Latex is a relatively new product used for mattresses. Made from either Natural or Synthetic latex, a latex core can virtually last forever and won’t lose it’s bounce. Natural latex is made from natural rubber, taken from the rubber tree and synthetic latex is made from a mix of different chemical compounds. Although synthetic latex is a man made product, it feels virtually identical to a natural latex product and the only difference between them is the form of latex in the manufacturing process.

There are typically 2 forms of latex manufacture, the Dunlop method and the Talalay method. The older, traditional Dunlop method involves whipping liquefied latex with air to make it into a foam. Then, it is poured into a mould where it is heated until it is vulcanized. The Talalay method involves pouring the liquid latex into a mould, placing a vacuum on the mould which sucks out the air bubbles and pockets to create a more consistant structure and then setting the mould by freezing the latex.

To get different amount of firmness in the core, different sized holes are cut into the latex called “pincore holes”. These holes soften the latex and make it more comfortable. The larger the holes, the softer the latex. Most latex mattresses will have one size of hole running all the way through the mattress, although different manufacturers may cut different size holes in different places to create so called “comfort zones”. For example, a softer feel around the shoulders and feet, but a firmer feel around the hips.

One of our best selling latex mattresses is the Dunlopillo Diamond Classic. It features a 17.5cm Talalay Latex core, a luxury soft-touch top panel featuring moisture management space fabric and a channel quilt design incorporating a 10mm layer of soft Dunlopillo Talalay Latex.

If you want to enjoy latex but can’t afford a complete latex core, then maybe you could look at other mattresses with latex in them. For example, the Silentnight Miracoil Latex Comfort, which has the comfort of the award winning Miracoil spring system and the resilience of latex foam. What ever your budget may be, latex is a material that everybody can enjoy.

Gill Hassell
February 27th, 2008 at 11:29 am

Please advise if a latex mattress is inclined to make you sweat more so than a mattress without latex in it? we want to buy a new super king size and never slept in a bed with latex, but are told that these beds are particularly comfortable. As my husband has had 2 back operations comfort and support is of maimum importance but latex is unsuitable if it is inclined to make you sweat. Your advice would be much appreciated. we have a £1500 budget.

There are 2 forms of latex manufacture, the Dunlop method and the Talalay method

To get different amount of firmness in the core, different sized holes are cut into the latex called "pincore holes".

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