TALALAY v. DUNLOP

Many people ask us what the difference is between Talalay and Dunlop Latex. We are glad that they asked because we do want to let everyone know who the suppliers of out natural latex are, and that we use the purest latex available to make our fine quality natural latex mattresses.

Dunlop and Talalay are types of latex processing, not types of latex. The Dunlop process has been around for many decades, while Talalay is newer. The Talalay and Dunlop latex used in Green Mattress Factory products is 100% natural latex, but blended latex can be made using either process - which we DO NOT use.

TALALAY

We use only 100% botanically derived natural latex in our Talalay process. Talalay latex gets its name from the Talalay brothers.  In the 1950s, they created and then perfected a new method for manufacturing latex foam. In this process, only a small amount of latex compound is poured into the mold. Air is extracted to perfectly distribute the foamed liquid inside the mold and to create a consistent round, open cell structure. The mattress core is flash frozen to lock the cell structure in place and to prevent the particles from settling. Natural Talalay Latex is significantly softer than natural Dunlop and cost more to process than the Dunlop Latex Process.

Our 100% all natural latex mattress are not only extremely comfortable, but they are antimicrobial, resist mold and mildew, and are dust mite free. Typical problems associated with synthetic latex such as crumbling, darkening due to light exposure, formation of body impressions and dips do not occur with natural latex.  

WHERE OUR NATURAL TALALAY LATEX COMES FROM:

Founded over 35 years ago, Latex International (LI) is the largest Talalay latex mattress and pillow producer in the world.  "What Sets Us Apart? Quality Process is the LI difference. What makes our products so special? Our commitment to perfection: from the mixing of raw materials to final product testing and assembly. Our entire manufacturing facility features the latest technologies and molding systems that help create the most consistent and superior sleep products." Our mattresses, toppers and pillows are manufactured in a unique eco-friendly process called Talalay.

"The Talalay process requires six steps that produce the highest quality, most durable, resilient, and consistent latex foam in the world. Every step of the process - from compounding to quality testing - is carefully monitored to assure out latex foam is the finest available. No harmful byproducts are released and every product we make is cleansed in an exclusive five-stage fresh water washer to ensure the removal of residual latex proteins and curing agents. Finally, every product undergoes extensive quality testing to meet standards that far exceed our competitors: EVERY mattress core is tested in 9 different areas EVERY pillow is weighed and hand inspected EVERY mattress core and pillow is washed 5 times.

"We do NOT use any man-made or synthetic latex in our natural latex formula. Durability tests prove our latex is the most consistent and durable natural latex product in the world, which means a longer comfort life for consumers."

Latex International performs very stringent durability testing to compare its latex to its competitors. Compression Set Test: Samples are clamped to 50% of their original thickness for 22 hours at 158F, removed and % loss in thickness is measured. Higher values indicate a higher propensity for the product to take a set over time. This test is used to simulate the body impression effect on the foam after a person lies on the bed for extended periods of time. In fact, LI’s Talalay latex is certified by Oeko-Tex (Europe’s highest environmental consumer product standard) to be free of harmful substances or chemicals.

 

 

Natural Talalay Latex Certificate

 

 

 

 

DUNLOP

It wasn't until the 1920s that latex was exploited to make foam. E.A. Murphy, a scientist for the Dunlop company, is accredited with producing the first latex foam in 1929 and opening the door for the first latex mattress. After five years of research and failed attempts, Murphy finally discovered how to create the necessary bubbles to create the desired product.

The discovery came in the form of his wife's cake mixer which he used to whip the latex before using a gelling agent and vulcanizing in a steam oven. The newly created latex foam was a big success, rapidly growing in popularity as seating cushions. In 1931 the first latex mattress was marketed by Dunlopillo and promoted as being a time saver, as it didn't require flipping or fluffing to maintain its incredible level of comfort.

Natural Latex rubber mattresses were commonplace in the U.S. before cheaper, synthetic foams became available to the bedding industry.  Many slept on a Natural Latex mattress decades ago. Sears sold a natural latex mattress called the Harvest House. Many of those mattresses are still in homes today.

In the Dunlop process, the molds are filled to the rim, air is not extracted, and there is no freeze stage. Therefore, the latex cell structure is less “airy”. Gravity takes over settling the particles to create a more dense product than Talalay latex. Talalay latex is available in a much wider firmness range so it can provide enhanced comfort choice for consumers around the globe.

 

WHERE OUR NATURAL DUNLOP LATEX COMES FROM: