Talalay vs. Dunlop Latex: What’s the Difference?

A natural latex mattress can be an excellent mattress choice; it’s durable, supportive, and eco-friendly. But choosing the best organic latex mattress involves more than just looking for “natural latex”—you also have to consider the type of natural latex you want in your mattress. That’s right—there’s actually a difference in how natural latex is manufactured. 

Talalay and Dunlop are the two manufacturing processes used to create latex mattresses. While the materials used in each may be similar, the process makes a big difference in how the final product feels. Our post will explain the differences between Talalay and Dunlop latex foam mattresses and help you decide which one is right for you. 

What is Latex Foam?

Natural latex is made from the sap of rubber trees, a renewable resource. The sap is milky at first but is then whipped with a little water to create a frothy foam. Foaming the sap makes lots of tiny air bubbles, creating that bouncy texture latex foam is known for. While Talalay contains polyurethane fillers, Dunlop is completely natural because there are no fillers added to it. Whether it’s the Talalay process or the Dunlop process, both start with latex foam.

Talalay Latex

The Talalay process was created in the 1940s and has since been adjusted and improved with new technology. It is a complex six-step process using vacuums, carbon dioxide, and a large freezer. This process creates a soft and fluffy feel with lots of extra comfort layers. 

1. First, liquid latex extract is taken from rubber trees and whipped into a frothy foam.
2. Then, the froth is injected into a large mold and filled partway.
3. The mold is then vacuum-sealed, causing the liquid latex to expand.
4. Next, the mold is quickly frozen so the carbon dioxide can run through the latex, producing a less dense product.
5. After the mold is frozen, it is baked to set the material.
6. Once the material is set, it is removed from the mold, washed, and prepped for shipping.   

Dunlop Latex 

The Dunlop process was developed in 1929 and hasn’t changed much since then. It is a simpler process, consisting of only five steps that produce a firmer feel with extra support. It’s especially great for people with back pain or body aches. 

1. Like the Talalay process, the Dunlop process’s first step involves extracting liquid latex from rubber trees and spinning it into a fizzy foam. 
2. That foam is then injected into a mold, but in this process, the mold is filled, leaving no room for expansion and allowing the latex to settle.  
3. Then, the material is baked in a vulcanization oven to set.
4. After the material is done baking, it is removed from the mold and washed to remove any processing ingredients. 
5. At the end, they bake the washed latex for a second time to remove any excess moisture, and then prep the material for shipping.

Differences in the Final Product

These two processes may not seem all that different, but the final products would say otherwise as there are many distinctions.  

Durability 

Latex is a very long-lasting, durable material, so both Talalay and Dunlop prove sturdy and resistant over the years. However, Dunlop tends to be a little more resilient. 

Cost 

On average, Dunlop mattresses are cheaper than Talalay mattresses, but the price difference is small. Because the Dunlop process is more straightforward and requires less energy, it is cheaper to manufacture than it is to manufacture Talalay latex. This more affordable manufacturing cost is reflected in the price of Dunlop mattresses. Talalay latex is more expensive because the process uses flash freezing, which can be costly. 

Feel 

Talalay latex creates a soft, fluffy mattress ideal for comfort. It is bouncy, airy, and often recommended for a pleasant, restful night of sleep. Talalay latex is springy and has a quick response time to pressure. 

Dunlop latex creates firmer mattress layers that offer more buoyant support. However, Dunlop latex can have an inconsistent feeling because of the way it settles in the mold. This means some parts of the mattress can feel firmer or softer than other parts. 

Eco-Friendly

Latex beds are considered one of the most eco-friendly mattress materials. Latex foam is similar to memory foam, in that it contours closely to the body to relieve pressure and pain. However, regardless of how it’s manufactured, latex foam is more eco-friendly than most mattresses because it is made from sustainable rubber trees and contains biodegradable ingredients.  

