If you have trouble getting a good night's sleep on your mattress, a mattress topper might be the perfect solution. It can boost the comfort level of an old mattress for a fraction of the price of buying a new one. Sometimes called a pillow-top mattress pad, a topper is a cushion you place on top of the mattress to add softness or support. The terms "mattress topper" and "mattress pad" are often used interchangeably, but the latter also refers to a thinner type of cover that's placed over a mattress to protect it from stains. This report focuses mainly on the type of toppers used for added cushioning, but we do recommend waterproof and non-waterproof mattress pads as well. The most common reason people decide to add toppers to their mattresses is to add new life to an older bed. Innerspring mattresses in particular tend to compress over time, losing their ability to shape themselves to a sleeper's body. A mattress topper can add an extra layer of cushioning, relieving pressure points and enhancing sleep quality.
However, mattress toppers can't compensate for major problems such as sagging, sinkholes or springs poking through the mattress cover. If your mattress is that bad, you need a new one. We have recommendations for the most popular types in our separate report on mattresses. Mattress pads aren't just for old mattresses, though. People often add a mattress topper to adjust the firmness level of a newer mattress. If you buy a new mattress and determine after a short time that it's too soft or firm for your taste, adding a topper can make it softer or firmer without the hassle and expense of trading in a nearly new model (returning a new mattress often involves shipping and restocking fees, not to mention the logistics of dealing with returning a large item). Placing a topper on just one side of the bed can also help couples who prefer different levels of mattress firmness. Memory foam is the most popular type of mattress topper, and it tends to be the most effective at improving mattress comfort.
Made from polyurethane, memory foam contains millions of open, spherical cells that respond to pressure and heat. It comes in many thicknesses and densities: In general, a thicker topper will have a softer feel, while a denser foam will provide more support. However, memory foam can trap body heat, and some say that the way it cradles the body can make it difficult to move around on. Many memory foam toppers also give off an unpleasant odor when new, although a good airing usually takes care of that. Latex foam is similar to memory foam, but it's made of either natural or synthetic latex rubber. It comes in many grades of thickness and firmness like memory foam, but generally tends to be a bit firmer. It's also somewhat less likely than memory foam to trap body heat and emit an unpleasant odor, but the "new mattress smell" can still be a problem for some users. Latex excels at providing both softness and support and it's a good choice for allergy sufferers because it's resistant to both mold and dust mites.
However, latex itself can be an allergen for some people and latex toppers are among the most expensive. Featherbeds are basically cushions stuffed with feathers or down. These add softness to a mattress, but not support. While they don't retain body heat as much as foam toppers do, they tend to compress under a user's weight and must be fluffed or shaken regularly to restore their shape. Featherbed mattress toppers are usually less expensive than foam ones. If you're sensitive to feathers, fiberbed and wool mattress toppers are very similar to featherbeds, but are made from hypoallergenic materials. Mattress pads are not mattress toppers, they are just a thin pad, with corners like a fitted sheet that go over your mattress to protect it from moisture and stains. Deep-pocket mattress pads can even fit over both a mattress topper and a mattress. Mattress pads are very affordable and there's little variation in quality. With the high cost of mattresses, we highly recommend that everyone protect their investment from spills, stains and other accidents.
analyze thousands of owner reviews and break down the data to provide specific information about different mattress topper types and brands. Our research turns up three main factors to consider when shopping for a mattress topper. Since a topper's job is to improve the comfort of a mattress, we give particular importance to how well each pad cushions and supports the body, as well as such criteria as whether it retains body heat. A good mattress topper also needs to stay comfortable over time, so we examine how well each model holds up with use and whether it needs special maintenance to keep it in good shape. Based on these factors, we identify the best mattress toppers of each type and list their pros and cons. One is sure to be the perfect choice for your best night's sleep. Mattress Topper Reviews > Latex Topper Reviews Latex Mattress Topper-Pad Reviews, Ratings and Comparisons Based on 1,356 Actual Consumer Experiences THE GOOD: Latex toppers can significantly alter the comfort of a mattress by making it softer or firmer.
