Latex Toppers: The Natural, Sustainable Choice for Better Sleep

Latex Toppers: The Natural, Sustainable Choice for Better Sleep

When it comes to choosing the right mattress topper, you may find latex to be a new, even unfamiliar material. But don’t let that deter you. Latex is one of nature’s miracle materials, offering a range of benefits that not only improve your sleep but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Why Choose Latex?

Latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees, making it a renewable and biodegradable resource. Unlike synthetic foam toppers, which are made from non-renewable materials and do not break down easily, natural latex is free from harmful chemicals like glues and foams. This eliminates any risk of off-gassing, making it an eco-friendly and health-conscious choice for sleepers.

In addition to its sustainability, natural latex is perforated with thousands of ventilation holes, allowing for better airflow and a cooler sleep experience. Latex’s natural breathability prevents heat from being trapped, helping hot sleepers maintain a more comfortable temperature throughout the night.

The Benefits of Latex Toppers

A natural latex topper can transform your sleep setup by adding a layer of plush, supportive comfort. Whether you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper, or someone who frequently changes positions, a latex topper provides just the right amount of pressure relief, especially for those with chronic back pain.

The springy, responsive nature of latex makes it particularly beneficial for stomach and back sleepers, providing the support necessary to keep the spine in neutral alignment. For side sleepers, a soft latex topper offers the perfect balance of support and give, reducing pressure on the shoulders and hips.

Zenna latex mattress toppers are designed to alleviate back pain, help hot sleepers, and promote better overall spinal health. The open-cell structure of the latex allows for excellent air circulation, reducing body heat and ensuring you stay cool throughout the night.

Firmness and Sleep Position

Your sleep position is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a mattress topper. If you tend to sleep on your back or stomach, a medium or firm latex topper offers the necessary support to keep your hips and shoulders aligned, preventing them from sinking too deeply into the mattress.

Latex toppers come in a range of firmness levels, from plush (soft) to firm, allowing you to choose the right fit for your unique sleep needs. Back and stomach sleepers generally benefit from a firmer option, while side sleepers often find a softer topper more comfortable, as it gives just enough to cradle the shoulders and hips.

Natural vs. Synthetic Latex

When it comes to latex, there are two main types to choose from: natural and synthetic. Natural latex is harvested from rubber tree sap, making it durable, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and eco-friendly. Synthetic latex, on the other hand, is more affordable but generally considered less durable and environmentally friendly.

If you’re in the market for a natural latex topper, it’s essential to look for certifications that guarantee its purity and safety. Certifications like the Eco-Institut ensure that the latex is 100% pure and free from filling materials, while the Oeko-Tex Class1 certification guarantees that the product contains no harmful materials and safe for humans.

European-Made Quality

Zenna latex toppers are made in Europe, where latex manufacturing standards are among the highest in the world. These toppers are designed to hold their shape and feel for years, offering exceptional durability. They can also be flipped and turned, which helps maximize their lifespan.

Understanding Dunlop and Talalay Latex

When researching latex toppers, you’ll come across two terms: Dunlop and Talalay. These are not types of latex but rather two distinct production methods. Zenna uses the Dunlop method, which produces a denser latex, resulting in a topper that offers superior support and durability. After vulcanization (the process of hardening latex), the toppers are rinsed with water to ensure purity, then dried for final use.

Conclusion: A Sustainable, Comfortable Choice

Investing in a natural latex topper not only improves your sleep but also contributes to a more sustainable future. By choosing a Zenna latex topper, you’re opting for a product that is renewable, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals. Whether you need relief from back pain, tend to sleep hot, or simply want a more comfortable sleeping surface, a latex topper is a versatile and eco-friendly solution.

So, if you’re ready to enhance your sleep experience and reduce your environmental impact, a Zenna natural latex topper is a choice you can feel good about.

Why is Choice Magazine the most credible Review Company in Australia?

Why is Choice Magazine the most credible Review Company in Australia?

Why is Choice Magazine the most credible Review Company in Australia?

 
How Choice Tests Mattresses (Choice Magazine)

“Despite the obvious assumption, Choice doesn’t test mattresses by taking naps on the job. Choice experts examine spring, foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses from traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers and online-only bed-in-a-box manufacturers to help you find a bed that best suits your needs.”

On this page:

  • How Choice chooses what they test
  • How Choice tests mattresses
  • What their tests cover
  • Test criteria explained
  • Environmental impact score
  • How they score mattresses
 
How Choice Chooses What They Test

Their priority is to test what you’ll find in shops. This means that sometimes Choice might not cover a brand with one mattress that’s sold 100 products in Australia. Instead, Choice checks current market figures to see what’s selling well and focus on the big brand models that sell in their thousands. Choice also includes models that you’ve requested – if a lot of members want it, they’re going to test it.

