The rubber latex which is used for mattresses and toppers is all originally tapped from rubber trees. After tapping the rubber trees the latex is either manufactured into a consistent product through a Dunlop or Talalay process. Before the finished latex mixture is poured into the molds for these two processes, the latex can have fillers, such as polyurethane and chemicals added to the latex to cut down on cost. When these fillers are added, synthetic latex is the final product. Synthetic latex is a blend of latex and fillers which make the synthetic latex less durable and more carcinogenic.
Natural Latex can also contain fillers and most natural latex mattresses do. Actually, most Natural Latex in the mattress marketplace is synthetic. Companies can call latex, Natural Latex as long as there is a certain percentage of natural latex in the synthetic blend. So when shopping for truly Natural Latex make sure it is 100% natural latex as opposed to say 50% natural latex disguised as just Natural Latex.The cost of 100% Natural Latex will be more but the durability and health benefits are worth every penny.
Organic Latex is certified by GOLS. The Global Organic Latex Standard. GOLS latex is 100% natural latex, however it carries the certification verifying that each step in the manufacturing process, from the harvesting of the rubber to the curing of the latex has been organic and has not been cross contaminated with rubber/sap from other non-organic latex.
All of the rubber trees on latex plantations are grown the same way. However, a section of the farm is separated for soil testing to meet the stamp of approval for GOLS. And then the rubber for your GOLS certified organic latex is selected from this part of the farm.
The main taken away is that synthetic latex has chemicals and synthetics in it, making it cheaper to produce and therefore decreases longevity. 100% natural latex is great and free of synthetics and chemicals making it a great choice. GOLS latex is the top of the line in 100% natural latex and carries the certification for peace of mind.
Learn More About Different Types of Latex