Talalay and Dunlop are processes for creating latex mattress cores, layers, toppers and pillows; they are not types of rubber. This distinction gets lost on many consumers and can contribute to people making misinformed and potentially costly decisions. Calling latex Dunlop or Talalay does not give any indication of whether it is botanical, blended, or synthetic. The confusion over this differentiation can be used by retailers, who like to charge a premium for what may be lesser products. The more important decisions in getting your best value are: Botanical latex comes directly from the rubber tree (Hevea Brasiliensis). This tree only grows within about 15 degrees of the equator. All real rubber comes from this area. Botanical latex is the longest lasting, most durable material used for mattresses and does not have off-gassing chemicals added. Most consumers would think what is called natural latex would be botanical; however, in the industry what is called natural latex is often a blend of synthetics and botanical latex.
Synthetic latex (SBR) was developed prior to World War II because real rubber was restricted during the lead up to the war. Petroleum is the source of both styrene (plastic) and butadiene. Some mattress manufacturers and retailers refer to SBR made products as being “natural” latex, suggesting that petroleum is a natural product, and therefore the end result is also natural. It is not the same as the natural botanical latex that was originally developed for use in mattresses. SBR products have the tendency to break down like polyurethane foams; not keeping their shape like botanical latex. SBR also off gasses because of the petroleum content. Because the mattress industry has very few regulations, a latex mattress can be made of all synthetic latex, all botanical latex, or a blend of different types. Mattresses can also contain as little as an inch of latex, (often synthetic), laminated to a “soy” foam core (polyurethane). This is the most common type of “latex mattress” on the market and is a recipe for a very temporary sleep surface.
This can be hard to ascertain from the salesperson or the advertising for the mattress. Often the promoter of the product relies on the consumer’s lack of knowledge. They’ll say things like, “this mattress is Talalay/Dunlop latex”, rather than addressing how much latex is in the product, and whether that latex is comprised of real botanical rubber or synthetic. The Dunlop process of forming latex involves large metal molds (think of an oversized waffle iron) filled completely with liquid latex. The molds are heated throughout with thermal pins producing a finished core; it is sometimes referred to as pincore foam because of the holes left by the heating elements. This process yields a solid, durable product that has been used in mattresses and upholstery since the 1920’s. The Talalay process, developed in the 50’s, uses less liquid latex to produce the same depth of core. Similar metal molds are filled part way and a vacuum is created in the mold to disperse the latex.
Then it is freeze-dried in place to set. This process is often used to create a softer product. The softer feel is the result of more air and less rubber. The Talalay process is more often used as the cushion layers on top of beds because of this softness. The trade off is that Talalay produced latex breaks down faster than Dunlop processed latex because there is less raw material and the tiny air bubbles that comprise it have thinner cell walls separating them. Botanical dunlop cores offer a better, longer lasting support system for mattresses, a fact evidenced by their continuing use and popularity since the 1920’s. Softer, cushioned layers can be either Talalay or Dunlop processed latex depending on the durability preference of the consumer. The purest process and materials used are with Botanicore, a name we trademarked so that consumers can quickly discern what is the purest latex used in the industry. Botanicore uses a modified version of the dunlop process. Less accessible, and more exclusive than the other types of latex, Botanicore process latex is a balance of consistency and durability.
Utilizing an open mold pouring process, there are no voids, no patches, no glued-up sections. To avoid having a firm and soft side, the latex is vulcanized with the mold vertically oriented. Botanicore uses no synthetic or blended latex and the mattress cores are molded to size without glue-ups or patches.The origins of latex Latex is a naturally occurring form of rubber. It's used in many different products like gloves, balloons and mattresses. When used in a mattress it has a buoyant feeling while still providing necessary support. Traditional innerspring or memory foam mattresses can't match this feeling while still being supportive. How latex is harvested. Surprisingly, latex isn't a foam. It's created from the sap of the Hevea Brasiliensis Tree. Organic latex is farmed from trees that aren't treated with any pesticides or herbicides while being grown. The Hevea Brasiliensis tree is able to produce sap for twenty years using sustainable methods. That means that these trees will still be creating oxygen for years to come while still providing latex.