Retailer mattresses: Choice selects mattresses from major brands like Sealy, SleepMaker, and A.H. Beard based on feedback from member surveys. They also select one exclusive model from third-party retailers such as Snooze, Forty Winks, and Ikea, so you can consider alternatives to the big names.

Mattress-in-a-box: Choice buys these (also known as bed-in-a-box) from popular manufacturers, and compares them to a traditional store-bought innerspring mattress. Though mostly made of memory foam and latex, you can find some innerspring bed-in-a-box brands.

Choice tests firm mattresses where available. Most bed-in-a-box manufacturers sell one or two mattresses with one firmness configuration, typically medium or medium-firm. If the mattress is adjustable, such as the Sleeping Duck Mach II, Choice orders and tests it in the firm configuration. Their decision to focus on firm models was also directed by member feedback from their CHOICE Community forum.

When Choice knows what you want, their buyers go out and purchase the products from a variety of retailers, both in person and online. This means they get what you’d get, so they can be sure the results are what you’ll find.

Re-testing Existing Products

It’s not uncommon for mattress manufacturers to update their products over time while selling them under the same name. Choice will re-test a mattress if the materials and/or structural design has changed, as they consider this to be a different product. When this happens, they put the year of release next to the model name, e.g. “Koala Mattress (2021 model)”.

Choice contacts manufacturers prior to each test to find out whether changes have been made to previously tested mattresses that are still being sold. If this information isn’t supplied, Choice checks the specifications for significant differences in thickness and weight, as these usually indicate changes to the design and materials.

 
How Choice Tests Mattresses

Opinions on mattresses are subjective. What one person might consider comfortable, another might find punishing. That’s why manufacturers make mattresses with varying degrees of firmness. A good mattress will retain its properties over a lifetime, not getting any less or more firm over eight years of use.

Choice aims to identify if the mattress will change in firmness over time or whether you can rely on it to deliver the same standard of comfort that convinced you to buy it in the first place. Retail and mattress-in-a-box models were tested under the same conditions, using the same methodology in partnership with independent labs in Europe.

Comfort and comfort retention is based on results at each 5th percentile end of the bell curve. Up until recently, Choice conducted these tests on people chosen to comply with the 5th percentile (female 1.55m/54kg) and the 95th percentile (male 1.91m/104kg). Choice has since switched to dummies that comply to female (1.55m/55kg) and male (1.9m/100kg) heights and weights. This range covers 90% of the general population and is similar enough to allow their current results to be comparable with previous tests.

The Mattress Testing Standard

Australia does not have an enforceable standard for adult mattresses. This more or less means that manufacturers can set their own guidelines when it comes to making claims about the functional characteristics of their mattresses, specifically firmness and durability. Because of this, Choice results are based on the European Standard CSN EN 1957. Even though this standard isn’t mandatory in Australia, local manufacturers are aware of it and it’s adhered to in numerous countries.

 
What Their Tests Cover

Usage wear/damage: Choice rolls a cask-shaped roller over each mattress for 30,000 cycles to simulate around eight years of use. Visible damage such as cracking, broken springs, or pilling contributes to the usage wear/damage score. A higher score here means less damage to the mattress.

Firmness: This is determined by applying a specific pressure to the centre of the mattress, then recording the impression created at three points. These results are interpreted into a hardness value.

Comfort (unused): Before the usage wear/damage test, Choice conducts a comfort assessment when the mattress is brand new, taking into account body support in dorsal and lateral positions.

Dorsal (on back): Choice uses 36 measuring points to register the test subject’s body sinking into the surface of the mattress.

Lateral (on side): Choice marks five aligned spots on the spine of a standing test dummy. They take photos of the test subject lying on the mattress to analyse the distance and angles between the spots. Results for both positions are compared to an index of optimum support examples. These are tested with dummies equivalent to a small woman and large man.

 


Comfort retention after eight years: Choice runs the comfort test a second time under the same conditions, using male and female dummies, after the usage wear/damage test. Then they measure the differences and score. Higher-scoring mattresses show less change to their original comfort score over time. The overall score in this test is not an average of the separate male and female tests; instead it’s a separate test conducted with a male and female on the mattress at the same time.

Stabilisation: Using an oscilloscope, Choice measures the movement of the mattress after a standard impact (17.5kg), simulating the turning body of a sleeping person. They also count the number of bounces up and down before the mattress is calm again. They run two tests: one to simulate bounces for a single sleeper, and a second to simulate the impact of movement on a second sleeper. Higher-scoring mattresses exhibited fewer bounces and less movement during standard impact.

