To the untrained ear, a mattress pad and a mattress topper sound like the same sort of thing. Sure enough, both pads and toppers are designed to sit on top of the mattress and offer an additional layer of comfort through your fitted sheet. With that said, there are key differences between mattress pads and toppers in terms of design features and functionality. The last thing you need is to buy a mattress pad, expecting a thick layer of foam, only to find a thin stretch of fabric.
I learned to tell the difference between mattress pads and mattress toppers early on. I bought my first mattress topper when I went off to college and encountered the world's most uncomfortable innerspring. Since then, I've carried that topper across campus, into my first apartment, and even out on camping trips to get better sleep, wherever I go. I like to protect my mattress topper with a mattress pad. That way, I get an extra line of defence between my bed and my body, guarding against sweat, spills, and stains.
