What are Mattress Toppers & Protectors? Differences, Benefits & More

Creating a comfortable and lasting sleep environment can make all the difference when it comes to getting a restful night’s sleep. At our Secret Linen Store, we understand the importance of having the right  bedding  and  accessories  to do exactly that. Two of these that can truly take your sleep experience to the next level are  mattress toppers  and  mattress protectors .

In this guide, we’ll explore what they are, the unique benefits of each, the differences, and why you might need them. By the end, you’ll know whether they can take your snoozing to even dreamier levels.

A  mattress topper  is a thick, cushioned layer that sits on top of your mattress, enhancing its comfort and support. Toppers come in lots of materials, including microfibre, feather and down, and wool. Not only do toppers enhance the overall comfort of your mattress, but they also provide a layer of much-needed protection, ensuring your mattress stays as clean as the day you first bought it.

Think of them as another segment of your mattress. They can add a really luxurious feel to your bed or allow you to tweak the firmness or softness so it's just how you like it.

There are many benefits of investing in a cushy mattress topper if you’re looking to improve your sleep quality and catch more precious forty winks. These include:

•  Make your mattress firmer or softer:  If your mattress feels too firm or too soft, a topper can adjust its feel to better suit your comfort preferences. For example, If you’re looking for a softer feel, feather and  down mattress toppers  provide a more malleable base for your existing mattress, giving it a heavenly squishy and soft finish if it feels a little on the firm side for your liking. 

  Sleep comfort can make a big difference to wellbeing. According to a recent 2024 sleep study, 83.6% of people said that the comfort of their bed and bedding directly correlates to how well they sleep.
  
  

•  Get more life from your mattress:  By adding a layer of cushioning, a topper can help reduce wear and tear, helping to extend the life of your mattress further. So, before you go splashing the cash on a replacement mattress, try investing in a mattress topper first for a fraction of the cost.

•  Regulate sleep temperature:  Natural fabrics, such as wool toppers found in our  wool bedding collection , offer natural temperature regulation, keeping you cool in  summer  and warm in winter. And if your topper keeps you too warm or cool, you can simply pop it off and put it in the cupboard until you need it.

•  Keep your mattress cleaner : While this is a job better suited to a mattress protector, a topper will also act as a barrier to hair, dust and dirt, which might find its way into your mattress. The result? You won’t have to worry about cleaning your mattress as often, and if using it on a kid's bed, only the mattress topper may need cleaning if there are any little accidents.
  
  
• Rejuvenate your mattress: If your bed is nearing the end of its life but you’re not quite ready to get a new one, a mattress topper can add extra cushioning for less cash. This can also help get rid of any sagging and even out any lumps and bumps, improving your sleep position and potentially helping relieve any aches and pains.

For more detailed advice on selecting the perfect topper, check out our guide: How to Choose a Mattress Topper.

Certain mattress toppers are best for certain sleepers - here’s why you might choose either microfibre, feather and down, or wool.

Microfibre mattress toppers are great for allergy and asthma sufferers, and are usually a more budget friendly option. Our Good as Goose toppers are made using Dacron® Comforel®, a premium synthetic fibrefill designed to mimic the softness, loft, and resilience of natural down. 

Made from small fibre clusters, it provides excellent support and maintains its shape, making it brilliant for pillows, bedding, and upholstery. Dacron® Comforel® is also hypoallergenic, easy to care for, and durable, offering a high-quality alternative to down with lasting comfort and support.

Feather and down mattress toppers are all about adding soothing, fluffy splendour to your bedtime routine. They’re supportive and breathable, which can make them a good choice for more humid weather and hotter sleepers. 

Traditionally these types of toppers were not as good for allergy and asthma sufferers, though all ours are NOMITE® and Downafresh® certified. This means they help prevent dust mites and have been hygienically processed so they’re perfectly safe and suitable.

Wool mattress toppers are hypoallergenic, highly breathable, and provide a nicely cushioned yet firm feel. This means they’re less fluffy and enveloping as down, which can be good if you want to make a softer mattress firmer. However, they still provide all the comfort you need for a restful night’s sleep.

