What’s the Difference between a Mattress Topper and a Mattress Protector?

There is a wide range of sleeping products available that can help improve your quality of sleep, however without understanding the benefits of each of them, it can be difficult to find one that will cater to your personal requirements best.

One of the most common misconceptions is that toppers and protectors are the same thing. In fact, they are very different, from the way the feel to the level of comfort they provide with each serving a different purpose to help improve your sleeping surface.

The benefits of mattress toppers

A topper is designed to offer an additional layer of comfort to your mattress and is available in various levels of thicknesses to suit your preferred level of softness. There are also toppers available, such as the ones offered by Tempur, which will mould to your body as you sleep to offer it further comfort and light support. What is important to remember is that although toppers can be used to improve the feel of your mattress they should not be used to rejuvenate an old one. So if your current mattress is old, lumpy and worn, you should consider investing in a new one.

The benefits of mattress protectors

On average, an adult sweats approximately a pint of moisture every night and this perspiration can soak into your bedding and mattress. For this reason it is important to protect your sleeping surface and keep it clean and comfortable to lie on. A protector will also act as a barrier between yourself and other allergens on your mattress, such as dust mites. Some types of mattresses however, such as memory foam and Tempur, already incorporate hypoallergenic properties that in themselves make the surface more hygienic and a better option for people that suffer from conditions like allergies and asthma.

At Smiths we have a quality selection of toppers and protectors available from top bed brands, including Tempur and Dormeo Octaspring. Our sleep experts are on hand to answer any questions you have about our range as well as offer advice on the best option for your current sleeping conditions.