The Best Latex Mattress Topper of 2021 For Your Bed and Body

With the busy lifestyle people have, they long to come home to a comfortable bed. And, for that to happen, they are picking and choose their mattresses wisely.  After all, they know the kind of mattress they have will play a huge role in their sleep quality and health. It’s why people are willing to shell out money for the best mattress.

The same principle applies to mattress toppers!

A Look At Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper is a bedding item that can be removed if necessary and will improve the mattress itself. There are three primary reasons in which a person buys a mattress topper:

• The mattress they are using is too hard, and they need some additional cushioning.
• It’s an old mattress they are using, and it’s less expensive to use a topper than get a new mattress altogether.
• The mattress stays protected from leaks and urination. 

Basically, a mattress topper can save you a ton of money.

And, there is no doubt how popular mattress toppers have gotten recently. When buying one, you have the option to place the topper right on the mattress or use the straps to keep the topper steady.  One of the great aspects of mattress toppers is that they’re available for any mattress size but slightly smaller to ensure your bedsheets will fit over it without bunching up. 

Now, a mattress pad is not the same as a mattress topper – though people often use the two words interchangeably. A mattress pad is a thin layer of material that keeps bacteria, dust mites and moisture from seeping into the mattress. While it offers some improvement to your comfort level, that’s a job more for a mattress topper. Mattress toppers have a varying range of thickness that ensures ultimate comfort. 

One of the more popular materials for mattress toppers is latex for an array of reasons:

• It conforms more to the user’s body, ensuring alignment with the spine and reduces pressure on certain body parts such as lower back, neck and hips.
• It’s a breathable material, which means it won’t lock in body heat and stays cooler (unlike other material types). 
• It’s a very durable material.
• It’s great at isolating motion and noise, which means better sleep quality for people.

When it comes to the best latex mattress toppers, you want one that does more than just give you support that your mattress currently lacks providing. 

What are some of the best latex mattress toppers on the market?

The Best Latex Mattress Toppers

Sleep On Latex Natural Latex Topper Review

The Sleep On Latex Natural Latex Topper is made of completely natural latex – no fillers involved! And, it’s the best remedy to address discomfort and sleeplessness for individuals who need a supportive, but soft topper to avoid any aches and pains in the morning. 

Why choose a natural latex foam over memory or polyurethane foam? First off, memory foam isn’t very durable and gives a sinking feeling when you lay upon it. You don’t get that with latex foam - the topper will maintain contoured support throughout the night. On top of that, the manufacturer puts this latex through the Dunlop production process, which gives it a springy feel. Latex foam that goes through the Talalay process has more of a bounce to it. 

If you want to add more softness to the surface of your mattress, you need to go with the Soft Topper option. It gives you the softness but still provides plenty of support without a sinking feeling. This is ideal for side sleepers that suffer pain in their hips and shoulders due to a too-firm mattress. The manufacturer also offers Medium and Firm versions of this topper. 

Another positive aspect is that the Sleep On Latex Natural Latex Topper does not absorb body heat or change firmness depending on the temperature. Latex foam is known as open-celled material, which means it’s got tiny air chambers that run inside all along with the foam. These chambers allow the air to flow freely through the topper. Though your bed won’t get immediately cooler, it does create a buffer between you and the memory foam mattress (which does lock in body heat). 

There are all kinds of options available for the the Sleep On Latex: five varying sizes and varying thickness levels – one to three inches. Another popular aspect of this product is that several well-known laboratories have put the material through extensive testing, ensuring it complies with the world’s VOC strict standards. If you are looking for a high-quality topper, this is the first product to consider on your list. 

ViscoSoft Pillow Top Latex Mattress Topper Review

Latex does provide more support than you’d get from a featherbed or a wool topper, but some users might miss the soft feeling that comes from traditional options. This is something ViscoSoft took into consideration when it developed its supportive latex topper with a one-inch soft down alternative top that is removable, washable, and hypoallergenic.

