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Latex Mattress Toppers / Pads Ratings and Reviews -- Based On Data From Over 100 Actual Owners
Page last updated October 15, 2009.
What You Need To Know
Based on our data involving at least 100 actual latex topper owners, 92% say that their topper improves the comfort of their mattress.
Overall, latex tends to have few downsides. In regard to price, paying more does not tend to result in significantly higher satisfaction. And virtually all brands tend to provide similar levels of satisfaction.
More info based on owner data
Latex topper advantages and disadvantages
Mattress topper / pad comparison grid
Mattress topper ratings & reviews -- Home
Memory Foam Mattress Topper Reviews / Ratings
Featherbed ratings / reviews
Fiberbed ratings / reviews
Data on mattress topper brands
About Our Research
The research findings below are based on at least 100 reviews / comments of actual latex mattress pad-topper owners collected from diverse sources. Click here for more information on our research methodology.
Research Findings
Comfort
Of the 102 latex mattress topper owners included in our research, 92% said that their topper provided an improvement in comfort. 6% said that the topper was uncomfortable, usually because of too much firmness. And 2% said that the product made no difference in comfort.
Sensation of Lying on Latex Topper / Pad
Owners who like their latex topper typically use one or more of the following phrases or words to describe lying on it: soft yet firm, solid, not hot, no smell, no sinking in, conforming but not too much, contouring, comfortable, pain relieving, not squishy, not temperature sensitive, luxurious.
Owners who dislike their topper typically use one or more of the following phrases or words to describe it: too firm, causes pain, has odor, too hot, uncomfortable.
Pain Relief
10% of owners included in our research said that their pad provided at least some pain relief, namely relief of preexisting back pain, joint pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis or chronic pain. Some of those in this 10% said that their pain was lessened not just when they were in bed but during much of the time they are out of bed as well. 2% of owners indicated that the topper caused pain, usually back and shoulder discomfort.
Tossing and Turning
4% of owners indicated that they toss and turn less since sleeping on the pad mainly because they find it easier to get and stay comfortable.
Durability / Longevity
Latex toppers will likely last at least a few years, probably similar to other topper types (memory foam, feather, fiber). Higher density foam may have at least somewhat of a longer life. Life expectancy of the pad can be improved by turning it occasionally to avoid consistently sleeping on the same part and consequently wearing it out.
Price
The overwhelming majority of owners included in our data paid between $110 and $390 for their topper, with an average price of $130. The large price range is mainly due to differences in topper thickness, mattress size and topper density. (The thicker the topper and the higher the density the more expensive it is.) However, the more expensive toppers did not tend to have higher customer satisfaction than less expensive options, at least in terms of comfort.
Thickness
The clear majority of owners included in our data have a topper with thickness of either 1.5 inches or 2 inches. The 2 inch thick topper performed slightly better than the 1.5.
A good test for how thick of a topper you personally need is to place something hard yet fairly small (such as legos, kid's matchbox car, etc.) under the topper and then lay on it. The topper with enough thickness to keep you from feeling the object under the topper is likely a good choice for you. There is little point in paying for a thicker topper than you need.
Sleep Temperature
Just 1% of owners indicated that their latex topper acts as a heat trap, causing them to be uncomfortably warm when sleeping. No owners complained of being too cold.
Allergies and Dust Mites
Dust mites do indeed live in latex, but they don't eat it. For more information, see latex and dust mites.
Odor / Off Gassing
About 5% of owners said that their latex topper at least initially gave off a rubbery or chemical-like odor. Most said the odor went away within hours to a few days. Some, however, said the odor was noticeable for weeks or longer. About half of one percent of owners returned their pad because the odor was too much for them.