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% natural Talalay Latex in all our mattresses.

Natural Latex (Talalay and Dunlop)

Natural 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. Please see our Talalay Latex vs. Dunlop Latex comparison.

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.