Latex
Since there is so much information about latex and latex mattresses to digest, we have grouped it into 7 topics that you can read or view at your own pace.
Latex - General Information
Latex is derived from the rubber tree. It is a natural, biodegradable material that is inherently anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and dust mite free. Latex inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, fungus, and bacteria. This makes it the best option for health conscious consumers and those who suffer from allergies. We have not seen a foam product that comes close to the quality and resilience of Latex.
We sell two types of 100% Natural Latex. One is manufactured with the Talalay process and the other with the Dunlop process. Both start as a milky white liquid composed of rubber, dispersed in water. This material is whipped with air to form a foam, which is frozen in place to make the Latex core.
The Latex core has a pincore construction with hundreds of tiny air channels. Because of this natural ventilation, it provides more breathability, keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
The density of the Latex core is 5.0 pounds per cubic foot. This is double the density of the best high resilient polyurethane foam. More weight means longer life. It comes with a 30 year warranty. Both are available in Soft, Medium, Firm, and Extra Firm. There is no resilience like Latex. If you have experienced a night on it, you know. .
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Pop Quiz on Latex
Talalay is a very sophisticated manufacturing process, regarded in the industry as being the best. The liquid latex is whipped, chilled, heated, washed, dried, and tested. Our supplier, Latex International has made a video of this process which you can access at the end of this page.
Dunlop is another manufacturing process in which latex is made. It is less involved and less time consuming. The main difference in the end product is that the Dunlop is less resilient than the Talalay. What do we mean resilient? Less springy, bouncy, lively. For people who like a firm mattress, this is a good thing. There is a slide show at the end of this page showing latex from tree to finished product.
100% Natural Latex means that 100% of the liquid latex used in the manufacturing process is natural.
Latex Blend means the liquid Latex used in the manufacturing process is a combination of synthetic and natural. Usually the ratio is 70-80% synthetic Latex and 20-30% Natural Latex.
Back to top.True or False
(Hint to getting all of the answers right)
Talalay and Dunlop refer to the manufacturing process in which the latex is made. 100% Natural and Latex Blend refer to the liquid that goes into either the Talalay or Dunlop manufacturing process
100% Latex means 100% Natural Latex
False.100% Latex means it is completely Latex whether it be a blend of synthetic Latex and natural Latex or all natural Latex
All Talalay Latex is 100% Natural
False. 100% Natural Latex or Latex blend can be made using the Talalay manufacturing process
All Dunlop Latex is a Blend
False. 100% Natural Latex or Latex Blend can be made using the Dunlop manufacturing process
Dunlop Latex is inferior to Talalay Latex
False. Five years ago this would have been a truer statement, but the Dunlop process has made huge strides the past few years
Foam Sweet Foam sells the 100% Natural Latex & Latex Blend
False.Foam Sweet Foam sells only 100% Natural Latex
Foam Sweet Foam sells both the Talalay and the Dunlop Latex
True. Foam Sweet Foam sells only 100% Natural Talalay Latex and 100% Natural Dunlop Latex
Specs on 100% Natural Latex
|
100% Natural Latex |
Talalay |
Dunlop |
| Manufacturer | Latex International |
Latex Green, Arpico |
| Country of Origin | U.S.A. |
Sri Lanka |
| 100% Natural Latex Foam | yes |
yes |
| Density | 5.0 |
5.0 |
| ILD Range | 22-42 |
20-48 |
| Warranty | 30 Years |
30 years |
| Glue seam in Latex > 40" wide | yes |
no |
Our Mini Stack System
We use the MINI-STACK system to assemble our mattresses. Prior 
to 2002, we had been shipping mattresses with a solid 6" Latex core. More often than we wanted, people would use our liberal swap policy to exchange a 6" medium core for a firm one, a firm one for an extra firm one, etc. In addition to having swapped 6" foam cores accumulating in our warehouse, it was a major project for the customer to package a 6" King or Queen Latex core for shipment.
With the MINI-STACK system, you will get either two, three or four layers of Latex. You have a choice of getting a wool cover or organic cotton cover to encase the Latex. Because of the friction of the foam and the snugness of the cover, these foam pieces will not move or slide once the mattress is placed on the bed.
Both Talalay and Dunlop 100% Natural Latex are available in Soft, Medium, Firm, and Extra Firm. The most common combination is med/firm/Xfirm, but soft/med/firm, firm/firm/Xfirm, or anything else you come up with, are available at no extra charge. Because we do not laminate the layers, you can rearrange the Latex to fit personal comfort needs. Most people prefer medium over firm over xtra firm. If this is not quite firm enough, you can unzip the cover and rearrange the top two pieces (see illustration above) so the firm is on top. The ability to make this change has eliminated more than 90% of returns and swaps. Most people are able to get the comfort they need through some arrangement of the layers.
