Mattress Protector Vs. Pad Vs. Topper—Which One Do You Need? You typically have to decide whether to buy a mattress protector, pad, or topper after purchasing a mattress. These terms are occasionally mixed up, and many people think they mean the same thing. They all perform a certain duty and function for your mattress, nevertheless, in each case.
What are the distinctions, and which is better for you and your way of life? The main characteristics of the mattress topper, mattress pad, and mattress protector will be discussed in this article so you can decide with confidence what you do and do not need to buy.
What is a Mattress Protector?
This one could be easy for you to guess. The term “mattress protector” means exactly what it says. This cover shields your mattress from stains, allergens, bacteria, spills, and even general wear and tear.
Unfortunately, you cannot simply throw a mattress in the laundry and dryer. Nevertheless, they are a piece of furniture that gathers mud, perspiration, blood, bacteria, and other impurities over time.
Your mattress can be cleaned in a variety of methods, but it requires a lot of work and frequently takes a while to dry. Fortunately, as they are constructed of machine-washable material, mattress protectors are MUCH simpler to clean. A mattress protector must be present on your bed in order to prevent any bothersome mishaps from delaying you from getting a good night’s sleep.
After buying a mattress, you are usually faced with the decision also to buy a mattress protector, pad, or topper. Sometimes people confuse these terms and often believe they are the same thing. However, they each play their specific role and function for your mattress.
So, what are the differences, and which is best suited for you and your lifestyle? This article will review the key features of the mattress topper, mattress pad, and mattress protector so you can confidently decide what you do and what you do not need to buy.
What is a Mattress Protector?
You may be able to guess this one. A mattress protector is precisely what the name implies. This cover protects your mattress from wear and tear, spills, bed-wetting accidents, stains, and even allergens and bacteria!
Unfortunately, a mattress is not something that you can just toss in the washer and dryer. Yet, they are a piece of furniture that accumulates dirt, sweat, blood, bacteria, and other contaminants throughout their lifetime.
Although there are many ways to clean your mattress, it takes quite a bit of work and often a lot of time to dry! Fortunately, a mattress protector is MUCH easier to clean because they are made of machine-washable material! To avoid any annoying disasters from keeping you from a restful night of sleep, a mattress protector is essential to have on your bed.
Types of Mattress Protectors
- Fitted Mattress Protector: Similar to a fitted sheet, this kind of protector gives a secure fit around the edges of your mattress and covers five out of six sides. They are constructed from soft, flimsy material that usually doesn’t alter the feel of your bed.
- Mattress Encasement: Your mattress’s six sides (including the bottom) will be protected by this kind of protector. It can be compared to a really huge pillowcase for your bed. These covers often seal with a zipper, covering the entire mattress and protecting it from potential dangers.
Don’t worry about it changing how comfortable your mattress is since you won’t even notice it is there because both options should be reasonably close to the thickness of a sheet.
Who Ought to Buy a Protector?
I believe that every mattress owner should invest in a mattress protector. A mattress protector can help you avoid issues like mold, mildew, and other bacterial development on your mattress caused by spills, dust, and debris.
If you give it some thought, you invested a lot of money in a bed and spent a lot of time in it, so why not offer some protection to assist prevent premature mattress wear?
What is a Mattress Pad?
A mattress pad serves two purposes for your bed: it provides some protection and some additional comfort. Mattress toppers are thicker than mattress covers, but less so than mattress pads, which are often less than an inch thick.
Similar to a mattress protector, mattress pads can shield your mattress from spills and stains. While higher-quality mattress pads cover the bed like a fitted sheet, some mattress pads adhere to the mattress using elastic straps, leaving the sides exposed.
Cheap mattress covers often have water resistance but don’t completely protect the mattress. However, you should be ready to pay a little bit more if you want fully waterproof mattress pads because you will need to choose a higher-quality item.
Like a mattress protector, a mattress pad is often machine washable as well. Because of this, cleaning it is as simple as doing a load of clothes!
The Mattress Pad’s Level of Comfort
Typically, a mattress pad makes your bed more comfy. They are slightly thicker than a mattress protector, as we have mentioned, and frequently add a little layer of softness to your bed. You’ll note that most mattress pads have quilting on the top as you browse them. Your bed will feel more pillow-top-like with this pattern, adding a second layer of softness beneath your sheet. Mattress covers, however, provide very little additional support.
