A mattress topper is an additional layer of bedding placed on top of your mattress that can in some way alter the sleep surface. Toppers are available in various materials, and latex is known for its durability, bounce, temperature regulation, and pressure relief.
Latex mattress toppers can be made from natural or synthetic materials or a combination of both. Natural latex is harvested from the sap of rubber trees, and synthetic latex is a petroleum chemical-based version of natural latex. Blended latex is a combination of both. Those who are eco-conscious may prefer natural latex; however, these are usually more expensive than synthetic alternatives. You may also come across the terms “Dunlop” or “ Talalay” latex which refers to two different manufacturing processes for latex and is discussed in more detail below.
A latex mattress topper may be a good option for those who want the benefits of latex bedding but cannot afford a latex mattress. We have reviewed some of the most highly rated latex mattresses on the market, which may be helpful when making your decision.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)
MATTRESS TOPPER | THICKNESS | TYPE | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|---|
Una Organic Latex Mattress Topper | 6cm | Natural Organic | 100 Nights 5 Years | £315 |
Yanis Latex Plus Topper | 5/8cm | Natural | NA Nights 10 Years | £205 |
EVERGREENWEB Latex Mattress Topper | 7cm | Natural (Latex Flakes) | NA Nights NA Years | £89 |
Simba Hybrid Topper | 7cm | Hybrid | NA Nights 1 Year | £219 |
Inofia LATEXPUR Mattress Topper | 5cm | Memory Infused Latex | 100 Nights NA Years | £79.99 |
Inofia LATEXCH Mattress Topper | 7cm | Memory Infused Latex | 100 Nights NA Years | £105.99 |
1. Una Organic Latex Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Organic certified natural latex • Zonal support • 100-night trial | • Those weighing less than 14 stone • Eco-conscious individuals • People with a higher budget |
The Una Organic Latex Foam mattress is an all-natural soft latex foam with zonal support and could be a good option for those wanting the benefits of latex with gentle body contouring. The cover is composed of cotton (70%) and wool (30%). This combination ensures a soft and thermoregulatory sleep surface by allowing air and moisture to circulate. This 6cm topper has 7 different zones that gently support your body.
The Una topper is designed and engineered in Germany. It is 100% biodegradable, recyclable, and carbon-neutral and can last up to 20 years. It is worth noting that the recommended maximum bodyweight is 14 stone (85 kg) per person. Customer reviews are positive, and people seem happy with their purchases. The manufacturers offer free delivery, a 100-night trial and a 5-year guarantee.
2. Yanis Dunlop Latex Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
---|---|
• Tencel-Purotex or Coolmax cover • Choice of 5cm or 8cm thickness • 10-year guarantee | • People with a more flexible budget • Allergy sufferers • Hot sleepers |
The Yanis Dunlop latex mattress topper is made with natural Dunlop latex and is available in 5cm or 8cm thickness in various sizes. The natural elasticity of the latex ensures even pressure distribution, body contouring, and long-lasting support.
This topper consists of 5 layers in total. The top and bottom layer is the removable cover which is available in Tencel-Purotex or Coolmax. There are then 2 cotton layers on either side of the latex foam in the centre. This topper offers medium support and is self-ventilating, anti-bacterial, anti-dust mite, hypoallergenic, and also silent in use.
The Yanis Dunlop topper is on the higher end of the price scale, and customers generally seem very satisfied with their purchase. In addition, the manufacturers offer a 10-year guarantee on this product.
3. EVERGREENWEB Latex Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• 100% natural origin latex flakes • Multi-purpose • Harmful chemical free | • Budget-friendly • People with allergies • Those wanting orthopaedic features |
The EverGreenWeb latex mattress topper could be a good option for those looking for an affordable latex foam topper that can also be used as a futon or yoga mat. In addition, this 7cm topper is available in various sizes and could be a good option for those looking for a latex topper with orthopaedic effects.
It is filled with 100% natural origin latex flakes that ensure optimal balance, support and comfort with its soft goose feather effect. In addition, this latex topper is hypoallergenic and anti-dust mite. It also has an Oeko-Tex certification which means that all raw materials used are free from harmful chemicals.
The EverGreenWeb topper is made in Italy and is delivered vacuum packed and rolled. Once opened, the manufacturers advise that it will take a few hours to regain its shape. According to reviews, customers seem very satisfied with their purchases.
4. Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Open-cell Simbatex layer • Fitted corner straps • Easy to roll and move | • Those wanting a hybrid topper • People who prefer a thicker topper • Eco-friendly individuals |
The Simba Hybrid mattress topper is made of both springs and foam and could be a good choice for those who want a combination of materials facilitating optimal comfort, coolness, and support. This topper is 7cm thick and fitted with straps to prevent it from moving around.
This topper has a soft, breathable sleep surface followed by the open-cell Simbatex (latex) air-flow layer and 3D mesh fabric, facilitating a cool, comfortable sleep. This layer is followed by the 2,500 Aerocoil™ spring comfort layer. Conical-shaped springs are enclosed in a 100% polyester pocket, ensuring that you are supported from all angles and aids in motion isolation. Under this layer is the Simba-pure support providing further support.
This hybrid topper is made in the UK from 100% recyclable material and is highly rated by customers. Manufacturers also note that it is quick to roll and easy to move. Simba offers a 1-year warranty and is a good potential choice if you have a more flexible budget.
5. Inofia Sleep LATEXPUR Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• LATEXPUR dual-layer support • Easy to roll and move • 100-night free trial | • Those on a budget • People with a S King size bed (180x200) • Hot sleepers |
The Inofia Sleep mattress topper is a 2 inch (5cm) latex-infused memory foam topper. This topper consists of a LATEXPUR dual-layer support system with an Open Honeycomb Structure that allows air to flow, facilitating breathability and a cool sleep surface.
The foam's high elasticity and body contouring ability offers good pressure relief and is soft under the shoulders and firmer under the hips. This makes this topper a potentially good option for those who want an affordable latex topper with ergonomic features. In addition, this topper is composed of charcoal reliefoam, which aids in dispersing odour and providing support. easy to roll and move
There is a removable and washable cover, and it is available in S King size (180x200). The topper is easy to roll and move and delivered vacuum packed in a box. Manufacturers recommend that the topper be left out in a well-ventilated place for 24-48 hours to dissipate the odour. A 100-night trial is offered to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your purchase. This budget-friendly topper is generally positively reviewed, and customers comment that it works well for those who tend to overheat at night.
6. Inofia Sleep LATEXCH Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• LATEXCH foam layer • Elastic corner straps • 100-night free trial | • Individuals wanting a mid-range buy • Those seeking pressure relief • Hot sleepers |
The Inofia Sleep mattress topper is 3 inches (7cm) thick and consists of organic certified LATEXCH and CERTIPUR-EU Standard memory foam. The latex and nano charcoal foam layer is designed to contour to your body with added cushioning and breathability, and the memory foam aids in supporting the sleeper and relieving pressure points. In addition, the latex foam layer is constructed with holes to help wick away moisture and further aid in breathability.
There is an anti-slip base to help keep the topper in place and elastic straps at each corner to prevent movement. The TAMI fabric cover facilitates air movement and moisture-wicking as well as being gentle on the skin. It is also removable and washable, and available in several different sizes.
This latex topper is delivered in a box and is easy to roll and move, making it ideal for those who want to use it as a camping mattress or other. Customers generally seem happy with their purchase commenting on its comfort; however, some people noted that it was a little soft and not ideal if you are a heavier person. Manufacturers offer a 100-night trial to ensure you are satisfied with your purchase.
The Benefits Of A Latex Mattress Topper
Ultimately, a person's bedding requirements will depend on individual needs and preferences. And as with most bedding, different types of mattress toppers all have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, whilst memory foam mattress toppers may have superior deep body contouring abilities, a cooling or gel mattress topper may be a good option for those who tend to overheat at night. Mattress toppers are a great alternative to purchasing a new mattress if you want specific features from a sleep surface but cannot replace your current mattress.
Due to its inherent natural properties such as elasticity, as well as being eco-friendly, latex mattress toppers offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Softness and cushioning for comfort
- Body contouring providing pressure relief
- Support facilitating optimal spinal alignment
- Natural resistance to mould and dust mites
- Thermoregulation
- Good motion isolation
- Durability
Research✓ comparing effects of mattress material on body pressure profiles show that latex mattresses are able to reduce peak body pressure and distribute pressure more evenly than polyurethane mattresses.
Types Of Latex
Latex mattress toppers can be made from natural and synthetic materials or a blend of natural and synthetic.
