Please rate your experience with this information: LATEX & MEDICAL CONDITIONS LATEX & SLEEP DISORDERS 5 out of 5 based on reviews What is Latex Foam? Latex vs. Memory Foam Latex Mattress Use & Care Latex and Flammability laws Can You Sleep on a Latex Bed if You Have Latex Allergies? Latex beds have achieved popularity as green and non-toxic mattress alternatives. But for individuals with latex allergies, there are obvious concerns. Latex FAQ: Can a person with a latex allergy sleep on a foam latex bed? Most latex allergies and latex sensitivities are a reaction to proteins that occur naturally in botanical latex. According to OSHA’s "Potential for Sensitization and Possible Allergic Reaction to Natural Rubber Latex Gloves and Other Natural Rubber Products," latex contains over 60 protein-based allergens. Because of the manufacturing processes that produce latex gloves, condoms, catheters, and other medical materials, these proteins are still present in the finished latex product.
These proteins can be contacted when the rubber glove is touched. They can also be chemically adsorbed to the powder on the inner surfaces of most gloves, released into the air when the gloves are removed, and then inhaled. Allergies can thus present as localized skin reactions, respiratory symptoms from asthma to sneezing and coughing, or even (in rare cases of hypersensitivity) as anaphylactic responses like swelling and the closing of airways. A Little NRL Background The thin, stretchy natural rubber latex (or NRL) used in medical supplies like rubber gloves is manufactured through a cold-dipped vulcanization process. The result is a rubber product with high elasticity and a closed cell structure. By contrast, the vulcanization processes used in the production of a foam latex mattress produces a supportive foam with an open cell structure. The chemistry and engineering behind vulcanization processes are complex topics. If you want a more detailed glimpse into the world of rubber vulcanization, have a look at the "Handbook of Polymeric Foams and Foam Technology" by Klempner et al., available online using Google Books.
The Point Behind the Chemistry The closed cell structure of thin, stretchy NRL products like latex gloves means that the proteins are retained in the product. In contrast, the production of latex foam used in bedding results in an open-cell structure. This open structure means that some of the proteins responsible for allergic reactions can be washed out of the latex foam structure in the extensive washing process undertaken by mattress producers. After a block of latex foam is produced, using either Talalay or Dunlop construction methods [link to internal Talalay and Dunlop pages here], it is washed multiple times, usually in a five-stage washer. The open cellular structure of foam latex acts like a sponge, so that the water is pulled into every void in the mattress. The block is wrung out using massive metal rollers so that all water is compressed from the mattress. The open cell structure of latex foam, combined with the careful washing process, ensures removal of most or all of the protein culprits in latex allergic reactions.
Added Layers of Protection Additionally, most or all latex allergies are a result of direct contact with the proteins in the latex. Most people don’t come into direct skin contact with their mattress on a regular basis. You’ll rest on a mattress cover, a sheet, and (might) wear pajamas as well. Add to that circumstance the fact that most latex mattresses are covered with a flame retardant, or FR, barrier, in order to comply with federal laws on mattress safety. The FR barrier may be a separate layer, or built into the chemical structure of the mattress. If you buy an all-natural or organic mattress, that barrier is usually a layer of natural, high-quality, and minimally-processed wool fibers, which have a high flame resistance when tightly compressed. That FR barrier provides yet another layer of protection between your skin and the NRL structure of your mattress. Recommendations for Latex Allergy Sufferers In most latex allergy cases, latex beds are safe for allergy sufferers, especially those that suffer from localized skin reactions or minor respiratory problems when exposed to medical-grade latex.
But if you know you have the rare form of latex hypersensitivity that can result in life-threatening anaphylactic shock, speak with your doctor about your condition in relation to a latex mattress, and follow his or her advice with strict adherence. If you know you suffer from a latex allergy, we’d recommend that you use a mattress cover and hypoallergenic bedding designed to contain any allergens, simply as an extra caution. If you are concerned that you might have a latex allergy, remember that the FDA estimates the potential for an allergic latex reaction among members of the general public at less than 1%. To help your peace of mind, consider ordering a sample of the actual latex foam in the bed you’d like to buy. You can take the sample to your allergy specialist to get a professional allergy test. In general, botanical latex is an excellent mattress choice for allergy sufferers. Latex foam discourages the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites and can deter the buildup of other allergens.
For most users, especially allergy sufferers, the benefits of all natural latex beds outweigh the risks.Skip to Main Content Buy today, get free shipping for the next 30 days The revolutionary ForeverAire™ Guest and Sofa Sleep Mattress features adjustable firmness control with patented auto shut-off, empowering sleepers to customize their sleep environment at the touch of a button. Many competitive models are notorious for leaking overnight. The ForeverAire™ Guest and Sofa Sleep Mattress features the patented silent night comfort adjust™ backup pump that automatically maintains air pressure even in the event of a minor puncture, so sleeper's aren't bottoming out by morning. In addition the foreverAire™ Premium guest and Sofa sleeper mattress features a reinforced duraFlex ripstop fabric™ design that is resistant to everyday abuses like pinch points, punctures and perforations easily caused in unreinforced vinyl mattresses. Last but not least, the ForeverAire™ Guest and Sofa Sleep Mattress DuraFlex Ripstop Fabric™ enclosure is breathable and helps keep sheets and bedding in place.
"Enjoy affordable - guest bed and/or sofa sleeper satisfaction like never before!" Simple auto-off deflation: the ForeverAire™ mattress also includes simple automatic deflation control Duraflex™ ripstop fabric strength: Protects the ForeverAire™ mattress from everyday abuses like punctures Stretch resistant laminate: Prevents the pressure loss common with plain vinyl air mattresses that stretch overnight Hygienically advanced: Antibacterial and odor resistant enclosure material is washable and hypoallergenic Patented auto shut off pump: Customized comfort, automatically shuts off upon reaching selected firmness level Patented silent night comfort adjust™ backup pump: automatically maintains air pressure in the event of a minor deflation Fits standard size sheets Body contouring i-beam design: i-beam support and durability is far superior to lumpy unreliable coil mattress designs 100% Leak tested: foreveraire™ mattresses are all 100% leak tested for long trouble free life
Can be used with a pull out couch bed 115 V Air Pump Full / Double Size 55'' W x 74'' L 61'' W x 78'' L Product weight without air: 17 lbs Sleeper sofa air mattress InnoMax® home of America’s Finest Sleep Products® since 1975, is an internationally recognized retail, wholesale, internet and manufacturing company that offers over 1,200 innovative, stylish and affordable products for the total sleep environment! InnoMax, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, manufacturers a variety of specialty sleep and bedroom products for both domestic and international markets. From distribution facilities worldwide, InnoMax provides a one-stop resource for all specialty sleep needs. More About This Product Expected delivery dates for When it comes to shopping for furniture, we know that first-hand experience is important in helping you make an informed decision about the item you are purchasing. Wayfair has independently evaluated this brand — no money was exchanged, no favors were fulfilled—so that you can shop with confidence.