mattress pads

Mattress pads and mattress toppers may sound similar—and yes, both sit on top of your mattress to improve comfort—but they’re designed to do very different jobs. Think of it like this:
If your bed were a cup of coffee, a mattress pad is the splash of cream that smooths things out a bit. A mattress topper? That’s a double shot of espresso—it completely changes the experience. The main difference comes down to how much they change the feel of your bed and what materials they use to do it.

A mattress pad is a thin, plush layer—typically an inch or less—designed to add light cushioning and protect your mattress from spills, dust, and allergens. Made with soft fill like cotton, microfiber, or down alternative, it offers a touch of cozy comfort and helps soften a firm bed. Easy to wash and maintain, it’s ideal for subtle upgrades—not complete overhauls.

Choose a mattress pad if:

• You want to slightly soften a mattress that’s a bit too firm.
• Your mattress is in good shape, but just needs a comfort boost.
• You prefer the look and feel of a crisp, quilted bed.
• You’re sensitive to allergens or spills and want easy washability.
• Budget is tight, and you’re looking for an affordable comfort upgrade.

Just keep in mind: most mattress pads aren’t designed to relieve serious pressure points or fix a bad mattress.

A mattress topper is a thicker, more substantial layer—typically 1 to 4 inches—built to transform the feel and support of your mattress. Made from high-density foams, latex, or layered hybrids, toppers are designed to to seriously alter the feel and support of your mattress— helping relieve pressure points, improving alignment, and adjusting firmness. Whether you’re softening a too-firm bed or upgrading a thin dorm mattress, a topper delivers a serious comfort upgrade.

Choose a mattress topper if:

• Your current mattress is too firm, too flat, or just plain uncomfortable.
• You want to recreate the feel of a luxury bed—without buying one.
• You’re dealing with back or joint pain and need real support.
• You’re outfitting a dorm, guest room, or rental property where the bed isn’t ideal.
• You sleep hot and want advanced cooling features.

Toppers are usually more expensive than pads, but they deliver a deeper, more noticeable improvement.

Whether you're choosing a topper or a pad, pay attention to the volume of material. Low-cost versions of either product often cut corners on fill or foam. You may save upfront—but won’t get the comfort or performance you’re hoping for. Sometimes, it’s worth spending just a little more to actually get the results you need.

For pads, look at GSM (grams per square meter) of the fill. Higher GSM means more plushness, better durability, and a noticeable layer between you and your mattress.

For toppers, this means height and foam density. A 2" cheap foam slab won’t feel anything like a 3" high-density, gel-infused option.

Despite their differences, quality matters for both. Whether you're leaning toward a pad or a topper, look for these shared essentials:

Overheating can ruin a good night’s sleep. A quality product should use breathable fabrics, moisture-wicking covers, or gel-infused foams to help regulate your temperature.

Both should stay in place through the night. Look for elastic straps, full-perimeter bands, or fitted skirt designs that hold tight to your mattress—especially important for restless sleepers.

Hygiene matters. The best pads and toppers come with removable, washable covers to keep allergens, sweat, and spills under control.

Perfect for light cushioning, freshness, and modest improvements.

Perfect for when your mattress needs a full-on makeover.

Both are far more affordable than buying a new mattress—but only if you choose wisely.
The right materials, thoughtful design, and construction details can make all the difference between a quick fix and a lasting upgrade.