Mattress Protector, Mattress Pad, Topper and Encasement: The Differences
A protector shields the mattress, a topper changes how the bed feels. Here you see how the terms relate.
Short answer: protection or comfort?
A mattress protector shields the mattress from stains, sweat and dirt, a topper changes how the bed feels, and an encasement wraps the whole mattress. "Mattress pad" is an umbrella term that many people use for both kinds of layer. In shops the terms are not standardised, so it is worth looking at thickness, construction and description.
In brief:
- Protector (mattress protection): thin, usually washable, shields the base.
- Topper: thick (5 or 7 cm in our range), foam core, removable cover, changes softness and feel.
- Encasement: a cover that surrounds the mattress all round, usually with a zip.
- Mattress pad: collective term for protector and topper, used differently depending on the seller.
The differences in a table
The table shows general tendencies. Individual products may differ.
| Mattress protector | Topper | Encasement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect the mattress | Change how the bed feels | All-round cover |
| Thickness | thin (a few millimetres to approx. 1–2 cm) | usually 3–12 cm | thin |
| Construction | Fabric, often with filling | Foam or other core with cover | Fabric cover with zip |
| Waterproofness | varies by product | usually not | depends on product |
| Washability | usually fully washable | Cover washable, core not | usually washable |
Important: waterproof is not the same as water-repellent. More on that shortly.
Mattress protector and mattress pad
A protector lies directly on the mattress and is usually held in place with elastic corner bands or a fitted edge. It is meant to keep the mattress and sleeping surface free from sweat, stains and dirt, and can usually be machine washed.
We have two protectors:
- Mattress protector with elastic corner straps: terry (80% cotton, 20% polyester) with four straps. For moisture protection, the details in the product description apply.
- Waterproof mattress protector made of cotton: front 100% cotton, filling 150 g/m² polyester, underside of polyester with TPU film (waterproof), four corner bands.
Who are they rather not meant for? If you want to change how the bed feels, a thin protector will give only a small change. That is what a topper is for.
Topper
A topper is a thick layer with a foam core. It changes how soft or cushioning the sleeping surface feels. Its main job is not to protect the mattress from liquid; that is the task of a protector or encasement.
Our three toppers:
| Model | Height | Core |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Comfort Topper | 7 cm | Gel memory foam |
| 2-in-1 Comfort Topper | 5 cm | 2 cm gel memory foam + 3 cm support foam, reversible |
| Dream Topper | 5 cm | Foam with memory effect |
All three have a removable cover. The foam core is not washed, only the cover according to the care label. Details are in the guide Washing and caring for a topper. For softness, the article Topper firmness helps.
Encasement
An encasement, also called a mattress cover or protective cover, surrounds the mattress on all sides and is closed with a zip. It is mainly used when the whole mattress, including the sides, is to be protected.
Things to consider:
- It is usually more work to wash and fit than a protector.
- The mattress has to be pulled into it, which is awkward with large mattresses.
We give no product details on encasements here. If you use one, pay particular attention to the fit and the manufacturer's information.
Waterproof or water-repellent?
The term "waterproof" means the material does not let liquid through, usually thanks to a membrane or film. "Water-repellent" means drops initially bead off, but the liquid can get through with longer exposure.
According to the product description, the waterproof mattress protector made of cotton has a TPU film worked into the underside. For the mattress protector with elastic corner straps, the details in the product description apply.
A waterproof layer may let less air through; whether this feels warmer varies. Our products are not medical products and do not replace medical advice.
What do I need? Combining topper and protector
It starts with a question: what do you want to achieve?
| Goal | Suitable solution |
|---|---|
| Protect the mattress, easy to wash | Protector |
| Keep moisture away | Protector with membrane or film, e.g. the cotton protector with TPU film |
| Make the bed feel softer | Topper |
| Both | Topper plus protector |
When combining, there are two common orders: protector directly on the mattress with the topper on top, or the topper on the mattress with the protector on top. In the first case the protector shields the mattress, in the second the topper. Both are possible; what matters is that the fitted sheet suits the total height. More in the guide Topper thickness.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a mattress protector and a topper?
A protector is thin and shields the mattress from stains, sweat and dirt. A topper is thick, has a foam core and changes how the bed feels. The two can be combined if you want protection and a different feel.
Is a mattress pad the same as a topper?
Not always. "Mattress pad" is a collective term: some sellers mean a thin protector by it, others a thick topper. So look at the height and construction in the product description rather than at the name alone.
Do I need a protector if I have a topper?
It is not necessary. The topper has a removable cover that you can wash. A protector can additionally shield the mattress or the topper, though, and is easier to wash in the machine. Whether you want that is your decision.
Is the KomfortKissen mattress protector waterproof?
According to the product description, the waterproof mattress protector made of cotton has an underside of polyester with TPU film. For the mattress protector with elastic corner straps, please read the details in the product description. Care in each case according to the label.
Can a mattress protector change how the bed feels?
Only slightly, because it is thin. The cotton protector has a polyester filling (150 g/m²) that adds a little padding. If you want to change the feel noticeably, a topper with 5 or 7 cm height is the better choice.