
Latex Mattress Allergy. Current estimates, according to the United States Department of Labor: Occupational Health and Safety Administration (otherwise known as OSHA), are that 8 to 12 percent of healthcare workers suffer from some degree of latex sensitivity. Allergies are a notable concern before buying a latex mattress.
What to do if you have a latex allergy?
- People with a latex allergy should use polyurethane, polyisoprene, lambskin, or latex-free female condoms.
- Some latex-free condoms need certain lube, like polyisoprene condoms need water-based lube.
- Take care to avoid sex toys with latex and keep medication nearby just in case you have a reaction.
Are latex mattresses safe for latex allergies?
That FR barrier provides yet another layer of protection between your skin and the NRL structure of your mattress. In most latex allergy cases, latex beds are safe for allergy sufferers, especially those that suffer from localized skin reactions or minor respiratory problems when exposed to medical-grade latex.
Who is likely to get a latex allergy?
Repeated exposure to latex: Frequent contact with latex can cause your body to overreact and develop an allergic reaction. People who regularly wear latex gloves are more likely to develop an allergy to latex. Healthcare providers, dentists and people who work in the beauty industry have a higher risk.
How to know if you have a latex allergy?
- Sneezing
- A runny nose
- Itchy and watery eyes
- A scratchy throat
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing (an abnormal whistling sound when you breathe)
- A cough

How do I know if I am allergic to latex mattress?
Latex allergy may cause itchy skin and hives or even anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause throat swelling and severe difficulty breathing. Your doctor can determine if you have a latex allergy or if you're at risk of developing a latex allergy.
Are latex mattresses hypoallergenic?
Natural latex is hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites. That means a latex mattress is a good option for allergy sufferers.
Can you react to latex in a mattress?
Numerous scientific show that the latex used in nearly all bedding products will not cause a reaction. Why? Because Talalay and Dunlop latex—the two common types of latex found in mattresses, toppers and pillows—do not produce the same allergic reactions as other latex products found in household or medical products.
How do you tell if you are allergic to your mattress?
Latex Mattress AllergyRashes.Hives.Nausea.Difficulty breathing.
What does a latex allergy rash look like?
If you're allergic to latex, the area will become red and itchy. You may develop raised welts called wheals (they look like hives). The skin irritation and wheals show that your immune system is reacting. It usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes for a reaction to occur.
Do dust mites live in latex mattresses?
Natural latex mattresses are some of the best types of mattresses to avoid dust mites, since they are naturally dust mite resistant mattresses. Being hypoallergenic, latex mattresses are also antimicrobial and antifungal.
Do all memory foam mattresses have latex?
Memory foam is a synthetic foam made from high-density polyurethane material. It doesn't contain latex. That said, it's possible to find a mattress that contains both materials. Some mattresses feature comfort layers of both memory foam and latex.
Can I be allergic to my new mattress?
Can you be allergic to a memory foam mattress? Although less common than latex allergies, it is possible to be allergic to memory foam mattresses as well. Each company has their own manufacturing processes for memory foam, but many of these foams do require latex.
Why is my mattress Making Me Itch?
Being too warm in bed: leaving the heating on, using a memory foam mattress and sleeping under synthetic bedding can all contribute to making your body overheat while you sleep. This in turn further irritates eczema, resulting in body itching at night and forcing you to stay awake.
Why do I get itchy when I lay in bed?
Your skin naturally loses more water during the night as you're not staying hydrated while you sleep. This can cause your skin to become dry and dehydrated, leading to itching.
Why am I itchy at night bed?
Circadian rhythm In the evening, the body releases more heat, and blood flow to the skin increases, which may contribute to nighttime itching. In addition, skin loses water at night, resulting in dryness that can make you itchy.
What makes a mattress hypoallergenic?
Choose a Hypoallergenic Mattress Hypoallergenic means the bed contains allergen-resistant materials such as memory foam, latex, or dust-resistant covers to naturally keep away microorganisms including pollen, dust, bed bugs, and dust mites. This way, the beds are safe for people with allergies and asthma to sleep on.
Can you be allergic to your mattress?
