Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Jan 8, 2008 4:27 PM
Joined: Sep 11, 2007
Points: 111
Hi, We have a new innerspring mattress (probably firm plush) that has good support but is a little too firm for me. I am a side sleeper and am still feeling a soreness in my hips. We also have a Natura wool and cotton mattress pad (looks a little like sheepskin). My question is: would one inch of latex under the wool pad add enough cushion to relieve the pressure point in my hips? And would 32 ILD be the right firmness or should I go a little softer? OR... do I really need 2 inches (and what density)? I'm afraid of it being TOO cushy as right now we are using a 2 inch memory foam topper that I think is not very good quality as I end up in a sink hole by the morning with my back just killing me. I am 5 foot 7 and 130 pounds. Also recommendations for the most reputable company and one with best customer service that sells such toppers. Sorry -- I know this issue has been discussed before, but I still have questions. Thanks in anticipation.
This message was modified Jan 9, 2008 by kimmcgov
Re: Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Reply #14 May 2, 2008 6:05 AM
Joined: Sep 7, 2007
Points: 476
Kim you're right to worry about adding too much cushiness.  Your mattress already has built in foam layers. Adding more can undermine support and give you a backache-- exactly what you are experiencing with the 2" of memory foam. My "luxury firm" mattress was lacking in cushiness but putting 2" of memory foam on top only gave me a backache. 1" worked just fine though, Just enough... not too much.

I have the 1" Brylane topper Lynn mentioned. I estimate it's probably a 26-28. It's not particularly cushy compared to the much softer memory foam. But I do like it under the visco, since it seems to add a level of support and resilience the visco alone lacks, but I prefer a softer foam directly under my body. If your objective is to relieve pressure points, you'd probably be better off with something like a 24, or if you like a really soft topper a 20, and I would stick with the 1" especially if you're using a wool topper besides. You can alway add another layer, but there's nothing you can do if the foam is too thick to begin with--except return it.

And since hitting it just right might require a bit of tweaking make sure you can return or exchange it if necessary without incurring a restocking fee.

Re: Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Reply #15 May 2, 2008 2:29 PM
Joined: Aug 31, 2007
Points: 793
FloBeds had sent me a 1.5" soft latex topper and it was too thick for me not supporting my back. I  had to send it back.  Dave at FloBeds tried to help me find a topper that would work for me.  I can't handle more than 1" of a latex topper over my firm latex bed.
Re: Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Reply #16 May 2, 2008 9:49 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
I think it depends on the individual, but in general I would think that 2" COULD be too much for a very soft topper.

Maybe if the latex is 24 ILD or above it might be okay, but softer than that your back will probably sink too much.

Memory foam - unless it's VERY firm memory foam - is almost always going to be too soft for a 2" topper in my opinion.

A good 24 ILD or so latex topper might be enough to relieve the pressure points under your back.

It's good that your mattress is too FIRM and not TOO SOFT. That allows you to adjust it to your liking. If ti's too soft then your only hope is to get rid of it or do surgery on it.

You might try one of the JC Penny Olmifon (?) or whatever it is toppers which are about 1.5 inches and pretty firm. I'm using that AND a 1" latex topper and that is not too soft for me because the JCP topper is not that soft.

Re: Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Reply #17 May 3, 2008 11:36 PM
Joined: Sep 11, 2007
Points: 111
This is something I posted a while ago and which just got resurrected for some reason. I DID figure things out. We are using the Brylane 1 inch latex topper that a few other people here have and it feels just right. I had a hard time initially believing that one inch (of latex) would be enough, but it adds just that little extra cushion without causing us to sink in too much.

Again thanks to everyone for all of the great advice and sharing your experiences...
Re: Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Reply #18 May 4, 2008 11:08 AM
Joined: Aug 31, 2007
Points: 793
kimmcgov, I am glad you also like the 1" Brylane Latex topper which to me feels good also and anything thicker would be too soft for me.
Re: Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Reply #19 May 28, 2008 7:40 PM
Joined: May 28, 2008
Points: 6
   Hi all

I'd like to resurrect this one more time please.

I used to be able to sleep on concrete and awake feeling great, but with age (and more weight, I'm afraid) I find my shoulder and hip bothering me in the morning.  I was going to buy a new mattress with a 2" pillowtop, but after visiting this site, I thought I might try a 1" topper first to see if that's enough.  I see the Brylane mentioned, but I'm not sure which one it is...can anyone help?  Is it the Comfort Creations 1" topper for $40?

Any benefit in latex or latex blend over memory foam at 1" thickness?  Memory foam tends to be softer?

Thanks for your help!
Re: Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Reply #20 May 28, 2008 11:53 PM
Joined: Mar 10, 2008
Points: 30
bonesdad wrote:
 I thought I might try a 1" topper first to see if that's enough.  I see the Brylane mentioned, but I'm not sure which one it is...can anyone help?  Is it the Comfort Creations 1" topper for $40?



What I got was the Natura topper:  It's only available in Twin now; I think it was available in other sizes at one time but twin happened to be what I wanted. With Brylane, btw, one can usually find a coupon code to get extra money off - google Brylane coupon.

http://www.brylanehomecatalog.com/decor/Natura-Latex-Mattress-Topper.aspx?PfId=94697&DeptId=15184&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

Philly888

Re: Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Reply #21 May 29, 2008 12:33 AM
Joined: Aug 31, 2007
Points: 793
I got the Talalay Latex Natura Topper in the Queen size and I really love the quality of it and how good it feels as a little bit of cushion as long as I have very firm latex cores underneath it. I used a 25% of coupon.  It also didn't really outgas but I aired it out anyway for a week before use and it now has no smell at all. 
This message was modified May 29, 2008 by Lynn2006
Re: Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Reply #22 May 29, 2008 12:58 PM
Joined: May 28, 2008
Points: 6
Thanks.  I'm a little concerned about the possibility of being too hot, either with a latex or memory foam topper, what is your experience with this?  Do some of the styles with holes in them make any diference?

Any other good brands of 1 or 1.5" toppers out there?

This message was modified May 29, 2008 by bonesdad
Re: Topper: Is 1 inch Latex enough?
Reply #23 Jun 11, 2008 12:10 AM
Joined: May 28, 2008
Points: 6
anyone?