By doing this, they added a soft and plush layer to a supportive topper. People who side sleep will like the pillow-top feature as softer toppers alleviate the pressure on shoulders and hips. However, the ViscoSoft Pillow Top Latex Mattress Topper will ensure your spine remains aligned in a healthy sleeping position.

ViscoSoft, which is based in America, ensured that this responsive gel latex foam would stay cooler for longer than you’d get with memory foam toppers. Latex naturally comes with a well-ventilated design that allows for air to pass through, so users will stay cooler while they sleep.

The majority of models have a cover for the topper itself, but the ViscoSoft Pillow Top Latex Mattress Topper has a skirt that will keep it in place and the middle of the mattress. However, due to the added features, this may be out of the price range for many people.

Dreamfoam Bedding Talalay Latex Topper Review

Does your mattress need a little more comfort and support to it? The Dreamfoam Bedding Talalay Latex Topper is a three-inch topper that can give your mattress a new kind of life. The company provides three different firmness options to choose from, which have been enclosed by a natural bamboo fabric.

This soft Talalay latex topper is 19ILD, which provides a comfortable layer of softness to any mattress. If you opt for the medium firm topper, it will be 28 ILD, which is great for comfort but also relieving pressure point pain. The firmest option measures at 36 ILD, which aids in providing relief to pressure points but is still very firm.

The mattress industry sees latex as one of the most durable materials on the market, offering the right balance of support and comfort every single night. One of the great aspects of this material is that it will conform to the body’s shape, without a sinking feeling. It also offers more than 30 percent relief on the pressure points than other foam bedding. Best of all, Talalay latex is four times more breathable than Dunlop latex, memory foam, or polyurethane.

The Dreamfoam Bedding Talalay Latex Topper is antibacterial and hypoallergenic, making it resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites. Thanks to its breathable texture, your body temperature will stay regulated. Another American-made product, there are seven sizes to this topper.

Vytex Natural Latex Topper Review

While it’s rare to have a latex allergy, it can still happen, which means even natural latex cannot be deemed hypoallergenic. The reason for this is that natural latex comes from rubber tree sap, which can produce a reaction in less than one percent of people. An alternative solution uses a patented process that will ensure fewer allergic reactions.

Vytex uses only natural plant raw materials, which comes from the sustainable Heavea Brazilian tree. The material goes through a toxin-free process to eliminate the undesirable proteins that can lead to allergies. No chemicals are used in the process – something you might see in other substitutes like petroleum and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Another made-in-the-USA product, the Vytex Natural Latex Topper has got all the advantages and comfort that’s seen with traditional latex toppers such as no-sink support and bounce. Its large holes provide even more ventilation for people who run hot while sleeping. No added moisture or buildup of heat occurs with this topper.

The Vytex Natural Latex Topper is ideal for people who don’t want to compromise on sleep quality. If you’re all about protecting Mother Earth, then you’ll be glad to know that this product is very environmentally friendly.

Take Ten Certified Organic Latex Topper Review

The Take Ten Certified Organic Latex Topper has been certified as a Global Organic Latex Standard for its 100 percent natural latex and organic cotton cover. Both are made without any pesticides or chemicals. It’s got the Oeko-Tex stamp of approval since it doesn’t have any of the 100 dangerous materials that are used as fillers during the normal manufacturing process.

The manufacturer also made it carbon-neutral, which means it uses carbon off-setting processes, thus, making it an even more greener product that doesn't off-gas toxic chemicals while you sleep.

Organic latex is unique – unlike other kinds of foam that you sink into, it’s very flexible. It helps to alleviate pressure on sensitive areas of the body and increase air circulation. On top of that, the topper offers a healthy barrier with its hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties – something you won’t see with the typical mattress foams on the market.

