Earthly matters

Natural rubber is an excellent material for mattresses in healthy modern bedrooms. Its flexibility and stability helps with structural comfort, and its absorbency and resiliency makes for superior heat and moisture regulation.

Rubber - Hevea brasiliensis - is an Amazonian tree, most predominant in Brazil. Seeds were imported by the British Empire in the 19th century, who established plantations in SE Asia, largely Malaysia. Today this region remains the primary world source of rubber.

Rubber is derived from the milky sap (latex) of the rubber tree. The latex is collected in buckets, which is then cured and used for a variety of uses. A rubber tree can be tapped for latex harvesting after five years or so of growth and can be continuously harvested for decades thereafter.

According to a Canadian natural bedding company called Obasan, rubber milk contains an antibacterial substance that is a natural dust mite repellent.

Rubber also exhibits:

Superior durability and elasticity (for mattress longevity)
Retention of shape and firmness (for even support)
Flexibility combined with stability (for continuous sleep comfort)
Excellent heat and moisture regulation
Superior air circulation (for preventing the growth of molds and mildew)