Mattress toppers can almost be described as mini mattresses. These helpful additions to your bed commonly add around two to four inches of thick material, designed to subtly change the feel of your mattress, or simply add more comfort. In this guide, we’re looking at hybrid vs latex mattress toppers to see if either of these styles will suit your sleep requirements.
Many of the year’s best mattresses, which include top-rated recommendations for all types of sleepers and budgets, are hybrids in their construction or contain latex in their layers. Sometimes both. So translating these designs and materials across to the best mattress toppers makes a lot of sense. Traditionally, most mattress toppers have just been made from solid foam or latex options. However, we’re starting to see a growing market in hybrid mattress toppers, with these set to become more popular in the future.
With the Labor Day mattress sales on the horizon, some brands are already offering sizeable discounts. So, if you’re in the market for a new topper, now could be the perfect time to buy. This hybrid vs latex mattress topper comparison should help you narrow down where to spend your money.
What is a hybrid mattress topper?
Hybrid mattress toppers are the new kids on the block and are designed in much the same way as the best hybrid mattresses. These bed toppers combine foam with coils, giving both comfort and support to your bed. Unlike a hybrid mattress, which uses full sized coils, a hybrid mattress topper will generally use microcoils instead, as these are designed to be smaller and more flexible than standard mattress coils).
What is a latex mattress topper?
Latex is a sustainable and non-toxic material that’s often used in the best organic mattresses on the market. Remarkably durable, some latex mattress toppers will last you up to 15 years with proper care and attention. There are two types of latex used to make toppers – Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex tends to feel firmer than Talalay, which has a softer, plusher feeling. A latex topper is also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to common allergens such as pollen, dander, dust mites and mold.
Hybrid vs latex mattress toppers: Price
Latex is a premium material, which means that latex mattress toppers aren’t going to be a budget choice. But, by the same token, the combination of foams and coils in a hybrid mattress topper also raises the price. So, these aren’t the toppers to choose if you’re on a tight budget.
The more expensive materials also mean that it’s a good idea to wait for major sales to grab a bargain. Both hybrid and latex mattress toppers come in at around $300 to $500, although we have seen some bargains where you can save more, particularly with latex toppers (as these have been around for longer).
If you are on a tighter budget, you might want to consider one of the best memory foam mattress toppers instead, as these are considerably more affordable.
Hybrid vs latex mattress toppers: Design & materials
As you might expect, a hybrid mattress topper is a condensed version of a full hybrid mattress when it comes to materials. Exact materials will vary from brand to brand, but hybrid toppers are generally on the thicker side (around three to four inches) in order to fit in both foams and coils.
In general, these are designed with one of two layers of comfort foam at the top, followed by a layer of microcoils to provide pressure relief. The bottom layer tends to be high-density foam for support, with a breathable or cooling cover finishing off the topper. Expect a lifespan of around five years for a hybrid topper, as they are considerably thinner than a hybrid mattress. Hybrid mattress toppers sometimes come in different firmness ratings as well, so you can pick one best suited to your sleeping style and body weight.
Latex mattress toppers are a simpler design, with one or two layers of latex encased in a breathable cover. As natural latex is 100% organic, most of the other materials used will be as well, with brands often using organic cotton or wool in the cover. More expensive latex toppers can also have an additional layer of organic wool as a natural flame retardant. You’ll also find latex toppers offered in a variety of firmness options, but these toppers will give you a much longer lifespan and could last up to 15 years.
Hybrid vs latex mattress toppers: Comfort & support
Both hybrid and latex mattress toppers offer a more responsive feel than memory foam toppers, and you should expect less sinkage from these types of toppers. Hybrid mattress toppers are designed to replicate the bouncy, supportive feel of hybrid mattresses. Although these toppers often come in different firmness ratings, even the softest hybrid topper will still give you push back from the coil layer to stop you sinking too far into the topper.
Hybrid mattress toppers offer excellent pressure relief, with the coils helping to keep the spine aligned. The differing firmness ratings mean that most sleepers will be able to find a topper to suit their sleeping style, although some lightweight side sleepers may find them a little too firm.
Latex mattress toppers also tend to offer a bouncier, firmer and more supportive feel. They’re an ideal choice to firm up a softer mattress, with the latex helping to keep the hips supported and the spine aligned. Some latex toppers do come with plush top layers to give a little more comfort but, in general, we’d recommend them particularly to back and combination sleepers.
Both styles of topper can also be a good choice for those with back pain, with a combination of softer layers at the top and firmer support underneath. However, these are only toppers so if you do suffer with chronic back or joint pain, you would probably be better off investing in one of the best mattresses for back pain.
Hybrid vs latex mattress toppers: Temperature regulation
Both hybrid and latex mattress toppers are a good choice if you sleep warm. A hybrid mattress topper has microcoils, which will help to promote airflow through the mattress and prevent heat from becoming trapped. In addition, these toppers generally come with either breathable cotton covers or specialist cooling covers to help keep sleepers cool and comfortable.
Latex is naturally breathable, with a porous surface that will help to boost circulation. You’ll sometimes even see brands cutting small holes in the latex to improve airflow even more. Because latex is organic, other materials used in the toppers will generally be organic too, with both organic cotton and organic wool also being supremely breathable and helping to wick away moisture.
Hybrid vs latex mattress toppers: Which should you buy?
Buy a hybrid mattress topper if…
✅ You want a thicker topper: Hybrid mattress toppers have to be thicker to incorporate the layers of coils and foam, meaning they’ll add quite a few inches to your existing mattress.
✅ You want the feel of a hybrid mattress: Although they’re obviously not actual mattresses, a hybrid topper will give you the feel of a hybrid mattress, with support from the coil layer and comfort from the foam layers above.
✅ You want a topper to suit all sleeping positions: Because you can buy hybrid toppers in different firmness ratings, you should be able to find one that suits your sleeping style and body weight.
Buy a latex mattress topper if…
✅ You want an eco-friendly option: Latex is organic, hypoallergenic, non-toxic and antimicrobial – plus it’s also sustainably produced. All this makes it a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly topper.
✅ You sleep on your back or you’re a combination sleeper: The bouncy feel of latex means it’s easy to change positions through the night, plus there’s plenty of support for spinal alignment when sleeping on your back.
✅ You sleep hot: Although both hybrid and latex toppers are a good option for hot sleepers, latex is naturally breathable and cooler with its porous texture, and you’ll get the added benefit of either organic cotton or wool in the cover to add to the heat wicking properties.
