This varies from person to person. Some people are immediately on cloud n° 9 after having switched to a new sleeping system, others need some time for the body to adapt to the new comfort feel. This adaptation period should be rather short.
“Latex foam mattresses do not cause allergies. There is one type of allergy “latex allergy” linked to the raw material “natural latex”. The vulcanization of the natural latex for the application in mattresses, upholstery, car tires, etc. exposes the latex to high temperatures and this type of vulcanized latex does not cause the latex contact or respiratory (coughing or sneezing) allergy that can be caused in approximately 1 person in 10,000 by the proteins within the untreated natural latex. It´s the moulded latex used in preservatives, gloves or unwashed latex products that can cause the latex allergy.” In addition to the fact that vulcanized latex sleeping articles do not cause the latex allergy, these same sleeping articles can count on anti-house dust mite qualities and in combination with the right cover can be beneficial for asthmatic people.
Reference Source:
http://users.telenet.be/zeldzame.ziekten/List.a/Aller(2).htm (Vragen en antwoorden)
Prof. Dr. Wim Stevens, Head of the Dpt. “Immunology, Rheumatology en Allergies” in the University Hospital of Antwerp (Belgium) and Head of the “Immunology” Laboratory of the UIA. He published over 230 scientific articles in Medical Reviews.
Latex mattress core technology can easily be combined with a variety of support systems. It complements fixed and moveable (inclined) bed bases but also enhances sleeping comfort in combination with a quality box spring base.
In the production of latex foam rubber the mixture is foamed with air only as blowing agent, contrary to the production of polyurethane or polyether foam, where frequently methylene chloride or carbon dioxide is being used as blowing agent.
In the production of latex foam rubber no chlorinated compounds are being used, as can be the case in the production of polyurethane or polyether foam (cfr. Blowing agent). A common source of chlorinated compounds is glue, in which they are being used as solvents. Latexco only uses chlorine-free glues.
Sleeping comfort is in the first place guided by personal preference and it is strongly recommended to try and select your comfort at your retailer. Latex sleeping technology is available in soft, medium and firm comfort grades. As a rule of thumb, people with a body weight below 80 kg are likely to opt for a soft grade. Above 80 kg, a medium grade is recommended. A firm comfort grade is indicated if you prefer a harder mattress or if your body weight requires such support. If your partner and yourself have different comfort needs, you may opt for different comfort grades, whenever available in your region. Your latex sleeping technology reseller will advise you about the most suitable solution.
Ecolabel has existed since 1992 and is a system for distinguishing environmentally-friendly consumer products on the basis of scientific studies. These environmentally-friendly products are allowed to carry the "European daisy" on their label. For mattresses, the European directive 98/634/EG mentions the environmental criteria (limiting values of substances present in the mattress) and application criteria; the latter, which are being tested according to the durability test of EN 1957, are: Loss of height < 20 mm, Loss of hardness < 20 %
Formaldehyde can be added to natural latex with a high level of ammonia to enhance the processability. Latexco only utilizes natural latex with a low level of ammonia (that afterwards is extracted), so the latex contains no formaldehyde.
The hardness of a mattress core is the resistance to compression. There is a correlation between hardness and density (weight per volume) of a foam mattress: the more the density decreases, the bigger the loss of hardness will be when compressed. According to the ISO 2439 Standard, the ILD hardness (Indentation Load Deflection) equals the force in N(ewton) needed to compress the mattress 25%, 40% or 60% with a 50 square inch or 322 cm² circular stamp. Latexco uses the CLD hardness (Compression Load Deflection) according to the ISO 3386 standard, which is the counterpressure (= force / surface) in Pa(scal) at 25% compression of the mattress with the same stamp. It should be mentioned that 1 kPa (kiloPascal) equals about 100 g/cm² (gram per square centimeter).
Compared to many other products, latex sleeping technology has outstanding durability and each night provides the comfort of the first night. Nevertheless, for hygienic reasons and based upon research conducted by Ebia*, replacing a mattress after 10 years of use is advised.
*Ebia, the European Bedding Industry Association advises to replace a mattress after 10 years of use. It not only improves sleep hygiene, but also significantly raises sleeping comfort. (Study by Professor Bert Jacobson of Oklahoma State University ‘New Bedding Systems Improve Sleep Quality and Reduce Physical Discomfort and Stress’).
The Latexco products are frequently analysed on the presence of several pesticides as determined by the European Eco-label.
It is important for comfort that a mattress initially is soft to the touch and then increasingly offers resistance and support after further compression. Therefore a sag factor was introduced via the ISO 2439 standard, which equals the relation between ILD 65% compared to ILD 25% (see hardness). A sag factor > 3 gives an ideal sleeping comfort. Standard latex mattresses of Latexco give a sag factor of 4 and Innergetic even obtains a sag factor of 5.
Two kinds of natural soap are added in order to foam the latex blend: oleate and ricinoleate soap.
A healthy sleeper changes, unconsciously, his or her physical posture up to sixty times a night (to avoid painful muscles and joints), so “turning” is perfectly normal and even necessary. The ability to change position without obstruction is an essential precondition of a revitalising sleep (Prof. Dr. Raymond Cluydts – VUB, Prof. Dr. Jürgen Zulley - University of Regensburg). The excellent elasticity of latex sleeping products allows the natural body movements of the sleeper.
