Organic Latex Mattresses - Are They Truly Organic?

Organic latex mattresses don't actually technically exist, despite them being a well marketed product.
The new big thing on the mattress market is latex. It's comfortable, durable, supportive and best of all its good for a bad back.

Yet it's not organic? This is a question that many ask but only get a confusing answer in return.

Two Types Of Latex

First of all to clarify the difference between latex and rubber. Latex is the milky white sap that comes from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree. That sap is then taken and turned into rubber during processing. In the mattress industry the terms rubber and latex are used interchangeably.

The first type of latex you can get is the one that comes out of the tree. The second is the kind you get in the lab.

Most of the world's rubber trees were under Japanese control during WWII. So to cope with the shortage the Americans produced chemical synthetic latex. This latex is derived from petrochemicals and is incredibly toxic.

Toxicity and environmental concerns weren't really on the radar in the 40s the way they are now. But at the moment we are still using that same toxic product that we were back then.

Natural Or Organic?

As a reaction to the heavy use of synthetic latex many people are moving back to products that come from real latex - the stuff that comes out of the tree.

The question is however - is this product organic? If not why do I see organic latex mattresses advertised?

In most people's minds organic means something is produced and manufactured without toxic chemicals or artificial enhancements.

However organic actually means something subtly different. It means that an independent third party has certified that a product has been produced according to certain organic standards - which includes no toxic chemicals or artificial enhancements.

So a product might be completely natural and toxin free but if there is no independent third party that is authorized to give certification then the term "organic" cannot be used.

This is the position latex finds itself in. Many companies are manufacturing without toxins and adhering to exemplary environmental practices but they cannot market their product as organic latex mattresses because no third party has authorized it.

So instead these latex mattresses are called "natural latex mattresses." This is to distinguish them from latex created in the lab.

If a company uses the phrase "organic latex mattresses" in its marketing read closely. They will be referring to the wool or cotton padding as organic, not the latex. Many companies call their products an "organic natural latex mattress" to get around this.
 

Thomas is committed to helping you make an informed choice when you purchase an organic mattress. So learn about the environmental qualities of latex and find out whether natural latex is a safe product.

Also visit his website for further information about why there is no such thing as an organic latex mattress.
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Maurer

Organic Crib Mattresses - Natural Rubber Or Innerspring?

Purchasing organic crib mattresses makes sense. Placing anything but organic quality products next to a baby's skin is not advisable. When considering the options for organic mattresses, two main types come up. Natural rubber and innerspring organic mattresses seem to be the most common products and both have advantages to them. When purchasing one or the other, it is important to consider the benefits of each.

Organic Innerspring Crib Mattress

One of the most common organic mattress options is the Innerspring. Which are usually made with organic cotton and wool, making it soft but supportive. It is important to note that this mattress is not sealed to prevent it from catching on fire in the way that other mattresses are. Chemicals are used in that process, in regular crib mattresses, and this is a big concern for any parent, or it should be. When those chemicals are placed on the mattress's batting, they are able to escape through the mattress's cover and are absorbed into the child's pores. Children often develop rashes or even worse, allergic reactions to these chemicals. Luckily, organic innerspring does not offer this chemical addition.

There are several important things to note about organic innerspring crib mattresses. First, these mattresses are made with elliptical coils, in different amounts depending on the manufacturer. This gives the support a growing child's body needs and is an advantage to the child's development. These coils are then wrapped in quality, certified organic cotton. The entire thing is then wrapped in organic wool. The question is, why wool? Organic innerspring mattresses are fire resistant because the wool is naturally fire resistant. Finally, these mattresses have a covering of organic cotton over the top for comfort.

Natural Rubber Crib Mattresses

Another option for parents to consider is the natural rubber crib mattresses. In effect, they have a similar design to the innerspring but this crib mattress uses all natural rubber in the form of latex at the core. The biggest concern here is allergies to that latex, which some children may have.

Nevertheless, the quality design is important and, like innerspring crib mattresses, these durable mattresses do not contain chemicals in them. As a concerned parent, this is important.

The design of the natural rubber crib mattresses is similar to that of the innerspring. The core, though, is different. The core is made of natural rubber. There are no synthetic products found here (if you purchase a high quality product, of course.) This rubber is ideal for strength reasons. The design is supportive to children up to six years of age. Then, wrapped around the core is a thick layer of all organic wool. As stated earlier, this gives the mattress the natural fire retardant it needs to safeguard a child during a fire. Wrapped around this is 100% certified organic cotton fabric and it is then quilted.

Comparing Options

As you can see, there are several advantages to using these mattresses over others. Regular mattresses can allow horrible chemicals to seep into a child's skin and you would never know it. You may notice the rash or the development of allergies, but most mothers will not connect this to the mattress the child sleeps on all night long.

When comparing the differences in organic innerspring crib mattresses and natural rubber crib mattresses, either option is a good choice. Both options are far better than investing in regular mattresses. Both offer an all organic makeup, though the innerspring does have coils within it. You will also find them both to be soft to the touch and yet ideally supportive to a child. When it comes to selecting a mattress for your child, never purchase anything other than all organic crib mattresses.
 

I am a retired grandmother who enjoys babysitting all six of my priceless grandchildren. In my spare time I stay active, travel, and write informative articles about organic crib mattresses and other topics that matter to me.
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grace_Dejnicki