Allergic reactions are uncomfortable at best and catastrophic at worst—and if there's one place that even a mild allergic reaction to latex is absolutely unwelcome, it's in your bedroom, when you're trying to get a good night's sleep.

So what does that mean for those with latex allergies given the popularity of latex foam in mattresses, toppers and pillows? Are latex mattresses really problematic for people with latex allergies?

The answer is: typically, and thankfully, no.

Numerous scientific show that the latex used in nearly all bedding products will not cause a reaction.

Why? Because Talalay and Dunlop latex—the two common types of latex found in mattresses, toppers and pillows—do not produce the same allergic reactions as other latex products found in household or medical products. To really get to the bottom of this pervasive bedtime myth, though, we need to dive deeper into what causes a latex allergy, and why the latex foam in Brooklyn Bedding and other brands of mattresses is distinct.

A latex allergy is a reaction to the proteins present in natural rubber latex. Most people have found they are allergic to latex by using items made from natural rubber, including elastic bands, latex gloves, baby bottle nipples and balloons. Natural latex is known to cause Type I and Type IV allergic reactions. Testing for a Type I natural latex allergy is done through blood testing. Type IV can be diagnosed by using a skin-prick test. Estimates of latex sensitivity in the general population range from 0.8% to 8.2%.

According to the FDA, there have been zero cases of allergic reactions to the natural rubber used in latex foam products throughout the bedding industry, which spans more than 35 years.

Latex mattresses, pillows, toppers, or other latex bedding products may contain natural rubber latex, but here's the difference: the Talalay latex used in Brooklyn Bedding products is subject to a five-stage washing process that removes any reaction-related proteins. Talalay latex is also flash-heated from “gel” into a permanent solid form which eliminates any remaining proteins or residue. Plus, Brooklyn Bedding products are covered with hypoallergenic, antibacterial, dust- and mite-resistant covers. That means there is no direct contact, in most cases, between your skin and the latex that could result in any type of reaction. As a bonus, Talalay latex is Okeo-Tex Class 1 certified safe.

 

If you like the exceptional pressure point relief and eco-friendly nature of naturally extracted latex, that's great news—you, too, can enjoy the unique comfort and support properties of latex mattresses without fear of unwelcome nighttime reactions.