When we’re in bed we want to be safe, comfortable, and protected. If you or a loved one have a latex allergy, it is very natural that you are careful to avoid exposure to anything made from latex, including a latex core mattress. But what if we told you it could still be a viable and safe option for you?
We know that there are many conscientious shoppers with a latex allergy who are looking for a mattress that ticks all their boxes: sustainable, ethical, affordable, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, natural, and super-duper comfy - and latex foam is the top choice. But it’s latex, so it’s off the table for you, right? Hope is not lost yet.
That’s because the type of latex that triggers most latex allergies is different from the one used in our mattresses - and most people with latex allergies can sleep on a latex mattress without experiencing an allergic reaction. Read on to learn all about it, but if you or a loved one has a latex allergy and you’re considering trying out a latex mattress, be sure to first give us a call, as well as discuss it with your doctor.
What are the symptoms of a latex allergy?
Latex allergies affect around 1% - 5% of the population, with more sufferers in high-exposure environments. Health care workers, for instance, have a higher rate of latex allergy, sitting at 8% - 12%. Ranging from annoying to potentially dangerous, latex allergies vary in intensity depending on how allergic a person is, and the level of exposure they’ve experienced.
However, some of the tell-tale symptoms of an allergic reaction to latex include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- A runny nose
- Itchy and or watery eyes
- A scratchy throat
- Difficulty breathing
Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a latex allergy, we understand the desire to stay clear of all things latex. But latex makes for one of the best mattress materials around, which may be a frustrating realisation for you if you’re allergic.
Our latex mattresses
At Peace Lily we have one mattress on offer - a pure Dunlop latex core mattress swaddled in a thick organic cotton cover. Our mattress has two firmnesses in one - medium firm and firm - to offer more comfort choice. If you find it too firm or too soft, you can simply flip the mattress. We also sell two types of latex mattress toppers - plush and firm - to help our customers find their perfect comfort preference.
Latex core mattresses are renowned as one of the best sleep surfaces for several reasons, which is why we got into the business of making them. They're plant based, durable, non-toxic, and super supportive. Made from pure, hand-tapped rubber sap and organic cotton, our product are made to be gentle all around. But what about people who are allergic to latex?
The benefits of a latex mattress
If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’re already aware of a few points of difference between latex mattresses and other mattress types, but we never get tired of sharing just what it is we love about them. Latex is a plant-based 100% pure material that’s not only incredibly supportive and comfortable but is also naturally cooling, sustainable, durable, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic. Our mattresses are handmade using only pure rubber sap and organic cotton.
The result is a sleep foundation that keeps you floating on top - it doesn’t dip and sink as memory foam does. That means it also doesn’t retain your body heat like memory foam and doesn’t off-gas like memory foam. Unlike most memory foam mattresses with a 5-10 year warranty, our mattress comes backed by a 25-year warranty, because it’s a mattress built to last.
The latex is at the core of our mattress, not the surface
Most latex allergies are contact-based - meaning we have a reaction when we come into direct contact with latex. In most latex mattresses (like ours), the latex foam is placed in the mattress core, not on the surface, so it won’t come into direct contact with your skin. Our latex mattresses are swaddled in a thick organic cotton fabric. Most people with latex allergies actually have no issue sleeping on latex mattresses for a few reasons.
The difference between cold dipped and vulcanised latex
Consider the types of latex you’ve reacted to in the past. Beyond the protective barrier between the latex core and your skin, the biggest reason why it may be safe for you to sleep on a latex mattress is that the latex used in latex gloves and balloons is fundamentally different from the latex foam used in mattresses. The process for making latex gloves (cold dipped) is very different from making latex mattresses, and most allergic reactions to latex occur with products that are made from cold-dipped latex. Cold-dipped latex products are stretchy products; such as latex gloves, condoms, and balloons.
Mattress latex foam is washed thoroughly
In addition to this, our latex foam uses an open cell structure that is vulcanised in high heat and goes through an extensive washing process. This removes the vast majority of the remaining allergy-causing proteins. Combine that with the thick cotton mattress cover, an organic cotton mattress protector, and bedsheets, and you’ve got a protective barrier between yourself and the latex. Thus, people who have a mild allergy may have no issues with a latex core mattress since the irritant is not coming into contact with their skin.
But I have airborne latex allergy
If you have an airborne latex allergy, we understand the need to take extra care in avoiding latex. As always, we recommend chatting with your doctor about it first, but you could still be fine to sleep on a latex mattress. That’s because the two main sources of airborne inhalable latex allergens are cornstarch particles (which are used in powdered natural rubber latex gloves) and tire dust (which especially affects residents living near busy roads).
These are both cold-dipped latex, not vulcanised latex foam. After the extensive washing process that vulcanised latex foam goes through before it becomes a mattress, there are minimal latex particles present, unlike cold dipped latex products.
A latex mattress is recommended for allergy sufferers
A 100% natural latex mattress is the ideal choice for most allergy sufferers due to it being hypoallergenic and resistant to mites, dust, mildew, and mould. First-time sleepers on latex often report coughing and sneezing less, and waking up feeling more rested. That said, it is important to discuss it with your doctor first just to be safe.
Try a latex pillow first!
If you’re curious about how you would go sleeping on latex, but you don’t wish to commit to a whole mattress, we recommend giving our latex pillow a go first. Our latex pillow comes in a protective organic cotton cover (that’s washable) and is also protected by our 100-night sleep trial. That way, you can sleep on it and see what you think before committing. If you experience a reaction or simply don't like the firm feel, you're free to send it right back to us.
Note: Due to the loft of our latex pillows, we don't recommend them for children. If in doubt, get in touch with us!
Try it out for a 100 nights
The last thing we want to do is to sell you a mattress you’re allergic to, but we’d also hate it if you steer clear of a latex mattress without cause. If you’re curious to see if latex may be right for you and you’ve chatted to your doctor and our team about it, know that we’ve got a 100-night trial available for you to give a latex core mattress a go. If you experience any allergic reactions, you can rest assured that you can return the mattress and receive your money back. We hope this blog was helpful and that you learned something new.
If you have any questions at all, we’re here to help during business hours, so feel free to start a live chat, send us a message or give us a call!
