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Why Is It So Difficult To Find A Latex Mattress In Singapore

Why Is It So Difficult To Find A Latex Mattress In Singapore
If you are shopping for a new mattress, you may be wondering why it is so difficult to find latex mattresses to try out, especially those with 100% pure latex mattress cores, with no metal springs and polyurethane (PU) foams. 
Latex is a top quality all-natural foam made from the sap of the rubber tree. Naturally springy and very supportive and comfortable, latex is recommended by many chiropractors and osteopaths. However, you may still have difficulty finding a latex mattress in bed shops in Singapore. Why is this?
History and brand influence
American style vs European style mattress
Much of the mattress industry in Singapore has in the past been influenced by the big American brands. Thick plush American-style innersprings have been very popular previously. Little to no all-natural or organic options were demanded or offered, and so the big American brands became fairly prevalent in Singapore. This is still the case even though many imported innersprings mattresses are not actually designed with the Singaporean climate in mind (all too many innerspring owners find that their mattress later develops a mould problem).
In contrast to innersprings, latex mattresses tend to be made mainly by the European brands and offer European styling. These latex mattresses place the emphasis on comfort, health, environment (all-natural or organic) and a clean minimalist look. They are also naturally mould-resistant, a big plus for our climate. But because these brands have come to Singapore a little later, people are not so familiar with them yet, making them harder to find when shopping.
Plush mattresses look visually appealing even if they do not feel as good
Plush innersprings and other mattresses with a thick puffy surface look very attractive to the eye. Because of this, many mattress showrooms enjoy having plenty of these in the store to attract shoppers. 
Indeed, even savvy consumers are often under the misunderstanding that a thicker more luxurious looking mattress is better. In reality, your body is a more important judge of a mattress than your eye. Just because a mattress looks comfortable is no guarantee that it will actually feel that way. So it's very important to try out any mattress you are considering - regardless of what type of mattress it is or how it looks.
So, because latex mattresses typically do not always excite the eye, many mattress showrooms do not always stock them. The fact is that latex is supremely comfortable and very luxurious, but they do not always attract attention at first glance. This means that often only the more specialized bedding stores who are 'in the know' will sell latex mattresses, which can make them hard for shoppers to find.
Comparatively few manufacturers worldwide make 100% natural latex mattresses
Another reason for the scarcity of latex mattresses is that, unlike other types of mattresses, only a few select manufacturers make 100% all-natural latex mattresses. Latex is a restful springy resilient type of foam made from the sap of the rubber tree. Unlike other types of mattresses (e.g. innerspring, memory foam, polyurethane foam), latex mattresses are made only by a few manufacturers. The reason for this is mainly due to the entirely natural ingredients (latex milk extracted from the rubber tree). A Queen size mattress requires the sap of 12 acres of the Hevea Brasiliensis tree (rubber tree) plantation and 8 rubber tappers to tap the sap for one whole day. To get more of this product requires careful and sustainable growth of plantations to maintain the supply chain properly. 
In contrast, production of other types of mattresses made of synthetic ingredients only requires more chemicals and/or readily made synthetic materials. These quickly-generated materials can be ordered in quickly upon demand.
Because of this need to ensure a consistent and environmentally responsible supply of natural ingredients to make latex, some manufacturing brands of latex mattress actually own their own latex factories. Obviously, this is not something that all companies would easily put in the effort to do. So this is why latex mattress production involves a select few companies: the difficulty in procuring the raw natural ingredients.
Latex mattress certifications
Furthermore, manufacturers of all-natural latex mattresses or organic latex mattresses usually have certifications indicating they comply with stringent international standards (e.g. Eurolatex Eco Standard, Landesgewerbeanstalt Bayern LGA, Morton Thiokol, Öko-Tex Standard 100). It is a lot of time, effort, and cost for manufacturers to produce the product in such a way to meet these strictly tested standards. As a result, only a few select mattress companies are prepared to go to the trouble to manufacture in that way.
The low number of latex mattress manufacturers worldwide means that there are less latex mattresses being produced than other types of mattresses. This is why latex mattresses are not found in all mattress showrooms.
