Mattress pad vs topper: how to figure out which one you need

Mattress pad vs topper: image shows a Saatva mattress pad on the left and a Lucid Gel Mattress Topper on the right

(Image credit: Saatva / Lucid)

When it comes to mattress pads vs toppers, both are designed to transform your bed to better accommodate the way you sleep, but they do then to different levels. At that place are also cardinal differences when it comes to cost and how long they last for (on average). Even the best mattresses sometimes need a helping hand in terms of back up and comfort, which is why people frequently turn to a topper or pad.

The best mattress toppers are commonly thicker than mattress pads and are the better pick for boosting sleep condolement. But pads are cheaper and are a good value choice for a invitee bed that isn't slept in so regularly.

Here we compare mattress pads vs toppers, looking at the benefits, common materials, blueprint and prices to assistance you effigy out which one yous need.

Mattress pads vs toppers: What are they?

The Viscosoft active cooling copper topper shown on a wooden bed frame — The ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper is ideal for hot sleepers (Image credit: ViscoSoft)

Pads and toppers increase in-bed comfort but to different levels
Mattress pads are cheaper and easier to intendance for than toppers
Toppers provide the highest amount of comfort and support

At outset glance, it'southward easy to confuse mattress pads and toppers equally they have similar uses. Pads are cheaper than toppers and are a handy way to introduce a little more than plushness to your bed, simply non to the extent that the other would.

So mattress pads are designed to slightly alter the feel of your bed. They are ordinarily around an inch thick and are available in different materials similar feather, wool, latex and cream. For instance, if you need something soft and naturally breathable, wool is an excellent option.

Mattress toppers offering an splendid mode to suit your existing bed if you need a lot more force per unit area relief, cooling, softness or firmness. They are usually over one to four inches thick and are made with many of the same materials establish in the top mattresses in a box, including foam and latex. Some will also take a layer of wool, feather or soft fiber for a pillowy surface.

If your bed is too hard or as well soft and is affecting your posture or giving you aches and pains, a topper can make a huge deviation. If you sleep hot, pick one with cooling gel layers to assistance regulate your body temperature. This type of foam is often constitute in memory cream mattresses.

Both also help to protect your bed against accidental spills, allergens, sweat and dust mites. That said, nosotros would still recommend investing in the best mattress protector you tin can afford.

Mattress pads vs toppers: Prices and key brands

The Avocado Mattress Pad Protector pulled neatly over a mattress that sits on a wooden bed frame — The Avocado Mattress Pad Protector is made from organic materials (Epitome credit: Avocado Light-green)

Mattress pads are usually always cheaper than toppers
The thicker the pad or topper, the higher the price
Some toppers come on a trial basis, but virtually pads don't

Mattress pads and toppers are bachelor to adapt all budgets, from affordable to luxury. Considering pads utilize less fabric, they are generally cheaper. Plenty of large-name sleep brands brand these accessories too, and then you won't be short on choice.

Yous tin can buy them relatively cheaply online besides every bit in stores, and how much you spend depends on what you demand the production to do. For example, if you're looking to make an older bed firmer and more supportive, and then it pays to spend a little extra to become a thick topper (effectually four inches deep). If yous're only looking for a slight tweak on a newer mattress, a pad will practice the play a joke on and it'll be cheaper for y'all.

Central brands to look out for include Lucid, Saatva, Tempur-Pedic and ViscoSoft. For the latest savings, read our guides to early Saatva mattress sales and deals offers and the biggest Tempur-Pedic mattress sales and deals.

Mattress pads vs toppers: Cardinal differences

The Tempur-Pedic Topper Supreme on a white floor — The Tempur-Pedic Topper Supreme is popular among those with joint hurting (Image credit: Tempur-Pedic)

Toppers alter the feel of your mattress
Pads are thinner then won't take such a dramatic impact
Mattress pads tin usually exist car done

It can exist easy to confuse these two products, just in that location are some key differences. If you need something to radically alter the feel of your bed (so making information technology softer or firmer), so a topper volition be a smarter selection for you. If y'all are looking for just a petty actress touch of luxury or a slightly cozier feel, so a mattress pad will work and it will save you money too.

