Take one step into any bedding store and you’ll see just how many ways there are to enhance your sleeping experience. Mattress protectors, mattress pads, and mattress toppers are just a few healthy and comfortable ways to make sure you get a good night’s sleep (and to increase the lifespan of your mattress).
Check out our best-reviewed mattress protectors, here.
If mattress protectors, pads, and toppers were all members of a family, mattress pads and toppers would be siblings, and the mattress protector would be their cousin.
All three types of bed products are made to help enhance your mattress, but pads and toppers have more in common with each other than they do with mattress protectors.
Mattress Pad
Mattress pads add an extra (thinner) layer of comfort to your mattress and are usually attached with a fitted sheet design or with straps that hold it to the mattress.
The main goal of any mattress pad is to add a comfortable layer over the surface of your mattress. You may need this for several reasons:
- You need additional support and/or comfort or customization for medical reasons
- Your mattress is too firm – you can add a mattress pad or topper to adjust the firmness
- Your current mattress is older and no longer comfortable but you are not ready to replace it
- You want to waterproof/protect your bed but you don’t want a mattress protector
- Your mattress protector makes noise and you want to muffle it with a comfortable mattress pad
Some mattress pads come with waterproof properties and prevent dust mites and allergies. Others are made from materials that merely create a more comfortable sleep environment but offers no mattress protection.
Mattress Topper
The mattress topper is like an upgraded – often thicker – version of a mattress pad. They are both designed to make your current mattress more comfortable.
Mattress toppers usually sit on the top of your mattress (some do have straps to attach them to your mattress).
Since they tend to be on the thicker side, mattress toppers can be filled with a variety of materials. You may see toppers in the following materials (among others):
- Down
- Foam
- Memory Foam
- Gel Memory Foam
- Cotton
- Fiberfill (polyester cluster puffs)
- Latex
Some mattress brands make their own mattress toppers. For example, Tempur-Pedic makes their own topper filled with “TEMPUR material.”
Bottom Line
When it comes down to choosing between a mattress pad or a mattress topper, it really is a personal choice and all about how much you want to change the surface of your bed.
You may choose a mattress topper over a mattress pad if you are trying to change the entire surface feel of your mattress.
For example, if you have an innerspring mattress but would like to change it up, you could consider a memory foam mattress topper.
On the other hand, if you enjoy your mattress surface – but would like some added comfort or just an additional layer between your mattress and your sheets – you could choose a cotton mattress pad.
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