The Dunlop process and the Talalay process are the two main processes used to create latex foam. There is a lot of information (and misinformation) online about the differences between these two types of foam. This information can be a bit overwhelming and is often misleading. Retailers selling Talalay foam tend to exaggerate the benefits of Talalay foam and the deficiencies of Dunlop foam, while retailers selling Dunlop foam tend to do the opposite. We have to admit that we are a bit biased when it comes to this subject. We carry only Dunlop latex foam mattresses and mattress toppers. We do so because we believe that Dunlop foam works better for more people (More on this later…). With that being said, we do want to emphasize that the differences between these two types of foam are often greatly exaggerated by retailers and manufacturers. Both the Dunlop and Talalay process rely on vulcanization to produce latex foam. Vulcanization is a process through which liquid latex is hardened into a solid substance.
Hardening is achieved by cross-linking latex particles with Sulfur. This reaction occurs through the application of heat and accelerators such as Zinc Oxide. The Dunlop production process is the most energy efficient method of producing latex foam. While the latex is in liquid form it is foamed and poured into a mold. The mold is then closed up and placed on a conveyor belt. The mold is then moved on the conveyor belt into a vulcanization oven. After vulcanization is complete, the latex foam can be removed from the mold and placed into a washing station. The foam is thoroughly washed to remove any soaps and excess materials from the foam. Thorough washing of the foam allows the foam retain its elasticity, counters aging and ensures it’s purity. After washing, the foam is dried at a high temperature to remove all moisture from the final product. The Talalay process is a more energy intensive process of producing latex foam. Many steps of the Talalay process are actually quite similar to the Dunlop process.
As with Dunlop process foam, the latex is foamed and poured into a large mold. In the Talalay process, however, the mold is only partially filled. The lid of the mold is sealed and the latex is expanded by vacuum to fill the mold. Once fully expanded, the mold is frozen. At this point, carbon dioxide gas is pushed through the latex, which causes it to gel. The temperature is then raised to 220ºF to vulcanize the latex. As with the Dunlop process, Talalay process foam is thoroughly washed and eventually dried after it is vulcanized. Before discussing the differences between these two different types of foam, it is important to note that the differences are not quite as dramatic as many retailers and manufacturers make them out to be. Because the differences are often used as selling points by retailers, it is easy to get the impression that there are huge differences between these two types of foam. The truth is that the differences are relatively difficult to notice.
The average person would not notice much of a difference at all between the two types of foam. Dunlop and Talalay foam look and feel very similar, especially when compared with other types of foam such as memory foam or polyurethane foam. There is a commonly repeated myth that Talalay foam is always softer than Dunlop foam. This is NOT TRUE. Both Talalay and Dunlop latex foam can be produced in a wide variety of firmnesses. The Dunlop process creates heavier, denser foam but this does not necessarily result in a foam that is firmer. Firmness and density are not the same thing and are measured in different ways. Our Pure Green Latex foam, which is used in all of our mattresses and mattress toppers, is made through the Dunlop process. We believe that latex foam made through the Dunlop process works better for more people. The main difference in feel between the two types of foam is the springiness. While all types of latex foam have a springy and elastic feel, Talalay foam has an extremely springy, “bouncy” feel.
Some people prefer this, but many do not like this “bounciness”. We have found that Dunlop works well for just about everyone while Talalay is more polarizing and produces a wide range of opinions. It should be noted that not all Talalay foam feels the same and not all Dunlop foam feels the same. There are many variations that can be made of each type of foam. Both Dunlop and Talalay foam can be made with or without synthetic latex. Both types of foam can also be made with or without added fillers. Changes in the type of latex or filler percentages can have a big impacts on the performance of the latex foam. Techniques for each process can also vary between different factories and equipment. Dunlop foam can also be made in a mold or on a continuous line. Continuous line Dunlop foam, is produced directly on a conveyer belt, rather than in a mold on a conveyer. Continuous line latex foam typically results in a lower quality foam than molded Dunlop latex foam.
Our Pure Green latex foam is always made in a mold and never contains synthetic latex or added fillers. Our goal is to provide the highest quality, all-natural latex products, that work well for all of our customers. After extensive research and testing, we chose to use the Dunlop process in designing our Pure Green Latex Foam. While we believe Dunlop works better for more people, we do not believe that Talalay is a bad product. It is very similar in most ways to Dunlop foam. While the production process should definitely be a consideration when choosing a latex foam mattress or mattress topper, we encourage our customers to look past exaggerations made from both sides of this debate. Health and Environmental Certifications How is Natural Latex Harvested?There are plenty of reasons why choosing a latex mattress is right for you. Perhaps you are looking to relieve aches and pains that you’re consistently waking up with, or you need to conquer the sleepless nights your current mattress provides.