The Take Ten Certified Organic Latex Topper offers three levels of firmness:

• Soft – Ideal for side sleepers; provides the best contouring and can soften a firm bed.
• Medium – Ideal for people who sleep on their stomach and back; provides even more support to beds and gives couples a chance to compromise.
• Firm – Adds support to any bed, firms up a soft mattress.

Take Ten offers a 30-day trial and five-year warranty with this product.

What’s Better? Memory Foam or Latex

Memory foam comprises of polyurethane, which uses an array of chemicals that make a dense and energy-absorbing material.  And, this is one reason it can conform to the body’s shape. The time in which the foam returns to its former shape is slow, which is why people will see an indentation of their body still on it when they hop out of bed. 

If you want softness from a mattress topper, memory foam toppers will give it to you.

Latex is comprised of rubber tree sap and undergoes various manufacturing processes to attain the end result. If you’re all about eco-friendly materials, you want a natural latex mattress topper – made out of organic materials. The synthetic latex topper is made out of various kinds of rubber, and its properties are similar to the memory foam. 

6 Reasons To Invest In A Latex Mattress Topper

They Can Affect A Mattress’ Firmness

The key benefit of a latex topper is that it alters how firm a mattress is. Soft mattresses can be made firmer with this kind of topper and vice versa. If your mattress isn’t very comfortable, a latex mattress topper can adjust the firmness/softness level for you. 

Your Old Mattress Needs New Life 

A latex mattress topper can bring life back to an old mattress. If you don’t have the money needed to replace your old mattress, a latex mattress topper is a cheaper alternative. The reason mattresses don’t provide as much support as they did before is because the top layer has eroded. Even a firm mattress at the time of purchase can become overly soft. 

If you feel the springs of your mattress, don’t throw it out! While they can give you some support, they can feel lumpy. This is where a mattress topper comes in handy, especially a latex topper. 

You’re Hot While Sleeping

If you’re constantly waking up sweating, your mattress is likely the culprit. Memory foam of mattresses is made to lock in body heat.  It uses the heat to shape itself to the body’s shape.  If you ever feel warmth in the spot you were sleeping in, blame the memory foam for retaining it. The foam has no airflow to it, so it can make the body heat disperse. As the memory foam surrounds your body, it creates a heat pocket. 

Latex, on the other hand, is responsive, going back to its original state when you move around. And, the best latex mattress toppers have channels that allow air to move freely around. If you use this kind of topper, you won’t be sweating anymore at night. 

Increase The Mattress Lifespan

A mattress topper will help in protecting the actual mattress, which normally sees a lot of abuse. If you use a topper when you first get a new mattress, you can save money years down the road because the topper keeps it from becoming damaged due to spills and other liquids – saving it from normal wear and tear. You can easily move the mattress topper compared to a mattress. 

Inexpensive Alternative 

A latex mattress is a cheaper alternative to a memory foam or innerspring mattress and has a lot of worthwhile benefits.  A high-quality latex mattress is expensive unlike other mattresses, but a latex topper is a cheaper alternative. If you need another latex topper because it’s worn out, you can just buy another one until you actually need a new mattress because yours is no longer functional. 

Custom Support 

There are some manufacturers that offer one-sided latex mattress toppers – ideal for people whose needs are not the same as their partners. A one-sided latex mattress topper means getting the custom support the sleeper needs without the sacrifice of the other person’s well-being. 

Why Should You Use A Latex Mattress Topper?

• Hypoallergenic – People who suffer from allergies can benefit from using a natural, organic latex mattress topper (unless they are the rare few who suffer from a latex allergy). No dust mites, bedbugs or other allergy-causing issues can be found on natural latex foam, which makes it one of the more ideal topper choices on the market. 

• Antimicrobial – Latex mattress toppers manufacturers include antimicrobial properties to reduce susceptibility to bacteria, mold, etc. 

• Extremely Durable – Latex is a very durable material, and latex mattress toppers have very long lifespans because of it. In fact, it’s not unheard of for them to last beyond 10 years whereas other mattress toppers need replacing every five or so years. 

