Natural latex, also known as natural rubber, is a unique material used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products. It is harvested in an environmentally friendly manner and is a 100% natural raw material. Among other things, it is ideal for making mattresses. Natural latex mattresses are particularly high-quality premium mattresses. As a general rule, the higher the natural latex content, the higher the quality of the mattress. But what exactly is natural latex, and what makes it so special? Read all about the difference between natural latex and synthetic latex in our blog post.
What is natural latex, and how is it produced?
The liquid latex sap is extracted from the rubber tree “Hevea brasiliensis.” Latex sap is a white, milky sap sourced from plantations in Southeast Asia and other tropical regions (See also: How Is Natural Latex Extracted?). These so-called rubber trees must first grow for about 6 years before they are ready for harvest. They grow to a height of about 40 meters and can reach a trunk circumference of up to 35 centimeters. The trees yield up to 80 grams of latex sap daily and live to an average age of 25 years. Natural rubber is therefore a renewable raw material. The latex is harvested by hand, ensuring that the extraction process is sustainable and environmentally friendly. The raw material consists of about 70% water, about 30% natural rubber, as well as minerals, resins, and proteins.
Products Made from Natural Latex
We have already answered the question, “What is natural latex?” Natural rubber is a very elastic and supple material. At the same time, it is naturally breathable, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic. Natural latex is perfect for the production of high-quality mattresses. Thanks to natural rubber’s excellent point elasticity, natural latex mattresses are popular, in part because they provide optimal support for different parts of the body.
Another advantage of latex mattresses is their durability. They have a lifespan of approximately 12 years without any significant loss of quality. In addition, they offer a high level of sleeping comfort. In the bedding industry, natural rubber is also used to manufacture natural latex pillows. However, not all latex mattresses are made of 100% natural latex. Synthetic latex is used in many latex mattresses. But what’s the difference? We’ll answer the question “What is natural latex, and what is synthetic latex?” in the following section. Furthermore, natural rubber is primarily used in the manufacture of bicycle and car tires, adhesives, balloons, rubber gloves, and yoga mats.
Quality Control: The Difference Between Natural Latex and Synthetic Latex
Natural latex is subject to strict quality controls. Various quality seals certify the purity of the raw material and confirm the absence of harmful substances. The most stringent label is the QUL quality seal, which is awarded by the Quality Association for Environmentally Friendly Latex Mattresses (Qualitätsverband umweltverträgliche Latexmatratzen e.V.). This certifies that the product is made from 100% natural rubber and contains no pentachlorophenol or harmful substances such as heavy metals, nitrosamines, or pesticides. Another certification is the Eurolatex certificate, which also tests the raw material for harmful substances and guarantees fair manufacturing practices. People often ask what the difference is between natural latex and synthetic latex—are the two materials comparable? Synthetic latex is derived from petroleum and is therefore very different from natural rubber. Only the manufacturing process can be compared to that of natural latex mattresses.
You can find high-quality mattresses made from 100% natural latex at www.kipli.com, for example. This young company manufactures natural latex mattresses in Europe and offers them at a fair price. In addition, you have the opportunity to try out the mattress for 30 nights.
Caring for Natural Latex
Natural rubber is a particularly durable material. Proper care can help extend its lifespan even further. Of course, cleaning and care vary depending on the product. Products such as rubber boots or exercise mats made of natural rubber can be cleaned with water or, if necessary, a soapy solution. However, the situation is different for a natural latex mattress.
Natural Latex Mattresses – Cleaning and Protection
You can keep your natural latex mattress fresh by washing its cover regularly. It’s also important to air out the mattress from time to time. This allows the material to regenerate and regain its shape. You can also protect your mattress with a mattress protector. For stubborn stains, you can clean the latex core of your mattress with baking soda.
Summary
Natural rubber is an eco-friendly and 100% natural raw material. It is recyclable and harvested by hand. Because it is of natural origin, latex is breathable and hypoallergenic. The many beneficial properties of natural latex make it a very popular material in mattress manufacturing. Various quality certifications enable customers to distinguish natural latex from synthetic latex.