Symptoms can range from stuffy ears and headaches to constant sneezing. Besides dust mites, many people have allergic reactions to mold and mildew which can grow in the cotton and foam stuffing of old mattresses.
Can I be allergic to my new mattress?
Can you be allergic to a memory foam mattress? Although less common than latex allergies, it is possible to be allergic to memory foam mattresses as well. Each company has their own manufacturing processes for memory foam, but many of these foams do require latex.
Do latex allergies go away?
There's no cure for a latex allergy—instead, people who have severe reactions need to avoid the rubber, the AAAAI says. Still, there are a few things you can do if you accidentally come into contact with a latex condom. If your symptoms are mild, an antihistamine or corticosteroid may help, the Mayo Clinic says.
Why do people like latex mattresses?
There are a lot of reasons to love latex mattresses. They're comfy and they come in a variety of firmnesses, which means almost everyone can find one that meets their personal sleeping needs. They last longer than many other types of mattresses. And they're made from a material that is natural, sustainable, and hypoallergenic.
What is latex and what is a latex allergy?
Natural latex is made from the milky sap of the rubber tree ( Hevea brasiliensis). It's commonly used to make rubber gloves, condoms, rubber bands, some toys—and, of course, mattresses.
Why is latex foam washed?
Here's why: The latex foam used in mattresses is washed repeatedly during the manufacturing process. Most allergic reactions to latex happen when you come into contact with products that haven't been washed to remove the proteins responsible for allergies. Unlike with some products, like rubber gloves, balloons, and condoms, ...
What happens when you breathe in latex?
A latex allergy occurs when someone either comes into skin contact with latex or breathes in latex fibers in the air. Per the AAFA, people with latex allergies have very sensitive immune systems. When they come into contact with latex, their immune systems react as if the latex were a harmful substance. Latex allergies can develop ...
Is latex mattress good for allergies?
Natural latex is hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and dust mites. That means a latex mattress is a good option for anyone with allergies. But what if you're allergic to latex itself? In most cases, you should be able to sleep on a latex mattress without any issues.
Can you test for latex allergies?
A diagnosis can be made via an allergy blood test. Doctors advise those with severe latex allergies to carry an epinephrine auto-injector for emergency treatment. If you have a latex allergy and must wear gloves for work, experts recommend you, and your colleagues, switch to synthetic gloves.
Can you be allergic to latex?
Certain populations, such as people with spina bifida, are also more likely to be allergic to latex. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, people with latex allergies often have certain food allergies as well. You may also experience allergic reactions to apples, avocados, bananas, carrots, celery, chestnuts, kiwis, ...
How do you know if you have a latex allergy?
Signs Or Symptoms Of A Latex Allergy. According to the AAFA, symptoms of a latex allergy are generally mild. People may experience itching and swelling where they have touched a latex product, for example on their lips after blowing up a latex balloon. Symptoms of a more serious allergy include hives, inflammation of the eyes, trouble breathing, ...
What is the most important factor when buying a mattress?
When you’re shopping for your next mattress, there are some factors that will be more important to you than others. If you’re on a budget, price will be a big factor in your decision. If you have a latex allergy, you’re probably more aware of the materials in your prospective mattress.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
Symptoms of a more serious allergy include hives, inflammation of the eyes, trouble breathing, and anaphylaxis.
Is latex used in mattresses?
Latex that is used in mattresses is also washed many times throughout the manufacturing process. This washing process helps to remove the proteins that affect people with latex allergies.
Can you sleep on a latex mattress?
Overall, people with mild latex allergies should be safe sleeping on a latex mattress. Because of the washing process that latex undergoes during the manufacturing process and the fact that your skin won’t be directly exposed to the latex contained inside the mattress, most people with latex allergies will not be affected by sleeping on ...
Are Latex Allergies Common?
There are certain high-risk groups for a latex allergy: Children with spina bifida, children who frequently undergo medical treatments, and health care workers (or other workers who regularly use latex gloves).
What is a latex mattress?
That’s because these types of mattresses are usually made up of more than just latex—the latex is just the core of the mattress that provides comfort and support. Learn more about latex and the construction of this type of mattress so that you can determine what type of latex mattress would be best for you.
