Why am I getting Superior Quality?
The Talalay process starts with
natural latex extracted from the tropical rubber tree in a way that is similar to tapping a maple tree for syrup.  Natural and man-made latexes, soaps and rubber curing agents are precisely mixed in a temperature-controlled, stainless steel tank. Quality checks are performed on Ph, viscosity and temperature.

Molding:
The compound mix is transferred to the pressroom where it is whipped into a frothy liquid form with the consistency of vanilla soft serve ice cream; a robotic arm then injects the foamed liquid latex into an aluminum pin core mold. The pins create our unique aerated cell structure.  The robotic systems distribute the mixture evenly to ensure consistency and final product density.  The mold is sealed and a vacuum is pulled to extract air and completely fill the mold cavity with latex.  The latex is chilled at -20 ° Fahrenheit.  Freezing (unique to the Talalay process) prevents particles from settling and ensures a consistent cell structure. CO2 is introduced to gel the latex. The mold is heated to 220º Fahrenheit to cure the core as it is baked into its final state.

Washing: 
Unlike other latex manufacturers, Latex International washes EVERY pillow. The latex core is removed from the mold and placed on a conveyer belt that carries it through a five-stage fresh water rinsing—the only one of its kind in the industry.  Five banks of 12 self-cleaning water jets wash away residual soaps, curing agents and proteins. Between each set of jets, the products are squeezed to less than 4% of their total thickness to remove the maximum amount of residual materials from deep within the product. This vital step improves durability and comfort by removing residual soaps, curing agents, and proteins that could cause premature softening of the product.

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 pillows from Latex International are 100% latex.  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.

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.   LI’s formulation and process controls help determine the level of consistency and 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 two 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: Every latex pillow is hand inspected and weighed.     Clean and Fresh: Every 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 Talalay latex made in the U.S.A—the finest in the world—for uniform product feel from top to bottom.

What is special about Talalay latex latex?
Latex International is the only US company using 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 Talalay 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.

How does Talatech compare to imported latex?
Latex International (LI) 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 it 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:

• LI 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)

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.

What is the difference between 100% natural and blended latex?
By definition, latex is a rubber particle suspended in water. There are two 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 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.

Are latex allergies an issue in pillows?
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 IL’s knowledge, there has never been a single complaint made to the FDA or themselves over their more than 30 years of experience stemming from the natural rubber found in our pillows. Our pillows 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.

Hypoallergenic Talalay Latex from Latex International

According to the Federal and Drug Administration website, www.fda.gov, there are no federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term hypoallergenic. Companies are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenicity claims to FDA. A product being hypoallergenic is not an issue of being ‘allergen-free’. Hypoallergenic products claim to produce FEWER allergic reactions than other products because of the manufacturing processes and steps taken to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Therefore consumers with hypersensitive skin are led to believe that these products will be gentler to their skin than non-hypoallergenic products. Latex International is very tuned into this issue and has a wash down stage in the manufacturing process. Unlike other latex manufacturers, Latex International washes every Talalay pillow with fresh water.  Each goes through a multi-stage fresh water rinsing—the only one of its kind in the industry. Within the multi-stage self-cleaning washing process, water jets wash away residual soaps, curing agents and proteins. Between each set of jets, the products are squeezed to less than 4% of their total thickness to remove the maximum amount of residual materials from deep within the product. This vital step improves hypoallergenicity by removing residual soaps, curing agents and proteins – therefore supporting the “hypoallergenic” claim and resulting in zero complaints of allergies over the past 30 years.

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.

Is tossing and turning bad?
Tossing and turning reduces blood flow that 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.

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.

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.

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.

 

Pricing Renewal Plush Pillow - Queen     $  95.00 Renewal Plush Pillow - King     $  99.00 Restora Firm Pillow - Queen    $105.00 Restora Firm Pillow - King   $109.00