Both latex and memory foam mattress toppers can transform your bed, expanding your mattress's lifespan and boosting its comfort. However, there are some key differences between latex vs memory foam toppers, so how do you decide which is best for your sleep?
While this year's best mattresses are designed to provide support and comfort for most sleepers, every bed can benefit from a mattress topper. The best mattress toppers come in all different designs, but the most popular materials are latex vs memory foam.
Here, we'll explore the key differences between latex vs memory foam mattress toppers. We'll compare the design, price, support and comfort, and cooling features of each kind, to help you make your choice. Plus, we've rounded up some of the best deals on latex and memory foam toppers in this month's mattress sales.
Latex vs memory foam mattress toppers: overview
If you're looking to alter the feel of your mattress, then a mattress topper is a cost-effective way to do so. A mattress topper is an extra layer of padding , sort of like a mini mattress, that you add to the top of your bed. They are usually around two to four inches thick, and are typically made of latex or memory foam.
Latex mattress toppers are made from natural latex, either Dunlop vs Talalay latex. Due to their sustainable production process, they are a popular choice for the eco-conscious or those looking for a cleaner, hypoallergenic sleep. The best memory foam toppers, on the other hand, are the most popular kind of topper as they come in a range of designs and prices.
Latex vs memory foam mattress toppers: price
Latex is a premium product which means that latex mattress toppers can be expensive. The sustainable manufacturing process and premium materials mean that the average price of a queen-size latex mattress topper is $575, around the same price you'd pay if you bought a queen size cheap mattress. However, mattress toppers are a great way to infuse some eco-luxury onto your sleep set-up without splurging on the best organic mattress (which has an average queen-size price of $1,665).
In contrast, the average sale price of a queen memory foam mattress topper is $299 (almost $300 less than a latex one), so a memory foam topper is the better option if you're on a tight budget. That said, there are plenty of more affordable latex toppers and more expensive memory foam toppers, so set your budget and find a latex or memory foam topper to match.
Latex vs memory foam mattress toppers: design and materials
Most memory foam memory toppers have a relatively simple design, consisting of a layer of memory foam wrapped in a breathable cover usually made from cotton or a soft polyester knit. In fact, some don't even come with a cover - just a slab of memory foam. However, some memory foam bed toppers come with more than one layer, where the top layer is plusher and the bottom layer firmer.
The overall structure of a latex mattress topper is not too dissimilar to that of a memory foam topper. Both tend to stick to one or two layers of foam that are encased within a breathable cover. However, as latex mattress toppers tend to be 100% organic or natural, the cover is usually made from certified organic cotton or wool. Some latex toppers even add an additional layer made from organic wool as a natural flame retardant.
The main differences between the two types of topper is the material. But what does each type of foam bring to the mattress? The main selling point of latex is its durability, eco-friendliness, and hypoallergenic properties. Latex toppers can last up to 15 years, which is incredible for a bed topper. Memory foam toppers, meanwhile, only last up to five years. Plus, while memory foam may be naturally dust-mite resistant, latex is non-toxic, antimicrobial, and naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew.
Latex vs memory foam mattress toppers: support and comfort
If you're looking to soften a mattress that's too firm, a memory foam mattress topper is the way to go. Their trademark body-contouring feel provides cradling comfort and deep pressure relief and soothes the shoulders and hips, making them an ideal alternative to the best mattresses for side sleepers. Most memory foam toppers come in a medium-soft, medium, or medium-firm, but you can get memory foam toppers that come in a firmer feel for back and stomach sleepers.
While plush models are available, latex mattress toppers tend to have a bouncier, firmer, and more supportive feel than memory foam toppers. Memory foam offers a sink-in soft surface for side sleepers while latex delivers are responsive surface. This firmer, responsive feel means that latex bed toppers tend to suit combination sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers who need more support along the hips to keep the spine properly aligned and to avoid lower back pain.
Latex vs memory foam mattress toppers: temperature control
While memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, most modern memory foam bed toppers come with cooling features to offset memory foam's tendency to sleep warm. Many memory foam toppers are now infused with cooling substances, such as gel, copper or, graphite, that dissipate heat.
Some even come with specialist cooling covers, and many also use perforated memory foam to increase airflow and breathability. Be aware, however, that some cheaper memory foam toppers still tend to sleep slightly warm even when incorporating cooling features.
In contrast, a major benefit of latex is its breathability, with its naturally porous surface boosting ventilation to keep you cool. Latex toppers also tend to come with other naturally cooling materials, such as moisture-wicking organic cotton or wool covers.
Latex vs memory foam mattress toppers: which to buy?
Buy a latex mattress topper if...
✅ You want a clean, green sleep: Latex is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and antimicrobial, while its sustainable production means it's great for the eco-conscious.
✅ You're a back, stomach, or combination sleeper: Latex is bouncier and firmer than memory foam, making it a more supportive fit for front, back and combi sleeping.
✅ You sleep hot: Latex is naturally breathable and cooler thanks to its porous texture that boosts air circulation.
Buy a memory foam mattress topper if...
✅ You're on a tighter budget: Memory foam toppers tend to suit smaller budgets as there are plenty of budget models on the market.
✅ You're a side sleeper: Memory foam toppers provide deep pressure relief to the shoulder and hips when lying on your side.
✅ You want to make a firm mattress softer: A memory foam topper can add sink-in softness to any mattress that feels to hard.
