Hi Phoenix,
I want to start this post by thanking you for your amazing website. I’ve spent hours reading it to educate myself in my process of buying a new mattress. I can imagine how much time and effort goes into keeping it up and I am very grateful for your thorough and no-nonsense approach.
Secondly, I wanted to specify that I am shopping around for a latex mattress. I sarted my reasearch thinking I wanted inner-coil because this is what I previously had and it served me well. But I discovered that latex can provide a very high quality mattress with lower levels of chemicals, VOCs, etc. than traditional inner-coil or high density foam mattresses.
I am completely discouraged to go to Essentia, they seem not-transparent enough and they never answered my email. Greensleep options I’ve tried in store are way too soft for me. Zedbed has come most close to what I want, but I can’t seem to find the right core+comfort layer combination at the store I’ve visited. They have a model that has a high-density foam core and a talalay comfort layer but I prefer not to buy HD foam. They have a Dunlop core mattress with a memory foam comfort layer but I don’t like memory foam.
From testing those two out I believe I would like a Dunlop latex mattress (6 inches) with a comfort layer (2 inch Talalay). But I can’t seem to find one!
I would also prefer if the mattress wasn’t sprayed with fire-retardants but I don’ know if that’s even possible. And for the glues to be the least toxic possible. The replies I got from the store clerk on these questions were not satisfactory.
So, I have three questions for you :
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I live in Montreal. Do you have a few manufacturers or retailers that you recommend I could explore in the Greater Montreal Area that sell good quality latex beds and will provide transparent information?
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I am very weary of buying online. It seems like I really should try the mattress first. But having tested a few combinations in stores I might be able to figure out exactly what I need and order it (nervously) through an online store. So that is also an option. I would prefer to buy from a Canadian online store to avoid expensive shipping and customs. Any recommendations?
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In a post on your website, I read that there is such a thing as 100% natural Talalay, as well as blended (petrochemical + natural) Talalay. I am confused. I thought the divide was :
- Dunlop is 100% natural latex without petrochemicals
- Talalay is blended with petrochemicals
Can you educate me on the different types of Talalay and Dunlop and/or other latexes? And what are the pros and cons of the various types? Most companies will just say “it’s Dunlop” or “It’s Talalay” without any further details.
Many thanks!
Mimi