Mattress protector vs mattress topper: Which one do you need?

Mattress protector vs mattress topper: Which one do yous need?

Mattress protector vs mattress topper: A Nectar Mattress Protector on the left hand side of the image and a Tempur-Pedic mattress topper on the right

(Image credit: Nectar Slumber / Tempur-Pedic)

When it comes to a mattress protector vs mattress topper, information technology'southward like shooting fish in a barrel to confuse the ii. In a nutshell, a protector is a thin layer that safeguards your bed confronting sweat, allergens, spillages and bugs. A bed topper is a thicker slab of memory cream, latex or other material that tin can instantly change the feel of your mattress, making information technology softer or firmer to suit your sleep.

Every bit we explicate in our best mattress toppers guide, because of the big departure in thickness and the differences in materials and price, information technology's very easy to tell them autonomously from the all-time mattress protectors. While toppers do add a caste of protection, and padded protectors tin can add together slight comfort, it'due south important to get clear on what these products practice and why you might need one – or both.

If you have recently bought the all-time mattress for your sleep and budget, keeping it in skillful condition from the showtime volition help it last longer. For that, a mattress protector is unbeatable. If your current bed has a couple more years left in it, yet needs a dollop of extra comfort or support, nothing beats a bed topper.

Here go through some of the key differences betwixt a mattress protector vs mattress topper, looking at price, function, design and comfort, besides as which i is the most suitable for your needs.

Mattress protector vs mattress topper: What is a bed topper?

A mattress topper is normally two-4" thick
They can significantly alter the feel of an existing mattress
They are usually spot-clean only, but some have washable covers

The Tempur Topper Supreme (pictured) is one of the most highly-rated mattress toppers in America (Image credit: Tempur-Pedic)

Bed toppers are a fast and affordable way to upgrade your existing mattress. So if yours is currently too firm, you might need the actress pressure relief from a thick memory foam or feather pick. If y'all sleep hot yet don't have the budget for one of the best cooling mattresses, a cooling topper will help regulate your in-bed temperature.

These typically starting time around one-2" thick, with some going upwardly to 4". They are usually made with the same materials found in different mattresses in a box, such as retentiveness foam or latex. Toppers rest on superlative of your mattress, with some having non-skid surfaces or elasticated straps to assist go along it in place below you.

Using a good quality topper can extend the life of your mattress past a few years. Withal, they should non exist used on ageing or sagging mattresses, as they all the same need a decent foundation to help give your body the support it needs while you're sleeping. If your current bed has seen better days, so at that place is no substitute for a make-new mattress.

But if your existing bed is even so in skilful condition, but you demand a firmer surface to support your spine, then at that place are many foam mattress toppers that provide excellent support, while extra cushioning options evangelize pressure relief for the knees, hips and shoulders.

Mattress protector vs mattress topper: What is a mattress encompass?

A mattress protector safeguards confronting spills, dirt and allergens
About can be machine done and stale
They will not change the concrete comfort of your bed

Best mattress protectors: The Nectar Mattress Protector in white — The Nectar Mattress Protector (pictured) is typical of a more premium offering with waterproofing qualities (Prototype credit: Nectar Sleep)

Mattress covers (protectors) are designed with material that is usually either waterproof or water-resistant. They are compatible with most beds and are vital if yous want to proceed your mattress in good condition for as long as possible.

In essence, they ensure you're sleeping on a fresh, hypoallergenic surface - and one that's often sweat-wicking. These sparse all the same hard-working fabric layers tin can exist auto washed and are fairly inexpensive, often starting from as little as $10.

Regardless of how much you pay or how padded it is, a mattress protector will not modify the physical feel of your bed. So if yous're looking for extra support, cooling or softness, then you lot should pick a mattress topper instead.

Protectors can be used on all way of beds, including hybrid and memory cream mattresses. It's worth checking the depth of your mattress earlier you buy a mattress protector to brand sure information technology will fit. Most employ simple elasticated straps, or attach in the aforementioned way a fitted canvas would.

Mattress protector vs mattress topper: Differences

Protectors provides hygiene; toppers provides comfort
Protectors are thinner and are machine washable
Toppers are thicker and commonly spot-clean only

A woman with brown hair lies on top of a blue Linenspa 3 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper — (Image credit: Linenspa)

A mattress protector is essential, while a topper is optional. In other words, no thing what, you should use a protector to keep your bed in good condition. This is especially true if you have recently bought a new mattress, every bit you could risk voiding the warranty or blowing the terms of the trial period if you don't go along it in good status. Other central differences include the following...

Protectors fit over a mattress to create a barrier confronting sweat, allergens and spilled liquids. And while mattress toppers too provide protection, they come with the extra office of adding firmness, softness or cooling, to radically alter the feel of your bed.

