What is Natural Latex Foam and Do I want my Bean Bag Filled with it?

Latex is the name for the "sap" that comes from the Para rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Latex is a sticky, milky substance drawn off by making incisions into the bark much like the process of collecting sap for maple syrup. The fluid is collected in vessels and the process is called tapping. The latex is combined with water to make a thick suspension which is then whipped to froth and poured into molds. The froth is heated to a point of vulcanization where cross links are formed, creating the unique ability to re-shape itself after compression.

The majority of latex foam used in home furnishings products is processed using either the Dunlop method or the Talalay process. The Dunlop method was first developed in 1929 and is the process as described above.

In general, the Dunlop method is the most natural and organic process, adding few chemicals other than those required to complete the vulcanization process - zinc oxide, stearic acid and sulfur among others.

The Talalay process follows the same initial steps but then adds steps and blends natural rubber latex with synthetic latex. The Talalay process produces latex foam that is a blend of natural rubber latex and synthetic latex.

As natural latex is rubber, it is very dense. This makes it an ideal product to use in mattresses and cushions because it provides terrific support to the body and recovers its shape afterwards. Latex foam is soft and supportive, providing a firm surface upon which to lie. It is very durable and can last for over 20 years without deterioration.

It is a natural product and free of harsh chemicals decreasing the likelihood of allergies and chemical sensitivities. It is naturally mite and mold resistant. It is a renewable resource, the trees grow on plantations and live for about 30 years, 25 of which are latex producing. All of these characteristics make latex foam ideal filler for bean bag chairs.

However, latex foam is different from traditional polyurethane foam which is traditionally used to fill bean bag chairs. It can be shredded but it is very dense and rubber-like. As such it is heavy and does not take up a lot of space.

In order to fill a bean bag chair and have it be comfortable to sit in, a large quantity of latex foam is required. This makes the bean bag unwieldy, heavy and awkward. Depending on the fabric of the bean bag cover, the latex foam may be too heavy and the seams or fabric will tear due to the sheer volume of latex foam required to fill the chair.

So long as the chair is kept small, filling it with latex foam can be successful. Trying to fill larger chairs just does not work as well. It is not impossible, just be prepared to have a heavy duty liner and cover than can support the weight of the foam, and know that it will not be something that is moved around much. The bean bag will also be quite firm to sit in, more so than a traditional bean bag chair.