We get asked this question more and more as latex becomes more popular. We have always used only latex for our cushioning layers - for cores too in our all-latex model- and in fact, have tried and used both types of latex ever since we have been selling mattresses. We prefer, but more importantly, our customers prefer natural Talalay. Why? - because Talalay is inherently more comfortable and more breathable, and that really matters when it comes to cushioning, comforting and temperature regulating our bodies for deeper sleep.

Not-too-technically speaking, Talalay’s round and open cell structure allows for more breathability and elasticity than Dunlop’s coral-like cell structure. Talalay can be made in a wide range of densities all the way from super soft to extra firm, never feels just hard and offers superior pressure relief compared to Dunlop.

As with any latex, if made with expertise and care, without cheap fillers and properly washed before drying, both Dunlop and Talalay can be of high quality and durability. However, we have experienced less height and hardness loss and more firmness consistency with Talalay compared to Dunlop.

Dunlop is a more basic manufacturing process, requiring much lower production investment and technical know-how so as a result Dunlop latex is less expensive than Talalay. More companies now buy Dunlop latex cheaply directly from sources in Asia, as is reflected in lower cost latex and latex content mattresses being sold online. But for us, functionality, performance and health come first, so natural Talalay is definitely worth it and the way to go.

A recent test by Radium / Vita Talalay proved that even at a lower density compared to the Dunlop material in the test, Talalay shows

40% less height loss (sagging) and

50% less firmness loss (softening)

over 10 years of use compared to Dunlop.

Additionally, our pure natural Vita Talalay latex is Cradle to Cradle Gold certified - the most comprehensive and credible certification in the entire latex industry when it comes to chemical safety and sustainability.