
What is the difference between latex and rubber?
is that rubber is (uncountable) pliable material derived from the sap of the rubber tree; a hydrocarbon polymer of isoprene while latex is (uncountable) natural latex rubber, especially non-vulcanized rubber, such as is used in making latex gloves, latex condoms, and latex clothing.
Is polyurethane the same as latex?
However I suspect that you are asking whether a latex, which often refers to a natural rubber emulsion, and polyurethane are the same material. That answer would be “no”. They are chemically different and distinct, but can potentially have the same type of properties or performance.
What is similar to latex?
LaTeX (/ ˈ l ɑː t ɛ x / LAH-tekh or / ˈ l eɪ t ɛ x / LAY-tekh, often stylized as L a T e X) is a software system for document preparation. When writing, the writer uses plain text as opposed to the formatted text found in "What You See Is What You Get" word processors like Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer and Apple Pages.
What is in a latex mattress?
What is a Latex Mattress? A latex mattress combines latex foam with either springs or reflex foam to create a supportive and durable sleep surface. Latex in its natural form comes from the sap of a rubber tree and its potential was discovered by Dunlopillo in the early 1900s. Dunlopillo pioneered the revolution of latex by creating a range of mattresses and pillows made purely of latex foam to ...

What is the difference between latex and Talalay latex?
Generally speaking, Dunlop latex is firmer and more dense than Talalay latex. Often, this means that Dunlop is used for the support core in latex mattresses, while Talalay is reserved for top comfort layers. However, both versions can be engineered to a variety of firmness levels.
Does Talalay latex have chemicals?
This means it's free of chemicals and harmful substances. Talalay latex rubber is constructed using an environmentally friendly production process: The Talalay process features biodegradable, natural ingredients that are derived from water-based raw materials (air, natural latex, and water) and renewable resources.
What is the difference between Talalay and natural latex?
The main difference in feel between the two types of foam is the springiness. While all types of latex foam have a springy and elastic feel, Talalay foam has an extremely springy, “bouncy” feel. Some people prefer this, but many do not like this “bounciness”.
Is Talalay latex eco friendly?
It's Environmentally Friendly The Talalay process features natural, biodegradable ingredients that come from renewable resources and water-based raw materials: natural latex, air and water. The rubber trees are not harmed in the latex harvesting process.
Is latex a known carcinogen?
Is Latex a Carcinogen? Natural latex is not carcinogenic. It is not chemically treated and does not contain any added toxic substances such as pesticides or formaldehyde, and is therefore considered safe. However, synthetic latex is produced using a variety of chemicals and can contain polyurethane foam.
Is Talalay safe?
Talalay latex is not toxic and is safe for humans to sleep on. A Talalay latex mattress does contain trace amounts of chemicals and synthetic materials. However, these materials aren't considered dangerous.
Why is Talalay more expensive?
There's no difference between the rubber tree sap used to make natural Talalay latex and natural Dunlop latex. The difference lies entirely in the manufacturing process. Talalay latex is the more expensive and energy-intensive of the two latex types.
Is Talalay latex good for side sleepers?
The number one thing side sleepers need to think about is pressure point relief. That is why we recommend a softer layer on top, such as soft natural Talalay, which promotes a comfortable cradling feeling. A soft top layer will put less pressure and resistance on your hips and shoulders.
Does Talalay latex soften over time?
Many high-quality natural latex mattresses, such as dunlop latex and natural talalay latex, have sag factors of 4 or 5. Over time, the latex can soften, leading you to feel some pressure points from hard spots beneath your bed, such as slats. But latex generally softens only 15 to 20 percent in a 10-year period.
Can you wash Talalay latex?
Talalay latex pillows are the perfect choice for a great night's sleep. They're 100% natural, antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites and mildew. From time to time, you can wash latex pillows to keep them fresh and in good condition.
Can Talalay be organic?
100% Natural Dunlop or Talalay Latex: The process of making Talalay Latex however, cannot be certified as organic due to its use of chemicals that are used. This differs from Dunlop Latex, which can be manufactured without the use of these restricted chemical additives.
Does Talalay latex break in?
The good news is that there is no break-in period when it comes to your natural latex mattress.
Can Talalay be organic?
100% Natural Dunlop or Talalay Latex: The process of making Talalay Latex however, cannot be certified as organic due to its use of chemicals that are used. This differs from Dunlop Latex, which can be manufactured without the use of these restricted chemical additives.
Does natural latex contain chemicals?
All-Natural latex does not contain the harmful chemicals found in polyurethane foam and no chemicals are added to make it react differently than its natural properties.
Is latex toxic to sleep on?
