Latex mattress topper
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- Organic Dunlop latex topper (medium). Best for: Firmer, springy support. See options on Amazon
- Talalay latex topper (plush). Best for: Softer contouring with latex bounce. See options on Amazon
- 2 inch latex topper. Best for: A subtle change to an existing bed. See options on Amazon
What a latex topper does
Latex toppers add pressure relief and bounce on top of an existing mattress. Avocado says its Eco Organic Latex Mattress Topper adds pressure relief and resilience to any mattress and is made without petroleum-based foams.
For a broader look at materials, see our what is a mattress topper guide; for firming up a soft bed, see our firm mattress topper guide.
Dunlop vs Talalay
| Type | Feel, per Avocado | Avocado thickness options |
|---|---|---|
| Dunlop latex | Medium; firmer support | 2 inch or 3 inch |
| Talalay latex | Plush; softer contouring | 2 inch or 3 inch |
Talalay Global, a Talalay maker, describes its process: the latex mixture is aerated and injected into an aluminum mold, a vacuum pulls the liquid latex to fill the sealed mold, it is flash frozen at -22 °F and then heated to 220 °F to set. It says it tests every product on a nine-point firmness test.
Talalay Global also claims its latex breathes up to 5 times better than other latex or foams and resists mold, mildew, bacteria and dust mites. These are maker claims.
Thickness and feel
- 2 inch. Avocado offers its organic topper in 2 inch, a thinner layer that changes the surface feel.
- 3 inch. Avocado's 3 inch option adds more cushioning between you and the mattress.
- Medium vs plush. Choose medium Dunlop for firmer support or plush Talalay for softer contouring, as Avocado describes.
- Hybrid toppers. Avocado's Grand Luxe topper layers Talalay latex over individually responsive microcoils under wool, cotton and silk, and is described as medium, nearer firm than plush.
Avocado describes the Grand Luxe layers in detail: British wool on top, ultra-soft Pure Talalay latex over thousands of individually responsive microcoils, and four layers of blended organic cotton, organic wool and natural silk, needle-tufted by hand in California.
Certifications to look for
Avocado lists several certifications for its Eco Organic topper: GOTS organic certification, GOLS for its latex, OEKO-TEX Class I, EWG Verified and MADE SAFE. It also describes the topper as vegan-certified, with a certified organic cotton cover included.
Certifications describe materials and testing, not comfort. If organic materials are not a priority for you, focus on feel and thickness instead.
Latex allergy
Natural latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), which notes the tree grows in Africa and Southeast Asia and that latex is common in medical and dental supplies and many consumer products. ACAAI says latex allergy symptoms can include hives, itching and a stuffy or runny nose, can cause asthma symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing, and at its most severe can cause anaphylaxis. It also notes that direct physical contact is not always needed to trigger a reaction.
If you have a latex allergy, ask your doctor before buying a latex topper, and consider a wool or memory foam topper instead; see our wool mattress topper guide.
Trying a topper
- Cover included. Avocado includes an organic cotton cover with an organic cotton canvas base with its Eco Organic topper.
- Sleep trial. Avocado lists a 100-night sleep trial; check the trial and return terms of any topper you buy.
- Sizes. Avocado sells its organic topper from Twin to Cal King, and its Grand Luxe topper in Queen, King, Cal King and Split Cal King.
- Give it time. Your body may need a few weeks to adjust to a new sleep surface before you judge it.
For back pain, see our mattress topper for back pain guide.
What to look for when you buy
Organic Dunlop latex topper (medium)
Best for: Firmer, springy support
Avocado offers medium Dunlop organic latex in 2 or 3 inch thickness with GOLS latex certification.
Watch out: Ask your doctor first if you have a latex allergy.
See options on AmazonTalalay latex topper (plush)
Best for: Softer contouring with latex bounce
Avocado offers plush Pure Talalay latex for softer contouring; Talalay Global describes its vacuum and flash-freeze process.
Watch out: Plush toppers may not suit people who need firmer support.
See options on Amazon2 inch latex topper
Best for: A subtle change to an existing bed
Avocado sells a 2 inch option; latex toppers are widely sold in 2 and 3 inch thicknesses.
Watch out: Check the size and whether a cover is included.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Dunlop or Talalay latex topper?
- Avocado describes medium Dunlop as firmer support and plush Talalay as softer contouring; it sells both in 2 or 3 inch thickness.
- How thick should a latex topper be?
- Common options are 2 or 3 inches; Avocado offers both.
- Is a latex topper safe with a latex allergy?
- Ask your doctor first. ACAAI says latex allergy can cause reactions ranging from hives to anaphylaxis.
- Is a latex topper organic?
- Only if certified; Avocado lists GOLS for its organic latex topper.
- Does a latex topper come with a cover?
- Some do; Avocado includes an organic cotton cover with its Eco Organic topper.
Sources
- Eco Organic Mattress Topper (avocadogreenmattress.com), Avocado
- Grand Luxe Mattress Topper (avocadogreenmattress.com), Avocado
- The Original Talalay Manufacturer (talalayglobal.com), Talalay Global
- Latex Allergy (acaai.org), American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology