Why do you need a mattress pad?

There are many mattress products that you may not know the purpose of, such as mattress pads, protectors, and toppers. It may all seem a little too much, unnecessary, or confusing. You may be asking, what is a mattress pad? What’s it for?

Why mattress pad?

Mattress pads are a mattress accessory that go on top of the mattress, under the sheets to give your bed a plumper feel with its padding. This is due to around 1-2 inches of thickness of its quilted material. Mattress pads also protect against dirt, dust, allergens, and accidents such as liquid spillages – though this isn’t the primary function of a mattress pad, its more for comfort.

What is the Difference Between Mattress Pad and Mattress Protector?

You might get a mattress pad confused with mattress protector, as this too protects mattresses against the same damages. The difference is that a mattress pad adds to the level of comfort to your mattress and usually isn’t waterproof like a mattress protector, so will offer a quieter sleep and less protection from liquid spillages. Mattress protectors are designed especially for accidents, spillages, bodily fluids, dust mites and allergens, and so are waterproof to be more liquid- resistant, offering more protection rather than comfort.

Types of Mattress Pads

Cotton – a soft and absorbent material, designed to offer comfort, durability, and easy-washable properties.

Memory foam – excellent for heat-retaining, and contours to the shape of the body allowing an ultra-soft feeling of comfort. This is a highly desirable product, and many mattresses are made from memory foam material too. Good quality and very durable.

Feather – perfect for firm beds, where a feather mattress pad can offer a soft and breathable quality, so sleepers won’t get uncomfortably hot or sweaty in their sleep. A downside, is that feathers may cluster together, creating an uneven surface but some feather mattress pads may have a baffle box construction to stop this from happening. If not, make sure you regularly fluff your mattress pad to help the feathers distribute evenly. Made from duck or goose feathers.

Polyester – offers comfort and has hypoallergenic properties, so if you have allergies or are sensitive to dust mites and allergens then polyester is a good option for you. As well as this, mattress pads are also durable and can be cheap.

Wool – these mattress pads offer comfort, made mostly from sheep, where this natural material gives a cooler sleep. 

Fibre – great for sleeps who are mobile in their sleep and offers cushioning and comfort by consisting of polyester fill. Additionally, sleepers who are sensitive to mattress pads made from down feathers can use fibre mattress pads as a great alternative. They are also breathable, offering a cool sleep.