- • Where does the latex come from?
A: Latex is derived from the tree sap in the rubber tree. Our latex is from Malaysia. - Is it treated with any chemicals?
A: The tree sap is vulcanised using a very small percentage of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compound) which are washed out of the mattress before testing and packaging. - Does latex have posture zones?
A: Yes our latex is designed with 5 posture zones. - What are posture zones?
A: These allow a person’s body to be moulded into the mattress where support is needed. This feature gives overall body support and in areas such as the hips and shoulders where support is crucial for a good night’s sleep. Giving good lower back support whilst laying on your back and your side. - Is natural latex flame resistant?
A: This is determined by an ember test, to recreate a cigarette falling on to a mattress. Latex without the retardant, will stop an ember from igniting the material, just as a Latex that has been treated with a retardant. However if the latex comes into direct contact with an open flame it will ignite. The difference between the untreated and treated latex is that when the untreated latex would produce a non toxic smoke. However when the treated latex is burning it will produce a toxic smoke, just like all mattresses that have been treated with a flame retardant. (By adding a layer of wool – which is a natural flame retardant – you can eliminate the problem). - What is the difference between the Dunlop process and the Talalay process?
A: Talalay process
The Mixture is frozen which gives a better consistency to the density over the life of the mattress. This means that when you buy a 75kg per cubic meter density natural latex rubber mattress it will remain at 75kg per cubic meter until the end of the life of the mattress. Often this is not considered to be a cost effective method as this process is highly expensive for what might be considered a very small beneficial advantage.A: Dunlop process
This mixture is not frozen which means that the density may change 2 – 3 kg over the life span (up to 25 years) of the natural latex rubber mattress which for the majority of sleepers will be un-noticeable. The natural latex rubber mattress will feel as comfortable and supportive as a natural latex rubber mattress produced using the Talalay process. - Why do some people say they freeze or wash their latex?
A: Freezing is something done only in the Talalay process. Where as washing happens in both Dunlop and Talalay processes all over the world. From Belgium to Malaysia, Italy to New Zealand. - Why is NBC so inexpensive in comparison to other companies?
A: More to the point why are other mattresses so expensive in comparison? We are a small company with only one shop, and our mattresses are hand made by us, these are ways we have kept the cost down. We don’t have quilted pillow tops, or expensive unnecessary coverings, foam or springs which deteriorate the life of the mattress. We don’t pay for brand names or advertise on television. Those are the things you’re paying for when you buy from other stores. - Why doesn’t NBC have inner spring mattresses?
A: Inner spring mattresses are inferior, they don’t offer as much of a consistent support as latex and they also pack down much quicker. Another theory with springs is that the coils charge your body up with Electromagnetic pollution, which can be read about more in MORE INFORMATION (insert Link) - What are the benefits of NBC mattresses?
A: Long Last, No Synthetics, Low Chemical Residue, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Dust-mite Resistant, Supportive, Comfortable, Environmentally friendly, consumer friendly, affordable. - Why do you only have ‘medium-firm’ density latex?
A: The latex is not as firm as you would expect and we find that by adding other things to it – such as coir or wool – we can either make it softer of firmer. We find the medium density to be the best middle ground latex. - What is the difference between fillers and VOC’s in latex?
A: Organic fillers are a natural occurrence in the tree sap, containing roughly 93 – 95% polymer (rubber content) the rest is tree minerals and salts.Most companies’ latex will contain no inorganic fillers. The most common added (inorganic) fillers are China Clay (Kaolin clay), calcium oxide, or titanium dioxide. Using inorganic fillers destroys the antibacterial properties meaning its presence promotes the growth of fungus and bacteria which encourages dust-mites to move in.
- I am chemically sensitive, is latex OK for me?
A: Because everyone is unique we like to send out samples so that you can put them in your pillow or your sock and check to see if you have a reaction. If you do then this isn’t the right product for you. To this day we still haven’t had a customer (even chemically sensitive) that couldn’t use latex. - What is coir?
A: Coir is Rubberised Coco Nut Fibre, the loose fibre is gathered and piled on top of each other where machines pour huge amounts of very hot raw latex over the fibre. It is then compressed and cut, washed, and packaged. A firmer more air rated core to a mattress, fantastic for firm mattress lovers, children’s mattresses, and cot mattresses. - Can dust mites live in Latex or coir?
A: No because of the natural properties of the rubber tree both the latex and coir are natural dust-mite resistant. Also the make up of latex means dust-mites can’t live in there. - Can dust mites live in cotton and wool?
A: Yes dust-mites love cotton, not wool as much but they can still make a home in it. By using mattress protectors or ensuring your mattress has a large latex core you should eliminate the problems of dust-mites, unless you have severe allergies, then we recommend the latex and hemp mattress. This is 100% dust-mite resistant. - What are the benefits of wool or cotton?
A; Wool is a good temperature regulator keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Although it packs down it tends to spring back a lot quicker than most other similar fibres. Cotton is cooler all year round. Starts of soft but does pack down to become quite hard. Absorbs more moisture than other similar fibres. - I get hot on my latex mattress, what can I do?
A: A simple but effective solution is to purchase a 2” cotton mattress that will sit on top of your current mattress. This works well cos cotton does not allow the heat to pass through and keeps your cooler all year round. - Will the wool in the mattress settle down?
A: Unfortunately wool does settle down. The more wool you have the worse the impact of the settling down will have. - What is the life of the mattress?
A: Anywhere from 5 years (cotton or wool futons, inner springs, foam, latex with added fillers, synthetic latex) to 25 years (pure 100% natural latex with no foam or springs). - What is the life of the individual pillows?
A: It’s good to change your pillow every 2 – 5 years. However, if your pillow is still working for you then you can have it longer. It may be a good idea to put it in the sun every now and again to kill germs and dust mites. - If latex doesn’t grow mold, why do I have to turn my mattress?
A: Because our mattresses are so natural and we haven’t covered our fabrics with toxic anti fungal, and anti bacterial sprays, if moisture gathers at the bottom of the mattress and isn’t rotated and turn it could possibly go moldy, so turn your mattress at least once every 2 months. - What glue do you use when making your bed frames?
A: The glue is water based glue. - What is the pine or other timber treated with?
A: All of our timber is untreated, and can either be stained or oiled or left raw for the finished product. - What discount can you give me?
A: We offer, a 2ser discount, and be sure to ask this question when you’re ready to buy because who knows what discount will be on offer on that day. - What are the benefits of latex over innerspring mattresses?
A: Latex’s main selling point is that it wont pack down for up to 25 years. Where as a spring mattress will pack down in about 5 – 8 years, and right where you are the heaviest making the mattress incredible uncomfortable and offering very little to no posture support. Other benefits for latex include no additives, no flame retardants, or dust-mite sprays. Most spring mattresses will contain synthetic foam. Our latex mattresses do not need foam as they offer enough comfort with out the inferiority of foam. - What is the difference between dust mites and bed bugs?
A: Dust is created by microscopic dust-mites eating dead skin cells, hair cells, from you body that have made there way into your mattress, they then poo this out, that’s what dust is. Dust can trigger allergies, including, asthma and other breathing and skin allergies,A bedbug (or bed bug) is a small nocturnal insects that lives by feeding on the blood of humans and other warm blooded hosts. They are drawn to areas of great warmth and carbon dioxide. It is common to have an infestation if the house keeping is poor and there is a lot of clutter. If you have found or infestation or think you have bed bugs, call a licensed exterminator and they can sort out the problem.
- How do you get rid of dust mites?
It’s virtually impossible, by using products that are dust-mite resistant you will reduce the amount of dust-mites in the house. Latex, Silk, Bamboo, & Hemp are all naturally dust-mite resistant. Some customers have suggested lavender. If the problem persists contact a dust-mite specialist. - How do you get rid of bed bugs?
A: Do not try to get rid of them yourself. You don’t want to be sleeping on toxic chemicals. Leave it to the professionals. Bed Bugs are clumsy, so if you move your mattress they will probably fall off and spread throughout your house. You can put tins with cooking oil under the legs of the bed as this will make the legs slippery and they wont be able to climb up them. - How do you get bed bugs?
A: Bed bugs don’t just hide in beds they hide in the seams of clothing and if you rub up against someone who is (unknowingly) carrying them they will transfer to your clothes and when you walk in your door you have brought them home. They may possibly be in the house already but lying dormant, and when there is a huge disturbance (like renovations) they may be brought up to the surface. They like dark corners and crevices. - What is the benefit of having you mattress cover in hemp/organic cotton?
A: Hemp is an amazing fibre, very strong, very long lasting, softens with each wash, naturally dustmite resistant. But also requires very little water and pesticides to grow. So apart from have a very strong long lasting fibre you are also getting a material that has been grown and processes with no chemicals. - What are the benefits of bamboo?
A: Bamboo is natural dust-mite resistant just like hemp and also like hemp it’s a very strong long lasting fibre that requires very little water or pesticides and grows wild in many places. Bamboo unlike hemp is extremely soft. - What is the best cot mattress for my new baby?
A: The Natural Bedding Company offers two types of mattresses suitable for for babies. Both have a Rubberised coconut fibre core (Coir) which offers great firm but springy support it allows a great amount of airflow keeping the child cool. Adding a layer of wool will offer a soft comfort layer, and good temperature regulator. Cotton will keep the child cool all year round but packs down much quicker than wool. Airing the mattress in the sun will rejuvenate the wool and cotton. - What is the best mattress to minimise partner disturbance?
A: Spring mattresses seem to be the worst for partner disturbance, by using latex for the core of the mattress you will reduce partner disturbance if not eradicate it all together. All of our latex mattress score high in reduction of partner disturbance. - How quickly will i have my mattress once I have bought it?
A: All stock items take 1 week. Custom orders including cots and hemp covered mattresses will take 2 weeks. - How quickly can i have my bed from ordering it?
A: No one wants to wait… Each bed is individually constructed and this process takes 4 – 5 weeks to ensure a high quality product. - What are VOC’s?
A: Volatile Organic Compounds. Compounds that have turned from a solid to a gas. - Where do you get your timber from?
A: Our timber falls under the government’s ecoSelect program which follows stringent laws and regeneration processes for felling and replanting. - Is it environmentally ok?
A: All hardwood trees whether planted with ecoSelect or not will still take 200 years to grow back to a fully matured tree. Our products however are built to last. Sustainable furniture that doesn’t go to landfill. The majority of hardwood trees cut down in Australia are wood chipped and sold overseas for only US$159 a tonne which is then turned into paper and purchased back by Australia. Contribute to sustainable furniture by buying Australian Hardwood Products that offer 10 year guarantees.
If you have any questions that have not been addressed hear please contact us via email info@naturalbedding.com.au or phone 02 9569 4834
