The work of mattress pads and toppers is to offer you maximum comfort and protection in your bed. They also add some plush to your bed, with toppers being thicker versions of mattress pads. Besides helping you remain comfortable, they also extend the life of your bed by protecting it from wear and tear.
Whether you want to buy a new mattress or better take care of your existing one, you should always aspire to improve your sleep setup, regardless of whether you sleep during the night or the day, which you can read about here. And there isn't a better way than using mattress pads and toppers. So, which one is ideal for your mattress?
Mattress Pads
Let's start with the definition of mattress pads. Mattress pads are the layers that cover your mattress to provide more comfort during your sleep. They are often slightly fluffy and don't have thick latex or foam. Mattress pads cannot revive old or worn-out mattresses, but they can enhance comfort during your sleep. If your focus is on mattress protection then buy one of the waterproof options, as they are designed for this purpose.
Besides simple mattress pads, there are also cooling mattress pads or pillow top mattress pads, which have gels that help your mattress to remain cooler. Mattress pads are also ideal for uncomfortable mattresses and will enable you to get a good night's rest without much struggle.
Though it's a secondary benefit, some pads can also protect your beddings from stains and spills. They achieve this via additional layers between the mattress and yourself to make them last longer.
Types of Mattress Pads
There are various types of mattress pads including:
- Cotton mattress pads
- Feather mattress pads
- Wool mattress pads
- Fiber mattress pads
- Latex mattress pads
Pros of Mattress Pads
- They are easier to move from one place to another
- They help reduce the noise of a mattress protector or mattress
- They are affordable
- They can help protect your mattress from stains and moisture
- They are stable once attached and rarely move around
Cons of Mattress Pads
- They can easily get damaged depending on the material and manufacturer
- They don’t offer maximum support, unlike mattress toppers
Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers have thick layer padding, commonly memory foam, to support your mattress and enhance comfort. They're placed on top of the mattress and are held in place by fitted sheets. Foam mattress toppers can be manufactured from memory foam or foam latex. Memory foam is stuffy, more durable, and contours to your body. On the other hand, foam latex is firmer and quite expensive.
Types of Mattress Toppers
There are various types of mattress toppers including:
- Memory foam mattress toppers
- Wool mattress toppers
- Latex mattress toppers
- Featherbed mattress toppers
Pros of Mattress Toppers
- They can increase the life of your mattress through stain and spill protection
- Increases the comfort of your mattress
- It offers maximum support, making it ideal for people with back or neck pain
- Protects your mattress from sagging
Cons of Mattress Toppers
- They insulate body heat which can make the bed warmer
- Cleaning them can be a hassle
- They are quite expensive compared to mattress pads
Differences between Mattress Toppers and Mattress Pads
- Mattress pads are usually less than an inch thick, while toppers are over 1-inch thick
- Mattress toppers offer more superior protection from wear and tear than pads
- Some mattress pads are spill and stain-resistant, while toppers do not offer protection from stains and spills
- Most mattress pads are machine-washable, while toppers are hard to clean
Should I buy a Mattress Topper or Mattress Pad?
Since mattress toppers and pads have different functions, your ideal choice would depend on your needs. If you want to protect your mattress, then buy a mattress pad. It offers maximum protection combined with little added comfort. If you are on a budget and comfort is not your top priority, then a mattress pad is the best choice. They are also easier to move, clean, and attach to your mattress.
But if you want to enhance the feel and support of your mattress, your best choice is a mattress topper. It can give your mattress a new lease on life. Additionally, if you have a medical condition such as back or neck pain, or acid reflux, then go for the topper option. It will add comfort while helping to extend the life of your mattress.
What to consider before you choose a Mattress Topper or Pad
If you are undecided on whether to buy a mattress pad or mattress topper, consider the factors below.
Quality and Affordability
The market boasts of numerous pads and toppers for your mattress. Check online or your local store for the best prices or deals for mattress toppers and pads.
Support Needed
If your bed is too soft, you will need a mattress topper to enhance its firmness and act as a cushion. If your mattress has worn out, then the best option is to buy a new one made from latex foam; it will make your bed firmer.
Type of Mattress
If your bed has a lumpy surface, it's wiser to get a mattress topper. A topper will improve your bed's comfort by providing a cushion for your body from the bedsprings.
How to get Additional Support
If you are thinking of enhancing your mattress's support, then a pillow is a great place to start. A high-quality pillow cover will also offer you the heat management benefits of high-quality mattress pads.
And you won't have to spend more money as a pillow protector will extend the life of your pillows.
Some final thoughts
If you're undecided on whether to buy a mattress topper or mattress pad for your bed, then hopefully the information in this article can help you make your decision. At the end of the day, you must get a good night's sleep, so use that as the basis for your decision.
