There are many different foams available on the market today when you are on the lookout for a new mattress, topper or pillow.
The most common ones are Talalay latex, Dunlop latex and memory foam.
As always, each material has its own benefits, but all come with their own caveats as well.
The truth of the matter is, though, that one material is unquestionably superior to the others and is inside the best latex mattresses.
It is able to outshine the competition with ease, and comes with hardly any down sides – especially none which are significant.
That comfort material is Vita Talalay latex, and in this article, we will explain exactly why it transcends traditional comfort materials.
The Unique Production Process
The Vita Talalay latex production process is what gifts the comfort material with its endless benefits.
In fact, it took decades until the creator of the process, Joseph Talalay, was finally satisfied with his invention.
In addition to that, Vita Talalay has been able to further improve and innovate what they have inherited half a century ago.
It is a complex process which consists of no less than 9 steps that are listed below:
#1 Mixing
Liquid latex is poured into a large container where it will be mixed with some soap, natural additives, and air.
#2 Filling
The mixture is then poured into a rectangular mold with pins to guarantee consistent temperatures throughout the entire process.
It is also what gives the Talalay latex material the unmistakable look that we all know with its many tiny holes.
The mold is filled between 30%-60%, depending on the required density.
#3 Vacuuming
Once the mold is fully closed and sealed, a vacuum is created inside which will evenly spread the natural latex mixture.
This is the moment where the unique round open cell structure is conceived as the small and perfectly round air bubbles begin to form.
#4 Freezing
Once everything has risen and is evenly spread inside the mold, it is immediately flash frozen to -30°C/-22°F for 8-10 minutes.
At this point, the small and perfectly round bubbles burst and the next step to the unique round open cell structure is complete.
#5 Gelling
A natural gel is added into the mix which ensures that the perfectly round open cells will receive their shape retaining properties.
#6 Vulcanization
Now, the opposite occurs and the mold is flash heated up to 115°C/240°F.
This essentially bakes the frozen mixture and allows for the block to get it’s truly fixed form.
This step takes about 10 minutes.
#7 Washing
Every single block of freshly vulcanized Talalay latex material is washed and dried 4 times.
Clear, reusable water is used to clean the foam blocks, while large rollers squeeze out the water to save energy on drying the blocks.
#8 Post-Vulcanization
This is one of the steps that makes Talalay latex so special.
The latex blocks are essentially placed in a large oven once again and baked at 85°C/185°F for another 8.5 hours to finish.
#9 Quality Control
Pressure is applied to up to 15 spots on every single block with an ILD meter. If the sensors pick up differences in consistency, the block will not pass inspection.
#1 Mixing
Liquid latex is poured into a large container where it will be mixed with some soap, natural additives, and air.
#2 Filling
The mixture is then poured into a rectangular mold with pins to guarantee consistent temperatures throughout the entire process.
It is also what gives the Talalay latex material the unmistakable look that we all know with its many tiny holes.
The mold is filled between 30%-60%, depending on the required density.
#3 Vacuuming
Once the mold is fully closed and sealed, a vacuum is created inside which will evenly spread the natural latex mixture.
This is the moment where the unique round open cell structure is conceived as the small and perfectly round air bubbles begin to form.
#4 Freezing
Once everything has risen and is evenly spread inside the mold, it is immediately flash frozen to -30°C/-22°F for 8-10 minutes.
At this point, the small and perfectly round bubbles burst and the next step to the unique round open cell structure is complete.
#5 Gelling
A natural gel is added into the mix which ensures that the perfectly round open cells will receive their shape retaining properties.
#6 Vulcanization
Now, the opposite occurs and the mold is flash heated up to 115°C/240°F.
This essentially bakes the frozen mixture and allows for the block to get it’s truly fixed form.
This step takes about 10 minutes.
#7 Washing
Every single block of freshly vulcanized Talalay latex material is washed and dried 4 times.
Clear, reusable water is used to clean the foam blocks, while large rollers squeeze out the water to save energy on drying the blocks.
#8 Post-Vulcanization
This is one of the steps that makes Talalay latex so special.
The latex blocks are essentially placed in a large oven once again and baked at 85°C/185°F for another 8.5 hours to finish.
#9 Quality Control
Pressure is applied to up to 15 spots on every single block with an ILD meter. If the sensors pick up differences in consistency, the block will not pass inspection.
Benefits of Vita Talalay Latex
Latex mattresses have been a popular choice for many years, but not all latex is created equal.
Vita Talalay latex has numerous benefits, all of which are thanks to the unique round open cell structure.
Highly Breathable
Vita Talalay creates and maintains the perfect micro-climate to get the best out of your sleep.
Find out more about this here.
Hypoallergenic
Do you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin? Vita Talalay latex may just be the solution for you!
Find out more about this here.
Ergonomic
Instead of you needing to adapt to the new mattress, Vita Talalay latex will adapt itself to your unique body shape and weight.
Find out more about this here.
Soft Yet Supportive
This is usually a paradox in the industry but the unique round open cell structure allows for optimal support and pressure relief at the same time.
Find out more about this here.
Cool in Summer & Warm in Winter
The high level of ventilation allows Talalay latex to stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
Find out more about this here.
Highly Durable
Since Vita Talalay is vulcanized twice, it is extremely durable.
Find out more about this here.
Highly Breathable
Vita Talalay creates and maintains the perfect micro-climate to get the best out of your sleep.
Find out more about this here.
Hypoallergenic
Do you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin? Vita Talalay latex may just be the solution for you!
Find out more about this here.
Ergonomic
Instead of you needing to adapt to the new mattress, Vita Talalay latex will adapt itself to your unique body shape and weight.
Find out more about this here.
Soft Yet Supportive
This is usually a paradox in the industry but the unique round open cell structure allows for optimal support and pressure relief at the same time.
