Here's What To Know About Getting a Mattress Pad

If you’ve purchased a new mattress, you’ll at least need a mattress pad to match. However, even an older mattress can get a facelift with a mattress topper too! This guide to getting a mattress pad depends on your own sleeping needs.

The Difference between a Pad, Topper, and Protector

Before you buy your next set of monogrammed bedding, take your sleep system to the next level with a mattress pad, topper, or protector. Each of these three items is different and serves a unique purpose to make your night’s sleep the best it can be. Mattress pads are thinner and more like a fitted sheet. Pads are best used to protect a new mattress or keep the same firmness and feel as your current mattress.

Mattress toppers add a little extra. These are typically thicker and can transform a mattress to be more comfortable. These are well-suited for those who might not want a new mattress but want a different feel to their current bed.

Lastly, a mattress protector is like a mattress pad, but it encompasses an entire mattress, not just the top. Protectors are used to keeping your mattress free from bed bugs, dust mites, or big spills. Handy for a child’s bed, protectors are great to extend the life of your mattress.

Choose the Right Thickness

Grab the mattress pad or topper you’ve always wanted. Start by thinking about thickness. Do you like your current mattress? Do you feel you need a new mattress? If you currently like your mattress, or you just purchased one, then choose a mattress pad that’s thin. Combine a light and feathery mattress pad with a few linen sheet sets in your favorite color for a well-rounded bed you’ll want to curl up in every night.

If your mattress is older and you’re looking for a refresh, opt for a topper. Mattress toppers can freshen up even the oldest of spring beds. You’ll want something that suits your style of sleep. Opt for a firm memory foam topper or a fluffy down topper. Each one will give you a unique night’s rest that’s just as good as buying a new mattress.

Think About Your Needs

Ultimately, you’ll want to consider your needs as well as thickness. If you have small kids, then getting a mattress protector gives your kid’s bed added years of life. For kids with older mattresses, you can pair a mattress protector with a new topper too. Give the whole room a makeover with a new set of kids' bedding for a fresh look they will love.

For new memory foam mattresses, you may not want a mattress pad or a topper. A mattress pad can help take away some of the firmness of a memory foam mattress, while a mattress protector increases the longevity of your mattress investment. Older mattresses get a facelift with a topper. This is an economic way to feel like you have a brand new bed. Overall, consider who’s using the mattress and how old the bed is to choose the right mattress pad for your bedroom.

Set a Budget

Don’t forget about your budget. Consider if you are purchasing new bedsheets too or if it’s just a mattress pad. How many toppers or pads are you purchasing? Choose a realistic budget before you buy so you can maintain healthy spending habits with your purchase. With a careful budget and a little bit of bargain hunting, you can outfit your entire family with new bedding and a mattress pad without breaking the bank. If you need more than you have to spend, opt to take care of your most pressing needs first. Sign up for email lists for your favorite brands so you’re the first to know about sales and deals.

Get Fitted!

Some people wonder if you need new sheets when you purchase a mattress pad. The answer depends. First, do you have sheets you love? If not, then take advantage of your bedroom makeover and choose a set of sheets and comforters you can’t live without.

Some larger toppers may require new sheets to fit around both the mattress and the topper, but typically this isn’t an issue. However, you can always mix and match new and old bedding to create a custom look you’ll love for years to come.