Are Latex Mattresses Safe
In most cases, yes. But if you have an allergy it could be better to be safe than sorry and steer clear of a natural option.
The good news, is there are other options. If you are seeking the feel of latex, here are many other synthetic options that do not contain the latex particles that most people have allergies to. This option could be a safer bet for people with an allergy.
Again, if you think you may be at risk, consult your doctor before buying.
Signs Youre Allergic To Your Mattress
There are many signs that you might be allergic to your mattress or something contained within it. A few of the most common symptoms you may not even expect. Weve listed a few of the most common telltale signs of an allergic reaction below:
- Waking up with a sore throat
- Watery eyes in the morning
- Runny nose
- Aggressive cough in the AM
- Swollen lips, eyes, or face
Why Does Latex Allergy Happen
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology has reported that latex allergy affects 1% 5% of the general population. The percentage is much higher and closer to 8 12% in people like health care workers and workers employed in a plant that uses rubber.
Proteins are an inherent part of the sap that is used to make latex, and these proteins trigger the reaction and the subsequent allergy. The general population would realize they have an allergy when they come in close contact with rubber for an extended period. In medical health workers, frequent exposure to latex gloves will trigger this allergy. The allergy is not caused by touching the rubber but by inhalation of airborne rubber particles. For example, the constant snapping and unsnapping of medical gloves will release fine rubber dust, which is then inhaled. Repeated exposure to these rubber particles can trigger the immune system and develop an allergic reaction. Due to frequent inhalations of the particles, a rubber/latex allergy might be developed later in life.
Frequent and increased exposure is a cause for concern because, over time, anyone can become overexposed to rubber and develop a sensitivity leading to allergy. Once an allergy sets in, it stays for life.
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What To Do If You Have An Allergy To Your Mattress
Since you will spend a large chunk of your time inside the bedroom, its important that you know how to arrest these irritations. For starters, here are some of the quick fixes to reduce the attacks:
Get rid of dust
Sometimes, your mattress isnt really the allergen the dust present on it is. Many people are sensitive to small particles so its best to dust your bed off using a HEPA vacuum to suck out even the tiniest bit of dust.
Check the mattress material
If you suspect that youre allergic to memory foam, you surely have to avoid purchasing a mattress with that material. The same goes for latex. But if you need the support and conformity of these foams, you should use a mattress cover to dodge the allergens. You should also check what chemicals are present or used in the production of the bed.
Dont let the bed bugs bite
Aside from their itchy bites, bed bugs will have produce droppings that can trigger asthma attacks when inhaled. Check your mattress for these uninvited visitors or better yet, use a mattress protector to stop them from harboring inside.
Change your sheets regularly
How often do you change your sheets? Once a week is a rule of thumb here if you want to keep your bed clean. Even though you sleep after a shower and your room is enclosed, there would still be dust, sweat, and saliva that are going to seep through your covers.
What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Allergies
The following mattress types are the ones most commonly found in todayâs market. Though there are consistent features that designate each type of mattress, it should be noted that there are variations within each category. Each mattress type has benefits for allergy sufferers, though some are better suited than others. Allergy sufferers should keep the quality of materials and overall construction in mind when shopping for a mattress.
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Bamboo Charcoal Gel And Green Tea Infused Memory Foam
This mattress measures 12 inches and contains two layers of medium firm memory foam infused with green tea and charcoal gel to provide odor-eliminating technology. Its a queen-sized mattress that offers extra support with its polyester and cotton fiber materials.
Aside from eliminating odors, this product can also inhibit the growth of molds and dust mites while regulating the temperature to ensure ultimate comfort while you sleep. The non-slip cover helps keep the mattress in place no matter your sleep position and movements. However, it can be extremely firm and may feel hard to sleep on for those with health issues such as back pain and arthritis.
Types Of Latex Found In Mattresses
There are quite a few types of latex used to make latex products, but mattresses are primarily made out of two kinds: Dunlop and Talalay. These latex types are specifically formulated to reduce latex allergy symptoms and have excellent durability.
Some mattress companies will use a blend of both Dunlop and Talalay latex in their mattresses, but others will use just one.
Dunlop Latex is denser, firmer, and costs slightly less.
Talalay Latex is softer, plusher, and costs slightly more.
Both are manufactured to reduce latex allergy-causing proteins and should be safe to use for those with latex allergies.
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Can A Latex Mattress Cause Allergies And Skin Problems
Even though most mattresses are made from natural latex material, there are products where synthetic or latex blend material is used. As the natural latex is obtained from rubber trees, developing allergies due to it is quite low.
However, the same cant be said about synthetic or blended latex materials. These are formed from synthetically manufactured rubber which is processed in the industries. Here, crude oil and other chemicals act as raw materials. This is why you can suffer from allergies if you have bought a synthetic or blended latex mattress. Moreover, it is a natural latex material that has hypoallergenic properties and not synthetic ones.
