How to Decide Between a Latex and Memory Foam Mattress Topper

When you buy an item using one of our links, we may earn a portion of the sale. Pillow Insider and some products featured on the site are owned by the same company. Learn more. Sleep starts with comfort, and comfort begins with what you’re sleeping on. You may be trying to decide between a Latex vs memory foam topper, and with so many available options on the market right now, finding a mattress can seem overwhelming.  Latex and memory foam mattress toppers are popular, and this will only continue as consumers are purchasing bedding that’s high-quality, comfortable, and long-lasting every year. Buying a new mattress can be expensive, and isn’t always in the budget. Mattress toppers are a great way to up your bedding quality, and Latex and memory foam toppers offer great features.  This guide will explore everything you need to know about the Latex vs Foam topper debate to help you make an informed decision for your sleep and health. Latex Mattress Toppers The latex mattress topper is becoming increasingly common for its comfort, durability, and longevity. These toppers generally last between 3 and 5 years, or longer if you maintain them well. The latex mattress derives from all-natural products such as sap from rubber trees. However, there are a few different latex toppers, and some are blended.  Types of latex mattress toppers include natural, synthetic, Dunlop and Talalay.  This mattress topper is a match for sleepers that change position often that may require compression, or a certain amount of firmness for support. If you get hot throughout the night, an all-natural latex topper would be a good choice as it’s heat resistant and won’t trap body heat.  The latex topper provides cushioned support without the sinking feeling you may get with the memory foam. It also provides pressure relief as there are air pockets throughout offering breathability. This topper is the perfect mix of support and contour with the elasticity benefits that it offers. This is important when considering a mattress that will provide maximum comfort. When you decide to do some shopping for your next topper, make sure you check the Impression Load Deflection (ILD). It’s a crucial tool for determining how firm or soft the mattress is. A higher ILD will mean that the topper or mattress is firmer, and lower will be a softer foam. A higher ILD will reduce the amount of long-term sagging that happens in mattresses as well as mattress toppers.  Memory Foam Mattress Topper A foam mattress topper is perfect for those looking for a topper that will contour and mold to the shape of their body. This particular topper provides more of an enveloped feeling, having the sleeper sink into the comfort of the foam. Foam mattress toppers come in a multitude of firmness levels for support and comfort needs. Long-term use of memory foam can help reduce chronic back pain and help realign by evenly distributing body weight.  Foam mattress toppers are made of polyurethane materials that create a contour with pressure and are generally infused with gel, graphite, or copper. There are traditional, open-cell, and gel pod foam mattresses available. Motion isolation is an advantage when it comes to foam. That means you won’t feel the person next to you tossing and turning while trying to sleep. Latex vs Memory Foam Topper  Price  Always keep in mind the cost factor when buying a mattress topper. Latex and memory foam often need a more expendable budget as they’re higher priced depending on the material type. The cost also depends on the size of the mattress it’s used for – a Single will cost a lot less than a King would! Latex mattress toppers are more expensive and range from $100 to $1,000. What your latex topper is made out of will be a huge factor in price. All-natural latex mattress toppers cost more than a synthetic or blend.  Memory foam mattress toppers can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 depending on size, location, and customization. Keep in mind that mattress toppers are more budget-friendly than an actual latex or memory foam mattress. If you want to try out a latex or foam mattress without breaking the bank, try a latex or foam topper on your current mattress first. Weight Latex is a heavier product, generally weighing between 20 and 50 pounds for a Queen-size topper. The same size memory foam topper weighs approximately 10 to 50 pounds.   Other Differences While both toppers are popular regarding their durability, comfort, and longevity, a few differences include distribution, type of comfort, motion isolation, and compression.  Here are the best toppers for impact absorption, heat resistance, movement ability, and pressure relief:  Impact Absorption Due to the latex mattress topper’s elasticity, memory foam toppers have a better impact absorption than Latex. The foam acts like a cloud that fluffs around you when you jump on top of it and therefore absorbs you into it without the other person feeling the effects of the motion. Heat Resistance Latex mattress toppers have more breathability, especially the all-natural Latex, as it provides heat-resistant qualities. Memory foam often traps body heat due to the material and will keep you warmer throughout the night.   Movement If you move around a lot in your sleep, Latex may be a better choice as it allows you to move a lot more freely than a foam mattress topper will.  Pressure Relief Memory foam is a good choice for relieving pressure due to the compression that molds around your body. Bottom Line Latex vs foam toppers have features that cater to various sleepers, with the option to customize where needed. Latex and memory foam offer pain prevention and reduction with their features regarding pressure relief and compression. Both provide an ample amount of cushion and are longer lasting than most mattress toppers available on the market.