Natural rubber is getting a lot of attention these days. Many consumers have heard of the benefits of using it in mattresses and pillows and are eager to find out the details. This article will discuss the origins of natural rubber, the benefits of using natural rubber in bedding, and tips for consumers to find what they are looking for.

Natural rubber, (also called latex) is tapped from rubber trees, or Hevea Brasiliensis,
found in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Often mistaken for the sap of the Hevea Brasiliensis, latex actually comes from latex ducts in the rubber tree. To get the latex flowing, a sharp knife is used to shave a very thin layer off of an intact section of bark. If the cut is too deep or too thick, it can reduce the productive life of the tree. A cup is then placed under the cut to collect the natural latex. After collection, the latex is whipped with air to form a foam. The foam is then heated to produce a foam rubber. When used in pillows and mattresses, this amazing material conforms to the shape of your head and body, giving amazing support while minimizing pressure on your joints and back. Unlike innerspring mattresses, natural latex gives an even support of your bones and joints.

Another important fact to note is that children’s bones grow and develop most between the ages of two and six. Investing in an organic crib mattress made from natural rubber would ensure that when you transfer to a toddler bed, your child will have the right material to support his or her bone structure during this critical period.

Natural rubber is also known for it’s hypoallergenic qualities. It is resistant to molds, dust mites, and mildews. This makes it a perfect material for allergy sufferers. It is true that some people can be allergic to latex itself, and there’s no way to know if you’re newborn child will be. It is much less likely that you or your child will be allergic to natural latex because often times people react to the chemicals and synthetic materials in the latex rather than the latex itself. If you’re looking for truly natural rubber, there should be no chemicals or synthetic materials.

Consumers need to be aware, though, that just like the word “organic”, the word “natural” can be misleading. What does it mean when a product claims to be made of natural rubber? Well, it simply means that it has natural rubber in it. Many mattress manufacturers blend their natural rubber with up to sixty percent synthetic rubber, and yet they can still claim it is a natural rubber mattress because it does in fact contain some natural rubber. This can be upsetting to a consumer who thought they were buying a product that was healthier for themselves and their environment.

If you are looking into a natural rubber product, it is obvious that the first thing you should be sure of is if it is completely natural rubber and not a synthetic blend. You should also ask if the rubber has been tested. Many stores that carry natural rubber products do not have test results to show you that their products have been tested to be chemical and toxin free. Other stores may have the information readily available upon request, but need to be asked to produce it. Make sure you get the test results and can see that they are selling you a quality product free of toxins like fire retardant chemicals, formaldehyde, phenols, chlorine, scrim, pesticides, boric acid, mercury, arsenic, antimony, lead, synthetic wool processing agents, and dimethyl sulfate (silica).

Another tip for consumers is to find out what else is in the mattress or pillow besides natural rubber. There could be a number of other materials including cotton, wool, polyester, etc. If you’re looking for an eco friendly and healthy mattress it would only make sense that you would want to get one with organic wool and cotton. No other fabrics should be accepted at all. Organic wool is a natural flame retardant and meets the standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission without the use of one single chemical. This is especially useful in organic crib mattresses as it can reduce the risk of SIDS. The amount of wool and cotton is important too. Some manufacturers cut back on the wool covering to cut costs. A good comfortable natural rubber mattress should have a thick natural rubber core with a thick layer of organic wool and then a layer of organic cotton that is quilted on top to prevent shifting. You may pay a little more for a quality mattress like this, but it will last for 20 years or more, and be friendly to the environment when you are finished with it. The same would be true for a natural rubber pillow.

Now that you know all the tips and tricks, I hope you find some great natural rubber products that will give you healthier sleep and dreamy comfort for years to come.

Family Products on our marketplace

Laura Taff Natural Rubber Crib Mattresses are available at absolutelyorganicbaby.com