Both products can easily be placed on top of your mattress for added plushness, cushioning, and support, but each has its own best-use cases. To help you decide whether a mattress pad or mattress topper will best suit your needs, we spoke with experts and dove deeper into the mattress pad vs. mattress topper decision. Below, learn more about the difference between these two sleep-supporting products, and find our picks for the best mattress pads and the best mattress toppers. While mattress pads can make your mattress feel a bit softer, Savy adds that they won’t alter how your mattress feels. That’s why it is still important to make sure you have the best mattress, as it truly is the foundation of good sleep. Like mattress pads, mattress toppers are made of similar materials (foam, latex, feathers, or wool) and can help to make a firmer mattress feel soft. However, because they come in different densities. According to Savy, mattress toppers are best suited for sleepers who need extra pressure relief as they sleep. “Mattress toppers are often used to make people dealing with chronic pain feel more comfortable,” he says. “For example, latex and foam toppers excel at pressure relief and can have a pain-relieving effect, even when the mattress itself isn’t that cradling.” One major downside of mattress toppers is that most are not machine-washable and instead need to be spot-cleaned. To use a mattress topper and a mattress pad together, sleep psychologist Katherine Hall, Ph.D., advises to “make sure that you always place your mattress topper on top of the mattress pad.” Hall further explains, “Together, you’ll create a mattress that’s supportive, has a good balance between firm and soft, and one that’s protected from stains.” Density level Products with a higher density (mattress toppers) are firmer and can be helpful in providing cushioning and support to the body. Lower-density products (mattress pads) may be more attractive to those who want added softness. Materials While mattress pads and mattress toppers tend to use similar materials (cotton, wool, or feathers), it’s always important to be mindful of the materials you’re sleeping on. As with mattresses, you’ll want to look for products that are organic, natural, or have nontoxic certifications. Price Much like a mattress, Hall says it’s best to choose higher-quality products, as they will last you for years to come. “In most cases, mattress toppers are more expensive than pads,” she explains. “However, mattress toppers are usually thicker and more well made than pads and have the advantage of lasting longer.” Another added perk is that, despite its thicker construction, the topper contours to your shape without sinking or denting—even if you happen to change positions. While it may not be as cooling as other toppers on our list, you have 90 nights to test it out, plus a 10-year warranty to back it up. What Reviewers Say: While it may be expensive, reviewers love the extra support this topper provides. “Has helped with fibromyalgia and a compressed spine,” one-five star reviewer writes. “Sleeping more and waking with less pain.” Other reviewers appreciate it for its durability and exceptional construction. “This topper is durable yet soft and contours to your body,” wrote another. If you are looking for something that can support your many sleeping positions, this topper’s targeted comfort zones will support your body and its pressure points through every toss and turn. The pressure-relieving effect also makes this a great choice for anyone with back or joint pain. To top it off, the elastic-banded sides keep the topper in place as you snooze. While the brand offers a 5-year warranty, be advised there is no trial period, refund, or return policy, unless the product is unopened and unused. What Reviewers Say: “The foam topper stays in place and provides a cooler sleep,” confirms one five-star reviewer. Others add that it’s a must-have for those seeking pain relief. “Buy the topper, especially if you have pressure point issues with pain,” wrote another. “We have significant pressure point issues with shoulders, back, joints, and hips; this is definitely the sweet spot—you’ll feel like you are cradled in comfort without the uneasy feeling of sinking in foam.” However, here’s a heads-up: In addition to no trial period, there are no negative reviews of this topper on the GhostBed site, making it important to research the product (and/or the brand) a little more before purchasing to get further, in-depth insight. While nontoxic materials are an obvious perk, this mattress topper stands out with comfort, too, adding instant softness to your bed while still contouring to the shape of your body. Sleepers have two firmness levels to choose from (plush or firm), and this topper is exceptional at adding height, making it the perfect remedy for an already sagging mattress. Above all, this topper is ready to use from the moment it’s delivered to your door. The topper arrives in a box and fits perfectly on your mattress once unpacked, no complicated setup necessary. What Reviewers Say: “Added this topper to our new Avocado mattress and it was exactly what we needed—the right amount of firmness and softness for a perfect night’s sleep,” one five-star reviewer writes. “I have peace of mind sleeping on organic materials, eight hours a night. No harmful VOCS absorbing into my skin,” another adds. The trial is only 45 days, which may not be enough testing time for those who really like to become acquainted with a new sleep product before committing. However, it’s fairly straightforward in design and softness, so you’ll likely get the gist of how this mattress pad can benefit your sleep over that period. It fits a ton of sizes and can be used on mattresses up to 16 inches. Plus, it boasts elastic bands on each side to keep the pad in place. What Reviewers Say: “Who knew a mattress pad at any price could be so well made,” says one five-star reviewer. “Very heavy with commercial grade bare rubber elastic all around. Doesn’t just slip on easily like a sheet.” Other reviewers applaud the softness of this mattress pad. “Fits generously, and the fabric it is made of is like satin,” another reviewer wrote. “Truly luxurious, and in line with my other purchases: exceeded expectations.” Most negative reviews center around the high price, but it’s helpful to consider this as an investment product you can use for years to come. Choose from two heights (11 or 18 inches), depending on whether you’re using a thin mattress or something taller. Another major bonus? There’s no crinkly, uncomfortable, or stiff feeling from the padding, so it won’t be too noisy to sleep on. Just keep in mind there’s no warranty for this mattress pad, although there is a 90-day trial period. What Reviewers Say: Take it from this five-star reviewer: “My mother purchased this mattress cover for my parents’ guest bed, and I was so impressed by it that when I returned home after visiting my parents I immediately ordered one. I had no idea that waterproof mattress covers could feel like normal mattress covers—no crinkly, waxy, plastic-y feeling at all—I would not even believe it was waterproof if I hadn’t seen how well it does the job. What a great product!” The lower price point also means no warranty or trial period, but you can easily return this item if you aren’t satisfied—just be sure to check the retailer’s full return policy before adding this mattress pad to your cart. What Reviewers Say: While this mattress pad doesn’t offer cooling benefits, plenty of five-star reviewers love this mattress pad for the added layer of softness it provides. “This is a really high quality mattress pad, well made, excellent fabric, tight stitching, plush feel, snug fit of the elastic skirt on our 18” deep king bed," one five-star reviewer says. “We bought a new mattress that has deep tufting so while it has great support it’s strangely lumpy. The pad evened the surface out and made it smooth and even more comfortable. Very satisfied.” And while a mattress pad can add some plushness to your mattress, it’s much thinner than a topper and is not the best option for back pain relief. “A mattress pad is thinner than a mattress topper, and it can’t provide the support needed to help the spine align better and help the muscles to relax,” Carrol confirms.
