Latex: Natural latex is a breathable, open-cell material that is prized for its durability and sustainability. Latex tends to keep sleepers “on” and not “in” the mattress, preventing heat build-up around the body. While natural latex toppers can be expensive, they maintain decent temperature neutrality and are much less likely to develop body indentations compared with synthetic latex or other foams. Many latex toppers are “ventilated” with pincore holes that allow for better air circulation. Toppers aren't to be confused with thinner pads or protectors either. For more guidance, see our mattress protector vs mattress pad comparison. A mattress pad is essentially much thinner and sits somewhere between a topper and a protector, and offers a little extra comfort (but not as much as a bed topper) and a degree of protection (though not as much as a proper mattress protector). How to choose the best mattress topper If you prefer a more contoured and cradled-in feel, opt for a memory foam topper but if you prefer something that’s more responsive without that sunken-in feel, choose a latex mattress topper.

A latex topper is more responsive than a memory foam topper. Natural latex is also cooling and hypoallergenic making latex mattress toppers a good choice for those who sleep hot and/or suffer from seasonal allergies. Latex toppers are also great for those who have kids. The only caveat when it comes to latex mattress toppers is that they tend to be more expensive than regular foam or memory foam toppers. Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of different mattress materials, explore the various benefits of using a topper, and answer a few frequently asked questions about these products. What to Consider When Purchasing a Mattress Topper My mattress is too firm: If you’re finding your mattress too firm and unyielding, a mattress topper could be a great choice with just enough cushioning to help you sink into your bed a little better. Learn More: Why Sleeping on Your Stomach is Bad From the lab- Taken as Lead Product Tester, Julia Forbes tests the mattress toppers. Cooling Pressure relief was a strong performance area regardless of firmness level. If you tend to wake up with sore shoulders and hips, the Deluxe Mattress Topper can help alleviate some of that discomfort. Couples will appreciate the strong motion isolation, especially if you’re easily awoken by a partner’s movements in bed. The virtually noiseless construction is another bonus.Like choosing a new mattress, finding the best mattress topper for your needs can be daunting. Let’s break things down to help you choose. Firstly, think about the material the topper is made from. Most mattress toppers are made out of all-foam which could either be memory foam or latex foam but a few select brands also offer a blend of spring coils and foam. Rarely, some brands also offer mattress toppers made out of wool batting and other animal fibers such as down and alpaca fibers. The Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper is a versatile topper that comes in three firmnesses and two profile options. The different firmness levels, coupled with the pressure-relieving properties of latex, make this an excellent topper for sleepers of all different body types and sleeping positions. The Bear Pro topper is a memory foam mattress topper that’s made up of copper-infused memory foam that’s CertiPUR-US certified – perfect for those who prefer the cuddly, slight sunk-in feel of true memory foam but without the dreaded heat retention. Polyfoam: Open-cell and convoluted polyfoam mattress toppers are designed to improve airflow, allowing body heat to escape from the sleeper instead of building up on the surface of the mattress. Polyfoam has the added advantage of being the cheapest topper material. The downside is that polyfoam toppers will eventually develop permanent body indentations.

Latex is also naturally antimicrobial and non-allergenic to most people except those with a latex allergy. They can be a little smelly at first though, much like memory foam bed toppers. Pillow-tops and Euro-tops offer the same cushioning and comfort adjustment as a standard mattress topper, but these layers are typically offered as customization options for a new mattress, rather than an additional layer sold separately; otherwise you’d be responsible for sewing the pillow-top or Euro-top onto your mattress.After extensive testing, we're confident that the Saatva Mattress Topper would be a great fit for most people. It's extremely supportive and made of thoughtful materials that are designed to last a lifetime. For something a little cheaper, the LUCID Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is cushy and supportive. We liked its airy feel, which is achieved thanks to dozens of ventilation holes in the foam. How We Tested the Mattress Toppers Mattress toppers give you the opportunity to both change the characteristics of your mattress and keep it fresh longer. Let’s say you have a mattress you like, but it’s just a little bit too soft. Sometimes you feel like you’re sinking in too deep in the mattress. In those cases, a firmer mattress topper can help. You still get your soft mattress, but the firmer mattress topper helps distribute your body weight over the mattress, so the sinking sensation is minimized. OEKO-TEX: The Standard 100 by Oeko-TEX shows whether any fabric (such as the outer cover) has been tested and passed evaluations that ensure there are no unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals. The coil system is made up of 1″ recycled steel micro-coils that’s reinforced in the center third of the topper as well as the perimeter, providing extra lumbar support as well as edge support. The memory foam layer of the Saatva topper makes up around 2 and half inches of the entire topper making it around 3 and half inches in total. inch mattress toppers come in a variety of mattress topper sizes, just like 2-inch mattress toppers. They come in different foam densities and types but the most common ones are memory foam and latex foam.

Side sleepers and combination sleepers would do well with a mattress topper that’s softer or medium-soft.

The Best Latex Mattress Toppers

Memory foam is not the only material used to make toppers. Different materials have their own advantages and disadvantages.