Even so, if you sleep hot, some mattress covers are made with cooling fabric and can oftentimes be washed in the machine, although some practise come with removable washable covers.

Mattress protectors are thinner and are made from bedding fabrics such as cotton wool or polyester, with added waterproofing to prevent liquid seeping through. Bed toppers are typically made using the same foams – including memory or gel cream –
to provide the added back up needed to align or cushion the trunk.

They are placed on tiptop of your bed, while protectors offer a more snug fit with elasticated straps or fabric sides that pull down just like a fitted sheet.

Mattress protector vs mattress topper: Prices and central brands

Toppers are more than expensive than protectors
Some toppers price as much as a mid-range mattress
Mattress protectors kickoff from as little equally $10

A little boy and his white dog sit on a kids mattress covered with a white Tuft & Needle mattress protector — (Image credit: Tuft & Needle)

No matter your budget, in that location volition be something within your toll range, with the difference being in the quality, experience and performance. Mattress covers starting time at around $x and are easy to selection up from Amazon, or you can look online to run across what the likes of Casper, Nectar, Saatva or others have to offer.

Options from the bigger brands are frequently fabricated with college-quality materials and are designed to last longer, providing better resistance against wear and tear, and repeated washing, for years to come. This means y'all get improve value for your money, even though y'all're shelling out more to begin with.

It's the aforementioned story for mattress toppers, which typically start from $l on major retail sites like Walmart, Target and Amazon, with large-brand versions (think Tempur-Pedic or Saatva) running into the hundreds. If yours comes with extra features, such as rustle-gratis textile, cooling tech or certified organic materials, every bit found in the best organic mattresses, so you lot should expect to pay extra.

Virtually mattress manufacturers offer risk-free trial periods, and some offer the same for their toppers, although this is far less mutual for protectors. There is ordinarily a warranty, and free shipping too, though some brands and retailers ask that you spend a minimum amount to qualify for costless aircraft.

How much yous spend is entirely upward to you. If you are looking for something for occasional use for a guest bed, so a upkeep version is normally fine. Simply if you are looking for something robust that will cope with daily use, and then it's always worth spending a little extra, every bit it will exist better value for your money in the long run.

Mattress protector vs mattress topper: Materials and pattern

Mattress toppers are fabricated from latex, memory foam and other materials
Mattress protectors are unremarkably made with a water-resistant fabric
You can purchase cooling and organic versions of both

A person lifts a mattress topper by the corner when placed on a blue bed — (Paradigm credit: Amazon)

Both products are designed to fit neatly according to your bed size. Protectors take a snug fit and adhere deeply with elasticated straps or in the aforementioned mode as a fitted sheet, to go along them from shifting around.

Toppers usually sit down on top of the mattress with no attachments, although some do have straps. If yous're worried about it slipping and sliding around, look for a mattress topper that has anti-sideslip blanket. Or simply place a fitted canvass over the top to hold it in place.

The materials used to make each product varies. Well-nigh mattress protectors are made from fabrics such as organic cotton wool, bamboo-derived viscose or polyester, and accept added waterproofing, and sometimes a sparse layer of padding on top to add a little condolement.

Most bed toppers tend to use the same materials as mattresses, such equally memory foam or latex, with many also boasting the aforementioned cooling tech such as graphite or gel-infused foam. Both products are often hypoallergenic and gratis from harmful toxins, although it's still worth looking out for certification such every bit GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) or Oeko-Tex.

Mattress protector vs mattress topper: Which ane should you buy?

Both protectors and toppers will keep your mattress in good condition for longer, whether it's adding an extra layer of protection confronting wear and tear, sweat, urine and accidental spills.

Nevertheless, if y'all are looking to transform the feel of your existing bed then a mattress topper is the merely real choice, adding actress pressure level relief, cooling or support depending on what you need. They come in a variety of sizes, prices and thicknesses, and can be used to make a hard bed softer, a soft bed firmer, and a hot bed a footling cooler.

That said, a topper will never outperform a mattress protector at keeping your bed fresh and free from allergens. These fabric covers are also much easier to care for and tin can be washed much more than oft, making them a slap-up choice for boosting your in-bed hygiene.

Read more:

The best pillows for sleeping
Slumber calmly with the all-time weighted blankets
Get cozy with a snug comforter
The biggest mattress sales from leading brands

Davina is an experienced sleep and mattress author who has previously contributed to our sis site Summit Ten Reviews, among other Future plc brands. Davina's a large fan of organic sleep products and has recently invested in a wool mattress topper that she quite happily describes equally "life-changing." (Hey, nosotros're serious about our sleep products). When she isn't snoozing or writing about slumber, Davina enjoys reading and artistic writing, and incorporates meditation and yoga into her wellness routine.