All of the latex used in snoozel products is 100% natural. We use 100% A grade tree tapped latex (never synthetic), which is blended with a small amount of natural graphite to ensure the end product is fire retardant without the use of chemical additives or sprays.
The Natural Latex Journey
From the Tree.....
The latex in our organic mattresses begins its life in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved groves in Sri Lanka. The latex is harvested from Hevea Brasiliensis rubber trees under the FSC framework which lays out strict rules which protect the water quality, prevents the harvest of rare, old-growth forest, reducing the unsustainable loss of trees and also the use of hazardous chemicals.
Pure rubber is harvested every two to three days, always by hand. A small channel is carved in the bark for the sap to collect in bowls. Rest assured that no trees are harmed in this process. These trees yield rubber for up to 30 years.
.....To Processing
Snoozel green source the latex for our organic mattresses using the Dunlop method. This process was developed in 1929 and consumes five times less energy than the modern Talalay process, which is much more complex and less sustainable.
What is the Dunlop process? It starts by mixing raw, liquid latex with water as well as some additional, natural materials which are required for turning the liquid latex into a solid form, which can then be used to make our organic mattresses. These materials include natural soaps, sulphur, vulcanisation and gelling agents. At this stage, natural graphite is added which makes our natural mattresses fire retardant without using toxic chemicals or sprays.
When the latex mixture is ready we pump compressed air into it to make a foamy liquid. The foam is then poured into the mould and baked (vulcanised) for 50 minutes at 110 degrees. The finished, natural latex layer is then removed from the mould, washed and dried.
Latex is a Natural Healthy Material
Hypoallergenic
Our natural latex mattresses are inherently hypoallergenic. Why? Because natural latex is not a man made product or in any way a derivative of petrochemicals. Our organic, latex mattresses are a botanical product that is made from the sap of sustainably grown rubber trees. 100% natural latex will not cause general allergies because the end product (the organic mattress layer) is open-celled due to the natural way it is processed.
A further health benefit of our organic mattresses is that they are antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites. This is because the botanical makeup and chemistry of the latex mean that microbes or other bacteria simply cannot thrive in natural latex foam.
Fire Retardant and Chemical Free
Regular foam mattresses which use synthetic latex often contain toxic, chemical stabilisers and fire retardant sprays that break down over time, which then ‘off-gas’ harmful chemicals whilst you are asleep.
Our 100% natural latex mattresses do not use chemical stabilisers. Our organic mattresses are naturally fire retardant because of the graphite that is added to the latex mix. Due to the fact that our latex is chemical-free, no noxious fumes will be off-gassed. You may detect a faint, slightly-sweet vanilla scent which is completely natural and non-harmful.
Naturally Supportive
Our natural latex mattresses contours to the curvature of your body. This means that they offer the perfect union of both support and comfort. Because organic latex is so resilient you will be much less likely to experience the indentations that are commonly associated with other types of mattress.
Our organic mattresses are naturally springy (otherwise known as kickback). Organic latex changes shape as you change your sleeping position, which helps with pressure relief. This means that throughout the night you will be supported in natural comfort which will ease any tension on pressure points or any injuries you may have endured.
Natural Latex FAQ's
How long do natural latex mattresses last?
100% natural latex mattresses should last for at least 20 years without losing their integrity as other mattresses do.
Do natural latex mattresses smell?
A natural latex mattress can give off a faint vanilla scent but they do not off-gas chemicals as synthetic mattresses do.
Can you flip a Hybrid Natural Latex mattress?
There is no need to flip your Snoozel Green hybrid natural latex mattress, as it is one sided. Natural latex in the mattress is made from incredibly durable rubber from Hevea Brasiliensis trees and will bounce back when pressure is released from it.
Do Natural Latex mattresses sleep cool?
Yes. The natural construction of a 100% natural latex mattress means it will have great airflow to keep you cool.
What are the benefits of a Natural Latex mattress?
A natural latex mattress can relieve your aches and pains. The buoyant support of latex is especially beneficial for sleepers with back and joint pain. They are hypoallergenic, incredibly durable (and can last for up to 20 years) as well as being better for the environment than the synthetic alternative.
Are Natural Latex mattresses good for side sleepers?
Natural latex mattresses are perfect for side sleepers. Why? Because they provide cushioned support and contouring which keep the spine aligned whilst lying on one’s side.