The negative? You might discover that they make some noise as you move around at night, depending on the mattress pad you buy. For light sleepers, some mattress pads are notorious for making light crinkly noises.
Must I get a mattress pad?
A mattress pad is what you need if you want to increase the level of comfort in your bed without significantly altering the way it feels overall and if you also want to protect your mattress from contaminants, accidents, and stains. A mattress pad can probably help you reach that aim if you’re content with your current mattress but simply wish it was a little plusher.
You do not necessarily need to purchase both a mattress pad and a mattress protector. Your bed’s quality is already protected by mattress pads, which also contribute to the bed’s longer lifespan. Doubling up will just result in your mattress trapping heat, making your bed feel stuffy and warm.
What is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is intended to significantly improve the general degree of comfort in your bed. You should still think about getting a mattress cover in addition to a mattress topper because toppers do not shield your mattress from impurities.
Toppers can be composed of a variety of materials, including memory foam, latex, wool, down, and feathers, and are typically 2″ to 5″ thick. The various materials will give the bed a variety of feels.
Typically, mattress toppers are placed on the mattress and secured with elastic bands that snugly fit around the bed’s corners. Your bed will offer you more support and cushioning as you sleep with this additional layer. Some people discover that a mattress topper enhances the comfort and quality of their sleep.
The fact that mattress toppers cannot be machine washed is one of their less desirable features. The majority of the time, the toppers’ construction and material are too stiff and rigid to be washed. There are plenty more efficient techniques to sanitize your mattress topper, so don’t let this be the only reason you steer clear of them.
When Would a Topper Be Necessary?
For a number of reasons, you might choose to buy a mattress topper for your bed.
- Your bed can be overly firm and in need of some modification to make it more comfortable for sleeping on at night. The overall comfort of the bed can be improved by adding a mattress topper on top of a hard mattress.
- To relieve back pain is another reason you might get a topper. A healthy resting position and support for your pressure spots can be encouraged by the correct mattress topper, which can help reduce pain. Additionally, I would strongly advise speaking with your doctor because your back pain could have underlying issues.
- Fixing a sagging bed or lessening the impressions left on your mattress are the last two reasons to get a mattress topper. It is common to notice changes in the form and quality of your mattress over time. A mattress topper is a second layer that can be added to a bed to lessen the impact of a sagging mattress.
Use a Mattress Protector with a Topper
You should really think about adding a mattress protector if you determine that a mattress topper is the best option for you. You should place a mattress protector over the topper if it is a deep-fitted protector or under the topper if it is a standard protector since, as we said before, a topper is NOT sufficient protection from spills and other accidents.
It’s important to know that a mattress pad won’t work well underneath a topper because it would retain too much heat and make the bed uncomfortable. Remember that the main point of a mattress topper is to promote more comfort; therefore, making a room extremely hot and causing you to perspire all night will be counterproductive. In order to avoid using any thick mattress pads, stick to a protector.
Conclusion: Mattress Protector Vs. Pad Vs. Topper Which is the Best Fit for YOU?
You should consider your needs and the problems you hope to tackle before making a purchase. When deciding whether to purchase a mattress protector, pad, or topper, follow this straightforward advice.
Mattress Protector: Whether a fitted or an encasement mattress protector, you should probably get one if you want to keep your mattress clean. These can be used independently or in conjunction with a mattress topper.
Mattress Pad: Looking for additional comfort and protection without wanting to buy two bed accessories? Consider a mattress pad. A mattress pad combines the functions of a protector and a lightweight topper. You should get a mattress pad if you only want a slight increase in softness and want to keep germs off your mattress.
Mattress Topper: If you currently have a mattress cover and want to dramatically improve the comfort of your mattress, a mattress topper is for you. Your bed’s added cushioning from toppers greatly enhances your sleep quality.
Making an informed choice about which product is best for your specific needs can be made easier if you are aware of the differences between a mattress protector, mattress pad, and mattress topper. Perhaps you desire extra comfort, mattress protection, or both.
