Mattress topper or mattress protector – what’s the difference?

What is a mattress topper, and what is a mattress protector? Both supplement the underlying mattress, but they are two very different things. A mattress topper is optional and a matter of comfort, while a mattress protector, sometimes referred to as a mattress protector, should always be part of your bed. 

A mattress topper is thicker than a mattress protector – typically 5-8 cm - and has two purposes. It helps extend the lifespan of the underlying mattress by protecting it, and it can improve the comfort of both new and old beds. With a mattress topper, you can make your bed a bit firmer if you feel like you sink too far into it. Conversely, a mattress topper can give your bed a softer and more enveloping feel. 
 

A mattress pad/mattress protector is significantly thinner than a mattress topper and primarily serves a hygienic purpose. A mattress protector helps extend the life of your mattress and mattress topper by absorbing moisture and dirt that would otherwise seep into your mattress. Mattress protectors can easily be washed to help maintain a clean and hygienic sleep environment.

If you are asking yourself, “Why use a mattress topper?”, consider these tips:

• A mattress topper protects the underlying mattress and can help extend the lifespan of your bed, thus saving you money in the long run.
• A mattress topper adds an extra layer of comfort that can help improve your sleep quality.
• The correct support from the right mattress topper can help you if you suffer from back, joint, or other pains that disturb you during the night.
• A mattress topper can make your bed feel softer or firmer, depending on what you want. Mattress toppers made from memory foam or polyether foam can make the underlying mattress feel slightly firmer. Mattress toppers made from latex or gel foam can make the underlying mattress feel slightly softer.
• A mattress topper can give new life to an old bed. 

If you are wondering why a mattress protector could be the right choice for you, consider these tips:

• A mattress protector is an affordable solution to protect your mattress or mattress topper without noticeably changing the way your bed feels.  
• A mattress protector can help extend the life of the underlying mattress by protecting it against moisture, sweat and dirt.
• A mattress protector makes it easy to keep your sleeping environment clean. Mattress protectors can typically be machine-washed in their entirety, while usually only the cover of a mattress topper is washable, making the topper more difficult to maintain. 

Choose a mattress topper and a mattress protector if:

• You want to protect both the underlying mattress and the mattress topper against moisture, sweat and dirt.
• You want to extend the life of both your mattress topper and the underlying mattress.
• You want a hygienic sleeping environment that is easy to clean. With a mattress protector, the underlying mattress topper won't get dirty, and you can easily wash the mattress protector.

"Our bodies release roughly 2.5 litres of fluid per day, around 0.5 litres of which is sweat and evaporation. Some of this occurs while we sleep, and the fluids can seep into the underlying mattress if there is no protective layer. We therefore always recommend using a mattress protector – both for hygienic reasons and to improve the durability of the mattress."
– Peter, Category Manager, JYSK 

If you have a nice, comfortable bed, you might not need a mattress topper. You can always buy a mattress topper if, at some point, your bed is no longer providing the support you need. 

We recommend that you always have a mattress protector that can function as a protective layer between the underlying mattress and the sheet. A mattress protector makes your bed more hygienic and extends the lifespan of your mattress. 

While a mattress and a mattress topper can both be difficult to clean, a mattress protector is made to tolerate both a washing machine and often also a tumble-dryer, so a mattress protector makes it easier for you to keep your sleeping environment free of moisture and dirt. Mattress protectors are found in different price classes, and even the lowest-priced models will help protect your mattress. 

There's no real downside to getting a mattress protector. However, the extra layer that a mattress protector adds to your bed could make it feel just a little bit firmer. 

A mattress protector should always be placed directly under your sheet. If you already have a mattress topper, place the mattress protector above it and then cover both with a nice, soft sheet. If you don't have a mattress topper, place the mattress protector directly on top of your mattress and use the elastic straps to keep it in place. Cover it with a sheet. 

To find the answer to other questions you might have about mattress toppers, read our guide: Which mattress protector and topper should you choose? The ultimate guide