performance. Through a warranty, the manufacturer does not guarantee that the mattress will relieve your back pain. Also, keep in mind that general soils and stains will void your warranty.

Carie Cave is co-owner of EarthFriendlyGoods.com, a website that features all things hemp, organic, and natural. Ms. Cave’s passion for green living was inspired by her father’s terminal illness and evolved into her offering sustainable, recycled, and eco-conscious products. She is committed to sharing her knowledge and experience with others through her company. For more information please subscribe to the Earth Friendly Goods newsletter.

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