What Latex Allergy Symptoms Should I Look Out For In My Baby
If you have a conventional crib mattress as opposed to the certified organic and allergy-friendly kind provided by Naturepedic, you should be aware of latex allergy symptoms. The most common ones to watch for include:
If your child develops any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. And, remember, with crib mattresses availale that remove the threat of allergens from the start, you can help your baby avoid these umpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms.
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How About A Latex
Although an organic mattress seems to be the best choice when looking for a mattress without latex, there are very few options available and they can be quite costly. Memory Foam Mattresses can be a more affordable alternative to a natural mattress, without exposing you to toxic chemicals.
Nowadays, most foam mattresses use CertiPUR US certified foam, which means that it meets very strict standards regarding the use of harmful chemicals. These mattresses are a safe and cheaper latex-free options for people with a latex allergy. Take a look at our picks:
What Are The Advantages Of A Latex Mattress
An organic latex mattress offers a variety of benefits to sleepers. They are naturally hypoallergenic, extremely durable, highly customizable, incredibly comfortable, provide better temperature regulation, isolate motion, provide pressure point relief, require less maintenance, and are environment friendly.
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What You Should Do If Youre Allergic To Your Mattress
If you think you might be allergic to your mattress, there are immediate steps you can take to remedy the situation and get back to feeling like yourself. Below, weve listed what you should do if you believe your mattress is to blame for your allergy flare-ups:
- Give your bed sheets and pillowcases a wash in hot water to kill or eliminate pathogens
- Use a vacuum to clean your mattress of dust mites and other potential allergens
- Try sleeping on your freshly cleaned, washed, and vacuumed mattress for one or two nights
- If symptoms persist, invest in a mattress cover and protective casing
- Ensure that your bedroom is kept at a normal temperature and not excessively hot or humid
- If your symptoms are still present, consider shopping for a new mattress constructed with hypoallergenic materials
Sneeze No More With Swift
Do you find yourself itching for a new hypoallergenic sleep system? Are you tired of snuggling up with a box of tissues? For many allergy sufferers, latex mattresses are the answer. And when it comes to choosing the best mattress brand, the answer is Swift Bed. Our mattresses are made in America, shipped right to your door, and backed by our 100 Night Guarantee. If for whatever reason you are unsatisfied with your Swift Mattress within the first 100 nights, well refund your purchase and pick up the mattress, free of charge. What are you waiting for? Drift off to dreamland with Swift!
Order today for free shipping!
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How Much Of An Investment Do I Need To Make
When considering how much of an investment youâll need to make, youâll need to determine whether your bedroom needs small changes or an entire revamp. Take into consideration how severe your allergy symptoms are, and if they worsen in the bedroom. This will help you determine if you just need to make small changes, like switching to hypoallergenic bedding, or big changes, like switching from carpet to hardwood floors and purchasing a new mattress.
On average, a high-quality mattress with hypoallergenic properties may cost around $1,500. New bedding and a mattress protector will add to the overall investment. Those who need additional relief can consider an air purifier and/or a dehumidifier for the bedroom. There are always budget-friendly and luxury options available, so set a budget that is comfortable for you.
Latex Mattress Allergy: Find Out If You Can Still Sleep On Latex
Posted on Jul 23, 2013 by Amber Merton
Latex allergies received a great deal of recognition between the years of 1988 and 1992 when 15 deaths came about, along with over 1,000 other reports of adverse health effects due to exposure to latex. Current estimates, according to the United States Department of Labor: Occupational Health and Safety Administration , are that 8 to 12 percent of healthcare workers suffer from some degree of latex sensitivity.
Allergies are a notable concern before buying a latex mattress. However, the good news for you is that having an allergic reaction to a natural latex mattress is largely a negligible concern. It is very rarely a problem for most people due to the way latex mattresses are constructed.That doesnt mean you shouldnt exercise due diligence ahead of your purchase, but it does mean that there are processes in place that remove the bulk of risks to consumers.
Infographic by LatexMattress.org
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Memory Foam For Allergy Sufferers
Luckily, some mattresses are better than others when it comes to combating allergens.
Caspers memory foam mattresses boast several benefits over their coiled counterparts:
- Density Because memory foam mattresses are made with dense foam, there are fewer areas where dust mites can find a foothold. The unique density of memory foam also makes it ideal for side sleepers.
- Cooling properties While traditional memory foam is known for trapping heat, recent innovations allow for ample air circulation. Additional gel pad inserts can provide further cooling effects. When youre cooler, you sweat less, which provides less moisture for dust mites and mold to latch onto.
- Latex foam layer The top, latex foam layer of our memory foam and hybrid mattresses is hypoallergenic, serving as vital protection for your skin and sinuses alike.
- Mattress cover Each cooling mattress protector is fluorine-free & water-resistant.
