LATEX ALLERGIESUpdated a year ago

When it comes to latex allergies, there have been no reports of allergic reactions related to a mattress, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a potential issue in the future.

Latex products are made either by dipping (gloves, balloons, condoms) or hardening (latex foam for our mattresses, soles of sneakers, tires). Most commonly the latex allergy is a contact allergy associated with dipped products like latex gloves. The protein in the latex is the most common cause for the allergic reaction. Washing the latex after it is produced, which we do, eliminates a very high percentage of the proteins that people are sensitive to.

It is also believed that we haven't seen latex allergies from a mattress because of the amount of material between you and the latex. First there is the wool batting and organic cotton fabric of the cover. Then you add a mattress protector and your sheets. In the end, there is quite a bit of fabric between the latex and the sleeper.

For people concerned about latex allergies, we usually recommend trying a latex pillow like this for a month or two. This gives you the chance to see if you and latex are compatible without having to commit to a major purchase. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to be a "true test" for how well you would do with a latex mattress. We also recommend reaching out to your doctor to see if they have any specific knowledge of potential issues with a latex mattress.

Often people who have latex allergies are also concerned about any associated odors or smells with our latex. While many people consider latex to have a "neutral" aroma, others are affected differently by what they smell. The challenge is smell can be very subjective depending on one's sensitivities.

For someone who is chemically sensitive, we would highly discourage buying a mattress online. For those suffering from this, there is a broad spectrum of experience. Some have such a highly accentuated sense of smell that even the aromas of natural materials can have a negative impact on them. So, it all depends on where one is on the spectrum.

For those with heightened sensitivities, we'd recommend visiting a local manufacturer where you test out the exact materials going into your bed. The challenge with any latex regardless of process is scent can vary from batch to batch. The same is true for the wool and cotton. There is a natural variation in materials.

If you are looking for natural mattress options without latex, we recommend looking into other companies so you may want to take a look at the mattress underground, which is a great source for all things mattresses. You may be able to find more information there, including local latex manufacturers in your area that would give you an option to try out a latex mattress and see if it could work for you.