Latex pillows

Sleep is necessary for a person to recuperate and strengthen his immunity, his well-being, performance and mood depend on his quality, therefore he must be comfortable and healthy.

One of the means to make nightlife as effective as possible is a latex pillow, an accessory that is becoming increasingly popular among people of different ages and recommended by leading medical specialists.

The universal latex pillow owes its wide and growing popularity numerous advantages, among which:

• The ability to quickly absorb moisture, which allows not to experience discomfort even with increased perspiration.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Environmental friendliness and safety for the health of children and adults.
• The good air permeability provided by a spongy structure of material. Due to this, the absorbed moisture also evaporates quickly, and the pillow does not require additional drying.
• Thermoregulation. The latex pillow does not heat up.
• Durability. The minimum product lifetime guaranteed by the manufacturers is 10 years.
• An obstacle to the multiplication of pathogens, dust mites.
• Dust-resistant properties.
• Noiselessness - the product does not rustle and does not interfere with restful sleep.

At the same time, the latex pillow is able to “adapt” to the shape of the body, having an orthopedic effect, and is able to quickly restore its shape.

Disadvantages latex models of accessories for sleep, most often, include their high cost.

Another disadvantage is the specific milky smell of the new product, which can irritate people with a particularly sensitive sense of smell. True, after a few days or after thorough ventilation, the smell disappears.

Before answering this question, it is necessary to consider in detail the characteristics of polyurethane and polyurethane foam models.

Both are fully synthetic products. The name of polyurethane foam better known in life - foam rubber. True, modern material in its characteristics is significantly different from foam, known to older generations.

Dust mites will never be used in polyurethane and polyurethane foam, which means that the materials can be classified as hypoallergenic. In addition, products made from them are much more affordable for latex models.

The rest of the comparison is not in their favor:

• The orthopedic properties of polyurethane and polyurethane foam products leave much to be desired. A new pillow with such fillers is quite elastic and allows you to keep your head and neck in the correct position. However, after a while, it loses its elasticity, deforms and becomes uncomfortable.
• The maximum service life of standard low-cost models from PUF is about 5 years, that is, two times less than that of latex counterparts. Over time, the polyurethane foam product does not just lose its shape, the filler begins to break down.Sunlight contributes to this to a large extent (the more it gets on the bed, the faster the pillow will become unusable).
• Also, like latex, foam rubber is highly hygroscopic. At the same time, despite the statements made by manufacturers, PPU does not belong to "breathing" materials. Therefore, unlike latex, it does not allow the accumulated moisture to evaporate quickly. This increases the likelihood that you will sleep on a wet pillow.
• In addition, due to the constant absorption of moisture, the product of polyurethane foam and polyurethane is quickly polluted and requires cleaning and drying. Cleaning such products is not always easy - most of them are practically not washed in the washing machine, so you have to resort to dry cleaning services.

The range of accessories for sleep latex are products of various forms. The most popular and sought after are:

• "Horseshoe". The model allows to relax the neck muscles as much as possible during sleep. Many believe that it is intended exclusively for travel, however, it is quite possible to use it at home, for a night’s sleep and a day’s rest in a chair or on a sofa.

• Rollers. Provide the most correct body position during sleep. Recommended for sleeping in a side position. Putting this accessory can be not only under the head, but also under the waist. This will significantly reduce the risk of pain and discomfort in the back.

• To support the back and body. Such pillows completely envelop the body, supporting not only the head and neck, but the entire body. They can not only sleep, but also relax in comfort in a chair. Such products are particularly popular with pregnant women and young mothers, as they allow better sleep in late pregnancy and are very convenient when feeding babies.

• Classic square and rectangular. In such models, the orthopedic effect is achieved due to the elasticity of the material and a small depression in the center.

• Contour. They have a notch for the head and are equipped with two rollers of various sizes. Different height of rollers increases comfort when using the product in different positions. The lower roller is ideal for those who like to sleep on their backs, and the taller one is for those who prefer to rest lying on their side. Comfortable such a pillow for obese people.

The choice of form is a matter solely of the taste and wishes of the buyer, although sometimes certain types of products are recommended to their patients by orthopedists and surgeons to treat and maintain the spine, muscles of the back and neck.

The sizes of orthopedic latex pillows, as well as their forms, can be completely different. In their manufacture, the manufacturer takes into account the width of the shoulders and the height of the sleeper's neck.

The range includes standard squares of 70x70 cm and elongated models of 50x70 or 60x40 cm. The dimensions of the rollers, as a rule, are 38x40 cm. On average, the product length can vary from 40 to 80 cm, and width - from 30 to 50 cm .

The size range of models designed for the head and body is represented by the following parameters:

• 170x30 cm;
• 190x35 cm;
• 280x35 cm;
• 340x35 cm and others.

In addition to the width and length, models of latex products for sleep differ in height. The standard height of orthopedic latex pillows is from 10 to 16 cm. At the same time, children's models have their own standards - their thickness is much less than in adults.

Latex can be natural and synthetic.

The first is a substance, known as rubber, and derived from the juice of Hevea. Natural latex is almost devoid of flaws.

Synthetic material in its physical and chemical indicators is close to natural, but differs from it in structure. At the same time, it has increased rigidity, which allows products to withstand increased loads. However, due to the peculiarities of production, its service life is significantly reduced.

Made of artificial material from a complex foamed polyester. Despite the great similarity, it is quite simple to distinguish natural from artificial material. The first is characterized by a yellowish tinge and a slight smell of powdered milk, the second is white with a flavored odor.

Currently, there are several different technologies for the production of natural and synthetic latex pillows.

