Hi merz28,
I think itās not only a matter of latex but also a matter of the company involved. Different things that would be factored into the final price would be the latex itself, the quality and cost of the cover, the service and policyās for exchange and returns, warranties etc. In that list of mattresses and companies thereās likely an option for almost everyone (provided they like the feel of latex).
As I understand, thereās different blends of latex ranging from all natural to full synthetic in itsā liquid form. The talalay and dunlop are curing methods and have a difference in feel in the final product. Talalay being whipped with air is generally more ābouncyā while dunlop is more dense. Thereās also continuous pour dunlop which can make for a slightly different feel from molded dunlop. When it comes to price, things that can make the price go up are talalay because it involves more steps to creating the final product than dunlop. Continuous pour is a more efficient method than individual molds (much like assembly line is more efficient than hand making a product) so it can result in lower materials cost.
If organic is important to you, then it may involve more labor intensive processes to achieve organic status, cost of certifications, higher cost materials. Organic in most any venue is more āspecialtyā - like organic foods which require special pesticides (organic, not chemical/synthetic). They may not be as effective at protecting crops, so you have to factor in more loss but with the benefit of avoiding chemicals. Organic certified latex (a natural grown product) will cost more, organic cotton or wool transferred to an organic cover will cost more etc.
One company may offer a free comfort exchange (built into the final price), where another charges a nominal fee (offsetting cost more to those who require that feature). It may depend on length of warranty. Some may offer pick up of your old mattress and disposal and include in home delivery and setup (more of a white glove service) where others may deliver your mattress in boxes and leave you to assemble it yourself and itās up to you to dispose of your old mattress.
Starting with the latex, it would be a good idea to try out latex in person if possible and try out different builds. All talalay, talalay over dunlop, all dunlop and see which feels the best to you. Which one āfitsā you best is the best construction option. Then you can consider the cover options. Some people like a thick wool quilted or cotton quilted cover, others like a very thin cover that puts them closest to the latex itself. Selecting how organic or natural the materials are would depend how important it is to your own ideals. Comparing āserviceā might help you decide also. For myself, organic wasnāt highly important and I took the risk of purchasing a lower cost mattress - and in doing so, Iām left to dispose of my old mattress, have no real exchange options and a short warranty period. Then again, the next person might not find saving a few hundred dollars worthwhile in contrast to giving up a lot of those options.
Thinking of it in terms of car sales and service (something most people can relate to), there are tons of options. Not just which car you end up with, but are you ok with having to provide your own maintenance? Would an included 1yr of factory maintenance be more appealing? If dealing with a somewhat grease covered mechanic would be off putting to you, maybe a nicer place with a service manager who is clean and well groomed dealing with you in a quiet well furnished waiting room with a television, snacks and beverages would be more appealing. Or maybe it wouldnāt matter to you, you simply want your car fixed and donāt wish to pay extra for the perks. Part of that would be reflected in the price since it requires more work on the part of the dealer or shop to provide those things. Neither is ārightā or āwrongā, itās about what youāre comfortable with.
