2" Organic Latex Mattress Topper - GOLS & GOTS Certified, Firm Support for California King Beds | Natural Sleep Solution for Back Pain Relief & Pressure Point Relief

I am a procrastinator. I am now and always have been. You will benefit slightly since I have been sleeping on this topper for almost nine months and I, naturally, procrastinated in writing this review. So it should come as no surprise that I waited much too long to change my old-as-dirt, lumpy, taco-shaped torture chamber masquerading as a mattress. I knew that I did not want to purchase a mattress that included springs in any form so my choices were rather limited. After many, many hours of research and reading any and every review I could find, I finally decided on a generic memory foam mattress from the big box store that was available on their website. In an effort to provide full disclosure I will say the memory foam was my second choice behind a 100% organic latex mattress but spending thousands on a mattress is something I wasn't willing to do at the time so I had to settle for second best. It was easier doing so knowing I was also purchasing this topper at the same time. I was surprised when the box arrived since it was smaller than a keg of beer. I pulled out the topper which was enclosed in what looked like a black trash bag. I realized it was vacuum-sealed and carefully removed the black bag layer under which was another plastic covering. So I again begin to carefully remove this wrapping and if I had not had the same experience with the memory foam mattress a few days earlier would have scared myself with how quickly this thing expands and tries to come out of the wrapping once the seal is broken and air is returned to the topper. I plopped it on the mattress as fast as I could and let it return to form. The first thing I noticed was the smell which is familiar since I own a latex pillow but there was also another smell which was rather chemical-like and I assumed it was from either the plastic packaging or the vacuum process itself. However, it wasn't overwhelming and dissipated fully in a couple of days. I then took stock of the topper itself and was rather displeased as to its aesthetics. There were two, albeit smallish, black smudges of some sort on the topper (which remain to this day). Secondly, and most unappealing, was the entire left side of the topper looked like it had been cut out of a king size to fit on a queen bed. The topper is comprised of what I refer to as "zones". The outer perimeter contains uniform holes from the manufacturing process. Inside of this perimeter is another "zone" without any uniform holes, just the natural ones made by the air bubbles released during the molding process. The inner zone is again full of the uniform holes which from what I understand help to keep the air circulating while sleeping. The "zoned" nature of the mattress made the hack job glaringly obvious and for the price I paid I certainly expected different. I suppose it wouldn't have been such a big deal if they would of at least cut it straight but there is an inch overhang on the bottom where the cut got misaligned. Having said all this, I'm sure you're wondering how in the world I determined this product deserved 5 stars after the problems I incurred. Simply, this topper has changed my life. From the very first night till present, I get rejuvenating rest each and every time I lay down to sleep. I sincerely had no idea just how poorly I was sleeping until I woke up after my first nights sleep on this topper and had not a single body ache or pain and I was wide awake and lacking any brain fog like I normally experience when I first lumber out of bed. I was so excited but being the consummate cynic I chalked it up to my old mattress being so bad that anything newer would certainly feel heavenly. But night after night and morning after morning I continue to experience the same wondrous feeling. I utterly dislike having to sleep anywhere other than my own bed because I am inevitably going to wake up cranky, tired, and sore no matter the newness or type of mattress I sleep on. Natural latex has this incredibly unique property of being soft to the point of feeling almost buoyant and weightless while also being supportive and cradling the contours of the body. And if you want to be truly amazed, just search the web for latex mattresses that are still around from the 50's, 60's, and 70"s! Latex's durability is unparalleled which is why I felt justified in spending so much on this topper. It feels nothing like even the most expensive, top of the line memory foam mattress I previously thought I wanted. Memory foam uses body heat to soften and conform to your curves and in doing so retains that heat as synthetic materials aren't normally breathable. It also takes a bit for memory foam to return to its shape so you often find yourself slipping into the same spot you just tried to roll out of. This latex topper is natural and breathable which allows for proper air circulation and for someone who flips the pillow over just to get to the cold side this was a very important priority in my comfort. Also, the latex springs up instantaneously when pressure is removed so there is no falling into the same body hole over and over. My topper was received with an International Latex sticker on it meaning the Talalay manufacturing process was used. This information should be clearly defined in the description as Talalay and Dunlop processes are distinctly different and therefore create a different end product that the buyer should be made aware of. I would have been less hesitant to buy if I would have known this was an International Latex product. The last thing I would like to point out is that natural latex is hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and mildew, mold and dust mite resistant. There is no off-gassing like with synthetic latex and memory foam and no petrochemicals so it's green and eco-friendly. Also, utilizing a rubber tree's sap doesn't harm the tree which makes it a sustainable resource. If you've read this far I applaud your efforts and will spare you further grief as I could actually go on and on about the information I have learned and how crazy I am for natural latex sleep products. I cannot recommend a natural latex topper or mattress enough.