Once the latex is farmed from the Hevea Brasiliensis Tree, it's taken to a facility for processing. Its first stop is a centrifuge where the latex is whipped into a froth. This removes impurities and concentrates the latex so that it is the perfect consistency to turn it into foam. The now frothy latex is taken to the molding area. It is poured into aluminum pin molds for baking. These pins are designed to distribute the heat evenly throughout the latex for even cooking. The latex is baked at over 200° to vulcanize the latex. This solidifies the mixture and turns it into the mattress material that we use. Once the mattress core is baked to perfection, it is cleaned of all impurities in a wash cycle. This ensures that your mattress will be pure once it reaches you. After the mattress is cleaned, it is checked for outstanding quality. Astrabeds prides itself on making sure that only the finest mattress reach our customers. The different types of latex Organic latex is the rarest form of latex.
It is only composed of sap from the Hevea Brasiliensis Tree. During the farming process, no pesticides or herbicides are used. This allows the latex to be a clean, chemical free sleeping experience. This is the closest product to organic latex. It is completely derived from the Hevea Brasiliensis Tree. However, it is not organic. This latex is treated with chemical herbicides and pesticides during the farming process. This is the most common type of latex on the market. While organic and natural latex use only latex derived from the Hevea Brasiliensis Tree, blended latex uses a 60/40 blend of natural latex and synthetic latex. This cuts down on cost, but makes the final product not as durable. Completely synthetic latex is not usually found in mattresses. Synthetic latex is a compound that mimics latex, but can’t replicate all of organic latex’s natural benefits. It is stiff so it will not provide proper support that will contour to your body. It is also toxic unlike organic latex and can cause respiratory distress or allergic reactions.
Dunlop & Talalay Manufacturing Processes This method is used to produce nearly all the latex products in the world. It's durable and energy efficient. When tested against Talalay latex, consumers couldn't tell a difference between the two. Astrabeds uses this process for creating our organic latex mattress. This process adds a few steps to the traditional Dunlop process. When placed into the mold, the latex is vacuum sealed. It's immediately flash frozen to ensure the cell structure is in place before being cured. Both steps are designed to help the consistency of latex, but don't add a significant value to the mattress. These additional steps also add a significant amount of energy usage to process. How to choose the right firmness When purchasing a mattress, you want to make sure that you're going to be comfortable. The main difference between most mattresses is their level of firmness. Sleeping styles usually dictate how you like your mattress to feel. Indention Load Deflection (ILD)
Back or side sleepers who enjoy sinking into a bed. Side sleepers who enjoy the perfect balance of comfort & support. Back or stomach sleepers who enjoy a slightly firmer feel than medium. Back sleepers who enjoy an extremely firm sleep surface. Sleep style plays a major role in how firm you might like your mattress. If you sleep on your side, you’ll find that a mattress with a more plush feel contours to you easier and supports your side as you sleep. If instead you sleep on your back or stomach a firmer mattress will suit you better. You don’t want to have your lower back or legs sink in as you sleep. This can lead to feeling immobilized when you wake up. Another major factor to consider when buying a new organic latex mattress is the profile height. Having a higher profile height will mean that the latex can distribute weight through more material. This is vital when sharing a mattress with someone else as the latex can offer the ideal support to those sleeping on the mattress.
Fine tuning your sleep experience With an Astrabeds’ mattress, we want you to be able to have control over your own comfort. That’s why we designed our mattress with the ability to rearrange the layers of latex within the mattress. This allows you to dial in the exact comfort you’re seeking. We also offer a layer exchange at no charge to you. Call one of our sleep experts and we’ll help you through this process. The other key ingredients in our mattress An organic cotton cover encapsulates the entire mattress. This allows for maximum airflow so you won’t become hot while you sleep. Organic wool fire barrier Sewn into the cotton cover of the mattress is an organic wool fire barrier. Other mattresses use harsh chemicals to prevent them from catching on fire while wool is a natural flame retardant and will also promote relaxation through regulating your body temperature throughout the night. This promotes a more restful sleep. You’ll sleep without worrying about inhaling any nasty flame retardant chemicals.