The proper arrangement or stacking of your sleep environment can get pretty confusing. Does the mattress go first or the mattress protector? How about mattress pads?
You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll talk about:
- Do mattress toppers go over or under mattress protectors?
- What is the best way to protect a mattress topper?
- How do mattress toppers and mattress pads differ?
- What are the benefits of mattress toppers?
Do toppers go over a mattress protector?
There is no right or wrong way when it comes to stacking a mattress topper and a mattress protector together on top of your bed. It can go either way. The mattress topper can go over or under a protector.
However, if you want to extend the life of your mattress and your mattress topper, then it is best to have the mattress topper under the mattress protector. Stack your topper on your bed, and then pull the protector on top of it, and then place your duvets and comforters.
Remember that a mattress topper is like a mini mattress. It has the same layered construction and cannot be washed because of its absorbent quality. It is basically like a giant foam, so you would want to avoid spilling any liquid that may permanently stain or moisten the topper.
A mattress protector can help protect the bed from spills and prevent dust and allergens from getting on the topper. This will help you maintain a clean sleeping surface, especially if you are pretty prone to allergies.
Moreover, if you plan to use your topper for an extended time, this is a great way to lengthen its lifespan and make sure that you get your money’s worth.
How do you protect a mattress topper?
If you are looking to use your mattress topper for a long time, you must know how to properly take care of it and prevent any accidents that may permanently stain it.
Not all mattress toppers are waterproof. However, even if your topper is water-resistant, here are some measures that you can take to protect your mattress and elongate its lifespan.
- Mattress topper cover
There are mattress topper covers available in the market. And most probably, the company or brand that you bought your mattress topper from sells a matching waterproof topper cover. These topper covers are meant to keep away any liquids or moisture from the topper.
Accidental spills can happen, especially if you like having meals on your bed. They also protect the bed from urine, sweat, dust, and allergens, ensuring that it remains fresh for a long time.
- Mattress protector
If you think buying a separate cover for your mattress is too wasteful, you can achieve the same effect by buying a mattress protector and placing the topper under the protector.
The protector is essentially waterproof and works the same way that a cover does. However, the only difference is that a protector is more heavy-duty and constructed for a mattress. This way, you can protect not only your topper but the bed underneath. Find out how to choose a mattress protector.
Which way do you put a mattress topper?
Mattress toppers have two faces, and depending on the material, there are different recommended ways that you sho0uld place them to make the most of your product.
- Memory foam toppers
Most memory foam mattresses look the same on either side. While you can place it however you want, you are encouraged to place the more conforming side up.
To determine what is the more conforming side, you can conduct a simple test. Place your hand on each side and determine which side can retain the indent of your hand for longer. This is the more conforming side.
Place it up so that you make the most of the material. This way, the side that provides good body contouring is against your body.
- Egg crate foam toppers
Unlike memory foam mattresses, egg-crate foam toppers do not look the same on each side. Egg crate foam toppers are smooth on one side, while the other has bumps resembling an egg crate.
The bumps are meant to face up, pointing towards the ceiling. The bumps are great for promoting blood flow and should be against your body for maximum usage.
What’s the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector?
The difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector is that a topper provides an extra comfort boost for your bed. They are an excellent way to firm up an old mattress that has gone too soft or make a mattress that feels too firm softer.
Moreover, some mattress toppers provide features that can make sleeping much more comfortable such as cooling systems or additional height. Often, mattress toppers are used to make sleeping more comfortable when replacing the bed is not an option.
However, toppers are not built to protect your bed from spills or allergens, except for a few waterproof mattress toppers. This is where mattress protectors come in. Protectors are constructed from water-resistant fabric, keeping away any sweat, urine, moisture, or liquids from seeping into your bed.
Additionally, most mattress protectors are constructed to protect against allergens such as dust and microbes. These protectors have been treated with antibacterial or antimicrobial technology that prevents the risk of microbes colonising your bed.
Are mattress toppers worth it?
If you are using mattress toppers for their intended purpose, then they are worth it. The added comfort and support will undoubtedly make sleeping a lot better for you. It will improve the quality of your sleep and thus, translates to your mood and productivity during the day.
However, if you are using a mattress topper on top of a bed that doesn’t necessarily need it, likely, using one in this situation is not worth it. Because the bed itself is sufficient to provide the right amount of comfort, adding the topper doesn’t make a drastic change.