Phuket latex

Hevea:  A sap of this tree is used for producing orthopedic pillows and mattresses. Its home-country is Brazil. Brazilian aborigines called this sap “kauchuk” – “the tears of a milky tree” (“kau” – tree, “uchu”- to cry).

The technology of collecting latex is simple: trees are tapped by removing thin strips of bark, which disrupts the laticifers. The latex then flows down grooves cut in the tree and drips into collection cups. Then the juice is immediately sent to the factory, where it is foamed and vulcanized. This technology is used for many years, it is free of any chemicals.

Fresh latex contains about 65% water, so, to make a mattress – it’s needed to collect a sap from 200 trees, and for pillow – from about 20.

The foaming process is under a strict control. At the factory, this mass is poured into molds, which give pillows and mattresses a porous structure – so necessary for our health. 

If at that time Columbus did not bring to Europe a ball-skipjack, we would never found out about the wonderful properties of latex (natural rubber). Its properties remained unexplored for a long time, and only in 1770 a practical application of latex was found out. Rubber perfectly erases pencil from the paper – this is a well-known eraser. In the early of the 19th century, scientists discovered the process of vulcanization, which helped to use latex for the production of raincoats, boots, tires, bedding.

At present, Thailand is the world’s leading exporter of latex, as the climate here allows to grow Hevea tree all year round.

Latex benefits:

• The first benefit is its unique balance of soft comfort with proper support for your spine. A latex mattress is also  naturally resistant to dust mites, mould and bacteria without the use of added chemicals, and this benefit appeals to many people.
• Excellent air circulation is provided by the open-cell natural structure of latex and by pinhole patterns purposefully created during manufacturing. This allows for good breathability, resulting in a comfortable sleeping temperature. This is important in warm humid climates such as that of Thailand.
•  An additional benefit of a latex mattress is that it does not transmit movement easily, meaning that if you sleep with a partner, you won’t feel their movements on your side of the bed.
• Superb body pressure distribution properties also means that latex mattresses are frequently recommended by medical professionals such as chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths.
• Last but certainly not least, it’s important to note that latex mattresses are one of the most highly durable mattress types available. If you are going to be purchasing a mattress, it makes financial sense to purchase a very long-lasting one.

Kata ocean view reception office, can book for you a tour in one of the most  popolar latex factory in Phuket; a bus will pick you up directly in the residence and will bring you  back at the end of the tour.  You will see all the interesting steps that are performed to transform latex.