Latex mattresses provide consistent support and comfort. In contrast, latex mattress toppers give your sleep set-up a big upgrade by allowing you to add an extra layer to your existing mattress. But which one should you buy? In this latex mattress vs latex mattress topper guide, we'll break down the pros and cons of each, and help you determine precisely which one you should opt for this 4th of July.
By why latex? First, it offers a lot more bounce and responsiveness than memory foam mattresses whilst still offering exceptional levels of contouring support. Second, the natural cooling properties of Latex make it one of the best mattress choices for hot sleepers.
There's a downside, though: latex mattresses and latex mattress toppers are more expensive than hybrid, innerspring and memory foam alternatives. But with the 4th of July mattress sales now live, you can take advantage of epic discounts that will bring the cost down leaving you to enjoy a better night’s sleep for less.
Let's take a look at the differences between latex mattresses and latex mattress toppers, including price, comfort and temperature regulation.
What is a latex mattress?
Some of the best organic mattresses are made using latex, as it’s a sustainable and non-toxic material. There are two types of latex used in mattresses: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex tends to feel firmer than Talalay, which has a plush, soft feeling.
The log lifespan of a latex mattress is one of its biggest benefits; they are known to last between 10-15 years (or more, if well cared for). Latex is also hypoallergenic, resistant as it is to dust mites, mold, and bacteria.
They are also a great choice for hot sleepers. Latex is a breathable material and doesn’t retain heat, meaning that it stays cooler for longer. Bear in mind that not all latex mattresses are made equal. Depending on the brand you opt for, some examples contain only latex foam, while others are latex hybrids which include a layer of coils for additional support.
What is a latex mattress topper?
The best mattress toppers are a drop-in bed upgrade. They're a layer of additional material that sits on top of your mattress to provide either softness, firmness, or cooling properties to your bed.
Latex mattress toppers, in theory, offer you all the benefits of a latex mattress — the comfort, support, and temperature regulation — at a fraction of the price. They are also naturally resistant to allergens found in the bedroom such as pollen, dander, dust mites and mold, meaning that latex mattress toppers can help prevent allergens affecting your sleep.
Like a latex mattress, a latex mattress topper can last up to 15 years. That's a huge amount of time, particularly compared to other kinds of mattress topper: on average, memory foam toppers last up to five years, and feather or wool toppers manage just two.
Latex mattress vs latex mattress topper: Price
Here's the bad news: both latex mattresses and latex mattress toppers tend to cost more than memory foam or hybrid alternatives. However, they do have a longer lifespan, making that higher initial investment seem less painful. Latex mattress toppers are naturally less expensive than full latex mattresses, as they sit on top of your existing mattress meaning you’re not replacing your whole bed.
Prices vary depending on which brand you purchase from. Having done some research across the whole market, we'd suggest that (at full MSRP) you shouldn't expect to pay below $1,199 for a latex mattress or $270 for a mattress topper.
One of our favorite brands, Saatva, currently has up to $600 off their range of mattresses. This means that a queen Saatva Latex Hybrid is just $2,095 (was $2,395).
Size matters. The average price of a queen latex mattress is around $1,750 — although this depends on various factors including the type of latex used and any additional features like organic certifications or cooling technologies.
When it comes to latex mattress toppers, the average price of a queen is around $350, though this can vary based on the thickness of the topper and the specific latex used. If you want a Saatva but don’t need a new mattress, you can get the queen Saatva Natural Latex Topper for $356 (was $445).
Latex mattress vs latex mattress topper: Pressure relief
Both latex mattresses and latex mattress toppers offer exceptional pressure relief. They distribute weight evenly across the entire sleeping surface, so there’s a huge reduction in key pressure areas like the hips, shoulders, knees and back. Latex conforms to the body’s natural shape but it doesn’t offer that sink-in feeling that you get with memory foam.
Latex mattresses are a great choice for those that suffer from chronic back or joint pain, because they often feature multiple layers of varying densities. This enhances the ability to relieve pressure, with generally softer top layers for comfort, and stiffer lower layers which offer firmness and support.
Latex mattress toppers add a layer of comfort and pressure relief directly under the sleeper. They can enhance the pressure relief of your existing mattress, but they are limited in what they can do because they're reliant on the quality of the mattress underneath. This means they generally provide less comprehensive support than a full latex mattress would.
Latex mattress vs latex mattress topper: motion isolation
Latex mattresses do a good job of isolating motion. Not as good as a memory foam mattress, but decent enough. However, a little bounce and buoyancy isn’t a bad thing, particularly if you’re a combination sleeper or you move around a lot at night. It means you can move freely without the feeling like you’re stuck or trapped inside your mattress.
As with pressure relief, a latex mattress topper's motion isolation abilities are dependent on the mattress you have underneath. If you have a memory foam mattress, you’re likely to experience a similar level of motion isolation to a full latex mattress — and if you have an innerspring or hybrid mattress, you’re going to experience the same bounce and movement that you would from those springs.
So, while both latex mattresses and latex mattress toppers can dampen motion isolation to an extent, they’re not as good as memory foam, but they are at least better than hybrid or innersprings.
Latex mattress vs latex mattress topper: Comfort and support
Both of these choices are great when it comes to comfort. That's the key benefit of latex.
Latex mattresses tend to provide a consistent level of comfort across their entire surface. It doesn’t matter where you lie: you’ll get the same level of cushioning and support at the centre, the side, or the edge. This is something we don’t always see in memory foam or hybrid mattresses with zoned support. Latex also offers adaptive support, conforming to the body’s shape to provide support in those areas that need it the most.
Latex mattress toppers will significantly improve comfort levels, regardless of the mattress that's underneath. It's worth noting, though, that if your existing mattress is dipping or sagging, a mattress topper is just a temporary fix. It won't be long before the comfort levels drop. But if your current mattress is too firm or lacks cushioning, a latex topper is an easy fix and one you won’t regret.
Toppers do come in various thickness levels. The thicker your topper, the more comfortable it will tend to be. Both latex mattresses and latex mattress toppers are better suited to side, back and combination sleepers. Side sleepers will find them especially comfortable, while stomach sleepers may find they lack the required support.
Latex mattress vs latex mattress topper: Which to buy
Buy a latex mattress if…
✅ You need a new mattress: If your mattress is old, sagging or uneven, it's not even worth considering a latex mattress topper. A topper can’t fix the issues of a bad mattress. Whilst it may be a large initial investment, latex mattresses do last a lot longer than the average memory foam or hybrid alternatives.
✅ You sleep hot: If you’re a hot sleeper, latex is a great choice. Latex is naturally breathable due to its open-cell structure, enhancing cooling properties. This will be particularly noticeable if you’re moving from a memory foam mattress as these are known to hold on to heat.
✅ You suffer from chronic joint or back pain: Latex mattresses offer exceptional pressure relief. If you’re suffering from pain, upgrading your mattress to latex could provide the necessary cushioning to alleviate discomfort in areas such as hips, back and shoulders.
Buy a latex mattress topper if…
✅ You want a latex bed but don’t have the budget: If you want the power of latex but you can’t afford to spring for a full mattress, a latex mattress topper is a great choice. You’ll gain the same comfort levels but save a lot of money.
✅ Your bed is too firm or has no cushioning: If you have a great mattress but it’s too hard or doesn’t have enough cushioning, a latex mattress topper is a simple solution that will offer supportive results.
✅ You move around a lot at night: If you’re happy with your mattress but find it difficult to move around at night (maybe you’re a restless or combination sleeper) then a latex mattress topper can help. Latex is naturally buoyant, so it feels bouncier and doesn’t make you feel trapped within the mattress making it easier to move about.
