6 Difference Between Mattress Pad And Mattress Topper

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Your mattress is the star of your bedroom! It provides you support and comfort all night. But have you wondered how to increase the life expectancy of your mattress?

The two extra components—mattress pad and mattress topper—are the solution. Although they look alike, pad and topper are two very different accessories of mattresses.

While the mattress pad protects your bed, the mattress topper provides extra support to your bed. Slide to know more about mattress pads and toppers and how both differ.

So, let’s make bed shopping confusion-free and straightforward!

 

Mattress Pad

Mattress Pad

Like an army standing on the border to protect the country, a mattress pad is a fabric placed on top of a mattress to protect it from damage and stain.

It also protects the bed from unpleasant odor, allergens like dust mites, pollen, and human body residue like oil, sweat, dead skin cells, and dirt.

It gets placed beneath the bedsheets and blankets for its safety. Overall, a mattress bed increases the life longevity of your mattress.

 

Types of Mattress Pad

Mattress pads are available in different sizes, thicknesses, and materials.

The size of the mattress pad ranges from twin to king-size, depending on what type the customer wants. And based on thickness, it could be a thin or thick mattress pad.

Depending on the material and texture of the mattress pad, it has six types—cotton, wool, latex, feather, memory foam, and fiber mattress pads. Let’s discuss the popular ones in brief.

 

Cotton Mattress Pad

Cotton mattress pads include cotton and are the most popular as they are breathable and hygienic.

Also, it is hypoallergenic that makes it suitable for allergic and sensitive people. Moreover, it is smooth and protects the mattress. However, it doesn’t cover the bed from spills.

 

Wool Mattress Pad

Wool Mattress pads contain sheep wool. They are soft and protect the mattress from moisture, oil, and sweat.

Also, they are usually premium quality materials; however, a wool mattress pad does not protect the mattress from spills and stains. Moreover, it isn’t easy to maintain them properly.

 

Latex Mattress Pad

A latex mattress pad contains natural or synthetic latex or a combination of both. It is best suited when paired with a latex mattress.

It provides bounce to the bed and offers protection from spills and stains to the mattress. However, they are expensive and challenging to take care of.

 

Fiber Mattress Pad

Fiber mattress pads contain fibers like rayon, polyester, and other alternatives (fiberfill).

Some of the fibers, such as polyester, provide excellent strain protection to the mattress, but they could be noisy. Also, they are soft and inexpensive.

However, they cannot get washed in washing machines; therefore, difficult to maintain. It is less breathable than other cotton mattress pads.

 

Pros & Cons of Mattress Pad

S.No. Pros Cons
1. Add protection, warmth, softness, and cushioning to the mattress. Does not provide much support or comfort while sleeping
2. Lightweight and Thin Thinner and lightweight mattress pads are more susceptible to damage.
3. Inexpensive—range between $50-$200 depending on the quality and size Some mattress pad does not protect against spills and stains.
4.     Some are machine washable therefore easy to maintain

Read on to know about mattress toppers.

 

Mattress Topper

Mattress Topper

A mattress topper is a thick fabric placed on a mattress to get additional support and comfort. It provides plush firmness depending on the type of mattress.

They help you sleep well and change the whole surface feel of the mattress. Like mattress pads, it is also placed beneath the bedsheet to keep it safe.

 

Types of Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers are of four types: memory foam, latex, wool, and featherbed mattress topper based on thickness, quality, and material. Let’s discuss them in brief.

 

Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Memory Foam mattress topper provides excellent cushioning to you and your mattress. It is also available in a gel memory foam variant.

They are soft and comfortable. Also, it helps to reduce joint pain, body aches and relieve pressure points. However, it is hot and usually smells when it is new.

 

Latex Mattress Topper

A latex mattress topper provides good support and comfort. It is firm and bouncy and offers excellent support for people with joint pain. Moreover, a latex mattress topper is very durable.

However, it could be responsible for allergies in sensitive people and is less soft.

 

Wool Mattress Topper

The wool mattress topper provides a bit of extra cushion between you and your mattress. It is soft, comfortable, and durable. Moreover, it is cool in summer and warm in winter.

It is also naturally hypoallergenic for many people. However, wool mattress toppers are hard to find and do not support joint pain and body aches.

 

Featherbed Mattress Topper

Featherbed Mattress toppers contain feathers; therefore, they are incredibly soft and inexpensive. It also doesn’t retain heat.

However, they are noisy and quirky and responsible for allergies to some people. Moreover, it doesn’t provide much support, and feather shafts can poke through the fabric.

 

Pros & Cons of Mattress Topper

S.No. Pros Cons
1. Add extra support and comfort. Very expensive
2. The thickness of the mattress topper increases its durability. Difficult to maintain as they are bulky and heavy
3. Relieve pressure point and reduce joint pain and body aches Retain heat and are usually hot
4. It does not protect the mattress.

Finally, the wait is over! Let’s discuss the differences between mattress pads and toppers.

 

Mattress Pad Vs. Mattress Topper

Till now, we have provided you with the need-to-know info on the mattress pad and topper individually. Now, let’s see how both differ.

S.No. Basis Mattress Pad Mattress Topper
1.     Thickness Thinner than mattress topper. Its thickness ranges below one inch. Thicker than mattress pad. Its thickness varies between 1-3 inches.
2.     Aim To protect the mattress from spills, stains, dust, oil, and allergens To provide extra support and comfort
3.     Durability Less durable due to thin structure More durable due to thick structure
4.     Texture Soft and plush, depending upon the type of mattress pad. Firm and soft, depending upon the type of mattress topper.
5.     Maintenance Easy to maintain as they are light and are usually machine washable Difficult to maintain as they are heavy
6.     Cost Less Expensive depending on the quality More expensive depending on the quality

 

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The Bottom Line

The mattress pad and topper are essential components of the bed to increase the life longevity of the mattress. They both look alike, but differ in their purpose, texture, thickness, and so on.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. It is best to use any one of them that suits your need, budget, and most importantly you!

What do you use on your mattress—pad or topper? Please share your experiences in the comment box.

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