They come in many thicknesses and varieties, including all-natural types, to suit individual preference. THE BAD: They are the most expensive type of mattress topper, and their availability is limited. Some initial odor is possible. 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 some similarities to latex toppers making them the main competition. See how latex compares to other topper types in the mattress topper comparison. Latex Topper Ratings: As a Group The ratings show how latex topper-pads as a group compare to the average topper. Prices often range $90-$500 ($256 average price paid) which makes latex toppers more expensive than other topper types. The wide price range is due mainly to differences in thickness. While latex toppers provide some unique benefits, toppers with similar owner satisfaction and general benefits – namely memory foam – are available for significantly less money.
Latex toppers are second only to memory foam toppers in their conforming ability. At least 30% of owners with back or joint pain report their topper helps to significantly reduce it. Latex has potential to improve mattress support somewhat – better potential than memory foam. Latex tends to have somewhat better longevity / durability than other topper types. Excessive softening, body impression development and loss of support over time are the main durability complaints. A topper that provides effective motion isolation helps to keep movement of one person from disturbing another person. Motion isolation is neither a clear strength nor weakness of latex toppers. Owner experience data suggests that dunlop-processed latex performs somewhat better than talalay-processed latex on this issue. Easy to move on / get up off Firmer varieties especially are generally easy to move on and get up off. Latex tends to not conform to the body as strongly as memory foam.
It also tends to recover quickly from being compressed / lied on. They tend to weigh 20-45 lbs depending mostly on thickness and size – making them at least as heavy as other toppers. About 6% of owners say weight is a disadvantage. About 7% of owners, especially owners of synthetic and blended latex toppers, report a chemical- or rubber-like smell. Latex overall has far fewer complaints than memory foam on the issue of initial odor. Heat problems are reported by about 5% of owners (1 out of 20) which is less than the rate for memory foam toppers. Softer, thicker, and higher density toppers have the greatest likelihood of retaining heat. There are few reports of mold problems with latex toppers. Natural latex is resistant to mold and mildew. Latex provides pressure-point relief but is not as bounce absorbing or restrictive of movement as memory foam. Like many mattress topper types, latex toppers may not fit properly to the dimensions of the mattress. And they may not stay entirely secure or in place especially without a mattress pad covering them.
They have a higher-than-average number of complaints for appearance or condition even when new. A significant number of owners report discoloration, tearing, flaking. When the bed is made, however, the topper usually has a non-lumpy, clean, even appearance. When needed, they can be spot cleaned by hand or steam cleaned. A cover can help keep them clean and preserved. The only maintenance required is the occasional turn / flip which may aid longevity. Unlike most other types, latex toppers are usually available only online. Ease / cost of returning Due to the fact that latex toppers are sold mainly online, returns can be a hassle and expensive. The topper will need to be prepared for shipping, and a return ship fee is likely. A restock fee is also possible. Toppers: Comparison, Prices and Specs The following comparison includes latex toppers with 86% or higher owner satisfaction based on at least 100 consumer experiences. $90- $450 free shipping
$310- $404 free shipping $130- $153 free shipping $156- $210 plus $25- $30 shipping Distinctive Advantage or Trait comes with bamboo cover twin, full, queen, king, CA king1" is best for those seeking to merely fine tune mattress comfort. 2" and 3" are most popular due to their ability to significantly change and improve mattress comfort.Latex is usually either a natural / synthetic blend of varying percentagesBased 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. talalay and continuous are types of latex processing. They tend to rate virtually the same in owner satisfaction. Natural latex and blended latex can be made using any of theTalalay is more airy, less dense and lighter than dunlop. 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. The continuous process produces latex with consistency similar to talalay but without the glued seams.ILD is short for Indentation Load Deflection and refers to firmness. ILDs of 14-22 are often considered soft; 41 and higher extra firm. Most consumers seem to prefer an ILD of 22-30. Our research suggests that most consumers 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. Having a Latex Topper on One Side of a Bed Latex toppers can often be added to just one side of a mattress. a different firmness and feel to each side, making the mattress more couple friendly. Read more on how to have a topper on one side of a bed. About our unbiased latex mattress topper reviews and research