Latex Topper Recommendation?
May 30, 2011 1:20 PM
Joined: May 30, 2011
Points: 9
Hi everyone,

I am so disappointed that I didn't find this forum until after we made our initial purchase!  Anyway, after having major issues with two Sleep to Live 600's that we bought from Sleepys, we had to do an even exchange, and decided to go with a Pure Latex Bliss nutrition.  We really liked the 3" topper from PLB, but it is very expensive, expecially considering what we've already spent on the mattress.  I've read on here that many of you have purchased latex toppers from places like overstock and it sounds like there are much better deals to be had than spending $800 on a 3" topper. 

I was hoping someone might have another brand to recommend.  We want something reliable and comfortable, but I am sure we can find something very similar to what we tried in the store for a fraction of the price!  I've also looked around on the internet and I have found cheaper alternatives, but I don't know anything about the brands to know whether or not they are realibale brands or not and after the ordeal with sleepys, I was hoping to get some advice from the experts before making another purchase!

Thank you!

This message was modified May 30, 2011 by m123
Re: Latex Topper Recommendation?
Reply #1 May 30, 2011 3:11 PM
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: May 13, 2011
Points: 170
THere are lots of threads on toppers.  I believe there is a recent one that mentions toppers.  Foam By Mail seems to have a nice soft topper.  Also Sleep Like a Bear sells toppers and has a web site that tells you what you are purchasing: natural/blended latex.  sleepez sells toppers as well and I think flobeds does too.  You should search for and read through any threads that have "topper" in the title.  Also these threads might discuss the merits of 3" vs 2" toppers.  I tried a PLB mattress last week and the topper made a big difference.  Don't forget that you'll need to purchase a cover for you topper.  Depending on size, you should be able to get a covered topper for half the cost of the PLB.  I think there are better offers than overstock; unless you can find a manufacturers web site, I find o.co information on bedding to be less than adequate.

 

 

 

Re: Latex Topper Recommendation?
Reply #2 May 30, 2011 7:48 PM
Joined: May 30, 2011
Points: 9
Thank you!  I would not have realized that I needed to also buy a cover.  I read through a bunch of threads before posting my question, and I was getting really confused when people were talking about the density of the latex in the toppers. The PLB didn't give any of that information so I wasn't able to compare products by other companies that offered their toppers in soft/firm or by density or weight or whatnot.  I'll try to read through some more threads though.

One more question. Will there be a big difference in the feel of the toppers from different brands?  If I get a topper that is comparable to the PLB one in specs, is it going to feel the same, or will there be a difference?  I'm just trying to decide if it's worth it to us to suck it up and pay more for the feel we liked from the PLB or if we can get away with a cheaper one.

Thanks again!

Re: Latex Topper Recommendation?
Reply #3 May 30, 2011 9:29 PM
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: May 13, 2011
Points: 170
Buying foam is a crap shoot.  There is variation in the ILD (firmness) of latex.  I'm not sure anyone has done a side by side comparison of all of the various foam toppers.  Jimsocal has a lot of experience buying various toppers; perhaps he has some insight.  I think most people use soft Talalay toppers since it's for comfort, not suppoer.  Dunlop is typically firmer and makes a good base (or core) and Talalay makes a good comfort layer on top.
This message was modified May 31, 2011 by sleepswithcats
Re: Latex Topper Recommendation?
Reply #4 May 30, 2011 10:43 PM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
How much are you looking to spend? I'm assuming you're a side sleeper by the 3" topper inquiry. If you don't mind minor cosmetic blimishes, FoamByMail has very comfortable toppers from 1" to 3" in 20ILD and 32ILD.
This message was modified May 31, 2011 by need2sleep636
Re: Latex Topper Recommendation?
Reply #5 May 31, 2011 11:42 AM
Joined: Apr 20, 2011
Points: 65
m123 wrote:

Thank you!  I would not have realized that I needed to also buy a cover.  I read through a bunch of threads before posting my question, and I was getting really confused when people were talking about the density of the latex in the toppers. The PLB didn't give any of that information so I wasn't able to compare products by other companies that offered their toppers in soft/firm or by density or weight or whatnot.  I'll try to read through some more threads though.

 

One more question. Will there be a big difference in the feel of the toppers from different brands?  If I get a topper that is comparable to the PLB one in specs, is it going to feel the same, or will there be a difference?  I'm just trying to decide if it's worth it to us to suck it up and pay more for the feel we liked from the PLB or if we can get away with a cheaper one.

Thanks again!


The PLB topper is a 14 ILD blended talalay, for reference. I was disappointed visiting STLbeds site - they used to sell them for much less.

http://www.stlbeds.com/parts-accessories/mattress-toppers/3inch-mattress-topper.html

You may not need a cover for the topper itself. Many people just place the topper over the mattress and stretch a mattress pad or protector over both.

Re: Latex Topper Recommendation?
Reply #6 May 31, 2011 7:42 PM
Joined: May 10, 2011
Points: 21
Ahhhhhh, another unsatisfied customer of the Sleep to Live. We went through 3 mattress exchanges in less than 12 months. They are HORRIBLE mattresses!

I traded to the Sleep Options, which isn't full latex, more like 30% latex 70% foam. I found it way too firm, so I bought a 3" twin topper from FBM to soften my side of the bed, and it was only $172. All I can say is I'm in heaven now. My side is perfection! Lets just hope the mattress holds up  ;-) 

Re: Latex Topper Recommendation?
Reply #7 May 31, 2011 11:20 PM
Joined: Aug 5, 2010
Points: 34
IMO as long as you have a nice sturdy mattress protector (such as the St Geneve wool protector mentioned in this forum) you don't need a cover. I'd even say that I've had WORSE airflow when I had the cotton terrycloth cover that FBM ships with their toppers.
This message was modified May 31, 2011 by Relaxo