When researching a new mattress or pillow, natural latex is becoming a more accessible option.
Before understanding what it is and why it’s a superior sleep surface, let us remind you that we spend ⅓ of our lives in our beds. That’s right - 25 years, on average. Your pillow is next to your largest organ (your skin) which absorbs chemicals from the common pillow. Obviously, your pillow also directly affects the respiratory system.
In other words, what your pillow is made of…matters.
100% Natural latex (and yes, 100% natural makes a difference - when it is a blend or fully synthetic, it’s an apples to oranges comparison) is better for your overall health and the planet.
It’s sustainably derived from the Havea Brasiliensis trees grown primarily in South East Asia.
The list of attributes is long. But here are a few that deserve mention:
Its open celled, pin-core construction allows for breathability and it naturally (with zero chemical fillers) sleeps cool and is temperature regulating.
100% Natural latex is considered a “quick response” foam. Versus a dense memory foam that can end up being too firm, it’s soft and molds to the body for comfort.
In a side-sleeping position, support is critical. 100% Natural latex is naturally supportive. Where you start out is where you end up - without any sinking or compressing during the night. And, it doesn’t break down over time like most pillow fillers.
100% Natural latex is inherently hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial (think dust mites, mold and mildew) and it is resistant to water and sweat. The synthetic and feather fillings in most pillows claim to be “antibacterial” - but any amount of this resistance is achieved chemically, if at all.
Durability is the name of the game. 100% Natural latex mattresses are typically good for 20 years. It is realistic that your 100% natural latex Lunara Wellness Pillow™ won’t need to be replaced for at least 10 years. It’s good for your wallet and the planet too!
The materials in common pillows break down easily and are susceptible to mold, mildew and allergen growth. It is recommended to throw them away every year or two and most aren’t biodegradable and cannot be recycled. 100% Natural latex is biodegradable.
100% Natural latex has also been proven to improve overall respiratory health.
Why didn’t we opt for cheaper, synthetic foam in the Lunara Wellness Pillow™? Here’s a quick view into the yucky truth about those cost effective, synthetic materials:
Synthetic means chemicals. If a product isn’t reliably produced with 100% natural or organic materials, you can assume chemicals. The chemicals that are used in pillows and mattresses are no joke.
A few of the common pollutants are: polyurethane, formaldehyde, ethylene glycol in polyester and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants.. What we know is that all of these synthetic materials have been linked in some way or another to thyroid disruption, neuro-developmental issues and cancer. They absorb into our skin and are emitted into the air for us to breathe when they off-gas.
Research has shown a correlation between synthetic bedding and asthma. It makes sense, right? Through our respiration, we are directly ingesting the fungus and synthetic chemicals found in the common pillow.
Synthetic foam also sleeps hot. As it expands and contracts, polyurethane foam (most memory foam) takes in moisture, old skin and bacteria. It doesn’t resist these allergens and microbes and instead harbors them within the inherent closed cell structure.
The data is in! As with eating clean food, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep - your sleep environment makes a difference.
Sweet Dreams!