Misconceptions of latex mattresses
Often people simply don't realize that latex mattresses are completely different from other types of foam mattresses, so there is not always as much demand for latex due to these misconceptions. 
Some shoppers believe that latex mattresses are all synthetic, just like synthetic tyres, so they don't see the point in buying one. The truth is that there are plenty of 100% all-natural latex mattresses available that are made from the sap of the rubber tree. Organic latex mattresses are even available. Synthetic latex mattresses made from petroleum products do exist, of course, but not all latex mattresses are synthetic - it's important to read the label and the specifications.
Another common misconception is the belief that latex mattresses are hot to sleep on, and that they off-gas. Nothing could be further from the truth. These two misconceptions arise from people who get latex confused with memory foam and PU foam. Both memory foam and polyurethane (PU) foam mattresses do sometimes emit unpleasant chemical odours (off-gas), especially those of inferior quality. Memory foam mattresses also do tend to sleep hot. In contrast, latex has a natural open cell structure which delivers great airflow for a cooler sleep in a warm climate. This airflow is further enhanced by the pattern of pinholes generated during the process of manufacturing the latex mattress. Latex does not off-gas, being an entirely natural product. A 100% natural latex mattress is very unlikely to emit unpleasant odours at all.
Another common misconception is to confuse latex foam with polyurethane (PU) foam. Latex foam and PU foam both come in blocks, but there the resemblance ends. PU foam is of vastly lower quality in terms of its comfort and support, and is entirely synthetic (made of petrochemicals). Latex foam is naturally springy, very supportive and luxuriously comfortable. Latex mattresses are available in 100% all-natural and organic varieties, unlike PU foam.
Because of some of these misunderstandings, some shoppers have not been very eager to try out latex mattresses, so not all showrooms stock them.
Pricing
The unparalleled comfort and the significant health benefits of natural latex come with a slightly higher price tag than some other types of mattresses. On average, a latex mattress will set you back a little more cost-wise than other types of mattresses. This is why not all mattress showrooms will stock latex mattresses.
However, you get what you pay for. Latex is a luxurious all-natural material, and it has higher costs associated with its environmentally friendly sourcing (for example, responsibly managing latex plantations). These extra costs do deliver benefits all-around: to you in terms of better nightly sleep and daily well-being, to the environment in terms of a low carbon footprint, and to workers (e.g. latex farmers) by providing jobs in areas where work is scarce.
Additionally, latex is one of the most durable types of mattresses available, which means the extra cost is partly offset for you by a longer mattress lifespan. None the less, the higher up-front price tag means that lower-end mattress showrooms will not tend to stock many, if any, latex mattresses. Instead, if you are seeking a latex mattress it is best to visit a showroom or bedding store which specializes in latex mattresses. It's worth checking this out - the pricing is often not as high as you think, and an all-natural latex mattress is actually often cheaper (and is almost certainly more comfortable) than a high-end innerspring mattress. 
Conclusion
If you are shopping for a mattress in Singapore, you should not overlook its best-kept secret: an all-natural latex mattress. It can be surprisingly hard to find latex mattresses due to them being made by only a select few manufacturers. Also, fewer people are knowledgeable enough to be actively looking for them, meaning that the average showroom does not always stock latex mattresses. 
Instead, it is best to visit a mattress shop which specializes in latex mattresses - ensuring you'll always be able to try these out. Heveya® Singapore stocks a variety of luxurious yet healthy all-natural latex mattresses. The smart, clean minimalist European styling works wonderfully in Singapore, so it's very worthwhile to look into a latex mattress for the sake of your health and comfort.

