Life Hack: A Latex Mattress Topper Is A Cheap Way To Upgrade Your Bed

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Life hack: Mattress toppers are a great way to upgrade your sleep sitch on the cheap. But shopping for a mattress topper can be just as confusing as shopping for a brand-new mattress. You’ll need to compare materials and firmnesses and overall heights and responsiveness and—well, you get the gist. To keep things simple, you’ll probably want a featherbed or memory foam topper if you prefer the cradling “huggy” feeling of sleeping in your mattress. But if you’re looking for something with a little extra support—something that allows you to sleep on your mattress—latex is almost always the way to go.

We chatted with Matthew Cavanaugh, D.C., a chiropractor and founder of Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, Louisiana, to get his expert take. He confirms "latex toppers are beneficial for many people but they really help those who suffer with back pain, people who sleep hot, and for couples with different preferences." He goes on to say, "Latex mattress toppers offer a cushiony supportive surface that conforms to your body to alleviate or prevent back pain and keep your spine in a neutral alignment all night long."

We get it: Latex is a new, and perhaps even strange-sounding, material for many sleepers. If you’ve never shopped for latex bedding, we’re here to help. Our team researched and compared dozens top-reviewed models that cater to a variety of snoozers, including mattress toppers for side sleepers and mattress toppers for back pain. These are our nine picks for the best latex mattress toppers worth buying in 2024.

Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper

We've been huge fans of Avocado for years, and it's no surprise because virtually every bedding product in its catalog is organic, sustainably manufactured, and ultra-luxurious. Its Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper is no exception.

This topper is among the most premium models we've seen anywhere. It's made with GOLS-certified organic latex (we'll get into why that matters later), and features internally quilted ticking using GOTS-certified organic cotton. Translation: It looks and feels like a premium, high-end bedding product. It's available in Plush or Firm options, so you can dial in your preferred level of comfort. The latter adds GOTS-certified organic wool to the mix for even more support and added temperature regulation in case you tend to sleep hot.

Like most products in Avocado's catalog, this topper is extremely well-reviewed, with many buyers noting how well theirs has held up year after year. The only downside: Price. At $650 (for a queen), it's among the more expensive toppers on the market. But if you're looking for a serious upgrade without having to buy a whole new mattress, it doesn't get much better than this.

Latex Mattress Topper

Quality toppers, especially latex mattress toppers, can be expensive. But the good news is that they don't have to be. Turmerry's Latex Mattress Topper is one of the most affordable of the year, but don't let the bargain price fool you. Even at less than $150, this model is surprisingly well-made.

We love the versatile options of this budget-friendly topper. It's available in all the usual mattress sizes, plus you can choose from 2-, 3-, or 4-inch-thick models. All are made using GOLS-certified organic latex (surprising in a topper at this price point) with a handful of other industry certifications to boot. Every model features five distinct support zones plus a perforated, naturally breathable design that helps promote airflow so you sleep cooler and more comfortably. This is also one of the few models available in five different firmnesses (from Soft to Extra Firm), making it a great way to upgrade your existing mattress, no matter your sleep preference.

The biggest selling point for this mattress topper, though, is the price. Normally $150 (frequently on sale for less than $100), it's an absolute steal. Plus, Turmerry adds free shipping, a 120-night in-home sleep trial, and a 100% money-back guarantee, so it's truly risk-free.

Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper (Soft / 2 Inch)

The Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper is another solid budget buy. This option from Sleep On Latex combines GOLS-certified latex materials with a good selection of thicknesses, so you can easily find the right topper to match your sleep style.

This topper is made from 100% organic latex, so, like others in our roundup, it delivers a responsive "springy" feel that's most supportive for stomach and back sleepers. But, the Soft firmness model is ideal for side sleepers looking for support with just the right amount of give for their shoulders and hips. Despite the budget-friendly price tag, this model is also durable and breathable. Dr. Cavanuah likes this mattress because it "has over 3,000 reviews on Amazon and averages a 4.4 rating out of 5. That impresses me, but the company also offers a 30-day return period and a 5-year warranty. They really stand behind their product."

Like the Turmerry model above, the best thing going for this latex topper is the price. At well under $200 for the two-inch model ($250 for the upgraded three-inch model), it's one of the most affordable we've seen this year. The only notable downside is that a cover isn't included, so you'll need to factor in the additional $60 if you want one to protect your topper. And, in our opinion, you probably do.

Adagio 2" Organic Latex Mattress Topper

If you're shopping new latex mattress toppers and only the best will do, Naturepedic has you covered. Its Adagio 2" is a certified organic latex mattress topper with a soft, premium feel that's comfortable and pressure-relieving for any sleep style.

Although the two-inch thickness of this topper is the minimum we recommend (more on that below), the premium look and feel belies its relatively "thin" design. It adds a plush yet supportive surface to your existing mattress setup with just the right amount of pressure relief for back and chronic pain sufferers. Despite its "soft" firmness, it's great for just about any sleep position, from stomach to side to back, and even hybrid sleepers who tend to switch positions in the night. Bonus: While some latex bedding products smell weird at first, you'll find none of that with this model.