• Little Sleep Disruption – Memory foam is wonderful in that it prevents the transference of motion, but natural Talalay latex will also reduce how much motion is felt. Therefore, if your partner is constantly moving around in their sleep, your sleep won’t be affected. Another positive aspect is that the low-motion aspect of latex means you won’t get a sinking feeling that memory foam often produces. 

• Conforms To The Body and Provides Relief – One of the best aspects of latex is that it conforms to the user’s body, leaving a tight impression that ensures the spine stays aligned. Latex also keeps pressure off the sensitive parts of the body such as the hips, lower back, shoulders and neck. It’s also a great amount of elasticity and won’t hug the body. Rather, it’s a bit bouncy that offers support instead of the saggy feeling some mattress toppers give.

• Improved Support – Along with the additional comfort, latex toppers give an even surface that will improve the support of a mattress. While latex won’t mold to your shape, your weight will sink into it. The difference is that it won’t contour as much as memory foam would.  There’s no “I’m stuck” feeling with latex. It’s ideal for people who are overweight or obese. 

• Cooler – The majority of mattress toppers have some memory foam to it, which traps in heat and can become quite uncomfortable when you’re trying to sleep.  After all, you may actually sweat more, which will wake you up from a dead sleep.  It will also cause more microbes to develop on the topper and mattress. With a latex mattress topper, you stay cooler thanks to its open-air design that ensures air can flow freely through. (Bear in mind that even in hot climates, a latex mattress cover can become too hot to the user). 

• Better-Quality Sex – While memory foam and polyfoam are great for sleeping, they don’t always work for sexual activity. Latex, on the other hand, is far more responsive and improves the sexual experience. 

What Are The Negative Aspects Of A Latex Mattress Topper?

• Expensive – A genuine latex mattress topper is going to run you anywhere from $100 to $400, but it’s not unheard of for $500 or more models. How much you pay is usually dependent on the mattress topper thickness. 

• Heavier – The majority of latex mattress toppers can weigh anywhere from 20 to 40 pounds – meaning they’re not easy to move and adjust. 

• May Retain Body Heat – While most latex toppers stay cooler than memory foam, some users have reported that the latex mattress topper actually soaks up body heat and becomes hot, making sleep uncomfortable. 

• Often Unavailable – Latex toppers are usually only available online retailers, which means you’re unlikely to find them in brick-and-mortar stores.

• Cleaning Difficulties – It’s not advised to put a latex topper in the washer. Instead, you either have it dry cleaned, or you spot wash it by hand. 

Is Natural Latex Better or Can You Use Synthetic Latex?

Latex types generally have the same feel, but synthetic latex isn’t as springy and doesn’t cost as much.  

Keep in mind that natural latex comes from rubber trees, which is regarded as highly durable and has an extended lifespan.  It doesn’t generate a lot of off-gassing, so even though you smell a rubber band-like smell to it; the odor isn’t chemical. The scent is natural and not dangerous to your health, unlike synthetic chemical off-gassing.

Another worthwhile point is that natural latex is great for people who have allergies – be it to mildew, mold or dust mites.  A latex allergy is something else entirely, but if you have it, you don’t want to use a natural latex mattress topper. Still, a synthetic latex topper may still present problems – keep this in mind. 

Do you need more reasons to use a natural latex mattress topper instead of an organic mattress topper? If you’re into saving the environment and going eco-friendly, then a natural latex topper is the way to go. They are biodegradable and the materials used are friendly to the environment. On top of that, there are both economic and social advantages to the processing of the rubber tree and the sap. 

Does this mean organic latex mattress toppers should be avoided? Not at all!

For starters, they are usually more in a person’s price range than the genuine material. If you’re not about the natural beneficial, then you can still get the comfort level a real latex mattress topper provides with an organic mattress topper. 