Natural Latex
Natural latex uses raw latex, harvested from the sap of rubber trees (Hevea Brasiliensis), mostly found in tropical regions of the world. This natural latex is collected as a liquid by hand and then poured into large vats. It is then filtered to remove any particles. After that, it is poured into large moulds, combined with water and air bubbles, and then slowly heated and vulcanized✓ (more on this below).
Mattress toppers made of natural latex are generally durable, resilient and supportive. In addition, they have hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. They do, however, come at a higher price. The price will depend on the purity of the natural latex and how many fillers have been added. The higher the percentage of natural latex, the higher the cost.
Did you know?
Thailand is the worlds leading producer of natural rubber (4.37 million metric tons in 2020), and China is the world's largest consumer (5.4 million metric tons in 2020).
Synthetic Latex
Synthetic latex is a man-made version of natural latex. It’s produced from petroleum compounds styrene and butadiene to create SBR rubber.
Mattress toppers made of synthetic latex are generally less durable and springy when compared to natural latex. They may also release an odour (from chemicals inside the mattress) and have issues with retaining moisture. Synthetic toppers are, however, a cheaper option.
Interesting to know...
Restrictions on the exportation of rubber in occupied Southeast Asia during World War II resulted in some countries researching and creating artificial rubber that could be used on the tyres of the many vehicles produced during wartime.
Blended Latex
Blended latex is a combination of both natural and synthetic latex. This combination may contain fewer chemicals than its synthetic alternative and is typically less expensive than most natural latex options. However, the ratio of natural to synthetic material differs between manufacturers. A good ratio indicator is the price - the more natural latex the topper contains, the higher the price.
Processing Method: Dunlop And Talalay
Vulcanization is a manufacturing process in which the liquid latex rubber is converted into a flexible solid. The two vulcanization methods are the Dunlop and Talalay methods.
Dunlop Latex
The Dunlop manufacturing process is the original manufacturing process✓ for latex foams and dates back to 1929. This technique involves liquid latex extract, which is whipped to form a frothy foam and then placed in a mould. Next, the material is baked in an oven, then removed and washed. It is then baked for a second time to remove any moisture. This technique results in latex foam that is relatively dense firm foam, where the bottom is firmer than the top.
Talalay Latex
The Talalay method was developed later and is slightly more complex than the Dunlop method.
This technique involves the liquid latex extract being whipped to form a frothy foam and then injected into a mould, but only partially filled. The filled mould is then vacuum-sealed, which causes the latex to expand and then frozen rapidly, pushing carbon dioxide through the latex, making it light and airy when set. Next, the frozen material is baked to set, then removed from the mould, washed and dried.
This technique results in a less dense latex that is softer, fluffier latex with a more even consistency.
Dunlop And Talalay: Which is best for you
Both manufacturing processes can produce high-quality, durable, and comfortable latex; however, a few general differences are worth considering (tabulated below). It is also worth noting that not all Talalay and Dunlop foams feel the same. Many variations can be made of each type of foam.
These foams can be classified by either material name or processing method and tend to differ between manufacturers. For example, you can have a natural Dunlop foam, a synthetic Dunlop foam, a natural Talalay foam, or a synthetic Talalay foam. Similarly, both types of foams can be made with or without added fillers.
Factors to consider | Dunlop method | Talalay method |
Durability | ☐ Generally more durable | ○ Durable, but less so |
Responsiveness | ☐ Springy but less so | ○ Very springy and bouncy |
Feel | ☐ Generally firmer - good option for front sleepers or those with back pain | ○ Generally softer - good option for side and back sleepers |
Temperature regulation | ☐Generally less breathable | ○ More breathable |
Cost | ☐ Less expensive | ○ Generally more expensive |
Eco-friendly | ☐ Slightly more energy efficient - less time and energy to produce | ○ Slightly less energy efficient - more intensive and involves more steps |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a latex mattress topper?
A latex mattress topper is an additional layer of bedding placed on top of your mattress that can somehow alter the sleep surface. They are made of natural or synthetic latex or a combination of both. Latex toppers can vary in features, firmness and price.
What is the best latex mattress topper?
This depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Natural latex, synthetic latex, and blended latex all have their advantages and disadvantages, as do the processing methods applied to each.
Best latex mattress topper for back pain?
The best latex topper for back pain will be one that offers the correct balance of cushioning to relieve pressure points and support to optimise spinal alignment. Generally speaking, a latex topper with medium-firmness may be a good option.