Latex foam mattress toppers and allergies
You hear a lot about latex mattress toppers and how they can make your sleep more comfortable and easier on your joints, but another big reason for using one can be summed up in a single word: allergies. Many natural materials can cause allergic discomfort because they release tiny particles or dust into the air. Latex foam mattress toppers are hypoallergenic, which means that they don't release the kinds of substances that triggers an allergic reaction is most allergy sufferers.
Latex foam versus memory foam mattress toppers
One downside to memory foam is that it has a tendency to "outgass" chemicals leftover from its manufacture, or are byproducts created as the foam ages. While most people hardly notice these, other people suffer reactions to these chemicals, including asthma attacks. Latex foam does not have these drawbacks. Moreover, latext foam mattress toppers do not need to be treated with antimicrobials or dust mite killers as do cotton or wool mattress toppers. If you are sensitive to chemicals, a latex mattress topper might be your best solution.
Mattress topper versus mattress pad
When discussing latex mattress toppers or mattress pads, the terminology can be confusing. Here's the story: The terms mattress pad and mattress topper are used interchangeably. For instance, a foam latex mattress topper solely refers to something that is supposed to enhance the comfort level of the mattress by placing an extra softer layer top of the existing mattress. A mattress pad however can refer both to a mattress topper but also to a thinner kind of pad, most often made out of cotton, that helps keep the mattress clean or keeps allergens in the mattress from reaching the sleeper.
Latex foam mattress toppers can extend mattress life
Using a good latex mattress topper can actually save you money by extending the life of your existing mattress. By absorbing some of the weight of the sleeper, you save wear and tear on your mattress. Besides, adding the extra layer of comfort provided by latex foam mattress toppers can be almost like getting a whole new mattress. People who are older or have joint problems especially find it helpful to combine a firm mattress with a high-quality mattress topper to blend an extra degree of "give" with a firm foundation.
The difference between natural and synthetic latex foam
When shopping for a latex foam mattress topper, you might hear about natural versus synthetic latex. Although there might be some minor differences, the comfort level in your mattress toppers will be governed by other factors. Synthetic latex is supposed to wear longer than natural latex, but natural latex mattress toppers has been known to last for as long as twenty years!