Still trying to pick a latex mattress.....

[phoenix]

Hi eeks,

I am hearing from some people that since Dunlop is a more ‘natural’ product than Talalay, it can have many imperfections, things that look like stains, can be yellow and not the creamy white of Talalay. Sometimes people think it was a returned layer but its just how Dunlop is.

Others have said that is quote “BS” and that Dunlop can have some imperfections and sometimes be more yellow than cream in color there shouldn’t be staining etc.

What is true???

Dunlop isn’t necessarily any more natural than Talalay. Both Dunlop and Talalay are available in different blends that use different combinations of natural and synthetic latex. Both of them are available in 100% natural versions (see post #18 here) although it’s more common to see 100% natural Dunlop than 100% natural Talalay.

post #2 hereBoth of them can come in a range of different colors which can vary like any natural material … there is also more about some of the differences in color between Talalay and Dunlop in .

While Talalay tends to be more consistent than Dunlop both in terms of color and imperfections … there can be discolorations or imperfections that can vary from batch to batch in either of them … particularly with natural latex.

Also, we are getting a King mattress and I would prefer not to get a split layer bed (ie 6 layers, 3 on each side). I would prefer to get just 3 King size layers. I was told I am able to do this as Dunlop can come in a full king layer but that it is the continuous pour method.

Different manufacturers use different mold sizes for their molded latex (either Dunlop or Talalay) but all Talalay is made in either twin XL or queen molds so other sizes (such as king) would be two pieces glued together or in the case of California King three pieces glued together. The glue that is used is an elastic latex based glue that is very strong and durable and for most people is undetectable (see post #2 here).

Molded Dunlop on the other hand often is often made in larger mold sizes (such as king) and the layers won’t have a glue seam although this can also depend on the specific manufacturer. Continuous pour Dunlop also is made on a belt in larger sizes and also wouldn’t have a glue seam although both of these will usually have a glue seam at one end in California King sizes.

Outside of any glue seams … both types of latex are generally available in either split layers or solid layers for either queen or king sizes. There is more about the pros and cons of side by side split layer designs in post #2 here

Do you know if there is any difference in texture, firmness, feel, look, smell etc of regular molded Dunlop vs Continuous Pour Dunlop from Latex Green? I only have samples of molded Dunlop so not sure what I would be getting with the Continuous Pour.

There is more about the different types and blends of latex in post #6 here and there is more about some of the general differences between Talalay and Dunlop in post #7 here.

Continuous pour Dunlop will have a feel and consistency that is somewhat in between the two but will generally be closer to the feel and consistency of Dunlop than Talalay.

When you can’t test a mattress in person then the most reliable source of guidance is always a more detailed phone conversation with a knowledgeable and experienced retailer or manufacturer that has your best interests at heart and who can help “talk you through” the specifics of their mattresses and the properties and “feel” of the materials they are using (fast or slow response, resilience, firmness etc) and the options they have available that may be the best “match” for you based on the information you provide them, any local testing you have done or mattresses you have slept on and liked or other mattresses you are considering that they are familiar with, and the “averages” of other customers that are similar to you. They will know more about “matching” their specific mattress designs to different body types, sleeping positions, and preferences (or to other mattresses that they are familiar with) than anyone else.

Phoenix