How Latex Works
Leave it to scientists and engineers to bring the most out of an already good thing. Over the last 200 years, products formed out of durable and naturally occurring latex have been used in fields ranging from the auto industry to health care and are found in a diverse array of common household items. It was only a matter of time when latex technology would also end up shaping the sleep industry and creating not only an innovative mattress, but also one of the most natural on the market today.
the origin
Latex, contrary to popular belief, is not the sap of the rubber tree. Latex flows closer to the surface of the tree, while sap runs much deeper towards the center. During the early times of production, rubber trees had to be cut down so that latex could be withdrawn; these days, they are tapped much like maple trees would in order make syrup, which means that the process of making a natural latex mattress already begins on an environmentally friendly and sustainable foundation.
the process
Watching a latex mattress being formed may be one of the most unique experiences you will encounter. Natural latex, in liquid form, is whipped and mixed into a frothy solution that is then poured into a mold. The mold is then baked in order to solidify the mixture and create rubber foam that is in the shape of a mattress. All types of latex mattresses go through a similar process, although there are different grades of latex mixture ranging from the completely natural to the synthetic.
dunlop & Talalay
Dunlop is the more commonly recognized process of forming latex mattresses, as it is a process that has been in practice since 1929; today however, the Talalay method is garnering accolades as the preferred method of creating a natural latex mattress. Developed in the late 1940’s, this process uses no volatile synthetic chemicals and adds extra breathability and support thanks to a proprietary vacuum and freezing technique that creates a more consistent cell structure within the foam.
Read more about the differences between Talalay vs. Dunlop mattresses and find out which type is right for you.