L: Latex Rubber ~ is a supple rubber (not foam) with an open cell structure that is produced by vulcanizing Latex using either Dunlop process or the Talalay process with the addition of small amounts of other necessary and proprietary ingredients. Its physical performant properties are derived from the vulcanization process that generates long molecular chains with strong crosslinked bonds.

• During vulcanization the rubber is heated exposing it to sulfur, which causes cross linking, decreasing rubber's tackiness and sensitivity to heat and cold".
• Vulcanization of the rubber retains the rubber's elasticity under temperature changes.
• Read more about both processes in this article by Matt To Go here.

The raw materials used can be either natural latex (NR) obtained from the sap of the rubber tree or a synthetic/chemical polymer called SBR (synthetic latex) or a blend of the two. The two different methods used to make the rubber are the Dunlop process (the original method) and the Talalay process (a newer more high-tech method). In its natural or blended form is considered to be among the highest quality “foam” available with superior physical properties such as point elasticity, support factor, and resilience. It is durable, toxin-free, naturally anti-microbial, mildew proof, dust mite resistant, breathable. Two attributes aid ventilation... an open-cell material structure that you can easily blow air through, and an edge-to-edge array of process mold pinholes that allow air to move up/down fully through the core. So as you move about and by natural convection, a Latex foam rubber mattress core naturally breathes/ventilates Firmness is graded on an ILD scale ranging from 14 ILD (super soft) to 44 ILD (super firm). Latex foam rubber graded below 19 ILD is considerably soft and said to wear out/breakdown sooner '(denser foam lasts longer)'.