Because pads are thinner, they are less effective at protecting against spills, and liquid is more likely to seep through. However, mattress pads all the same offer some level of protection against spills, too every bit protect against dust and allergens too.

Also, a thin pad won't deliver loftier levels of cushioning, and then if you need pressure level relief, become for a topper or even a new mattress. Mattress pads are easier to maintain, yet you can nonetheless place a protector over your topper to keep it fresher for longer. Some also come with removable, motorcar washable covers.

Mattress pads vs toppers: Principal benefits

The Avocado Mattress Pad Protector wrapped in a neat bundle and tied with a white satin ribbon — (Epitome credit: Avocado)

Mattress pads add a little actress plushness
Toppers add a lot more actress comfort and support
Both offer some protection against stains, spills and sweat

Both accessories offering a level of protection against accidental spills, dust mites, sweat and allergens, but because mattress pads are thinner, they are less likely to offer every bit much protection. That said, pads can usually be machine washed – not all toppers tin be – meaning your bed volition remain fresher for longer.

Looking to change the surface of your bed to meliorate suit your sleep and body? For just a touch more condolement, a mattress pad is the perfect solution considering they add an instant layer of plushness. If you are looking to add a lot more comfort, cooling or back up, always go for a topper.

Mattresses take an average lifespan of around six to viii years, depending on what they are made from. But new beds can take a while to feel as comfy as they should, then chances are you will definitely need the aid of a pad or topper at some point. Learn more than in our characteristic looking at how often should you replace your mattress.

Mattress pads vs toppers: Materials and design

The Lucid 4 inch gel memory foam topper shown on a light gray bed base — The Lucid 4 Inch Gel Topper is ideal for relieving pressure (Image credit: Lucid)

Toppers are normally made from foam, latex and wool
Pads are unremarkably fabricated from cotton fiber, feathers, wool and foam
Both are fast and elementary to fit over your mattress

Mattress pads and toppers come in the same standard sizes equally mattresses and are designed to sit squarely on meridian. Nigh attach with corner straps that tuck under the mattress, while others attach in the same style as a fitted sheet. This stops them shifting around as yous sleep.

What are they made from? When it comes to materials, in that location are plenty to cull from, depending on your needs. If you lot desire something soft, endeavour a pillow tiptop pad, which are typically fabricated using softer fibres similar feathers and cotton fiber.

Looking for added firmness? So go for a latex topper considering these feel firmer and volition back up your posture better than a sink-in pillow height cotton fiber and plume pad. Latex is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with certain allergies.

Cream toppers are splendid for pressure level signal relief and often include cooling gel. If you lot're looking for temperature regulation, organic wool volition serve you well all twelvemonth circular, keeping you snug when it'south common cold and absurd when the nights are warmer. Encounter our best organic mattress guide for some great beds that apply wool and latex.

Mattress pads vs toppers: Which should you purchase?

If you are looking for a quick and easy upgrade for your current bed, then both mattress pads and mattress toppers are up to the job – to different extents. While pads are more portable and easier to care for, they provide less in the way of support and are instead designed to create a more plush surface to sleep upon.

And then if you want to radically alter the comfort and experience of your sleeping surface, then a topper is the mode to go, as these can make a big difference if your existing bed is likewise house or as well soft.

A thicker model (effectually four inches) also protects your bed confronting habiliment and tear more than than a thinner pad would, but the latter are a niftier solution if you need to chop-chop add together warmth in the colder months or you demand to freshen upwards a guest sleeping room on a budget.

To increase your in-bed comfort, make sure y'all have the all-time pillow for your sleeping style as well. And if you're dealing with anxiety or restlessness in bed, take a await at our weighted blankets guide to learn how i could assist you sleep better.

Read more:

Our guide to the best Avocado mattress sales and deals
Learn how to choose a mattress for your body
Our guide to the biggest Casper mattress sales

Davina is an experienced slumber and mattress author who has previously contributed to our sister site Acme Ten Reviews, among other Futurity 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 as "life-changing." (Hey, nosotros're serious about our sleep products). When she isn't snoozing or writing about sleep, Davina enjoys reading and artistic writing, and incorporates meditation and yoga into her health routine.