All-natural latex mattresses don't contain harmful chemicals. Unlike polyurethane foam, which comprises many innerspring memory foam mattresses, latex is non-toxic. Natural latex mattresses are naturally fire-resistant and don't need chemical flame retardants.
Is latex toxic to humans?
Is natural latex safe? Yes, natural latex is considered safe. It is not treated with harmful chemicals such as pesticides or formaldehyde. However, if you have a latex allergy, you may want to ask for a sample to see if you have a reaction before purchasing a latex mattress.
What is Talalay Latex?
Talalay latex is the culmination of a century of effort to build luxury foam out of latex's natural botanical properties of buoyance and resilience. Talalay latex can be relatively soft or firm, depending on your sleep preference, and tends have a downy loft that side sleepers covet.
How is Talalay foam made?
Talalay is formed in a laboratory, where liquid latex is first whipped, then poured into a frame.
How is latex made?
Latex is produced by pouring a uniform thickness of latex into a mold, closing the cover, and using suction to raise the height of the latex layer to 6 inches.
What is the difference between Talalay and Dunlop?
Talalay latex is usually touted as softer than Dunlop, but in truth either method can be used to produce both soft and firm latex foams. At its softest, Talalay can be softer than Dunlop. At its firmest, Dunlop can be firmer ...
How does Talalay work?
Talalay production entails the fuel and time needed to ship the latex, often hundreds or thousands of miles, to a processing facility. In order to ensure that the latex arrives at the facility in liquid form, rather than partially congealed, ammonia is usually added to the liquid latex before shipping.
Is Talalay a soft mattress?
Cons -- Talalay Latex Mattresses Can Be: Softer than Dunlop latex, so that back or stomach sleepers may feel as if they're sinking into the bed (as with any soft mattress); More expensive than Dunlop-produced mattresses due to technologically advanced processing techniques, shipping, and intensive labor;
Is Talalay mattress organic?
Pros – 100% Talalay Latex Mattresses are: All-natural, sustainable, and sometimes even organically grown (though the Talalay production method is inherently not organic); A cooler, more breathable alternative for those who tend to "sleep hot";
How does Talalay latex work?
After the air is added, Talalay latex is then frozen into a gel form. This gel form is heated back up, cleaned, and then used to produce a natural Talalay latex mattress.
How is Talalay made?
The manufacturing of a Talalay mattress begins with latex in its natural liquified form. This liquid is put in a mold without filling the mold completely. The extra open space in the mold is then pumped full of air with a vacuum. The addition of air to the mold allows the latex to grow and expand in size.
How much more expensive is Dunlop latex mattress than Talalay?
An all-natural production process also impacts the price of Dunlop latex mattresses. These mattresses can be as much as $1,000 more than their Talalay latex mattress counterparts. However, if buying organic is important to you, this higher price tag may not be a huge drawback.
What is the difference between Talalay and Dunlop?
A Talalay latex mattress provides sleepers with a bouncy and responsive bed. This style of latex mattress is excellent for all sleep positions and particularly beneficial for larger sleepers. Dunlop latex is another option for consumers looking to buy an organic latex mattress.
How is Dunlop latex made?
Natural Dunlop latex mattresses are produced by filling a mold up completely with liquid latex. The liquid is then heated up, cleaned, and allowed to air dry. Once the mixture has dried into a solid piece of foam, it is ready to be used in your mattress.
What is the difference between a latex mattress and a hybrid mattress?
Heavier or larger side sleepers are better suited with a latex mattress. Side sleepers can consider an all-latex bed or a latex hybrid. Hybrid mattresses contain a latex top and coils at the bottom for stabilization.
What is a latex mattress?
Latex mattresses are known for offering a springy or bouncy feeling. When you lie down on a latex mattress, you won’t have to worry about being trapped or sinking into the bed. There are two main types of latex foams: Talalay and Dunlop. Mattresses can be made up of one or a combination of these two latexes.
What is Talalay foam?
The Talalay process is designed to produce softer, fluffier latex with a more homogenous consistency. The resulting foam is softer and much less dense, which makes it well-suited for comfort layers, but not ideal for support cores.
When was Talalay invented?
The Talalay process is a bit more involved. It was developed in the 1940s and has been tweaked over the decades. Here is the modern process: Liquid latex extract is mechanically whipped to form a frothy foam. The foam is injected into a mold; however, the mold is filled only partially.
What is the difference between Talalay and Dunlop?
Differences Between Dunlop and Talalay Latex in Mattresses. As mentioned, the main difference between these two foams is that Dunlop is firmer and more dense, while Talalay is softer, less dense and more homogenous in nature.
How is Dunlop made?
