Is Natural Latex Toxic?

Will I be allergic to the latex mattresses sold in your store?

I often get the question, if I’m allergic to latex such as latex gloves, will I be allergic to your latex mattresses. The answer thankfully in most cases is no. The latex found in the mattresses we carry whether it be Dunlop or Talalay, does not produce the same allergic reactions.

What is a latex allergy? 

A latex allergy is caused by a reaction to the proteins that are contained in natural or synthetic latex. Most people have found out they have a latex allergy through commonly found items such as rubber bands, balloons, latex gloves, or baby bottle nipples. Natural latex is known to cause Type 1 and Type 4 reactions. Testing for a type 1 reaction is done through a blood test. Testing for a type 4 is done through a skin prick test. Less than 1% of people in the US have a latex allergy. Although latex allergy is rare, the condition is more common in certain high-risk groups. … Between 8 to 17% of health care workers and others who regularly use latex gloves are allergic to latex.

Lets take the example of latex gloves. Latex gloves are a blend of synthetic and natural latex. Healthcare professionals use gloves for many hours at a time over the years, while they are in that chosen career. Touching the latex does not actually trigger the allergy. However, repeatedly breathing in the microscopic powder that lines the gloves can. The powder is released in bursts when workers snap on or off their latex gloves. The powder contains microscopic proteins. If you have long term exposure to these proteins you can develop an allergy.  Once a person has become sensitized, they may then react to skin contact as well.

If I do have a mild to medium allergy can I use a latex mattress?

Yes, if you do have an allergy you might want to consider limiting your handling of the naked latex. If you have purchased a mattress from us that needs to be assembled maybe have someone else do it for you. When the mattress is encased in an organic cotton and wool casing, plus mattress pad and sheets you should be very well protected from the latex. There is a more serious but rare type of allergy systemic immune response to natural latex. Severe allergy symptoms to latex would be feeling like your throat is closing, difficulty breathing or skin swelling. If these are the symptoms you experience when being around latex, maybe you should seek out another product such as a mattress just just contains organic cotton and wool.