Dunlop vs. Talalay Latex

What Is Latex Foam?

Latex foam is made from a milky substance from the hevea-Brasiliensis rubber tree. The substance is removed from the tree and prepared into a foamy and airy substance. The process gives latex a soft texture. Some latex can be 100 percent natural, chemical-free, and eco-friendly. However, many manufacturers also produce synthetic latex or a blended version that contains both synthetic and natural components. The most popular characteristics of latex are that it is cooler, bouncy, and highly durable.

There are two methods of producing latex foam: Talalay and Dunlop. Creating both types is the same up to a certain point. Everything starts by extracting the milky rubber tree substance and mixing it with a bit of water. The next is to pour the liquid into a mold, which can be done in two ways. Filling the mold only halfway produces Talalay latex, and filling it to the top makes Dunlop latex.

What Is Dunlop Latex?

Dunlop latex is more affordable than Talalay as it’s simpler to produce. The Dunlop production method began in January 1929 and hasn’t changed much since then. Dunlop is the first method invented for making latex foam, so it’s also more widely known. The material is durable and can experience a lot of use before showing signs of wear and tear. 

How is it made?

Dunlop latex is made by adding liquid latex into a press machine to distribute it into a mold. Once it’s dispersed and shut into the press, the hot steam cooks it into a solid, which is known as vulcanization. The latex is then removed from the mold and washed to get rid of any dirt and debris. Lastly, it’s baked once again to remove any excess moisture. The result is a dense, firm latex foam slightly softer at the top. This makes Dunlop latex excellent for support layers, although many mattresses have it in comfort layers as well. 

What Is Talalay Latex?

Talalay is a newer method of developing latex. Talalay latex is designed to be softer than Dunlop, often cradling the sleeper better for enhanced pressure relief. For this reason, Talalay latex is usually placed in the top comfort layers of a mattress. Talalay tends to have a more uniform feel to it compared to Dunlop. However, Talalay latex is also aerated, which means it is less dense and firm. Because of the difficulty to make a completely natural Talalay latex foam, the material will often contain synthetic ingredients like polyurethane. 

How is it made?

Making Talalay latex involves pouring the liquid latex into a mold only halfway through. The partially-filled mold is then air-tight sealed, allowing the liquid to expand and fill the rest of the mold. Next, the mold is frozen to preserve it before the makers heat it through a process known as vulcanization. After vulcanization, the latex is then cleaned and dried.

The Pros and Cons of Dunlop Latex

Dunlop latex is highly durable, making it a great option for bedding items like mattresses, toppers, and pillows. Plus, it’s a good choice for those looking for an entirely natural bed since this manufacturing process is more eco-friendly. This latex type has a quick response and is bouncy, which means it should be easier for people to reposition and get in and out of bed. Dunlop’s density also means it’s long-lasting, so you won’t need to replace these products as often. 

The biggest drawback of Dunlop latex is that many users find it has an inconsistent feel. Dunlop latex tends to be firmer at the bottom and softer at the top because of how it’s produced. Another drawback is that because Dunlop latex is denser, it will likely feel warmer compared to Talalay-made foams. 

If you want the best latex mattress, be sure to check out our Best Latex Mattresses here.

The Pros and Cons of Talalay Latex

Talalay latex is softer than Dunlop, allowing it to cradle sleepers better to relieve sensitive pressure points. Another advantage to the Talalay method is that it produces a more consistent feel across the entire foam, which some users may prefer compared to Dunlop. Talalay latex also sleeps cooler than Dunlop because it’s aerated, which could benefit extra-hot sleepers.

On the other hand, it takes longer to produce Talalay latex, and the process also involves more energy, making this a less sustainable option. As a result, this translates to higher price points for the final bedding products. Talalay also cannot be 100 percent naturally made, usually containing synthetic ingredients. Another con of Talalay is its durability. Although it lasts for years, it doesn’t last as long as Dunlop due to the amount of aeration and lack of density. 

Main Differences Between Dunlop and Talalay Latex

Talalay and Dunlop latex foams are manufactured differently, influencing important factors you will need to consider as a potential buyer.

Firmness

At first touch, you can notice that Talalay latex is softer than Dunlop. Dunlop is firmer and often used for support layers in latex mattresses, whereas Talalay is used in comfort layers. Nonetheless, both versions can be engineered to various firmness levels, giving shoppers a variety of options.

Breathability

Talalay takes the win here as it’s more breathable than Dunlop. Dunlop is denser than Talalay, so it won’t provide as much airflow. As a result, Talalay sleeps cooler, making it a better option for hot sleepers. 

Durability

Dunlop is often considered more durable than Talalay because it’s denser. However, both types offer substantial durability compared to memory foam and other mattress materials. Durability is significant because it can impact how long the product will perform at optimal levels. If you want something that lasts as long as possible, you might consider Dunlop latex foams.

Price

Dunlop is less expensive to make because the manufacturing process isn’t as long and doesn’t take as much energy. This is best reflected in the final price of Dunlop and Talalay latex mattresses, although it sometimes depends on other materials and technologies used to produce a certain bed. Therefore, you may generally find that Dunlop latex beds are cheaper compared to Talalay.

Sustainability

Latex is considered more sustainable than memory foam and other alternatives, regardless of how it’s produced. This is because the material comes from a natural and sustainable source, so the environmental cost is lower. However, Dunlop is the more eco-friendly of the two because the manufacturing process is less energy-intensive, making it slightly more sustainable than Talalay. 

Which One Should I Choose?

Ultimately you will have to see how both types compare and determine which features are more important to you. Regardless of which production method you opt for, you can expect more buoyancy, breathability, durability, and sustainability with latex products. 

Dunlop latex isn’t as consistent as Talalay but is denser and more supportive. On the other hand, Talalay is softer and cooler but not as durable as Dunlop. Talalay latex is also more expensive, but Dunlop is considered more cost-effective as it’s more durable and therefore, should last longer. Dunlop latex is better for the environment since producing it doesn’t take as much time and energy as it does to produce Talalay latex. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is softer, Talalay or Dunlop?

Talalay latex is softer because of the amount of aeration that makes it less dense, which is why it’s often found in comfort layers. So, if you’re looking for the softer option of the two, you should consider Talalay. However, both types can be produced at different firmness levels, so you can find a range of soft, medium, and firm latex mattresses. 

Is natural latex the same as Talalay latex?

Talalay latex is rarely all-natural as it often contains synthetic materials. However, the percentage of synthetic ingredients is within the numbers allowed by the Global Organic Latex Standard Certification. Besides that, Talalay latex is made from the same natural rubber tree as Dunlop latex. However, some manufacturers produce synthetic latex, so if you want more natural options, look for brands that advertise natural latex specifically.

Does Dunlop latex sleep hot?

Generally, latex beds are cooler than memory foam, but Dunlop will likely sleep warmer than Talalay because of its higher density. Many brands find other ways to help sleepers stay extra-cool on their latex beds, including using breathable fabrics in the mattress covers to increase the cooling effect.