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Is A Latex Mattress Hot to Sleep On
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Is A Latex Mattress Hot to Sleep On

There is a common misconception that sleeping on a latex mattress feels hot. This issue probably arises because so many people confuse latex with memory foam. One should not feel warm while sleeping on a latex mattress compared to a memory foam mattress. A latex mattress actually allows air to circulate much better than many other types of mattresses, allowing for a cool comfortable sleep. Why is this issue important? In Dubai, nobody wants to sleep on a mattress that feels hot. In cooler climates, a warm-feeling mattress may be received well to customers, but this is not the case here. If you are thinking about purchasing a mattress, you will certainly want to select one which is suitable for the climate. How does latex offer a cooler night's sleep? Open cell structure of latex To understand why latex delivers a cooling sleep, we need to look at the structure of latex. Latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree, and this sap is processed into a foam block. This type of foam has an open cell structure which allows a lot of airflow. In addition, a latex mattress is punctuated by pinholes set at regular intervals, offering even further airflow. Different latex manufacturers have different methods of ensuring this type of ventilation in latex mattresses, whether these are the standard pinholes or other ductwork. You can see how our EB latex mattresses are made here. The pinholes or ductwork are created during the manufacturing process, whereas the foam itself naturally has an open cell structure. With both methods of airflow, the key point to note is that latex is naturally well-ventilated. The open cell structure and the pinholes offer superb ventilation, allowing you to experience a cooler night's sleep. Movement on a latex mattress increases air circulation In addition to all the built-in ventilation, latex mattresses also allow extra movement of air when you move during your sleep. This happens because when you move around on the open-cell structure of latex, it creates a 'pump and suck' effect that encourages air to move into the area you just vacated. In a nutshell, movement on a latex mattress encourages air to move in and out of the mattress through the open-cell structure and the pinholes. This helps you feel cooler while sleeping. How does this differ from memory foam? Unlike latex, most memory foam mattresses have a closed cell structure. This limits the airflow considerably in memory foam mattresses, which means that memory foam feels hotter while sleeping. The other difference is that memory foam relies on body heat to contour to the body's shape. This heat is retained easily by the mattress, again making memory foam feel warm to sleep on. The mattress cover plays a critical role in ventilation Even if your mattress itself has the best airflow in the world, you will only feel cool if your mattress cover allows proper ventilation. There is no point in enclosing a latex mattress in an airtight cover: you would lose all the benefits of the mattress ventilation. Let's look at what you require in a suitable mattress cover for a latex mattress. Firstly, you need a mattress cover. For health and hygiene purposes, you will want a removable cleanable mattress cover. You can simply unzip the cover, pop it in the wash (or send it for dry-cleaning) and then you have a fresh clean surface. Secondly, latex can lose some of its durability when exposed to direct sunlight; another reason why you need a cover for your latex mattress. A good mattress cover which allows for proper airflow needs to be breathable in some way. In addition it should be cleanable - there is no point to having the cover if it merely ventilates but cannot be cleaned. At Heveya®, all our latex mattresses come with one of two top quality covers which fit these important criteria. The first of these covers is a washable one with a ventilation spacer, where the spacer allows excellent air circulation and moisture regulation. The other is a dry-cleanable cover made of bamboo which keeps your body dry and cool. A breathable mattress cover on your luxurious latex mattress will keep you fresh and cool all night long. Use a slatted bed base to make the most of your mattress You'll also want to ensure your bed base allows for great airflow to keep you cool at night. Avoid a flat base for this: it would block off all the natural venting properties of your latex mattress. Instead, use a sprung slatted bed base. Ultra-comfortable and hygienic, this type of base lets air flow between the slats and keeps you cool at night. If you haven't considered sprung slatted bases recently, you may wish to do so as they allow you to make adjustments on the level of springiness just the way you like it.