The same process that natural latex goes through happens with the synthetic one, but it comprises of petroleum products, which isn’t great for people who have a chemical allergy. However, they are far more stable and powerful – similar to what you’d seen on tire latex. 

A combination of both types of latex is known as a blended latex with two ratios to choose from:

• 70/30
• 60/40

With the blended format, there’s a reduced risk of allergies because less synthetic latex is being used. 

Manufacturers will use three kinds of latex in their process:

100 percent natural latex – all-natural rubber latex is used

Natural latex – at least 85 percent natural rubber latex with the remaining 15 percent being organic

Pure latex – this is 80 percent synthetic and only 20 percent natural 

For the industry to designate a latex mattress topper has being natural, it must contain 80 percent or more natural latex. People in the market for an eco-friendly topper that allows them to improve their sleep quality and get the “most bang for their buck” will often go with this kind of latex mattress topper. There are so many benefits to it such as:

• Flexible
• Elasticity
• Durability
• Stability 
• Fabulous feel

9 Factors You Want To Consider Before Your Purchase

When you’re in the market for a latex mattress topper, there are several factors you want to consider before you make your purchase. 

Production Method 

When considering a latex mattress topper, you want to find out what process it went through – Dunlop or Talalay. There is a considerable difference between the two. In the Talalay process, the latex is lighter because it has more air in it. It’s almost like sleeping on a cloud because it’s so soft. However, half of the latex is synthetic latex, which will never be certified as Global Organic Latex Standard. The Dunlop process results in a denser material that’s much sturdier than the Talalay process latex material. 

Density

Density is the total topper weight (noted in pounds per cubic foot). The majority of latex toppers have a two to six PCF range. Soft latex is a two-pound density where firm latex is six pounds. With a softer density, you can alleviate joint pain and ease the pressure on pressure points. This range is ideal for people who sleep on their side or need more softness from their mattress. 

With a firmer density, you give more support to your spine. It’s recommended for people who sleep on their stomach and back. This type of topper will work with any kind of foam already on the mattress. 

Indention Load Deflection

This property is tied to firmness and goes back to the amount of weight necessary to compress the sleep surface. Currently sold latex toppers have an ILD range of 20 to 45 (or soft to extremely firm). 

Thickness 

Latex mattress toppers have varying degrees of thickness – from one to four. The thinner the foam is, the less change felt on your mattress. 

• People who are generally happy with their mattress but want a minor change to it should consider the one-inch thickness. 
• If you’re suffering from back pain or any other kind of aches, a two-to-three inch thickness is ideal.
• If your mattress is old or sagging and you want something new, a four-inch-thick latex mattress topper will feel like you replaced your mattress but at a fraction of the cost. 

Though adding a latex mattress topper – genuine or organic – won’t replace the mattress, it’s ideal in extending its lifespan. Be sure you factor in how you sleep and your weight when picking the topper. If you are overweight or obese, it’s recommended to get a thicker topper.

Current Mattress

The feel you get is going to be dependent on your current mattress. You could have the softest topper on your firm mattress and still get more support than you do with a firm mattress on the soft mattress. 

Ventilation 

How foam is produced will generate ventilation chambers. During the manufacturing process, steam is introduced into the liquid rubber via metal rods that make up the mold. When the foam is done curing, the foam is carefully removed from the mold. Those rods will bake the liquid rubber to create channels that allow air to move around.  Thanks to these channels, the extra heat and humidity are diverted away from the user’s body.

Machine Washing Covers

Most mattress toppers cannot be cleaned in water, and spot cleaning adds wear and tear. Invest in a machine-washable cover to protect your topper and make it last longer. If you’re buying an expensive latex mattress topper, this is a must!

Green Certifications 

The sleep industry relies on the Global Organic Latex Standard, but to get it, the product must have at least 95 percent of organic raw material. 

Guarantees

Look at what kind of guarantee the manufacturer is offering. Some provide a worry-free warranty of anywhere from five to 15 years but look to see what kind of warranty such as limited. 

