Natural latex material is derived from specific plants and trees as the natural polymer of latex is in high demand. Although latex material can be synthetic, Dream Logix uses natural latex polymer in our products.
You may be wondering how latex is different from other materials in its health benefits, but first it is important to understand how latex is produced before we delve into how it aids in sleep.
Production of Latex
The production process of latex features eight steps.
1. Planting of the rubber tree seeds.
2. Nursing the rubber trees during the first two years.
3. From 3 to 7 years, the rubber tree will grow into maturity
4. Tree sap extraction from mature rubber trees
5. Carving of the rubber tree at around 4AM to get the natural rubber flow.
6. Collection of the rubber from the rubber tree after breakfast.
7. Transportation of the rubber to the processing facilities.
8. Separating water from rubber in the processing facilities, before adding the ammonia.
Production of Dunlop latex foam
The production process of a Dunlop latex foam pillow consists of 5 steps and takes only 40 minutes.
1 Mixing the pure raw materials, and sometimes pump with fillers.
2 Filling the mould 100% with the latex mixture.
3 Vulcanising the mixture at 100ᵒC/212ᵒF. This gives the product its shape.
4 Washing the product to increase durability and ensure the same firmness for many years. Our latex producer guarantees that our latex foam is washed using clean water.
5 Final quality control of the product for its firmness.
The production process of a Talalay latex foam pillow consists of 9 steps and takes around 9 hours.
1 Mixing the pure raw materials and pump with air.
2 Filling the mould 30%-60% with the latex mixture.
3 Vacuuming the material to form around the mould.
4 Freezing the material creates a round and open cellular structure to allow the mould to breathe.
5 Gelling fixes the round and open cells so that they remain in place.
6 Vulcanising the mixture at 115ᵒC/235ᵒF. This gives the product its shape.
7 Washing the product to increase durability and ensure the same firmness for many years.
8 Post-vulcanising the product for 8 hours at 85ᵒC/185ᵒF to give the round and open cellular its final form.
9 Final quality control of the product for its firmness.
Read this article if you want to know more about the differences between Dunlop and Talalay.
Which latex pillow is the best?
Differences between Dunlop and Talalay.
Dunlop
Natural latex is derived from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree, but sometimes with added fillers.
Water might be reused multiple times during production, the water isn’t clean.
Soft latex foam pillow that is not so supportive.
Firm latex foam pillow that is not so breathable, bad ventilation.
Soft latex foam pillow that is not regulating the temperature.
Firm latex foam pillow that is not hypoallergenic.
Soft latex foam pillow that is not durable, traps warmth and moisture.
Talalay
Natural latex is derived from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree, all materials are completely safe.
Water won’t be used multiple times during production, the water is spotless.
Soft latex foam pillow that is supporting, as if you’re sleeping on air.
Firm latex foam pillow that is breathable.
Soft latex foam pillow that regulates the temperature.
Firm latex foam pillow that is hypoallergenic.
Soft latex foam pillow that is highly durable.
Hygiene of the latex foam pillows
Most non-latex pillows, like memory foam pillows, are full of dust mites, fungus, and bacteria crawling around. They can be dangerous to anyone who is allergic to them, or who suffers from asthma.
Non-latex pillows
Non-latex pillows and mattresses contain dust mites. Dust mites are tiny creatures that are related to spiders and ticks. These creatures are worse in humid areas and feed themselves on dead skin from people and pets.
Non-latex pillows and mattresses contain fungus. Non-latex pillows can contain up to 16 fungi, according to a study from the University of Manchester. Some of the pillows were found to have aspergilluss fumigatus, which is a common fungus but can be deadly to those with weak immune systems.
Non-latex pillows and mattresses contain bacteria. Bacteria arrive in non-latex pillows from various sources. The major sources are you and your pets. Humid environments also encourage bacteria on your pillow. Depending on what type of bacteria is present, it can contribute to colds, pimples, and other irritations.
Non-latex pillows and mattresses need a lot of maintenance. Washing your non-latex pillow and your pillow cover once a week is a great way to remain a clean pillow. It should be washed with high heat to kill all the harmful germs. The water should be close to 160 degrees to effectively disinfect your pillow cover.
To use latex as a pillow filling, it has to be foamed to create a matrix of tiny inter-connected bubbles that give it bounce and spring. Latex pillows are very reactive to pressure, and have an instant bounce-back, unlike memory foam pillows. Latex pillows are an indirect competitor of memory foam pillows because latex pillows offer different properties and a different experience than memory foam pillows.
One example of the different experiences is that latex pillows have better moisture and heat dissipation properties than memory foam pillows. Because of that, latex pillows are a good solution for allergy sufferers, because it eliminates dust mites.
How are the latex foam pillows made?
Production of the latex
Latex pillows
Latex pillows inhibit the growth of mold, fungus, and dust mites. Talalay latex foam pillows are considered naturally hypoallergenic and protect your health from these creatures. The open cell nature of the Talalay latex foam pillows and the lack of tasty fibres make it hard for the creatures to live in the pillows.
You cannot wash your latex pillow in a washing machine,. A washing machine will damage the material of the pillow. Instead, it has to be done manually, with a mild detergent and warm water. However, the Vita Talalay Flex Pillow can be washed in a washing machine, because the latex flakes can be taken out.
When the washing of your latex foam pillow is finished, it should dry naturally, and not in a dryer. If you take good care of your latex foam pillow, the life span will be at least 5 years.
Experts are still debating on when you should buy new pillows. Some experts say that you should use a new pillow every 6 months. However, almost all experts state that you shouldn’t have one pillow for more than 3 years.