Hi chrstnamarie,
I would strongly encourage you to focus more on calling and talking with any manufacturer or retailer you are considering buying from (which I see you have) rather than only relying on emails for any type of communication or question that requires more than just a single sentence “black and white” answer. You will find that “talking through” the information you will need is much faster, more complete, and more informative than emails. For example you may not even know the most important questions you need to ask, may not have provided enough information for a meaningful answer to a question, or a question may have an “it depends” or more “nuanced” information in the answer (which would include most questions about mattresses) and in these cases written communications can quickly become too complex and “linear” and time consuming (it may take 4 or 5 exchanges to even be able to frame the more meaningful or relevant questions you may need to ask) to be meaningful, efficient, or effective.
Talalay would only “feel” softer (for most people) than Dunlop in the same ILD (firmness level) but both types of latex are available in a wide range of ILD’s so softer Dunlop can be much softer than firmer Talalay. One isn’t any “better” than the other … they are just “different” … and which one is best for each individual person depends on their preferences, individual circumstances, budget, the specific design of the mattress, and on the parts of each person’s personal value equation that are most important to them.
Phoenix