Latex International features the Talalay process: a highly controlled, sophisticated latex manufacturing process that produces the highest quality, most consistent latex available in the world. An alternative technology, known as the Dunlop process, is the most commonly used production method globally. It creates a firmer product that is most often used as a base core component.

The major difference between the two processes is what happens in the mold just prior to the initial latex curing stage.

 

Talalay Process	Dunlop Process
In the Talalay process, only a small amount of latex compound is poured into the mold. Air is extracted to perfectly distribute the foamed liquid inside the mold and to create 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.	In the Dunlop process, the molds are filled to the rim, air is not extracted, and there is no freeze stage. Therefore, the latex cell structure is less “airy”. Gravity takes over settling the particles to create a denser product than Talalay latex. Talalay latex is available in a much wider firmness range so it can provide enhanced comfort choice for consumers around the globe.

All foams are not created equal. To be assured you are buying the finest in the world, ask for the only Talalay latex made in the U.S.A. – Talatech® in the brands mentioned on our retail link page. LI’s formulation and process controls help determine the level of consistency and durability in a latex product. Our manufacturing process helps make the most consistent and durable latex in the world.

 

Choice of Comfort: Our pillows come in different heights and firmnesses to provide exceptional support and pressure relief for back, side or stomach sleepers.

Ultra durable: consistent cell structure means our latex provides superior comfort far longer than competitive products.

Proven Quality: we are the only manufacturer to test EVERY mattress core in 9 locations to ensure product consistency. Every latex pillow is hand inspected and weighed. Clean and Fresh: EVERY mattress core and pillow is washed in a unique 5 stage washing process that removes residual soaps and proteins (the leading cause of premature softening). World Leader: Talatech® is the only Talalay latex made in the U.S.A—the finest in the world—for uniform product feel from top to bottom.

Latex foam is proven to provide 31% more pressure relief and contouring support than memory foam. And it responds instantly to your unique body contours—without waiting for body heat. Latex is made from a rubber-based product versus memory or viscoelastic foam, which is derived from plastics. Latex provides “instantaneous recovery” as it contours and supports any body movement, while memory foam provides “slow recovery”. With memory foam, the sleeper must wait for their body temperature to soften the foam prior to getting that true contouring support that they would experience immediately with latex.

XSENSOR® pressure tests prove our Talatech® latex provides up to 30% more pressure relief than visco-elastic foam and outperforms other latex brands. Talatech® latex offers the superior support and pressure relief consumers are looking for today. And latex instantly conforms to every curve and contour.

Latex International performs very stringent durability testing to compare its latex to competitive materials. The following two tests illustrate our superiority to imported Talalay, Dunlop process, and 100% natural latex.

Compression Set Test: This test simulates the effect of body impressions on the latex after a person lies on the bed for extended periods of time. Latex mattress samples are clamped to 50% of their original thickness for 22 hours at 158 ° F. When removed, the percent loss in thickness is measured. Higher values indicate a higher propensity for the product to take a body impression over time. LI’s Talatech® latex consistently outperforms imported latex.

Percent Loss of Core Thickness:

• LI Talatech®: 3.3%
• European Talalay latex: 5.7% (73% more loss than LI)
• European Dunlop process latex: 7.5% (127% more loss than LI)
• Asian 100% natural latex: 12.5% (279% more loss than LI)

Impact Test: This test is used to simulate the effect on the latex when a person continuously gets on and off the bed over extended periods of time. A block of latex is tested for ILD (firmness) and then placed in a testing machine where a weight is dropped on the latex repeatedly for 24 hours. The product is then removed from the machine and allowed to recover for 24 hours. ILD is again measured and recorded. Higher loss values indicate a higher propensity for the material to soften over time due to mechanical breakdown of the product. LI latex consistently recovers better, with less loss.

Percent Loss of ILD:

• L I Talatech® : 6%
• European Talalay latex: 16% (167% more ILD loss than LI
• European Dunlop process latex: 16% (167% more ILD loss than LI)
• Asian 100% natural latex: 15% (150% more ILD loss than LI)

Our mattress components and pillows are featured in the leading name brands at major sleep shops, department stores, furniture stores, bedding and home textile retailers across the country and around the world. For more Retailer Information visit Product Finder.

 

In the late 1990’s, latex allergies became a topic of concern. Publicity revolved around a very small portion of the public exposed to a protein found in natural rubber latex that caused allergic reactions. The majority of these cases involved health-care workers who came in frequent contact with medical products made using a dipped vulcanization product, often produced in third world countries that do not have the stringent GMP manufacturing codes employed in the United States.

Although the process is completely different from ours, Latex International takes action to prevent the potential for allergic reaction. Non-skin contact products, such as mattresses and pillows, that may contain some natural rubber latex, undergo a five stage washing process which removes reaction-causing proteins while enhancing the over quality of the product. The openness of Talalay latex foam cells, allows for thorough washing.

Complaints for allergic reactions to natural rubber latex are monitored by the FDA. To our knowledge, there has never been a single complaint over our more than 28 years of experience stemming from the natural rubber found in our mattresses and pillows. Our products have been tested by outside facilities and are shown to be inherently hypoallergenic for sufferers of mold, mildew or bacterial allergies. In addition, our mattress and pillows are resistant to dust mites and are naturally resistant to mold and mildew which are contributors to asthma and pulmonary function allergies.

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Latex comfort layers can be found in many high quality innerspring mattresses. Adding this extra layer of latex can improve the pressure relieving qualities and durability of virtually any mattress. Many mattress retailers will have “mini-mattress” cutaways that allow you to see exactly what is inside the mattress.

 

Without proper support, your back, hips and shoulders are thrown out of alignment and you may wake feeling stiff, achy and tired. Latex foam provides comfortable support that keeps you in alignment, and conforms to your contours, cradling your body all night so you can awaken refreshed.

Tossing and turning reduces blood flow, which limits oxygen to the muscles and tissues. The body compensates by moving. Unfortunately, these results in less restful sleep, which in the long run can cause you to feel run down. It’s so easy to get the proper support: latex mattresses and pillows let you, and your cells, recharge and renew. Your body will stay in REM or deeper sleep longer.

 

Conventional wisdom says 8 hours a night, but children need more, and often, as we age, we seem to sleep less. The best guide to how much sleep you need is your own health. Many people sleep better with the simple addition of a comforting sleep routine, physical exercise and stress relieving practices.

If you need an alarm clock or wake feeling anything but refreshed, you’re probably not getting the real rest you need.

Pressure interrupts blood flow and oxygen to your extremities; causing the tossing and turning that interrupt a good night sleep. Proper support and alignment ensures your body gets vital nutrients to repair and restore itself all night long.

 

Nutrition, lifestyle and other factors deeply affect sleep. Many people suffer from sleeping disorders that can only be addressed by a professional, so talk with your physician when rest isn’t improved by good sleeping habits and quality bedding.