Seven-zone Latex—Does It Make a Difference?
- Author Michael Penny
- Published October 25, 2010
- Word count 556
Many mattress companies these days are advertising latex with five, even seven "zones" of varying densities. Here, we consider what latex zones are, and are not, and why they are mostly irrelevant to sleep comfort.
When a layer of latex is made without zones, it is intended to feel consistent from side to side and head to foot. There’s always minor variability, but latex without zoning doesn’t vary much within each piece. The "zoned" feature can apply to Dunlop latex only, not synthetic blended or natural Talalay. Talalay manufacturing includes a vacuum process that makes the latex uniform throughout, so Talalay latex never has zones.
To make Dunlop latex with multiple zones, a manufacturer varies the pin pattern in the mold, usually from head to foot (not side to side), and usually on the top or bottom of the mold. The mold has pins or steam pegs that stick up from the bottom, and the latex is poured around the pins. The holes in natural latex show where the pins were.
Where more pins are located, there are more holes and less latex, which creates a softer feel. With fewer pins, more latex is distributed, producing a firmer feel. The difference in density and ILD, or indentation load deflection can be scientifically measured.
The question is: even though the zones are visible, do they really improve the sleeping surface? Here are three issues to consider.
Height of the sleeper and zone dimensions
How tall are you and how tall is your partner? It’s uncommon for partners to be exactly the same height; and if you aren’t the same height as your partner, the different zones in your mattress would meet your bodies in different areas.
For example, the shoulders and hips of someone who is 5’2" would lie on certain zones, and the shoulders and hips of their 6’ 1" partner would rest on different zones.
Actual differences in zones
We have examined zoned latex made by multiple manufacturers. In the same sheet of latex, there’s normally little difference from a firmer zone to a softer zone. Often one zone feels no different from another. Differences in firmness will vary more from one piece to another than they do from zone to zone in the same piece.
Support versus pressure relief
How many zones does your body have, and how should those areas feel?
Most of us are heavier in the shoulders and hips, so it makes sense that we need more support in the shoulders and hips in order to stay aligned.
True enough, but some people need more pressure relief in those areas because that’s where the most pressure is created. You can’t have both support and pressure relief in the exact same spot.
Many advertisers may tell you that their mattress offers both support and pressure relief; but the truth is more nuanced: the more supportive foam is in any particular area, the less pressure relieving it is.
It makes sense to be attuned to firmness in your natural latex mattress — and a good mattress will offer the comfort of a soft surface with the right amount of support underneath. In our view, however, zoned latex is often merely used as a selling tool. Your body will tell you which latex is right for you—counting pinholes will not.
Michael Penny is the founder of Savvy Rest Organic Mattresses and an expert on body dynamics and sleep issues. An entrepreneur and a yoga practitioner, Penny brings a unique perspective to the natural mattress industry.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Unlocking Inner Beauty: The Science of Stronger Hair, Radiant Skin, and Resilient Nails.
- The Secret to Silky Skin: Modern Hair Removal Solutions Explained.
- Wildly Elegant: Why Antelope Carpet Is the Ultimate Patterned Carpet for Luxury Homes
- Automatic Driving Lessons in Glasgow: Your Top FAQs Answered by Autogear Experts
- FAQ Guide: Everything Caledon Homeowners Should Know About Choosing Lighting from Fehmi Lights
- The Evolution of Compact Cinema Cameras: From Studio Rigs to Agile Setups
- Smooth Confidence: The Ultimate Guide to Effective Hair Removal.
- The Natural Path to Stronger Hair, Glowing Skin, and Healthier Nails.
- Smooth Skin Ahead: How to Remove Skin Tags Safely and Naturally.
- Smooth Skin Ahead: Natural Paths to Reducing the Appearance of Scars.
- The Art of Carved Doors: From Rustic Charm to Modern Elegance
- The Pediroller: A Simple Tool with a Profound Impact on Foot Health
- Fading Scars Naturally: How to Restore Smoother, Even-Toned Skin.
- Say Goodbye to Skin Tags Naturally: A Complete Guide to Gentle Removal.
- Refresh Your Home with the Carefree Spirit of Boho Decor
- The Charm of Modern Farmhouse Décor
- Luxury That Lasts: Why Happy Feet Flooring Is a Smart Investment
- The Real Reason Bamboo Pajamas Cost More—And Why GYS Makes Them Worth Every Penny
- Mastering Camera Support: How Precision Fluid Heads Transform Cinematic Movement
- Color Reproduction and Skin Tones — The Real Challenge for Modern Cinema Lenses
- The Use of Electric Callus Removers: A Modern Approach to Foot Care
- Clearer Skin Naturally: The Complete Guide to Safe and Effective Skin Tag Removal.
- Fading Scars Naturally: How to Restore Smoother, Even-Toned Skin.
- Varicose Veins Demystified: From Early Warning Signs to Proven Relief.
- Clearer Days Ahead: How to Effectively Treat and Manage Rosacea Symptoms.
- The Death of Expertise: Navigating the Political Landscape
- Hospitality Meets Worship: Church Carpet That Welcomes
- Using Toe Straighteners to Help Foot Problems
- Emerging technologies shaping the future of digital
- Do Magnetic Eyelashes Actually Work?