For those who love having a good night’s sleep, it is agreeable that a mattress is an investment that should be protected at all costs, more-so if it is a high-end type and you desire that it lasts for several years. And who does not secretly nurse the thought of coming home from work and jumping right into the bed? If you fall into this category, then acquiring a mattress pad or a topper is inevitable.
Difference between a Mattress Pad and a Mattress Topper
Mattress Pads
A mattress pad is used to cover a mattress for two primary reasons, protection, and comfort. They are meant to protect the mattress from staining due to accidental spills. Additionally, they protect it from absorbing oil, sweat or even dead skin while you are asleep. Those which are designed for comfort are usually made using thick and soft layer cotton which gives it the cushioning effect.
Pads can be categorized into three depending on the material used in making it. These are:
Synthetic Pads
They are the most common type of pads and are made from polyesters. They are the best mattresses if you are conscious of cost since they are pocket-friendly. However, since they are chemically treated, it means that they may not be the best choice. Apart from that, the polyester material may be rather uncomfortable, especially if it is your first time using it.
Cotton Pads
Cotton pads, just as the name suggests, are made from cotton. That does not mean that it will absorb any liquid on its surface since it is made in such a way that liquid molecules bead up and trickle rather than seeping through. One of the reasons why it is preferred is the fact that it can be machine-washed.
Woolen Pads
The woolen material is naturally more water resistant than cotton. Therefore the woolen pads are an excellent choice especially when the risk of spillage is higher. It is for this reason that it is the preferred choice for use in cribs. It is also noteworthy that the woolen pads offer the greatest degree of comfort.
Mattress Toppers
A mattress topper is a thin cushioned layer that is often stacked on top of the mattress, often with the aim of getting a firm feel. They are an excellent choice if you want to revitalize an aging mattress which has begun to sag. Apart from that, it can be used to give a softer feel if you realize the mattress you have bought is too stiff. Just like mattress pads, there are several types of mattress toppers depending on the material used to make them. They include:
Polyurethane Foam
These are the most common types of toppers because they are made of cheap materials and therefore are cost effective. For an ordinary home, it is the topper that you would expect to be given if you happen to visit.
However, since it is synthetic, it raises concern as to whether the petrochemicals used in manufacturing it can have any health implications. It is also not durable.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pad is also a synthetic option made from polyurethane foam, though has a superior quality than the former. One thing that you will note while using this type of pad is that it will not bounce back once it takes the shape of the body. Additionally, it also absorbs and retains body heat, and you may result in discomfort after a few hours of sleep
Natural Latex
Natural Latex option is superior considering that it bounces back quite well once body pressure has been released, and therefore is more durable. While using it, you will realize that it has a cooler feel since the material does not absorb body heat as with the case of polyurethane foam.
Wool
The last type of mattress topper is those which are made from wool. The comfort and reliability of these pads cannot be underestimated. From experience, its durability cannot be questioned, which makes it an excellent choice worth considering.
From the above description, it is evident that preference between a mattress pad vs mattress topper cannot be determined by a direct comparison of the two. That is because they are meant to serve different purposes, even though both of them can contribute to ultimate comfort. If your focus is on protecting the mattress from liquid spills, then you should go for a pad. On the other hand, if you desire comfort, consider getting a mattress topper.