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Allergies to Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are comfortable and supportive for people with back problems. These mattresses are resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew.These conditions are particularly good for people with asthma. There are people who are latex sensitive, however, who feel that they could experience dangerous health problems from sleeping on a latex mattress.

  1. Natural Rubber Latex

    • Natural rubber latex is manufactured from sap extracted from rubber trees. Many common products that we use every day are made from latex. Children's toys, pacifiers, nipples, rubber gloves, boots, coats, condoms and medical equipment like catheters are all made from latex. A latex foam is used to make mattresses and pillows that we sleep on.

    Latex Allergens

    • Natural latex contains a protein allergen which can cause a sensitive person to experience an allergic reaction. Latex-sensitive people have symptoms that include sneezing, runny noses, hives and rashes. Highly sensitive people could experience dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, anaphylactic shock and death from even a brief skin contact with a product containing latex protein allergens.

    Dipped Vulcanization Process

    • Products like rubber gloves, condoms, medical catheters, balls and balloons are all usually made from 100 percent natural latex and are manufactured using the dipped vulcanization process. This closed-cell process makes it difficult for the protein allergens to be washed out of the product. The allergens which remain on the surface cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex, particularly when they come in contact with the skin.

    Latex Mattresses

    • Natural latex mattresses are manufactured from latex foam. The manufacturers use the open-cell method, in which the protein allergens are washed out of the product several times in order for the allergens to be made harmless. The completed mattresses and pillows are covered with wool and organic cotton so that the sleeping person's skin never touches the latex directly.

    Considerations

    • In the many years latex mattresses and pillows have been manufactured, neither the manufacturers nor the FDA have received any complaints or reports of anaphylactic shock from a person sleeping on a latex mattress or pillow. However, if you are highly allergic and concerned about buying a latex mattress, you can take a sample of the latex material to your doctor or allergy specialist for testing before investing in a latex mattress.

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