Many of our customers who have researched natural latex get overwhelmed with all of the information it takes to make a logical decision about purchasing a natural latex mattress, especially when it comes to the difference between synthetic and natural, the two methods of vulcanization (Talalay vs. Dunlop), and different methods of lamination, etc. Perhaps most confusing is that many people think that Talalay latex is a different substance that natural latex made using Dunlop vulcanization methods. In fact, both Dunlop and Talalay involve the same material, just handled a little differently during the solidification process. As we have discussed in earlier blogs and on our web site, the Dunlop method of vulcanization is a lot like making chocolate pudding. You heat up the liquid material, using a kind of giant steam cooker so the material is not burned, and it solidifies (vulcanizes). The Talalay method of vulcanizing the exact same natural liquid latex, is a lot like making chocolate mousse. A little lighter and fluffier, whipped with some air, but still slowly cooked without being burned, until it vulcanizes. There is one little technical step in the Talalay process that involves flash freezing the liquid just after it is whipped, to suspend the air bubbles more uniformly in the mixture just prior to solidification. Important to remember also, is that both Dunlop method and Talalay method of vulcanization can be used to solidify synthetic latex, too, and that is where the big difference lies, as we discuss on our site…the differences in quality between synthetic Dunlop, synthetic Talalay, and the natural versions of each is vast. Bottom line, Habitat uses only natural Talalay (completely botanical material with no petrochemical additives) and natural Dunlop as well. It pays to do your homework, and the cost difference between natural latex and synthetic pales in comparison to the difference in longevity and quality.