How Are Latex Mattresses Made
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How Are Latex Mattresses Made

Latex is an all-natural product which comes from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis. Latex looks very different before it is processed into products such as mattresses. You may be wondering how the milky-white liquid sap is made into a comfortable relaxing mattress. Let's find out. It starts with the rubber tree The rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis, grows in many tropical areas. This tree produces a sap which contains latex, and this sap can be tapped to flow out of the tree and be harvested. Most of the plantations which are responsible for the commercial production of latex are found in Southeast Asia. Rubber plantations are managed carefully to ensure consistent growth of new trees for output. This is important, because it can take around six years for a rubber tree to grow large enough to have its sap harvested. Note that each tree can live for 100 years. To tap a rubber tree, a collector will make a thin cut on the diagonal to remove a small piece of bark. This allows the sap (i.e. latex) to run out of the bark down the tree and this fluid is collected in a bucket. However, the flow will stop after about 6 hours, but the tree may be tapped again with a new cut the next day. How much latex does it take to make a mattress? An immense amount of latex is needed to make a mattress. However, remember that latex can be tapped without destroying the tree or creating pollution, unlike other types of mattresses. To make a queen size latex mattress, it will take a whole day's output of 12 acres of rubber trees.  But instead of harming the environment, this helps it: the same number of trees tapped for a queen size mattress will over the course of one year remove 143 tons of carbon dioxide from the air. Furthermore, this same 12 acres of rubber trees will keep 8 rubber tappers employed too, creating important jobs in areas where jobs may be scarce. In other words, when you purchase a latex mattress, you are helping the world environment. You are doing this by supporting the growth of rubber tree plantations and in doing so removing carbon dioxide from the air. You're also creating much-needed jobs for people who tap rubber trees. How is the liquid latex made into a mattress? It seems strange at first to think that the milky sap of the rubber tree can be turned into a mattress! Yet it can be done. This step is called processing. There are several different methods that the latex milk can be processed into a comfortable foam mattress block. In common to all of them, the liquid latex sap is first mixed with a small proportion of materials which will later help the latex solidify. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' manufacturing process; they each have different advantages and disadvantages. Dunlop method In the Dunlop method, the liquid latex formulation is first mixed so that it will foam. This foamy mix is placed on a conveyer or into a shaped mould, and is then passed into a special oven which solidifies the mixture and allows it to. The product is then passed on to the washing station, where residual small amounts of liquid latex and any unreacted solidifying agents are washed away. The latex foam block is then dried by hot air and is ready for use.  With the Dunlop method, the latex foam may be created in any shape that is needed; for example a king size mattress may be prepared in one mould.  Talalay method The Talalay method is newer than the Dunlop method and produces a slightly different texture of latex. With the Talalay method, the liquid latex formulation is transferred into a shaped mould and sealed closed. Then a vacuum is applied, and the purpose of this is to disperse the latex evenly throughout the mould. After that, it is flash frozen, and immediately afterward it is flash heated so that it will permanently solidify. After cooling, the solid latex block is removed from the mould and is ready for use. The Talalay method cannot be used to produce very large blocks of latex, so latex mattresses made with this method are created from smaller blocks glued together. Locations of the seams may vary, and this is something to take into account when purchasing a Talalay mattress. How EB latex mattresses are made EB latex mattresses are made using the Dunlop process. Manufacturing of EB latex core is fully automated. Firstly, the latex formulation is mixed continuously with compressed air in order to create foam. Once the latex foam has the right density, minuscule air bubbles are mixed into it. In this way, air is infused into the compound resulting in an open cell structure. It is these open structures that gives the mattress the required air circulation and guarantee an agreeable temperature in bed. Once the latex foam is ready, a robot spread it into a mould which incorporates pin core holes to define the pattern of the mattress comfort zones. The filled moulds are then vulcanize, in other words baked. The comfort patterns of the mattress are defined by the pin core structure in the mould, bigger pins make bigger holes in the core and the mattress feels softer. The adapted firmness of the different zones ensures perfect lying comfort.  After the vulcanization step, the fresh latex core is then taken out of the mould and thoroughly washed. The remaining residue is removed completely and the core dried. Each mattress core is tested and examined individually to measure the hardness, the density and is reviewed for visual perfection. Once the mattress has been rigorously checked for its quality, it then goes to the automated warehouse where it is packed and stored. Soon after that, it is shipped under carefully controlled conditions to customers around the world. The latex mattresses are certified by different independent organizations and carry several quality certificates. These certificates give customers and users the guarantee that every latex mattress is synonymous with exceptional comfort and safety.  Conclusion Latex is a natural material which is produced from the sap of the rubber tree. This liquid sap is made into a comfortable solid foam block using one of the processes outlined here. When you buy a 100% natural latex mattress, you are helping the environment by supporting the growth of rubber tree plantations, which remove carbon dioxide from the air. You are also providing jobs for rubber tappers in areas where employment opportunities are often scarce. A natural latex mattress goes above and beyond the delicious comfort you'll feel when you lie down. It's also about the satisfaction you'll feel in knowing you're purchasing an environmentally responsible product.
