Choosing latex for your organic mattress
Confused about Dunlop and Talalay? The two types of latex are named after the different manufacturing processes used to make them. We use both types in our GOTS-certified organic mattresses and organic mattress toppers. For further details on how Dunlop and Talalay latex differ and factors that can help you choose, this post on the Savvy Rest blog will be useful.
Dunlop Latex
The traditional Dunlop process has been used in latex manufacture since 1929. The thick rubber sap, or serum, is whipped into a froth in a centrifuge, poured into a mold, covered, and steam baked. Natural sediments in the mixture settle to the bottom of the mold. This makes every Dunlop layer slightly firmer on its bottom side. More Info
Here are a few common configurations of all-Dunlop Serenity mattresses. They range from very soft to quite firm. Interested in seeing more possibilities? Visit our How to Choose page, or visit your nearest Savvy Rest dealer.
Talalay Latex
The Talalay process adds two steps. After the latex is poured, the mold is sealed and the process is continued in a vacuum chamber. The mold is then flash-frozen before it’s baked. Talalay latex has a more consistent cell structure from top to bottom and edge to edge. It is also more expensive than Dunlop. All Talalay pieces wider than 40″ (Full or larger) are seamed with a safe, natural latex glue. Seam locations will vary. More Info
Our most popular all-Talalay layer configurations, shown here, suit a wide range of weights, sleeping positions and comfort preferences. Need help finding your perfect combo? Give us a call.
Which is better?
Dunlop is denser, which makes it a bit firmer overall than Talalay. Talalay is a good choice if you’d like a pillowy-soft surface “feel”. What matters is which type, or which combination, will create the right comfort and support for your needs. Both make a fine mattress and are extremely pure in comparison to conventional mattress materials.
Although Talalay has a wider range of firmness grades, Dunlop is generally heavier. If you like a very soft surface, you will want Soft Talalay for the top layer of your mattress or as a pillowtop. If you have children who mistake their beds for trampolines, we’d advise choosing a Dunlop latex mattress for them.