Mattress Ratings >> Latex Mattress Ratings
Dunlop Vs. Talalay → What Are They and Which is Better According To Actual Owners?
Dunlop and Talalay are types of latex processing, not types of latex. The Dunlop process has been around for many decades, while Talalay is newer. Both 100% natural latex and blended latex can be made using either process.
For the Talalay process, a tiny amount of latex is poured into the mold. Air is extracted to evenly distribute the foam liquid inside the mold which creates a consistent round, open cell structure. The mattress core is flash frozen to lock the cell structure in place and to prevent the particles from settling.
For the Dunlop process, the molds are fully filled, air is not extracted, and there is no flash freezing.
The result is that Talalay processed latex is more airy, less dense / firm and lighter (though still heavy) than Dunlop processed latex.
Another noteworthy difference is that the Dunlop method produces one piece of latex while the Talalay method produces latex in sections which then must be glued together.
Our data includes reviews from owners of both processing types. Based on this, owners as a group do not seem to find a noteworthy difference in overall comfort between the two. However, more owner data is needed to be certain.
In regard to durability / longevity, many in the mattress industry believe that Dunlop is at least slightly superior to Talalay, but our current owner data cannot confirm or contradict this claim.
While neither process may be inherently better than the other, formulation and quality control will impact the final product.