Hello again,
I’m looking to add a mattress topper to my current set up. I have a HD Foam Queen Wedge under a memory foam mattress.
I would like to add a topper that doesn’t sink all the way in - probably a 3in - but is a bit “firm”. Saying it sinks in to an extent, but still cradles.
TIA!
A latex topper or a latex alternative is likely your best option if you’re looking for something that cradles without allowing you to sink too deeply. A firm latex topper from @Sleep_EZ, @Arizona_Premium, or similar latex provider, or Mattresstopper.com, latex alternative - TitanFlex topper, would be good options to consider.
Of course, your height, weight, and primary sleeping position will influence whether firm is the best choice, so if you can share those details, we can make a more tailored recommendation. Keep in mind the underlying mattress, foams and foundation will also have some influence.
Maverick
I’m 5’6, side sleeper, 180. I’ve mentioned in other posts how I had severe hand pain, shoulder and hip pain. I’ve cleared up my hands by wearing splints.
I am aware of the underlying mattress issue. Getting a new mattress just isn’t in the budget currently.
But having items that I can later transfer to a better quality mattress is my long term goal.
I feel that a medium firm topper would be the most ideal. I do know I want Talalay.
If you’re set on Talalay latex, I’d suggest checking out some of the Talalay latex manufacturers and vendors recommended here on TMU. Based on your height, weight, and being a side sleeper, I’d lean toward a medium rather than a firm. A firm Talalay topper can have a lot of pushback. For comparison, I have a 3" Talalay topper in the 36–38 ILD range, and at 6’0", 220 lbs, I find it quite firm.
One thing to keep in mind is that a topper can’t fix a worn-out mattress. If your mattress has dips, sagging, or softened areas, the topper will conform to those same imperfections. A quality Talalay topper can definitely improve comfort, and it’s something you can carry over to a future mattress, but it won’t completely overcome structural issues with the mattress underneath.
Your current memory foam mattress doesn’t have any dips does it? As long as it’s solid the talalay topper should work though fairly expensive at $350.
I just want to make an honorable mention here since the topper alone is 1/3 the price of this bed, but I like to recommend the nest and wild hybrid to those who have a limited budget. They have 12 month interest free financing on a $950 after discount bed. I only pay $80 per month. That’s what I did when I got one for my parents. I replaced their 12 year old memory foam bed. Interest free financing can help a lot when it’s something you actually need.
That topper would probably help though if your bed is solid
I went through and tried so many different mattresses; many that were recommended from yourself or Maverick. I struggled to find one that worked for me. The closest I got was a full latex bed from Moss Envy, but they were very overpriced - 4k or so.
I’m just not ready to purchase an entire mattress as of yet. I feel much better getting each thing piece by piece to confirm it is indeed the bed and not my job - landscape gardening 10+ hrs a day - I have far less pain during my off season.
I am going to get a topper regardless. I’m just looking for recommendations rn.
As of rn, SleepEZ’s 100% Talalay Queen size is $480. With the discount it would be $456 + 2 free pillows. I’ll be taking a look around to compare prices.
SleepEZs Natural latex mattress only comes in Dunlop and is $1,500. I would have to purchase a topper regardless or go with the organic to get the Talalay and pay $1,800.
At this point. Buy the Talalay topper first, probably 3" medium 28-32 ILD. Sleep on it for 30–60 days. If your pain improves during both work season and off-season, then consider building a full latex mattress later. If your pain only improves when you stop landscaping, the bed may not be the main cause. Just dont go too soft on the Talalay as you may cause yourself to shift out of alignment when/if you sink. When you experiment, keep it controlled.
Week 1–2: Add topper only
Keep the same pillow, sheets, and sleeping position if possible. Track- morning stiffness, lower back pain, hip/shoulder pressure, whether pain improves after moving around.
If you feel significantly better, then you know the mattress surface was contributing.
If you notice soft spots on the topper in areas you were previously getting pain, feel around that area of the topper and surrounding areas to be certain the topper is not mimicking compromised areas of your mattress, or that there may be some bad spots on the mattress that were undetectable until it effected the topper.
Maverick
Since you’re looking for something that adds cushioning without that deep “stuck in” feeling, I’d lean toward a Talalay latex topper instead of another memory foam topper. Talalay has a more buoyant, responsive feel, it lets you sink in just enough to relieve pressure while still gently supporting your body, rather than letting you sink all the way through.
One topper worth looking into is the Berkeley Ergonomics Natural Latex Topper. It uses 1¼" of 100% natural Talalay latex inside a stretch-knit cotton cover filled with natural cotton. The latex provides that cradling-but-supportive feel you’re describing, while the breathable materials help keep the sleep surface cooler than traditional memory foam. Since it’s also a separate topper, you can always remove or replace it later if your comfort preferences change.
One thing to keep in mind is that your current memory foam mattress will still influence the overall feel. A latex topper can make the surface more responsive and supportive, but if the memory foam underneath is already very soft, you’ll still notice some of that contouring.
I think your approach of testing the topper first makes a lot of sense. After trying several mattresses, it is easy to start changing too many variables at once and lose track of what actually helped.
Talalay is a good choice for this type of experiment because it changes the surface feel without completely replacing the support system underneath. The firmness will matter a lot though — a topper that is too soft can sometimes make lower back issues worse by letting your hips drop too far.
Another thing I would look at when comparing options is whether the company offers different latex configurations or layer changes later. That flexibility can save a lot of frustration if your body prefers a slightly different feel after a few months.
Matelas Personnel is one Canadian manufacturer that takes a more customizable approach with latex and hybrid builds, which is useful for people who want to adjust the feel instead of replacing the whole mattress. Given your situation, I would probably test the topper during your off-season and work season before deciding on a full latex setup. Your daily physical workload is a pretty important factor here.
I went with @CustomSleepDesign 3in Medium Talalay mattress topper. Just waiting for it to arrive. Put my order in July 31st, but haven’t heard anything besides an order confirmation and there isn’t a way to track your order? Does anyone have any experience with them?