<\/p>\n
Are you happy with your bedroom setup? If your bed isn’t quite perfect, but you don’t have the budget to buy a brand new mattress<\/a>, one or more affordable bedding accessories\u00a0may enhance your mattress experience.<\/p>\n What kind of accessories are we talking about here?\u00a0In this article, we focus on the most common options: the mattress pad, the mattress protector, and the mattress topper.<\/p>\n What’s the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper? How do you know if you need one or the other? What about mattress protectors? Why should you use any of these?<\/p>\n We know—it can be overwhelming. Don’t worry! We’re here to help. Having a good night’s rest shouldn’t be hard, so let’s make things easier for you. Below is all you need to know about pads, protectors and toppers for your mattress.<\/p>\n It\u00a0is a thin and usually quilted layer of material placed over the mattress but under\u00a0the sheets. <\/strong><\/p>\n A mattress pad is often similar in design to a fitted sheet—the difference being that the part which goes over\u00a0the sleeping surface is more plush than the side panels.\u00a0Some models may use corner straps instead, but these are not as common.<\/p>\n A good mattress pad\u00a0will keep bed sheets in place and fitted properly.\u00a0It can also provide an extra layer of softness and comfort, as well as added protection against stains or spills.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n In terms of use, think of the mattress pad as the affordable compromise between the mattress topper and the mattress protector.<\/p>\n The real goal of using this bed accessory is to extend the lifetime of the mattress without dramatically altering the way your bed feels. While it does add some plushness on top, it’s usually not enough to really make a long term difference in comfort level.<\/p>\n Most mattress pads are breathable and machine washable, but there are some exceptions. Some variants are water resistant or outright waterproof. Some specifically guard against dust mites and bed bugs. Some\u00a0are even powered by electricity to provide temperature control.<\/p>\n We’ve already mentioned the main reason above, but keep in mind that there are many other instances where a mattress pad would come in handy. It’s not just an accessory for brand new mattresses!<\/p>\n If the protective properties of this bed accessory aren’t enough to move you to purchase and try one, see if any of the following examples sound familiar. You may need a mattress pad if:<\/p>\n Most bedding stores and large online retailers will carry mattress pads. Expect the price point to be anywhere from around $20 to around $60, depending on mattress size and mattress pad type.<\/p>\n Below are some of our baseline mattress pad favorites. All of them are very affordable at under $25 each for a queen size.<\/p>\n Wanting\u00a0something more luxurious, but not at luxury prices? Check our Luxor Linens Francisco Mattress Pad review<\/a>!<\/p>\n It is a relatively thick layer of material that\u00a0is placed on top of\u00a0the\u00a0mattress in order to\u00a0increase\u00a0bed comfort and\/or support.<\/strong><\/p>\n Like a mattress pad, it should absolutely be\u00a0under the fitted sheet. But unlike a mattress pad, it’s rarely washable—though\u00a0a\u00a0mattress topper may sometimes come with a removable cover that you can clean. It rarely comes with a fitted skirt design, and more often comes with corner straps to secure it in place.<\/p>\n A mattress topper—sometimes called a mattress enhancer—can be anywhere from one to three inches thick, or even thicker, depending on the model.\u00a0It can be made from many different types of foam: gel memory foam, latex foam, memory foam, or poly foam. It can also be made of very thick quilted material that can include cotton, down, or polyester fiberfill.<\/p>\n Think of a mattress topper as an evolved mattress pad: stronger\u00a0and thicker, but both designed to make your mattress experience better.<\/p>\n More than protecting the mattress, a mattress topper is meant to adjust how\u00a0your bed feels when you sleep on it. With the right one, you can adjust the firmness and support of your bed to perfectly match your preferences.<\/strong><\/p>\n This is why there are two main kinds of mattress toppers: foam and quilting. The former usually makes your bed feel firmer, while the latter makes your bed feel softer.<\/p>\n Latex foam toppers are ideal for adding firmness and a little bit of bounce.\u00a0Memory foam toppers are great for added pressure relief, and gel memory foam toppers provide the additional advantage of cooling. Quilted toppers—sometimes called fiberbeds and featherbeds—can provide a softer and plusher feel, along with extra warmth.<\/p>\n A mattress topper is not as affordable as a mattress pad, but not as expensive as a new mattress. If you’re not completely satisfied by how your mattress feels, you can make small changes by using the proper topper.<\/p>\n Here are some common circumstances that may require a change in bed setup. You might need a mattress topper if:<\/p>\n Mattress toppers are just as easy to find as mattress pads and protectors, but they are considerably more expensive. You may want to go to a brick and mortar store to make sure you buy exactly what you want, but of course online retailers will be more convenient and will likely offer a bigger selection.<\/p>\n Expect to spend anywhere from $60 to upwards of $400. In general, the thicker the topper and the higher quality the materials, the more it’s worth. Below are some of our mattress topper favorites:<\/p>\n It is a thin sheet\u00a0of material designed to completely cover all exposed parts of the mattress.<\/strong><\/p>\n Some protectors are designed to go over the mattress like a fitted sheet, with elastic at the edges to secure it in place. Others are zip removable, like mattress or cushion covers.<\/p>\n While the vast majority of mattress protectors are cotton, polyester or a blend of the two,\u00a0you can find some made out of other materials. In particular, some waterproof variants may be made of vinyl.