If youre looking for a mattress to help tackle your allergy problem, shop Caspers array of memory foam and hybrid mattresses.
What Is Latex And What Is A Latex Allergy
Natural latex is made from the milky sap of the rubber tree . It’s commonly used to make rubber gloves, condoms, rubber bands, some toysand, of course, mattresses.
Natural rubber latex allergies affect up to 6% of the general population, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America . Additionally, more than 60 plant-based allergens are present in latex.
Latex allergy symptoms are usually triggered when skin touches the material, but airborne particles are sometimes to blame. Per the AAFA, people with latex allergies usually have very sensitive immune systems. When they come into contact with latex, their immune system reacts as if the latex were a harmful substance.
It’s also been found that repeated exposure to the substance can cause latex allergies, which is why healthcare workers who regularly use latex gloves are disproportionately affected.
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Best Mattress If Allergic To Latex
Allergic to latex? Please continue reading and find out the best mattress if allergic to latex and keep off from discomfort.
Latex is a luxurious material used in manufacturing high-quality mattresses. This core material provides premium support, conformity, and motion isolation. It is generally safe from toxic components that are usually present in memory foam and polyfoam mattresses. Unfortunately, some people are allergic to latex making it uncomfortable to sleep on this type of mattress.
An AAFA study showed that less than 1% of Americans are allergic to latex. The high-risk group includes children who are undergoing regular medical treatments, healthcare workers who are frequently using latex gloves, and patients struggling from spina bifida. If you have contact dermatitis and other allergies, you are also likely to be allergic to latex.
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What To Look For In A Mattress
Looking for a high-quality mattress when there are so many options to choose from can be overwhelming. To further complicate matters, mattress companies sometimes use marketing buzzwords that sound promising but can be misleading. Filter out the advertising copy when looking at a mattress, and focus on these key features instead. Knowing what to look for will help guide you towards a mattress that fits your needs.
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What Is The Statistics Of This Type Of Allergy In The Us
About 1% to 6% of the US population suffers from this type of allergy.
Among healthcare workers, that number is estimated to be a staggering 6 to 12%. The reason is that they were latex gloves as part of their job. Because these workers are constantly around latex gloves, through both the particles in the air as well as a near constant direct contact with the rubber, they are at a higher risk of developing an allergy.
What You Should Know About Latex Mattresses
Latex Mattress and Latex allergies are misrepresented and are typically related to Non-Processed or UnWashed latex rubber. Examples are Latex gloves, catheters, and latex that has not been washed or had the proteins removed prior to construction of the latex mattresses.
There are also rogue online Latex retailers who sell substandard latex mattresses which consist of random pieces of low-grade latex chemically glued together to achieve the size but lack the consistency. There are certain certifications to look for to make sure you are not allergic to latex mattresses
Sleepworks carries latex mattresses from the top manufacturers such as Savvy Rest, Pure Latex Bliss, Naturepedic, Natura,Posh and Lavish which produce hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, antibacterial and traditionally do not foster mold, mildew or dust mites natural latex. The chemical free pre-washing of the latex removes these proteins.
The Organic covers or ticking also prevents any allergic reaction. As a matter of fact, the allergic reaction to latex gloves is said to actually be because of the powder used to keep them from sticking together and allowing the hand to gently slide into it. Always look for the Certification of GOLS Global Organic Latex Standard latex and organics, the OEKO Tex 100 certification also confirms the pureness of the mattress.
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What About Latex Allergies
Not everyone who suffers from allergies has a latex allergy, but 800 000 people in the US are allergic to rubber latex products. It may be partly because latex was seeing more common use in household items, and also because not as much was known about allergies in general.
If you do happen to have a sensitivity to latex, youll also be aware that its contained in many common items, such as rubber gloves, flooring materials, clothing, and many more products. This can make it difficult to avoid coming into contact with products that contain latex.
What Is An Allergy To The Mattress
Mattress allergy symptoms are an umbrella term for all irritations caused by the bedding. It can be skin rashes, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, or combination of these. Take note that allergies are our immune systems response to anything in the outside world. The fact that something triggers irritation, it can be considered as an allergen.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 50 million Americans suffer from allergy each year. Actually, its the 6th leading cause of chronic illnesses in the country that records expenses of more than $18 billion annually.
Its a bit difficult to point out how many of these people are allergic to their mattresses. Each allergy case is a spectrum of irritants. Mattress could only be one of it. The person might possibly be reacting to dust and particles outdoors which are similar to that you can find in beds.
So to avoid overcomplicating things, allergies to mattress are any irritation or negative reaction a person experiences when he or she is exposed to the material. However, theres one thing I have to put in context here. Bed bugs and mites may not count as an allergy to mattresses. These critters can be found on corners of your house and other stuffed furniture.
If ever you have reactions to these insects while in bed, its safe to associate it with bug allergies.
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