Natural latex comes in different firmness levels. ILD or density is the way we measure how firm or soft a piece of natural latex is. We have many customers ask about ILD, here is a bit more information.
Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) is a test that was standardized in Great Britain for testing the firmness or hardness of polymer materials. ILD is measured by indenting (or compressing) a foam sample to 25 percent of its original height. The amount of force (in pounds) required to indent the foam is its 25 percent ILD measurement. The more force required, the firmer the foam. The ILD range that is commonly seen in natural latex for mattresses is about 20 ILD (very soft) - 45 ILD (very firm). Another way to measure natural latex is density. Density is a measurement of the mass per unit volume expressed as kilograms/cubic meters. Density in natural latex for mattresses usually varies from around 60 kg/m3 to about 95 kg/m3.
Both ILD and Density are ways of measuring the firmness of natural latex. The greater the ILD and the greater the density, the firmer the natural latex will be.
When shopping for mattresses, keep in mind that even if two different mattresses have the same ILD, the feel of the overall mattress will probably differ. How firm or soft the natural latex foam is will certainly contribute to how your mattress feels, but it is not the only factor. Other factors that contribute to the overall feel of the mattress include differences in organic cotton textiles that are used for the mattress encasement, how tight the encasement is, and the amount of wool used. If the cotton ticking is flexible, like a knit fabric or similar, the mattress will likely feel softer than if the mattress ticking is taut. Similarly, if the mattress encasement is tight, the mattress will feel firmer than if the encasement is slightly looser. Last, if more wool is used in the top of the mattress, it can tend to make the mattress feel softer than if less wool is used.
Our Blog on Organic Mattress and Bedding Options
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Sustainability of natural latex
The core of a natural latex/ natural rubber mattress is made primarily from tree sap or serum. The rubber tree (Hevea Brasiliensis) is an amazing plant. It generally has a life cycle of about 32 years. Rubber sap is harvested when the tree is 7 years old and can be harvested twice a day 365 days a year for an average of 25 years. When the tree is 32 years old it is usually cut down and the wood (rubberwood) is used to make a variety of furniture and other products like wooden toys. Another tree is then planted in its place to continue the cycle.
The collection of rubber sap is sustainable as it does not require chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree only does well in specific micro climates, similar to Vermont maple trees that are used for maple syrup. Rubber trees don't really benefit from pesticides or fertilization; the major thing that is conducive to their growth and production is the climate that they reside in.
Rubber sap can be processed into natural latex foam that forms the core of a natural latex mattress. First the sap is harvested, it is mixed with a small amount of soda ash and other natural ingredients, and then it is whipped and baked.
Aside from natural latex rubber being a sustainable and eco friendly product, the mattress itself is made to last. Natural latex mattresses can last up to 20 years because it is very resistant to forming body impressions. This is compared to a conventional mattress that often needs to be replaced every five to ten years. In the long term, this means reduction of mattresses in the landfills.
The collection of rubber sap is sustainable as it does not require chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree only does well in specific micro climates, similar to Vermont maple trees that are used for maple syrup. Rubber trees don't really benefit from pesticides or fertilization; the major thing that is conducive to their growth and production is the climate that they reside in.
Rubber sap can be processed into natural latex foam that forms the core of a natural latex mattress. First the sap is harvested, it is mixed with a small amount of soda ash and other natural ingredients, and then it is whipped and baked.
Aside from natural latex rubber being a sustainable and eco friendly product, the mattress itself is made to last. Natural latex mattresses can last up to 20 years because it is very resistant to forming body impressions. This is compared to a conventional mattress that often needs to be replaced every five to ten years. In the long term, this means reduction of mattresses in the landfills.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Organic Blanket Giveaway- Enter to Win!
Enter to win an Organic Blanket- Choose a Size!
This month we are giving away our brand new organic chenille waffle weave blanket. Brand new organic blanket, soft and perfect for fall! Read more about the blanket HERE. Retail value is $100-$155 depending on size.
Contest goes from September 8th, 2010 to September 30th, 2011. No purchase necessary to win.
Can't wait to win, or already purchased this blanket? If you've already purchased this blanket within the last month, and you win, we will credit your card the full purchase price plus shipping! If you win, and you haven't already purchased this blanket or if you want another, we will ship it to you via UPS!
This month's winner is Rose Yan from Golden, Colorado! Congrats!
This month we are giving away our brand new organic chenille waffle weave blanket. Brand new organic blanket, soft and perfect for fall! Read more about the blanket HERE. Retail value is $100-$155 depending on size.
Contest goes from September 8th, 2010 to September 30th, 2011. No purchase necessary to win.
Can't wait to win, or already purchased this blanket? If you've already purchased this blanket within the last month, and you win, we will credit your card the full purchase price plus shipping! If you win, and you haven't already purchased this blanket or if you want another, we will ship it to you via UPS!
