Blog, Latex Mattresses
Natural Latex vs Organic Latex – Pros and Cons – Quick Guide
Mar
Natural Latex vs. Organic Latex
What’s the Main Difference between Natural Latex and Organic Latex?
Organic latex, more specifically GOLS certified organic latex is made without added synthetic chemicals or pesticides. Which have far reaching effects beyond just ensuring that latex inside of your mattress is non-toxic. Natural latex mattresses and organic latex mattresses are great choices for organic sleep but there are some differences you should know about.
What’s the use of Pesticides in Manufacturing of Natural Latex Mattresses
Pesticide use in latex production has environmental concerns as well your health. Pesticides are used to protect the harvest of rubber trees by shielding them from pests (bugs, mites, etc.)
Organic Latex – What’s the Truth?
Organic latex is supposedly produced without the use of harmful pesticides. However, we’ve found that all of the rubber (latex) trees are all initially raised the same way and yes this is with pesticides. Once the trees are matured, the organic rubber trees are then separated from the other trees on the plantation and then they are no longer sprayed with pesticides. This allows the soil and trees time for pesticides to dissipate. Then the control union comes in and does a soil test revealing that there are no more pesticides.
Organic Latex Tree Soil Testing
Once these trees have had several months for the pesticides to wash away, the certifying agents then come in and do soil tests on the separated organic trees and then can declare those trees free and clear of pesticides and chemicals. Therefore, meeting GOLS certified standards.
-Environmental Problems with Manufacturing Organic Latex: Pesticides can make their way into the ground and waterways, disrupting the eco system surrounding the plantation. So, is the manufacturing of organic latex really that much more beneficial than 100% natural latex? Maybe factionally. But honestly not really.
Natural Latex Mattresses vs 100% Natural Latex Mattresses – What’s the Difference?
There is no difference in the initial steps of manufacturing natural latex vs. 100% natural latex. They both contain a certain amount of 100% natural, pure latex(rubber) from the rubber tree. So, they both are similar in that way.
The main difference is that “natural latex” is made with some percentage of synthetics, meaning that content of the rubber is not 100% from the tree. For example, a piece of natural latex could contain 20% of synthetic chemicals and 80% of pure 100% natural latex. Only latex, labeled 100% natural latex is free and clear of synthetics and contains 100% of rubber from the latex tree.
Benefits of Organic Certifications on Mattresses
The main benefit of having organic mattress certifications on your mattress ensure that you have purchased the highest quality ingredients in the construction of your mattress’s components. However, it doesn’t mean it’s that much better than non-certified organic materials.
It’s like going to the farmer’s market. You’ve got the farmer with all the certifications selling an apple for $2 and then you’ve got the other farmer that’s not certified but their product is organic that’s selling an apple for $1. So, you pay a premium for the piece of paper that proves certification.
The hard part is making sure and verifying that the farm that’s providing the less expensive mattress is in fact using organic components. It takes time and research to figure this out so it’s more convenient to purchase certified however you will pay a premium, usually about 30% more which can be $1000’s more.
For more information natural latex mattresses check out our article on Why to Buy an Organic Mattress
What’s GOLS Certified Latex? (Global Organic Latex Standard)
The only organic latex certification in the latex industry is GOLS. This certification proves that the latex you’re purchasing meets the high standards for the lowest pesticide and chemicals in the latex, sustainably of the farming practices and fair trade for fair wage.
The Uses of 100% Natural Latex and 100% Certified Organic Latex (GOLS)
Best Types of 100% Natural Latex Based on Your Sleep Style and Preference
1. Latex Mattress Options for Side Sleeping
2. Latex Mattress Options for Back Sleeping
3. Latex Mattress Options for Stomach Sleeping
4. Soft Latex Mattress Details
5. Medium Latex Mattress Details
6. Firm Latex Mattress Details
Natural Latex vs Organic Latex – Conclusion
Certified organic latex is essentially the same as they are both grown the same way. 100% natural certified organic latex varies in that fact that it was separated from the 100% natural trees once matured and then soil tested after several months of no pesticide use.
What you want to watch out for when buying is “natural latex.” This type of “natural latex” is made with a certain percentage of synthetics and chemicals. We hope this article brings you some understanding around natural latex mattresses and organic latex mattresses.
For more information on click here Natural Latex vs Organic Latex
Here’s a short video on 100% natural Dunlop and 100% natural Talalay.