Full Answer
What is the difference between a foam and latex mattress?
The Pros of Latex Mattress
- Bounciness. Latex is a bouncy substance that makes a sleeper feel more on top of the mattress than memory foam.
- Durability. Depending on the latex type, this varies. ...
- Customizable. Latex mattresses often include a side zipper that allows you to unzip the mattress and alter the firmness.
- Organic. ...
- Cooling. ...
Is latex the same as rubber?
Rubber and latex are not the same thing, but many people use the words as if they are the same. Latex is the milky white sap of rubber trees, which is found beneath the bark of a mature rubber tree. So how is rubber made and does rubber contain latex? Yes, it certainly does and we will look at the production processes of how is rubber made.
Does foam contain latex?
Natural latex is made from sap from the rubber tree, which is whipped into a froth, then baked into a foam. Some memory foam manufacturers have added even more chemicals—called “cooling chemicals”—to attempt to address this overheating problem. And this why many people choose natural latex instead.
Which latex is better?
Latex is environmentally friendly and made of natural, biodegradable material. Because latex gloves are made of natural rubber, they are less durable than nitrile and more susceptible to harsh solvents. Features Biodegradable Close-fitting for excellent range of motion Superior protection from viruses and bacteria Comfortable for long-term wear
Who invented Latex foam?
Latex foam was produced in 1929 by Dunlop Rubber – with patents in Britain, France, and the USA. The Dunlop name is now synonymous with many rubber based products.
How latex foam is made
Latex being a natural product is often combined with fillings made of other natural materials in order to create the perfect blend.
Pros of latex foam
Latex foams are customizable, this is beneficial when customers can’t find the right mattress.
Cons of latex foam
Latex foam does have its disadvantages however, here’s where we go through a few of them…
To finish
I hope this has provided you with a good grounding with regards to “what is latex foam”. Be sure to check out my other articles and recommended foam products to find what fits your needs.
What is foam latex?
Foam latex or latex foam rubber is a lightweight form of latex containing bubbles known as cells, created from liquid latex. The foam is generally created though the Dunlop or Talalay process in which a liquid latex is foamed and then cured in a mold to extract the foam.
What is the structure of latex foam?
Structure. Latex foam is a form of latex that is lightweight and expanded. Cellular air bubbles are created inside liquid latex, and they can be shaped into different shapes and sizes. The extension of the foam is defined by the amount of air inside of these cells.
What is structural enhancement foam?
Structural enhancements are applied to a foam by making different choices of polymers used for the foam or through the use of fillers in the foam. Historically, natural rubber latex is used for the foam, but a similar commercial contender is styrene-butadiene latex, which is especially designed for use in latex foams.
Why does foam show a linear Hookian increase in stress?
This happens because the gas contained in foam cells is compressed, and the walls of the cells maintain their structure. In the second region, the cell walls are being crushed, and no additional stress is experienced, and so the stress plateaus.
Why use latex foam in upholstery?
Due to their energy absorption properties, latex foams are useful for transportation applications , such as in packaging to decrease impact on the shipped product or in vehicle upholstery. While packaging foams may be single-use with low resistance to dynamic fatigue, upholstery tends to benefit from being denser and more resistant to fatigue as it absorbs lower impacts but needs to do so more repeatedly.
How to measure density of latex foam?
This density can be measured regularly by taking a volume and mass measurement of the material. For a volume measurement of irregularly shaped foam, the foam pieces can be coated with wax and inserted in a known volume of water to measure volume change in the container. The purpose of the wax is to prevent water permeation into the foam, which may lead to a lower perceived volume (and higher perceived density as a result) if not accounted for. The density of a foam decreases as the expansion of the foam increases. Expansion, in turn, relates to the amount of air inside the cells of the foam. The more air inside the cells, the larger the expansion.
Why do you use wax in foam?
The purpose of the wax is to prevent water permeation into the foam, which may lead to a lower perceived volume (and higher perceived density as a result) if not accounted for. The density of a foam decreases as the expansion of the foam increases.
Which is better, latex or memory foam?
Memory foam conforms to your body, while latex is bouncier and more eco-friendly. Decide which features are most important for you and your quality sleep, and them make a decision based on the mattress type that meets most of your needs.
What is synthetic latex?
Synthetic latex comes from a mix of materials, most often a type of plastic called styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Latex can be produced with two different methods: Talalay and Dunlop. In a Talalay latex mattress, the tree sap fills a mold only partially, with the rest of it getting filled with air.
What are the best mattresses?
Keep in mind that there’s more to mattresses than their materials, though. You’ll also want to consider: 1 Firmness. Many mattresses come in firm, medium-firm, or soft varieties. 2 Height. A thicker mattress will last longer than a thinner one. 3 Price. Mattresses can be pricey, though some bed-in-a-box brands can be less expensive. Be sure to consider the reasons for a higher price tag before you make a purchase. 4 Cooling features. Especially if you choose a memory foam mattress, you may want to keep an eye out for cooling features like gel foam. 5 Size. Make sure you choose a size that will fit well in your space.
How to prevent overheating on memory foam mattress?
To help prevent overheating, some mattress makers add cooling features to their memory foam mattresses . Commonly, mattress makers infuse the foam with gel for added cooling. The gel can also make the bed bouncier. Some brands also add perforations to the foam to help allow air to circulate through the mattress.
How long does a Dunlop mattress last?
Dunlop latex is more durable, denser, and less expensive than Talalay. Latex mattresses can have a life span of about 20 years.
What is memory foam?
Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is a type of polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is typically made of petroleum (crude oil), though it can also be made from plant oils, like soy. Memory foam slowly compresses when pressure is applied, so it will shift to conform to your body when you lie on it.
