Natural Rubber Mattress
Biological Terrain Theory & Latex Mattresses
All of us in the western world are familiar with the germ theory of disease, created by Louis Pasteur in the 1800s. This theory says that there are fixed, external germs that invade the body and cause a variety of separate, definable diseases. In order to get well, you need to identify and kill whatever germ made you sick.
There are, however, other differing theories. Also in the 1800s, Claude Bernard was working on the Terrain theory, which states that the body’s ability to heal was dependent on its general condition or internal environment. Thus, disease occurred only when the health or biological terrain of the body became favorable to disease.
Other scientists and doctors were finding that microorganisms were present in all things living or dead, and that certain bacteria and microorganisms could take on a number of different forms during the host’s life cycle. The forms that they took on depended primarily on the chemistry of their environment. In other words, it was the “biological terrain of the host” that determined the form of the invader; and disease results when microorganisms change form, function, and toxicity.
Obviously both the germ theory and the terrain theory are partially correct, but the germ theory won out in large part because Louis Pasteur and his associates were exceptionally good promoters. Today, the germ theory is more regarded as the central cause of disease. The tendency is to prescribe medications to eliminate the germ or disease – not improve the health of the host.
How does this relate to Natural Latex Mattresses? Many people are chemically sensitive or have latex allergies, and they often ask the question, “I know that natural latex mattresses are very comfortable; but can I safely sleep on one?”
In the sense of the germ theory, what matters most is the purity of various kinds of natural latex. In the sense of the Terrain theory what matters more is how you react to the latex. In our opinion a good method is to test the effect of the latex on you by testing it with some free latex samples.
Keep in mind, as long as you’re looking at buying a natural latex mattress, and not SBR latex (Styrene-Butadeine Rubber), generally there are not huge differences in purity in the latex portion of the mattress.
Many people who have latex allergies have a contact allergy and are allergic to synthetic latex and its chemical additives. Because it’s natural latex that is used in natural latex mattresses, most of these people will have no problem with the latex inside – if you’re still worried, you should try some samples.
About the Author
Michael Penny is the founder of Savvy Rest Organic Mattresses and an expert on body dynamics and sleep issues. An entrepreneur and a yoga practitioner, Penny brings a unique perspective to the mattress industry.
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