Sagging: Choice measures height and firmness when the mattress is brand new, then again after the usage wear/damage test. After that, they calculate the difference and score accordingly.

Sweat repellent (technical): Choice performs this test in a climate chamber at 37°C for five hours. They place a measuring vessel around the mattress so that moisture added escapes through to it. The vessel is weighed before and after testing to determine permeability and water intake of the mattress.

Insulation (mattress warmth): Choice places a copper plate on each mattress and heats it to 37°C, then measures the amount of energy it takes to keep the plate at that temperature on the mattress over the course of eight hours. This is recorded in kilowatt hours (kWh). Then they use a relative scale to classify the energy used in everyday language – if lots of energy is required, then that means the mattress is ‘cool’, as it efficiently moves the heat away from your body through the mattress. If less energy is required, it’s classified as warm.

Test Criteria Explained

The CHOICE Expert Rating, their overall score that determines which products they recommend, is made up of:

  • Comfort score when the mattress is brand new (male and female average, 30%)
  • Comfort retention score after eight years (30%)
  • Stabilisation score (15%)
  • Sagging score (10%)
  • Sweat repellent score (10%)
  • Usage wear/damage score (5%)

Weightings are in brackets.

 
Environmental Impact Score

Their environmental impact score focuses on the carbon footprint of manufacturing the mattress materials, recyclability, and build quality. A well-made mattress doesn’t need to be replaced as often, which reduces the number of mattresses that need to be manufactured and cuts down on landfill.

The environmental impact score is made up of:

  • Carbon footprint (40%)
  • Recyclability (40%)
  • Build quality (20%)

Washability scores are published where covers are removable but don’t contribute to the environmental impact score. The environmental impact score does not contribute to the CHOICE Expert Rating, as not all covers can be removed for cleaning.

Carbon Footprint

This refers to the amount of carbon dioxide produced during the manufacturing of each mattress, such as the carbon impact of producing one kilogram of cotton. This doesn’t factor in transporting the materials or mattresses as these figures vary depending on location.

Recyclability

This score is made up of:

  • Number of materials used: Many mattress materials can be recycled but they need to be separated. Processes differ and some can’t be recycled at all. More materials can make the process harder, so models with fewer materials score higher.
  • Ease of layer separation for disposal: If layers are glued together and unable to be separated easily, the parts may end up in landfill instead. Springs are also checked to see if they are clamped in or affixed to other layers with wires. Mattresses that can be easily separated into recyclable and non-recyclable layers score higher.
  • Number of layers: Mattresses with a high number of layers are harder to deconstruct for recycling or disposal. More layers mean lower scores in Choice test.

We cut each mattress open to identify the materials, the amount used and how the layers were put together. This includes cutting the corner off each mattress for cross-sectional photographs, which you can view in our test.

Build quality

We also check the workmanship of the mattress. We look for the distance of stitches (mm) on the surface and zipper, loose threads, tension, rippled zipper, discharge of polyester wadding and skewed seams. Poorly constructed mattresses need to be replaced more frequently, which has a negative impact on the environment.

 
Cover washability and durability

Can the cover be removed, washed and easily refitted? A washable cover can extend the lifespan of the mattress, as it’s the main point of contact between the mattress and your body.

Removable covers are washed in accordance to the given instructions. If no instructions, the cover is washed at 60°C. If the care instructions indicate a washing temperature lower than 60°C, then the cover is washed at this temperature, and then again at 60°C.

We look for any signs of wear or damage after washing is complete, such as stretching or shrinking. To do this, we mark the cover before washing (usually 180cm x 80cm), then measure the distance between the markings after the wash cycle is done. We also conduct a visual inspection for fading.

 
How we score mattresses

We recommend mattresses with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 75%. This increased from 70% in May 2021 and has been retroactively applied to all previously tested mattresses. Mattresses that score between 70% and 75% are still worth considering.

The unused comfort score shows how comfortable and supportive the mattress is when it’s brand new. Mattresses with a higher score here are more comfortable.

Comfort retention after eight years is a bit different. Here, the score indicates how similar the mattress feels to the way it felt out of the box after eight years of use. For example, if a mattress earned an out-of-the-box comfort score of 75%, then 95% after the eight years of use test, it will feel very similar after eight years and the comfort level would still be considered good.