How long does it take for a person to get a reaction to a latex glove?
This type of allergy usually produces a localized reaction approximately two to four days after exposure. For example, your hands may become itchy or irritated a few days after wearing latex gloves. This type of latex allergy is often called allergic contact dermatitis.
Why do my hands itch after wearing gloves?
For example, your hands may become itchy or irritated a few days after wearing latex gloves. This type of latex allergy is often called allergic contact dermatitis. There is a third type of latex sensitivity that’s technically not an allergy.
What is the difference between type I and type IV latex?
There are two types of latex allergies: type I is an immediate hypersensitivity, and type IV is a delayed hypersensitivity. People who have a type I latex allergy are sensitive to the proteins in natural latex. It usually generates a systemic reaction as your body releases mast cell histamines to mediate the reaction.
Is Talalay latex toxic?
However, all-natural latex, such as Talalay latex, doesn’t contain any toxic compounds or chemicals. When people are allergic to latex, they’re usually reacting to the proteins in the natural rubber, not to toxic chemicals in the product. During the vulcanization process that stabilizes latex foam, some of the protein washes out.
Can you sleep on a latex mattress?
Among the general population, sleeping on a latex mattress has not been shown to cause allergies. One of the reasons that people with latex allergies may be able to sleep safely on a latex mattress is that the material never comes in direct contact with the individual. That’s because these types of mattresses are usually made up ...
Can you get latex allergy from cornstarch?
Some people develop symptoms from skin contact. Others can be affected when they inhale the particles of cornstarch that come off of some latex products.
What is a latex allergy?
A latex allergy is a reaction to the proteins found in natural latex rubber. Most people who are allergic to latex, learn they are allergic to latex when using items made with rubber, including elastic bands, latex gloves and balloons. Estimates of latex allergies in the general population range from 1% to 5%.
How many people are allergic to latex?
Estimates of latex allergies in the general population range from 1% to 5%. The proteins found in the latex typically trigger the allergic response after direct contact with the affected person’s skin.
What is Latex?
Latex, as it relates to mattresses, refers to the milky sap used to create the foam in a latex mattress. The latex itself is tapped from rubber trees (Hevea Brasiliensis), and collected as latex foam.
What is latex foam used for?
The latex foam that is used to make latex mattresses, is widely known for its luxurious comfort, superior support, and its buoyant properties. Of course, latex foam isn’t only used for creating luxuriously comfortable and supportive latex mattresses. It is also widely used in a variety of everyday items, including:
How to tell if you have an allergy to protein?
To determine if you have this allergy, your doctor can perform a skin test to see if your skin reacts to the protein. If you do have an allergic reaction, your skin will develop a bump during the test.
Is latex mattress good for you?
This allows you to enjoy the many benefits natural latex mattresses are famous for, including the outstanding support and comfort that cannot be matched with other mattresses on the market today. Plus, our latex mattresses are made with 100% all-natural latex, and contain no added chemicals for an even healthier sleep experience.
Can you sleep on a latex mattress?
Some with very mild latex allergies find they sleep well on 100% natural latex mattresses since they do not have to touch or come in contact with the latex layers. For example, with the Latex For Less Latex Mattress, there are several layers of other materials between you and the latex, including a 100% organic wool fire barrier, ...
What is a latex allergy?
A latex allergy is a reaction to the proteins present in natural rubber latex. Most people have found they are allergic to latex by using items made from natural rubber, including elastic bands, latex gloves, baby bottle nipples and balloons. Natural latex is known to cause Type I and Type IV allergic reactions.
Why is Talalay and Dunlop latex not the same?
Why? Because Talalay and Dunlop latex—the two common types of latex found in mattresses, toppers and pillows—do not produce the same allergic reactions as other latex products found in household or medical products.
Is there a natural rubber in latex?
According to the FDA, there have been zero cases of allergic reactions to the natural rubber used in latex foam products throughout the bedding industry, which spans more than 35 years. Latex mattresses, pillows, toppers, or other latex bedding products may contain natural rubber latex, but here's the difference: the Talalay latex used in Brooklyn ...
Is Talalay latex a permanent solid?
