Mattress Pads vs. Mattress Toppers: Which is the best?

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You’re probably getting a lot of information about mattress pads, covers, or protectors after looking for some tips or ways on how to better your current sleep setup. We’re afraid you also had encountered a bed-mattress-pad-protector-cover. But let’s focus on pads and mattress for now.

Mattress pads and mattress toppers can both secure a good night’s sleep. The two can secure another layer of comfort, support, and luxury to your bed. Most of the time, they’re interchangeably used, but they’re totally distinct from one another. Check out their differences here!

Mattress Pads

Are you looking for an added layer of comfort in your bed? But not as thick as a latex or memory foam? You’d probably want to check for a mattress pad. It’s a generic term for that fluffy and fitted sheet-like layer that’s either placed over or strapped on the corners of your mattress.

Which situations require mattress pads best?

We’ve rounded up a few typical sleeping troubles that only need a mattress pad as a quick solution. Opt for a mattress pad when:

  1. Your costly mattress protector creates noises, which disturb your sleep

  2. Your bed is very firm, and you want to soften it up without spending a lot

  3. You need to waterproof your existing bed, and you don’t like mattress protector (because again it creates annoying sounds)

  4. Your doctor recommend you to add a layer of support on your bed for health purposes

  5. Your bed is pretty old and cramp, but unfortunately, you don’t have enough budget to have it replace yet

In general, the main advantage of a mattress pad is that it can add more support and soften your bed, supplying another layer of comfort to your mattress. Unfortunately, it would not revive any bed that’s passed its prime.

There are different upgraded versions of mattress pads. Women can always rely on waterproof mattress pads during their menses or pregnancy. For stuffy sleepers, cooling mattress pads are recommended. Also, a pillow top mattress pad is best for side sleepers.

You can opt for an organic mattress pad, as well. This type of pad is more costly than others. But rest assured that they’re chemical-free. They wouldn’t harm children and people with sensitive skin. Remember to always triple-check the materials used in these pads.

Mattress Toppers

Some claim that mattress toppers are basically the upgraded versions of a mattress pad. If we have to compare memory foam toppers from mattress pads, the first thing you should think of is its size. Toppers are much thicker and can provide more cushioning than the average pads.

Which situations require mattress pads best?

There are two main reasons why people opted for mattress toppers. The first one is to make a firm mattress softer, and the second is to serve as a remedy for a shabby mattress. But if your bed is showing signs of irreparable wear-and-tear, a topper might end up as a costly short-term fix for it. In this case, consider buying a new mattress that can last 10-15 years instead.

Mattress toppers are usually without the fitted sheet construction and come from different materials, including foam, memory foam, or latex, as well as down, wool, or cotton varieties. Here are the most popular kinds of mattress toppers:

  1. Memory foam toppers

-              tend to be soft yet supportive

-              minimize partner disturbance

  1. Feather toppers

-              one of the softest in the market

-              almost as soft as feather-filled duvet

-              feathers can escape from the fabric

  1. Cotton and Polyester-Blend toppers

-              the cheapest in the market

-              mimics featherbed toppers, so it’s breathable

-              can’t offer long-lasting comfort

-              easily get worn-out

  1. Latex toppers

-              one of the most expensive in the market

-              hypoallergenic

-              dust mites- and bacteria-resistant

-              made from natural materials

-              can discolor and crumble due to oxidation

  1. Wool toppers

-              the most expensive in the market

-              thermal regulating toppers, safe for everyone, especially for children

Mattress toppers can also be placed on top of your mattress like the pads. But they can also fit under your bed sheet and wouldn’t tend to move around too much compared to mattress protectors or pads.

Mattress toppers are now the trend. There's no doubt that there will be more other kinds in the market. You should look for a topper that can keep your body cradled, cushioned, and supported all night long. You have to choose the right one that can serve their purpose for a longer time.

Takeaway

If you’re only looking for an additional layer of plushness on your bed, just buy a mattress pad. Alternatively, if you want to change your bed but don’t want to spend more in buying a new mattress, go for a mattress topper. Either way, both mattresses can enhance your sleep quality.

Author Bio
Analisse Weathers started her career as a copywriter, and now she’s a product marketing associate. She’s still doing content marketing whenever she likes. Home improvement, IOT integration, finance, health and fitness, and fashion are her writing forte.