A mattress with a sagging score of 95% is excellent, which indicates limited sagging, whereas a score of 60% is OK, which indicates substantial sagging

Conversely, a mattress with an out-of-the-box comfort score of 30% and a score after eight years of use of 95% will still feel poor after eight years. The feel of a mattress with an out-of-the-box score of 80% will be noticeably different if the eight-year use score is around 70%.

Comfort retention after eight years only relates to the unused comfort score – it doesn’t mean that the mattress comfort became ‘excellent’ after eight years. We include this score as mattress comfort is subjective, so we like to highlight mattresses that show little signs of change over their lifetime. 

Our sagging score is the same. It doesn’t show how much the mattress has sagged over eight years, but rather how it performed. A mattress with a sagging score of 95% is excellent, which indicates limited sagging, whereas a score of 60% is OK, which indicates substantial sagging.

The usage wear/damage score also takes this approach. A score of 95% indicates limited damage over time. Sweat repellent score, meanwhile, shows how poor, good, or excellent the mattress is at expelling fluid and skin.

The Worlds Greenest Factory​

The Worlds Greenest Factory

Sustainability at our European Manufacturer: 

Leading the Way in Environmental Responsibility for decades, our European Manufacturer has been a pioneer in sustainable business development, consistently striving to minimise its environmental impact. As an industry leader, we have implemented several groundbreaking initiatives that set us apart:

Water Treatment Plant and Green Energy Usage: 

Our European Manufacturer was the first in our market to establish its own water treatment plant, ensuring responsible water management. We also proudly employ 100% green energy in our manufacturing processes, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources and decreasing our carbon footprint. Additionally, we have made significant investments in solar panels to generate renewable electricity, further demonstrating our commitment to sustainable energy practices.

Sustainable Raw Materials: 

Sustainability is at the core of our production processes, starting with the selection of raw materials. Every mattress from our European Manufacturer contains 100% natural latex derived from the juice of the tropical rubber tree (Hevea Brasiliensis). This natural raw material is renewable and inexhaustible. Globally, rubber trees neutralise over 90 million tons of CO2 annually, emphasising the positive impact of our raw material choice on the environment.

Energy Consumption Reduction: 

Over the past eight years, Our European Manufacturer has made remarkable strides in reducing energy consumption. Our investments in cutting-edge technologies and continuous efforts to optimise energy use have resulted in an impressive nearly 50% reduction. Additionally, we have made significant commitments to solar energy by installing solar panels on our facilities. Any remaining electricity not generated internally is sourced from 100% certified green energy providers, ensuring a sustainable energy mix.

Wastewater Recycling and Closed-Loop Water Circuit: 

Our European Manufacturer has made substantial investments in advanced wastewater recycling technology. Our innovative techniques, recognised through multiple industry awards, enable intensive purification of wastewater for reuse. By operating with a closed-loop water circuit, we minimise water waste and promote responsible water management, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.

Recycling Waste through our European Manufacturer Solutions: 

17 years ago, we established our European Manufacturer Solutions, a subsidiary focused on converting latex waste into new and useful products. Through this initiative, we annually repurpose 4,000 tons of waste, contributing significantly to waste reduction and the circular economy.

Environmental Care Award: 

Our European Manufacturer’s exemplary practices in selective collecting, sorting, and recycling have earned us the prestigious Environmental Care award. This recognition underscores our commitment to protecting the environment and driving innovation in sustainability.

Certifications: 

At our European Manufacturer, we uphold stringent quality standards. Our products are certified to meet recognised industry certifications and guidelines, ensuring safety, durability, and environmental responsibility.

Our European Manufacturer continues to prioritise sustainability, actively seeking ways to further reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. We remain dedicated to pioneering innovative practices that promote responsible business development and protect our planet for generations to come.

Best Luxury Mattress for 2023

Best Luxury Mattress for 2023

When it comes to selecting the ultimate luxury mattress for 2023, there are several crucial factors to consider. Luxury encompasses more than just aesthetics and price tags; it involves high-quality materials, exceptional comfort, durability, and numerous other qualities. In the quest for the best luxury mattress, the Zenna pure natural latex mattress stands out as the clear frontrunner, offering many exceptional features.

One standout aspect of the Zenna mattress is its unparalleled lifespan. Unlike traditional innerspring, memory foam, or standard foam mattresses, the Zenna mattress is designed to provide luxurious comfort for an extended period. With proper care, you can expect to enjoy its exceptional comfort and support for an impressive 25 to 30 years. Adding to its allure, the Zenna mattress comes with an outstanding 25-year warranty that ensures a free replacement without any proration. This remarkable longevity speaks volumes about the enduring luxury it provides.

