Mattress Materials | Buis Mattress

The Talalay Difference: Dunlop With a Twist

April 18, 2019 by Buis Mattress Leave a Comment

Due to its softness, breathability, and durability, latex makes a luxurious mattress. A popular choice in today’s market, latex mattresses provide both comfort and support. Currently, two processes are used to make them: Dunlop and Talalay. Both use synthetic latex or natural latex derived from the sap of rubber trees, which is placed in a centrifuge to create a froth, similar to whipping egg whites to produce a fluffy meringue. However, the Talalay process involves a few additional steps. While both provide exceptional results, there are slight differences in the feel of the finished products.

The Dunlop Process

At almost a century old, the Dunlop process is the original method for producing latex mattresses. Created in 1929, it begins with the foundational step of creating latex froth in a centrifuge. Then, it’s poured into a mold in layers and steam-baked, followed by a second heating process to evaporate all remaining moisture. Natural sediment collects in the bottom of the mattress, making it firmer on the underside than on the top.

The Talalay Process

Similar to the Dunlop process in that the first few steps are the same, the Talalay process is a bit more extensive. The latex froth is poured into the mold, but it’s only partially filled. Then it’s sealed and the air is removed, allowing the latex to expand. The filled mold is flash frozen so that carbon dioxide creates airways in the mattress, making it breathable. It is then baked, washed, and dried, and the production of a Talalay latex mattress is complete.

Is Dunlop or Talalay Better?

While the answer to this question truly depends on the preferences of the consumer, the short answer is that Talalay is often considered the better option of the two. It typically has a higher price point than a Dunlop mattress, as it takes more energy to produce. In addition, Talalay mattresses have more of a plush, bouncy feeling than Dunlop mattresses.

That said, Dunlop certainly has advantages of its own. Dunlop mattress foam is denser than Talalay, so they’re an ideal option for those who prefer a firm mattress. The Dunlop process is also less energy-intensive and, therefore, more ecologically friendly.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious new Talalay mattress or prefer the solid, firm dependability of a Dunlop mattress, Buis Mattress is happy to help you choose the best for your rest. We only use blended or natural latex in our mattresses, never poly foam base material, free from any filler materials. Contact us at 616-396-6257 if you have any questions about our unique, bench-made products.

For a Cool Mattress, Consider Latex

June 7, 2018 by Buis Mattress Leave a Comment

Customers who want a mattress with cooling properties are increasingly turning to latex models. These mattresses offer comfort and support along with air circulation that lowers body temperature for a relaxing night’s sleep. The many benefits of latex make these beds a restful choice for most individuals, especially those who tend to get hot at night.

The Cooling Properties of Latex

Latex, a foam made from the sap of a rubber tree, has an open cell structure that allows air to flow freely through the material. These mattresses are also constructed with very small holes that increase airflow even further. When a person moves around while sleeping, the air within the mattress is pushed out and new air flows through. This natural ventilation provides a cool sleeping surface, regardless of the outdoor temperature. In contrast, mattresses that have a closed-cell structure, such as memory foam, have limited ventilation and thus create a sleeping environment that many find too warm.

Additional Benefits of Latex

In addition to its cooling properties, latex is naturally anti-microbial. This means it resists the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungus, as well as dust mites, improving indoor air quality and limiting respiratory symptoms. It’s also an environmentally sustainable material that is completely biodegradable.

Latex mattresses are a good choice for anyone who prefers a firm yet flexible sleeping surface or desires support for back pain and avoidance of pressure points. The structure of this mattress supports the spine to promote good posture by eliminating negative space. Those who tend to wake up when their partners move during the night will also benefit from the minimal motion transfer of this type of mattress.

Mattresses made completely of latex are durable enough to last up to 25 years, while latex blends are more affordable but may have a shorter lifespan.

Latex mattresses from Buis Mattress in Holland are built in-house using the Talalay method, an organic process that protects consumers’ homes from harmful VOCs. Other types of mattresses are made using harsh chemicals that can enter the indoor air.

Stop by our showroom today to test out these products, which feature a blended or 100 percent latex core with no synthetic filler. We also make high-quality mattress toppers, custom mattress sizes, youth beds, and other products designed to give our customers the best possible night’s sleep.

Buis Mattress Manufacturing Process: What Materials Do We Use?

June 7, 2018 by Buis Mattress Leave a Comment

At Buis Mattress, we manufacture all our mattresses in-house using quality linings and materials. Learn about our choices in materials and designs for a mattress that provides greater sleep comfort.

High-Quality Outer Materials

Soft, breathable cotton is used for the outer mattress materials to promote a healthy sleep environment and restful nights. Two types of cotton are used in our manufacturing process. Wolf cotton, which blends cotton with polyester, creates the durable lower layer, while Jones cotton, which is 100 percent cotton, is built into our tufted mattresses for supreme comfort.

For a layer of extra cushioning, pure wool from Frankenmuth Woolen Mills is used. In addition to delivering a higher level of comfort, wool supplies a dry, cool surface for the mattress. For durability and antimicrobial properties, natural Talalay latex is used, sourced from Sri Lankan sustainable rubber tree forests. Latex is breathable, providing a cooler sleep surface. Talalay delivers a muscle-relaxing buoyant quality that relieves tension, lifting away the pressures of the day for restful, healthy sleep.

The Best Inner Materials

Inside each mattress, a power stack foundation made from a heavy-duty wood frame and four-prong modular is used for the base. Because our standards are high, we’ve chosen this quality design over the typical two-prong modular that’s popular with most national companies. American-built Inneract springs, made by Spiller Springs in Wisconsin, provide outstanding support. These springs use open end five-turn offset wire in size fourteen gauge. Three types of innersprings made by Holland Maid offer a spectrum of firmness levels to suit different preferences. Eight coil designs are built into each mattress to provide a range of ergonomic support. We believe this type of design offers far superior support than foam or air can provide.

Locally sourced from Grand Rapids, our polyurethane foam supplies the ideal combination of softness and resistance for maximum comfort. These foam densities are available to suit individual preferences: 1.9, 2.8, 3.2, and 4 pounds. By using quality mattress materials and providing options, we meet a wide range of customers’ needs.

Why No Pillow Tops

We purposely do not include built-in pillow tops in our mattresses. That’s because they have a distinct flaw: their soft cushioning foam breaks down much faster than innerspring. When multiple layers of foam break down, the mattress loses its support and needs to be replaced. Our solution is to build sturdy latex mattresses for a breathable, lasting option that creates a cool, comfortable sleeping experience.

Our testimonials speak to the quality of our products. Visit Buis Mattress, headquartered in Holland, MI, and check out our bench-made mattresses. Give us a call at 616-396-6257 for hours and directions to our in-house showroom.