A mattress topper and a mattress pad both supplement your mattress, but they are two very different things. A mattress topper is optional and a matter of comfort, while a mattress pad should always be part of a bed. That's because a mattress pad protects the underlying mattress.
Why a mattress topper? And why a mattress pad?
A mattress topper is thicker than a mattress pad and primarily serves to optimise the way your bed feels when you sleep. With a mattress topper, you can make your bed a bit firmer if you feel like you sink too far into it. Conversely, a mattress topper can make your bed softer and make you feel more enveloped by your bed. Whether it's firm or soft, a mattress topper helps extend the lifespan of your primary mattress.
A mattress topper can improve the comfort of both new and old beds, but you will likely experience it having the greatest effect when placing it on a bed that you've had for a while.
Learn more about mattress toppers: What is a top mattress and what does it do?
A mattress pad, sometimes also called a mattress protector, is significantly thinner than a mattress topper and primarily serves a hygienic purpose. A mattress pad extends the life of your mattress by absorbing moisture and dirt that would otherwise soak into your mattress.
What to choose: Mattress pad vs mattress topper
If you are wondering why a mattress topper is the right choice for you, consider these tips:
- A mattress topper can make your bed feel softer or firmer, depending on what you want.
- A mattress topper can give you the support you need, if you have an older mattress. Rather than investing in a whole new bed, a mattress topper can give new life to your old bed.
- The correct support from the right mattress topper can help you if you suffer from back, joint, or other pains that disturb you during the night.
- A mattress topper can help extend the lifespan of your bed, thus save you money in the long run.
If you are wondering why a mattress pad can be the right choice for you, consider these tips:
- A mattress pad is an affordable solution to protect your mattress without noticeably changing the way your bed feels.
- A mattress pad can help extend the life of your mattress by protecting it against moisture, sweat and dirt.
- A mattress pad can make it easy to keep your sleeping environment clean. Mattress pads can be machine-washed, whereas mattress toppers are more difficult to keep clean and cannot withstand frequent machine washing.
- You are bothered by noise from your mattress when you move around on it. A mattress pad is an affordable and effective solution for reducing mattress noise.
Choose a mattress topper and a mattress pad if:
- You want to protect both your primary mattress and your mattress topper against moisture, sweat and dirt.
- You want to extend the life of both your mattress topper and the underlying mattress.
- You want a hygienic sleeping environment that's easy to clean. With a mattress pad over your mattress topper, the underlying won't get dirty and you can easily wash the mattress pad.
"Our bodies release roughly 2.5 litres of fluid per day, around 0.5 litres of which is sweat and evaporation. Some of this occurs while we sleep and the fluids can seep into the mattress if there is no protective layer. We therefore always recommend using a mattress pad – both for hygienic reasons and to improve the durability of the mattress."
– Peter, Category Manager, JYSK
Our assortment includes multiple options for both top mattresses and mattress pads.
Is it better to have a mattress pad or a mattress topper?
If you have a nice and comfortable bed, you don't need to add a mattress topper. You can always buy a mattress topper at a later point if it feels like your bed is no longer providing the support you need.
We recommend that you always have a mattress pad that can function as a protective layer between your mattress and your sheet. A mattress pad makes your bed more hygienic and extends the lifespan of your mattress.
While a mattress and a mattress topper can both be difficult to clean, a mattress pad is made to tolerate both a washing machine and a dryer, so a mattress pad makes it easier for you to keep your sleeping environment free of moisture and dirt. Mattress pads are found in different price classes, and even the lowest-priced models will help protect your mattress. Learn more about top mattress pricing.
There's no real downside to getting a mattress pad. However, the extra layer that a mattress pad adds to your bed could make it feel just a little bit firmer.
Where do you put a mattress pad if you also have a mattress topper?
A mattress pad should always be placed directly under your sheet. If you already have a mattress topper, place the mattress pad above it and then cover both with a nice, soft sheet. If you don't have a mattress topper, place the mattress pad directly on top of your mattress and use the elastic straps to keep it in place. Cover it with a sheet.
If you are unsure of which size your new mattress topper should be, read our article: What size top mattress will fit your bed. To find the answer to any question you might have about mattress toppers, read our guide: Which mattress pad and topper should you choose? The ultimate guide.