When it comes to comfort, the Zenna mattress truly excels. Its unique latex composition, coupled with the aerated sap used in its manufacturing process, creates an environment that fosters a cooler and more comfortable sleep compared to conventional foam mattresses. The Zenna’s open cell structure promotes breathability, effectively preventing heat buildup and ensuring a refreshing and undisturbed sleep experience. Recognising its exceptional cooling properties, The Choice magazine has awarded the Zenna mattress the distinction of being the only cool latex mattress available in the market. For individuals seeking true luxury, the Zenna mattress becomes an obvious choice.

Beyond comfort, the Zenna mattress also offers the luxury of a healthier sleep environment. Latex, as a natural material, possesses inherent properties that resist the growth of mould, mildew, and dust mites. This makes the Zenna mattress an ideal choice, particularly for individuals with asthma or severe allergies. Furthermore, the luxury of a well-zoned design of the mattress ensures optimal support for body contours, promotes proper spine alignment, and minimises pressure points, contributing to a restorative and rejuvenating sleep night after night.

Maintaining the Zenna mattress is effortless, and it offers the added luxury of versatility. With a firmer side and a softer side, you can customise your sleeping experience according to your personal preference. To ensure even usage and extend its lifespan, a simple annual rotation from head to foot is all that’s required.  Additionally, the mattress cover can be conveniently unzipped into two halves, facilitating easy washing and enhancing both hygiene and convenience.

For couples, the king-size Zenna mattress presents an additional luxury—a split configuration with two long single latex cores. This innovative feature allows individual sleepers to choose their preferred level of firmness, ensuring personalised comfort for both partners. Transporting the king-size mattress becomes a breeze as each long single core can be carried separately, eliminating the challenges associated with moving heavy mattresses.

Its important to highlight that the Zenna mattress is the result of expertise gained by professionals who have worked in renowned mattress factories overseas. Its production takes place in Belgium, home to the world’s most sophisticated latex mattress factory. This ensures that the Zenna mattress exhibits exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering the pinnacle of various forms of luxury.

In addition to its exceptional qualities, the Zenna mattress offers the luxury of an online purchase experience. By eliminating expenses associated with showrooms and staffing, the price remains affordable while maintaining the highest standards that latex mattresses can provide. To provide you with peace of mind, Zenna also offers a generous 100-day trial period. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the comfort of the mattress and make an informed decision about its suitability for your needs.

In conclusion, the best luxury mattress for 2023 transcends superficial attributes. The Zenna pure natural latex mattress embodies all the qualities that define true luxury. It offers ultimate comfort, unparalleled durability, numerous health benefits, and unmatched convenience. By choosing the Zenna mattress, you embark on a journey of luxurious sleep, where countless pleasant dreams await. Experience the pinnacle of comfort, indulge in uncompromising quality, and unlock the true potential of a restful nights sleep.

What is FSC Certification​

What is FSC Certification

FSC certification is a rigorous process that verifies responsible forest management practices and ensures the sustainable sourcing of forest products. It is a globally recognised standard that signifies a commitment to environmental conservation, social responsibility, and economic viability.

To obtain FSC certification, forests and companies must meet a comprehensive set of criteria and undergo independent audits by FSC-accredited certification bodies. These criteria encompass various aspects of responsible forest management, including ecosystem conservation, protection of wildlife habitats, sustainable harvesting practices, and respect for the rights and well-being of indigenous communities.

One of the primary goals of FSC certification is to safeguard the environment. Certified forests must adhere to strict guidelines that minimise negative impacts on ecosystems, such as preventing deforestation, conserving soil and water resources, and promoting the restoration of degraded areas. By preserving biodiversity and maintaining the ecological balance, FSC-certified forests contribute to the long-term health and resilience of our planet.

Furthermore, FSC certification prioritises social and community benefits. It ensures that local communities living in or near forests have a say in decision-making processes and that their rights, traditions, and cultural heritage are respected. FSC-certified operations also strive to provide fair and safe working conditions for their employees, ensuring proper training, fair wages, and the protection of worker rights.

When a forest or company successfully meets FSC’s stringent standards, they earn the right to display the FSC logo on their products. This logo serves as a recognisable and trusted symbol for consumers who seek responsibly sourced goods. By choosing products bearing the FSC logo, consumers can make informed decisions that support sustainable forest management, contribute to conservation efforts, and promote positive social and economic impacts.

Overall, FSC certification plays a vital role in fostering a balance between human needs and the preservation of our forests for future generations. It provides a transparent and credible framework for promoting sustainable practices, empowering consumers to be environmentally conscious and contributing to the global movement towards a more sustainable and equitable world.