Top Ten complaints about visco elastic memory foam toppers…

Mattress toppers sell like hot cakes but are they really any good? Below we share the Top 10 Problems with Memory Foam Mattress Toppers at the end of this blog be sure to check out the link where we share the benefits.

1. Memory toppers break down: It’s interesting when we hear this complaint because the fact is all foams break down at some point and time. Memory foam is no exception. One thing that makes it different is that it can and usually does last far longer than tradition polyurethane foams.
2. Memory foam mattress toppers sleep hot: It is true memory foam can cause people to get hot especially for persons that use little covers at night. The solution is newer generations of foam products that can dissipate heat faster.
3. Memory Foam off gasses: It is loaded with a lot of chemicals let’s just call it that new car smell, we won’t get into that today, but just like we need fuel for a fire we also need oil / petroleum to build memory foam. They can accurately be described as man-made or synthetic products.  The best way to deal with off gassing issues is to give the foam some time to air out / cure in the same way we would open windows to air out a house to let paint dry.
4. Hard to turn over in: This can be a problem for people who are not as healthy and agile. Most foam is slow to recover making it harder to reposition. The up side is that due to its unique pressure relieving capabilities people turn over less throughout the night.
5. Toppers are expensive: Memory foam is more costly and especially brand names. Rest assured there are less expensive alternatives that are warranted to last just as long.
6. Fly by night product or fad: Memory foam mattress toppers aren’t going anywhere but up in sales. Consumer Reports asked its readers if they would buy their mattress again and Tempur Pedic led all other brands of mattresses with the answer yes. Memory foam mattress toppers can be part of a poor man’s memory foam mattress for people limited by budget.
7. Gets soft with age: Toppers made utilizing memory foam just like their sister the mattress can get softer with age, what they rarely get is deep valley’s and body indentations like traditional foams.
8. Memory foam health issues: While I think memory foam is one of the most comfortable product ever made I do think the jury is still out on this one. We will leave it up to the foam industry who has a much better knowledge of the chemical and the health risks if any that are involved with purchasing a memory foam topper. We do suggest letting a memory foam topper air out especially with older versions that trap VOC’s.
9. Memory foam isn’t comfortable: It seems to be a love hate relationship with people and this new-fangled memory foam stuff. People either love it or hate it. The great thing about toppers is there are many different thicknesses and ILD’s (firmness’s) available not to mention mattresses the topper will be placed on. All of these things can affect the feel. So take your time and try different combinations.
10. Not Eco Friendly: It is true toppers made with so call NASA foam for the most part aren’t made using sustainable resources or Eco Friendly building methods. Foam is petroleum based however more sustainable methods by companies like Anatomic Global’s Eco Series Memory Foam who uses plant base oils substitutions, recycled materials, and bamboo address this topper construction issue.

Top 10 Benefits of Memory Foam Mattress Toppers. Coming Soon!

Below are 10 advantages of choosing a latex mattress toppers…

10 - Seat Numbers By Jaxxon

and when you are finished be sure to check out the link containing top problems and issues.

1.Less Expensive alternative to a latex mattress: Costs less than buying a new mattress set.

2.Long-Lasting: Latex mattress toppers make for a durable alternative to cheap foam toppers or traditional mattress tops which are permanently attached to the beds. In the case of regular mattresses low grade materials are often used to create attached pillow tops and plush top cushy beds that frequently wear out prematurely.

3.Latex Mattress Toppers Sleep Cool: Latex foam rubber breathes which helps to eliminate body moisture. Not only can it keep you cooler in the summer, but also it can keep you warmer in the winter which is important for a good night of sleep.

4.Good For People Who Are Overweight: Overweight or obese people can rest assured that toppers made with latex rubber will perform better than models made with foam thanks to rubbers’ unique ability to continuously bounce back into shape.

5.Eco Friendly: In the case of models built with natural latex rubber the rubber is a sustainable growth process derived from trees and is not only earth friendly but virtually chemical free and biodegradable.

