The Shell Game

Greenwashing: Retailers want to jump on the “green” bandwagon, presenting everything as eco, green or natural even if it is made mostly with petroleum and synthetics. There are no enforceable standards for what is “natural” or “green”.

Synthetics: Many “latex” mattresses are being made using synthetic rubber known as polystyrene butadiene or styrene butadiene (SBR). Often stores will present this as natural rubber (yes, petroleum is presented as a natural product).

Soy Foam: Is a plastic foam.  It is roughly 15-20% soy oil, and the remainder is from petroleum.  This is presented as a natural material by some; again, petroleum being sold as a natural product.

Layers: The latest ruse is to present mattresses with an inch or two of SBR latex laminated to polyurethane foam (or “soy foam”) as being a natural latex mattress. Almost all benefit of latex is lost.

Smoke and Mirrors: Comparisons made between synthetic latex and 100% botanical latex are manipulated to present styrene butadiene rubber as comparable or even better than real rubber. Tests are conducted at a ridiculous and unrealistic 158 degrees (Fahrenheit) in order to have it perform better than botanical latex. When compared at room temperature, botanical latex excels.

Inevitably, when shopping for latex mattresses you will run into discussions about Talalay and Dunlop rubber. This argument is often engaged in as a diversion from what the rubber is made from. If the latex is pure botanical rubber, then either process is good. Over the years we have found the Dunlop process botanical latex works best for the support cores of mattresses while the Talalay process rubber is good for use as the cushioning top layer. The differences are truly minor, however, and both hold up well and offer good comfort. In our store we have not experienced a difference in consistency.

So, as it is in many products, it is buyer beware. A knowledgeable consumer is a good consumer. When shopping for latex be aware of the fog of misinformation.

Jeff Garfield

Organicpedic by Organic Mattresses, Inc, mattresses and bedding are produced in the only certified mattress Eco-Factory in North America, and consumers appreciate the fact that absolutely no synthetic raw materials contaminate our factory (or products).

It all begins with natural organic materials that are grown using sustainable agricultural methods. This type of agriculture maintains and enhances ecological harmony, conserves precious resources, and sustains the soil in both the short and the long term.

At Bedrooms and More Seattle we have the finest organic mattress made by OMI – Organicpedic.  We carry 4 models by OMI.

The David – Made with three layers of Talalay 100% natural rubber, the open-channel construction provides additional air circulation, creating a comfortable, cool, and safe motion-free mattress. The David is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites.

The Terra – The OrganicPedic Terra is a 4-sided, 12-inch sculpted-surface mattress. It starts with a 3-inch core of firm, supportive Talalay 100%-natural rubber latex. The core is joined with 2-inches of a softer latex top and bottom, and covered with our Signature OrganicPedic quilting. A removable, 2-sided pillow top (3½-inches deep) – also made of 100%-natural rubber latex – is then placed on the mattress. The pillow top is made with 2 surface options: our exclusive sculpted-surface on one side and a flat surface on the other.

The Flora - The OrganicPedic Flora mattress is a 2-sided, 8-inch flat surface mattress made with 3 layers of Talalay 100% natural rubber latex. The 3-inch firm latex inner core is sandwiched between 2 layers of 2-inch soft latex, and covered with our Signature OrganicPedic quilting.

The Lago – The standard configuration of this product is a medium-firm base with a soft sculpted topper built right into the cover. We use our signature quilted cover for this tight-cover mattress. This mattress can be customized to meet the indicidual comfort levels of your consumers. The final assembled mattress depth is approximately 10″.

Earlier this week two very different articles citing Natura – one article in California, the other in New York – attempted to educate the public on flame retardants and chemicals in mattresses. One was a well-balanced accounting of the issue, but the other bordered on fear-mongering.

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