Mattress Topper vs. Mattress Pads

If you’re thinking about purchasing a mattress topper or pad, there are a few things you’ll need to know. The first is that they both have benefits specific to their construction. It’s common for people to mix these items up and use the words interchangeably, but knowing the difference will make shopping easier.

Let’s look at the differences and benefits of mattress toppers and mattress pads.

What Is A Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper is bedding you can place on top of your bed for additional comfort. It’s designed to enhance the firmness of your mattress and is great for sleepers looking to add more plushness to their mattress.

Mattress toppers are often confused with mattress pads, but toppers are much thicker. A mattress topper can be up to 4 inches thick. They usually come with straps to help attach them more securely to your mattress.

Even if they do not come with straps, you should be able to place them on your bed without running into any issues. All you need to do is place the topper on the surface of your bed, then add your protector or tightly fitted sheets to secure them.

Mattress toppers come in various materials and can be found with gel, foam, latex, and other components.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Neck Pain

Benefits of Using Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers come with tons of benefits. They are popular because they enhance the comfort and support of your bed. With a mattress topper, you can alter the feel of your bed without purchasing an entirely new mattress. Sometimes adding a mattress topper to your bed can help with joint and muscle pains.

Your topper may offer excellent pressure relief and take the strain off sensitive body parts like your neck and back, depending on what you purchase. Overall, this may result in more restorative rest for you.

Mattress toppers can take some of the pressure off your mattress, which might help extend the life of your bed. Additionally, this can help prevent your mattress from sagging and sinking. They’ll also keep the surface of your bed clean. Toppers prevent dust mites and dirt from getting into your mattress, which means that it can stay fresh for longer periods.

Lastly, some cooling mattress toppers can help people avoid overheating as they sleep.

Drawbacks of Mattress Toppers

There are a couple of disadvantages to purchasing a mattress topper. These items tend to be extra thick, making it harder for sleepers to transport or move. Its thickness can also be the culprit of hotter sleep.

Depending on the material used, its plush layer can create a warm sleeping surface that some people may find uncomfortable.

Mattress toppers are a lot harder to clean. You can not throw a memory foam mattress topper in the washing machine because it will damage the material. Toppers with materials like down or cotton may be machine washable, but this is not a guarantee.

Plus, larger toppers, like a queen size mattress topper, likely won’t fit into the average washing machine anyway. Instead, you can try freshening up a topper the way you would clean a mattress.

If you need to clean your mattress topper, you will need to use baking soda and vinegar mixture for the best result. This usually works for spot cleaning your mattress topper but doing a full-out clean will be more time-consuming.

Mattress toppers are not the most affordable bedding. Most high-quality models sold today are priced between $150 and $450. This might be a little pricey for some sleepers, but you should avoid purchasing if you see lower prices.It’s likely that these mattress toppers are not made with quality materials and will probably become damaged.

SEE ALSO: How to Keep a Mattress Topper From Sliding

Types of Mattress Toppers

There are plenty of mattress toppers to choose from, but you’ll want to pick the one most compatible with your sleep needs. Some mattress toppers may be too retain heat, so they might not be the best for hot sleepers.

Some sleepers might be looking for specific qualities like contouring and responsiveness that are only featured on certain kinds of toppers. Here we look at the most common types of mattress toppers.

Memory Foam Toppers

Memory foam toppers are the most popular among sleepers. These toppers offer excellent pressure relief and are perfect for people looking for contouring comfort. Memory foam is known to absorb heat and might be too hot for some.

A great alternative might be to buy a gel memory foam topper instead. This might keep your sleeping surface cooler, but some sleepers might need a topper with better moisture-wicking properties. Another option is an egg crate mattress topper, with cutouts in the foam that boost breathability.

Featherbed Topper

A feather bed mattress topper is constructed with feathers from geese or down. Featherbeds have a similar feel to the pillow top mattress and add a bonus layer of softness to your mattress. Unlike pillowtop mattresses, featherbed pads do not wear down quickly, and they can be used as soft mattress toppers for years without becoming damaged.

While this topper can let you mimic the feel of a pillow top mattress without the cost, you should know that feather material is not hypoallergenic. Allergy sufferers should look to other toppers that are allergy-friendly rather than investing in a featherbed topper.

Wool Toppers

Wool is proven to wick away moisture, great for hotter sleepers. With a wool topper, you may be able to regulate your bed’s temperature better.

