What is the difference between Talalay and Dunlop latex?

First, latex comes from the milk of the Hevea Brasiliensis tree, which contains an antibacterial substance that is a natural dust-mite repellent. After is is harvested air, soda ash, zinc and natural soap are whipped into the milk and it is poured into a mold with hollow pins and baked. It then goes through a thorough washing to remove all proteins that could possibly cause an allergic reaction.

Mattresses made from this natural latex make a terrific product and have grown tremendously popular in Europe. The latex is very dense (typically 4 lb/cubic foot density) and a quality mattress core (this is the industry term for the piece of latex used to make the mattress) of natural latex will last virtually forever. latex mattress cores are always made with holes in them (called pincore holes) - these holes soften the latex and make it comfortable. Many mattresses are made with a layer of different degrees of firmnesses on top of the latex core to give the bed a softer or firmer feel. Latex mattresses have a nice bouncy feel and are very supportive. It is a big improvement over inner springs and denser and more substantial than foam cores.

There are two ways in which the cores are manufactured:

(1) The original method, called the Dunlop method, involves first whipping the latex liquid into a mold and heating it till it vulcanizes. 

(2) In the Talalay method, which is a bit more involved (making the latex more expensive), a vacuum is placed on the mold and other processes are involved that some claim produces a foam that has a more consistent cell structure. The foam, in either process, once made is then washed a number of times to get rid or excess soaps and proteins that can make the foam degrade early and also reduces the rubbery smell of latex.

Which is best?

Manufacturers who use the Talalay method, describe their product as being less dense, having more air dispersed in the product due to the flash freeze step used in the process, and claim that it has a more uniform cell structure.

Those who use the more straightforward vulcanization technique in the Dunlop method like the more elastic, springier feeling it creates and manufacturers who use Dunlop have strong opinions about using all natural materials. The Dunlop technique was developed using all natural latex without synthetic ingredients, and it offers a more stable product with some solid history behind it. It turns out Sears sold an all natural Dunlop latex mattress back in the 50's called the "Harvest House" bed, and there is a report that many are still in homes to this day in pristine condition after 40-50 years.  And the Dunlop process is the most commonly used production method globally.

We do not want to infer that one process is any better than the other, but Dunlop is definitely purer and more durable. Talalay, although a softer, more fragile latex, has added freezing steps, (making it more expensive).

Then there is a third choice. 40% Natural Latex that has been blended with 60% synthetic latex. This is a cheaper mixture containing clays, glues, and other materials causing your mattress to become toxic, break down faster and become uncomfortable; giving truly natural latex a bad reputation.

Unfortunately these manufacturers are permitted to advertise 100% latex omitting the keyword natural. We cannot stress the importance enough to remain as chemical free as the world will allow you and check your sources.