Sleepopolis is supported by readers. Product links on Sleepopolis are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something Sleepopolis makes a little bit of money. See how it all works here.Do I need a mattress pad or mattress protector for my new Casper, Tuft & Needle, Leesa, Saatva, or other online mattress? This is by far one of the most common questions I receive on my blog, and it’s long over due for a quick question and answer post. First off, it’s important to note the differences between mattress pads and mattress protectors. A mattress pad is a relatively thick piece of quilted material that sits on top of your mattress, but below your sheets. A mattress pad can help to protect your mattress to some degree from general wear and tear, and help reduce allergens, but in general you’d purchase a mattress pad to add comfort to your mattress. The primary reason I would suggest buying a mattress pad is because you’re unhappy with your current mattress and a mattress pad can be a nice short term solution to add comfort to an older or uncomfortable mattress.
If you’re buying a brand new mattress, whether it’s foam, innerspring, or otherwise, there is really no need to purchase a mattress pad. Mattress toppers would be a similar option if you’re seeking a temporary solution to add comfort, but that’s another blog post. A mattress protector also sits directly on the surface of your mattress, but below your sheets. It’s similar to a fitted sheet in the way it covers the mattress. They are generally made from cotton, polyester, or other materials, and are designed to help repel liquid and prevent other sources of damage (dirt, dust, allergens, etc). The most common use for a mattress protector is simply as a liquid resistant protector. In the event you were to spill a drink, have an accident prone child or pet, or have a sexy-times accident, the mattress protector will help to ensure your expensive mattress stays fresh, clean, and unsoiled. I would highly recommend a mattress protector to anyone who is purchasing a new mattress, or already owns a mattress without a mattress protector.
They are an inexpensive way to ensure your mattress stays nice for years. Most mattress protectors are fairly thin. They don’t have to be thick to do their job if they are made well. As such, they have very little impact in terms of the feel and comfort of the mattress they are on. My wife and I have been using a pretty good and inexpensive mattress protector we purchased from Amazon when we bought our mattress. We’ve slept several times with it off to get a sense of the feel and I cannot tell any noteworthy difference in feel, comfort, or sound when the mattress protector is on vs. with it off. In addition to protecting your mattress from damage, liquids, etc. they can also aid in reducing allergens, dust mites, and asthma issues. If you have an older mattress that you’re not terribly happy with I would recommend a mattress pad. Mattress pads are an inexpensive way to add a little life to older or otherwise uncomfortable mattresses. If it’s a new mattress, there is no need to purchase a mattress pad (assuming you are happy with the mattress).
A mattress protector on the other hand is all but required. It’s inexpensive, protects your investment, has no visible impact, and shouldn’t dramatically change the way the mattress feels. In my book it’s a no brainer. Below are my favorite mattress protectors and mattress pads:Some pillow-top mattress pads can be removed for washing and maintenance. A new pillow-top mattress may be just what the body ordered when it comes to a comfortable night’s sleep. Over time, however, that mattress may develop lumps that could make you feel more like the sleep-deprived main character from “The Princess and the Pea.” Rather than replacing that lumpy nightmare of a mattress, return it to a usable state with a little hands-on care involving a mild workout. The Beatdown Some pillow-top mattresses have a removable pillow layer for more manageable cleaning and maintenance. Look for a zipper along the mattress, pulling the pillow layer out of its pocket, if possible. Hang this pillow pad out over a clothesline and beat it with a clean broom, covering the entire area of the pad.
If the pad is permanently affixed to the mattress, beat down the mattress with the broom while the mattress is on the bed after removing all bedding. In the Rotation Rotating a pillow-top mattress helps prevent lumps and sagging spots. Since a pillow-top cannot be flipped like a traditional mattress, rotation is the best option for keeping the mattress in tip-top shape, comfortable and free of lumps. Turn the mattress so the area at the foot of the bed becomes the area at the head of the bed every couple of months. Rollin', Rollin', Rollin' With all the bedding off the mattress, roll around on the bed from top to bottom, bottom to top, and side to side, acting as a human rolling pin to roll away those mattress lumps. If there are kids in the house, this is a project they’ll most likely love to do, with no complaints. Roll around for five to 10 minutes to smooth the pillow top. An actual rolling pin also comes in handy over specific lumpy areas. If necessary, set up the mattress vertically against a wall with a friend holding it up as you roll the lumps smooth, using gravity to help work the pad fibers back into place.
Wash and Fluff A removable pillow-top pad often is machine washable. Wash it according to the care tag, then place it in the dryer with a few clean tennis balls, which help fluff up the pad and remove lumps. Hang it over a sturdy clothesline after drying, then feel it with your hands, smoothing areas that need it by rubbing them between your hands or by beating it with a clean broom. Photo Credits Andrew Olney/Photodisc/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionImage: Yes, we'd all love to purchase a new mattress to float away on at the drop of a hat, but they're so dang expensive it's not always possible. The good news is, if you have a semi-decent mattress and box spring, you can make some small investments and tweaks to boost your bed's level of fluffy comfort. A photo posted by Fruition Skin Therapy (@fruitionskintherapy) on Jan 7, 2017 at 8:48pm PST Even if you have a pillow-top, don't just throw a single foam pad on over the mattress and expect your bed to dish up the best sleeping experience ever.
For a luxurious and super-comfortable bed, you need to layer on the extras and add a few other goodies to create the perfect combination for you. More: Things to consider when buying a new bed Check out a memory foam mattress pad, for instance. They come in various sizes, but we suggest going for one that's 1-1/2 to 2 inches thick. You get the benefit of amazing cushioning, but the pad isn't so big that you don't have room for other types of padding. A photo posted by Beta Cat (@betabetacat) on Dec 31, 2016 at 8:01am PST Memory foam is a great start, but next you need to double down with an eggcrate mattress pad. Yeah, they look a little crazy, but they're also amazingly comfortable. Get one big enough to cover the entire top surface of your bed and position it near the top layers of extras (on top of your memory foam, for instance), just beneath a thinner topper that's directly under your fitted sheet. If you aren't allergic to feather products, down bedding can be a gorgeously fluffy addition to your bed.
Look for down pillows, mattress toppers and comforters. But quality matters here, folks — if you buy a cheap down comforter or pillow, you're going to be constantly needled to death with the prickly ends of the feathers poking through the cloth barrier. A photo posted by Cristina Dumitrache (@qrstin) on Jan 8, 2017 at 3:28am PST Whether you are allergic, don't like to buy animal products or just don't feel like dishing out the dough for down, there are synthetic substitutes/down alternatives for feather bedding. More: DIY wooden headboard makes your bedroom instantly farmer-chic If you're looking for a good bang for your buck, the Chezmoi Collection goose down alternative comforter is a steal at $55 at Sears, and you can't beat the Natural Comfort super-warm and cozy down alternative comforter at $42 on Amazon. A photo posted by @sleep.whale.pillows on Jan 8, 2017 at 7:58am PST Speaking of comforters, it's important to pay attention to seasons and the climate you live in while shopping for one.