What is the Difference Between a Mattress Pad and a Mattress Cover?

A mattress pad and mattress cover are different for entirely different purposes. One protects your mattress and keeps it as fresh as new. The other one is super soft and adds a layer of comfort and snuggliness to your bed.

Whether you want a soft mattress or want to avoid replacing your saggy mattress, we will discuss today how you can sift through different types of mattress pads and covers and identify the one that suits your daily needs and adds an ambiance to your bedroom.

Understanding the Basics

Mattress Cover

A mattress cover or an encasement protects your mattress, possibly with a rust-proof zipper, if it offers 360-degree protection from external conditions like vandalism, dirt and dust, allergens, and microbes. Some mattress covers are waterproof with fluid spillage protection, meant to last longer than the regular ones.

Mattress Pad

A mattress pad enhances the overall comfort of your mattress due to its plushness, smooth texture, and snuggly qualities. A mattress pad does not have mattress protection features and thus does not ensure savings on your mattress budget, similar to a mattress cover.

Let’s take a look at the different types of mattresses that can elevate your bedding quality, make them superior to any regular or flashy bedding, and improve their service life.

Differentiating the Features

Mattress pads and mattress covers have different features based on their preferred use. A mattress protector protects your mattress from spillage, stains, bed bugs, microbes, and allergens. Mattress protectors are waterproof and effortless to wash. It is very basic in design and does not add any comfort. A few of them that are cheap can be noisy, limiting breathability and temperature regulation.

A mattress pad may sometimes be waterproof but is usually meant to add coziness and plushness to your mattress. It does not change the overall appeal and comfortability of your bed but just adds a little softness.

If you have children who are not toilet trained and defecate or urinate on the bed, then you need to get a mattress cover. The same would be the case if you have someone elderly who does not have control over their bowel movement or incontinence.

But, if you constantly feel like the mattress is not soft enough or face trouble falling asleep at night, you need to get a mattress pad. But if you have a child and an older adult, you need a mattress pad and mattress cover combined. This means that you need a mattress pad that has waterproofing qualities, lasts longer, has a soft, appealing look, and is comfortable.

Navigating Material Choices

Mattress protectors are available in waterproof and quilted waterproofing. Waterproof mattress covers or protectors are only waterproof, followed by mattress protection features and durability.

Quilted mattress covers are made from breathable fiber fillings for a luxurious feel and anti-allergenic properties. Some mattress covers may be one-sided, and others may be five or 6-sided zipper encasements for convenience.

Mattress pads are made from natural fillings like cotton that are soft, breathable, and durable, lasting with repeated washing. Wool-filled mattress pads are flame-resistant, hypoallergenic, and cozy. Due to moisture-absorbing properties, it must be carefully washed to prevent clumping. Down and feather-filled mattress pads feel plush and airy but need regular batting or fluffing to stay evenly distributed.

Synthetic fiber-filled mattress pads like the ones made from polyester are effortless to wash, allergen-free, glossy, soft, and breathable. A polycotton fill blend adds to the comfort. A rayon filling is warm, breathable, lightweight, and does not have a static cling, unlike polyester.

How Do I Choose One?

To protect your mattress, a regular non-woven mattress cover or protector works that is very affordable, looks fresh, and lasts a few washes. For a home’s frequent use of mattresses by kids or older people, we recommend going for a waterproof mattress protector that slightly drives the cost above the regular cover but also lasts longer.

In return, it would keep your mattress as good as a new one and save you on major mattress replacement costs. Don’t go for the cheapest option available in the market but for value. A firm mattress means you can put a mattress pad, ensuring a comfortable sleeping experience for them by getting a plush, breathable mattress pad that is also allergen and bedbug-free. Ensure to get something that is durable and lasts longer.

Innovation in Mattress Pads and Mattress Covers

Mattress pads may be available in different sizes, material types, and even qualities, but once we have decided the kind of mattress pad we need, we can go for it. Belem’s Waterproof Mattress Pads by DZEE Home are made from 4 layers, with the top one being the ultra-soft, super-smooth microfiber fabric that is breathable, water-repellant with anti-microbial properties.

The second layer is an 8-ounce polyester fill that is hypoallergenic, stitched between a layer of non-woven fabric, followed by a waterproof polyurethane layer known as memory foam. It has a 15-inch deep, stretchable side skirt to fit on a bed. And four cornered elastic bands to hold the mattress pad in place by wrapping around each corner of the mattress.

Which One Do You Need?

No matter what you are looking for in your home mattress. Be it a mattress protector, a mattress pad, or a mix of both mattress pads and mattress covers, combining the softness and smoothness of a mattress pad while waterproof. We now know how to make your mattress wear down slower and stay bedbugs, allergens, and dust-free.

Not just that, the mattress pads last longer than your average mattress covers and pads. Improve your bedding experience, make your mattress last longer, and protect it from allergens, dirt, and bed bugs.

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