<\/p>\n It’s in the name. This bed accessory’s main purpose is to act as a shield to guard a mattress against contaminants like allergens, bacteria, dirt, fungi, pests, spilled liquids, and others.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you’re especially worried about dust mites or bed bugs, zippered models—sometimes called mattress encasements—may be what you need. A word of caution, though: Some waterproof or otherwise heavy duty mattress protectors may affect the heat regulation and breathability of your mattress.<\/p>\n Think of the mattress protector as the mattress pad’s very serious cousin. It’s all business, and rarely about comfort.<\/p>\n Out of all the bed accessories we’ve included in this article, the mattress protector stands out as\u00a0a true bedroom essential. It is cost-efficient, easy to use and maintain, and entirely beneficial to use.<\/p>\n In case that hasn’t convinced you yet, here are some indications that you may need this bed accessory. Consider using a mattress protector if:<\/p>\n You can find a mattress protector anywhere you can buy bed sheets, for the most part. Many mattress companies—like Casper<\/a>, Eight<\/a> or Purple<\/a>—include mattress protectors in their respective product lines, as well.<\/p>\n Large online retailers also carry a large selection offered in a wide range of price points similar to those of mattress pads—about $20-$60 dollars depending on make and size. Below are some of our affordable mattress protector favorites:<\/p>\n Of course you can. Is it a good idea? That’s all up to you and your preferences.<\/strong><\/p>\n It’s your bed! You can do whatever you want. The most important thing is to keep in mind that your bed setup should provide the following:<\/p>\n It is not essential, but a fitted mattress pad can help keep a mattress topper securely in place. It can also protect the mattress topper from stains and spills, should the topper not come with a removable cover.<\/strong><\/p>\n A mattress topper does more to change the feel of your bed than any mattress pad ever will. In most cases, a mattress pad will be redundant—especially if you’re also using a mattress protector.\u00a0However, a mattress pad may still add a small measure of softness to your sleeping surface.<\/p>\n Usually. The typical setup is mattress, then mattress topper, then mattress pad, then mattress protector, then fitted sheet.<\/strong><\/p>\n You may customize your setup, of course. For example, if your mattress protector is the full encasement kind, you may want to place your mattress pad right underneath your fitted sheet for easier access. After all, a mattress pad is supposed to be washed regularly.<\/p>\n Every sleeper is different, as much as every bed is different. There’s no clear and universal answer here! In the bedroom, we are all Goldilocks—searching for the bed that’s just right<\/em>. This is why mattress pads, protectors and toppers exist.<\/p>\n Here’s the truth: Assuming you have a great mattress that you love, there’s little a mattress topper can do. This bed accessory is for mattresses that fall into the too hard<\/em> or too soft<\/em> categories.<\/p>\n That leaves the mattress pad and the mattress protector. If we had to choose only one, we would\u00a0go for a mattress protector. It has one job, and the right one will do it well.<\/p>\n However, we do concede that a mattress pad is usually the more affordable, portable and best value choice. It adds some plush\u00a0and\u00a0some protection, and it’s very easy to maintain.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Jump to: What Is a Mattress Pad? What Is a Mattress Topper? What Is a Mattress Protector? Can You Use a Mattress Pad, Protector and Topper Together? Which Is the Best: Mattress Pad, Protector or Topper? Are you happy with your bedroom setup? If your bed isn’t quite perfect, but you don’t have the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3769,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"article-template.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3763"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3763"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3763\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4204,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3763\/revisions\/4204"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3769"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/a>What Is a Mattress Pad?<\/h2>\n
![\"White](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/hanna-kay-mattress-pad-e1542358827906-800x600.jpg\")
What Does A Mattress Pad Do?<\/h3>\n
Why Should You Use A Mattress Pad?<\/h3>\n
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<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/the-grand-mattress-pad-e1542359409935-800x600.jpg\")
Where Can You Buy A Mattress Pad?<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>What Is a Mattress Topper?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/lucid-fiber-bed-topper-e1542368965394-800x600.jpg\")
What Does A Mattress\u00a0Topper Do?<\/h3>\n
Why Should You Use A Mattress Topper?<\/h3>\n
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![\"Sleep](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/sleep-innovations-dual-layer-mattress-topper-e1542369167876-800x602.jpg\")
Where Can You Buy A Mattress Topper?<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>What Is a Mattress Protector?<\/h2>\n
![\"Luna](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/luna-premium-mattress-protector-800x819.jpg\")
What Does A Mattress Protector\u00a0Do?<\/h3>\n
Why Should You Use A Mattress Protector?<\/h3>\n
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![\"SafeRest](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/saferest-premium-mattress-protector-800x798.jpg\")
Where Can You Buy A Mattress Protector?<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Can You Use a Mattress Pad, Protector and Topper Together?<\/h2>\n
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Do You Need a Mattress Pad If You Have a Mattress Topper?<\/h3>\n
Do Mattress Pad and Topper Go Under the Mattress Protector?<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Which Is the Best: Mattress Pad, Protector or Topper?<\/h2>\n