Mattress topper made of memory foam or latex? How to choose

Both a memory foam mattress topper and a latex mattress topper can contribute to a better night's sleep while also extending the life of your mattress. Your preferred sleeping position is the most important factor in deciding which of these two types of mattress toppers to choose, but your general comfort preferences and your budget also play a role. 

We have a large assortment of mattress toppers made of various materials and available at different prices, and we're always ready to help you find the right model. Both for your sleeping needs and for your budget. 

Regardless of whether you are looking for a memory foam or latex mattress topper, it can be an indispensable addition to your bed. Both for your comfort and for your bed's durability. The most important thing, therefore, is to choose a mattress topper that matches your specific needs. 

Choose a memory foam mattress topper if: 

•    You are sometimes disturbed by your partner's movements during the night.
•    You prefer to sleep on a mattress that shapes itself to your body and gives an enveloping feeling.
•    You want a mattress topper of the highest quality. 

A safe choice for most is the WELLPUR GOLD T30 mattress topper. It is a 4.5 cm thick, soft mattress topper that is very comfortable. It's made of AIR memory foam, will shape to your body contours.

Choose a latex mattress topper if: 

•    You prefer a mattress topper that gives you a firmer feel.
•    You appreciate natural, environmentally friendly materials.
•    You want a mattress topper of the highest quality.
•    You want a mattress topper with high breathability.

A mattress topper made of latex and a mattress topper made of memory foam will both provide tremendous comfort. The major difference between these two types of mattress topper is the way they to your body when you lie on them. 

Memory foam shapes itself to your body

A memory foam mattress topper shapes itself to your unique body shape and responds to the pressure you put on it. When you lie down on a memory foam mattress, it will allow you to sink in and shape exactly to your body contours.

In our assortment you will find different types of top mattresses, for example ones made of AIR memory foam, which has a more consistently soft feeling and a firmness that is unaffected by temperature changes. AIR memory foam offers many of the same qualities as a latex mattress, but the memory foam will still take longer than latex to "spring" back to its original form. 

Read more about mattress toppers and the different materials they are made from.

A mattress topper made of latex won't form itself to your body to the same degree that one made of memory foam will, but it will be more elastic and softer to the touch. Latex mattress toppers can contain either natural latex or synthetic latex. In contrast to memory foam, natural latex is both allergy-friendly and breathable. The choice between a latex mattress topper of a memory foam mattress topper is a matter of personal preferences. 

"Most people will typically have preferences based on what they have previously slept on and in reality, that's the best way to choose between latex and memory foam. Do you like the passive, sinking feeling of memory foam or do you prefer the more active, lively feeling of latex?"
– Peter, Category Manager, JYSK. 

Another major difference between latex and memory foam is the ability of the materials to absorb movement. You'll notice that a memory foam mattress topper can minimise or even eliminate disturbances caused by your partner's movements in bed. 

Many couples prefer a memory foam mattress topper because they'll be less bothered by each other's movements and thus get a better night's sleep. 

Memory foam is also called pressure relief foam or viscoelastic foam. The material was invented in the 1960s during the height of the Space Race and was initially used in seats for astronauts because of its energy-absorbing capabilities. 

Today, memory foam is a popular choice in mattresses because the material has the ability to form itself around your body as you lie in bed. The forming distributes the weight across a large area in the mattress, which provides relief to the muscles and joints. A mattress topper made of memory foam initially feels firm or medium-firm but then gets softer as it is warmed by your body. 

Should you go for a firm or a soft mattress topper? Learn more in our guide. 

Memory foam comes in many variants with different degrees of firmness, which will determine how deep you sink into the mattress topper. At JYSK, we are ready to help you find the memory foam mattress topper that matches your needs and budget. 

Advantages of a memory foam mattress topper 

•    Provides good support and relief
•    Forms itself to your body and sleep position
•    Generally more affordable than latex mattress toppers
•    Gives a sinking and enveloping feeling
•    Extends your bed's lifespan
•    Often hypoallergenic dust mites have a hard time surviving in memory foam

Disadvantages of a memory foam mattress topper 

•    Not as good at releasing heat
•    The mattress topper needs to be out for at least 12 hours before using it 
•    Not as environmentally friendly as natural latex
•    Older people can have a hard time getting out of bed because with a very thick memory foam mattress topper, they can sink too far

Latex is a different type of foam that is more elastic than memory foam. If you press down on a latex mattress topper, the mattress will quickly spring back to its original form whereas memory foam is much slower to regain its form. A mattress topper made of latex feels softer and more vibrant than a memory foam mattress topper. Latex maintains the same feeling regardless of temperature. 

Unlike memory foam, latex is good at letting excess heat escape from the bed and it's thus well suited for those who feel warm while they sleep. Mattress toppers are available in different types of latex and the materials are generally combined to create the most comfortable mattress topper possible. Natural latex from rubber trees is the most environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic variant of latex – unless, of course, you have a latex allergy. Synthetic latex, as the name suggests, is a type of artificially made latex. It's more affordable than natural latex, but both materials give good support and comfort. 

If you're used to sleeping on a spring mattress, which doesn't require as much energy to turn your body, you'll probably prefer a latex mattress topper over a memory foam one.

Advantages of a latex mattress topper

•    Provides very good support, especially if you sleep on your side
•    Soft to extra soft, depending on the model
•    Environmentally- and allergy-friendly
•    Very good ventilation, good for those who feel warm when they sleep 
•    Extends your bed's lifespan

Disadvantages of a latex mattress topper

•    As a general rule, you'll pay more for latex than memory foam
•    Relatively heavy when compared to memory foam
•    Doesn't form to your body to the same extent as memory foam

If you would like to learn more about all there is to know when it comes to mattress toppers, read our ultimate guide: Which mattress topper should you pick?