Mattress Protector vs Mattress Topper

Jun 16, 2025by Michelle Pilt

 4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • A mattress protector defends your bed from moisture, spills, and allergens, helping extend the life of your mattress and improve hygiene, especially useful for allergy sufferers and households with kids or pets.

  • A mattress topper enhances comfort by adjusting the firmness or softness of your mattress, making it a great option for improving sleep quality without replacing your mattress.

  • Using both together provides the best of both worlds, combining hygiene protection with enhanced comfort for a more durable and luxurious sleep setup.

If you’ve ever browsed through bedding accessories, chances are you’ve come across both mattress protectors and mattress toppers. While they sound similar, these two items serve completely different purposes. Yet, many shoppers understandably confuse them or wonder if they really need both.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the two, what each one is designed for, and whether it’s worth adding both to your bed setup.

What Is a Mattress Protector?

A mattress protector is a thin layer of material that goes over your mattress, just beneath the fitted sheet. Its main job is to protect your mattress from things like sweat, spills, stains, dust mites, and allergens. It acts as a barrier, keeping your mattress clean and hygienic for longer.

Most protectors are machine washable, making them a simple and effective way to preserve the life of your mattress, especially if you’ve made a significant investment in one. They’re particularly useful for households with young children, pets, or allergy sufferers.

Some protectors are waterproof, while others are quilted or made from soft materials like cotton or bamboo for extra comfort. 

What Does a Mattress Topper Do?

While a protector keeps your mattress clean, a mattress topper is all about comfort. A topper sits on top of your mattress and beneath your fitted sheet, providing an extra layer of softness or support, depending on the material.

Toppers are ideal if:

  • Your mattress feels too firm or lacks cushioning

  • You want to rejuvenate an older mattress

  • You need better pressure relief or improved airflow

There are different types of mattress toppers, including memory foam, latex, wool, and microfibre. Each offers a different feel, from plush and cloud-like to supportive and breathable.

Key Differences at a Glance

Now that we’ve defined both, let’s look at how they differ:

A mattress protector is designed to shield your mattress from spills, moisture and allergens. It’s thin, functional, and focused on hygiene and protection.

A mattress topper, on the other hand, is designed to change the feel of your mattress. It adds softness, support or cushioning depending on your preference, making your bed more comfortable without replacing the entire mattress.

Protectors are usually more affordable, thinner, and easier to wash regularly. Toppers are thicker, often require spot cleaning or airing out, and are typically more noticeable when lying down. Both serve a unique purpose, and when used together, they work to protect your investment and enhance your sleep quality.

Do You Really Need Both?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer depends on your needs.

If your mattress is already comfortable but you want to keep it in good shape, a mattress protector is a smart and affordable choice. If your mattress is too firm or a bit tired, a mattress topper can breathe new life into it.

However, if you want the best of both worlds, combining a topper and a protector is the ideal solution. The topper improves your comfort, while the protector shields both the topper and the mattress beneath. It’s especially worth doing if you’ve recently upgraded your bedding or invested in high-quality sleep products you want to preserve for years to come.

Choose the Right Bedding Combo for Your Sleep Setup

When deciding on bedding accessories, think about your sleep style, any sensitivities you may have, and your current mattress. If you often wake up feeling sore, a topper could be the key. If you share your bed with pets or kids, or live in a humid climate, a protector will help maintain a healthier sleep environment.

You can explore our full range of mattress toppers and protectors to find the right fit for your bed. Our bedding buying guide and build your bundle tool make it easy to select what’s best for you. And of course, if you’d like personalised advice, feel free to contact our friendly team, we’re always happy to help.

 
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