This month's winner is Rose Yan from Golden, Colorado! Congrats!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Good questions to ask when shopping for a natural, organic latex mattress
With all of the options out there, buying an organic or natural latex mattress can be a daunting task, and looking for chemical free organic mattresses can add another layer of complexity and confusion to the process. Here are a few questions to ask in your search for a quality latex mattress.
1. Are there organic certifications?
If buying organic is important, ask to see the certifications. You should be able to see them for organic cotton, organic wool (some wool is called organic when it's only natural wool) and natural or organic latex. The organic certification for rubber is for the sap itself, the foam (end product) is not certified organic. If the latex is not certified organic, look for latex that is documented to be all natural.
2. Is there any part of the mattress that isn't organic?
Companies can advertize that a mattress is organic if it uses only some organic materials. The only parts of the mattress that need to be non-organic or non-natural is the zipper, the thread (you wouldn't want an organic cotton thread to be used in your mattress, it does not have enough strength), and the law label tags. Everything else, including various types of cotton (cotton on the bottom of the mattress, cotton on the alternative side of the quilting etc.) should be organic or natural.
3. What kind of latex is used? Is it natural latex? What percentage is natural?
Rubber (latex) sap is liquid. It needs to have some sort of filler for it to set up and make latex foam. The process of making rubber foam is not very different from the process of baking a cake or a loaf of bread; you need liquid and solid ingredients. After the rubber sap is harvested, soda ash is added (4% - 9%) then it is whipped up into foam. At this point the foam is put into a pan or mold and it is baked. The percentage of natural latex included in the foam is important. Ideally, latex foam is made up of 91-96% natural latex sap, which can be just natural OR have an organic certification, and 4% - 9% soda ash. Keep in mind that if the latex is certified organic, it is just the latex serum that is certified, the end product (latex foam) is not certified organic.
Conventional mattress stores have been known to sell latex mattresses labeled "natural", when in fact, the mattresses contain only a small percentage of natural latex. Blended latex contains some natural latex and some synthetic latex. Additionally, some conventional mattresses have a thin layer of natural latex or blended latex on top of a polyurethane foam core. Ask what percentage of natural latex is used to make the latex foam.
4. Can the cover be removed and washed?
Some covers are removable and some aren't. With removable covers, it is tempting to take it off and wash it, but few can be washed successfully without shrinking. To protect your mattress, invest in an organic mattress pad. If there is a stain, spot cleaning is the safest way to clean your mattress casing. It can be helpful to have a removable cover so the mattress can be pulled apart, if necessary, when moving.
5. Is the mattress flippable? Should it be flipped?
Latex is quite resistant to body impressions so there really isn't a need to flip the mattress, however, some companies do suggest flipping. Check with the manufacturer for recommendations.
6. Are any flame retardants used on the mattress?
Wool is a natural flame retardant, so most organic mattresses made with cotton and wool do not need flame retardants to pass the standards. If it is an all cotton mattress, it would need some sort of a flame retardant in order to pass. This could be something chemical, boric acid, or something silica based. It is always a good idea to ask the manufacturer how federal fire regulations are met.
7. Does the company manufacture non-organic mattresses?
Some manufacturers of organic mattresses also make non-organic mattresses. This matters to some people. Choose a company you trust, one you feel confident will not put materials that are not organic in your mattress.
8. Is there a shipping charge?
Latex is heavy and can cost quite a bit to ship. When shopping online, some mattresses look less expensive but carry a significant shipping charge of over one hundred or even two hundred dollars. Some mattresses ship for free.
9. What if I don't like it? What is the return policy?
Make sure you know the manufacturer's return/layer exchange policy before purchasing. A layer exchange allows you to change out a layer of different firmness if the original configuration is not to your liking.
10. Can the mattress be put on an existing boxspring?
Latex is heavy, and it's floppy. The weight of the latex could bend or even collapse a boxspring intended for a lighter mattress like an innerspring. If you do want to put your new latex mattress on a box spring, make sure that your box spring is in good shape and check to make sure that it does not void the warranty of your new organic mattress. Ideally the mattress should have consistent support from head to toe, like that found on a platform bed or with a matching wood slat foundation.
1. Are there organic certifications?
If buying organic is important, ask to see the certifications. You should be able to see them for organic cotton, organic wool (some wool is called organic when it's only natural wool) and natural or organic latex. The organic certification for rubber is for the sap itself, the foam (end product) is not certified organic. If the latex is not certified organic, look for latex that is documented to be all natural.
2. Is there any part of the mattress that isn't organic?
Companies can advertize that a mattress is organic if it uses only some organic materials. The only parts of the mattress that need to be non-organic or non-natural is the zipper, the thread (you wouldn't want an organic cotton thread to be used in your mattress, it does not have enough strength), and the law label tags. Everything else, including various types of cotton (cotton on the bottom of the mattress, cotton on the alternative side of the quilting etc.) should be organic or natural.