If this describes you, you’re in luck! With a latex mattress, people experience excellent support, pain relief, and lasting comfort. But, a latex mattress can be difficult to shop for, simply because it is different from other beds. Here, we will explain the differences between two major latex categories: Dunlop and Talalay.First, latex shares many of the body conforming features that have attracted people to memory foam for years, yet maintains a more resilient feel that can be preferable for those who dislike the sinking/melting sensation of memory foam.And since the material in a latex mattress can come from a natural rubber tree, it’s quite possibly the most eco-friendly mass-produced mattress in the world. Both hypoallergenic and devoid of harmful chemicals, natural latex offers even the most sensitive sleepers the best chance of waking well-rested, and pain free. Finally, when properly maintained, they will outlast any conventional coil spring mattress on the market.But before you start your latex mattress search, there are a few more attributes that need to be discovered, and it starts with one incredibly important question.
What’s the difference between Dunlop and Talalay?Dunlop and Talalay are the names associated with the most common processes of creating latex. Though they can both be made with similar materials (natural or synthetic), each offers unique characteristics that will help you decide what mattress is best for you. The image at the top of this article shows two latex mattress cores; the one on the left is Dunlop, and the right is Talalay.The Dunlop process has been around for decades and is the most widely used method of creating latex foam. During this process, frothed rubber is poured into a mold which allows the setting to begin. The foam is vulcanized (heated) to transform the liquid foam into finished latex foam. Afterwards, the foam is washed and left to cure (dry) before being sliced into it’s intended sizes.The process used to create Talalay latex is similar, but different. The liquid latex is still further and aerated, but it goes into a vacuum-pressurized chamber. The air is sucked out, and the foam rises to fill the mold.
Then the latex is flash-frozen using CO2 gas before it is vulcanized. Once set, the foam is washed and dried to prepare for use.Now that you know the processes, let’s look at some differences. Sellers of Dunlop will tell you that Talalay is overpriced or perhaps too soft. Sellers of Talalay may tell you that it is more cushiony or durable. Basically, brands of each type will of course tell you that their foam is best.In reality, foams made by high quality manufacturers have very few differences in terms of owner satisfaction, feel and performance. Talalay may be more consistent for softer layers, but it’s not always the case. Dunlop may provide a more supportive core, but Talalay can work, too.As mentioned above, the difference in creation leads to some minor differences in the end product. Let’s look at the major points of comparison so you can see which type of bed might work best for your needs.Pressure Relief: One of the top reasons so many sleepers switch to latex when it’s time for a new mattress is the relief of pressure points on the body which cause sleepless nights or painful backs, necks, and hips when they wake in the morning.
Both types of latex foam provide cushioning support and contour to sleepers. Talalay may have a slight advantage on contouring, while Dunlop rates as slightly more supportive according to Sleep Like The Dead’s extensive review analysis.Firmness: A common myth offered by manufacturers is that Dunlop can only be made firm and Talalay can only be made soft. However, both forms of latex are rated by the same tool to measure their firmness and Talalay can be just as firm as Dunlop, and Dunlop just as soft as Talalay. The pressurized manufacturing process of Talalay latex allows for a greater and more precise variation in firmnesses, but both types can be found in all firmnesses depending on the manufacturer.The Indentation Load Deflection (ILD, also called IFD or indentation force deflection) test measures the amount of force necessary to impress the machine’s foot a certain distance into the mattress. The test produces an ILD number which is used to rate the firmness with higher numbers resulting in a firmer feel.
For example, a mattress with an ILD number of 45 would be considered very firm, while a mattress with an ILD number of 20 would be considered very soft. Since mattresses created through both processes are subjected to the same ILD test, there is no difference between the firmness of a Dunlop mattress with and ILD number of 40 and a Talalay mattress with an ILD of 40.Breathability: Some claim that Talalay latex sleeps cooler than Dunlop latex due to a “more breathable” cell structure. But in reviews, both types have fairly similar rates of people reporting heat. More relevant here is whether the latex is natural or synthetic.Natural-ness: One area where differences could be relevant is for those seeking an organic mattress. Both Talalay and Dunlop foam can be made using 100% natural latex liquid, synthetic, or blend of both. For Talalay process, blended is by far the most dominant and widely available type.Talalay latex also must be glued together to foam complete foam sections, and though low-VOC glue is available some people may prefer not having it in their beds.
Also, the only latex foam currently certified organic to the GOLS standard is Dunlop latex.Durability: As a whole, latex is one of the most durable mattress types around lasting on average 10 years. Both Dunlop and Talalay rate good on resistance to impressions. Regardless of type, all natural latex has a durability edge over blended and synthetic, and all-latex mattresses have an advantage over latex/poly foam hybrids.The quality of manufacture is important for durability, so checking reviews could give more insight for individual brands.Price: Across similar types of latex (natural/synthetic), Dunlop tends to be cheaper while Talalay more expensive. This price difference is less magnified more recently, but the added ingredients, equipment and time needed to produce Talalay latex do mean higher costs.Owner Satisfaction: Overall, a little over 80% of latex mattress owners are satisfied with their beds regardless of type according to SLTD.In our last article, we compared eight popular latex mattress retailers.