Quick Answer: A mattress pad adds cushioning and warmth (0.5" to 3" thick, quilted). A mattress cover or protector is thin and waterproof, designed to guard against stains and allergens. A mattress encasement zips around all six sides for full allergen and bed bug protection. For most people, using a protector under a pad gives you both hygiene and comfort.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 13 minutes
Here is a question our team gets almost every week: "What is the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress cover?" Sometimes people ask about a "mattress topper" and a "mattress protector" in the same breath, and then throw in "encasement" for good measure. It is genuinely confusing, partly because retailers use these words inconsistently, and partly because they all go on top of a mattress.
They are not the same product. They do different things. And depending on your situation, you might need one, two, or all three.
This guide sorts out all three categories clearly, explains the naming problem, and helps you figure out exactly what belongs on your bed.
What Is a Mattress Pad?
A mattress pad is a quilted layer that sits on top of your mattress, under your fitted sheet. Its main job is to add comfort, not to protect the mattress from damage.
Thickness typically runs from about half an inch to three inches. Thinner pads add a bit of softness and help with minor surface irregularities. Thicker pads can meaningfully change how a mattress feels, making a firmer mattress feel gentler or adding warmth in winter.
Mattress pads are usually filled with polyester fibrefill, cotton, wool, or a blend. Some use memory foam or down. The outer shell is almost always quilted, which is where the distinctive stitched pattern comes from. They attach to the mattress with corner pockets, similar to a fitted sheet, and most are fully machine washable.
What Mattress Pads Are Good For
- Softening a firm mattress: If your mattress is slightly too firm but not worth replacing, a pad can take the edge off.
- Adding warmth: Wool and cotton-fill pads trap body heat gently, useful in colder rooms.
- Minor surface improvement: They smooth out small seams or texture differences on the mattress surface.
- Easy laundering: Most pads wash well and dry in a standard dryer.
A mattress pad is not meaningfully waterproof. Some have a thin water-resistant backing, but they are not designed to stop liquids from reaching the mattress. If you spill coffee or your child has an accident, a pad alone will not protect the mattress underneath.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "The most common question I get in the showroom is some version of: do I need a pad or a protector? My answer is almost always: you probably need both, but for different reasons. The pad is about how you feel. The protector is about keeping your mattress alive."
What Is a Mattress Cover or Protector?
A mattress cover, also called a mattress protector, is a thin fitted layer that goes directly over the mattress before anything else. Its purpose is protective, not comfort-oriented.
A good protector is either waterproof or highly water-resistant. It guards the mattress against spills, sweat, urine, body oils, and allergens including dust mites and pet dander. It does not change how the mattress feels in any significant way. If you put one on and cannot tell it is there, it is working correctly.
Most protectors are made from polyester terry cloth or a cotton-polyester blend on the sleep surface, with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or similar barrier layer laminated to the back. TPU-based protectors are quiet, breathable, and do not crinkle the way older vinyl ones did. This is an important distinction: if your mattress protector crinkles every time you move, it is an older style, and newer options are much more comfortable.
Why Protecting Against Dust Mites Matters
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that thrive in mattresses, feeding on shed skin cells. A 2001 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology estimated that mattresses can harbour hundreds of thousands of dust mites under normal conditions. Mattress protectors with tight weaves significantly reduce allergen accumulation on the sleep surface, which matters for allergy and asthma sufferers. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends encasing bedding as a primary environmental control strategy.
Protectors come in fitted-sheet style (covering the top and sides but open on the bottom) or with an anchor band similar to a mattress pad. They are machine washable and should be laundered every one to two months, or immediately after any spill or accident.
The word "cover" and "protector" are used interchangeably by most retailers. Treat them as the same product category.
What Is a Mattress Encasement?
A mattress encasement is a different animal entirely. Where a protector covers the top and sides, an encasement fully encloses the mattress on all six sides, with a zipper closure that seals the entire unit inside fabric. Think of it like a fitted case for a phone, except for a queen mattress.
Encasements are designed for two specific situations: allergen control and bed bug prevention or treatment.
