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How Thick Should a Latex Mattress Topper Be?

May 13, 2021

How Thick Should a Latex Mattress Topper Be?

The decision to buy a new mattress topper for your bed comes about for many different reasons. Of course, the reasons you are purchasing a latex mattress topper for your bed will carry significant weight regarding how many inches thick your topper should be. These considerations will help you make the best possible choice about thickness when it comes to buying a latex mattress topper for your bed.

Why Buy a New Mattress Topper Instead of Buying a New Mattress?

A new mattress is quite an investment. For some people, a new mattress topper can breathe new life into an old and tired mattress. In truth, most people have reasons of their own for considering a mattress topper rather than buying a new mattress. Some of the common reasons you might choose to buy a memory foam or latex topper are listed below.

Your Current Mattress is Either Too Soft, or Too Firm

This is a common complaint among those who make the decision to buy mattress toppers for their beds. Their existing mattresses simply aren’t doing the trick when it comes to their preferred levels of comfort. Whether too soft or too firm, the mattress in question could use a little help in the comfort and support department. The right mattress topper, especially a latex topper, can make all the difference in the world.

You Sleep Hot

If you have a memory foam mattress, the odds are good that you struggle with sleeping hot. In fact, you may wake up drenched in sweat at times as memory foam holds your body heat close to you while you sleep.

The great thing about a latex topper is that it places 2, 3, or even 4 inches between you and the memory foam. These are valuable inches when it comes to breathability, and allowing air to flow through, keeping you cool while you sleep. This helps you fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer – without waking up due to unexplained night sweats.

You’re Suffering from Allergies

Your mattress can play a vital role in your allergies. The longer you’ve owned your mattress, the more allergens may be trapped deep within the layers of your mattress.

If you’re waking up with a stuffy head morning after morning, one that goes away as the day progresses, then you might want to consider a 3-inch or 4-inch topper to put a little additional distance between you and the mattress that is triggering your allergies. This is especially the case if you are not currently in a financial position to purchase a new mattress outright.

Partner Disturbances

If your partner’s movement in bed, or getting into and out of bed, disrupts your sleep, a mattress topper can help isolate the motion, so you are no longer disturbed by it. This means you can continue to sleep in blissful ignorance, even if your partner is doing the Tango on the other side of the bed.

On the other side of the equation, or mattress if you will, your nocturnal wanderings won’t wake your partner. This means that you don’t have to worry about sneaking into and out of bed for fear of disturbing your partner's sleep. It’s one of the most effective ways to keep the peace in any relationship – by ensuring that both parties aren’t disturbing the other person’s sleep.

Medical Needs

For some people, it comes down to medical needs. Aside from allergies, there are people who live with chronic back pain, inflammation, and other medical conditions that make comfortable sleep difficult to come by. A new mattress topper can go a long way toward delivering the comfort and support you require, without the expense of replacing your mattress just yet.

Try Out a Different Sleep Surface

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons people opt for a natural latex mattress topper is to see for themselves what it feels like to sleep on a latex surface. It’s an inexpensive way to try a latex mattress out before making the sizable investment to purchase one.

The same holds true for those who choose to use a memory foam mattress topper for their beds. It provides an idea of what a mattress made of the same material will feel like.

No Time to Shop for a New Mattress

The other reason people opt to purchase a latex mattress topper is that they don’t feel they have the time, at the moment, to properly explore their options for a new latex mattress. The latex topper will help to extend the life of their existing mattress a year or two more, in hopes that life will feel a little more settled by then.

Save Money for a New Mattress

Another great thing about a latex mattress topper is that it is a small investment that buys you time to save your pennies for a much larger investment. While many mattress makers offer low interest financing options, there are some who prefer to create a budget and stick with it, setting aside money each month until you can pay cash for the mattress you want. Whether that is a latex mattress, memory foam mattress, or some other type of mattress altogether, your latex mattress topper buys you time to accomplish your goal.

What it all comes down to, though, is that a mattress topper can completely change the feel of your bed, delivering a brand new sleep experience that can last for several years.

What is a Latex Mattress Topper?

A latex mattress topper is a layer of latex that is made to place on top of your existing mattress. It can be made with Talalay Latex or Dunlop latex, and they come in a variety of sizes. Most are 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, or 4 inches thick.

The purpose of a latex topper is to alter the firmness of the mattress, and/or to improve the overall support of the mattress. Latex toppers made with the Dunlop method are often firmer and more durable than those made with Talalay latex, which is much plusher, making it an ideal option for pressure point relief.