Talalay latex is also flash-heated from “gel” into a permanent solid form which eliminates any remaining proteins or residue. Plus, Brooklyn Bedding products are covered with hypoallergenic, antibacterial, dust- and mite-resistant covers.
Is Talalay latex safe?
As a bonus, Talalay latex is Okeo-Tex Class 1 certified safe. If you like the exceptional pressure point relief and eco-friendly nature of naturally extracted latex, that's great news—you, too, can enjoy the unique comfort and support properties of latex mattresses without fear of unwelcome nighttime reactions.
What are the symptoms of mattress allergies?
It can be skin rashes, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, or combination of these . Take note that allergies are our immune systems’ response to anything in the outside world.
How to know if you have a latex allergy?
You can dodge latex allergy by using a mattress protector or opting for a different material. If you start to have labored breathing and tremors due to the use of latex beds, you should seek the opinion of a doctor right away.
How long does it take for mattress allergy to go away?
The good thing is it goes away after a few days. Make sure to use a bed sheet before testing this out. Your skin may react harshly to the chemical still present on the surface of the foam. Mattress allergy symptoms can cause other complications if not diagnosed early.
What is the name of the organization that certifies mattresses?
To avoid this, make sure that you’ll get a mattress that’s certified by the CertiPUR-US. This non-profit organization makes sure that the foams used on the mattresses are free of ozone-depleting chemicals, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and other harmful substances.
Why do I have allergies to my bedding?
Like what I said earlier, allergy to your bedding can be caused by a variety of triggers. It can be dust, chemicals in the mattress, the material itself, and more. Here are the usual allergies people experience in relation to their mattresses:
Why is my mattress so old?
However, this could be due to a myriad of reasons. First, it’s possible that your mattress is too old that it’s harboring critters, dust, and accumulated grime. But on the other hand, it could also be stuffed with chemicals that aren’t supposed to be used based on industry standards.
What to do if you have a heat rash on your mattress?
If your current mattress is giving you an intense heat rash, it’s time to switch to a more breathable choice . This is a blend of memory foam, transition foam, and coils. The material has a blend of bamboo charcoal and Aloe vera to remove the moisture away from your skin. If you’re worried about the coils being a harborage of bugs, use a mattress protector.
How Can a Memory Foam Mattress Cause an Allergic Reaction?
There are numerous ways allergic reactions can be triggered. Particular smells can be irritating; accumulated dust can cause a response, and even the materials that make up the foam itself can be an issue. Below we'll talk a bit about the various ways allergies can be caused and what you can do to mitigate or possibly eliminate the problem.
What does it mean when you feel nausea on your mattress?
Nausea is when you feel an uneasy sensation in your stomach, which can include vomiting. When battling regular nausea, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to your mattress. You can try to mitigate this by buying a new mattress or using an organic cotton protector or perhaps even a latex topper.
Can Memory Foam be Bad for Asthma Sufferers?
Irritations and allergies as a result of your mattress material could exacerbate asthma. Pollen issues often arise seasonally and are usually easier to identify because it's not an everyday occurrence in your daily life. For example, maybe you notice more difficulty managing your allergies or asthma during the spring or summer months when many plants are in bloom.
Why does my mattress smell?
Many beds can produce a scent due to the materials and chemicals comprising the product. The smell is often referred to as off-gassing. A smell and VOCs ( volatile organic compounds) are created when these disperse out of the mattress. These substances have been known to cause allergic reactions in some cases.
How to get rid of mites on pillows?
Using a hypoallergenic cover is likely the easiest and most effective solution to mites. Don't forget you can clean your pillows; vacuuming these regularly can help to minimize your bed buddies as well.
Why are allergic reactions important?
Reactions range from mildly irritating to life-threatening conditions, so it's critical to keep them well-managed for our health. Allergic reactions occur when your immune system recognizes an otherwise harmless substance as an “invader,” causing your immune system to trigger a response. When your body confronts these “intruders,” it creates ...
Is a mattress topper good for allergies?
Further, adding an organic latex mattress topper could provide an effective barrier between you and your mattress. A topper could prevent you from breathing in allergy-infused air, easing your reactions without compromising the pressure relief of your bed.