For allergen control, a zippered encasement traps dust mites and their waste products inside, preventing them from escaping through the surface. Existing mite populations inside the mattress eventually die off from lack of food and moisture. For people with severe dust mite allergies, asthma, or eczema, this is the standard recommendation from allergists.
For bed bugs, an encasement either prevents bugs from entering a new mattress (protective use) or traps existing bugs inside a mattress and allows them to die over time (treatment use). Bed bug encasements must be specifically rated for this purpose and need to remain on the mattress undamaged for at least 18 months.
Encasements Are Not a Substitute for Protectors
An encasement does not protect against future spills reaching the mattress the same way a fitted protector does, because the zipper end is open to the surface. For full coverage, use a waterproof fitted protector on top of the encasement. The encasement handles what is inside the mattress; the protector handles what falls on it.
Encasements are typically thinner and less comfortable to sleep on directly than a standard protector. They are always used as the bottom layer, closest to the mattress, with a fitted protector and then a pad (if used) on top.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mattress Pad | Mattress Cover / Protector | Mattress Encasement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Comfort, cushioning, warmth | Protect from spills, sweat, allergens | Allergen control, bed bug prevention |
| Thickness | 0.5" to 3" | Paper-thin to 1mm | Paper-thin to 2mm |
| Waterproof | Usually not (some have light backing) | Yes (most modern protectors) | Sometimes, not always |
| Coverage | Top surface and side skirt | Top and sides (fitted) | All 6 sides, zipper sealed |
| Changes how mattress feels | Yes, noticeably | Minimal to none | Minimal to none |
| Machine washable | Yes | Yes | Some models, check label |
| Placement order | On top (under fitted sheet) | Middle (over encasement if used, under pad) | Bottom (directly on mattress) |
| Best for | Comfort adjustment | Everyday hygiene, spill protection | Allergies, asthma, bed bugs |
Why the Names Are So Confusing
If you have searched for any of these products online, you have probably noticed that retailers use the terms in contradictory ways. One store calls a thick quilted layer a "mattress cover." Another sells a thin waterproof protector labelled as a "mattress pad." A third uses "mattress topper" and "mattress pad" to mean the same thing.
There is no industry-wide standard enforced on product naming. Manufacturers label their products however they like. This means you cannot rely on the product name alone when shopping. You need to look at the description, the thickness, the materials, and whether waterproofing is mentioned.
A few rough rules of thumb that tend to hold across most retailers:
- If it is thick, quilted, and meant to add comfort, it is functioning as a pad regardless of what it is called.
- If it is thin, has a waterproof backing, and promises to protect against liquids or allergens, it is functioning as a protector.
- If it zips fully around the mattress on all sides, it is an encasement.
- If it is two to four inches of foam or fibre with no waterproofing, it is a topper (a separate category not covered in this guide, but worth knowing about).
What Our Brantford Customers Ask Most Often
At our West Street showroom, the naming confusion comes up constantly. Customers come in looking for "one of those mattress covers" and describe something completely different from what the person ahead of them wanted. Dorothy, our sleep specialist, has put together a short in-store conversation we go through with every customer to identify what they actually need: Are you trying to make the mattress feel different, or protect it from damage, or control allergens? Those three answers lead to three different products, or sometimes all three.
The safest approach when shopping: ignore the product name and read the description carefully. Check thickness, fill material, waterproof rating, and how the product attaches to the mattress. That tells you what you are actually buying.
Who Needs What: A Simple Decision Guide
Rather than a flowchart, let us work through the most common situations and match them to the right product or combination.
You want your mattress to feel softer or warmer
You need a mattress pad. Choose a quilted pad with a fill that matches your priority: polyester or cotton blends for general softness, wool for temperature regulation and warmth, down or down-alternative for a plush feel. Thickness depends on how much change you want: half an inch for subtle, two to three inches for a noticeable difference.
You want to protect a new mattress from spills and everyday grime
You need a mattress protector. Look for one with a TPU backing, not vinyl, for a quieter and more breathable product. A good protector is essentially invisible in use. This is the single most practical purchase you can make after buying a new mattress. A quality mattress represents a significant investment and a protector costs a fraction of that, yet it is the thing that will determine whether your mattress warranty claim is honoured or denied.
