Dunlop and Talalay
Both Dunlop and Talalay offer comfort and purity, but there are key differences. Here’s a quick comparison.
Video Transcription
A Savvy Rest organic mattress is made of three layers—or more (depending on whether you get a topper) of natural latex rubber. There are two different types of natural latex that we use. One is called Dunlop after the process that makes it. The other is called Talalay. They have very different characteristics. One is not better or more pure than the other.
This is a layer of Dunlop. It has (because it’s a little bit less smoothed out in the processing) a few more natural irregularities like little tiny air bubbles. Dunlop is resilient and responsive to your body, but not bouncy. It works wonderfully as a support layer, and is a good top layer for folks who need extra support all the way to the top. For some kinds of back problems, for example, that’s important. Overall, a layer of Dunlop will feel a little bit denser and a little bit firmer than the same softness in Talalay.
This is a layer of Talalay. The Talalay process adds two steps not used in Dunlop. After the mixture is poured, the mold is sealed inside a vacuum chamber. The mold is also flash-frozen before baking. These steps create a very even consistency. One way to imagine the difference in texture between natural Dunlop and natural Talalay is to think of Dunlop something like pound cake, and Talalay more like angel food cake.
When you press on a layer of Dunlop you’ll feel more resistance or support. Talalay yields more than Dunlop does. Soft Talalay even has an almost embracing feel. Talalay can be very helpful with people with soreness or pressure-point problems.
Here’s Dominick demonstrating the natural springy-ness of Talalay latex.
Both types of latex we use come in Firm, Medium, and Soft. One way to think about the difference between them though is to remember that at every stage, Talalay is softer than Dunlop. So Talalay Soft is a little bit softer than Dunlop Soft. Talalay Medium is softer, and so on.
The best way to learn how each types of latex works for you is to try different combinations at your nearest Savvy Rest dealer. If there’s no dealer near, just call us, for a free consultation. You can also order samples on our site. Handling these will help you understand the materials. Just click under “Contact Us” for the Samples Request Form.
There are different ways to layer the latex in combinations, but the general rule with Dunlop and Talalay is that either or both might work for you. And we’ll help you figure out what works best for your body.