It’s true that latex mattresses are more widely accepted and loved by the general public than ever before. But, like any product that replaces the old, familiar things we know and love, questions about them linger for some time.
We get plenty of questions about latex mattresses, and thought we could save you some time and research. We’ve compiled the ones we hear the most and have provided the answers below.
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Do Latex mattresses off-gas?
Off-gassing occurs when chemicals in a product are released under normal atmospheric pressure. Logically, then, products that are chemically based — paint, carpeting, vinyl flooring, particleboard, plywood, and insulation — will off-gas.
Some mattresses are included in this list. Those made with synthetic materials will off-gas, and it can cause issues for some people, including headaches and respiratory issues in extreme cases. (It makes sense since a person’s face is pressed into the material for eight hours each day.)
Natural latex mattresses, on the other hand, do not release chemicals, since there are none to release. However, some mattress owners have noted a faint odor produced by the mattress that goes away after a week or two. They often compare it to a vanilla-like scent so beware that you might get a craving for sweets when you first lay down.
The rule of thumb is that natural latex mattresses don’t off gas.
Are latex mattresses good for larger people?
People with larger bodies and who carry extra weight often need to think carefully about the mattress they sleep on. Otherwise they will wake each morning with a sore back and joints. This occurs because these pressure points are under the most stress for the longest periods throughout the night. Without the proper support, a larger person might be inflicting pain on their bodies simply by sleeping on the wrong type of mattress.
One of the great things about latex mattresses are that they provide both support and softness. This combination is great for people of all sizes, but especially large people. Natural latex mattresses also help a body maintain a cooler temperature throughout the night. This is an extra benefit if night sweats are a common issue.
Do latex mattresses attract dust mites and bed bugs?
In general, latex is not a surface on which you will find dust mites.
The thing about dust mites is that, like any animal, they will be attracted to sources of food and water. Latex, wool and cotton tend to air out and breathe better than synthetic materials. Because they stay dry, dust mites are less likely to find a reason to crawl around the bed and make it a home.
However, it is still important to keep your linens clean by washing and fully drying them regularly. Also, keep snacks out of bed! And if there is a spill or a lot of sweat on the bed, make sure you are airing the bed or bedding out. If you live in a very humid climate, consider a dehumidifier for the bedroom.
Will a Latex mattress get softer over time?
Natural latex mattresses have a great deal of resiliency. One of the greatest things about them is how long they last because the material retains its natural shape and density.
Natural latex mattresses can last 20 years or longer, compared to 7-10 years for other types of mattresses. They also have a shorter “break in” time than synthetic and spring mattresses. It can take a person as quickly as a week to get used to latex mattresses, whereas in can be weeks with other materials where extra time is needed to soften the springs.
Of course there are plenty more questions a person can ask about latex mattresses. If you’d like to know anything else, we invite you to come have a look at Ironman Pure Energy Mattresses. Our knowledgeable staff will be glad to answer any questions you might have.