Who Would Benefit From Using A Latex Mattress Topper?

There are certain groups of individuals who would highly benefit from using a latex mattress topper on their bed.

• Side, back or stomach sleepers could see benefits from this type of topper, especially if they range in the 24 to 30 ILD rating range. Side sleepers can also benefit from a lower ILD rating of under 23. Stomach sleepers would do better with an ILD rating of 31 or higher.

• People who suffer from neck or shoulder pain would benefit from this type of mattress topper. The latex will conform to their body shape, aligning the spine and reducing the sensitive area’s discomfort.

• People who have problems staying asleep because of noise or easily wake up because of noise can benefit from latex mattress toppers as they don’t make noise when laid upon. 

Who Shouldn’t Use A Latex Mattress Topper?

• People who have problems lifting heavy object should not be using a latex mattress topper. They can weigh 40 pounds or more easy, and trying to move them at night may be difficult. 

• People with a naturally high body heat would do well not to use latex since it locks in a good amount of body heat. 

• People who don’t have a lot of money, as latex mattress toppers are usually very expensive compared to other types of mattress topper materials. 

How To Care For Your Latex Mattress Topper

Once you’ve made your purchase of a latex mattress topper, you need to read all you can about how to properly take care of it. What are some helpful tips to ensure your bed topper will last for some time?

Don’t soak or wash it. Instead, be sure you vacuum it once a week to eliminate the buildup of debris and dust. You should also air it out once a month, keeping it flat and in an area that’s got plenty of air. Do not place the mattress right in the sunlight. 

Again, do not soak it in water. Instead, spot clean the spills and stains it’s been subjected to. Use only a minute amount of water and detergent soap. Use a small cloth and dab at the stains until they are completely gone. Once you do that, use a damp cloth (clean water only) to wipe the area down. 

Is It Necessary To Have A Mattress Topper Cover?

When you’re buying a latex mattress topper, you may be asked if you want to purchase a cover for it. You may be thinking that since your topper is going under the sheets, you don’t really need one. Well, think for a minute. A mattress topper cover will ensure the latex mattress topper stays cleaner for longer and expand its lifespan.  

Remember, a latex mattress topper cannot be washed in a machine and spot cleaning is the only way to ensure they look their best. With a cover, you don’t have to worry near as often about potential issues.  The extra money you pay on the cover will be well worth the investment.

Should You Go With A Talalay or A Dunlop?

When shopping for a latex mattress topper or an organic mattress topper, you may notice the description reads either Talalay mattress topper or Dunlop? Is there any difference between the two as they are still latex?  Truth? One is not better than the other, but it’s all in the eyes of the beholder – i.e. the user. 

• Talalay latex mattress toppers are usually softer, cooler and have a smooth feel. 
• Dunlop later mattress toppers are usually firmer and extremely durable. Plus, there is a minimal carbon footprint when manufacturing them. 

It’s all boils down to what you are looking for from your latex mattress topper.

What You Need To Remember About Your Latex Mattress Topper Purchase

There’s no reason to feel overwhelmed when you’re in the market for a mattress topper. Yes, there are many of them out there, and you may feel anxious that you’ll buy the wrong one for your bed. However, with a little research and time, you can find the best mattress topper that ensures your total comfort and support while you sleep.

One of the things you’ll notice in your research is the material used to make a mattress topper. Latex is one such material, which has its pros and cons like anything else you buy. This is when you need to stop and think what it is you are after. Do you want a mattress topper that will protect your mattress and extend itself while also giving you comfort and support without feeling as if you’re sinking into the topper?

If so, then you want to purchase a latex mattress topper. You can find manufacturers that offer organic mattress toppers and some manufacturers that use only single-source latex to create their toppers. Really look at the manufacturer specifications of each mattress topper to find the right one for you. 

Your body is going to thank you for it, as will your wallet.