Find out more about this here.
Cool in Summer & Warm in Winter
The high level of ventilation allows Talalay latex to stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
Find out more about this here.
Highly Durable
Since Vita Talalay is vulcanized twice, it is extremely durable.
Find out more about this here.
Is Talalay Latex Organic?
Vita Talalay latex consists solely of 100% natural latex which is made from the sap of the rubber tree and it does not contain any artificial additives or fillers whatsoever. The latex is as safe as any other latex sap. Actually on its recipe (latex+all needed additives to turn latex from liquid into solid) it is even safer. We do not add SSF (Sodium silicofluoride like Dunlop does) to get a foam, since Talalay is foamed with air, and we have a patented recipe that makes sure there are no CMR’s (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reprotoxic chemicals) in our end product.
Talalay vs Dunlop Latex
Talalay latex is a superior product to Dunlop in terms of comfort, durability and sustainability.
Dunlop is generally less expensive to manufacture.
However, that is because the process is far less intensive, which is also reflected in the final product.
The Talalay process is essentially an upgraded version of the Dunlop process, as vacuuming, freezing and post-vulcanization are added to truly produce the best product possible.
After all, the Talalay production process is what allows for the unique, round open cell structure to form – something that you won’t be able to find in Dunlop latex.
Many also claim that one is softer than the other – but that is an inaccurate claim!
That is because the density for both Talalay and Dunlop generally depends on the ratio of latex with air in the mixture.
If you’d like to know more about the differences between Talalay latex and Dunlop latex, simply click here!
We also have a great infographic which highlights the differences between the two below!
Talalay vs Memory Foam
Right off the bat: the biggest difference is that memory foam is made from man-made polyurethane, while Vita Talalay latex is made solely of pure, natural materials.
Memory foam may be popular, but it’s actually a far cheaper and less satisfying material than Talalay latex.
Unlike memory foam, Talalay latex won’t trap heat and make you feel uncomfortable during the night.
Talalay latex will also allow you to move freely at night as it doesn’t absorb your kinetic energy as memory foam does.
In addition, latex is more durable than memory foam, meaning it will last longer.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, long-lasting and best latex mattress, then a Talalay latex mattress is the right choice for you.
If you’d like to know more about the differences between Talalay latex and memory foam, simply click here!
Below you’ll also see a great infographic which shows you the differences between the two!
5 Most Common. Latex Mattress Complaints
We thought it would be a great idea to debunk some of the myths that you may have encountered on the internet on the down sides of Talalay latex.
#1 Bounce as Personal Preference
If you were to push your hand into the mattress and then lift it away quickly, a "bouncy" latex mattress would retain its shape instantly.
However with memory foam, this is not always true as they slowly adjust back to their original shape over time.
While this point may arguably be a matter of personal preference, it is still better to be able to move freely during the night.
#2 Weight
Yes, latex mattresses are very heavy in comparison to others – but there’s a good reason for it.
First off, the main reason for that is because they are much denser than other materials, meaning also that they are very durable.
In addition, if you have a mattress with Vita Talalay latex inside, you won’t need to worry about turning your mattress regularly as its shape retaining properties will do the work for you.
The bottom line: it will only be heavy once, and that is when you install the mattress for the first time!
#3 Off-Gassing
Talalay doesn't off gas toxins. Actually it is proven to be clear of CMR toxins. CMRs are toxins that can be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction.
A "new bed smell" may be present when the latex first arrives, but no harmful chemicals are being released since Talalay is made of only natural ingredients.
#4 Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is when people can feel the movement of their partner on the other side of a bed.
Memory foam mattresses are really good at isolating motion, and thus they make for great sleeping partners!
However, the same applies to Talalay latex as it only receives pressure where pressed, meaning that your partner won’t be disturbed at all either!
#5 Price
Yes, natural latex mattresses made with the Talalay process are usually more expensive than other options out there.
However, the process is far more expensive and time consuming, which in turn also creates a superior product.
Natural Talalay latex mattresses are a great investment for those looking to get the best out of their sleep.
#1 Bounce as Personal Preference
If you were to push your hand into the mattress and then lift it away quickly, a "bouncy" latex mattress would retain its shape instantly.
However with memory foam, this is not always true as they slowly adjust back to their original shape over time.
While this point may arguably be a matter of personal preference, it is still better to be able to move freely during the night.
#2 Weight
Yes, latex mattresses are very heavy in comparison to others – but there’s a good reason for it.
First off, the main reason for that is because they are much denser than other materials, meaning also that they are very durable.
In addition, if you have a mattress with Vita Talalay latex inside, you won’t need to worry about turning your mattress regularly as its shape retaining properties will do the work for you.
The bottom line: it will only be heavy once, and that is when you install the mattress for the first time!
#3 Off-Gassing
Talalay doesn't off gas toxins. Actually it is proven to be clear of CMR toxins. CMRs are toxins that can be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction.
A "new bed smell" may be present when the latex first arrives, but no harmful chemicals are being released since Talalay is made of only natural ingredients.
#4 Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is when people can feel the movement of their partner on the other side of a bed.
Memory foam mattresses are really good at isolating motion, and thus they make for great sleeping partners!
However, the same applies to Talalay latex as it only receives pressure where pressed, meaning that your partner won’t be disturbed at all either!
#5 Price
Yes, natural latex mattresses made with the Talalay process are usually more expensive than other options out there.
However, the process is far more expensive and time consuming, which in turn also creates a superior product.
Natural Talalay latex mattresses are a great investment for those looking to get the best out of their sleep.
If you would like to find out more on the benefits of our unquestionably superior Vita Talalay latex, please have a look at our Why Vita Talalay section, where every single benefit of the healthy and natural comfort material will be explained to you in full detail!
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