Your latex pillow is likely natural or synthetic. As the name suggests, natural latex is made from materials (sap from the rubber tree) derived from nature, while synthetic latex is artificial, created from petrochemicals. If you’re wondering if you should get a natural or synthetic latex pillow in Singapore, let’s compare the features and what to expect from both varieties.
Performance
A side sleeper pillow made from natural latex tends to be more elastic than the synthetic variety. It usually provides sufficient support and responds well to pressure. When you sleep on it, it has a bouncy feel. This is why latex is one of the best side sleeper pillows.
The alternative, the synthetic latex pillow, tends to be denser and is not as bouncy as natural latex pillow in Singapore. Synthetic latex is also less breathable and not as cool when you sleep on it. People who struggle with body heat should opt for a pillow made from natural latex.
Durability
The pillow lifespan is one of the ways that you can distinguish natural latex from the synthetic one. Natural latex is extremely durable. It doesn’t sag easily and will maintain its natural structure for years. On the other hand, synthetic latex pillows have a shorter life span. The synthetic material oxidises easily, and this causes it to break down faster. Over time, the pillow becomes flatter.
Health Benefits
Latex is one of the materials favored for its hypoallergenic properties. It is resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites. The smell from natural latex also dissipates quickly. This makes natural latex pillows in Singapore an ideal choice for people with respiratory illnesses, such as asthma. People with allergic reactions are also safer using pillows made from natural latex.
Although natural latex is sourced from the rubber tree, it is eco-friendly since the sap can be collected from trees that are six years or older. These trees can live to 100 years andproduce and disperse seeds annually. So, besides the sustainable sap production, the rubber tree protects the environment.
Synthetic latex is made from nonrenewable petrochemicals. The production process often results in pollution, which is harmful to the environment. Additionally, off-gassing is expected from the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which will be harmful to people sensitive to allergens. Synthetic latex also lacks the antimicrobial properties found in the natural latex side sleeper pillow.
Cost
Given the extraction process and benefits of natural latex, its cost is higher than synthetic latex. On the flip side, there is no shortage of petrochemicals used in synthetic latex. You’ll therefore spend less on the synthetic latex pillow.
The above features influence the features and properties of natural and synthetic latex. Compared to other materials, latex, whether natural or synthetic, is best for a side sleeper pillow. If your priority is to have a latex pillow in Singapore that protects your health, you should opt for the one made from natural latex. It is also the best option if you are seeking value for money.
However, if cost is an issue, you will make a saving with synthetic latex since the pillow will serve you for years. The longevity, though relatively shorter than natural latex pillows in Singapore, is still better than pillows with feather, wool, and other fillings. Fortunately, you can get the best of both worlds with blended latex, which offers advantages of both natural and synthetic latex.
