My name is Jeff Garfield and my wife, Wanda, and I own Bedrooms & More.

It is difficult to read about problems about any latex mattress when we believe in them so strongly. I know that people who love a product rarely write reviews. Someone who has problems or receives bad service is most likely to complain. We get more referrals to our store by latex mattress owners than any other product we have carried since 1972.

Englander has been in business for over 100 years. Like many national companies, Englander licenses use of it’s name to different manufacturing plants throughout the country. For the 22+ years we have dealt with “Englander,” our manufacturing plant has been Tualatin Sleep Products, Tualatin, Oregon. The national “Englander” organization has been very weak, with each franchised plant pretty much building whatever mattress styles they wanted with little national consistency. Our Tualatin Sleep Products builds more than 800 different mattress styles with many dozens of those being latex or part latex. These exact same mattresses are not available through any other plant. We know this from occasionally trying to buy models from different plants to avoid shipping them across country to our customers. How other plants deal with dealers or customers is not standardized throughout the country, however, this is due to change as the individual franchisees have just completed purchase of the Englander name with a goal of standardization.

We have carried, or currently carry, mattresses by Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Englander, Serta, Simmons, Kingsdown, Restonic, King Koil, Springcraft, Springwall, Natura, OMI, Temperpedic, Select Comfort, Boyd and Somma. I have yet to find a perfect product and there are pluses and minuses to all. Some of these brands we found to be unacceptable for various reasons and we took them off our floor. Englander, of all the brands mentioned, we have found to be the most recommended and the company (Tualatin Sleep Products) to be most responsive to warranty and comfort concerns. From articles on the internet, there may be other plants and/or dealers that do not respond as well. Are Englander products perfect? No, of course not. As I said, I have yet to find a perfect product. How do they compare? Our experience puts them right at the top of the list for satisfaction and responsiveness.

I think a lot of the problem with mattresses today is that customers want plusher, thicker mattresses without understanding that the addition of soft surface materials allows for some impressions. One sided, so called no-flip mattresses have contributed significantly to the problem with impressions. When mattresses were all two sided, and hard, thin mattresses were the norm and very few impressions would form. Usually the only material on top of the spring system would be a firm pad, very like a thick carpet pad. This pad would have very little compression plus the warranty would call for regular turning and rotation of the mattress. The mattresses would retain their smooth tops but would offer little in the way of comfort. Firm mattresses now account for fewer than 25% of sales on the West Coast. The plush mattresses lessen pressure points and help reduce tossing and turning. Manufacturers have come up with many types of soft foams and fiber combinations to provide this soft surface. Almost all of these materials have some degree of compression.

A foam manufacturer I spent some time with said that their goal was that, after break in, the soft foams should retain 80% of their thickness and that that thickness could be expected at the 10 year point. This points out that the less soft foam or fiber there is, the less the impression. If a mattress has four inches of soft foams above the spring unit or other core, the compression would be about 8/10′s of an inch. If there are six inches of padding, an impression of 1 1/4″ can form. I have not found a brand of mattress that in a very plush version cannot get some impressions if not turned and rotated to insure an even break in. I suspect that many people are unwilling to do even minimal maintenance to ensure a long lasting product and then are surprised that there is pocketing right where they sleep.

So, does latex stand up to impressions? First, Englander uses 100% rubber latex cores, not synthetic latex (sometimes called pure latex). It has been our experience in 23 years of carrying latex, that latex does not take an impression over long periods of time (most customers say 15 to 30 years). The latex itself, although it can be molded in different densities, is still pretty firm (hard) and so sometimes other materials are used on the top to provide plushness. The less soft material on the surfaces, the less chance of any impressions. Latex only mattresses should have no impressions as there are no softness layers on top.

Here at Bedrooms & More. First, we have about 30 latex models on our showroom floor. About half of those come from our local Englander plant. We have these made especially for us and are made two sided; both sides have identical comfort layers. We recommend, in person and in writing, a turning and rotating schedule to get the most life and comfort from the mattress.  We oftentimes recommend one of the natural models that uses only latex and suggest a topper that can be replaced or turned as necessary for the longest life. A comfort topper can be a great choice as our bodies change over time. What we like today may not be right for us 5, 10 or 15 years from now. Changing to a different topper during the long life of a latex mattress can keep you comfortable for years without the major expense of a new mattress.

What of other brands? The big “S” mattress companies (Sealy, Simmons, Spring Air, Serta) have sold out to financial groups – they are no longer owned by “mattress people”. These companies have gone to single sided, can’t flip mattresses as there is a savings of almost 30% in the manufacturing process. This 30% is not being passed on to you, the consumer, or the retailer. Unfortunately, these large manufacturers do not necessarily have your best interests at heart. These one sided mattresses sold by many major companies have very short life spans and getting warranty service can be iffy. It is now recommended that these “can’t flip” mattresses be replaced in 5 to 7 years. We see many of these people when they are replacing mattresses after only a few years and unsatisfactory warranty service. Often, latex is the best answer for these people.

