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Mattress Topper Reviews > Latex Topper Reviews
Based on 553 Actual Consumer Experiences

THE GOOD: Latex toppers tend to provide an effective combination of softness and supportiveness. Consequently, they often provide above average pain relief. Latex toppers can be used to soften or firm up a mattress.
THE BAD: They are the most expensive type of mattress topper, and their availability is limited. Some initial odor is possible. Brand-new latex toppers can appear aged with minor rips, discoloration and flaking. Returns can be both a hassle and expensive.
THE COMPETITION: Memory foam toppers have similarities to latex toppers and are the main competition.
See how latex mattress toppers compare to memory foam and other topper types in the mattress topper comparison that is based on actual owner experiences.
The ratings below show how the topper-pads overall as a group are evaluated by owners. For ratings on specific brands, see the section following this one.
| Owner satisfaction | b | Latex toppers overall as a group have 85% owner satisfaction. () |
| Durability / longevity | b- | They tend to have similar if not somewhat better longevity / durability than other mattress topper types. Excessive softening, body impression development and loss of support over time are the main durability complaints. |
| Affordable | d | Prices often range from $120-$700 which makes them pricier than other topper types. The average price paid is around $220. The wide price range is due mainly to differences in thickness. Owner experience data shows that paying more for a latex mattress topper does not tend to result in noticeably higher owner satisfaction. |
| Lessened pain / pressure points | b | At least 30% of owners report significant pressure point relief, while about 15% of owners report pain relief, including back pain relief. Talalay latex toppers are assembled in parts which are glued together creating seams which may be uncomfortably to lie directly on. |
| Supportive | b | Latex often provides good support, especially firmer varieties. |
| Motion isolation | c+ | There is conflicting owner experience data on this issue. Some say their latex topper is effective in absorbing motion and keeping it from disturbing their partner. Others say their topper is not effective in this way and can actually make motion more noticeable. |
| Easy to move on | b- | Latex toppers are generally easy to move around on and get up off. They tend to not conform to the body as strongly as memory foam, and they tend to spring back from being compressed/lied on quickly. |
| Lightweight | d | Latex mattress toppers are as heavy or heavier than other topper types, and the thicker the topper is the heavier it will be. At least 4% of owners say weight is a disadvantage. |
| No initial odor | c | About 2-5% of owners, especially those of blended latex toppers, report a lingering rubber or chemical smell. Latex overall has fewer complaints than memory foam on this issue. |
| No sleeping hot | c | Heat problems are reported by 5% of owners which is significant. |
| Good for sex | b | There are currently few complaints. |
| Proper fit / secure | c | Like many mattress toppers types, latex toppers may not fit properly to the dimensions of the mattress. And they may not stay secure or keep from sliding around somewhat. |
| Appearance | D+ | Latex toppers have a higher-than-average number of complaints regarding appearance or condition when they are new. A significant number of owners report discoloration, tears and flaking. When the bed is made, however, the topper usually provides a non-lumpy, clean and even appearance (unless body impressions develop). |
| Ease of cleaning / maintenance | b | When needed, they can be spot cleaned by hand or steam cleaned. Their longevity can often be increased by occasional turning / flipping. |
| Ease / cost of returning | d | Due to the fact that latex toppers are sold mainly online, returns can be both a hassle and expensive. The topper will need to be prepared for shipping, and there will likely be a return shipping fee. A restocking fee is also possible. |
The following table includes only those latex toppers which rate above 85% in owner satisfaction and or are sold by reputable, established retailers.
Note: Individual latex mattress topper-pad manufacturers / brands / retailers generally do not have a significant quantity of owner experience data available. This is mainly because latex toppers, unlike other topper types such as memory foam, do not sell in high quantity mainly due to high price and lack of wide availability.
| Owner Satis-faction | Sample Size | Available Sizes | Price | Available Thickness1 | Type2 | Firmness3 | Return Policy | Retailer | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Premium Mattress Co. | 100% | 5 | twin, full, queen, king | $190- $450 |
2", 3" | choice of natural dunlop or talalay (blended or natural) | soft to medium (19-28 ILD) | 60-day refund | Arizona Premium Mattress Co. | since 1992, made by Latexco and Latex Intl. |
| Ergosoft |
87% | 58 | twin, full, queen, king, CA king | $161- $389 |
2", 3", 4" | natural dunlop | soft, medium, firm (16-36 ILD) | 30-day exchange or refund | Amazon, Ultimate Sleep | made by Foamex |
| Foam Source | 100% | 4 | twin, full, queen, king, CA king | $120- $700 |
1.5", 2", 3" | choice of talalay (blended or natural) and dunlop (blended or natural) | soft, medium, firm (20-42 ILD) | 30-day exchange | Foam Source | since 1985 |
| Habitat Furnishings | 100% | 6 | twin, full, queen, king, CA king | $440- $600 |
2" | natural dunlop | likely medium | 180-day exchange or refund | Habitat Furnishings | since 1994 |
| All Natural Latex Non-Blended |
86% | 59 | twin, full, queen, king, CA king | $190- $330 |
2" | natural dunlop | medium, firm, extra firm (22-40 ILD) | 14-day for defects only | Amazon, My Organic Textiles | made by Latex Intl. |
| Select Luxury ECO Latex Topper | 90% | 421 | twin, full, queen, king | $127- $300 |
2" | choice of natural dunlop or 80% synthetic dunlop | medium | 30 day | Over stock.com | made in China |
1 Thickness. 2" toppers tend to be most popular among average-sized adults seeking to alter their mattress to a moderate degree. 3" and 4" tend to be most popular among above-average sized adults or anyone seeking to alter their mattress considerably.
2 Type. Latex is either a natural / synthetic blend of varying percentages or 100% natural. Based on collected owner experience data for latex toppers and latex mattresses, all-natural latex rates about 15% higher in overall satisfaction than blended (natural / synthetic combination) latex. All-natural latex, however, is usually more expensive.
Dunlop and talalay are types of latex processing. They tend to rate virtually the same in owner satisfaction. 100% natural latex and blended varieties can be made using either process. Talalay is more airy, less dense / firm and lighter than dunlop, although still heavy in general. Another difference is that the dunlop method produces one piece of latex while the talalay method produces latex in sections which then must be glued together. Owner experience data is inconclusive in regard which has superior durability / longevity.
3 Firmness. ILD is short for Indentation Load Deflection and refers to firmness. ILDs of 14-22 are often considered soft; 23-29 medium; 30-37 firm; 38 and higher extra firm. Most people seem to prefer an ILD of 22-30. Our research suggests that most people buy a latex topper-pad to soften a firm mattress, while about 20% buy one to firm up a soft mattress. In addition, back sleepers tend to be pleased with medium to firm ILD; stomach sleepers with medium ILD; side sleepers with soft to medium ILD.
Below are the most common words / phrases that owners use to describe lying on their latex mattress topper.
Our ratings are based on over 550 latex mattress topper-pad owner reviews that were gathered from diverse, credible sources including online message boards and review sections on retailer web sites.
– Prices for latex toppers usually start at over $100 which makes them pricier than other topper types.
– The wide price range among latex toppers is due mainly to differences in thickness, the amount of natural latex used and processing type.
– Owner experience data shows that paying more for a latex mattress topper does not tend to result in noticeably higher satisfaction.
– Latex toppers tend to be heavier than other mattress topper types, and the thicker the topper is the heavier it will be.
– Latex toppers (along with memory foam toppers) offer a greater potential for pain prevention and relief, including back pain relief.
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