Mattress Pads vs Mattress Toppers: Which Do I Need?

Posted on June 22, 2024

Thinking that your mattress could use a bit more of a plush feeling? Looking to add some cushioning to your sleep surface? If you’re in the market for a comfier mattress, you may consider looking at mattress toppers and pads. Both pads and toppers are comfort-enhancing features for your mattress. But what’s the difference? And how do you know which one you should buy?

Mattress Pads vs Mattress Toppers

A mattress pad is used to provide a thin layer of cushioning to your mattress to make it more comfortable and plusher. Pads also add protection from stains. A mattress topper provides a much thicker layer of cushioning that can change the comfort level, feel (firmness level) and even temperature of your mattress. Essentially, a mattress topper is a thicker, heavier version of a mattress pad that can be used to add either firmness or plushness, and carries the additional benefit of pressure relief. Most mattress toppers measure between two and four inches thick; most mattress pads are about one to two inches in thickness, which is why they don’t change the feel/firmness of the mattress like a topper does.

Mattress pads can be made from synthetic or natural materials, or a combination of both. Some pads may have more than one layer to incorporate waterproof material, making them great stain-blockers. Mattress toppers are also made from a variety of materials, including latex, cotton and memory foam.

Both mattress pads and toppers protect your bed from wear and tear, prolonging its life. Toppers, though, might not be made of materials that block spills and/or stains. So if you want to make your mattress plusher while preventing stains, opt for the mattress pad. If you want to change the feel of your mattress (from soft to firm or vice versa), choose a mattress topper.

Some reasons you may want to buy a mattress pad include:

- your mattress is too firm

- you want protection from spills and dirt

- you want a budget-friendly solution to your mattress feel problem

Some reasons for wanting a mattress topper include:

- you want pressure relief in bed at night

- you want to change the firmness level of your mattress to make it comfier

- you want more support in bed: toppers add cushioning to support your shoulders, hips, and joints

- you want added protection for your mattress: toppers protect your mattress from wear and tear, dust mites, skin flakes, and body oils