How Natural Latex Mattresses Are Made | Natural & Organic Mattress Guide – European Bedding
How Natural Latex Mattresses Are Made
Natural latex mattresses are becoming a popular choice in Australia for those seeking a sustainable mattress option that’s breathable, durable, and free from harmful chemicals.
They’re loved for being durable, breathable, and naturally hypoallergenic. Plus, they’re a great option for those who want to avoid synthetic materials and harmful chemicals.
Unlike synthetic foam mattresses, natural latex mattresses come from a renewable source—rubber tree sap. They offer a supportive, responsive feel that adapts to your body, helping to relieve pressure points and improve spinal alignment. They’re also built to last, often outlasting traditional mattresses by several years.
In this article, we’ll explain how natural latex mattresses are made, what certifications to look for when buying one in Australia, and why choosing a high-quality brand like Heveya® can make all the difference.
1. How Natural Latex is Harvested for Mattresses
Every natural latex mattress starts with the Hevea brasiliensis tree, commonly known as the rubber tree. To collect the latex, skilled farmers carefully tap into the tree’s bark. This involves shaving away a very thin layer—about 0.84 centimetres deep—just enough to release the sap without damaging the tree’s health.
Tapping the tree is a delicate process. Done correctly, it doesn’t harm the tree, allowing it to continue producing latex for many years. In fact, a single rubber tree can yield latex for up to 20 to 30 years, making it one of the most sustainable natural materials used in mattress production.
Harvesting typically happens at night or early in the morning. Cooler temperatures prevent the latex from coagulating too quickly, helping farmers collect a cleaner, fresher product.
Each tree produces only a small amount of latex per tapping—around 15 to 25 grams. To create just one queen-sized natural latex mattress, the sap from approximately 12 trees over one week is needed. It’s a slow, careful process, but it’s what gives natural latex its exceptional quality and eco-friendly reputation.
Most of the world’s latex comes from tropical regions like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. These areas provide the warm, humid climate that rubber trees need to thrive naturally, without intensive farming practices.
2. Natural Latex Mattress Foam Preparation
Once the latex sap is collected, it doesn’t go straight into a mattress. First, it needs to be processed—and quickly. Fresh latex is highly perishable, so it’s sent to a nearby processing facility, often located close to the plantations.
The first step is filtering. The liquid latex is carefully strained to remove any impurities like bits of bark or dust picked up during tapping. This keeps the material clean and ensures a more consistent final product.
Next, air is incorporated into the liquid latex. Whipping air into the latex turns it into a light, foamy consistency. This isn’t just for looks—the aeration process helps create the structure and bounce natural latex mattresses are known for. It’s the first step toward transforming the sap into a supportive, breathable mattress core.
At this stage, the latex looks a bit like a thick, silky foam. It’s still raw, though. To finish the transformation into durable mattress material, the latex needs to be moulded and set.
3. Shaping the Latex: Dunlop and Talalay Methods
At this stage, two different processes are used to mould the latex into shape: the Dunlop process and the Talalay process.
What is the Dunlop Latex Process?
The Dunlop process is the more traditional and widely used method for creating natural latex foam. In this method, the foamed latex is poured into a mould all at once and then baked until it sets.
This creates a denser, firmer latex foam—ideal for those who prefer stable, long-lasting support. It’s also a more energy-efficient process, using fewer steps and less machinery, which aligns well with eco-conscious manufacturing principles.
The Dunlop process typically involves fewer processing additives than other methods, making it a cleaner and more natural choice. At European Bedding, we use the Dunlop process exclusively, as it produces a more resilient core that maintains its structure and comfort for years.
What is the Talalay Latex Process?
The Talalay process involves a few extra steps. The latex is only partially poured into a mould, vacuum-sealed to evenly distribute it, flash-frozen to stabilise the structure, and then baked.
This results in a softer, airier foam with a plush feel. However, this method often requires additional gelling agents and stabilisers to maintain the foam’s structure during processing. It’s also more energy-intensive.
While some may enjoy the buoyancy of Talalay latex, the added complexity and softer density may not offer the same level of deep support or durability over time. For those seeking a cleaner, more supportive and sustainable option, Dunlop latex remains the preferred choice.
Choosing Between Dunlop and Talalay Latex
Choosing between Dunlop and Talalay latex often comes down to the feel you prefer—Dunlop offers a firmer, more supportive sleep surface, while Talalay feels softer and more buoyant.
That said, if you’re looking for a more sustainable, durable, and cleaner option, Dunlop latex tends to be the better choice. It uses fewer processing additives, is more energy-efficient to produce, and provides the long-term structure and resilience many sleepers need.
Both types offer the core benefits of natural latex—breathability, pressure relief, and eco-friendliness—but Dunlop stands out for those who value natural simplicity and long-lasting support.
4. Natural Latex Mattress Quality Testing
Once the latex foam has been moulded and cured, it undergoes a meticulous quality inspection to ensure it meets the highest standards for comfort, durability, and safety. This process is essential to guarantee that each mattress delivers consistent performance over time.
The inspection begins with a thorough visual examination. Skilled technicians scrutinise each latex core for surface imperfections such as air pockets, cracks, or uneven textures. Any cores exhibiting these defects are promptly removed from the production line to maintain overall quality.