6.Make a firm bed softer: Whether your old mattress is too firm or your new mattress is too hard a latex mattress topper may be a great solution. It can be like adding a soft pillow to the top of the bed. Selecting one with a lower ILD or Firmness will make for a cushier bed.

7.Makes mattress last longer: If you are looking to minimize mattress wear and get more life out of your bed because the mattress topper receives the most wear and tear.

8.Latex toppers can be replaced: As mentioned above a latex topper receives the most use and abuse extending bed life. Because the topper is not attached to the bed and usually costs far less than a new mattress set a topper is a cheap long lasting solution that is replaceable.

9.Easy to move: A mattress topper is often one layer of latex which trims over all mattress weight making it easier to move than an entire mattress and can weight considerably less while thinning it down making the bed more maneuverable.

10.Diversity in thicknesses and firmness’s: We encourage thicker toppers because they don’t slide out of position and range from about 1 to 4 inches in total thickness. Many firmness levels which include everything from the softest to the firmest are available. However the most popular are those that are softer and resemble pillow tops attached to regular mattresses.

2 Bonus Advantages of Latex Mattress Toppers.

11.Hypoallergenic: Latex rubber is mold, mildew, and dust mite resistant. People with latex allergies may be able to benefit from latex as well noted in this previous blog called All Natural Latex Benefits, Problems, Allergies.

12.Chemical Free: Some all natural latex mattress toppers are virtually chemical free. Shop with caution, not all latex is chemical free so do your homework. We recommend asking your dealer for a chemical content analysis or a list of its chemical free 3rd party certifications.

Top 10 Problems with Latex Mattress Toppers

Like most anything there are pros and cons. Latex Mattress Toppers in our opinion and experience is one of those products where the advantages out weigh the disadvantages. Below we tell the complete story about latex mattress topper problems and complaints. Click on the link below for the benefits.

1. Tears Easily When Handling: Much like an egg it has strength and weaknesses. As tough and long lasting as all natural rubber is, simply grabbing the topper and tugging on it can tear or damage the rubber be sure to understand how to handle  it.
2. Smell: Chemical smell all but doesn’t exist. Any smell is the natural rubber itself and is not harmful. Most have actually been tested for harmful VOC’s and were found to be free of such harmful toxins. Ask for a chemical analysis for purity.
3. Latex Rubber Sleeps Hot: The fact is their hundreds and hundreds of holes which in addition to other things also provide good ventilation. The material is actually very breathable in its very structure and in addition most latex toppers include a very high quality breathable encasement made of cotton, wool, or both.
4. They Break Down and Don’t Last: While it is true that this additional pad will “eventually” break down it is important that all things ultimately break down. What is different about a latex topper is that they are made of long lasting rubber and overall perform better foams, fibers, and feathers.
5. High Cost: Sure rubber can cost more and sometimes 2 to 3 times more, but when averaging their cost into their average life expectancy the cost is recovered and in many cases end up costing less than frequently replacing cheap knock offs or inferior products.
6. Not Comfortable: This of course is a matter of personal  preference. While at this time I don’t sleep on one that doesn’t mean this isn’t the perfect mattress topper for me. Just like anything else there are many different types of rubber, Talalay, Dunlop, Synthetic Blends all of which come in a variety of firmness’s that could please the Princess and the Pea in your life. One big mistake is they often purchase their topper too thin. The thickness or depth of  a mattress topper directly relates to how comfy you will be when you sleep. Thicker bed toppers offer more support and for some more comfort
7. Some People Are Allergic To Latex Rubber: As with any medical condition this should be taken serious however know that even people that are allergic to latex may not be allergic to all latex as we explained in our previous blog called All Natural Latex, Benefits, Problems, Allergies.
8. Latex Rubber is Imported: The majority of it  comes  from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Don’t be fooled though, many American jobs are reliant on the natural rubber industry.
9. Mattress Toppers Shift: Since this mattress add on is not securely fastened to or built as part of the mattress there is a potential that it may not stay in its original place. The result is that the topper whatever type you have may slide or shift even bunch up underneath of the sleeper. Side note thinner toppers are more prone to such problems.
10. Cannot Be Cleaned: Latex mattress toppers are difficult to clean because they cannot be washed or dry cleaned like feather, down, or wool filled mattress toppers. One thing to keep in mind is that the mattress we often use for 10 plus years cannot be washed either. Regular care of bedding and occasional vacuuming can go a long way and add in the fact that natural latex is mold, mildew, and dust mite resistant and that is far more than the average mattress has to offer.

