Latex Mattress Layers
Factory Direct Latex Mattress Specialists for over 47 Years
Our Latex Suppliers
Through our long history in the business, we've built solid relationships with the highest-rated latex suppliers, enabling us to bring you superior latex mattress toppers at a significant value.
Dunlop vs. Talalay
What is the difference between Dunlop latex and Talalay Latex?
Dunlop and Talalay refer to the process by which liquid latex is transformed into sheets of latex foam, which our mattress toppers are composed of.
How Latex Mattress Foam is Made
Both Dunlop and Talalay latex processes begin and end similarly. The latex foam used in our mattress toppers is made from a concentrated liquid latex rubber that has been harvested from the rubber tree. The liquid for the latex topper is whipped to incorporate air and poured into latex sheet molds and baked in a special oven where vulcanization takes place. Vulcanization happens when tiny amounts of sulfur are introduced into the latex serum, which creates a reaction that generates three-dimensional network structures in rubber and is the best-known process of giving rubber products greater stability.
The Dunlop Latex Mattress Process
Through the Dunlop process, the mattress topper molds are filled to the top before baking. The newly vulcanized sheets of latex foam are left to air-dry before baking one last time to remove all moisture. During the time of air-drying, particles tend to settle toward the bottom, making a slightly uneven distribution of density. This can affect how soft or firm your latex topper feels. Dunlop latex mattress layers tend to be ever so slightly more durable and firm than Talalay.
The Talalay Mattress Process
Through the Talalay process, the molds are not filled to the top, rather they are vacuum sealed after partial filling to distribute the latex particles evenly. After the vulcanization process, the latex foam sheets are rapidly cooled to prevent any settling. This process creates a latex foam sheet that is uniform throughout, creating a slightly less-dense, but overall more plush-feeling surface. Talalay latex mattress layers will have slightly less spring to them, enveloping your body a little more than the Dunlop. Because the Talalay process involves more steps and is slightly more complex, it tends to sell at a higher price than Dunlop.
Which Latex Topper Should You Choose?
If you tend to prefer a more plush (soft) feeling for your sleeping surface, we recommend choosing Talalay, regardless of the firmness you choose. We typically recommend the Dunlop option if you are looking for extra support. Regardless of which you choose, both processes produce latex that is far more durable and comfortable over its usable life than any other foam topper material.