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FAQs

Manufacturer FAQs

What is the difference between Talalay latex and Dunlop process latex?
Why do you sell Unilatex™, which is manufactured by Sapsa?
How does Talatech® compare to imported latex?
What sets Latex International apart from the competition? Why should I do business with you?

Consumer FAQs

How can I find your products?
What is latex?
Is all latex alike?
How is latex different from memory foam?
Why should I buy your products instead of less expensive foreign products?
What is the difference between 100% natural and blended latex?
Are latex allergies an issue in bedding products?
Can latex work with traditional innerspring mattresses?
Why is maintaining proper spinal alignment important?
What are the differences between pillows?


Sleep FAQs

Is tossing and turning bad?
How much sleep do I need?
How do I know if I’m not getting quality rest?
Why is pressure relief important?
I’ve tried everything, but I’m still not sleeping well, what should I do?
Help! I can’t figure out the differences between mattresses!


What is the difference between Talalay latex and Dunlop process latex?

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. In the Talaly 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 more dense product than Talalay latex. Talalay latex is available in a much wider firmness range so it can provide enchanced comfort choice for consumers around the globe.

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Why do you sell Unilatex™, which is manufactured by Sapsa?
In 1997, Latex International entered into an agreement with Sapsa Bedding to be the exclusive distributor of continuous process (Unilatex™) latex cores in North America. This ensured a comprehensive latex product portfolio.

Today, Latex International remains the only Talalay latex foam manufacturer in the Americas. Sapsa’s Unilatex™, made to our specifications and high standards, is the highest quality, most consistent Dunlop process product in the world. The product is a firmer, denser latex and is ideally used as a base core. We recommend 2 to 4” of LI’s Talatech® latex on top of the Sapsa material to optimize comfort, support, and pressure relief.

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What sets Latex International apart from the competition?

Latex International provides what we call Advanced Support. We are the only supplier that can provide you complete program support from initial design to sell through on the retail floor. With over 28 years of experience in the latex sleep products business, we have helped create the most successful latex programs in the world. Latex International provides:

  • The highest quality, most consistent and durable latex in the world—a critical building block for a successful program—domestically manufactured Talatech® brand latex.
  • Exclusive and innovative products featuring a full range of technologies (Talalay and Dunlop process latex, visco-elastic and polyurethane).
  • Finished designs delivered to your factory for final mattress assembly and upholstering.
  • Marketing and point of purchase (POP) merchandising support.
  • Manufacturer and retail sales training to drive placement and sell through
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How does Talatech® compare to imported latex?
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)
When you are considering importing latex, please be aware of the hidden costs that can add up. Consider the following:
  • Import duties
  • Transportation from factory to ship
  • Shipping costs
  • Transportation from ship to your plant
  • Customs clearance fees
  • Terminal handling charges
  • Forwarders fees
  • Agent and brokers fees
  • Bank charges for money transfers
  • Letter of credit charges
  • Increased inventory costs with 6 - 12 week lead times
  • Communications problems
  • Exchange rate fluctuations
  • Increased administrative work load
  • Cost of delays for containers to come in or from stocking out
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How can I find your products?
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.

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What is latex?
By definition, latex is a rubber particle suspended in water. There are 2 types; NR or natural rubber latex and SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) or man made latex. All latex is either a blend of the two or 100% natural latex.

All mattress components and pillows from Latex International are 100% latex. We use a proprietary blend of natural and man made latex to provide the optimal balance of comfort and durability. Natural rubber latex is used for durability. It inhibits tearing as it can be stretched like a rubber band. Man made latex (SBR) helps in creating a product that is very resilient to body sets as it can be compressed over and over and will continue to provide showroom feel.

Wear and tear simulation testing shows blend superiority. 100% natural latex cores experience 5 to10% more mattress core height loss (i.e. body impressions) due to wear and tear than our Talalay and 2 to 3 times more loss (softening) due to repeated sitting and sleeping.

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Is all latex alike?
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 consistencyand 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 three firmness ranges 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 latex made in the U.S.A—the finest in the world—for uniform product feel from top to bottom.
 


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How is latex different from memory foam?
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.

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Why should I buy your products instead of less expensive foreign products?
Talatech® latex is the finest latex foam available in the world. Our exclusive Talalay process ensures removal of proteins that can cause other latex to break down over time. It’s made exclusively in the U.S.A., more durable and more cost effective in the long run than imports.

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What is the difference between 100% natural and blended latex?
By definition, latex is a rubber particle suspended in water. There are 2 types of latex; natural rubber latex and styrene butadiene rubber or man made latex. All latex is either a blend of the two or 100% natural latex. All mattress components and pillows from Latex International are 100% latex. Latex International uses a proprietary blend of natural and man made latex to provide the optimal balance of comfort and durability.

Natural rubber latex is for durability. Natural inhibits tearing as it can be stretched like a rubber band. Man made latex helps in creating a product that is resistant to sagging or taking body impressions as it can be compressed over and over and will continue to provide the same feel experienced on the retail floor for years to come. Blended latex is more durable than 100% natural latex sleep products and are less likely to take a body impression over time.

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Are latex allergies an issue in bedding products?
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.

For complete White Paper details, click here.

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Can latex work with traditional innerspring mattresses?

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.

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Why is maintaining proper spinal alignment important?
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.
 

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What are the differences between pillows?
Luxury, comfort or therapeutic support? The choice is up to you. Latex International offers its Classic pillow in a Plush, Medium and Firm comfort level to accommodate any sleep style. Innovative technology now allows us to encase latex foam with other silky fibers that offer a down like feel with hypo-allergenic qualities. Zoned pillows give you up to 33% more pressure relief than conventional contour pillows. And you can enjoy therapeutic support with sculpted contour latex pillows that feature an ergonomic shape.

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Is tossing and turning bad?
Tossing and turning reduces blood flow which limits oxygen to the muscles and tissues. The body compensates by moving. Unfortunately, this 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.

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 How much sleep do I need?
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.
 

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How do I know if I’m not getting quality rest?
If you need an alarm clock or wake feeling anything but refreshed, you’re probably not getting the real rest you need.
 
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Why is pressure relief important?

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.

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I’ve tried everything, but I’m still not sleeping well, what should I do?
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.

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Help! I can’t figure out the differences between mattresses!
One of the most comforting things about latex for many consumers is the ease of purchase. Without innerspring and coil counts to consider, you can let the superior comfort and the supportive feel of latex foam cradle you for life. Confused about memory foam vs. latex? Remember this: latex foam provides up to 33% more pressure relief than other foam bedding, and that means better sleep.

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