Mattress Covers
Plush Quilted Wool Cover
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We refer to this cover as our wool cover. It should actually be called our cotton - wool - cotton cover. The top layer is a 100% cotton fabric. The bottom layer is a 100% cotton liner. Between these two layers is a 3/4" layer of joma wool. If you are like many people, you are not able to wear a wool sweater. The only way you will see or touch the wool in this cover is to cut it open with a scissors. You will have no direct contact with the wool. This cover has a quilted layer on the top and comes with a zipper on 3 sides for easy removal. The cotton fabric is a light beige with a subdued flower pattern.
Organic Cotton Cover
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There may be a couple of reasons a person would prefer this cover. This cotton cover is certified organic which is very important to some people. The wool cover is not. Another reason it may be the preferred cover is the fact that it is so thin. It is about 1/64" thin, about as thick as a flannel sheet. This thinness would allow your body to be as close to the latex as you possibly can without being directly on it.
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Decisions, Decisions . . . . . . . . . .
Decision #1: Talalay or Dunlop
All of the mattresses we sell contain 100% Natural Latex Foam. The two types Natural Latex we carry are Talalay and Dunlop. In terms of resilience, Talalay is the better of the two. It is more lively, bouncy, springy, and cushy.
If you like a firm mattress, Dunlop is the best choice because higher ILD's are available. In addition, there is no glue seam in the Dunlop. Even though most latex is sold with a glue seam (it doesn't affect the quality), some people just don't like it.
Bottom Line: Both products are components of the best mattresses made. If you want to buy the most resilient, Talalay is your choice. If you need a real firm mattress or if a glue seam in the latex bothers you, Dunlop is likely the best option. Either mattress is probably better than what you have now.
Decision #2: Two, Three, or Four layers
We assemble mattresses using the Mini-Stack System with either 2, 3, or 4 layers of 3" Latex. The Natural Plus contains 3 layers and the Natural Lite is the 2 layer mattress. The Natural Plus offers more options and provides an extra layer of comfort. When the owner of FSF went from a "Lite" to a "Plus", he noticed that he could no longer feel the flat support beneath the mattress. It was now extremely cushy and comfortable. We hear the same comment from people who visit our showroom. The Super Natural Plus has 4 layers. It is a great mattress if you like that thick mattress look and is the best option for large people.
Bottom Line: We recommend the "Plus" (3 layer) mattress. If $$ is an issue or you like it real firm, the "Lite" is a very good choice. If you want a thick mattress or are a large person, the Super Natural Plus is the best option.
Decision #3: Soft, Medium, Firm, or Extra Firm
When buying a Natural Plus (3 layer) mattress, most people buy the medium over firm over extra firm. This is the arrangement that fits most comfort ranges. If it is not quite firm enough, you have the ability to unzip the cover and re-arrange the layers to adjust the comfort level. Some people suffer from conditions that require at least the top layer being soft. For this situation, we recommend the top layer to be soft and the bottom two layers be firm/extra firm. For people who are used to sleeping on futons or want a firm mattress, our suggestion is firm/firm/extra firm or firm/extra firm/extra firm. These layers can still be re-arranged.
When buying a Natural Lite (2 layer) mattress, we recommend the medium on top and the firm on the bottom. Keep in mind it may feel firmer because there is not as much Latex to sink into. You will be 1 layer closer to the foundation. You can always make it firmer by flipping the mattress over, thus putting the firm on top. If you are a small person, the Natural Lite may work well for you.
When buying a Super Natural Plus (4 layer) mattress, we recommend the med/med/firm/extrafirm if you are average size. If you are a large person, we recommend the med/firm/extrafirm/extrafirm. You still can make it firmer by re-arranging the layers, placing the firmer layers at the top
Bottom Line: For most people we recommend med/firm/extra firm or similar. You can always make the mattress firmer by re-arranging the layers of latex. If you know that you like either softer or firmer, feel free to order accordingly or give us a call @ 909.606.5335 for our opinion. If you do need to change a layer, there is always our liberal swap policy.
Decision #4: Wool Cover or Organic Cotton Cover
The wool cover should actually be called our cotton/wool/cotton cover. The top layer is a 100% cotton fabric. The bottom layer is a 100% cotton liner. Between these two layers is a 3/4" layer of joma wool. This cover will add about an inch to the thickness of the latex mattress.
The organic cotton cover is simply a layer of organic cotton fabric sewn into a cover with a zipper on 3 sides. It has no padding and adds very little thickness to the mattress.
Bottom Line: Both covers are made with high quality materials, well constructed, and very comfortable. Once again, the choice is a personal preference. The wool cover will look like a regular mattress cover and provide a buffer between you and the latex. For those of you who like things as natural as you can get or like to be as close to the latex as possible, the organic cotton cover is the likely choice.
Decision #5: Foundation or No Foundation
Our mattresses do not need a foundation for support. If you need to put the mattress on something to achieve a desired height, it can be placed on your old box spring (if it is in good condition), directly on slats (as long as they are only 3-4" inches or less apart from each other), or directly on plywood such as a Captain's Bed or Platform Bed.
Bottom Line: If you need to raise the mattress that you purchase from us, you can use anything that will give you support, as long as it doesn't sag.
Back to top.Slide Show and Video