If you’re not sure what the differences are between a mattress protector vs topper, you’re not alone.

While many people use these terms to refer to similar things, they’re not the same. In this article, we’ll go over the difference between mattress protectors and toppers.

And you’ll learn which one is best for you.

What Mattress Protectors and Toppers are For

Mattress protectors and mattress toppers both protect your bed. They can help you avoid unwanted stains and water damage.

They both provide a waterproof layer and create a barrier between your mattress and you. They lower the risk of damaging your mattress from eating in bed or peeing by accident.

Are you sick and tired of running your mattress with spills or bedwetting? Do you want to prevent ugly spots and stains?

If the answer is yes, you need to know that either one will do the job.

Now, let’s review the differences.

Your mattress can be the dirtiest item in your bedroom.

“Humans naturally produce 26 gallons of sweat in bed every year.”
SOURCE

What is a Mattress Protector?

A mattress protector’s main purpose is to protect the mattress. It is not meant to provide any level of added comfort.

A mattress protector can help you keep your bed feeling like new for a longer time. When you spill drinks or pee in bed, those liquids seep into the mattress fibers.

We all know that it creates unpleasant stains. But it also breaks down the materials inside the bed. This can cause mold to grow inside the mattress and lead to unpleasant smells.

A mattress protector will help you avoid all these problems. It can also help improve your sleep if you suffer from allergies.

Usually, mattress protectors consist of a thin layer of waterproof fabric. They might cover the top and sides of the bed like a sheet. Some also cover the entire bed, including the bottom.

Sometimes mattress protectors will make noise when they move around. It sounds like a crinkled plastic bag, and some people dislike that.

The bottom is this. Mattress protectors will get the job done.

If you want all the benefits and more, read on to learn about mattress toppers.

What is a Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper will make your bed more comfortable. Most of the time, mattress toppers are thick pads of memory foam that sit on top of the bed.

To put it on, you simply place it on top of the bed. Mattress toppers don’t wrap around the sides or bottom of the bed (like a mattress protector).

It’s easy to hold the mattress topper in place. You put a fitted sheet over the mattress and the topper.

Most mattress toppers also include features that cool you down while you sleep. If you find yourself getting sweaty or hot at night, this can be a bonus.

A mattress topper will also protect your bed from stains, but it is not made for this purpose. Heavy spills or large accidents can still leak through the topper onto the mattress.

The Best Options: Protection vs Comfort

There you have it.

If you want to protect your mattress from stains, you need a mattress protector. It won’t add a whole lot of comfort to your sleeping experience, but it will save your mattress in case of any wet mishaps.

If you’re prone to excessing bedwetting, sweating, or spills, you’ll need a mattress protector.

If you’re interested in comfort and a slight layer of protection, you might want a mattress topper.

Mattress toppers are best for people who feel uncomfortable in bed. If you don’t have excessive accidents very often, this extra layer of protection is enough.