A Vita Talalay latex core by Radium Foam

ESW knows our mattress is only as good as the materials we use to build it—and it’s why make a Vita Talalay latex mattress using foam from Dutch manufacturer Radium Foam. We talked with latex expert Ila Farshad, Manager of Business Development for Vita Talalay North America, to find out what it takes to produce the world’s finest Talalay latex.

Hello, Ila! Can you briefly explain the manufacturing process of Talalay latex?

The Talalay process and product is named after its inventor, Joseph Talalay. It’s a unique craftsman process in which liquid latex derived from a rubber plant is vacuumed and frozen to create a round, open-cell structure. It is then vulcanized or “baked” (like bread) to remain stable for many, many years. The final step in the production process is to thoroughly wash the latex.

The roundness of the foam’s cells creates resilience, making the latex both supportive and soft at the same time. The open-cell structure promotes breathability for a more hygienic, cooler sleep. Since 1961, no one has been able to make a similar product that is as comforting. That is why Talalay latex is excellent for beds.

You mentioned washing the latex. Can you explain the “washing” process?

Washing refers to literally rinsing the latex block clean after production. Our washing unit is equipped with 4 pairs of rollers (8 rollers in total). Clear water is used to clean the foam blocks. For a queen block, more than 40 gallons is used to clean it properly.

Water is added in descending volume to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd pair of rollers. Each time, the block is soaked with water, and the water is squeezed out again. The last pair of rollers squeeze out the remaining water, so we need less energy to dry the mattresses.

Why is washing the latex so important?

Washing removes soaps, ammonia, and any water-soluble residues which have served their purpose and are no longer required or desirable.  The wash is then tested to confirm it is complete and thorough. The wastewater travels to a treatment plant and afterward, the water is drinkable. The end result: Radium’s Vita Talalay latex is both Oeko-Tex Class 1 (safe for the baby skin), Eco-Institut, and Cradle-to-Cradle Gold Certified (safe for health and environment).

If you do not wash the foam well, the product deteriorates faster. The leftover additives can reduce durability, contribute to discoloration and odor, and can leave the product feeling tacky.

Is “washing” standard practice amongst other manufacturers?

Surprisingly, it’s not. Information we’ve received indicates that some Talalay producers do not wash their latex. Not washing Talalay is a strategic choice made by some manufacturers to lower costs. It improves the margin of the Talalay manufacturer while not benefiting the consumer.

Many (organic) latex products are not washed or are poorly washed. We can see this when we do material analysis on those products. Even if a product claims to be organic—the production of a latex block with minimal or no washing makes it less healthy.

This image shows a latex block being rinsed and squeezed during the washing process.

What manufacturing methods does Radium use that are different from other Talalay latex manufacturers? What sets your latex apart?

Put simply, we do not compromise on quality. This creates a more durable product with a better feel.

• We craft it in accordance with the inventor Joseph Talalay’s intentions
• We do not use artificial additives like deodorants to mask a smell (ours does not)
• We do not add inactive fillers to lower costs as this compromises feel and durability
• We do not sell second- or third-rate qualities—only premium
• We measure the firmness of the product to make sure you get what you order
• We wash! Using clear water, we wash out all exempt materials used during production like soaps, ammonia, and vulcanization remnants
• We are certified: Oeko-Tex Class 1, Eco-Institut, and Cradle-to-Cradle Gold

Product consistency is so important. How does Radium ensure the firmness of the latex it delivers?

We measure the final output to ensure the firmness of the latex is as intended. We test firmness using the ASTM measurement ILD (impression load deflection). We measure all Twin XLs on 10 spots and Queens on 15 spots.

And how do you ensure the quality of the materials you use?

We source raw materials from European suppliers that provide full product specifications, and we make sure they work according to European legislation. We test pH, dry solids, mechanical stability, and chemical stability. Radium Foam uses its own method to measure chemical stability and all compounds are tested on a daily basis.

Radium’s Vita Talalay strives to be the best in the market. To achieve this, we don’t compromise on materials or processes, and we try to select the best manufacturers and retailers to work with. We’re glad to deliver our Vita Talalay to European Sleep Works.

Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise!

You can learn more about Radium Foam and the Vita Talalay production here.