DEBRA'S ANSWER:

For those of you who don't yet know about Talalay and Dunlop, they are two methods for processing latex used to make mattresses and pillows. They each produce a latex that has it's own characteristics. But this question is not which is better latex, this question is about whether or not Talalay is safe for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.

As stated in your reference Natural Dunlop vs. Natural Talalay, "In the Talalay process synthetic chemicals are usually added, but not always." The company making this statement, SavvyRest, says "We order natural Talalay only, and the company certifies that no synthetic chemicals are added to produce this latex." So I don't quite understand your statement that "Talalay is processed with and contains 3% preservatives..." and "Dunlop latex is probably a better choice for MCS types."

To the best of my knowledge, it is true that some Talalay latex contains a percentage of preservatives and other chemicals. But I wouldn't make a general statement that Dunlop latex is a better choice for MCS types. From the viewpoint of toxicity, chemical-free Talalay latex would be just as good a choice as chemical-free Dunlop.

I sent your question to Mary Cordaro, a certified Bau-Biologist who created her own line of natural beds "The Mary Cordaro Collection." Bau-Biologie standards are the strictest in the world for toxics and she also has plenty of experience with multiple chemical sensitivities. And she chose Talalay. Here's her reply to your question:

It all depends on who makes the latex and then only if it's tested regularly or not--not whether it's natural, synthetic/natural, Dunlop or Talalay.

I have tested my 100% Talalay over and over in Germany, and is does not contain any of the chemicals mentioned.

Many people think they know what's in all 100% natural Talalay, but it doesn't matter what people say, it's what the actual chemistry proves to be in comprehensive testing.

We have no third party testing required in this country for green materials (except organic certification, and even then, I have found that cross contamination is highly likely if controls are not in place). Without scientific lab testing for many parameters (much more than just VOC testing) it boils down to simply one person's word against another. Independent, 3rd party testing, at least to Okeo-Test standards or better, is the only way to prove the claims or disprove them. That type of comprehensive testing is not available here in the US.

A question that is more appropriate to ask is: Do your raw materials pass Okeo-Test standards for latex (or any other interior or building material)? If the supplier can't provide proof that those standards or better are met, then it's all just talk.

I agree with Mary and greatly admire the lengths to which she goes to ensure her materials are pure, but she is the exception. The practical reality is that most latex--Talalay and Dunlop--is not tested. For any material, the ultimate test for anyone with MCS is how you feel with the material. Does it feel life-supporting to your body or not? While it would be great to have a 100 percent toxic-free environment, that is rarely a reality. I believe that everyone should minimize their exposure to toxic chemicals as much as possible, within their ability to do so.

Debra :-)