Dunlop is the original manufacturing process for latex foams. It was first developed way back in 1929, and the process has not changed much since then. This is the basic process for Dunlop latex: 1 Liquid latex extract is mechanically whipped to form a frothy foam 2 The frothy material is placed in a mold 3 The material is baked in a vulcanization oven 4 The baked latex is removed from the mold and washed thoroughly 5 The material is baked again to remove moisture
What is latex mattress?
Latex is a natural material that is manufactured from the sap of rubber trees. It’s used in a variety of manufacturing applications, including modern mattresses. Latex mattresses are prized for their durability, superior cooling, and excellent pressure relief. While not as popular as memory foam beds, latex mattresses are becoming more common.
When was Dunlop foam invented?
Dunlop is the original manufacturing process for latex foams. It was first developed way back in 1929 , and the process has not changed much since then. This is the basic process for Dunlop latex:
Is Dunlop latex or Talalay?
This can often be reflected in the final price of new mattresses, although the difference in price-points is generally small. Generally speaking, Dunlop latex is firmer and more dense than Talalay latex.
Where Else is Latex Foam?
You may be surprised to find that latex foam is incorporated into most all types of mattresses on the market today. Innerspring mattresses are particularly comfortable when they include a top layer of latex foam for cushion. The same is true with the hybrid mattresses that are a mixture of a innerspring mattress and a memory foam mattress for support and comfort. High quality air mattresses include latex foam on the top to serve as the comfort layer too. Gel mattresses mostly rely on layers to mix comfort and support and they can include latex or memory foam in their design.
What are the advantages of latex mattresses?
Latex rubber mattresses offer many advantages over the traditional innerspring mattress. They are resilient as they compress immediately under the weight of your body when you lie on them. When you get up and off the mattress the latex returns to its exact shape as when it was brand new. When you move on the bed while in your sleep the latex cradles you in comfort and because of its natural features offers the exact amount of support that you need from head to toe. The foam compresses more under your shoulders and hips and rises up to meet your legs and waist for proper support. The soft yet supportive material helps to align your spine as it cradles painful parts of your body to minimize pressure points . As explained earlier in the process of securing the natural latex from rubber trees–a latex mattress is very eco-friendly.
What is Talalay rubber?
The Talalay process is a method of producing molded pieces of latex foam rubber. A liquid latex rubber base is introduced to a closed mold and is then vacuumed of air. The mold is then frozen to stabilize the cell structure. Carbon Dioxide gas is introduced and the mold is heated to cure the rubber. Leon, Joseph and Anselm Talalay developed the "Talalay" process at various commercial entities. B.F. Goodrich in Shelton, Connecticut, Dunlopillo in Pannal, Harrogate, UK, and Vita Talalay in Maastricht, Netherlands, made this process commercially practical in the late 1940s. The first Talalay production plants were built in England, Canada and the United States.
What is the compound used in Talalay?
One compound called styrene-butadiene rubber is a form of synthetic latex used by Talalay Global and is mixed with the latex from the Hevea tree to form the final Talalay product. Vita Talalay in the Netherlands still produces a Talalay product that does not contain styrene-butadiene and uses the latex from the Hevea tree as the entire base.
Where was Talalay made?
B.F. Goodrich in Shelton, Connecticut, Dunlopillo in Pannal, Harrogate, UK, and Vita Talalay in Maastricht, Netherlands, made this process commercially practical in the late 1940s. The first Talalay production plants were built in England, Canada and the United States.
How does Dunlop foam gelate?
Much like the addition of sodium fluorosilicate (Na 2 SiF 6) in the Dunlop process, the carbonic acid lowers the pH, thereby causing gelation. In the next process step, vulcanization locks the foam into a uniform bubble distribution.
Where does Talalay Latex come from?
Talalay Latex is derived from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree. The tree grows mainly in the Amazon
How is a pure natural Talalay latex mattress manufactured?
The trees harvested there have no harmful consequences to the environment what so ever. The pure natural Talalay latex mattress comes from a tree. This sounds like sleeping in nature in your own bedroom. Who would not want that?
How many steps are there in the Talalay process?
The pure natural Talalay latex mattress has a very complex production process where 9 steps are being followed to create the end product. The competition only follows 5 steps in the production process, they skip steps 3, 4, 5, and 8 of the Talalay process.
What is flame resistant latex?
The Flame-Retardant latex mattress is a combination of 50% natural latex and 50% synthetic latex. In the synthetic latex, the fire-retardant material is added. The mattresses meet the British crib 2 regulations. This means the mattress contains a fire-retardant material. Also that it decreases the flammability of the mattress or delays it.
Is Talalay made with tree sap?