Natural material. In fact, the natural filler is not entirely composed of the hevea milky juice. It consists of up to 37% juice, 52-60% water and a small amount of additives from minerals, resins, proteins and sugar.All these additives are necessary to improve the quality of the material and extend its service life, since pure rubber can be exposed to temperatures and change its properties.

The production process begins with the collection of the milky juice. For this, an incision is made on the trunk of the tree. The collection is held at night in order to start processing it in the morning. Otherwise, the rubber will harden and become unsuitable for the manufacture of orthopedic pillows.

At the enterprises, the milky juice is cleared of impurities, after which ammonia is added as a preservative, and formic or acetic acid is added as a coagulant. Thoroughly mixed mass smoked, dried and in the form of crumbs or sheets straightened further.

The subsequent process may be different:

• Dunlop is a classic production. The method has been known since 1929 and is based on mixing liquid latex with air, after which it is poured into perforated molds and heated. With such a system, the finished material has practically no ability to "breathe."
• Talalay is a more advanced system that appeared in the second half of the last century. Its principal difference is the evacuation of air from the molds, after pouring a liquid material into them and subsequent freezing. As a result of such manipulations, the structure of the raw material changes, air bubbles burst, and the product becomes "breathable." This process takes more time. But on the other hand, pillows produced by this technology have much better quality characteristics.

In the production of artificial latex can also be used two different methods:

• Periodic (box). Here, the necessary components are mixed in special boxes, which can be equipped with vacuum chambers. This method is suitable for the manufacture of small quantities of goods. At the same time, the final product will not be of very high quality.
• Continuous (conveyor). With this method, the chemical mixture is continuously fed to the conveyor, at the end of which it is cut into blocks and undergoes a solidification process. This method makes the structure of synthetic latex more uniform and qualitative.

Depending on the technology used, the cost of finished products also changes.The most budget will be synthetic "box", and the most expensive - natural, made by Talalay system. Here, as they say, everyone is free to choose according to his taste and wallet.

A high-quality latex pillow can not only maintain the human musculoskeletal system in the correct and comfortable position, but also improve the blood supply and restore even breathing, eliminating spasms. In addition, it is comfortable to sleep in any conditions - even in hot weather in a stuffy room.

Therefore, doctors often recommend the use of such pillows for people suffering from:

• snoring;
• disturbed blood flow in the cervical region;
• excessive pressure in the intervertebral discs;
• chronic diseases of the neck and spine;
• regular migraines.

A good option would be such a product for those who suffer from insomnia, and waking up, experiencing fatigue and dizziness. Pregnant women and the elderly are also among those who are recommended such accessories for sleep.

However, latex orthopedic pillows are designed not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of many diseases, so there are no restrictions on their use.

The latex pillow will bring the maximum benefit only if it is correctly selected.

When choosing it is worth paying special attention to quality, which largely depends on the type of filler. If the seller claims that natural latex is used as the latter, then it will be useful:

• Familiarize yourself with the product certificate by first checking that the document number matches the one on the pillow.
• Make sure that the product is made in the country in which the hevea really grow (due to the nature of the raw materials, most enterprises are located near the place of production).
• Try to bend the pillow and push it hard. Natural filler quickly straightened without the formation of creases.
• Smell the product. It smells of milk - natural, another smell - artificial.

Not less vigilance should be shown when choosing a model of synthetic material, since some manufacturers may well add to the chemical composition all sorts of impurities that have a negative impact on human health.

The full composition of synthetic latex must be specified in the product documents.

An equally important selection criterion is size. A cushion with a height of 10-14 cm is considered to be universal. However, when choosing this option, it is important to consider shoulder width. The larger it is, the higher the product should be.

Men, for example, will fit the highest pillows, women - no more than 10 cm. For a teenager the height from 8 to 9.5 cm will be ideal, and for younger children - from 4 to 8 cm.

In the latter case, the child’s age plays a big role in choosing:

• newborns require the lowest models up to 3 cm high;
• from 0.5 to 2 years - 3 cm;
• from 3 to 5 years - 3.5 - 4 cm;
• from 5 to 9-10 years old - 7-8 cm high.

Due to the features of latex products, to care for them is quite simple. It is necessary to wash only the removable cover, while the pollution itself can be wiped with a damp sponge without pressure or rinsed in cool water and allowed to drain.

When washing the latex model, powders, soaps, bleaches and other chemicals should not be used. They dry such pillows in a well-ventilated area without direct sunlight, since ultraviolet light can damage the structure of the material.

If you follow these simple rules, the pillow will give your hosts a healthy sweet sleep for many years.

The vast majority of feedback on latex pillows is positive.

At the same time, many users note that with a sharp transition from bulky downy, sinteponovy and other soft products, latex at first seem to be not sufficiently comfortable. However, having gotten used, I simply will not want to sleep on others.

For some people, latex products have become a real salvation. Especially a lot of positive feedback from those who previously suffered from headaches and discomfort in the cervical region.

Having bought a latex model, they completely forgot about their problems, and every morning they wake up completely rested,vigorous and full of strength.

The convenience and benefits of such pillows are appreciated by pregnant women. They note that even in the last stages of pregnancy, sleep due to latex products can be quite comfortable and sound.

No less satisfied and young mothers. For them, the biggest advantage of such products is a quiet sleep of a child - on such pillows even the smallest children wake up much less often than their peers.

And, of course, such characteristics of latex pillows as durability and ease of operation are not ignored. Among the disadvantages of latex pillows, many buyers point out their high cost, however, those who decide to buy are confident that health and comfort during sleep are worth it.

The following video tells about the production of latex pillows and mattresses.