Temperature 

Both Talalay and Dunlop latex foams are breathable and airy, creating comfortable airflow and maintaining a neutral temperature throughout the night. For this reason, latex foam makes some of the best mattresses for hot sleepers. 

Talalay Foam or Dunlop Foam, Which One is Right for You?

You’ve heard about latex—it’s durable, comfortable, supportive, offers great pressure relief, and isn’t too harsh on the environment. You’ve decided to get a latex mattress, but now you have to choose between Talalay foam and Dunlop foam. There’s a lot of differences between the two, and it can get a little confusing, but here’s the bottom line for each of them:

Choose Talalay if…

• You prefer a softer mattress because Talalay latex is springy and comfortable. 
• You sleep on your back or side. Back and side sleepers don’t need as much firm support as stomach sleepers, so Talalay latex is perfect for back and side sleepers.   

Choose Dunlop if…

• You need extra support or have back problems. Dunlop latex is firm, proving to relieve back pain and body aches by facilitating proper spinal alignment and pressure points around your hips. 
• You sleep on your stomach. Stomach sleepers need firmer, more responsive mattresses to avoid sinkage and back pain.
• You want an inexpensive option. Dunlop latex is normally priced lower than Talalay latex because it doesn’t take as much time or energy to produce.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Talalay latex natural?

Yes, Talalay latex is natural—it is made from natural latex extracted from rubber trees and is processed using biodegradable ingredients. It’s also hypoallergenic and great for the environment because the process uses carbon dioxide, meaning it’s reducing the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

However, unlike Dunlop, it is not 100% natural because it contains polyurethane fillers. This is only really a deal breaker for sleepers who want a completely natural bed, as Talalay is still completely safe. Synthetic latex, on the other hand, is not a safe mattress material and we do not recommend it. 

Talalay latex is also rarely certified as “organic” because it often has polyurethane fillers. Therefore, if you are looking for a completely organic latex bed, we suggest selecting one made with Dunlop latex. Organic certifications, such as GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), guarantee the mattress is made with 95 percent organic materials. There are currently several mattress brands that sell certified organic latex beds.

How long does a Talalay latex mattress last?

Latex mattresses typically last longer than other mattress types. While most mattresses last between 6 to 8 years, the average lifespan of a Talalay latex mattress is 10 years. Talalay latex is known to be bouncy, springing back to its original form even after continuous use, unlike other mattress materials that can get worn down over time. Even latex hybrid mattresses last a long time, most of them averaging around 6 to 10 years.    

Is latex healthy to sleep on?

Latex mattresses are generally eco-friendly, meaning they contain fewer harsh chemicals than other mattress types. Additionally, latex is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to things like dust mites and mold, keeping your mattress cleaner than others. However, people with a latex allergy should obviously avoid latex mattresses.   

Is a latex mattress good for back pain?

Latex mattresses are known to be supportive and durable, meaning they can help ease your back pain. Talalay latex mattresses are softer than Dunlop latex mattresses, but they both offer long-lasting support that can alleviate your back pain. However, latex mattresses come in different firmness levels, from ultra-soft to firm. Therefore, when shopping for the best latex bed for you, be sure to consider your body type and sleep position. 

Can you flip a latex mattress?

You should not flip a latex mattress because it could void your warranty. There is no need to flip latex mattresses because the rubber layers allow the material to bounce back quickly. Although flipping mattresses used to be a common practice, there is no need to flip mattresses sold today. You can still rotate your mattress every few months to prevent soft spots from developing, though this is not necessary with high-quality mattresses.

Conclusion

While there are differences between Talalay and Dunlop latex foam, they are not prominent. Each type of natural latex has its pros and cons. For example, Talalay is softer, but it’s also more expensive. Dunlop is more affordable and durable. Ultimately, your personal preference will be the deciding factor between the two processes. Whatever decision you make, you can feel confident knowing your latex foam mattress will be durable, supportive, and comfortable.