The common goal of keeping your mattress clean and devoid of stains can increase misunderstandings over the differences between a mattress protector and a mattress topper.
Mattress protectors and mattress toppers are two different things you can use to cover your mattress. However, you might wonder what the difference is between a mattress protector and a topper.
Mattress protectors (or covers) typically cover mattresses completely with their fabric top layer. Meanwhile, a topper might have some foam rubber underneath for more cushioning on top of the existing mattress surface.
A protector will keep allergens away from your sheets, reduce dust mites, prevent stains and provide protection for any liquid spillage you may experience during nighttime.
See 8 Reasons You Should Not Stack Memory Foam Mattress
Is Mattress Protector Same As Mattress Topper?
A Mattress protector has a waterproofing material that covers the top of the mattress and protects the mattress from spills, stains, or other accidents. Mattress toppers go over the top of your existing bedding for added comfort and cushion.
A mattress protector is a thin, water-resistant layer that goes over a mattress’s top, bottom, and sides. The protector protects the mattress from liquids, dust mites, and other allergens. On the other hand, a mattress topper is a thick layer of memory foam that provides customizable support.
Regarding materials, Mattress protectors have specific fabrics or materials (e.g., vinyl) which prevent liquids and allergens from penetrating the surface of the mattress. Mattress toppers do not have a waterproof material but a soft foam that provides comfort and cushion.
Mattress toppers are designed to improve the comfort and durability of a mattress. They offer an extra layer of cushioning on top of the bed, making it more comfortable to sleep on.
A mattress protector is a sheet of cloth that goes on top of the mattress and protects it from moisture and stains. It also regulates the temperature of the bed, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter.
Types of Mattress Protectors
There are three mattress protectors-
- encasement
- elastic strap/fitted
- pillow top.
Encasement protectors completely wrap around your mattress and are the most common type. They have a zipper closure and are produced from various materials, such as vinyl, cotton, or polyester.
Elastic strap/fitted protectors fit snugly under the bottom of your mattress and have pocketed corners to keep them in place.
Pillowtop protectors go over your current pillowtop mattress pad and fit like a fitted sheet.
1. Encasement
Encasement mattress protectors are a great way to keep your mattress clean and protected. They zip around your mattress to completely encompass it, so you can be sure that no dirt or dust will get in. This is a great way to protect and keep your mattress looking new for years to come.
If you are concerned about bed bugs, the Mattress protector encasement is the best protector because it can protect all six sides of your mattress. Almost all the encasement protectors have zips to shut the entire mattress from external contact.
Encasement protectors like the Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress are a good fit for queen-size mattresses, twin, king full, and Twin XL sizes. With this protector, you can cover every side of your mattress with its six-sided zippered cover.
2. Elastic Strap | Fitted
Elastic strap protectors are a type of protector that sits on top of the mattress. They have adjustable straps that secure them to the corners, which helps keep them in place and prevents them from slipping off.
Fitted mattress protectors are similar to fitted sheets in that they tuck under the surface of the mattress and have pocketed corners. This ensures a snug fit and prevents the protector from slipping off or bunching up.
In addition, mattress protectors are usually thin enough to be used with fitted sheets. However, this also means that they are not thick enough to stop bed bugs or other pests from being transferred and spreading.
3. Pillow top
A pillow top is a mattress protector made up of fabric and foam, but the main difference between it and other protectors is that pillow tops have layers of memory foam. Memory foam is a material that conforms to an individual’s shape and weight distribution.
Pillow tops are a great way to protect your child’s mattress and keep it in good condition. They are also a comfortable addition to any bed.
What are the benefits of mattress protectors?
A protector can protect against allergens, dust mites, and other pests, and it also prolongs the life of the mattress and keeps it in good condition for years to come. Let’s state the benefits of protectors to your mattress:
1. A mattress protector protects your mattress from dirt, dust, and other debris, and it also helps to protect you from allergens and bed bugs to prevent it from smelling like fish. A good quality mattress protector can help your mattress last longer.
Mattress protectors can be one of the best options to prevent your mattress from smelling so bad.
2. Waterproof mattress protectors are an excellent choice for people who have pets or children. If accidents happen on the mattress, it will be easy to clean with a protector. Additionally, protectors act as a barrier against dust mites and other allergens, making them ideal for those with allergies.
3. Mattress protectors are easily machine washable, which can come in handy if anything happens. This is an excellent alternative to using sheets, as they may not be able to be washed enough in the event of a spill.
4. A mattress protector keeps your mattress clean by trapping dust, dirt, and other allergens, and it also protects your mattress from liquid spills and stains.
5. Another benefit of using a mattress protector is that it can help prolong your mattress’s life because protectors act as a barrier between your body and the mattress, which helps to prevent indentations or stains from forming on the surface over time.
6. Protects your mattress from moisture and harmful contaminants, such as dust mites and bed bugs. A protector also keeps your mattress in good condition, prolonging its life span.
Types of Mattress Toppers?
