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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TALALAY AND
DUNLOP LATEX?
First, latex comes from the milk of the Hevea Brasiliensis tree,
which contains an antibacterial substance that is a natural
dust-mite repellent. After is is harvested air, soda ash, zinc and
natural soap are whipped into the milk and it is poured into a mold
with hollow pins and baked. It then goes through a thorough washing
to remove all proteins that could possibly cause an allergic
reaction.
Mattresses made from this natural latex make a terrific product and have grown tremendously
popular in Europe. The
latex is very dense (typically 4 lb/cubic foot density)
and a quality mattress core (this is the industry term for the piece
of
latex used to make the mattress) of natural
latex will last virtually forever.
Latex mattress cores are always made with holes in them
(called pincore holes) - these holes soften the
latex and make it comfortable. Many mattresses are made
with a layer of different degrees of firmnesses on top of the
latex core to give the bed a softer or firmer feel.
Latex mattresses have a nice bouncy feel and are very
supportive.
There are two ways in which the cores are manufactured:
(1) The original method, called the Dunlop
method, involves first whipping the latex liquid into a mold and
heating it till it vulcanizes.
(2) In the Talalay method, which is a
bit more involved (making the latex more expensive), a vacuum is
placed on the mold and other processes are involved that some claim
produces a foam that has a more consistent cell structure. The foam,
in either process, once made is then washed a number of times to get
rid or excess soaps and proteins that can make the foam degrade
early and also reduces the rubbery smell of latex.
Which is best?
Manufacturers who use the Talalay
method, describe their product as being less dense, having more air
dispersed in the product due to the flash freeze step used in the
process, and claim that it has a more uniform cell structure.
Those who use the more straightforward vulcanization technique in
the Dunlop method like the more
elastic, springier feeling it creates and manufacturers who use
Dunlop have strong opinions about
Dunlop latex. The Dunlop
technique was developed using all natural latex without synthetic
ingredients, and it has some solid
history behind it. It turns out Sears sold an all natural
Dunlop latex mattress back in the 50's
called the "Harvest House" bed, and there is a report that many are
still in homes to this day in pristine condition after 40-50 years.
Then there is a third choice. 40% Natural Latex that has been
blended with 60% synthetic latex. This is a cheaper mixture
containing clays, glues, and other materials causing your mattress
to become toxic, break down faster and become uncomfortable; giving
truly natural latex a bad reputation.
Unfortunately these manufacturers are permitted to advertise 100%
latex omitting the keyword natural. We cannot stress the importance
enough to remain as chemical free as the world will allow you and
check your sources.
The elimination of harmful chemicals and processed foams from your
sleeping environment can provide you with the comfort you need and
keep you in the healthy environment that is required for your body!
Many of today's mattresses are made with synthetic materials that
contain foams that constantly break down and can release very
harmful gasses. Some of these chemicals, called PBDEs, are used as
flame retardants in conventional mattresses. Organic mattresses have
natural flame retardants (wool) and no harmful chemicals and gasses
that could cause skin and/or breathing issues.
Studies have shown that people sleep more soundly and restful on
mattresses that use natural and/or organic fibers. Also, that people
toss and turn much less and feel much more rested the next day when
sleeping on wool.
Wool reduces pressure points and regulates temperature keeping you
cool when it's warm and warm when it's cold.
Mattresses that are made with organic and natural materials promote
safe and healthy environments.
WHY SHOULD YOU GO ORGANIC?
For Health!
Organic production helps protect public health and future
generations.
For the Planet!
Organic farming helps keep air, water, and soil clean by not using
toxic and persistent pesticides.
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