Have you found yourself a little overwhelmed by the variety of mattress types on the market? Even if you’ve only spent minimal time seeking out your next mattresses, you’ve likely come across products featuring latex. This is because, in general, it had so much to offer, and it’s worth taking a few minutes to get to know better. For example, according to Green America, latex offers substantial benefits for those suffering with allergies or who are sleep deprived.
What you probably didn’t realize, however, is that not all latex is made the same. There are two primary processes that are followed in creation of this product, and today we will examine five differences between Talalay and Dunlop latex mattresses so you can make the best decision for your preferences and budget.
The Manufacturing Process
The primary difference between the Talalay vs. Dunlop mattress is in the way each is produced. It is actually quite similar, and we’ll take a quick walk through Dunlop ton get started.
- Liquid latex is extracted from trees.
- This liquid is whipped up and placed in a mold.
- The mold is placed into a vulcanization oven.
- Resulting latex foam is removed from the mold and washed.
- After washing, the product is heated to remove moisture
When you delve into the world of Talalay, things work pretty much the same way. However, there are a few small additional processes that result in a much different product. First of all, when the mold is poured, there is room left over which allows for a vacuum to cause enough expansion to fill it up.
The following freezing process causes carbon dioxide to make it’s way out. This forms breathable airways to help your mattresses better manage heat retention. Once freezing is finished, vulcanization, washing, and final heating occurs to lock everything in place. To get a visual image of how this process looks, check out this video.
Springy vs. Bouncy
While springy and bouncy may seem synonymous, they certainly aren’t when it comes to the composure of your mattress. While a bouncy mattress is one that allows you the ability to jump on the bed, it doesn’t return rapidly as a spring does when pressure is released from it. So, if you prefer something that allows bounce without the spring-back, Talalay may be the best choice for you.
Density
Because the process to make Talalay creates tunnels within the foam, it is less dense than what you’ll find with most Dunlop products. While this is a general difference that’s true in most cases, keep in mind that the two processes can be manipulated in ways that impact the overall firmness level. While it’s good to know that, as a rule of thumb, Dunlop is denser, make sure you check the specific levels on any product you may be considering purchasing. Furthermore, don’t get tricked into thinking that a denser mattress is going to be more firm. The measurements for firmness and density are different animals, so seek out information for each of these properties separately before making assumptions.
Environmental Friendliness
Most of us understand that, the more mechanical processes that are involved in manufacturing process, the more harmful byproduct released into the atmosphere will result. While the extra steps taken when producing Talalay latex create attractive benefits for the end user, the environment doesn’t fare so well. If you are looking to keep your carbon footprint minimal and this is a driving factor in your final decision, then you’ll want to go with the Dunlop latex option.
Price
You typically get what you pay for in life, and we can usually expect that a higher price reflects the resources the manufacturer had to use in order to offer you their product. Once again, since Talalay flash freezes their mattresses, you can usually expect to pay a little more for these products. However, if heat transfer is an important quality for you, it can very easily prove to be an investment that pays back.
A Final Look at Talalay vs Dunlop Latex Mattress Differences
While there are some obvious advantages of Talalay latex, it’s worth mentioning that they are often subtle. Truth be told, many manufacturers tend to exaggerate the differences to convince buyers to purchase one over the other. However, to the average person, there are typically no notable differences to be immediately picked up on when it comes to how the material feels. The two types look similar as well.
If you tend to sleep hot, however, you may notice a difference in that the pathways created during the Talalay process do offer escapeways for air to help you sleep cooler. If this is the case, an additional investment in this product can be in your best interest.
However, if you’re on a budget and want a natural product that features high durability and back pain relief at a price you can afford, either product will do the trick. You can even consider the purchase of a quality latex mattress topper if your budget is a primary concern. For me, budget is important, so I would go with the product that featured the most reasonable cost. I hope this helps you understand the differences better, but, if you have a question, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll help you find the additional information you’re looking for.
Talalay and Dunlop Latex Mattresses Comparisons
| Rank | Model | Pros 1 | Pros 2 | Cons 1 | Cons 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Talalay | Extra steps are taken to ensure a high degree of heat transfer | Softer feel | Lacking in environmental friendliness | Often carries a higher price tag |
| #2 | Dunlop | Since no flash freeze is performed, less mechanical processes are required, which reduces your carbon footprint | Affordable price | Often fails to deliver the same quality of heat transfer as comparable Talalay options |