Latex is a milky white liquid composed of rubber particles
dispersed in water. This material is whipped with air to form a
foam, which is cured to make our mattresses.
Latex is naturally conforming, so you are assured optimal
orthopedic support in any sleep position. This unique ability to
conform to your body alleviates areas of high pressure that cause
you to toss and turn at night. Latex is also hypo-allergenic,
anti-microbial, dust-mite resistant and breathable. Because it
breathes to remove body moisture, it keeps you warmer in the
winter, and cooler in the summer.
The Talalay method produces the finest latex available. The Talalay process
steps:
- Liquid rubber whipped into a foam. Poured into a mold.
- When closed the mold has rods that go through the foamed rubber.
- A vacuum is placed on the mold, which removes air bubbles/pockets and distributes
the liquid rubber evenly through the mold.
- CO2 is run through the rods, freezing the foamed rubber and locking in
the consistency.
- Heat sent through the rods, providing even temperature and yielding a consistent
latex cores without air pockets or uneven firmnesses.
- Impact test results indicate an amazingly low loss of 2-8%.
- Latex International is the only North American supplier of latex. Besides
Latex International, there are two other producers of Talalay latex. One in
England, and one in The Netherlands.
FloBeds Talalay Latex
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FloBeds Talalay Latex
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What is Dunlop Latex?
Dunlop Latex uses the continuous Dunlop process. This latex does not have the consistant or supple characteristics of Talalay, and because it does not require the extensive processing of Talalay, it can be produced much cheaper. N
Is a firm edge better?
No. You want edge-to-edge comfort. Many companies try to save money by eliminating latex from their "latex bed".
A 4 inch "firm" edge of polyurethane foam will save 20% in latex costs. Yet, although it may start out feeling firmer, it will break down faster than the latex portion of the mattress. Two inches of polyurethane layers ("supersoft", "contourfoam" or ???) will save another 20%. Your FloBeds will be 100% Talalay Latex, edge-to-edge and top-to-bottom!
What is the "Laytex" in Englander's mattress?
Englander's latex is made of 100% natural latex imported from Sri Lanka. Englander uses the same supplier we used to use for our 100% Natural Latex Mattress. It was the best 100% natural latex we had seen, until Latex International started making Talalay in 100% natural.
I have heard that Talalay latex a blend of natural and synthetic, is it?
Latex International makes two kinds Talalay latex: Talatech, which is a blend of 30% natural and 70% synthetic, and Talalay Natural, which is 100% natural latex from the rubber tree. J
What other stuff is added to Talalay latex?
Unlike some competing products, our product contains no
fillers or extenders. We only add the components needed to
convert the material from a liquid to a solid that lasts. We add
soap, ammonia, zinc oxide and sulfur. The ammonia evaporates and
the soap and zinc oxide are washed out. The sulfur is needed to
cure the product so that it bounces back after you sleep on it.
I heard about latex allergies, can this hurt
me?
The problems you have heard of are related to medical latex
products. The key culprit is a protein in natural latex that is not present
in properly produced latex. Our talalay latex, processed the way we do, contains
none of these proteins that cause allergic reactions. Latex International is the largest maker
of latex Cosmetic Sponges in the world and have never had an allergic reaction.
With this track record, you can be assured you won't have a problem. Besides,
with the cover, you never contact the product. Follow this link for more on
latex allergies.
Isn't this the same as Urethane or
Furniture Foam? What's the difference?
No, latex product is not the same as urethane or furniture foam.
Urethane is a plastic. It doesn't have the longevity and
resiliency of rubber. They don't make rubber bands or tires out
of urethane (plastic), because urethane can't stretch and return
to shape like rubber. In short, when worked, they lose resiliency
and shape. The just won't give you the same comfort a year from
now that they do in the showroom. Urethane foams are also made
from isocyanates, and can give off deadly hydrogen cyanide gas in
a fire. Our product is rubber and has all the resiliency inherent
in rubber.
Is Infinilux latex?
No, they are advertising it as a latex like product. It is
actually a plastic foam, a polyurethane.
Why wasn't latex available for so long?
It was used in bedding and autos until the introduction of urethane. The large
manufacturers of latex were primarily interested in automotive
foam, and as urethane replaced latex in car seats, they dropped
out of the market. Latex is heavier than urethane, and costs more to produce. In car seats, the extra weight becomes a problem for those worried about gas mileage. (Cheaper also made detroit happy;)
Why is it so expensive?
It is expensive because it is pure latex rubber, and it is the
best latex foam bedding available. It is very unlike polyurethane, which is a
plastic and much cheaper and lighter than latex foam. Because
this product lasts a lifetime, it really isn't more expensive in
the long run. It's actually cheaper.
What kind of frame do I need?
You need a four-legged frame for a twin size
mattress. For a full, queen or king size mattress, you need a
six-legged frame. Middle support, running head-to-foot, for any type of mattress is very
important, so that it doesn't sag in the middle. Since all full, queen or king size FloBeds' foundations are split (left and right), they require center support.
