Mattress Protector vs Mattress Topper: What’s the Difference & Which Do You Need?

If you’re sleeping in the UK — or anywhere, really — you may have come across terms like “mattress protector”, “mattress topper”, “mattress pad” and wondered: aren’t they just different names for the same thing?  

Actually, they’re quite different in purpose, feel, and benefits. Figuring out which to use (or whether to use both) can make a big difference to how long your mattress lasts — and how well you sleep. Here’s a straightforward guide to the difference between a mattress protector and a mattress topper, when you want one over the other, and when both together make sense. 

What is a mattress protector? 

A mattress protector is essentially a thin, fitted cover — similar to a fitted sheet — that goes over your mattress. Its main job is protection: keeping out spills, stains, dust, sweat, dead skin cells, body oils, and even allergens like dust mites. Many are water-resistant or waterproof, so they guard against accidents — useful if you have kids, pets, or are simply clumsy with drinks. That said, you will need to get the spillage cleaned up immediately, or eventually the liquid will seep through. 

Because it sits under your bottom sheet and is usually thin (often around 1 cm of quilted padding at most), a mattress protector does not noticeably change how the bed feels. On the plus side, it’s easy to remove and wash, which makes hygiene much simpler than trying to clean a mattress itself. 

In short: a mattress protector is about defending your mattress from mess, wear, and allergens. 

What is a mattress topper? 

A mattress topper is a thicker layer — often between 5 and 10 cm — made of materials like memory foam, latex, polyester, wool, feather/down alternative, or microfibre. Its purpose is to change the comfort level of your mattress — either making it softer or firmer, adding cushioning, support, or pressure relief. 

This can improve comfort significantly, especially if your mattress is too firm, too worn, or simply not giving you the support or softness your body needs. Some toppers are designed to give extra pressure relief — useful if you sleep on your side — while others can affect temperature, helping you sleep cooler or warmer depending on materials. Because they’re thick and substantial, mattress toppers are generally harder to clean (not usually machine washable, spot-clean only or with removable covers). 

So, a mattress topper is about adjusting how the bed feels and improving comfort. 

Mattress protector vs topper: quick comparison 

Here, we’ll highlight the differences between mattress protectors and toppers at a glance. 

Thickness: 

• Mattress Protector: Very thin — similar to a fitted sheet, sometimes slightly quilted (~1 cm). 

• Mattress Topper: Thick, substantial layer (5–10 cm typical). 

Main function: 

• Mattress Protector: Protects your mattress from spills, stains, allergens, dust mites, sweat, and dirt. 

• Mattress Topper: Adds comfort, cushioning, support, or changes the firmness/softness of the mattress. 

Effect on mattress feel: 

• Mattress Protector: Normally minimal, though some quilted protectors may add a little softness. 

• Mattress Topper: Noticeable — can make a firm bed softer or a soft bed firmer, improves pressure relief. 

Hygiene/protection: 

• Mattress Protector: High — waterproof or water-resistant, dust/allergen barrier, easy to wash. 

• Mattress Topper: Low (unless made from special materials) — not primarily for spills or allergens. 

Maintenance: 

• Mattress Protector: Easy (usually machine-washable). 

• Mattress Topper: More involved (spot-cleaning or removable covers). 

Typical use case: 

• Mattress Protector: Everyday protection for hygiene, pets, kids, allergy prevention, extending mattress lifespan. 

• Mattress Topper: Improving comfort of a too-firm mattress, softening the surface, gaining support, or improving side-sleeping comfort. 

When do you need a protector & when do you need a topper? 

The answer depends on what’s wrong (or right) with your mattress and what you care about. 

You need a Mattress Protector if: 

• You want to guard your mattress against spills, sweat, body oils, dust mites, pet hair, or allergens. 

• You have kids or pets, or eat/drink in bed. 

• You care about keeping your mattress fresh and extending its lifespan. 

• You want easy maintenance — simply strip it off and wash. 

Many sleep experts consider a mattress protector essential for any mattress, especially a new one, because hygiene and longevity matter. 

You need a Mattress Topper if: 

• Your mattress is too firm or uncomfortable, causing aches or stiffness. 

• You want to soften (or firm up) the mattress or improve pressure relief. 

• You sleep on your side and want extra cushioning for hips and shoulders. 

• Your mattress is showing signs of wear and you want to “refresh” it without replacing it. 

A topper won’t protect against spills or allergens and is not a substitute for a protector. 

Can you use both? 

Yes; and many people do, because protectors and toppers serve complementary roles. The typical setup is: 

Mattress → Topper → Protector → Fitted sheet → Duvet/sheets 

This way: 

• The topper improves comfort and support. 

• The protector keeps both mattress and topper safe from spills, sweat, dust mites, and allergens. 

• Washing the protector is simple compared to cleaning a mattress or foam topper. 

Using both together is especially sensible if you care about longevity, have pets or allergies, want comfort, and want easy maintenance. 

Top picks from Bensons for Beds 

Here, we’ll round up some of the top picks from our current collection. Scroll on to unveil all. 

Mattress Protectors 

1. Teflon Supreme Care Mattress Protector — waterproof, quilted, stretch skirt. Great for guarding your mattress against spills, sweat, or allergens. 

2. iGel Perfect Partner Mattress Protector — breathable with Tencel™ cover, fine waterproof backing. Ideal for airflow, moisture control, and dust-mite/allergen prevention. 

3. Simba Sleep Performance Mattress Protector — natural cotton with anti-dust-mite treatment. Breathable comfort while still protecting your mattress. 

4. Jay-Be Washable Mattress Protector — zip-on full coverage. Provides 360° protection, especially useful for deep mattresses. Only compatible with Jay-Be 80cm mattresses. 

5. TEMPUR Mattress Protector — premium option for memory foam or higher-end mattresses. Durable and protective. 

6. Mammoth HealthPRO® Luxury Mattress Protector — features a luxury deep-quilted top filled with super-soft microfibre cushioning that enhances the feel of your mattress. 

Mattress Toppers 

1. My Nature Airflow Mattress Topper — with cooling fabric, breathable air-mesh walls and hollowfibre filling. Adds softness and comfort, ideal if your mattress is too firm or worn. 

2. Nest Home Memory Foam Topper — this 3cm deep reactive memory foam topper contours to your body shape for tailored pressure relieving support and comfort. 

How these fit into the protector vs topper decision 

• If your main concern is keeping your mattress clean, stain-free, hygienic, and protected from spills or allergens, go for one of the protectors listed above. 

• If you want to improve comfort, soften, or refresh a mattress that’s too firm or worn, one of the toppers above should align with your budget and needs. 

• If you want both hygiene and comfort, you can use both: protector underneath (or over) for cleanliness and mattress longevity, topper above mattress for comfort. 

Mattress protectors vs. toppers: our conclusion 

If you’re buying bedding in the UK, it’s wise to get a good mattress protector first. It’s inexpensive, easy to wash, and will save your mattress from spills, sweat, stains, and allergens.  

If the mattress feels uncomfortable, too firm, or is showing signs of wear, then a mattress topper may be the simplest solution. For many people, the best idea is to invest in both: a topper for added comfort and a protector for hygiene and mattress longevity.