Updated on April 1, 2023
Anyone who knows about mattress toppers will appreciate the fact that they are a wonderful invention for every bedroom. Just imagine, you think you need a new mattress, but don’t want to spend the money or undergo the hassle associated with buying one. Since used mattresses are found for sale few and far between, you’d probably need to spend a good amount of money on a brand new mattress. Also, the process of setting up the new mattress and disposing of the old one can be a task in itself at times.
On the flip side, perhaps you don’t actually need a new mattress because it’s still in good shape but would like to change the material or comfort of your existing mattress; it’s an all too common scenario. That’s where mattress toppers come in.
In this article, we will take a more in-depth look at latex mattress toppers in particular. When compared to the likes of memory foam, wool, down and down alternatives, latex toppers are the premium choice and, therefore, one of the most satisfying purchases too. However, they aren’t necessarily the easiest to find online.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best latex mattress toppers on the market for our readers to help you make an educated choice when it comes to selecting one for the shortlist. Also, our comprehensive buying guide should hopefully clear up any consumer queries which may exist.
Latex Mattress Topper Buying Guide
What Is A Latex Mattress Topper?
A latex topper is generally known as a thinner version of a latex mattress. Imagine, just like with full-size latex mattresses, you get different types of material, covers, sizes, thicknesses, warranty, sleep trials, and so much more. The same applies for latex mattress toppers. They are placed on top of your existing mattress no matter the type you may currently have so that you can reap the benefits of latex without having to change your bedroom setup. Simply place your sheets over your new latex topper as if it were a mattress.
Reasons To Buy a Latex Mattress Topper
If you’re considering buying a mattress topper, you should consider latex. Latex is cream of the crop when it comes to mattress/topper material. It is supportive in nature due to its springing back properties i.e., unlike memory foam, which sinks in and stays in position, latex pushes back against the sleeper, thus filling pressure points and providing ultimate support. Due to this characteristic, latex toppers are perfect for all types of sleeping positions too.
Latex Toppers and Durability
A topper will never last as long as a mattress. But, latex is one of the most durable materials on the market when it comes to choosing a sleep surface. Memory foam and wool will sag, and comfort will deplete much sooner than with latex. One way of increasing the lifespan of any topper would be to flip or rotate every so often. However, not every mattress topper is made the same, and some models may not allow for this. A latex mattress can last in excess of 20 years. As for a topper, between 5-7 years would be a very good service.
Some Health Benefits Of Latex
Latex is a natural material that is sourced from the sap of rubber trees, meaning it is an organic substance. Latex is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, meaning there are fewer bugs and bacteria to interfere with your sleep. Additionally, it’s much longer-lasting than memory foam, so great for the environment, too, considering less waste in landfills.
Dunlop vs Talalay
There is a difference between Talalay and Dunlop latex, so this should be considered when choosing a topper. Talalay latex is softer than Dunlop, but both types of latex have natural elasticity. Talalay also comes in more colors and has a slightly lower melting point. Dunlop, on the other hand, is more durable and resistant to bacterial growth.
Natural vs. Synthetic Latex
Natural latex, as it sounds, is not blended with any other material. Therefore, it is pure and of the highest quality. Natural latex mattress toppers will often be marketed as 100% natural or organic. For obvious reasons, these are also the most expensive. Synthetic (or blended latex), will have a portion of natural latex mixed with other manmade materials to achieve a similar finish but at a lower cost. Sometimes the blend can be as much as 50% natural/50% synthetic. These toppers are cheaper due to the lower manufacturing costs and materials involved in its construction. Blended latex toppers will most likely need replacing sooner than the before mentioned, but the comfort and support can be somewhat similar, especially if it’s a half-decent option.
Latex Topper Prices and Value
The price can vary drastically between each model. However, they are much cheaper in comparison to a full-size latex mattress, but will most likely always be more expensive than any other type of topper (memory foam, wool, down, etc.). Generally speaking, expect to pay anything between $200-$500 for a good quality option.
Latex Mattress Topper FAQ’s
Is a latex mattress topper comfortable?
Yes, they are very comfortable, but comfort is subjective and is really down to the individual. What may be comfortable for one person may be uncomfortable for another. However, like with mattresses, toppers also come in different firmness levels.
Can you flip a latex mattress topper?
Yes, there is no reason why you can’t flip over your topper. After years of usage, you can rotate or flip over to even out the wear and thus increase the comfort and lifespan of the topper.
Do I need a cover?
No, not necessarily. Some toppers come with a cover included, while others don’t. Covers aren’t essential, but they do generally keep the topper in better condition for longer. Most people will place their bedding over it, i.e., sheets or a mattress protector. Some companies will only honor a warranty if the product has been used with a mattress protector. Therefore it’s worth reading the warranty guidelines regarding usage of a cover.
Is a latex topper good for side sleepers?
A latex topper is a great way to make your current mattress feel more comfortable and can also help solve many common problems with mattresses like sagging, excessive heat, or just feeling too old. Latex toppers are typically made of natural latex rubber which is breathable and hypoallergenic meaning it will usually not trigger allergies and won’t trap heat like other materials such as wool. This breathability also means that it’s perfect for side sleepers as they won’t need to worry about overheating during the night.
How thick should it be?
Latex mattress toppers usually come in around 2-5 inch thicknesses. As you can imagine, an actual latex mattress is often about 10-15 inches thick. The thickness has a big influence on the price. Thicker means more costly. In terms of support, a thicker topper will be more firm and supportive, while a thinner option will have more give and be less supportive. The thickness you choose is up to you because there is no best or worst choice.
Is delivery and setup easy?
Latex toppers are delivered compressed and rolled for easy shipping. You’ll most likely receive a large package to your door, as white glove delivery may not be a selectable option at checkout. Latex mattress topper weight can vary between 20-40 lbs, depending on the size and thickness you opt for. Ideally, moving it into place on top of your current mattress and setting up is a two-person job. One person can handle it alone but for health and safety, it’s best to seek help from another.
Does a latex topper sag?
Like all mattress materials, the latex used in toppers will eventually sag. However, latex is much more resilient than memory foam or wool, so will sag after a much longer period of time.
Our Favorite Latex Mattress Toppers
- Sleep On Latex Pure Green – Editor’s Pick
- Latex For Less – Side Sleepers
- PlushBeds Natural Latex – Back / Stomach Sleepers
- Dreamfoam Bedding Ultimate Dreams – Talalay Latex
- Sleep EZ Natural Latex – Dunlop or Talalay
Conclusion
Choosing the best latex mattress topper should be much easier now, hopefully, based on our detailed guide. We have covered many of the common questions and misconceptions associated with latex toppers. The 5 listed here are all stellar choices. However, ultimately the choice of topper you’ll end up buying is down to your own needs and budget.