A latex mattress topper goes on top of a mattress and box spring, pull-out bed or futon. It provides sleepers with an extra layer of comfort, which in turn provides for a better night's rest. Latex is the perfect material made from the sap of rubber trees, giving flexibility and durability to any mattress topper. Latex mattress toppers are durable because they can last for many years. People with allergies prefer latex mattress toppers because latex is a natural repellent to dust, mites, and mold. The only exception to this would be a person who is allergic to latex. Latex also offers a plus to those who like a cool night's sleep as it a more breathable material than foam.

There are two ways that latex is processed using the Talalay or Dunlop methods. Usually Talalay is preferred because it extracts air from the latex and then flash freezes it, creating a softer feel to the mattress. The Dunlop method skips these steps so the mattress is said to be firmer. Truly it is all a matter of preference. The Talalay method is more expensive than the Dunlop processing method.

The advantages of latex over foam are said to many including the fact that there is no odor associated with a foam latex mattress topper like there is with many brands of memory foam mattress covers. As mentioned latex is pure, whereas many foam mattresses are treated with chemicals that can include petroleum and flame retardants. These chemicals expose a sleeper to a constant smell of toxic fumes that can be hazardous to his or her health.

Arizona Premium Mattress Company offers an eco-friendly latex mattress topper called the Eco Sleep. The company uses natural latex and the Talalay method using latex from rubber trees and biodegradable, natural ingredients. This mattress is terrific for anyone with back problems because it naturally conforms to the body providing relief to all parts of the back, spine, neck and legs. For information about this mattress go to www.latexmattresscompany.com

Another eco-friendly latex and foam mattress topper is made by Rocky Mountain Mattress. Prices for the RMM Natural Latex Foam mattress start at just over $100 and come in 1,2,3 or 4 inch thickness. This mattress topper is made with pure latex and eco-friendly foam and has ventilation holes, which allows air to circulate and keeps the latex material dry and clean smelling. Weight is evenly distributing relieving pressure points that can cause significant pain in shoulders, neck, back, arm and legs.

Latex mattress toppers are not only found in homes. Because they offer an easy to clean surface and are virtually allergy free, they are popular in many different places including hospitals and hotels. Hospitals and hotels want to provide a comfortable sleeping environment and like the fact that dust mites won't be a problem or those sleeping on beds with health related issues will not have to worry about allergies. In addition, a facility purchasing several latex mattress toppers will save money because they are less expensive than purchasing the memory foam types yet produce the same comfortable results.

There are literally thousands of companies that sell latex mattress toppers. Resources include local mattress stores, the Yellow Pages and the Internet. The advantages of the Internet are many. There are multiple engine searches available that allow a user to enter the words, "latex mattress topper" and pages of references will appear. To refine the search and look for the best brands and models available simply add the word "reviews" to your search words.