WHAT IS GOOD IN NATURAL WOOL COMFORTER?

Wool’s Characteristics

Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals (Wikipedia). It is natural– wool is grown from sheep, since every year sheep have new fleece, so wool is renewable every year. Wool has high Natural Flame resistant since it has a higher ignition threshold than many other fibers and is flame retardant up to 600º C. Also, wool has a naturally high UV protection. It is very efficient absorber of potentially harmful UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Wool is eko-environment fiber. It takes a few years to decompose into the soil and can act as fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. It also acclimatizes to its surroundings. Wool is eko-friendly fiber. First it is non allergenic and does not create the growth of bacteria. Also, wool will able to keep your body warm in the winter and cool in summer since its natural structure make it possible to absorb and release water vapor into the atmosphere.  According to Wool Studies and Resources, wool fiber can be bent 20,000 times without breaking and still strong to recover into the natural shape. So it is very durable and elastic. Besides, wool is easy care since it can be machine – washed.

Benefits of a Natural Wool Comforter

1. Regulates body temperature. It attains body temperature quickly and maintains it at comfort level. It does not have the cooling shock of polyester or synthetic.
2. Preserves natural warmth by conserving body heat. This allows you to warm quickly in cold weather and retain warmth.
3. It is naturally hypoallergenic. Resists dust mites, mold and mill dew. This is a big plus over celluloses based comforters.
4. Naturally flame retardant. Does not need the chemical laden fire retardant that is sprayed on most of polyester comforters.
5. Good for all season use. Best to just double up in severe winter and use one year long.

Washable Eco Wool from Organic Textiles LLC
In addition to the great benefits offered by regular comforter, washable wool is a step ahead as new development with these benefits.

1. This wool is washable in cold water cycle or hand wash with delicate low temperature drying or hang drying. This eliminates the need for a costly dry cleaning process plus more importantly, avoids the risks associated with dry cleaning solvent (carbon tetra chloride is frequently used in dry cleaning, though lower toxicity alternatives have been developed lately). This is a big plus because toxic dry cleaning solvent residue in wool is much higher than in light weight garments.
2. Washable wool is processed in a eco friendly process using natural enzymes instead of harsh chemicals associated with traditional wool processing. It helps you and the environment.
3. This wool is free of “sheep smell” associated with traditional wool comforters.
4. This comforter is softer than traditional wool comforters because the process softens the wool fiber.

NATURAL AND ORGANIC LATEX: DUNLOP VERSUS TALALAY

We love organic and natural latex–there are too many benefits for us to pass up.

Natural latex is breathable, hypoallergenic**, durable, supportive, temperature control, and most importantly, it is more chemically safe than polyurethane and memory foam. (1)

Latex is made through extracting a milky liquid from a rubber tree. It is then produced into latex foam using two main methods: Dunlop versus Talalay.

One is not inherently better than the other, as some articles may suggest–but is highly dependent on individual preferences.

They both can be quite durable depending on care and use. Do you use a cover? Do you sleep in one place? How often do you wash your sheets?

So, what is the difference between Dunlop versus Talalay method?

Here, we’ve provided a chart on our research, and our experiences with our own products at Organic Textiles LLC.

Dunlop Latex

Talalay Latex

General History	1929 (E.A. Murphy UK) Named after the findings at Dunlop Tyre and Rubber Company, a research scientist accidentally discovered that mixing together after heating soap, liquid latex, and gelling agents created latex foam. (3) Since this method has been in the business longer, it has been more time-tested for reliability.	1935 (Russia) Named after Ansil Talalay, he with his brothers, Leon and Joseph reinvented latex rubber products. (3) The new engineering has improved and created a process to create a more consistent texture.
Engineering	Dunlop tends to be a simpler and less expensive method to manufacture. The rubber liquid is extracted, whipped and frothed, placed in a mold and baked steam.	Talalay is a method that requires fewer raw materials during manufacturing. It uses a vacuum and deep freeze method that results in a more consistent cell structure foam structure. (2)
Texture	During the baking process, sediments in the mixture “settle” towards the bottom, making the final product much more firm on the bottom. (2) Because of this, Dunlop latex tends to feel dense due to the firmer bottom layer. However, Dunlop has a softer texture upon first touch because it’s not as porous.	Talalay has a more consistent cell structure, making it more soft and fluffy. Because of the more consistent texture of the latex, it may feel plushy when compressed. Talalay latex also has higher tensile strength, meaning it can elongate more.
Buoyancy/Springy	Customers say Dunlop is more bouncy and buoyant since it doesn’t quite sink like Talalay does. Reports say it feels like “floating” when used.	Customers often say Talalay is much springier, because of its consistency. It is able to bounce back easily when folded or compressed. It also feels lighter and softer to sink into.
Air Circulation	Dense foam tends to have less air circulation within latex—however the convenient larger pinholes balance air circulation.	Talalay tends to be breathable, making an excellent choice for those who sleeps  “hot.”
Support	Because of the “settling” effects of Dunlop creating a firm layer on the bottom,there is a higher, desirable quality of support factor. (2)	Comparing Talalay with the same density and size of the Dunlop, Talaly is much softer and springier. However, our firmer Talalay can also provide support when needed.
Sleeping Positions	Because of the engineering, the top part of a Dunlop latex is soft enough to release pressure point on the body. The firmer bottom part of the latex provides more support. Some of customers say they prefer this mattress if they are a side sleeper, as it’s easier to switch positions and will not feel like it’s “sinking.” Again, it depends on preference.	This tends to be the most preferred comfort layer of a mattress. It’s consistently soft texture will feel plushy and completely conform to the body, making it ideal for a cloud-nine experience. It provides complete relief from pressure point associated with firmer beds, and it is ideal for back sleepers. The firmer version can also be made into a support layer as well.

In the end, we love them both. We want to provide both options to accommodate to customer preferences and requirements—whatever will make our customers happy.