There are multiple pure natural Talalay products, such as the latex toppers and latex mattresses. Which are manufactured only with the tree sap, without any added synthetic material.
Does Vita Talalay make latex?
Vita Talalay does not only produce the pure natural Talalay latex mattress. The company also has 4 other mattresses with different materials that they manufacture. Each of the mattresses can be produced in nine various degrees of firmness.
Where does latex come from?
While both come from the rubber tree, natural latex may have various chemicals used in the growing or processing of the sap, which are mostly unknown.
What is the source of latex foam?
1. the source of the latex. 2. the process used to turn the latex into foam. 3. third-party certifications. Sources of Latex. The raw material to make latex foam for mattresses and furniture can be either. 1. petroleum. 2. sap of the rubber tree Heaven brasilliensis. Latex made from petroleum is called “synthetic”.
Why is Talalay so expensive?
Because of the more complex manufacturing process, Talalay may be more expensive. From the viewpoint of choosing the least toxic latex, these processing methods aren’t as important as whether or not the raw material is natural or synthetic.
What is blended latex?
Usually, blended latex is mostly synthetic with a small amount of natural latex. Natural latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. The sap is “tapped” from rubber trees much in the way maple syrup is tapped from maple trees. There are two types of natural latex: 1. natural latex. 2. organic latex.
How many chemicals does Oeko-Tex test for?
It does test for over 350 chemicals and updates requirements annually. It has more stringent requirements for many chemicals than worldwide standards. It may be possible for a blended latex product to meet this standard so it’s helpful to look at the certificate from OEKO-TEX to make sure that it is100% natural.
Is synthetic latex a petroleum product?
Latex made from petroleum is called “synthetic”. The most common type of synthetic latex is SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber). Yes, styrene like Styrofoam cups, which can leach styrene into beverages. Synthetic latex typically has a stronger odor than natural latex and usually does not meet emissions standards of testing organizations such as OEKO-TEX and GreenGuard.
Is synthetic latex stronger than natural latex?
Synthetic latex typically has a stronger odor than natural latex and usually does not meet emissions standards of testing organizations such as OEKO-TEX and GreenGuard. Synthetic latex is often mixed with natural latex and marketed as “blended.”. But it’s not always half and half.

Talalay Latex Mattress: What Is It?
Benefits
- Talalay latex beds naturally ward off dust, dust mites, bacteria, and allergens. This makes them great mattresses for allergy sufferersand easy to keep clean. The responsive feel of a Talalay latex mattress allows for little motion transfer. This means you won’t be awakened in the middle of the night when your partner gets out of bed or rolls over. The natural ingredients used in a late…
Drawbacks
- Talalay latex mattresses are not 100% organic or natural. They contain small quantities of chemicals and synthetic materials. While this isn’t going to impact your sleep quality, it is a dealbreaker for those looking to purchase an organic latex mattress. The chemicals used in a Talalay latex mattress may produce an odor when the mattress is first unboxed. This off-gassin…
Dunlop Latex Mattress: What Is It?
- Natural Dunlop latex mattresses are produced by filling a mold up completely with liquid latex. The liquid is then heated up, cleaned, and allowed to air dry. Once the mixture has dried into a solid piece of foam, it is ready to be used in your mattress. This shorter manufacturing process often results in a thicker surface level and a thinner base layer for your mattress.
Talalay vs Dunlop Latex Mattress: Which Is Better For Me?
- So should you choose a Talalay or Dunlop latex mattress? Which of these latex mattresses is right for you comes down to your personal preferences. In general, latex mattresses are great for heavier sleepers and back, side, or stomach sleepers. The sink-resistant design of a latex bed can establish a mattress for joint painand help with proper spinal alignment. Dunlop latex mattresse…
FAQs
- Is Talalay latex toxic?
Talalay latex is not toxic and is safe for humans to sleep on. A Talalay latex mattress does contain trace amounts of chemicals and synthetic materials. However, these materials aren’t considered dangerous. Some Talalay latex mattresses do give off a distinct odor for the first da… - How long does a Talalay latex mattress last?
On average, latex mattresses last for 12 to 15 years when made solely with natural latex and no chemical compounds. Talalay latex mattresses have a slightly shorter lifespan due to their artificial components. A Talalay latex mattress lasts for 6 to 8 years.
Conclusion
- A Talalay latex mattress provides sleepers with a bouncy and responsive bed. This style of latex mattress is excellent for all sleep positions and particularly beneficial for larger sleepers. Dunlop latex is another option for consumers looking to buy an organic latex mattress. A Dunlop latex mattress comes with a higher price and a longer lifespan than Talalay latex mattresses. In gener…