Latex is one of the common raw materials used in the making of mattress foams. From most of the professionals’ knowledge, latex comes along with a variety of advantages. Green America once claimed that latex is suitable for sleepers who suffer from allergic conditions. It’s also ideal for those with sleep deprivation.
However, there are various ways in which latex gets processed from the sap of the rubber tree. The two main processes include Dunlop and Talalay methods. These two methods have their differences and what makes one better than the other. In this article, we shall discuss these differences and why customers might prefer one foam type than the other. Therefore, consider reading through the whole text for a chance to grasp a better understanding.
Differences in processing
There are differences when it comes to processing the two types of mattress foams. For the Dunlop latex;
- Whip the extracted liquid latex into a forth,
- Inject the forth into a mold. Here, the latex gets the desired shape.
- Bake the “mold” in the vulcanization oven.
- Remove the already shaped latex from the “mold,” then wash it, and lastly,
- Bake the latex for a second time. The second baking will help to remove the excess moisture contained in the latex after the wash.
For the Talalay latex, the processing method goes as follows;
- Whip the liquid latex extracted from the rubber tree sap into a forth. Similarly to the case with Dunlop foam, inject it into a mold. In this case, the “mold” gets a partial filling.
- Vacuum-seal “the mold” and give a chance for the latex to expand and fill the mold.
- We then flash-freeze the molded latex. In this step, it involves pushing CO2 through the molded latex. As a result, the latex becomes lighter, and as it solidifies, it turns out more breathable.
- Bake the frozen latex,
- Remove the latex from the mold, wash it, and allow it to dry.
We see that Talalay foam includes additional steps. These make the mattress light in weight, and fluffy. It also makes it less dense and softer in comparison to Dunlop mattress.
Differences in the feel
A mattress’s feel to the sleeper’s body is of paramount importance. For the two, Dunlop foam feels firmer. It also conforms to your body less in comparison to Talalay comfort layers. However, the firmness of the Dunlop latex can get engineered to give one that corresponds to Talalay mattresses. Note that, the two mattress types will offer consistent conforming, which helps to eradicate body pains and aches.
Manufacturers can add a layer of support core that is Dunlop-based to take care of the softer and less dense case in Talalay foams.
Ability to neutralize temperatures
The flash-freezing technique in the making of the Talalay latex makes it more breathable. As a result, Talalay mattresses will retain less of your body temperatures resulting in a cooling effect. That makes them better in regulating body temperatures than the Dunlop type.
However, manufacturers will always aerate both their Talalay and Dunlop mattresses. In this way, they help to improve air circulation. Also, for natural and organic latex foam, they’ll tend to sleep refreshingly. Therefore, both mattresses can function almost to the customer’s expectations when it comes to regulating temperatures.
Differences in Durability
Dunlop foam mattresses are firmer and denser in comparison to the Talalay making. They are also less susceptible and more resilient. Therefore, in contrast to Talalay mattresses, Dunlop foam making is more durable.
However, if we compare the two to mattress types made of other materials apart from latex, the two are durable. A latex mattress will last for a minimum of seven years. That saves the customer a lot of cash.
Differences in Cost
As seen in the processing, Dunlop includes a few steps. As a result, the production cost gets reduced in a significant way. On the other hand, Talalay mattresses will consist of more steps in the processing and therefore increasing the production cost. The difference in the production cost reflects on the selling price of the complete product. That is why; Dunlop mattresses are less expensive in comparison to the Talalay mattresses.
Effects on the Environment
Most of the manufacturing processes will negatively affect the environment and is so for mattress production. In this case, the more the production steps, the higher the chances are of destroying the environment. Therefore, we can conclusively say that Dunlop latex will impact less negatively on the environment as in comparison to Talalay mattresses.
However, if the manufacturing process involves only organic and natural latex, both Dunlop and Talalay processes are eco-friendly to the environment. They’re also friendly to the sleepers and therefore impact no big difference into the atmosphere.
Springy and Bouncy
When we consider the composure of a mattress, the “springy” and bouncy will differ in the two processes. For Talalay, the foam will allow bouncy excluding the spring back. On the other hand, Dunlop will come with a “spring” back result. Therefore, the choice will depend on the buyer’s desires.
Note: the only quick to note a difference is a cooling effect. For Talalay, they offer escape ways for air, unlike in the Dunlop process. That may seem the reason why it includes a new price. Most of the other differences are easy to neutralize.
Extend read: Foam vs Spring vs Latex Mattress | Is there a clear winner? Check this post to know more details.
Final Verdict
It’s good to note that most of the manufactures will exaggerate that there are significant differences between the two types. These are efforts to convince buyers to purchase a kind over the other. The fact remains that, for healthy sleepers, the two models come with no noticeable differences. The two makings will almost feel the same and satisfying.
The good thing is that you can use the products to relieve back pains and have a comfortable sleep. The decision on which product to buy is for the buyer to make. How much can you afford to pay? Therefore, pay attention if you note any differences and choose the category that suits you best.
I hope that you find this information helpful in determining the differences between Dunlop and Talalay mattress foams.