Many reviewers comment on the ultra-luxe construction of this mattress topper, which helps justify the price tag. At more than $700, it's among the priciest we've seen this year. But we think the fact that this topper ticks all the essential boxes of things that we look for, and much more, makes it worth the splurge. Plus, can you really put a price on pain relief that works all night long while you sleep?

Natural Talalay Latex Topper

If you're looking for an upgrade from the cheapest latex mattress toppers but aren't ready to "splash out" on a premium model that costs almost a grand, this option from PlushBeds is a solid middle-of-the-road buy. It's made from safe, all-natural latex, and the thick, three-inch profile provides a nice "sinking in" feeling that's great for side sleepers.

This topper checks all of our must-have boxes for a model we'd recommend. The 100% natural construction means you won't find any weird chemical fillers, glues, or petroleum-based products. It's naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and resistant to common household allergens, mildew, and bedbugs. Plus, it's designed to be both plush and supportive, with a durable construction that'll last up to 20 years without sagging or breaking down. Bonus: The design is perforated with thousands of ventilation holes to encourage airflow and help you sleep cooler and more comfortably.

For under $500, this topper strikes a good balance between features and price. It has everything you need, and nothing you don't yet is surprisingly affordable—all of which makes this our pick for the best midrange latex mattress topper of 2024.

The Latex Wooly Topper

Like latex, wool is one of nature's miracle materials. It's soft, durable, naturally insulating, and fire-retardant. By combining the two materials together, Woolroom has made one of the best mattress toppers on the market with its Latex Wooly Topper.

The design of this topper is truly unique, with a combination of three inches of premium Talalay latex and sustainably sourced British wool. It's all handwoven in South Carolina and wrapped with a Merino wool blend outer cover into one uber-premium topper. This model checks all of our must-have boxes: It's comfortable, supportive, breathable, and, most of all, makes you feel like you're sleeping on a brand-new mattress (without having to drop a few thousand dollars on one). Beyond the already organic construction, it's also free of glues, foams, and other funky synthetic chemicals to eliminate any off-gassing.

At $1,300 (queen), there's no getting around the fact that this is the priciest option in this year's roundup. But it's also one of the best latex mattress toppers of 2024. This is truly a splurge for anyone for whom "only the best will do." Plus, it is regularly on sale for less than $1,000. So, there's that.

Natural Latex Mattress Topper

When it comes to mattress toppers (latex or otherwise), we typically recommend models with a minimum two-inch thickness. Saatva is the rare exception, as its 1.5-inch topper is a solid alternative if you're looking for a low-profile option for just a slight mattress upgrade.

Like its top-of-the-line mattresses, Saatva's Natural Latex Mattress Topper is durable and high-quality with a premium look and feel. The hypoallergenic material is perforated and naturally breathable to maximize airflow while you sleep, making it a great option for hot sleepers. Plus, Saatva adds an organic cotton cover to the mix for added breathability and moisture (i.e., sweat) wicking. It's also one of the only toppers we've seen that's treated with a Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment to minimize mold, mildew, and bacteria.

It's a little pricey and thinner than most we'd recommend. Still, we think this is a great topper for anyone looking for a light-touch upgrade to their existing mattress setup. It's also ideal if your existing bedding isn't deep enough to support the overall height of your mattress and an extra-thick topper. We especially love that it's handmade in America, and Saatva backs it with a 180-night in-home trial, so it's truly risk-free.

Plush Organic Mattress Topper

Instead of a strict latex construction, Birch takes a "best of all worlds" approach with its Plush Organic Mattress Topper. This model combines three layers of mixed organic materials for an ultra-soft topper with maximum cooling.

Unlike most of the pure latex mattress toppers we've seen this year, this model relies on a base layer of premium Talalay latex with a perforated design that's airy and naturally breathable. Atop that is a layer of hypoallergenic organic wool to help wick away sweat while you sleep. It's all wrapped in a cover made from breathable organic cotton. The result? One of the best mattress toppers to help keep hot sleepers cool, dry, and comfortable all night long.

This latex mattress topper truly offers the best of three worlds with its unique hybrid construction. It might be a bit too Plush for those who need a firmer sleeper surface (we're looking at you, back and stomach sleepers). But if you like your mattress and/or mattress topper with just a bit of give and you need something to help keep you cool through the night, this is the best cooling latex mattress topper of the year.

Talalay Latex Mattress Topper

Brooklyn Bedding knows a thing or two about Firm sleep surfaces. Its ultra-firm Plank Firm Luxe mattress is a regular favorite in our "best of" mattress roundups here at WH. So, it's no surprise that its Talalay Latex Mattress Topper is our top pick for this year's best firm latex mattress topper.