Since wool is a soft and fluffy material, it will keep you warm in the winter month. However, due to its moisture-wicking properties, you should also be able to stay pretty cool during the summer.

Latex Toppers

Latex toppers will offer your bed significant cushioning and tons of bounce. Latex foam is one of the most durable mattress materials and is resistant to dust mites and mold. Natural latex is also hypoallergenic, which might be good for allergy sufferers.

It will be a bit expensive to purchase a latex topper, but the benefits may be worth it in the long run. A latex topper will provide your bed with more responsive support, and you’ll be sure to see a change in your bed’s firmness.

What is a Mattress Pad?

Mattress pads are designed to offer an extra layer of comfort on the surface of your bed. You can usually find mattress pads attached to fitted sheets or strapped to the corners of your beds, and they can fit over a mattress protector. This helps protect your bed from everyday wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your mattress.

Mattress pads are also resistant to stains and spills, preventing damage to your beds. Also, mattress pads are not as thick as traditional mattress toppers, but they may offer more comfort.

Benefits of Using Mattress Pad

The perks of adding a mattress pad to your bed potentially make your bed feel a bit softer. See our how to make a mattress softer or firmer guide for more tips.

This is great for sleepers who have an old mattress that’s too firm and want a softer sleeping surface. Ultimately this can help with back pain and relieve tension on pressure points.

Mattress pads are lightweight and not overly thick, so you should be able to transport them without issues.

Plus, placing them on your bed will be pretty straightforward. Using a mattress pad will also help you protect your mattress from stains and spills, which might extend the lifespan of your bed.

Disadvantages of Mattress Pads

There are a few drawbacks to purchasing a mattress pad. They are prone to damage, especially when they’re made with low-quality materials.

Unlike mattress toppers, pads only offer a limited amount of comfort enhancement. Most sleepers will notice a slight change in their beds’ firmness, but it is highly unlikely that you’ll see a significant difference.

Types of Mattress Pads

There are a few different kinds of mattress pads that are available for purchase. While you’re out shopping, you’ll come across traditional memory foam pads made with cotton or synthetic fiberfill.

These are usually the most commonly utilized sleepers; however, there may be other types of mattress pads made with feathers, wool, or memory foam you can also choose from. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of mattress pads in this next section.

Memory Foam Mattress Pads

Memory foam mattress pads are not a common purchase for sleepers. The reason being is because they only offer a little bit of cushioning, and pressure point relief is limited. Memory foam pads are not machine washable, and maintenance may be difficult.

Feathers Mattress Pads

Feather mattress pads are made from the coatings of ducks and geese. Sometimes they may even feature down, which are softer feathers. Their soft, plush feel will also create a cozy sleeping surface.

These pads will not be the best choice for all sleepers since they are not hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should steer clear of this item. We should also mention that material can poke through the mattress pad, especially if it is not made with high-quality materials.

Wool Mattress Pads

Wool mattress pads may be a good option for hot sleepers since this material is proven to wick away moisture. Plus, wool is resistant to mold dust and allergens, which will provide more protection for your mattress.

We will mention that wool is a pretty expensive natural material, and maintenance may be a struggle. Wool mattress pads are not machine washable, so you might have to trip to the dry cleaners to keep them looking good.

Cotton Mattress Pads

Cotton is one of the most common mattress materials and is famous for its low maintenance qualities and affordability.

Cotton mattress pads are machine-washable and long-lasting, but the downside is that moisture can seep through this material, creating a hotter sleeping environment. Another disadvantage of using a cotton mattress pad is it might not protect from spills and stains because of its absorbent qualities.

SEE ALSO: Organic Cotton vs. Regular Cotton

Synthetic Mattress Pads

Polyester, rayon, and down alternatives, known as fiberfill, make synthetic mattress pads. Choosing a synthetic mattress pad is usually a good choice if you are someone with a tight budget.

These mattress pads offer excellent stain resistance and pretty good cushioning for your bed. You should know that synthetic mattress pads cannot be machine washed, so maintaining this item may be tricky.

More upscale synthetic mattress pads may also double as heated mattress pads, relying on heating wires to create a warm surface on a cool winter’s night. A few luxury ones also have cooling features.