Does memory foam feel soft?
Most memory foam mattresses feature several layers of foam. Depending on the types and densities of the foam layers, the mattress may feel soft, firm , or somewhere in between. Memory foam is sensitive to heat, so performance can vary depending on temperature and humidity.
What is latex foam made of?
Latex Foam is made from rubber for a natural bouncy feel. Perforations give it superior ventilation. Currently available in medium-firm firmness only. It is used in top of the line mattresses and cushions.
What is the health concern of latex foam?
The primary health concern of latex foam is the inhalation of fumes that may be generated during combustion. Latex foam products natural and/or synthetic foam may contain rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and rubber curatives.
Which is better, latex or rubber?
Rubber gives the foam a natural bouncy feel. This foam type also has superior ventilation because it has perforations placed into it during the manufacturing process. This airflow makes the foam more comfortable. A Latex foam mattress is the highest quality foam mattress and will feel softer and bouncier than other foam mattresses.
Is latex foam mattress good for you?
It is an excellent quality foam mattress in both its longevity and comfort, and is non-allergenic and anti-microbial.
What Is Memory Foam?
Let’s start with memory foam, or viscoelastic polyurethane foam. This synthetic material was designed for use by NASA in 1966. Researchers wanted to create a fabric that can absorb shock and keep passengers safe in NASA’s airplane seats.
What Is Latex Foam?
Latex foam is a durable material used in mattresses, pillows, and other bedding products. It’s produced from the milky white sap of the rubber tree and has multiple cells. After extraction, liquid latex goes through the Talalay or Dunlop process. The end product is latex foam.
Latex vs. Memory Foam: 12 Similarities and Differences
Both latex and memory foam mattresses offer adequate support. However, latex is more responsive than memory foam, regardless of the production method used. The downside is that it doesn’t mold to your body’s contours as much as memory foam; instead, it compresses and bounces back.
Latex vs. Memory Foam: Our Verdict
As you can see, both types of mattresses have pros and cons. Some consumers love the high-contouring cloud-like feel of memory foam, while others prefer the greater responsiveness and better cooling delivered with latex foam.
About Derek Hales
Derek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company , Reader's Digest , Business Insider , Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. Derek has personally tested over 150 different mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.
How is latex foam made?
The raw material for latex foam is obtained by tapping rubber trees in much the same way maple trees are tapped to make maple syrup. Trees in a rubber plantation are used for milk harvest for about 30 years before they are replaced with new trees – the wood from the old trees is highly valued by furniture and toymakers.
What are the ingredients in latex foam core?
The remaining ingredients are foaming agents that are essential to the vulcanization, foaming and curing process that all latex foam cores must go though during the production process: 2% Zinc Oxide. 1% Fatty Acid Soaps. 1% Sulfur.
Why is latex cushion covered?
the cover of the cushion protects the skin against any direct contact.
What is the Oeko-Tex standard 100?
The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is concerned primarily with health and safety of textile products (including latex foam). It tests only the end product, not the processing – for example, wastewater treatment is not included, nor are worker conditions.
Can latex foam cause allergies?
Following is some information I have found regarding latex allergies: All 100% latex from the Hevea brasiliensis tree has naturally occurring proteins, which can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Latex foam goes through a thorough washing process that removes those proteins.
Is latex a difficult illness?
The issue of latex allergies is a very difficult and challenging illness , and thus an important issue that must not be ignored. I have spoken with many people who are afflicted with severe allergies, albeit mostly involving the chemicals in the urethane foam or fabrics in their furniture.
Where is latex milk harvested?
Historically, latex milk was harvested by small holdings in southeast Asia. Today larger plantations have been established to meet the growing demand. The raw material is processed into 100% natural or used in blended natural/synthetic latex. Note that synthetic latex is produced without the milk from the tree.
Overview
Foam latex or latex foam rubber is a lightweight form of latex containing bubbles known as cells, created from liquid latex. The foam is generally created though the Dunlop or Talalay process in which a liquid latex is foamed and then cured in a mold to extract the foam.
Structural enhancements are applied to a foam by making different choices o…
Structure
Latex foam is a form of latex that is lightweight and expanded. Cellular air bubbles are created inside liquid latex, and they can be shaped into different shapes and sizes. The extension of the foam is defined by the amount of air inside of these cells. Lower density and more extended foams tend to have cells which are more polyhedral, while less extended foams tend to have more spherical cells.
Creation
To create foam latex, a liquid latex base is mixed with various additives and whipped into a foam, then poured or injected into a mold and baked in an oven to cure. The main components of foam latex are the latex base, a foaming agent (to help it whip into a froth), a gelling agent (to convert the liquid foam into a gel), and a curing agent (to turn the gelled foam latex into a solid when baked). A number of additional additives can also be added depending on the required use of the foam.
Properties
In general, latex foams have lower density than the original polymer they are made of. This density can be measured regularly by taking a volume and mass measurement of the material. For a volume measurement of irregularly shaped foam, the foam pieces can be coated with wax and inserted in a known volume of water to measure volume change in the container. The purpose of the wax i…
Classification and Additives
Historically, natural rubber latex was used, and foams were produced using the Dunlop processes. Styrene-butadiene rubber latex rose to prominence once high-solids concentrates, which were designed specifically for foaming, began to be sold on the market. Properties of this polymer were fairly similar to natural rubber latex, so the competition between the two choices here is mostly econo…
Applications
Due to their energy absorption properties, latex foams are useful for transportation applications, such as in packaging to decrease impact on the shipped product or in vehicle upholstery. While packaging foams may be single-use with low resistance to dynamic fatigue, upholstery tends to benefit from being denser and more resistant to fatigue as it absorbs lower impacts but ne…