Why Buy a Latex Mattress Topper?

People choose to buy a latex mattress topper for many reasons. From their size and weight, to how they sleep, to the age of their existing mattresses, and many more reasons. You must decide buying a mattress topper is the right choice for you.

Then you must determine whether a latex topper is the best choice. Some of the more prominent reasons people buy Talalay or Dunlop latex toppers are listed below.

Your Current Mattress Simply Isn’t Supportive Enough

If your current mattress is no longer offering the support you need, and you’re not quite ready to make the financial commitment of moving on to another mattress, a latex mattress topper is an excellent choice for added support in the interim. It provides the superb support latex is famous for, and allows you to get a better night’s sleep – extending the life of your current mattress by years in many cases.

Upgrade to a Latex Sleep Experience Without Breaking Your Budget

If you’ve been doing much research on the subject, you know that there is a lot to love about a latex mattress. Some of the highlights include:

  • Natural ingredients are used to make the latex
  • Unsurpassed support in a mattress
  • Pressure point relief
  • Quality materials
  • Breathability
  • Hypo-allergenic
  • Outstanding temperature control
  • Durability
  • Resistant to mold and dust mites

As you can see, there is plenty to love about a latex mattress. Plus, you get all the same qualities in your natural latex mattress topper as well, without the hefty price tag that goes along with buying a new mattress. This will give you a taste of the experience you’ll enjoy with a mattress, along with time to save for the larger purchase.

Provide Additional Pressure Point Relief

While you will absolutely enjoy more pressure point relief with a Talalay latex mattress topper than with one made with Dunlop latex, the fact remains that any mattress topper provides additional cushioning and comfort for your pressure points. This is especially good news for all the side sleepers who need additional pressure point relief, but don’t discount stomach and back sleepers who require sufficient support to help maintain spinal alignment in the process.

Improve Motion Isolation While You Sleep

Do you wake up every time your partner rolls over in his or her sleep? You’re not alone. Partner disturbances can be highly disruptive to sleep. A latex topper helps to isolate the motion, so that you can sleep easier throughout the night, without concerns that your partner will disrupt your sleep. Or, that you might disrupt your partner’s sleep.

Things are Just Too Hot Between You and Your Mattress

Sleeping hot is no good for anyone. You wake up more frequently, and enjoy far less restful sleep as a result. Memory foam is notorious for sleeping hot. While it does offer excellent cushioning because it forms to your body, the same mechanism that allows that to happen also traps heat close to your body, and doesn’t allow air to flow freely through.

A 2-inch or 3-inch latex topper, on the other had, prevents the heat from becoming trapped tight around your body, and provides outstanding breathability, so you sleep cooler and are able to remain asleep throughout the night much better.

Accommodate Different Sleep Needs Between Partners

One of the interesting things about a latex mattress topper is that it is not a mattress. That means if you have a king size bed, you could order two different twin XL mattress toppers to accommodate different needs. For instance, one of you may need a firmer mattress topper while the other party prefers a soft mattress topper. This allows you to purchase one of each, so you can both get the support and firmness you prefer.

Add Thickness to Your Mattress

Some people need a thicker mattress. It’s as simple as that. For some people, it’s about getting the right height to make getting into and out of bed easier. For others, it’s a matter of comfort. Thicker mattresses provide more comfort. This is especially the case for larger individuals.

Mattress toppers can add anywhere from one inch to your mattress up to four inches. The most common sizes for latex toppers, though, is the 2-inch and 3-inch option, each of which can make a significant difference in the thickness of your mattress, and the height of your bed.

Better Choice for the Planet

Another great thing about working with a natural latex mattress topper, rather than a memory foam mattress topper, is that you won’t have to deal with the noxious off-gassing that is common with memory foam that is filled with toxic mattress chemicals. Off-gassing occurs when those chemicals are released into the air, and while the smell will dissipate over time, the chemicals remain in the air inside your home considerably longer, making natural latex toppers a much better choice in many households, and are eco-friendly.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to choose a latex topper for your mattress. These are only a few of the highlights. Those who are committed to the planet will appreciate a 100 percent natural latex mattress topper, as they are sustainably made, and do less harm to the planet than any synthetic mattress topper, latex or otherwise, available today.

Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Mattress Toppers

Now that you’ve made the decision to purchase a latex mattress topper, it’s a good idea to make sure you get the right size to meet your needs. Of course, the right size will vary widely from one person to the next. These are some of the factors that might play into your decision when it comes to the appropriate thickness for your natural latex mattress topper.

