Latex mattresses are among the finest mattresses found on the market today. They provide great support, long lasting durability, retain almost no heat, transfer very little motion (great for couples) and reduce painful pressure points better than any comfort material on the market. They’re also hypoallergenic, anti-dust mite, and anti-microbial, which makes latex the healthiest choice for you and your family. However, keep in mind that there are two types of latex: natural, and synthetic. One of these is, as it sounds, naturally derived; the other is the farthest thing from it.
Natural latex is available in two different styles: Talalay and Dunlop. While both styles are natural, the names refer to the type of refinement process that is used to convert the sap of the rubber tree into the comfort material you sleep on at night. Talalay (pronounced tal-la-lay) is the highest quality latex you can find. It’s also the best at reducing pressure, which is why all high quality natural latex mattresses feature Talalay latex near the top of the mattress. Dunlop latex, while still extremely effective at reducing pressure, is commonly used to produce the support cores. This is because the Dunlop process results in a firmer latex than Talalay, making it ideal for back support rather than comfort. The key to finding a quality natural latex mattress is to make sure the mattress has a Dunlop core with at least one layer of Talalay latex near the top. As long as these two criteria are met, you’ll have a great, healthy product that’s built to last.
The other commonly used form of latex in mattresses is synthetic latex. Synthetic latex provides great pressure relief and support, but isn’t the best choice for those looking to purchase a “green” product. However, if this isn’t a concern for you, synthetic latex mattresses will provide you with 20+ years of quality comfort and support just like their natural counterparts.
So which type of latex mattress is best? That depends on your outlook and budget. If you enjoy buying products that are naturally derived and eco-friendly, a natural Talalay or Dunlop latex mattress is an excellent choice. If you’re not worried about the materials, a synthetic latex mattress will provide the same performance and long life at a comparable price. As always, if you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below and I will be happy to answer them as soon as possible. Click here to view our selection of natural and synthetic latex mattresses.
[...] Simmons Natural Care® is a line of latex mattresses made from the sap of the rubber tree. Latex is an increasingly popular mattress type because it is breathable, eliminates motion transfer, and conforms to your body. Latex models also offer superior durability and comfort life. Naturally derived latex mattresses provide just as much comfort and support as their synthetic latex counterparts, and also give you peace of mind in knowing where your bed came from. For more on the differences between natural and synthetic latex, see our earlier post, Latex: Natural vs. Synthetic. [...]