At three inches thick, the 100% latex construction is extremely supportive, making this a rock-solid (pun intended) option for stomach and back sleepers who typically do best with firmer sleep surfaces. It's also hypoallergenic and more breathable than other latex foams—both of which make it more resistant to allergens, dust mites, and other typical mattress "funk." That's doubly true thanks to its premium organic cotton cover which not only protects the topper but makes it easier to keep clean, too.

At just under $500, this is a solid midrange option—pricier than the most affordable models in our roundup yet more budget-friendly than our ultra-premium picks from Avocado and Naturpedic. Still, we think this is your best bet if you like a harder sleep surface. We also love that all of Brooklyn Bedding's products are made in Arizona and ship free, too. The only real downside? The mediocre 30-day sleep trial.

How to choose the best latex mattress topper for you

Finding the right latex mattress topper is just like finding the best mattress. You’ll want to consider your own personal sleep style, your preferred firmness level, the type of latex (natural versus synthetic), the quality of the latex material, and, of course, the price.

Here’s what to look for:

Thickness

Cavanaugh advises, "Thicker toppers may offer more support and pressure relief whereas thinner toppers may provide more cushion from a mattress that may be too firm." Just keep in mind that thicker models are pricier and heavier and will add to the overall height of your bed setup.

Firmness and sleep position

Sleep position is arguably the most important consideration when shopping for new bedding (including mattresses and mattress toppers). If you tend to sleep on your back or stomach, a medium or firm latex mattress topper will offer more support to ensure your hips and shoulders don’t sink in too much. Like mattresses, latex mattress toppers are available in a range of firmnesses, from plush (soft) to firm so that you can find the right setup for you.

Natural vs. synthetic latex

There are two main types of latex. According to Cavanaugh, "Natural latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees and is quite durable. Plus, natural latex is antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and environmentally friendly. Synthetic latex is usually more affordable than natural latex but is often considered less durable."

Certifications

There are a variety of latex styles and materials used in latex mattress toppers. Ideally, we recommend shopping models that are certified Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) as this ensures they are organic and sustainably produced.

Price

Because latex is naturally produced, it tends to be more expensive than synthetic options like memory foam. Entry-level toppers are available for under $200, although these tend to be thinner with average or low-quality latex. Mid-range models are typically priced under $500, while the most premium toppers can run north of $800 or more.

Who are latex mattress toppers better for?

Latex is very responsive, so it has a “springier” feel than memory foam and other materials. If you’re looking for extra support for back pain and/or you tend to sleep on your back or stomach (both positions do best with a firmer, more supportive sleep surface), a latex topper might be your best bet.

"Latex is also a very breathable material," notes Cavanaugh. "It has an open-cell structure which lets air circulate and naturally reduces body heat." This will keep your topper cooler by allowing the heat to escape rather than get trapped in your bed. Cavanaugh adds that Latex mattress toppers are ideal for couples because the material provides a good balance between comfort and support. "This material also isolates motion and reduces sound, which makes a latex mattress topper a great idea for couples who wake easily from each other’s movements," he says.

Is latex or memory foam better for a mattress topper?

The short answer is: It depends. "It is difficult to say which type of mattress topper is better," says Cavanaugh. "I would recommend you look at what you want to gain from investing in a mattress topper." He says that if you want more support, or to sleep cooler, go for latex. If you are looking for something more affordable to relieve pressure points, go for memory foam. Ultimately, this answer comes down to a personal preference and will be different for everyone.

The best mattress topper for you depends on your preferred sleep position, how hot (or cold) your body temperature runs at night, your overall size and weight, and how much support you need. In general, memory foam mattress toppers offer solid support and pressure relief with added comfort for a wide range of sleep styles. Latex mattress toppers are more responsive (i.e., “bouncy”) and breathable, so they’re a great choice for hot sleepers. For the best of both worlds, look for hybrid models that combine the benefits of memory foam and latex into a single mattress topper.

What is the best thickness for a latex mattress topper?

Cavanaugh advises that "two to three inches is a good thickness for a latex mattress topper." Any less, and it’s unlikely to feel like much of an upgrade to your existing mattress. "This will allow for ample support and comfort to people of all sizes without completely changing the feel of your mattress," he says. However, the best thickness for a latex mattress topper varies on your sleep needs.

Thicker toppers offer the most support, which is why we recommend buying the thickest latex mattress topper you can afford. Just keep in mind that it will add to the overall height of your mattress setup, which means you may need to buy new sheets if your existing sets aren’t deep enough.

How we selected the best latex mattress toppers of 2024

Over the last six months, our team researched, evaluated, and compared dozens of latex mattress toppers. We included options from Amazon and Walmart, premium alternatives from Avocado and Naturepedic, and everything in between. We paid careful attention to the most important features and specs, including durability, comfort, overall quality, verified buyer reviews, and, of course, value for your dollar. In the end, we agreed on the list above of our picks for the best latex mattress toppers worth the money in 2024.

Meet the expert

• Matthew Cavanaugh, D.C., is a chiropractor and founder of Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, Louisiana,

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