You or a family member has allergies or asthma triggered by dust mites
Start with a mattress encasement, then add a protector on top. Encasements rated for allergen control have a tight enough weave (typically under 10 microns) to block dust mite allergens. Pair this with allergen-rated pillow encasements for the full effect. Washing your bedding weekly in hot water also helps.
You are dealing with or worried about bed bugs
You need a bed bug-rated mattress encasement, specifically. Not all encasements block bed bugs. Look for products that have been independently tested and rated for bed bug prevention, with a secure zipper closure that bugs cannot pass through. Once the encasement is on, it needs to stay on undamaged. Check it periodically for tears.
You have young children or a bed-wetting situation
You need a waterproof mattress protector as a minimum. A pad can go on top for comfort if needed, but the protector is the non-negotiable layer here. Wash the protector promptly after any accident; urine that sits in fabric can cause odour and degrade the waterproof backing over time.
You want complete protection and comfort
Layer all three: encasement first (on the mattress), fitted protector next (on the encasement), then a quilted pad on top if comfort adjustment is needed, and finally your fitted sheet. This is the full setup and it is what we would recommend for anyone who wants their mattress to last as long as possible.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "When someone tells me they have been waking up congested or sneezing, the first thing I ask is whether they have anything on their mattress. Often the answer is just a fitted sheet directly on the mattress, sometimes for years. Dust mites are a real issue in older mattresses, and an encasement is usually the first thing I suggest before we even talk about a new bed."
Can You Layer a Pad and a Protector?
Yes. In fact, layering is the right approach for most people.
The order matters. The protector always goes directly on the mattress, or on the encasement if you are using one. The pad goes on top of the protector. Your fitted sheet goes over everything.
The reason for this order is functional. The protector needs to be in direct contact with the mattress surface to do its job. If you put the pad between the protector and the mattress, you defeat the purpose of the protector because spills will soak through the pad and reach the mattress before the protector can stop them.
Correct Layering Order (Bottom to Top)
- 1. Mattress (the foundation)
- 2. Encasement (if used for allergens or bed bugs, zipped fully around the mattress)
- 3. Waterproof protector (fitted directly over the mattress or encasement)
- 4. Mattress pad (quilted layer for comfort, optional)
- 5. Fitted sheet
- 6. Top sheet, duvet, blankets
One practical note: if you are using a thick pad on top of a protector, the total depth can challenge your fitted sheets. Most standard fitted sheets are designed for mattresses up to around 15 inches deep. A 14-inch mattress plus a 2-inch pad plus a protector could push you past that. Look for deep-pocket fitted sheets (18 to 21 inches) if this is a concern.
Laundering both layers separately is also worthwhile. The protector should be washed every four to six weeks. The pad can be washed every two to three months under normal use, or more often if it absorbs significant sweat or if allergies are a concern. Always check the care label for specific temperature guidance, particularly for protectors with waterproof backing, as very high heat can degrade the membrane over time.
Do You Need Both a Pad and a Protector?
It depends on what you are trying to accomplish, but for most households the answer is yes.
A protector alone is enough if your mattress already feels comfortable and your only goal is hygiene. This is fine and practical.
A pad alone is workable if you are not concerned about spills or allergens and just want more cushioning. This is less common as a deliberate choice and more often the result of not knowing what a protector does.
Combining both gives you the full package: protection from stains, sweat, and allergens, plus whatever comfort adjustment the pad provides. The cost of running both is reasonable, especially compared to the cost of replacing a mattress that a single incident has permanently stained or damaged.
We carry all three types at our Brantford showroom: mattress pads, fitted protectors, and encasements. Our team can help you identify which one or which combination fits your specific situation. There is no pressure to buy all three; sometimes one is genuinely all you need.
If you are unsure what your mattress currently has on it, or whether what you are using is actually doing its job, bring in the product name or description and we can tell you what category it falls into and whether it covers your needs.
