Latex Mattresses and Allergens

As humans, part of ensuring our bodies are healthy and fully functional is by getting a good night’s sleep. Yet, it can be hard to count sheep if you always feel itchy or sneezy immediately after sleeping on your mattress. If you always wake up with allergy symptoms in the morning, you might need a hypoallergenic mattress. In other words, you need a mattress that you don’t react to.

What is a Hypoallergenic Latex mattress?

A hypoallergenic latex mattress protects you from microorganisms that can trigger allergic reactions as you sleep. Unlike coil mattresses, hypoallergenic latex mattresses do not contain spaces in the mattress material. These spaces attract micro-organisms like dust mites and other allergens as place to nest which cause allergies.

Moreover, a hypoallergenic latex mattress is the best solution for keeping away dust, other air allergens and pollen. These mattresses have a hypoallergenic cover that can keep away dead skin cells too. That being said, it’s always helpful to use a extra barrier of protection such as a mattress protector or mattress pad.

Why Buy a Hypoallergenic Latex mattress?

If you frequently get allergy symptoms after sleeping on your mattress, you might be due for a mattress replacement. You never know where the allergies will be coming from, but we can mention a few common allergy triggers.

Common causes of mattress allergies include.

• Dust
• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Bed bugs
• Dead skin cells
• Pet dander
• Off-gassing 
• Synthethic mattress fabric

Common symptoms shown by mattress allergy sufferers include.

• Sneezing
• Running nose
• Coughing
• Teary eyes
• Itchy skin

When it is peak allergy season, it is not uncommon for allergy sufferers to experience insomnia because of the recurring allergic reactions.

Getting a hypoallergenic latex mattress will not only help limit your allergic reactions but it can help promote a restful sleep as well.

But which are the best hypoallergenic mattresses on the market today?

Memory Foam Mattress vs Latex mattress, which one is best for Allergies?

Memory foam mattress

Memory form mattresses are made from a synthetic material known as polyutherane. The foam surface contours to the shape of the body for comfort. In addition, form mattresses absorb energy and trap heat making them feel hot when sleeping on them.

An advantage of memory foam mattresses is that there is less space between the material components of the mattress, making the mattress breathable.

FUN FACT!

NASA used memory foam mattresses in the 60s to protect astronauts from crashes.

The only concern about memory foam mattresses is the synthetic materials used to make them. These synthetic substances comprise chemicals that are toxic to humans.

As the mattress ages, especially in the first 6 months, there is the risk of off-gassing– emission of toxic gases into the bedroom atmosphere. These airborne toxins are why most mattresses made with foam are harmful to allergies and asthma patients.

However, there is a workaround for using memory foam mattresses which we will cover later.

Natural Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are mostly made from 100% natural latex or synthetic latex as well. Organic latex mattresses tend to have a faster recovery time than foam mattresses. Also, natural latex mattresses are ideal for people who want a natural sleeping position.

More people are going for a natural latex mattress because of its guaranteed comfort and durability. Other benefits of organic latex mattresses include.

• 100% hypoallergenic
• Great for back pain relief
• Very eco-friendly
• Breathable
• Durability
• Pressure point relief
• Free and clear of fire-retardant chemicals

Are Memory Foam Mattresses Hypoallergenic?

While a memory foam mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers, side sleepers and those looking for pressure point relief, it has disadvantages. Most mattresses made with memory foam contain fire retardants, phthalates, and formaldehyde. As the mattress ages, these chemicals are released into the air affecting indoor air quality.

Moreover, a lot of budget mattresses made with synthetic memory foam may contain volatile organic compounds. These are poisonous compounds that can irritate your nose, eyes, and throat. If inhaled for too long, VOCs can also affect your nerves, liver, and kidneys.

Avoiding memory foam mattresses is a good way to protect your health. Alternatively, opt for high-quality hybrid latex mattresses made with organic components and other safer materials.

If you own a memory foam mattress and want to protect yourself from allergens and VOCs, there are a few things you can try.

How to Make your Memory Foam Mattress Hypoallergenic

There are two ways to make a budget mattress more hypoallergenic. You can do so using.

• A hypoallergenic mattress protector
• Quality bedsheets

Hypoallergenic mattress covers add a protective layer to your memory foam mattress. These organic cotton mattress covers(protectors/pads) can be waterproof to protect your memory foam mattress from spills. In addition, a hypoallergenic protective mattress cover will prevent allergens such as dust, mites, and dead skin cells from lodging onto your mattress.

Another advantage of hypoallergenic mattress protectors and pads is that they are machine washable. Washing the covers with hot water kills any microorganisms that may trigger allergies.

Besides getting a hypoallergenic mattress cover, also invest in quality cotton bedsheets. The best organic cotton sheets are made with a high thread count. A thread count between 200 and 700 leaves less room for microorganisms to breed in.

The Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers

The best hypoallergenic mattresses you can find today are the natural latex mattresses. A latex mattress has many more advantages over a memory foam mattress. Latex Mattresses are:

1. Free from Toxins and Harsh Chemicals 

A natural latex mattress uses organic rubber as its main material. There are no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde or carbon disulfide used in their manufacturing process. By using organic rubber, latex mattresses guarantee a good night’s sleep without worrying about allergy-causing toxins to leach through your mattress.

2. Comfortable to Sleep On

Softer latex mattresses are quite bouncy which provides pressure relief for back and side sleepers. Also, people with lumbar problems are likely to benefit from a firmer latex mattress. Considering how durable latex mattresses are, you are guaranteed a firm mattress for years.

3. Customizable

With modern technology, it is possible to customize the latex firmness of your mattress. Mattress brands like Sleeping Organic let their customers decide on the number of layers to add to their mattresses. Moreover, these best hypoallergenic mattresses made with latex do use the two natural latex materials- Talalay and Dunlop. Talalay latex adds to the softness of the mattress while Dunlop latex contributes to the firmness and support.

4. Affordable and Eco-friendly

A hypoallergenic latex mattress will cost more than a conventional mattress but not as much as some higher end marketed memory foam or inner spring mattresses. Purchasing an organic latex mattress will be priced in the median price range for mattresses.

Conclusion

When shopping for the best hypoallergenic mattresses, always consider the pros and cons between memory foam and latex mattresses. While foam and memory foam mattresses are comfortable to sleep on, they may contain toxins like VOCs which can affect allergy sufferers. The ideal hypoallergenic mattresses are those made from 100% natural latex. They do not succumb to off-gassing or allergy-causing micro-organisms, therefore, promoting a restful sleep.