A mattress protector is a thin, waterproof or breathable layer that covers your mattress, acting as a barrier against spills, stains, and allergens. Protectors can come with cushioning to lift and loft your mattress for a softer sleep. But ultimately, their job is mainly to keep your mattress clean and hygienic.

Serving a different purpose to that of a topper, a mattress protector is a great choice for the following reasons:

•  Keep your mattress clean:  A good mattress protector, such as those in our  mattress and pillow protectors range , shields your mattress from accidental spills, making them especially ideal for homes with kids and pets running around. Also, by preventing nasties like sweat, skin cells, and bacteria from reaching your mattress, protectors help to keep your sleeping spot so much more clean and hygienic. 

•  Reduce allergens:  Protectors can prevent dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens from getting into your mattress, letting allergy sufferers breathe easier.

•  Easy maintenance:  Most protectors are machine washable, making it easy to keep your bed fresh and clean. Just pop them in the wash (no higher than 40 degrees) and allow them to air dry for the best results. 

•  Keep your warranty:  Lots of mattress makers state that if the mattress becomes stained, you can’t return it, even if it’s defective (helpful!). Here, a protector comes to the rescue, stopping any stains from getting close and giving you years more peace of mind.

• Make your bed more comfy: Some mattress toppers, such as those with a microfibre filling or made from wool, come with some padding too. Great if you want great protection with a spoonful more comfort.
  
  
• Improve your mattress’ lifespan:  By keeping your mattress fresher and more protected, you improve its lifespan and can snooze soundly on it for longer.

A mattress protector is a good choice if your mattress is still in good condition, is comfortable and gives you enough support. It can extend its lifespan, and keep any allergies at bay. 

If your mattress is approaching the end of its lifespan (7-10 years, typically), is uncomfortable, sagging significantly, or negatively impacting your sleep, it might be time to part ways. Getting a new mattress can be life-changing, giving you better sleep to improve your mood, reduce aches and pains, and ultimately benefit all the things in life these can impact.

Unsure which protector is right for you? Here’s our lowdown:

Wool - best for cooler temperatures and allergies 

Wool is breathable, supportive and naturally hypoallergenic, so is a good choice of protector if you suffer from allergies.

Cotton - best for softness and breathability 

Given their lightweight fibres, cotton mattress protectors are breathable and silky soft, which is perfect for hotter sleepers who want to keep their mattresses at their best.

Cotton quilted with recycled polyester - best for cost and comfort

If you want to protect while adding a bit of extra padding to your mattress, cotton protectors filled with recycled polyester fibres are a lower-cost option designed to last

While they keep your mattress protected, you still need to keep your mattress protector clean and cared for. Wash it every couple of months in line with the label, making sure to air dry it so the fibres stay in peak condition. And if it’s padded, give it a good fluff after washing to keep things pillowy.

To learn more, read our guide on how to wash bedding.

The decision between a mattress topper and a protector depends on you. If you’re looking to make your mattress more comfortable or adjust its firmness, a  mattress topper  is the ideal choice. It can breathe new life into an old mattress or add some plushness and comfort to a new one. 

If keeping your mattress clean or helping it last longer is your priority, a  mattress protector  is a must. It’s a simple way to safeguard your bed and ensure a healthy sleep environment. 

 Secret Linen Store top tip : Mattress protectors are a lifesaver for any rented accommodation, such as university halls, professional houseshares or any rented property that comes with a mattress provided. Whether it’s fake tan, accidental spills, or just general wear and tear, a mattress protector will leave your bed as good as new when it comes to leaving your property. 

For more information, visit our handy blog: Why Do I Need A Mattress Topper & Protectors?

Absolutely! In fact, using both a mattress topper and a protector together can provide the ultimate combination of comfort and protection for your  bedding . Start by placing the topper directly on your mattress, then cover both with the protector. This way, you get the enhanced comfort of the topper while keeping your mattress (and topper) safe from spills and allergens.

Learn how to make the most comfortable bed.

Ready to make your bedtime experience spectacular and oh-so-sleepy? Whether you’re looking for added comfort, enhanced support, or top-notch protection for your mattress, we have just what you need. Shop our dreamy selection of  mattress toppers , and  mattress protectors  today to find the right option for you and your sleep.

For more expert tips and tricks on creating your ideal sleep sanctuary, visit our Secret Linen Store blog: The Bedspread.