Here are the different types of mattress toppers you can use:
- Woolen toppers
- Memory foam toppers
- Cooling toppers
- Latex toppers
1. Woolen toppers
Mattress toppers are essential to any bedding set and can add comfort and support in various ways. The most common type of mattress topper is the woolen topper, which comes in various thicknesses to suit your needs. They offer a firm, supportive feel that can make you feel like you’re sleeping on a new mattress.
2. Memory foam toppers
Memory foam toppers are a great way to add comfort to your mattress. If you suffer back pain, a memory foam topper can be a godsend as it conforms to the body and provides support. However, they should not be considered a replacement for high-quality memory foam mattresses.
Wool toppers are exceptionally soft and supportive, making them perfect for regulating temperature.
3. Cooling toppers
There are a variety of reasons why people might want to buy a cooling mattress protector. For one, some protectors of mattresses have cooling features, too, like our Top Rated Blankets and Best Cooling Mattress Toppers.
The cooling mattress protector is 100% cotton, wicking moisture away from your skin. This can be extremely helpful for people who tend to overheat at night or struggle with hotter sleep environments.
A cooling mattress protector is an excellent option for those who tend to overheat at night. The protector has been designed to regulate your body temperature and help you get a good night’s sleep.
4. Latex toppers
Latex mattresses are great for those with back problems or joint pain. They conform to your body and offer extra contouring without too much sink, making them a good option for those who want the benefits of latex without sacrificing comfort.
Latex mattresses are becoming more popular due to their pressure relief and bounce. Latex is a good option for you if you like to move around during sleep.
7 Benefits of Mattress Toppers
A mattress topper is a layer of padding that goes on top of your mattress. They come in different thicknesses and can be made from various materials, including foam, latex, wool, cotton, and down.
Mattress toppers are popular because they can provide extra comfort and support and help extend your mattress’s life.
Here are seven benefits you may obtain from using a mattress topper:
- Transforming a Too-Firm Mattress
- Renews a Worn Mattress
- Add Skeletal Support
- Keep Your Mattress Clean
- Keep Your Bed Cool
- Additional Comfort Layers
- Prolongs the life of your mattress
1. Transforming a Too-Firm Mattress
A mattress topper is a great way to soften up a too-firm mattress and make it more comfortable. It is a simple addition that can make a big difference and is often more affordable than buying a new mattress.
Adding a mattress topper to your hard mattress will replace the firmness with its soft and fantastic texture. So, you’ll not remember how hard your mattress was anymore.
2. Renews a Worn Mattress
Mattress toppers are a great way to remedy an old, worn-out mattress, and they add comfort and can make your bed feel new again. Toppers come in various materials, so you can find one that best suits your needs.
For old and worn mattresses that are still manageable, you can introduce a mattress topper to renew it instead of thinking about a new one. The mattress topper will give you the same comfort and rest as a new mattress.
3. Add Skeletal Support
A mattress topper provides a layer of padding atop the mattress, making it more comfortable. They offer more cushioning for old or worn-out mattresses and memory foam mattresses.
A mattress topper is a helpful tool for relieving back pain. Many people mistakenly believe that the mattress topper is only for people who suffer from back pain, but this isn’t true. The mattress topper can also help those who do not suffer from back pain.
4. Keep Your Mattress Clean
A mattress topper can be a valuable tool in protecting your mattress from allergens, dust mites, liquid spills, and perspiration.
Using a mattress topper can help keep your bed clean and free from potential allergens that could cause problems for you or your family.
All the top surface interactions go to the topper, so you don’t have to worry about how to keep your mattress clean. However, you can not forget about your mattress topper because it will be the point of direct contact with anything.
5. Keep Your Bed Cool
Wool mattress toppers are excellent for keeping your bed cool when the weather is hot and humid or when you want to stay comfortable.
Wool is a naturally wicking fiber, meaning it pulls moisture away from your skin, so you stay dry in the rain and cool in the heat.
6. Additional Comfort Layers
A mattress topper is a piece of material that goes on top of your mattress, and it can be made from various materials, including memory foam, latex, and down.
The primary purpose of a mattress topper is to add comfort and support to your bed. They are also helpful because they can be turned, fluffed up, and rotated like a mattress.
7. Prolongs the life of your mattress
A mattress protector and a mattress topper are not the same but serve similar purposes.
A mattress protector is a thin sheet that covers your mattress and protects it from dirt, dust, and stains. A mattress topper is a thicker material that goes on top of your mattress and provides extra cushioning and support.
Both products can help prolong the life of your mattress and keep it looking new for longer.
FAQs
How often should you wash mattress protectors?
You can wash mattress protectors with other bedding, but it’s best to check the instructions on each product. Cleaning them every 1-2 weeks is a good rule, but it may vary depending on the protector.
Protectors can be machine-washed on a cold setting and then tumble-dried on low heat.
Why are mattress toppers useful?
Mattress toppers increase comfort and extend your mattress’s life. Toppers will never firm up a mattress, but they can add more comfort layers, which can help with the sink and upholstery feel.
A mattress topper is a great way to add comfort and extend the life of your mattress, and it is also an excellent way to customize the feel of your bed.