I had never put too much thought into my bedding essentials until I found myself attempting to clean up a spill on my bed with a microfiber towel. Since then, I've put extra care into my mattress. After all, mattresses are an investment and they need added protection for longevity. But would you need a mattress protector or would a mattress topper do the trick? And is there a difference?
Whether you need extra comfort or want to protect your mattress from bed bugs, a mattress protector or a topper will cater to different needs. Though with a wide range of bedding terms and multiple categories in the sleep space, it's easy to get confused with bedclothes. Unlike the fitted sheet, top sheet and comforter, these extra layers of bedding clothes add different benefits to our restful nights.
"While both enhance your sleep experience, mattress toppers and protectors serve distinct purposes," says the CEO at Slumber Cloud, Willy Van Dehy. Some features can't be determined at first sight but they are important to know for your next bedding purchase. To better understand the concepts and distinctions, we interviewed two bedding experts and a board-certified physician. Whether you need an extra layer for comfort or something to protect your expensive mattress, here are the experts' pros and cons.
The difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector
According to sleep specialist Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, a mattress topper adds comfort and support by altering the feel of the actual mattress, and a mattress protector shields against spills, allergens and wear.
"Think of a mattress topper as an upgrade to your comfort, akin to adding memory foam insoles to your shoes — providing extra cushioning and support. A mattress protector, on the other hand, acts as a shield, defending your mattress from sweat, spills, dust mites and other potential damage," shares Van Dehy.
Also, mattress toppers are meant to keep you cool. unlike mattress protectors, as most trap heat. While both have different mechanisms, Van Dehy says you can find cooling properties in a mattress protector.
"Toppers, particularly fiber-filled ones, enhance airflow and can feel cooler than dense foam or latex. Protectors, while designed to block liquids, are generally temperature-neutral. However, some protectors incorporate cooling technologies like moisture-wicking fabrics or phase-change materials. If you sleep hot, prioritize these features," says Van Dehy.
A mattress protector will also extend the lifespan of your mattress. "Its main job is to serve as a shield to keep a mattress clean and extend its lifespan. They are designed to protect against external elements," shares co-founder and co-president of Helix Sleep, Adam Tishman.
What to look for in a mattress topper
There are certain things to look for in a mattress topper besides comfort, according to the experts.
- Comfort: "A good mattress topper should enhance comfort without creating extra hassle. Ease of cleaning is essential, given that we naturally produce significant sweat and shed skin cells in bed," says Van Dehy.
- Material: "You should pay attention to the material, thickness and temperature regulating properties," says Holliday-Bell.
- Filling: These options vary on a mattress topper. Van Dehy says to choose "memory foam for contouring pressure relief, latex for natural responsiveness and breathability, and fiber-filled for a down-like plushness. If you tend to overheat, opt for gel-infused foam or breathable fiber blends."
Additionally, Van Dehy recommends choosing a topper that is 2 to 3 inches thick for optimal balance. "It provides noticeable comfort and support without being overly bulky or expensive."
Best mattress toppers, according to editors
A+ comfort: Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector
- Very comfotable
- Easy to put on
- Doesn't fully protect mattress
- Dry clean only
Sizes: Twin - California king | Material: Tencel lyocell fiber | Good for: Hot sleepers
Yes, the product name says this is a protector, but it's actually a topper. This adds a second layer of comfort to my bed and a plushy feel. I [Espinal] have been using this for over a week, and I definitely don't want to go back. While my mattress has a pillow top, this topper adds comfort without the bulky feel. And even if you're a hot sleeper, you'll feel fresh after a full night of sleep. Overall it feels super soft, cushioned and refreshing.
Luxurious sleep: Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad
- Very soft
- Plush feel
- Temperature regulating
- Thinner construction
Sizes: Twin - California king | Material: 100% premium viscose from bamboo | Good for: hot sleepers
I [Espinal] also own this mattress topper and can say that it feels super comfortable. The level of softness you feel is similar to that of wearing cotton clothing. While this product has a thinner profile, it really adds a fresh feel on humid nights. The product encompasses a thermo-regulating construction for hot sleepers who need a cooling effect.
Stay cool: Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper
- Very thick
- Adds height
- Can be too firm
Sizes: Twin - California king | Material: GlacioTex cooling | Good for: Lower back pain
I [Espinal] tried this mattress topper recently, and it definitely adds an extra level of comfort to my bed. If your bed is too low and you suffer from lower back pain, I recommend this one. It features an ultra-dense foam for pain relief. Due to the thickness of the topper, this might be a bit too firm for some sleepers. However, it combines a set of materials that contour to your body over time and has a cooling cover for those who get sweaty at night.
Other mattress toppers to shop
Feel the weight: COONP Mattress Topper
- Ideal for side sleeprs
- Very comfortable
- A little thicker
Sizes: Twin - California king | Material: 100% cotton | Good for: Side sleepers
This mattress topper has a multilayer structure that delivers comfort and added pain relief to your body. According to shoppers, it feels like you're "sleeping on a cloud" and features soft materials that provide good ventilation. It wicks away sweat during the night and helps in distributing weight evenly. Another shopper said that they don't wake up with a pinched nerve anymore after using this topper.
