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:Are you waking up at night, wondering how to keep cool on a memory foam mattress – or any mattress? Night sweats are often caused by a lack of airflow in the mattress that keeps all of the hot air trapped, so you sweat at night. It’s not a comfortable feeling to wake up in a sweat. A cooling pad for your bed is an inexpensive way for you to be able to cool your bed and sleep well without having to spend a bundle on a new mattress. The best part is that these pads don’t add too much height to the bed and come in a variety of size options so that they’re guaranteed to be able to fit your bed. Before we dive into reviews on some of the industry’s best cooling mattress toppers, let’s look at a few criteria points to consider:
Beautyrest 3-inch Sculpted Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper Review – Simmons Beautyrest is an industry icon, and the 3-inch sculpted memory foam topper that the company offers is right around the mid-range level. Available in sizes twin – king, this topper works to draw warm air away from the body for maximum comfort all night long. The gel memory foam also adjusts to your body’s temperature to provide accurate cooling at all times of the night. The three-inch foam also offers natural resistance to dust mites and has antimicrobial protection, too. When unwrapped for the first time, the mattress topper will need 48 hours to fully expand to its original shape. If you want the best mattress topper, this is it. LINENSPA 1 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Pad Review – The LINESPA is available in only twin size and has dimensions of 38” x 75”. Perfect for a twin bed, a major selling point of this topper is that it is just 1” in height, so it doesn’t add too much height to the bed.
For smaller kids, too much height added by the pad can be an issue. Memory foam that’s infused with gel beads is used to help prevent overheating when sleeping and also improves the breathability of the topper. Resistant to allergens and dust mites, this topper is a good choice for anyone that is outside of a city where dust and pollen may be in abundance. Beautyrest 3-inch Sculpted Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper Review – This is the queen-size model of the Beautyrest model previously reviewed, and it also includes a pair of corded earplugs and a sleep mask to ensure that you sleep through the night uninterrupted. Offering a medium comfort level, this topper is as comfortable as it is breathable. Memory foam conforms to the body and acts like a coolant thanks to the foam’s natural ability to pull warm air away from the body. Dual-sided gel further acts to release pressure on sensitive areas to minimize aches and pains when you sleep. Weighing just 3.2 pounds, this topper also eliminates motion transfer that is felt when someone else gets up or lays down on the topper.
LUCID 2 Inch Gel Infused Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper Review – The LUCID 2 is a go-to memory foam mattress topper for someone that wants to add a little height to their bed, but not too much. This topper features 2” lucid gel that works to capture heat and distribute it so that you don’t overheat when sleeping. Open-cell technology keeps the topper in top shape, and the memory foam is CertiPur-US certified. Mid-ranged, this topper is reasonably priced. The topper is resistant to dust and allergens like most of the pads on our list. This is a great overall topper, and the perfect choice for anyone that wants to add a smidge of height to their bed. Natures Sleep Thick AirCool IQ Queen Topper Review – Natures Sleep offers the AirCool IQ, which feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud. One of the top toppers in the industry, this model is high-end item but it does also include a microfiber fitter cover and a bed skirt that is 18”. A great value, this model’s cover is 100% microfiber.