Mattress Pad vs. Mattress Topper: What is the Difference?

You are reading this because

• You don’t get enough sleep at night, or

• You have trouble staying asleep for long, which means your deep sleep is on the lower side, or

• You are looking for other options than buying a new mattress.

Sleep issues aren’t uncommon these days. And besides other medical reasons that can deter your body from staying put, one can always blame a sub-par mattress.

However, depending on your current situation, changing your mattress doesn’t have to be the only option. Instead, opting for either a mattress pad or a topper can make a significant difference.

The hitch, however, lies in choosing one, as people aren’t really sure what differentiates a mattress topper from a mattress pad.

Simply put, mattress pads have been exclusively designed to offer a thin layer of protection for added comfort, while toppers are more on the thicker side and can come in handy for unrestful sleep.

Then again, there’s a lot more to it before you pick one. And in this post, we are going to put an end to your dilemma.

Read on!

Knowing a Mattress Pad

As touched upon before, a quilted wool mattress pad (usually 1-2 inches of thickness) acts as a layer on the top of your mattress, thereby adding to its softness. Besides, it also doubles as a protective covering from several allergens, dirt, and stains put together.

Now, a quilted mattress pad comes in different qualities:

• Feathers: This particular make-material for a mattress pad uses feathers of waterfowl and is the top-end choice and thus expensive.

• Latex: Choose this one if you intend to buy a mattress pad to protect your bed mattress from spills and stains.

• Fiber: Polyester serves as the base material for this kind and can be a good choice to keep bacteria and allergens away.

At the very outset, you can choose to bring home a quilted mattress pad only if your mattress is way too firm to sleep on directly or if you are only looking to protect it from spills, stains, dirt, and bacteria. Remember, a mattress pad is not built to offer heavy support.

Knowing a mattress topper

Now, it’s time to know in detail about a mattress topper— what it’s like and why it can be another option besides a quilted mattress pad.

A mattress topper, in comparison to a mattress pad is a bit thicker and generally placed atop your mattress. As such, it might offer a different feel when you sleep on it as it is between 2-4 inches thick.

Here’s a rundown of different kinds of mattress toppers:

• Memory foam: Typical of memory foam, this particular kind of topper is all about plushness.

• Latex-: Usually the hypoallergenic type and hence the most responsive.

• Wool: If you are someone who feels hot while sleeping, opting for a wool mattress topper can be an excellent choice as it has temperature regulation properties. At the same time, it also offers great insulation when the temperature is cold.

• Feather: Similar to a quilted wool mattress pad, it uses waterfowl feathers to lessen the firmness of the bed.

Budget is the primary constraint

The singular reason to opt for either a mattress topper or a remains the budget.

You see, the majority of mattress toppers are available around the range of $150-$300, which although isn’t cheap but way less expensive than investing in a quality mattress.

If you are someone who has already made up his mind to keep your old mattress intact and save money, then opting for a mattress topper can always be a wise call. This is because, unlike a quilted mattress pad, mattress toppers can extend the life of your original mattress. However, you might have to shell out some extra cash for a quality topper as well. This is where a quilted mattress pad will always have an upper hand.

Wrap up

When it comes to choosing between mattress toppers and pads, one must remember they are nothing but identical twins. However, it all boils down to your personal preference as to which one could be your preferred choice.

Remember, that whether it’s a quilted wool mattress pad or a topper used to protect your original mattress from stains and spills, its primary use remains in making things extra soft.

A quilted mattress pad would always be a budget-friendly choice compared to a topper, but in terms of utility, they aren’t really far behind each other. On the top end of the line, however, there are memory foam toppers, which are more of a plush choice.

The below-mentioned pointers, based on the features, can be your ready reckoner when confused between mattress pads and toppers.

• A quilted wool mattress pad is no more than 2 inches thick, whereas a topper can go up to 4 inches.

• On cushioning part, toppers generally have an upper hand over mattress pads as they offer a considerable amount of softness.

• Also, mattress pads don’t have any inherent cooling properties, while some memory foam-based renditions of mattress toppers can regulate temperature and thereby usher better sleep for troubled slippers.

• Mattress toppers generally cost anywhere between $199-$359, while mattress pads are way less expensive, ranging somewhere between $155-$289.

BioSleep Concept’s quilted wool mattress pad is certified, made from Eco Valley Wool, and is non-toxic. This wool mattress pad offers pressure point relief and is a natural support system, meaning that it evenly distributes body weight.