What's the Best Mattress | IKEA latex - Talalay, Dunlop or other?

IKEA latex - Talalay, Dunlop or other?

Feb 19, 2009 1:36 PM

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Joined: Feb 19, 2009
Points: 2

I've seen people ask this question in many different online forums but detailed answers regarding IKEA's latex mattresses appear elusive. This post is mostly for future searchers in need of answers.

First is a link to Hilding Anders International AB. They have verbiage on their site saying they supply mattresses to IKEA. Unfortunately, they are HUGE and it without inside knowledge there is no way to know which mattresses they supply to IKEA. They also currently own the rights to the Dunlopillo name in the UK and Ireland but that also provides little clue.
http://www.hildinganders.se/

Second is a trade magazine article (which I've linked to and posted in case it disappears later). Reverie, the company featured, uses what they call HT latex and the article makes it appear they are an IKEA supplier. That info is buried in the fourth paragraph. There is no byline so I cannot credit the author/reporter.
http://www.bedroom-mag.com/WI09/Spec-p18.htm

FULL TEXT
Reverie Offers Innovative Products to Manufacturers

Longevity for any business is based on innovation and a commitment to quality. In addition, “innovation” must come in the form of products and features that consumers really want, at a price they can afford, while allowing the retailer and manufacturer to make a profit. It is a simple formula for success that is anything but simple to execute. Well, Reverie has continually executed this formula as a latex and adjustable bed supplier.

Reverie’s joint venture partner DSC has been manufacturing latex for over 70 years, and they have only recently begun to export that latex to the US under the Reverie name. As the exclusive representative for HT latex in North America, the Reverie brand and their licensees have set up a network of distribution channels that make it quite easy for any manufacturer in the to buy their impressive line of natural latex products. From their lineup of over 50 amazingly priced pillows, to their fantastically soft latex quilt foam, to their patented IZONE latex pods, to their proprietary 100% natural HT latex foam toppers and mattress cores, Reverie has just about anything you could desire in latex. In addition to distribution and licensee facilities, Reverie has also opened a 50,000 sq foot customer service center in Silver Creek, New York. The service center is 100% dedicated to upholding the quality standards and serving its customers’ needs. “We want manufacturers and distributors to know that we are open for business and here to meet their needs,” says Gayle Ramdsdell, a Sales Manager for Reverie, “and if we don’t have what you are looking for today, we will work with you to develop a product that suits your needs”.

When asked what separates their latex foam from others, Reverie will tell you it is their proprietary HT latex manufacturing process. The HT process combines the best elements of the traditional Dunlop and Talalay manufacturing processes in a hybrid process called HT, which Reveie believes is less expensive and more efficient than Talalay and creates a better quality product than Dunlop. HT latex foam is a minimum of 70% natural latex, but can be made up to 100% natural upon request. Each HT product goes through a unique injection and heating stage, an exclusive 8 stage washing process, and a rigorous QC inspection before it earns the right to be labeled HT latex foam. Any product that fails inspection is scrapped and shredded rather than put into circulation under a different label. “Quality is our #1 priority,” says Patti Ark, Sales Manager for Reverie’s latex division, “and we want our customers to know that they will get a consistently great product every time they buy from us. There is no place for corner cutting at Reverie”.

So what does Reverie mean when they say they are “committed to quality”? Well, Reverie is happy to show you a lineup of certifications and test results that would put a smile on the face of even the strictest QA Manager. In fact, one of the many benefits of working with Reverie is the extensive testing that has and continues to be done on all of their products. Reverie’s HT latex passed the strict Oeko-Tex Standard 100 with flying colors, ensuring their customers that Reverie’s latex does not contain harmful substances. The company’s HT latex has also passed strict IKEA standards for latex quality, SGS standards for latex content accuracy and purity, and received certification from TFI (Textile and Flooring Institute) for quality and ecological safety. In addition, the HT latex manufacturing facility is ISO 9001/2000 certified.

Reverie has also shown its commitment to using organic materials, and has received OCIA approval (Organic Crop Improvement Association) for its organic cotton pillow covers.

In sum, the Reverie sales team says their HT latex foam can be made as soft and durable as Talalay at a price point resembling that for Dunlop latex, and to the highest quality standards in the world. These promises are pretty impressive indeed. They invite anyone who buys latex to come and see the HT latex difference in Reverie’s showroom, B-925, at this February 2009 Las Vegas Market.

In addition to being a latex supplier, Reverie is a leading developer and manufacturer of adjustable bed frames. With an R&D and distribution hub in New York and warehouses throughout North America, Reverie is positioning itself to become the industry leader in this niche category. They plan to unveil a new lineup of bases—the Reverie Essential, Reverie Comfort, Reverie Deluxe—at this February’s Las Vegas market. The Reverie Essential is an opening price point product that is sure to sell well in this tough economy, while the Reverie Comfort and Deluxe are a “better/best” lineup with features like wave massage and custom memory. In addition to this core lineup, Reverie will also be introducing its Position ID bed, it’s most technologically advanced bed with Bluetooth technology and an LCD remote with a Position ID readout that shows the position number of the bed from 0–100. Reverie believes this will allow users to more easily identify their favorite positions and store them using Reverie’s patented custom memory feature. Reverie will also be unveiling a concept bed that it plans to release in late 2009. They have been tightlipped about this new adjustable bed product because they believe it will be so groundbreaking, but word from the Reverie camp is that it will be made at several facilities and available to retailers for under $300. They plan to have a prototype at the February market to get feedback from customers and make final improvements before release.

Reverie will proudly tell you that not only are their bases technologically innovative, they are also safe and have the quality marks to prove it. Reverie’s core lineup of bases are ETL certified to UL 962, and all manufacturing facilities are ETL and ISO certified. In addition, Reverie will unveil a new patent pending “lock,” which will allow users to lock the remote controls to prevent unintended use.

We asked Reverie what their level of commitment was to manufacturers and distributors and Patti Ark jumped at the chance to answer that question. “Sure we have our own brand, but we’ve been making unique products for other brands for years and we don’t plan on stopping. This category has HUGE potential—just think about what a small percentage of foundations sold are adjustable, and how much higher that percentage would be if more manufacturer’s really committed to the category? We can’t do this alone, and we are working and will continue to work with manufacturers to come up with solutions unique to their brand identity. Everyone sells direct these days, but I think that we’re the only ones that truly partner with manufacturers. It is a part of our long-term vision and mission, not just a way to make a profit over the short-term while we build up our own brand.”

Visit Reverie in Las Vegas at B-925 or contact sales@reverie.com.

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