The Best Latex Mattress Toppers

Latex is a natural extract from the rubber tree. These types of mattress toppers have a comfortable feel and are designed to offer pressure relief, cooling, and an overall better night’s sleep.

Latex mattress toppers are an excellent addition to your bedding to provide support, comfort, and durability. Latex is a great option for people who suffer from allergies, back pain, or have a tendency to sleep hot. 

Here are our top picks of the four best latex mattress toppers and what you should look for when selecting your own. 

The Best Latex Mattress Toppers

• Best Quality Latex Mattress Topper – Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
• Best Organic Latex Mattress Topper – Certified Organic 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
• Most Comfortable Latex Topper – Ultimate Dreams Queen 3” Topper by Dreamfoam Bedding
• Best for Budget Shoppers – LUCID 3 Inch Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper

What is a latex mattress topper?

Latex mattress toppers are thick layers of latex that sit on top of your existing mattress. They are designed to bring new life to older mattresses and provide more comfort. Latex mattress toppers, as the name implies, are made with latex, a natural extract from the rubber tree.  

There are two types of natural latex — Talalay and Dunlop. Talalay offers more variety in firmness, is more contouring, and better at isolating motion than Dunlop. Dunlop generally feels firmer and bouncier, and is generally less expensive. 

Some latex mattress toppers are made with synthetic latex or a blend of natural and synthetic latex. Some mattress toppers are made with latex alternative foams, which contour the body more like memory foam but are more breathable like latex. 

Latex mattress toppers can help adjust the firmness of your existing mattress to make it feel firmer or plusher. Or, they can provide certain performance factors, such as pressure point relief or breathability for temperature regulation.

Pros and cons of latex mattress toppers 

Pros:

• Durable and quickly springs back to its original shape
• Contours the body without making you feel trapped
• Temperature neutral, meaning it does not sleep hot or cold
• Naturally hypoallergenic

Cons:

• Quality latex is more expensive than other materials
• Generally not as pressure relieving as memory foam
• Not as good at isolation motion as memory foam

What to look for in a latex mattress topper

When selecting a mattress topper in general, there are a few things you should consider before making your official purchase.

Density

The density of a mattress topper will determine the amount of firmness. If you are heavier than the average person or experience frequent back pain, a high-density mattress topper may be the best option for you. The density is measured in pounds per cubic foot and typically ranges from 7 PCF to 5 PCF.

Thickness

Typically, latex toppers measure one to three inches thick. Thicker doesn’t always mean better support- it depends on personal preference and weight distribution.

Process Type

During your search for the perfect latex topper, you’ll come across the words, “Dunlop” and “Talalay.” This is referring to the process of turning liquid latex into latex foam. The processes are very similar, up until the end. To learn more about the difference between the two, read our guide comparing dunlop vs talalay latex. Dunlop latex is typically more dense and firm than Talalay latex. 

Latex Type

There are a few different types of materials that make up latex mattress toppers. 

• Organic Latex: Latex is a natural derivative from the rubber tree. Organic latex is the topper that doesn’t contain any chemicals, synthetics, or other man-made materials, as the name suggests.
• 100% Natural Latex: This type of latex is just as natural as organic, but it’s not certified with the USDA.
• Synthetic Latex: Synthetic latex is a combination of derived petrochemicals and Talalay or Dunlop processing. It is 0% natural latex.
• Blended Latex: Blended latex is a combination of natural and synthetic latex and is typically at least 30% natural latex.

Additional features

You may want to consider certain features within your latex mattress to get a better night’s sleep. Additional features may include a cooling technology or specific manufacturing process.

FAQs

What thickness latex mattress topper should I get? 

Latex mattress toppers come in a variety of thicknesses, usually 1 inch to 3 inches. The thicker your latex mattress topper, the more you will be able to feel the comfort and therapeutic qualities latex offers. If your mattress only needs a little refreshing, consider a thinner latex topper. 

Are latex mattress toppers good? 

Latex mattress toppers can help you adjust the firmness or plushness of your current mattress, provide added pressure relief, and make you more comfortable for a good night’s sleep. They are also naturally hypoallergenic and temperature neutral. They’re a great option if you don’t need a new mattress but want to spruce up your current one. 

Is latex better than memory foam? 

It’s all about preference. Latex is more durable and offers a bouncier, more buoyant feel. Memory foam is more contouring and feels like you’re sinking into it. Latex is more breathable and sleeps cooler than memory foam, but it’s also more expensive.

Summary

Compare our top-rated latex toppers below:

Latex mattress toppers are a great way to add some cushion to the overall feel of your bed and improve the way you sleep. Whether you struggle with back pain or your latex mattress just needs a little refresher, a latex mattress topper may do the trick.