If you’re allergic to latex, you’re likely already aware of it. Never heard of such a thing? This overview may help you understand latex allergy better, and the Savvy Rest organic mattress, too.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, latex allergy affects less than 1% of the general population. The incidence is higher for health care workers—between 5% and 15%. That is because many people in health care fields wear latex gloves (a blend of synthetic and natural rubber) in the course of their jobs, for many, many hours over the years. Touching latex doesn’t trigger an allergy, but repeatedly breathing in the microscopic powder used to line the gloves can. Workers inhale tiny amounts of the powder, released in bursts when the gloves are "snapped" on and off. The powder contains microscopic rubber proteins, and with repeated inhalations over a long period of time, some users eventually develop an allergy. Once a person has become sensitized, they may react to skin contact as well.

If you are one of those hardworking but allergic health-care folks, normally you can still use a natural latex mattress comfortably, by avoiding handling the "naked" latex. Have someone else assemble it, and then make up your bed. Once the casing is zipped closed, the latex is covered with layers of fabric and wool batting. On top of that you’d normally add an organic mattress pad and sheets, so you’re well shielded.

A more serious but quite rare reaction is a systemic immune system response to natural latex. In the most severe cases this could result in anaphylactic shock, such as a peanut-allergic person can have on ingesting a tiny bit of peanut. If someone describes severe allergy issues (throat closing, difficulty breathing, swellings on skin) in response to latex, we recommend they not buy any latex mattress. If someone has a dangerous allergy, he or she should not sleep on latex, period.

What about garden-variety allergies? You can breathe…since a Savvy Rest organic mattress won't harbor dust mites, it’s a real benefit for people with hay fever, seasonal allergies or asthma. Dust mites require moisture to set up housekeeping, and the interior wool batting keeps the mattress casing’s climate very dry. The mites are repelled by traces of lanolin within wool, and they can’t survive in latex. (And it’s always nice not to be breathing in off-gassing chemicals, whether you’re allergy-prone or allergy-free.)

If you still feel uncertain about latex, a good step would be to order our free samples and try a self-test overnight. (Cut a bit of latex and tape it to your wrist overnight, then check the site in the morning.) If you are allergic to many things or anxious about sensitivities, however, please consult your allergist to confirm whether or not you are allergic to latex before buying a Savvy Rest--or any natural latex product.