I am looking for a 3" 100% Natural Talalay latex topper to replace my 19 ILD Dunlop topper that is too firm for me. I am getting numbness in my arm at night, and shoulder and hip pain. My underlying innerspring pillow top mattress is in good shape so it’s not that. I just think I need Talalay vs Dunlop due to my size/sleeping style.
In my search I cam across a company something I had never seen before - it listed an ILD of 15, and it also “D55 Density” (I found out in further reading it was Dunlop, not Talalay).
But in searching your recommended members, I found a Talalay topper that says “Ultra Plush - ILD mid teens to low 20s 40/60 NR/SBR” - what do the numbers and letters after the ILD mean? Does latex have both an ILD and a density?
Is there a particular density I should look for? And what would you recommend for ILD? I am 5’3", @ 113 lbs, small frame, side sleeper with arthritis and degenerative disk disease. I am vacillating between Soft and Extra Soft, although Extra Soft is hard to find.
Is there are particular manufacturer for Talalay I should ask for or is 100% all natural latex pretty much equal?
It appears toppers aren’t returnable (is this usual) so I want to get it right because it’s not a small investment?
Yes, both Talalay and Dunlop latex can come in different densities. Latex density refers to the amount of latex material used per unit volume, usually measured in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ftÂł) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/mÂł).
In general, latex mattresses and toppers are available in a range of densities to cater to different preferences and support needs. Higher density latex tends to be firmer and more durable, while lower density latex may offer a softer feel. The choice of density often depends on individual preferences, body weight, and sleeping styles.
It’s essential to check with specific manufacturers or retailers to determine the available densities for both Talalay and Dunlop latex products, as different brands may offer different options. Additionally, some manufacturers may provide customizable options for latex mattresses, allowing you to choose the density that suits your comfort preferences.
The other numbers indicates
40/60 NR/SBR: the composition of the latex. In this case, the latex is a blend of natural rubber (NR) and synthetic rubber (SBR). The ratio is 40% natural rubber to 60% synthetic rubber. Natural latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees, while synthetic latex is man-made.
There are two primary sources for 100% natural Talalay, Talalay Global in CT. and Vita Talalay in the Netherlands. You can always query the seller whose Talalay they are using, to be sure it is Talalay from the two prevalent quality resources in the industry who have very stringent quality control processes.
Oh gosh, glad I asked. Thanks for the info.
Is latex “density” the same as latex “ILD”? That’s where I was getting confused. Given that my Dunlop 19 ILD is too firm for me, would you say I need a lower ILD in Talalay or because Talalay is softer, would I be OK with the same ILD? Currently trying to choose between 15-19 (N-1) - what is the N-1?, and 20-22 (N-2) - side sleeper, 5’3", @ 113 lbs.
If the latex is 100% natural (I don’t want a blend) are certifications important, and if so, which are better - Oeko-Tex 100, Class 1, Certi-PUR-US or other?
Also, are warranties important?
Thanks again for the info.
Nope, density and ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) are not the same when it comes to latex toppers or mattresses.
As I pointed out previously density refers to the mass or weight of latex material per unit volume, typically measured in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ftÂł) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/mÂł). It provides an indication of how much latex material is used in particular size topper or mattress.
ILD, on the other hand, measures the firmness or softness of the latex. It is a measure of how much force is required to compress a specific area of the latex. ILD is usually expressed as a numerical value, such as 14ILD (soft) and 44ILD (very firm) and a higher ILD indicates a firmer latex, while a lower ILD indicates a softer latex.
The bottom line is, density is a measure of the amount of material in the latex, while ILD is a measure of the firmness or feel of the latex. Some manufacturers often provide both density and ILD information to help folks choose a latex topper or mattress that meets their preferences for both support and comfort.
It can be a tad confusing, but if we consider or look at the analogy of baking a cake. If you take a 1lb cake and compress it from a height of 4" to 3" while keeping the weight constant, the density increases as the material becomes more compact. On the other hand, if you incorporate air into the cake mix, creating a fluffier and airier batter with the same pound of ingredients, you get a less dense and loftier cake. Both cakes have the same weight but provide distinct textural experiences. This principle also applies to volume – compressing the batter in a square cube pan until it cannot take any more compared to loosely pouring a more airy batter into the same volume results in a lighter cake.
Hope this clears it up without confusing the issue. I have to re read what I write to be certain I understand myself sometimes. LOL
Maverick
Ha ha. So, is there a certain range of densities that constitute “good” Talalay?
I read somewhere that the super-soft Talalay I am considering (15-19) isn’t a good idea, because it “won’t last”. Is that correct?
Higher densities are considered more durable.
For ild’s of of under 15, there are those who think that you should just skip over it.