Types of Latex in Mattresses

Latex is defined as any of several natural or synthetic colloidal polymers suspended in an aqueous solution. Meaning…rubber particles in matter. The Three major types of mattress latex are natural, synthetic and blended. Healthy Choice uses only 100% GOLS-certified organic latex in all our mattresses.

Organic Latex

Organic Latex is a milky substance harvested from rubber tree plants which are grown in tropical climate plantations around the world. Harvesting the liquid latex is similar to tapping trees for maple syrup. The trees are not harmed, providing a sustainable resource. The latex is collected in buckets and shipped for processing.  

Our latex is GOLS-certified. GOLS stands for Global Organic Latex Standard – a certification that is respected worldwide. GOLS certification means that not only are materials certified, but the procedure is socially and environmentally responsible. A clear step-by-step procedure must be followed from the field and farm all the way to the manufacturing. A GOLS certified product must contain more than 95% of certified organic raw material. The GOLS standard features permissible limits for harmful substances, emission test requirements, and polymer and filler percentages. All of our Healthy Choice and Naturepedic mattresses contain GOLS-certified latex.

Synthetic Latex

Synthetic latex is a man-made rubber like product. The scientific name for this compound is Styrene-Butadiene (SBR). Styrene does occur in low levels naturally. Today, however it is produced by the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene. Butadiene is produced as a byproduct of the steam cracking of Napthia or LPG which is used to produce ethylene. Polystyrene is relatively hard polymer where polybutadiene is a relatively soft polymer. These were combined or polymerized together to form a synthetic rubber.

Blended Latex

Blended latex is just what it sounds like, a combination of natural latex and synthetic latex mixed together.