Following the visual check, the latex undergoes mechanical testing to assess its physical properties. One key test measures the foam’s indentation load deflection (ILD), which evaluates firmness by determining the force required to compress the foam to a specific depth. This ensures that the mattress provides appropriate support and comfort levels.
Durability tests are also conducted to simulate long-term use. For instance, the Rollator test involves repeatedly rolling a heavy barrel over the mattress to mimic years of sleeping. This assesses the foam’s ability to retain its shape and support over time .
At European Bedding, we collaborate with manufacturers like Heveya® who adhere to stringent quality control protocols. Their commitment to excellence ensures that every mattress we offer has been rigorously tested for performance and longevity.
5. Finishing the Latex Core
During the moulding and curing stages, a small layer of uneven material often forms around the edges of the latex core. This is completely normal and happens because of the way latex expands slightly when it’s baked.
Using precision cutting tools, technicians trim away these uneven edges. The goal is to create a clean, uniform shape that fits perfectly inside a mattress cover. This trimming process ensures the mattress looks neat, lies flat, and offers consistent support across the entire surface.
While trimming might seem like a small detail, it’s an important part of delivering a high-quality product. A properly trimmed latex core doesn’t just look better—it helps the mattress wear evenly over time, preventing soft spots or early sagging at the edges.
Once trimmed, the latex cores are inspected one final time to confirm their shape, size, and consistency before moving on to the finishing stage.
6. Natural Latex Mattress Final Assembly
After trimming, the latex core is ready for its final transformation into a finished mattress.
The core is carefully upholstered with a breathable, often organic, fabric cover. Materials like organic cotton, bamboo fibre, or natural wool are commonly used, helping to protect the latex while adding extra softness and breathability.
The cover isn’t just for looks—it plays an important role in regulating temperature and wicking away moisture during the night. Every cover is stitched securely and carefully fitted to ensure the latex core can move naturally while staying properly protected.
At this stage, product tags are attached, certifying the mattress’s materials, certifications, and origin. The mattress is then boxed and prepared for delivery.
Full Latex vs Hybrid Mattresses: What’s the Difference?
When shopping for a natural latex mattress, it’s important to understand the difference between full latex and hybrid latex mattresses—because not all “latex” mattresses are created equal.
A full latex mattress, like the ones we offer at European Bedding, is made entirely of natural latex layers. This provides:
Consistent support across the entire surface
Exceptional breathability and pressure relief
Long-lasting durability and structural integrity
A truly chemical-free and sustainable sleep
In contrast, a hybrid latex mattress usually combines a thin layer of latex with other materials like innerspring coils or synthetic foam. While this may sound like the best of both worlds, the reality is often different.
Many hybrid mattresses use only a small fraction of latex—sometimes as little as 1–2 cm—layered on top of conventional polyurethane foam. These products are frequently marketed as “latex mattresses,” despite being made primarily from synthetic or lower-quality components.
This can be misleading and makes it harder for buyers to know what they’re actually sleeping on.
If your goal is a natural, non-toxic, and long-lasting mattress, a full latex mattress is the more honest and high-performing option.
🛑 Quick Tip: If a mattress is labelled as “latex” but costs significantly less, check the specs—it may contain only a small latex layer over foam or springs. Always ask about the thickness and purity of the latex.
Natural Latex Mattress Certifications (Australia)
If you don’t know where to start when shopping for a natural latex mattress, paying attention to certifications is a great place to begin.
These certifications give you confidence that every step of the process—from how the latex is harvested, to how it’s processed, moulded, and finished—has been done in an eco-friendly, ethical, and high-quality way. They also protect you from marketing claims that sound good but don’t guarantee much.
Here are the key certifications to look for when choosing a natural latex mattress in Australia:
GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)
GOLS certifies that the latex comes from organically grown rubber trees, harvested without the use of harmful chemicals.
It also ensures that social, ethical, and environmental standards are followed throughout processing and manufacturing.
To carry the GOLS label, the latex must contain at least 95% certified organic material.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GOTS certification applies to textile components like the mattress cover.
It guarantees that the cotton or wool used is organic and that strict environmental and social criteria are followed during production.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
This certification means that every component of the mattress has been tested for harmful substances.
It covers not just the latex, but the zippers, threads, and any other materials, ensuring the entire mattress is safe for human health.
eco-INSTITUT Certification
eco-INSTITUT certification focuses on ultra-low emissions and chemical safety.
It ensures the mattress does not release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into your bedroom over time, helping you maintain healthier indoor air quality.
Other Certifications
In Australia, look for any additional local endorsements like GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia), especially for environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
Why Natural Latex Mattresses Are Worth It
Natural latex mattresses offer one of the most sustainable, durable, and healthy sleep options available today.
From careful harvesting of rubber tree sap to expert moulding and rigorous quality testing, every step of the process is designed to create a mattress that supports both your body and the environment.
At European Bedding, we are proud to offer a curated range of natural latex mattresses from trusted suppliers like Heveya®. If you’re looking for a sustainable, certified natural latex mattress in Australia, our range is a great place to start.
Shop our range of Natural Latex Mattresses or visit our showroom to find a mattress that’s better for you AND the planet.
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