Latex Durability: Dunlop vs. Talalay

[phoenix]

Hi Bedseeker,

I recall either in this post or another one that blended Talalay lasts longer than NR Talalay (in same ILD). I read somewhere that this is not the case because as with conventional foam mattresses, which is synthetic, it tends to breakdown quicker compared to an all natural product. Is this claim true? We thought we were going with 100% Natural Talalay but now were not sure.

It would depend to some degree on whether you are talking about Latex International Talalay or Radium Talalay but no it’s not true (although there is a great deal of misinformation about this in the market). The blended from both companies would either be similar or more durable than the 100% natural … particularly in the softer versions that are generally used in comfort layers. There is more about the differences between blended and 100% natural Talalay in post #2 here.

Why is the Dunlop more bouncier than Talalay? I thought it was suppose to be the other way around.

It’s generally the other way around and Talalay is more resilient than Dunlop but it also depends on the firmness of the latex and on the strength of the movement (“springy” vs “bouncy”). You can see more about the differences between them in post #7 here. However you feel or describe the differences for the specific mattresses you are testing … the choice between them would be a preference choice.

I’m puzzled as to why both of the above mentioned beds were different in comfort and motion control because they were both ALL 100% NATURAL TALALAY. Only difference is one glued their layers and the other didn’t. Do you know what the reason may be? They both get their latex from Latex Int’l.

The differences would be in the specific design, firmness levels, and layer thicknesses in each mattress along with any difference in the cover. As you mentioned … the type of material is the same and the only differences would be in the differences in the designs.

Need your expertise opinion to help us make the final decision. We want a mattress that is going to last a long time (at least 10 years or more).

When you are down to finalists that are choices between “good and good” then the only thing I can help with is “how” to make your final choice based on the parts of your personal value equation that are most important to you. Only you can decide which one is the best “value” or best “match” for you. Neither of these mattresses has any weak links in the design and both should last you for at least 10 years (and beyond 10 years your own changing needs and preferences may be the limiting factor in the useful life of any mattress).

I would also consider that with a component mattress you can change individual layers if one of them softens earlier than the rest of if your needs and preferences change down the road while with a “finished mattress” you can only replace the whole mattress … not individual layers.

In most cases the gradual loss of comfort and support over time (not visible impressions) are the reason that most people will need to replace a mattress since warranties only cover manufacturing defects (and the loss of comfort and support isn’t a manufacturing defect). There is more about mattress warranties in post #174 here. There are many variables that can affect the durability and useful life of a mattress and it’s also relative to each person so there is no way to quantify this on an individual basis but there is more information about the many variables that can affect durability and the useful life of a mattress in post #2 here and the other posts it links to. If both of them are a good match for you in terms of PPP … I wouldn’t have any concerns about the durability of either of your choices because latex is the most durable of all the foam materials.

By the way, do you own an all latex bed (no springs or other foam)? If so, what kind and which company did you go with?

You can see the specifics of my mattress in post #4 here.