Mattress Topper or Mattress Protector — What Do I Need?
A mattress protector and a mattress topper do different jobs, but they can work beautifully together.
A mattress protector is designed to help protect your mattress. It sits directly over the mattress and creates a breathable layer between your mattress and the rest of your bedding.
A mattress topper is designed to add comfort. It sits on top of the mattress protector and creates a deeper layer of softness, cushioning and natural temperature regulation.
So, the simplest way to think about it is this:
A mattress protector protects.
A mattress topper adds comfort.
Some customers need both. Some may only need a mattress protector. Others may only want the deeper comfort of a topper, especially if their mattress feels too firm.
How to layer your mattress protector and topper
If you are using both a mattress protector and a topper, the protector should go on first.
The correct order is:
Mattress
Mattress Protector
Mattress Topper
Fitted sheet
Second fitted sheet if desired
We often recommend double sheeting your topper. This simply means using two fitted sheets over the topper. The top sheet can be changed more frequently, while the lower sheet helps give the topper an extra layer of protection.
This makes the bed practical to look after, while still allowing you to enjoy the comfort of the topper.
What is a mattress protector for?
A mattress protector is there to help look after your mattress, but ours does a little more than that.
Our wool mattress protector has a lightly cushioned quilted layer containing 300gsm of British wool, with an elasticated cotton skirt to help keep it in place. This gives a gentle layer of natural comfort over your mattress, while still keeping the feel much lighter than a mattress topper.
For some customers, especially those who already have a cushioned or pillow-top mattress, this may be enough. If your mattress already feels comfortable and you simply want a breathable natural layer with light cushioning, you may not need a separate topper.
Choose a mattress protector if:
your mattress is already comfortable
you already have a cushioned or pillow-top mattress
you want a lightly cushioned natural layer
you want to help protect the surface of your mattress
you want breathability without adding too much depth
you do not need the extra cushioning of a topper
you are using a mattress topper and want a protective layer beneath it
A mattress protector is the best choice if your mattress already gives you the comfort you need, but you want to add a practical, breathable and lightly cushioned natural layer.
What is a mattress topper for?
A mattress topper is there to change how your bed feels.
It sits on top of your mattress protector and adds a more noticeable comfort layer. A topper can help soften a mattress that feels too firm, add a more luxurious sleeping surface and create a breathable natural layer close to the body.
A topper can be especially helpful if your mattress still gives good support, but the surface feels too firm or unforgiving.
Choose a mattress topper if:
your mattress feels too firm
you want more cushioning
you want a softer, more comfortable sleeping surface
you want to add a deeper natural layer to your bed
you want the temperature-regulating benefits of wool close to the body
you want to refresh the feel of your bed without replacing your mattress
A topper will not repair an old or unsupportive mattress. If your mattress is sagging or no longer supporting your body properly, a topper may make it feel more comfortable, but it cannot replace the support of a good mattress.
If your mattress is still supportive but feels too firm, then a wool topper can make a real difference.
Should I use a mattress protector and topper together?
Yes, you can use both together.
In fact, this is often the best arrangement if you want to protect your mattress and add comfort at the same time.
The mattress protector goes directly over the mattress.
The mattress topper goes on top of the protector.
Your fitted sheet, or ideally two fitted sheets, then go over the topper.
This layering system means your mattress is protected underneath, while the topper creates the comfort layer you sleep on.
It also means you can look after each part of your bed more easily.
Choosing between our mattress toppers
We offer three different mattress toppers because not everyone wants the same feel from their bed.
Some customers want generous cushioning.
Some want a more tactile wool fleece feel.
Some want the fullest wool experience, with wool inside and out.
British Wool Mattress Topper
Our British Wool Mattress Topper is our classic wool-filled topper and a good all-round choice if you want to add natural comfort to your bed.
It is filled with layers of traceable British wool and encased in brushed cotton. It gives a generous layer of cushioning and is ideal if your mattress feels too firm but still offers good support.