Latex Foam Density

Latex foam is denser than other types of foam, including memory foam. It is part of what makes the foam so durable. When you buy the 100 percent natural latex topper from Eco Terra Beds, for instance, you’ll find the following foam density available according to the firmness of the Talalay latex toppers you purchase.

  • Soft latex toppers have a D55 density (15 ILD)
  • Medium latex toppers have a D75 density (28 ILD)
  • Firm latex toppers have a D85 density (36 ILD)

This allows you to choose not only the thickness of the mattress topper you desire, but also the density as well.

Comfort Requirements

Many people mistake thickness for comfort, believing they must buy a mattress topper that is 3 inches or 4 inches thick to get the comfort they require. However, comfort is a relative term. What you’re looking for is the firmness of the mattress topper instead. Look for toppers that offer varying firmness levels, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, if comfort is a major concern, and then go with the thickness you prefer for other reasons.

Maneuverability of Topper

One concern many people have involves the maneuverability of the mattress topper. It’s an important consideration. If you choose poor quality mattress toppers, you might find that you can easily damage them, just by trying to get them into place on top of your mattress.

However, if you invest in quality toppers, you might discover they are considerably heavier than alternatives. The weight of the memory topper may also be a concern to some people. Latex toppers tend to be heavier, and are highly durable. But, that is a factor you should consider when making your purchase.

Reason for Buying

The most important determining factor when it comes to the appropriate thickness for your latex topper is the reason you’re buying the mattress topper in the first place. If you’re looking to add height to your mattress, for instance, you’ll want a 3-inch or 4-inch topper. If you’re looking for comfort and support, a 2-inch or 3-inch topper will be plenty. It is not advisable to purchase a 1-inch topper, however, as they provide negligible if any, benefit, and aren’t really worth the investment.

Value for Your Money

This is the ultimate determining factor. You want to get the most mileage possible from your investment. That means that you need to account for the thickness of the topper, the quality of the material, any warranties that are in place for your mattress topper, and other factors that affect the overall value of your purchase.

The Combined Weight of You and Your Partner (Pets, etc.)

Weight is another concern. Not just of the mattress topper, but the people and animals (though it isn’t recommended to have animals sleep on a latex mattress topper) who share your bed. Heavier people often prefer thicker mattresses and mattress toppers. You’ll probably want a 3-inch thick latex topper. It is usually sufficient for providing the additional support, even when using one made with Talalay latex, though some people are perfectly satisfied with a 2-inch thick topper as well.

Size Options for Your Latex Mattress Topper

The good news is that you will find plenty of mattress topper size and thickness options to consider. Most toppers are available for all standard-size beds. This includes:

  • Twin
  • Twin XL
  • Full
  • Queen
  • King
  • Cal King

You may even find non-standard options, like a split queen, for some mattress topper brands. If you need a split king, you only need to substitute two twin XL mattresses instead.

As far as thickness is concerned, most latex mattress toppers come in a choice of 2-inches or 3-inches thick. That provides enough lift for adequate airflow, and some separation to help those who suffer from allergies to their current mattresses.

Choosing What Works for You

In the end, it comes down to choosing what works for you, and addresses your needs best. You’ll find that there are options available to you, and that most of them that are 2-inches or more, will transform the feel of your bed. Whether you’re looking for soft or firm mattress toppers, the mattress topper thickness is not as important as the density. So, keep that in mind as you shop.

Why Buy an Eco Terra Latex Mattress Topper?

There are many reasons to buy the Eco Terra 100 Percent Natural Latex Mattress Topper.

Thickness Options

The Talalay latex topper is available in two mattress topper thickness options.

Firmness Options

Additionally, they are available in three different firmness options. This allows you outstanding flexibility as you shop for your next mattress topper.

Other Eco Terra Latex Mattress Topper Benefits

Other benefits to enjoy with the Eco Terra Latex Mattress Topper include the following.

  • Made with 100 percent natural Talalay latex foam
  • Free shipping within the contiguous United States
  • Single source latex foam
  • Organic cotton covers
  • GOTS certified organic cotton
  • Eco-Institut and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified latex
  • Mattress toppers have a five-year warranty
  • Made in the USA

Stop wondering how much of a difference a natural latex mattress topper can make for your sleep experience, and order yours today to see for yourself.

Patrick Gunther

Patrick is an accomplished writer. He has been in the retail mattress space for the past 13 years, and more specifically in the natural mattress niche. He blogs on the subjects of natural mattresses, sleep, health, fitness, and green living.



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