What is the Difference Between a Mattress Pad & a Mattress Topper?

Whether you are a college student heading off to live in a dorm with an aging and questionable mattress or a sleeper who believes in ultimate comfort and luxury, it’s a good idea to investigate how a mattress pad and topper could change your sleep quality. 

Accessories, like mattress pads and mattress toppers, are relatively inexpensive ways to breathe new life into an old mattress, or even provide extra support, padding, or protection to a new one. Not only will a quality mattress topper and pad extend the life of your aging mattress, but it could also help you get a better night’s sleep.

But what is the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress pad? Understanding these differences is essential when shopping for your dream home, dorm room or first apartment. Here’s a quick guide to understand the differences that could make a massive difference in your sleep quality.

What is a Mattress Pad?

A mattress pad usually comes as a fitted sheet that goes over or zips around a mattress or contains straps to fasten the pad to the mattress. (No one wants their pad sliding off during a restless night of tossing and turning.) Typically, mattress pads are made of materials like cotton, polyester, or blends and are often quilted or padded to offer additional padding to the top of the mattress. However, that is not the overall purpose of a mattress pad. 

Mattress pads are mainly designed to protect the mattress from stains and spills while offering these additional benefits as well:

• Adds a layer of waterproof protection
• Aids in the prevention of dust mite growth
• Protects the mattress from stains and spills and can be removed for regular cleaning
• A cost-effective way to lengthen the life of your mattress

Some more expensive and luxurious mattress pads offer a heating or cooling element to ensure a more restful sleep if a person tends to run hot or cold at night. Due to their design, mattress pads typically stay put on the bed and will not shift as the sleeper moves around at night. If this shifting should occur, consider a different style or brand that will better fit your bed and sleep movements. 

What is a Mattress Topper?

Where a mattress pad protects a mattress from stains, spills, and allergens, a mattress topper adds a layer of comfort. Think of a mattress topper as a miniature mattress; they’re much thicker than mattress pads and designed to provide an even more comfortable sleep experience. Depending on your desired thickness, they often come in 2, 3, or 4-inch toppers. 

Usually, mattress toppers are not secured to the mattress itself but simply laid on top of it, underneath a regular fitted sheet. They stay secure by remaining under the fitted sheet or mattress pad. Mattress toppers are made of down, foam, cotton, memory foam, or latex, which offers a variety of comfort options depending on individual needs. 

Mattress toppers have multiple benefits, including: 

• Making a firm mattress feel softer or a soft mattress firmer 
• Helping relieve pressure points and improve sleep quality
• Protecting the mattress from wear and tear

The downside of a mattress topper is that it can be bulky and hard to clean. Although it offers many additional benefits and greater comfort, it tends to be costlier than mattress pads.

Combo Mattress Pad & Topper 

If you want the best of both worlds, comfort and protection, consider using a mattress topper and a mattress pad. The mattress pad provides cushioning and protection, while the topper enhances comfort and support. Be sure to check that your pad and topper fit over your mattress, as the added thickness may mean you need a deeper pad and/or sheets. If this should be the case, you may need to special-order sheets to fit your desired thickness of the topper and to ensure that all the layers stay put while you sleep. 

For college students who want a combination of a mattress topper and pad for their dorm room, be sure to choose the correct size, as many colleges and universities offer extra-long twin-size beds. Contact your college’s resident life office to confirm sizing before you purchase. 

Which Should You Choose?

Deciding between a mattress pad and a mattress topper depends on your specific needs. Do you need to protect a new mattress from stains, or are you looking to boost the comfort of an existing mattress? In some cases, it may be beneficial to purchase both a mattress pad and a mattress topper. 

Ask an Expert 

Contact Gardner Mattress today to find out more about the options we offer in mattress pads and mattress toppers. We’ll help you discover the right choice for your needs.