For a broader look at how to keep your mattress in good shape over time, our guide on how to clean a mattress covers stain removal, odour control, and care routines. And if you are thinking about whether your mattress still has years of life in it or whether it is time for a replacement, our mattress replacement guide walks through the signs to watch for.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mattress pad the same as a mattress topper?
Not exactly, though the line is blurry. A mattress topper is generally thicker (2 to 4 inches or more) and made from foam, latex, or thick fibre fill. A mattress pad is usually thinner (0.5 to 2 inches) and quilted. Toppers are designed for significant comfort adjustment; pads are designed for mild comfort improvement and surface softness. Both go on top of the mattress under the fitted sheet. In practice, some retailers use the terms interchangeably, so check the thickness and materials rather than the label.
Does a mattress protector make the bed feel hot?
Older vinyl or plastic-backed protectors could trap heat noticeably. Modern protectors with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) backing are much more breathable. If heat is a concern, look for protectors marketed as breathable or cooling, often with a terry or cotton surface layer rather than a synthetic one. A thin protector adds very little thermal insulation on its own. If overheating is a significant issue, the mattress itself and the bedding choices above it usually have more impact than the protector layer.
Will a mattress encasement void my mattress warranty?
No. Encasements do not void mattress warranties. In fact, using a protector or encasement can help preserve your warranty coverage because stains from spills are one of the most common reasons warranty claims are denied. Most mattress manufacturers require that the mattress be free of stains to honour comfort or structural warranty claims, so having a protective layer actually works in your favour.
How often should I wash a mattress pad or protector?
Mattress protectors should be washed every four to six weeks under normal conditions, or immediately after any spill or accident. Mattress pads can be washed every two to three months if no incidents occur, though households with allergies or pets may benefit from more frequent washing. Always follow the care label instructions, particularly for temperature limits. Waterproof protector membranes can degrade if exposed to very high heat in the dryer repeatedly.
Does Mattress Miracle carry pads, protectors, and encasements in-store?
Yes. We carry all three types at our 441 1/2 West Street showroom in Brantford. Our team can walk you through the options and help you choose based on your specific needs, whether that is allergy control, waterproofing for a child's bed, or adding some softness to a firmer mattress. We are happy to answer questions without any sales pressure. Call us at (519) 770-0001 if you want to check stock on a specific product before coming in.
Sources
- Arlian, L.G., & Platts-Mills, T.A.E. (2001). The biology of dust mites and the remediation of mite allergens in allergic disease. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 107(3), S406–S413. doi.org/10.1067/mai.2001.113670
- Terreehorst, I., Hak, E., Oosting, A.J., Tempels-Pavlica, Z., de Monchy, J.G.R., Bruijnzeel-Koomen, C.A.F.M., & Gerth van Wijk, R. (2003). Evaluation of impermeable covers for bedding in patients with allergic rhinitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 349(3), 237–246. doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa023175
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2023). Dust mite allergy: Environmental control recommendations. Retrieved from aaaai.org
- Ribeiro, J.D., & Sole, D. (2010). Allergen avoidance measures: Evidence and controversies. Jornal de Pediatria, 86(S1), S13–S22. doi.org/10.1590/S0021-75572010000200003
- Doggett, S.L., Dwyer, D.E., Penas, P.F., & Russell, R.C. (2012). Bed bugs: Clinical relevance and control options. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 25(1), 164–192. doi.org/10.1128/CMR.05015-11
- Health Canada. (2022). Reducing allergens in the home environment. Government of Canada. Retrieved from canada.ca
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle — 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON — (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.
If you are trying to sort out which layer belongs on your mattress, or you want to see our pad, protector, and encasement options in person, come in and we will help you figure out exactly what you need. No guesswork, no pressure.
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Related Reading
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- When to Replace Your Mattress: Signs It Is Time for a New One
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- Mattress Topper Guide: When to Buy One and What to Look For
- Dust Mite Allergies and Sleep: What Actually Helps
- Organic Mattress Cover: What Certifications Actually Mean and When You Need One
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- Padded Mattress Cover: What It Is, When to Use One, and What to Look For