The Dunlop Latex Mattress

Latex foam mattresses are among the most popular on the market because they offer the combination of great support and durability. Yet among all latex mattresses there are two primary manufacturing processes which really determines the type of mattress you're getting. Those two processes are known as the Talalay process and the Dunlop process. The Dunlop process is the older of the two, and the one the most frequently used in the production of today's latex mattresses.

While both latex manufacturing processes have their pros and cons, one of the major reasons the Dunlop latex mattress process remains so popular is that it is less expensive. The process consists of two fewer steps which eliminates both labor and total time involved. This translates into increased productivity and lower prices. Some would argue that for all of its benefits, the Dunlop process produces an inferior latex which doesn't work as well for mattresses. We'll give you the information here and let you make the decision.

The Dunlop Process

The Dunlop latex process has been around since 1929. It begins by collecting the sap from rubber trees and whipping it into a very light and frothy consistency. From there, substances like proteins and amino acids are added to give it more substance and density. It is again whipped until it becomes a foamy liquid ready to be poured into molds. Manufacturers must get a good balance in the mixture of sap and added compounds in order to ensure the next part of the process works correctly.

With the latex poured into molds it is then covered and baked in a steam baking environment. During the process the heavier components tend to settle, resulting in more firmness on the bottom side of the mattress. This settling can be looked on as good or bad, depending on your viewpoint. Those who see it as a good thing point out that the natural settling provides two firmness options in a single mattress. Those who consider it a bad thing point to the lack of consistency across the entire mattress surface.

Some Dunlop latex mattress manufacturers take advantage of this natural settling by making mattresses with multiple layers. Doing so allows the user to adjust the firmness up or down simply by unzipping the mattress case and turning over various layers as needed. How effective this is in determining your comfort level is a matter of debate. Nonetheless, it is a marketing tool which has found a place in the latex mattress industry.

The Advantages of Dunlop Latex

The biggest advantage of Dunlop latex is in its firmness in comparison to inner spring mattresses and Talalay latex foam. It tends to be an excellent choice for individuals who need maximum support due to lower back problems and joint issues. Its firmness and density also mean that Dunlop latex tends to be more durable, even under the most punishing of conditions. Properly cared for, you should have no trouble getting many faithful years of service from a Dunlop latex mattress.

A second advantage that many Dunlop fans mention is the fact that this type of foam is flexible without being bouncy. A mattress that is too bouncy can be devastating for someone who has back pain. A bouncy mattress could move across its entire surface when one partner moves, making the other partner with back pain feel it every time there's even the slightest movement. Individuals with severe back pain tend to choose Dunlop latex over Talalay.

The Disadvantages of Dunlop Latex

The texture of Dunlop latex has often been described as being similar to pound cake. This property means it does not "hug" the body in the same way memory foam does. That's a common concern among customers who are choosing to switch away from memory foam because they don't like the smell it produces. Such customers are better off with Talalay latex which performs more like memory foam than Dunlop products.

Dunlop Latex in Natural Mattresses

The Dunlop process is used to make natural mattresses, also known in some circles as organic mattresses. But just like Talalay latex, considering them to be truly organic can be controversial. Depending on the compounds that are added during the manufacturing process, to give the rubber more body, a Dunlop latex material may or may not be truly organic. Those that are will introduce only natural compounds like the ones previously mentioned in this guide. Non-organic Dunlop latex mattresses may utilize some synthetic chemicals in combination with natural compounds.

Regardless of whether or not a Dunlop latex mattress is truly organic, it still contains fewer chemicals than in your spring mattresses and memory foam. Individuals who have allergy problems are good candidates for Dunlop latex because it is hypoallergenic and doesn't provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Dunlop latex may also be a good choice for a baby mattress if you are at all concerned about allergies or breathing issues.

Shopping for a Dunlop Latex Mattress

In most cases you'll find Dunlop latex mattresses competitively priced with comparable products. This type of latex is less expensive than Talalay latex because the manufacturing process is less costly. However, be advised that you do get what you pay for. You should be careful to read all labels to ensure you’re getting a 100% latex mattress. It's not uncommon for overseas manufacturers to use hybrid products while still trying to pass them off as natural latex.

Finally, before you agree to purchase any mattress make sure all of your questions are answered satisfactorily. Make sure you know all the information about manufacturer warranties, the use and care of your latex mattress, and so on. The more information you can collect the better off you'll be in making a decision that's right for you.