As a petroleum based product, synthetic foam directly reflects the rise in oil prices, having increased in cost rapidly over the last year. Polyurethane foam and memory foam have been popular components of high end mattresses, including Tempur-Pedic, for many years now. The current rise in prices of synthetic foam has made it possible for consumers to consider the alternative of natural and sustainable latex foam. A quality latex mattress will currently have a similar price to high-end inner-spring mattresses and should be less than a Tempur-Pedic or similar memory foam mattress.This can be a very advantageous shift in perspective, as a quality latex mattress will out last 2 or 3 quality inner-spring mattresses and is more durable than the best memory foam. Latex exhibits additional qualities that many prefer when compared to memory foam. Natural latex is a sustainable resource, harvested from the rubber tree, and many consider it to have the finest feel of any sleeping surface. In addition latex creates a mattress that is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and resistant to mold mildew and dust mites. Latex is available in a variety of firmness levels, allowing mattress manufacturers to fine tune the firmness for individual sleeping preferences.
Foam mattresses, particularly those using natural or blended latex, have recently created a significant buzz in the mattress industry, with major manufacturers beginning to offer models featuring some latex components. However, latex avails itself to a very simple mattress solution, and experienced latex mattress manufacturers offer models that use only layers of latex and simple covers, often organic cotton and wool. The sleeping comfort of latex does not need to be modified or incorporated into a more complex mattress configuration. Just a couple of layers of latex, usually about 8", are all that is necessary to provide nature's finest sleeping surface, with a simple cover, so that the feel of latex is experienced directly.
The natural qualities of latex are perfect for what many have begun to call an "organic mattress". In this sense "organic" expresses the desire that many consumers have for mattresses using only natural materials to avoid any possible chemical contamination in their sleeping products. These concerns are particularly prevalent as a result of the widespread use of toxic chemical fire-retardants in mattresses and bedding products. While the concept of an "organic mattress" is a misnomer, certainly a natural mattress, using only natural latex, organic cotton and wool, has many benefits to offer the savvy consumer. It's no surprise that there has been an incredible increase in the sales of natural latex mattresses.
When considering the purchase of a foam mattress, either polyurethane or latex, one quality offered by both materials is enhanced comfort and durability. A conventional inner-spring mattress begins to break down and sag, and should be replaced every 5-7 years. However, quality foam mattresses maintain their shape and breakdown much more slowly than inner-spring mattresses, and also distribute weight much more evenly and comfortably, relieving pressure points. A latex mattress presents the optimum in value, durability and comfort. It's time to begin sleeping on nature's finest sleeping surface, an all natural latex mattress.