Click link to learn theTop 10 Benefits of a Latex Mattress Topper

Is there an alternative to expensive latex mattresses?

Latex mattresses are the best of the best when it comes to beds and if you thought you couldn’t afford to purchase one think again. Yes these mattresses are considered to be elite in the bedding industry and most retailers believe they are at the top of the heap when it comes to durability and comfort that there is nothing better. However if you don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on an Organic, All Natural, Latex, or Synthetic Latex mattress and the economy has taken control of  your wallet there is a way you can experience similar latex comfort and durability without buying the entire bed.

As mentioned in our “You Sure That Is An All Natural Latex Mattress You’re Buying” blog there are mattress manufacturers that claim to be selling latex beds but when you take a closer look at the inside construction we find that they don’t compare, feel, or last as long as the real McCoys and contain a very small amount of the long-lasting material. The truth is these are considered latex mattresses in name only. So how can a person with very little money cash in on the benefits of latex rubber? Purchase a Topper.

Latex Toppers are the affordable Alternative

Mattress toppers are like pillow tops that can be added to an existing bed. Pillow tops and plush tops have a reputation for breaking down quickly leaving permanent body impressions that cannot be fixed where the sleeper rests. Consumers have seeked out durable alternatives. One of those is a latex mattress which is made of rubber. While out of budget for some mattress buyers, savvy consumers have  chosen mattress toppers made of latex rubber as a fantastic alternative. They vary in thickness but most are from 1-4 inches. The norm seems to be 2-3 inches in thickness.

What is a poor mans latex bed?

It is the purchase of a one sided firm mattress or preferably a two sided mattress and boxspring. The idea being is that these beds are often not as thick and use less padding layers in the bed surface. In addition the surface foam and materials are not loose and fluffy like on plush or pillow top beds. The quilting is precompressed which minimizes settling and compressing. Then add  a mattress topper made of latex rubber. What kind of latex doesn’t matter as much as what feels best. This will be the cushioning layer of the bed and what determines the comfort. Topper thickness and firmness is a matter of personal preference. Thicker toppers offer better deeper support that minimize wear on the mattress. If used in combination with a 2 sided mattress you now have a long lasting mattress solution that is cheap.

What are the Benefits of buying a poor mans latex bed

1. Costs less
2. Rubber is long lasting and resists body impression better
3. (Replaceable) Rubber toppers last but if need be can be replaced for less than the cost of replacing the entire bed.
4. Sleeps Cooler
5. Mold and mildew resistance
6. Earth Friendly, Sustainable, green
7. Dust mite resistant
8. Can be used with one or two sided mattress

Can I put a Latex Mattress Topper on my existing mattress?

All though this sounds like a great idea putting a topper on an old mattress may be nothing more than a quick fix at best especially if the mattress is worn out and sagging instead consider the poor mans latex mattress.

There are many factors to consider when evaluating memory foam toppers. Density is certainly one of the important factors, although it mainly relates to the weight of the foam per cubic foot and its durability rather than firmness or hardness.

For comparing firmness, see if they can provide you some info on the ILD or Initial Load Deflection (also known is IFD / Initial Force Deflection), which is a quantitative measure of the foam’s firmness or softness. This important information will help you determine whether there is any difference in the four different thicknesses of foam toppers you asked about.

Next, you need to consider the firmness of the underlying mattress. For example, if the underlying mattress is extra firm, and you put a thin topper on it that is very soft, you will simply sink right through the topper onto the firm surface of the underlying mattress. The net effect of this might be a pretty firm feeling. By contrast, with this same extra firm mattress, you may find a softer overall effect can be created by using a topper that is slightly firmer, but is thick enough that you don’t sink all the way through it. Industry pros usually recommends 2 inches minimum in order to make a real difference in mattress feel.