How To Buy Mattress Pads & Toppers

If you’ve never slept on a mattress pad or mattress topper; you’re definitely missing out. Maybe you just purchased a new mattress and want to make sure it’s protected, or maybe you have an older mattress and could use an upgrade. Whatever your situation, mattress pads are a great solution, and with many priced under $100, they’re super affordable, too!

Mattress pads have two primary functions: 

1. They protect against dirt, stains, and allergens.

2. They provide additional comfort and support.

But shopping for them can get a little confusing. Questions about size, plushness, and care will inevitably come up, so here are some things to know in advance.

Mattress pad vs Mattress topper

Mattress pads feature stretch skirts or anchor straps to hold them firmly in place. They are typically filled with polyester, down alternative, and in rare cases down. Mattress pads are easy to care for and help any bed feel more luxurious. They are great for those who need support but prefer a plush bed, or having bought a newer mattress want to take advantage of the beds top layer benefits.

A mattress topper typically sits unsecured on the top of the mattress. Often, these tend to be memory foam, polyester or a feather blend. Toppers are great for those who need a bit more support, and want that cloud like comfort.

Size
Mattress pads & toppers are designed to fit corresponding mattress sizes – Twin, Twin XL, Full/Double, Queen, King, or California King. i.e, if your mattress is queen size, you’ll want a queen size mattress pad or topper.

(*Note: California King is different from King. The California King is four inches longer, but six inches narrower than a King.)

You’ll also want to keep in mind that fitted sheets will need to cover the mattress and the mattress pad. Your current sheets may not be deep enough to accommodate both. To find the vertical height needed, measure from the bottom of the mattress to the top of the mattress pad. Our fitted sheets will accommodate a height of 14” – 18”.

Plushness
You’ll see different levels of plushness identified on our products online. This is determined by the amount of filling in the mattress pad or mattress topper. To decide the level of plushness you would like, you’ll need to identify the level of firmness you prefer. If you prefer a firmer and more supportive sleep experience, you’ll want a Light Plush mattress pad. If sleeping nestled in a cloud sounds better to you, choose Extra or Super Plush. You may also want to consider a fiber or feather bed for ultimate plushness.

Our Plushness levels are listed below:

• 6 – 8 oz/yd² : Light Plush
• 8 – 10 oz/yd² : Medium Plush
• 10 – 12 oz/yd² : Extra Plush
• 13+ oz/yd² : Super Plush

Care

Mattress pads are easy to care for as most can be machine washed and dried. For larger mattress pads or mattress toppers, we suggest a commercial laundromat. Additionally, you’ll want to refrain from dry cleaning, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets. The chemicals will affect and weaken the fibers in the filling. 

If you decide on a memory foam topper, feather bed or a fiber bed, do not wash. These are spot clean only.

With all the options for mattress pads and matress toppers, you no longer need to miss out on restful nights. Give yourself the sleep you not only need, but deserve.