The top layer on my mattress is 100% natural latex with no cover.   I am currently using a fairly good quality cotton/polyester mattress pad with elastic sides which holds the top layer nicely in place with the rest of the mattress.    With summer approaching I am wondering if it is worth the investment to get a cotton/wool mattress pad.   I understand that wool is a better temperature and moisture regulator than polyester.   LL Bean has a cotton/wool pad for $129. (queen size).

I've also looked at some fairly expensive "wool toppers" at various online sites, but these seem so thick that they might negate the feeling of the top latex layer I am using.   I know Eagle had a thread about how much even a mattress pad can change the feeling of the latex.

Any thoughts on these 2 options?

I was considering the LL Bean wool pad and other brands as well. I decided against it because most wool pads aren't washable. I'm using a washable cotton quilted pad on top of my latex.

Mark: Like you, I have a latex mattress. From my own personal experience, and from various contributions by folks who either are new to this business of latex mattresses, and from those who have a great deal of experience, I have come to the conclusion that the less there is between you and the latex the better the latex mattress will feel for you. This of course goes without saying that you need to be comfortable.

But it is my considered opinion, that to get the full benefit of "The latex feel," you need as little between you and the latex as possible.

Are you having any heat issues now?  If not, you may want to stick with it until there is a problem.  I tried a wool mattress pad instead of a poly filled on on my latex flobed and it did not make that much of a difference.  Maybe in summer it would have, but it was fairly warm at the time. 

I think the wool has to be fairly thick to make a significant difference.  I now use a wool filled topper plus a washable wool filled  mattress pad (by Natura).  I think this does moderate the temperatures a bit.  However, it might change the feel a bit, but to me the change was not a negative.  Moderating the temperature was more important.  I have not gone through warm weather though with this configuration, so we will have to see if the moderation lasts.

Of course, low thread all cotton sheets and lighter cotton or silk blankets/comforter in warmer weather will help too.

Thanks all.   Sandman, you kind of confirmed what I was thinking.     Maybe not much difference with a thin wool/cotton pad.    I have not had any heat issues yet (It's cold in NH most of the time!),    I'll probably wait until summer and see how it goes.

markbnh1 wrote:
I'd wait to see if you need it but I do believe wool helps reduce heat in summer and add warmth in winter and it can be "cleaned" simply by leaving it out in the sun.

I would recommend IF you need one, to get a thin one, maybe no more than 1/2" or 1" that squishes down to 1/2" or less. Mine is like 1.5" that squishes down to 1/2". I have at times felt it works and at times felt it did not work. I keep putting it on, finding it doesn't work for me then taking it off, then changing my configuration and trying it again... Mine might be too thick.

LL Bean makes good stuff usually so if they have one that seems a good price and good thickness and materials I'd consider that one.

sandman wrote:

Sandman, which Natura washable wool filled mattress pad do you have?  I remember you ordered a wool pad from Walmart, but didn't realize you had a Natura one too.  I was thinking of adding more wool (under) the wool on top to make it firmer yet.  I like the no seams of the wool on top, but would like it a bit thicker.

Natura makes a machine washable wool pad. 

So do these guys...and it is very nice.

http://dormeir.com/

check their dealer listing.

Leo3 wrote:

I think they only make 1 washable wool mattress pad (note it is  mattrss pad not a "topper"), so that is the one I have.  This is the type that has fabric/elastic on the sides to fit over the mattress.  I put that over my Walmart wool filled topper.  The topper weighs about 6 lb.s (queen).  I think the Natura pad has about 50 oz. of wool, so it is thinner and lighter than the topper.  It has stitching to hold the wool in place, so you may not like that.