Choose this topper if:
you want our classic wool-filled topper
your mattress feels too firm
you want a generous layer of cushioning
you prefer a cotton outer casing
you want breathable, temperature-regulating comfort
you want a good all-round natural comfort layer
This is often the best choice for customers who want to soften the feel of their mattress while keeping the sleeping surface breathable and natural.
Reversible Wool Fleece Mattress Topper
Our Reversible Wool Fleece Mattress Topper gives you two different sleeping surfaces in one topper.
One side has a natural wool fleece feel, giving a more tactile and cosy surface. The other side gives a smoother cotton-covered feel. This means you can choose the side that feels best for you.
It is not quite as deep as our classic British Wool Mattress Topper, so it is a good choice if you want natural comfort and flexibility, but not the deepest level of cushioning.
Choose this topper if:
you like the idea of two different sleeping surfaces
you want a more tactile wool fleece feel
you would like the option of a smoother cotton side
you want natural comfort without too much depth
you enjoy bedding that feels close to natural materials
you want flexibility in how your bed feels
This is a lovely choice if you want your topper to feel more sensory and adaptable.
Lana Wool Mattress Topper
Our Lana Wool Mattress Topper is the most wool-rich option in the range.
It has wool inside and a wool outer, giving a more complete wool sleeping experience. This creates a naturally breathable, temperature-regulating layer with a particularly close connection to the fibre itself.
Choose this topper if:
you want the fullest wool experience
you like the idea of wool inside and out
you prefer wool close to the body rather than a cotton-covered surface
you want a deeply natural sleeping layer
you are drawn to the feel and character of wool
you want something special and more enveloping
This is the best choice if you want your topper to feel less like an added layer and more like a natural wool sleeping surface.
Which one should I choose?
I mainly want to protect my mattress
Choose the Mattress Protector.
It sits directly over the mattress and helps protect it. Because it contains 300gsm of British wool in the quilted layer, it also adds light natural cushioning. If your mattress is already comfortable, this may be all you need.
I already have a cushioned mattress
Choose the Mattress Protector.
If your mattress already has a soft or cushioned surface, you may not need the extra depth of a topper. The protector can add breathability and light wool comfort without changing the feel of your mattress too much.
My mattress feels too firm
Choose the British Wool Mattress Topper.
This is our classic comfort topper and is the best all-round choice for adding a generous layer of natural cushioning.
I want two different sleeping surfaces
Choose the Reversible Wool Fleece Mattress Topper.
You can choose between the more tactile wool fleece side and the smoother cotton side.
I want the most complete wool experience
Choose the Lana Wool Mattress Topper.
With wool inside and out, it gives the fullest and most immersive wool feel.
I want both protection and comfort
Choose a Mattress Protector and a Mattress Topper together.
Place the protector on the mattress first, then the topper over the protector, then your sheets.
A simple way to decide
Ask yourself these questions:
Is my mattress already comfortable?
If yes, you may only need a Mattress Protector.
Does my mattress feel too firm?
If yes, you may want a Mattress Topper.
Do I want a light natural layer?
Choose the Mattress Protector.
Do I want deeper cushioning?
Choose one of our Mattress Toppers.
Do I want to protect both my mattress and add comfort?
Use a Mattress Protector and Mattress Topper together.
Final guide
As a simple summary:
choose a Mattress Protector for protection and light cushioning
choose a British Wool Mattress Topper for generous all-round comfort
choose a Reversible Wool Fleece Mattress Topper for two different sleeping surfaces
choose a Lana Wool Mattress Topper for the fullest wool experience
use a protector and topper together if you want both protection and comfort
The right choice depends on how your mattress feels now and what you want to change. If your mattress is supportive but too firm, a topper can add a beautiful layer of natural comfort. If your mattress already feels cushioned, our wool mattress protector may give you just enough softness, breathability and protection without needing anything deeper.
Still not sure?
If you are unsure, please contact our friendly team. We are always happy to talk through your bed, your mattress and the type of comfort you are looking for, so we can help you decide whether a mattress protector, a topper, or both would be the best choice for you.
You can email us or call us on 01752 345399 for personal advice.