To clean this item, you’ll need to lightly spray a solution of liquid soap or detergent over an area of the mattress topper, then gently rub it with a cloth or sponge. Leave it for about 20- 30 minutes, and then spray it with clean water. Blot it as dry as possible with paper towels, then leave it to dry naturally.

Mattress Topper vs. Mattress Pad: What’s the Difference?

Many people think that mattress pads and toppers are the same. However, they have a lot of differences you’ll want to be privy to while you’re out shopping. Next, we’ll look at some differences between a mattress topper and mattress pads. Then, we’ll offer some advice on which one you should choose.

Mattress Topper vs Pad: Function

The most significant difference between mattress toppers and pads is their functionality. Mattress toppers are designed to enhance the firmness or softness of your bed. Toppers are usually extra thick and provide a significant change in support for your bed, and may offer more restorative rest.

Mattress pads are also great for enhancing sleep, but their primary function is protection. If you purchase a mattress pad, you should not expect a huge change in how your mattress feels.

Mattress pads are also a lot lighter than toppers, so you should be able to move them around without issue. Typically a mattress pad will only be about 1 to 2 inches thick.

Mattress Topper vs. Mattress Pad: Price

Both mattress toppers in pads come in a variety of materials. Sleepers will have plenty of options, but purchasing a topper might be a larger investment. You should spend at least $150 or more on a quality mattress topper. Going lower in price will only result in a topper with cheap, flimsy materials.

Buying a mattress pad may be a bit more affordable. The average price point for a standard mattress pad is $60 to $100. As we previously mentioned, try your best to steer clear of too good prices to be true.

Pad or Topper: Which One Should I Choose?

If you want the ultimate protection and comfort for your mattress, you can try using both a topper and a pad.

Pairing a topper with a pad will shield your bed against spills and other damage. Additionally, it will provide your bed with more comfort than just using a mattress pad alone.

If you are having trouble deciding which item to pick, you should analyze your sleep needs. A mattress topper will be your best bet if you need more enhancing comfort.

A mattress pad will offer some comfort, but it will not alter the feel of your bed like a topper. However, buying a mattress pad may be a nice fix for comfort if you cannot afford a mattress topper.

Saving on Mattress Accessories

Whether you’re interested in a new mattress topper or pad, you save greatly by looking at accessory discounts that accompany the year’s big mattress sales:

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FAQS

Can you have a mattress pad and topper?

It’s perfectly acceptable to use a mattress topper and pad. This will provide your bed with more plush comfort than using each item individually.

Your mattress pad will keep your toppers and mattress protected while offering a bit of cushioning. On the other hand, your mattress topper will change the overall feel of your bed, enhancing its plushness throughout.

Is a mattress topper the same as a mattress pad?

Though many people tend to mix up the names of these items, mattress pads and toppers are not the same. Both items enhance the comfort of your bed, but a mattress pad will only provide limited cushioning.

A mattress topper has more cushioning and can change the firmness of your bed. Its primary purpose is to protect your bed from stains, spills, and other debris. Most people will gravitate to mattress toppers when they want to add some softness to a firm mattress.

Does a mattress pad go under the sheet?

To place a mattress pad on your bed properly, you’ll need to put it directly on your mattress. This will help shield your mattress from dirt and debris. Then once it is secured (usually by elastic bands), you can place your sheet over your mattress pad.

How do you put on a mattress topper?

Here’s how you place your mattress topper on your bed:

1. First, unpack it, then let it expand completely.
2. Then next, position it on top of the mattress and secure it in place to prevent it from sliding,
3. If you have a mattress protector, place it over the mattress topper. If not, skip to the next step.
4. Position your mattress topper over the mattress and secure it in place with a tightly fitted sheet.

Can I buy a memory foam mattress topper instead of a memory foam mattress?

Buying a memory foam topper can be a great solution to creating a softer sleeping surface. It will more than likely be cheaper to purchase a topper with memory foam than an actual bed. So, you won’t have to worry about overextending your budget or investing in a new mattress.

However, purchasing a memory foam bed can be better than sleeping on traditional innerspring beds. Making the switch may prevent you from needing a mattress topper in the first place.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned a bit about mattress pads and toppers, you’ll need to choose the one that is the best fit for you. Both items provide enhanced comfort, but toppers are better if you’re looking for a significant change in your bed’s feel.

Mattress pads are typically better for protection. However, if you can, always go the extra mile and choose both! Ultimately this will take the comfort of your bed to the next level.