Is a Thick & Luxurious Looking Mattress Always a Good Mattress
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Is a Thick & Luxurious Looking Mattress Always a Good Mattress

If you're in the market for a new mattress, you may have seen some impressively thick and plush looking mattresses. When looking at a thick luxurious mattress, it can be tempting to think that this means it will automatically feel good. Even careful shoppers fall into this trap. But the reality is that a thick mattress may not necessarily always be a good mattress. Instead, the important things to look for are what the mattress is made from, and how responsive it is to your body movements. How the mattress looks is no indication of how it will feel against your body. What might be wrong with a luxurious looking mattress? If the mattress looks very satiny, plush and thick, you have to be wary of how a lot of money and effort has been put into the look of the mattress rather than the feel of it. Another problem is that you have no way of knowing what materials are contributing to the thickness in a plush mattress. Often, this extra thickness may not even be the valuable core material and may simply be foam padding. Most mattresses are covered and sealed, so you are unable to look at what constitutes the thickness. In contrast, here at Heveya® Singapore, you can unzip the latex mattress cover completely to see the core. This way, you can see for yourself that the mattress is made entirely of high quality latex. An excessively thick or plush mattress can also pose a problem when it comes to bedding. Some mattresses are so thick that they will not fit a standard fitted sheet. Instead, extra deep fitted sheets must be used, requiring costly replacement of bedding. This is not to say that all luxurious looking mattresses are automatically of poor quality. Rather, be careful not to judge a mattress on looks alone. You still need a certain level of thickness Clearly, a minimum level of thickness is still necessary for any mattress in order to maintain proper comfort. However, this minimum thickness may be less than what you might expect. Different mattress materials will require a thicker or thinner amount to maintain comfort, depending on the material. Some materials compress too easily and must be used at thicker levels. In the case of latex mattresses, the properties of latex offer comfort and ease without requiring excessive thickness. When you first lie down you will feel a luxurious sinking feeling followed by comfortable support. The natural resiliency of latex does not require it to be unusually thick to offer comfort that surpasses that of the super-thick, luxuriously looking mattresses. Indeed, latex mattresses have been recommended by many medical professionals who deal with chronic back or joint pain, such as osteopaths, physical therapists, and chiropractors. Your bed base is also important Your bed base also plays a big role in the comfort of a mattress, regardless of the thickness of the mattress. Some mattresses are made particularly thick so that it is less noticeable to the customer if the mattress is placed on a poorly-made bed base. However, you should know that European style latex mattresses are designed especially to be used with a sprung slatted bed base. This type of base is very comfortable and enhances the natural resiliency of latex. Again, when you're using such a high quality base, you may be surprised to find out that a super-thick mattress is not necessary. In fact, an overly thick mattress may actually prevent you from enjoying the springiness of a sprung slatted bed base. If a thick mattress is not necessarily better, why do they exist? The answer is simple: a thick mattress looks appealing to our eyes. Such mattresses are designed to make you think that if it looks good, it must feel good. Don't fall for these visual ploys! Instead, test out the mattress by lying down on it. The true test of a mattress is its comfort level, not how it looks. Conclusion Unzip a mattress cover and inspect our latex mattress cores in our showroom. You'll see that the cost of these latex mattresses goes purely toward the high quality latex core - not toward fillers or padding. Latex delivers unparalleled comfort and a truly wonderful sleeping experience. Lie down and try out our mattresses and you can experience it yourself. If you want the most luxurious sleeping experience possible, consider adding a sprung slatted bed base. True luxury is something you will be able to feel instantly with your body, and you can be assured of finding that here at Heveya® Singapore.

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