Picture this scenario: You’re not waking up with the same bounce you used to. Your mattress isn’t as comfortable as it was, but you’re not ready to plunk down big bucks for a new one. You know you can get more life from the mattress you have by refreshing it with a new mattress topper.
You research different kinds of topper materials. There’s memory foam, gel foam, egg-crate foam, and latex. You decide latex is the best solution because it’s natural, adds comfort, and is the only option that adds support too. Sounds perfect! It’s just what you’re looking for, but wait—why are there both 100% natural latex and organic latex available? What’s the difference? And is natural latex toxic or safe?
These are common questions that arise for most shoppers after just a few minutes of researching latex. It’s confusing because many retailers aren’t transparent, but it’s easy to tell the differences when you’re armed with some knowledge. Here are the basics to keep you safe and the traps to look out for.
What Is 100% Natural Latex?
Natural latex is produced from raw latex harvested from rubber trees. Synthetic latex is man-made from petroleum. When latex foam is made using only natural latex with zero synthetic latex added, it’s referred to as 100% natural latex.
What makes natural latex such a great option? Beyond being all-natural, natural latex is also certified carbon neutral and comes at a lower cost compared to certified organic latex. It’s a sleep option that’s safe and healthy for you and the planet.
Here are a few more things to love about natural latex:
- Zero synthetic latex
- Zero fillers
- Zero flame retardant
Natural latex prioritizes excluding all the harmful substances and including all the right materials.
Is Natural Latex Toxic?
You can relax knowing that natural latex is totally toxin-free. We are committed to only using the purest, naturally antimicrobial materials in our mattresses and mattress toppers.
It’s true that even in 100% natural latex, there are other ingredients such as soaps and curing agents. These materials are necessary to turn the raw natural latex into supple foam. But these ingredients aren’t toxic or harmful and are different from “fillers” like clay, which is used to dilute and extend the volume of latex.
Fillers in 100% Natural Latex? What?
Yes, you read that right. Some latex contains “filler” to extend the amount of natural latex and lower the cost. Unfortunately, this dramatically lowers the quality and durability. It’s like watering down juice to get more servings. Most companies won’t tell you the filler is in there and still claim that their mattresses are 100% natural. They can do this because they don’t use any synthetic latex. Technically they’re correct, but we find it unethical unless it’s clearly stated and you understand what you’re buying.
When shopping for 100% natural latex, you want to ensure that the retailer clearly states whether or not they use fillers. Look for certifications from recognized organizations such as Oeko-Tex, LGA, and Control Union to be sure the 100% natural latex offered is as healthy as claimed. 100% natural latex without verified certifications could contain chemicals you’re trying to avoid, and you’d never know it.
How Is Organic Latex Different from Natural Latex?
So what’s the difference between organic latex and natural latex? Organic latex has all the great qualities of natural latex with one significant difference. Organic latex includes certified organic latex! It’s easy to get confused, we know. The two can intersect, but only when organic latex is 100% natural latex without fillers and farmed without the use of pesticides under the supervision of monitoring bodies. It requires specific organic farming practices from one of the four certified organic latex producers in the world!
Meanwhile, non-organic 100% natural latex is produced from raw latex using standard farming practices. At Naturally Nestled, we offer both options so you can pick the one that suits your preferences and budget best.
Don’t Be Fooled
While certified organic latex is less common due to supply, certified organic fabrics are everywhere. Some products use or offer organic fabrics to cover their non-organic latex. Then they place the word “organic” front and center in their branding and marketing materials in hopes you don’t dig in too deeply. Always peek under the covers before you buy. Is natural latex toxic? The only safe kind of latex is the kind of latex with a certification.
Which Is Best?
When comparing true, 100% natural latex (without fillers) to organic latex, there is no absolute right answer to which is best. It depends on what’s most important to you. Everyone makes their own lifestyle choices. Organic latex is the cleanest you can buy—not just for you but for the planet. 100% natural latex comes with a lower price tag and is healthier than sleeping on normal foam. Both contribute to cleaner and better sleep than traditional foam products. The choice is up to you!
Learn more about Naturally Nestled Organic and Natural Latex Mattresses!
