[quote=“phoenix post=89977”]Hi datrumole.
It certainly looks that way given your previous configurations and experience with them. Given your BMI a 24 ILD Talalay layer will also be more durable.
It looks like the Talalay latex layering you are considering is from ultimate sleep who are sourcing it from Talalay Global. The “Original” is the Talatech Classic which is the blended version. They do have 2" and 3" blended Talalay in 24 ILD. Many of our Trusted members also source their latex from Talalay Global To name just a few: Arizona Premium, SleepEZ, Escondido Mattress, Flexus Comfort, Flo Beds etc.
It’s important to realize that manufacturers list an ILD or even a range as a convenience to make approximate comparisons. There is no such thing as a “single number ILD” for any Talalay core (and even more so with Dunlop) that will be accurate. In practical terms, Talalay is much more consistent even though it is also “averaged” (in the case of blended Talalay).
With Dunlop even if the ILD is measured and “averaged” across the layer … it will vary by individual layer and will also vary depending on whether you have the bottom half or the top half of an original Dunlop core that produced the rating. The top 3" of a molded 6" Dunlop core will generally be softer than the bottom 3". It can also vary depending on which side of a layer you are measuring.
Other variables include the percentage compression that ILD is tested at (the two most common are 25% and 40% which makes a significant difference) and on the thickness of the core that is being tested (thicker cores will produce higher ILD results at the same percentage compression). For example, you can see some of the results of ILD @ 40% compression testing for Dunlop from Eco Latex which produces higher numbers.
As far as durability goes, Latex is certainly a very durable material but with a higher BMI of 30.1 kg/m2, softer and less dense latex will not last as long as the same ILD for normal BMIs. Softness itself is a durability factor and softer materials (which are much more common with blended Talalay) will be less durable than firmer materials of the same type.
Also, in the lower ILD’s and in an apples to apples (same ILD) comparison … blended Talalay will be more durable than all-natural Talalay in the lower ILD’s (see post #2 here ). In the lower ILD’s the natural elasticity of the talalay and its thinner cell walls along with the greater inconsistency of natural latex works against it and it will be less durable than a blend. This will start to even out as the ILD’s get higher.
With Dunlop, it’s the other way around because of its higher density, greater firmness in most cases, and the properties of natural latex itself (see post #2 here for a comparison between natural latex and synthetic latex). While overall natural latex has more desirable qualities than SBR (synthetic) latex … the synthetic does have some advantages over natural in some areas that can add to its properties so it’s not quite as black and white as “natural is better”.
Phoenix[/quote]
amazingly detailed response, thanks phoenix!
i was able to also track down ultimate sleep as well, i spoke to them yesterday, and it looks like they no longer carry from Talalay Global, but LatexCo. Appears TG requires a much larger quantity ordered, full pallets, vs drop shipping from LatexCo. LatexCo ‘original’ appears to be a 50/50 blend, not sure how that correlates to the TG blended, or if LatexCo is even a reputable manufacturer, but no one carries 24ILD that i was able to find from TG
as it pertains to the durability, thanks so much for the detailed response. ken from APM was the one who mentioned the shortened lifespan of the 19ILD at my weight, which is what lead me down this search for the slightly higher 24ILD
my only other option it appears is to attempt the ‘plush’ (20-24ILD) from APM which is the natural blend, but again, running the risk of too soft, and less durability
so pending LatexCo is a reputable manufacturer, i will place the order from ultimate sleep
