Zees is proud to offer our EcoZees earthy friendly product line. This line features various mattress covers made with organic cotton, bamboo, and aloe vera. But perhaps most interesting of all are our EcoZees Talalay latex mattresses. Did you know latex is a naturally occurring organic material that is harvested and re-harvested like other crops?
In future posts we will explain the advantages and benefits of our mattress covers, but we thought the best place to start is with Talalay Latex. First, what is Talalay Latex anyway? Then, how is it made and why should you consider it as a place to lay your head, and support your body for a restful, comfortable sleeping experience?
The rubber for the EcoZees Latex product line is made from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tropical rubber tree. In the wilderness, this rubber tree can reach a height of up to 144 feet. The white or yellow latex occurs in latex vessels in the bark. In plantations, the trees are kept smaller, up to 78 feet tall, so as to use most of the available carbon dioxide for latex production.
Once the trees are 5–6 years old, harvesting can begin: incisions are made orthogonally to the latex vessels, just deep enough to tap the vessels without harming the tree’s growth, and the sap is collected in small buckets. This process is known as rubber tapping.

These Brazilian trees were used to obtain rubber by the Olmec people of Mesoamerica as early as 3600 years ago. The rubber was used, among other things, to make the balls used in the Mesoamerican ballgame – an ancient game similar to racquetball. (Source: Wikipedia)
Once this thick sap is collected and transported to the US, the Talalay process begins. The sap is literally whipped into a froth and poured into a vacuum sealed mold. The rubber is frozen and then baked. Sounds strange, but true. This process yields a soft, resilient, supportive sleeping surface.
There are two processes used to turn rubber sap into latex for mattresses. One is the Dunlop process, the other is the Talalay process. Both yield comfortable surfaces. In general, the Dunlop process offers a consumer a more firm sleeping experience. We like the Talalay because the surface gives you that Goldilocks feeling. Not too hard, not too soft, it’s just right! Further, because of the natural materials and processing, there is no worry about chemical off-gassing.
Talalay Latex mattresses are touted by medical professionals for providing proven pressure relief and unmatched orthopedic support. In doing so, they align the spine and help maintain the flow of nutrients and oxygen to your muscles, providing an excellent night’s sleep, which in turn delivers better health.
In a nutshell, that’s the buzz about Talalay Latex. Try it today with special promos from Zees.com.
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