If you don’t want to worry about impressions, get a latex only mattress and add a topper. Even if the mattress is not only latex, you can expect a longer life (of the mattress) if a reasonable turning and rotating schedule is maintained.

What is Off-Gassing?

Chemicals used in synthetic foams (mostly petroleum based) and some fire retarding agents emit fumes. Mattresses made using these chemicals can potentially cause reactions in people with chemical sensitivities. Some of these chemicals have not been tested on young children or in the proximity that is present in a mattress slept on for 8 hours a day. People with concerns about off-gassing would be well served knowing what is in the mattress they have or wish to purchase.

Here is how mattresses are made:

1. A memory foam mattress is not all memory foam. It is likely to be 5-6” of standard polyurethane foam topped with a visco-elastic layer, an open celled, slow recovery, poly foam . Both types of foam in these beds will off-gas . The odor coming off of these foams is from chemicals used in the process of making it. The chemicals emitted are potentially harmful to small children (www.gemtesting.com/naturepedic/P1.php) and people sensitive to such emissions may wish to select a different type of mattress.

2. A coil (innerspring) mattress can be made of several different components, and even different types of coils. Whether it be a pocketed coil, a continuous coil system, or any other type of coil, there will be an insulator pad between the coils and the comfort layers above. This insulator pad may be made from a high density polyurethane foam or recycled fabric layers (think carpet pad). On top of the insulator will be comfort layers used to give plushness. These comfort layers are mostly what differentiate mattresses. In most major brand mattresses these layers are polyurethane foams and therefore can off-gas. Many manufacturers, in an effort to be more “green”, are using some soy (can also be non-soy vegetable base) foams. Because soy foams only use about 20% soy oil and the rest is petroleum based, it does not eliminate the off-gassing, but it is a step in the right direction for people wishing to be “greener” and not chemically sensitive.

Wrapped around the mattress (all around in the case of two-sided, flip-able mattresses) is the quilting layer that gives the mattresses the finished look you expect. The puff in the quilt is usually polyurethane foam even in mattresses represented as natural.

An innerspring mattress can be made natural and non off-gassing with the use of a natural insulator, latex, wool and/or cotton comfort layers, and a quilt layer containing one of the same fillers.

3. A latex mattress should start with a solid latex core (sometimes manufacturers will mix layers of latex with other, less expensive layers). Latex comes in several varieties. There are different processes for creating latex. By definition latex is sap from a rubber tree, however there is also synthetic latex created in a lab with building blocks. Although synthesized latex may use polymers, there is little off-gassing and is likely to be a better choice than polyurethane.

Pure natural rubber latex comes from rubber trees grown near the equator. The process of extracting the liquid latex is much like tapping maple trees for syrup. Managed rubber tree forests make for a sustainable product. The molding of the latex cores can be accomplished with no added chemicals. Potentially allergenic proteins are at this point washed out in the cleansing process. With no chemicals to off-gas, pure latex mattresses are the best choice for healthy sleep. It is durable, comfortable and can be processed in different densities.

This is not the whole story however; just as memory foam mattresses are not all memory foam, latex mattresses are not always just latex. Comfort layers added will often be the same as used on innerspring mattresses and all the same cautions apply.

4. Air beds use vinyl or polyurethane bladders in place of innersprings or foam cores. The air chambers are protected by polyurethane foam, and are often topped with it as a comfort layer. It would be possible to make an airbed with comfort layers of wool, latex or cotton that would eliminate much of the off-gassing potential, however, we are unaware of any company producing such a mattress.

5. Futon mattresses are also an option. Most of them are going to have synthetic foams these days, and a synthetic fire barrier, but a non-off-gassing mattress can be done. You would want one with no polyurethane foam layers, and wool as the fire barrier. It is also possible to get latex layered with the other batting materials to make it more durable. As a rule, futon mattresses tend to matt and get pretty hard. Cotton is a cheap nontoxic batting material, but it is not ideal for a sleep surface.

Good choices of non off-gassing mattresses:

There are some good choices for non off-gassing mattresses, however, the information available from some retailers and salespeople is likely to be confusing and sometimes misleading. Prices are comparable to other better quality mattresses and you have the peace of mind knowing you are not being exposed daily to potentially unhealthy fumes.

Englander makes a limited line of natural beds and gives you the most bed dollar for dollar. Six Englander mattresses are particularly of note as having the least potential for off-gassing.

Natura makes some of the most popular and comfortably plush mattresses, many of them natural and non-off-gassing. Several also happen to be organic.

For overall purity, and commitment to non-toxic products, Organic Mattresses Incorporated (OMI) is a leader in non-off-gassing bedding. The purity of materials used and their handling is second to none. All of their products are listed as organic.

A little time spent researching construction materials can pay dividends when searching for the lowest chemical emission mattresses.

Questions? Call (206) 633-4494 or Toll Free (888) 297-8844

Among the national brands selling latex mattresses, Englander can certainly make a strong claim for having been the pioneer marketing force of foam rubber bedding. In fact the company still has old advertisements from the 1950’s which clearly show beds manufactured with a layer of channeled foam rubber. One advertisement has a headline which reads, “Sleep as you’d sleep at the Waldorf-Astoria –Englander’s Foam Latex Hotel Sleep Set” The price featured in the ad is $119.50 for both the mattress and the box spring.

