I've been doing some more reading about latex and am intrigued by the assertion that Dunlop processed latex is more supportive at lower ILDs than Talalay due to its closed-cell structure. I realize that the sensation isn't as plushy or springy, but I think I'm willing to sacrifice that for greater lower back support. My question is this: If I purchase a Dunlop topper, 16-18 ILD, can I later add another topper, in either the same ILD or a higher ILD, to make an 8" mattress? My main concern is that Dunlop latex is firmer on one side than the other, so I wonder how that would work when layering toppers.

If anyone is of the opinion that 4" of 16-18 ILD Dunlop is too much comfort layer, please, feel free to say so. I was torn between 3"and 4", but had the thought that an additional 4" layer would actually make a decent-sized mattress with room to grow (I may put a fiber bed on top). I'm a side sleeper who loves to sink into a mattress, so that was another reason I thought 4" would work well. What do you think?

Oh, and if anyone would like to offer their opinion of what 16-18 ILD Dunlop latex feels like, I'd love to hear it. I gather that it's similar to 20-22 ILD Talalay, but denser, if that makes sense. It's similar to the difference between a light and springy angel food cake and a squishy marshmallow, or so I've read. Speaking of, does anyone know if 100% Dunlop latex (Latex Green) has that same yummy vanilla aroma that 100% Talalay has?

More questions for anyone who can field them:

Does anyone have experience with Latex Green mattresses/toppers? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Can anyone recommend a good latex pillow? I'd like something soft and airy, yet supportive. 100% Talalay, maybe.

I can only comment on the latex pillow. I have tried many, many pillows. My favorite is queen size latex pillow that I got at Sears. Latex International makes it. Queen is firmer than and thicker than the standard, that is why I emphasized Queen. I have a standard pillow that is not as thick. I like thicker than flat. If that makes sense.

I also would like to hear any reviews/opinions of various ILD's of Dunlop latex. I'm thinking of buying some Dunlop for a topper or perhaps medium layer between core and topper.
Zzzzs, I'm thinking that you should go with 2 x 2" layers,or a 1" and a 2" layer. That way you can play around with them.
I am thinking 4" is too thick and might not provide enough support, so you need more support under it, but I'm just guessing. I hope we hear from some Dunlop users.

While Dunlop does provide more support at lower ILDs than Talalay due to it's greater density--more rubber, less air-- 16-18 ILD is just plain soft no matter how you look at it and it's doubtful it would provide much support at 4 inches. I agree with Jim. You'd be better off with two toppers. Start with a 2" to see how that feels to you and build up if necessary. You will probably want something more substantial for a support layer.

I never really got that food analogy. Rubber doesn't feel like cake. I would say that Dunlop is more like conventional foam in feeling without the jiggly, pushy quality Talalay has. But really, you have to experience it for yourself.

As for that "yummy" vanilla smell-- I actually found that rather nausiating-- but it seems to be an artificial fragrance some manufacturers add to the foam. It is NOT the natural smell of latex. LI foam has this scent. I have a topper made by Dunlopillo which is totally unscented. I once owned a Dunlop mattress and it too was unscented. Ask the vendor whether Latex Green adds this scent to their product.

Great...thank you all so much for the feedback! It's been invaluable. I won't go with 4", but I'm wondering if I can get away with 3"...it's more economical to put together a mattress using the fewest layers possible. My present mattress has a 3" memory foam comfort layer and it just isn't thick enough. I don't know if 2" would really be worth my while. 4" does seem a little excessive for a top layer, though.

Well, anyway, I'm getting samples of the two ILDs I'm interested in (16-18 and 26), so I'll be better able to judge which thickness I need once I've actually felt the material.

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Yes! That sounds like my kind of pillow, and I hadn't even thought about variations in size and thickness. I'll have to get a Queen because I, too, like a nice fluffy pillow.

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I've learned that you can get latex samples from sleepwarehouse.com, if you think that might help. Samples are free, but they charge a shipping fee that's credited to your account if you decide to order a topper from them.

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So everyone says... I have a memory foam mattress that probably feels similar to Dunlop latex, being an "inert" material with a squishy outer layer. The marshmallow analogy repeatedly pops up, and I have to say that I really like the idea of sleeping on a marshmallow (but who has actually slept on a mattress made of marshmallows is what I'd like to know). I'll disregard all cake analogies, since they don't seem to do the latex justice.

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I think it must be a practice exclusive to LI, since everything I've read about the Dunlop processed latex says it's unscented. And that's a pity because I find Bath & Body Work's Warm Vanilla Sugar to be one of the most relaxing, sleep-inducing fragrances I've ever smelled. I'll have to look into getting a Latex International pillow :-)

Thanks again for all the great advice!