Extra thickness:Porch & Den Stacey Hypoallergenic Down Alternative Bed Topper
- Easy to put on
- Feels soft
- Not as fluffy
Sizes: Twin - king | Material: Microfiber | Good for: Comfort and adding plush feel
If you have a firm mattress but want a more cozy experience, opt for this topper. Many shoppers say this product adds enough padding to the bed and improves hard mattresses. Plus, it's made from a hypoallergenic fiber for those with sensitivity. If you want a dose of plush feel, this one is for you, thanks to the minimal thickness yet cushioned texture.
What to look for in a mattress protector
When it comes to mattress protectors, you want to keep in mind the protective barriers along with other key features.
- Material: "It depends on your personal needs. For example, if you’re a hot sleeper, we recommend choosing a protector made with cooling or breathable materials," says Tishman. Crucially, Van Dehy advises prioritizing a protector that is noiseless and breathable. "Avoid protectors with crinkly materials that can disrupt sleep," he adds.
- Waterproof protection: "At a minimum, it should be waterproof and ideally offer additional benefits like hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking or cooling properties," says Van Dehy.
- Type of coverage: "Consider a top/side coverage since it's generally sufficient and easier to manage for laundry, while full encasements offer comprehensive protection but are more cumbersome," says Van Dehy.
Best mattress protectors, according to editors
Dry bed is best: Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement
- Easy to set up
- Affordable
- Durability is average
Sizes: Twin - king | Material: 100% polyester | Good for: Bed bug proof and waterproof
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger says her parents have always preached the importance of a mattress protector to keep bed bugs away. "I bought this one when I first moved to New York, and it was super easy to zip on and off of my mattress. I'm not sure exactly how long you're supposed to keep mattress protectors for, but whenever I washed my sheets, I was sure to throw this in as well. My apartment never had any pest issues (knock on wood!), but I'm also willing to do anything for a little extra peace of mind," says Hoeger.
Top protection: Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper
- Easy to wash
- Lightweight
- Stays secure on mattress
- Traps heat
Sizes: Full - California king | Materials: 100% cotton shell and microgel fill | Good for: Waterproofing
Senior editor Jess Bender loves this mattress protector because it adds a layer of softness to her sleep experience. While the product name says mattress topper, the actual material features a waterproof barrier at the bottom.
"I've been sleeping on this mattress topper for about a year and I wish I could've slept on it for my entire life. It provides a little extra cushioning and support for my body without budging, an issue I've encountered with thicker mattress toppers. It does trap some extra heat, which could pose a problem for those who are hot sleepers, but it's a nice perk when it's winter and you don't want to crank up the heat too much," says Bender.
Other mattress protectors to shop
Overprotective sleeper: Amerisleep Bamboo Mattress Protector
- Comfortable
- Soft feel
- Holds shape
- Too soft, per reviews
Sizes: Twin - Split king | Material: 85% viscose and 15% spandex | Good for: Liquids
Choose a mattress protector that offers a quiet moment, like this one from Amerisleep, especially if you're sensitive to noise. The product features a barrier that protects your mattress from spills and wear and tear, plus it offers a snug fit to your overall bed. According to shoppers, the protector offers coverage up to 16 inches against leaks and feels like a pillow.
Wrap around: Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Doesn't slip
- Fully wraps around
- Might not protect against bugs
Sizes: Twin - California king | Material: Jersey knit cotton | Good for: Spills and stains
If you're prone to bed disasters, choose this mattress protector from Saatva. Shoppers say this protector fits snuggly on the mattress and protects the side of the mattress from spills. Even if you don't notice it right away, the micro-perforation will wick away moisture and let the mattress breathe. Also, most reviewers say the protector stays put without moving around.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Holliday-Bell, you can't use a topper as a protector. "While it may provide some barrier, it won’t fully shield against spills, allergens or wear like a dedicated mattress protector," she says.
"A topper’s primary purpose is really to enhance comfort and support, not serve as a protector," adds Tishman.
According to Holliday-Bell, mattress protectors have some cons, such as they can trap heat and collect dead skin cells, oils and allergens.
"Removal for cleaning can also be challenging. Be wary of basic protectors bundled with mattress purchases, as they often lack advanced features like breathability or cooling. Investing in a higher-quality protector with breathable, noiseless materials can significantly improve sleep quality," adds Van Dehy.
How we chose
We asked experts for their insight about mattress toppers and mattress protectors while emphasizing the main differences. Also, we selected top products tested by editors in both categories and opted for other high-rated toppers and protectors reviewed by customers while keeping expert key criteria in mind.
Meet the experts
- Willy Van Dehy is the CEO of Slumber Cloud, a company offering NASA-engineered bedding products.
- Adam Tishman is the co-president and co-founder of Helix Sleep, a company focused on mattresses and bedding products.
- Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell is a board-certified physician, sleep specialist and founder of The Solution is Sleep.
