Do you love your current mattress but dream of more comfort? Mattress pads and toppers are a perfect way to breathe new life into a mattress! Not sure what the difference is between them? While both provide your mattress with an extra layer of comfort, there are distinct differences between the two. Keep reading to see what these differences are and which product is right for you!

What Is A Mattress Pad?

Mattress pads provide a boost of comfort to any mattress, and use a fitted skirt so that you can secure it to your existing mattress. One of the biggest differences between mattress pads and mattress toppers is what they are made of. The most common materials inside mattress pads are cluster fiber, down filling, and feather filling.

Cluster fiber filling provides the feel of down filling without the allergies, so this material is a good option for those with severe allergies or sensitive skin. Down filling is a durable, long-lasting material while feather filling provides good insulation for your mattress.

Mattress pads also offer additional benefits outside of providing extra comfort. For starters, they are easy to care for, with many being washable in a household washer & dryer. They also offer waterproof pads, so you don’t have to worry when accidental spills occur. Lastly, mattress pads can offer protection from bugs such as dust mites and bed bugs.

What Is A Mattress Topper?

Mattress toppers also provide extra comfort to your mattress, but are typically thicker than a mattress pad, and sit on top of the mattress rather than being secured with a fitted skirt.

The most common filling materials for mattress toppers are memory foam, latex, and feather & down blends. Memory foam pads provide extra support for the body on top of comfort, while latex is durable and a great option for those with joint pain. Lastly, a feather & down blend filling is lightweight & breathable, which is ideal for those seeking ultimate comfort.

As stated before, mattress toppers tend to be thicker than mattress pads, so they can provide up to 3” more oomph to your current mattress. They also offer better body support than mattress pads since they are usually constructed from more durable materials. Lastly, if the thought of washing your entire mattress pad feels like a pain, mattress toppers only require spot cleaning for regular care!

Which One is Right for You? 

Determining if either a mattress pad or mattress topper is the better choice really comes down to your individual needs. If you need more overall mattress protection, allergen reduction, and something that’s easy to clean, then a mattress pad is right for you. If you want a bigger change in comfort to your mattress with added support, then a mattress topper is ideal, especially if you have any joint pain while sleeping. Either way, both options are sure to give you a better night’s sleep!

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