Times have certainly changed since then; however, just as Englander was a leader then so too, the well-known brand name company remains a leader in offering a distinct and high performance series of products now. Englander, which was founded by Max Englander in 1894 in New York has gone through many changes and advances over the years, and today the company offers a full range of products to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of consumers.

Perhaps the best known product brand name is the Lady Englander™ line of luxurious sleep systems. This line is known as the mainstay line supported by Englander’s Redline® foundation, and is touted by Englander as “the industry’s best for over 50 years.”

The Tension Ease® line is Englander’s version of an independently encased coil system mattress with a zoned sleep design created to provide additional back support. This system was designed for consumers who are specifically looking for additional support.

In 1993 Englander introduced the company’s 21st Century® Sleep System, which was designed to offer the ultimate in luxurious sleep for the most demanding consumers. Company officials note that this system was over 100 years in the making and based on Englander’s unique experience in the marketplace. With the patented Adjusta-comfort design, each sleeping partner can choose his/her level of comfort.

Then there is the bedding line, which rightfully belongs as the center of focus for those interested in all natural latex rubber bedding. In 1995 Englander introduced its acclaimed Nature’s Finest® Sleep Systems with 100% Natural rubber. This line was introduced in the mid-1990’s to offer consumers the ultimate in sleeping comfort based on natural products including Englander’s exclusive all-natural Laytex rubber, wool, silk and cashmere.

Top marketing executives at Englander know in their hearts that they have something different and unique to offer retailers and their customers. Robert W. Ashburn, Vice President of Sales for Englander and the Southern Cross® Division of Spears Mattress out of Rome, Georgia is enthusiastic and bullish about Englander 100% all natural Laytex mattresses. “We see our 100% rubber as an analogy to ‘pure gold’”, says Ashburn. “Our mattresses really do have a softer ride. You can immediately feel the difference from mattresses made with synthetic latex.” When asked by BEDROOM Magazine if there is any truth to the claim by competitors that all-natural latex rubber crumbles over time, Ashburn and Englander Senior Vice President David Clarke address the issue head on. It is all in the manufacturing process. The all-natural latex has to be poured within two weeks of the time the rubber is drawn from the trees. There has to be very tight quality control to achieve the superior quality results demanded by Englander.

Clarke and Ashburn note that latex rubber trees can only be grown in plantations 10 degrees North or South of the Equator. Clarke notes that Englander has a unique relationship with a source providing rubber from 5.5 million trees in Sri Lanka. Englander buys all-natural latex cores that have been poured out of the trees and into the mould within two weeks. Englander’s relationship with the source is good not only from the perspective of supply and quality control, but it guarantees a certain level of consistency and stability for Englander’s customers.

One can tell that the Natural Laytex® line offered through the Nature’s Finest line is a source of pride and success for Englander sales people. This gives Englander’s retail customer a superior line with an unparalleled feeling of luxury. Ashburn summarizes a couple of key selling points, “These products conform like no other to the customer’s body. You can actually feel the mattress pushing back, naturally supporting every curve in your body. Truth is the longer you rest on the mattress, the better the feel and the greater the sense of luxury. This is a must for retailers who want to offer supreme all-natural luxury at a good price.”

There are any number of other powerful claims a retailer can make when selling Englander’s Laytex mattresses. One is less tossing and turning. All-natural latex reduces pressure points up to 90% by conforming to the human body, and instantly adjusting to the body’s every move. This promotes healthy capillary blood flow. The results for consumers: less muscle aches and less tossing and turning…creating a natural, healthy sleep.

Another attribute is the breathability of the mattress. Proper airflow is important to a restful night’s sleep. In a Laytex mattress, air circulates through the pincore holes and open bubbles to create a mattress that is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This serves as a natural heat/cold mechanism that creates greater comfort for the consumer. Englander executives truly believe that no other material breathes like the Englander Latex mattress.

Englander also sells their mattresses as a health product. Ideal for allergy sufferers, rubber is inherently anti-microbial, hypo-allergenic and dust mite resistant. The material simply will not support mold, mildew or bacteria. Studies have shown, according to Englander, that their rubber is 300% more resistant to dust mites than other mattresses.

Finally there is the issue of durability. The Englander team asks the question, “Why is our mattress so durable?” They say the answer is simple: because it is natural rubber, not a synthetic blend. They have control over the source and the process. They produce a quality product, and they stand by it. Englander’s Latex mattresses are built to last, retaining their combination of comfort and support for a lifetime. They even challenge a retailer or consumer: “To demonstrate our quality, please lift the edge of our mattress to feel its weight, It’s up to four times the weight of the synthetic blends, which are used in most traditional mattresses. More weight means longer life. It’s that simple.”

With over 100 years of business experience behind them, and with a truly unique all-natural product, it is no wonder that the new Englander team is moving forward with unprecedented interest from retailers in their Nature’s Finest Sleep System line.