3. What kind of latex is used? Is it natural latex? What percentage is natural?
Rubber (latex) sap is liquid. It needs to have some sort of filler for it to set up and make latex foam. The process of making rubber foam is not very different from the process of baking a cake or a loaf of bread; you need liquid and solid ingredients. After the rubber sap is harvested, soda ash is added (4% - 9%) then it is whipped up into foam. At this point the foam is put into a pan or mold and it is baked. The percentage of natural latex included in the foam is important. Ideally, latex foam is made up of 91-96% natural latex sap, which can be just natural OR have an organic certification, and 4% - 9% soda ash. Keep in mind that if the latex is certified organic, it is just the latex serum that is certified, the end product (latex foam) is not certified organic.
Conventional mattress stores have been known to sell latex mattresses labeled "natural", when in fact, the mattresses contain only a small percentage of natural latex. Blended latex contains some natural latex and some synthetic latex. Additionally, some conventional mattresses have a thin layer of natural latex or blended latex on top of a polyurethane foam core. Ask what percentage of natural latex is used to make the latex foam.
4. Can the cover be removed and washed?
Some covers are removable and some aren't. With removable covers, it is tempting to take it off and wash it, but few can be washed successfully without shrinking. To protect your mattress, invest in an organic mattress pad. If there is a stain, spot cleaning is the safest way to clean your mattress casing. It can be helpful to have a removable cover so the mattress can be pulled apart, if necessary, when moving.
5. Is the mattress flippable? Should it be flipped?
Latex is quite resistant to body impressions so there really isn't a need to flip the mattress, however, some companies do suggest flipping. Check with the manufacturer for recommendations.
6. Are any flame retardants used on the mattress?
Wool is a natural flame retardant, so most organic mattresses made with cotton and wool do not need flame retardants to pass the standards. If it is an all cotton mattress, it would need some sort of a flame retardant in order to pass. This could be something chemical, boric acid, or something silica based. It is always a good idea to ask the manufacturer how federal fire regulations are met.
7. Does the company manufacture non-organic mattresses?
Some manufacturers of organic mattresses also make non-organic mattresses. This matters to some people. Choose a company you trust, one you feel confident will not put materials that are not organic in your mattress.
8. Is there a shipping charge?
Latex is heavy and can cost quite a bit to ship. When shopping online, some mattresses look less expensive but carry a significant shipping charge of over one hundred or even two hundred dollars. Some mattresses ship for free.
9. What if I don't like it? What is the return policy?
Make sure you know the manufacturer's return/layer exchange policy before purchasing. A layer exchange allows you to change out a layer of different firmness if the original configuration is not to your liking.
10. Can the mattress be put on an existing boxspring?
Latex is heavy, and it's floppy. The weight of the latex could bend or even collapse a boxspring intended for a lighter mattress like an innerspring. If you do want to put your new latex mattress on a box spring, make sure that your box spring is in good shape and check to make sure that it does not void the warranty of your new organic mattress. Ideally the mattress should have consistent support from head to toe, like that found on a platform bed or with a matching wood slat foundation.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Spring coupon
Spring is here! Time to pack away the heavy winter comforter and freshen up your bed with new organic cotton sheets and light weight organic cotton blankets. Visit our Facebook page to get a coupon code good for free shipping on orders of $150 or more!
Coupon valid March 28 - April 3, 2011.
www.facebook.com/TheNaturalSleepStore
Coupon valid March 28 - April 3, 2011.
www.facebook.com/TheNaturalSleepStore
Monday, November 1, 2010
November Contest Giveaway- Win an Organic Mattress Pad!
Enter to win an Organic Mattress Pad- Choose a Size!
This month we are giving away our bestselling fitted Coyuchi Organic Mattress Pad. Read more about the mattress pad HERE. Retail value is $128-$224 depending on size.
Contest goes from November 1st, 2010 to November 30th, 2010. No purchase necessary to win.
Can't wait to win, or already purchased this mattress pad? If you've already purchased this mattress pad within the last 6 months, and you win, we will credit your card the full purchase price plus shipping! If you win, and you haven't already purchased this mattress pad or if you want another, we will ship it to you via UPS!
The winner of this contest is Amygrace D'Angelo of Stamford, CT!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Chenille Blanket Contest!
Enter to win a FREE Chenille Blanket- Choose a Size!
Soft and cozy chenille blanket in a natural color. Perfect for autumn! Read more about the blanket HERE. Retail value is $80-115 depending on size.
Read the official contest rules and fill out our contest form.
Contest goes from October 4th, 2010 to October 31st, 2010. No purchase necessary to win.
The winner of this contest is Tom Miller of Denver, Colorado!
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