Well, that’s a tough question since in reality, mattress pads and toppers are both in the same family of bedding supplies, even if they aren’t truly the same exact thing.
One is simply lighter and less cushy than the other, as well as capable of providing more protection over comfort. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
A child, for instance, may greatly benefit from the thinner pad rather than the topper, as any nocturnal accidents would be far easier to wash out of the lighter material.
If you’re a bit on the heavier side and looking for added support, then the topper might be just right.
That added support helps protect the mattress against the added weight and better supports your spine’s alignment during the night.
Both serve an equally important purpose that can’t really pit one effectively against the other. It’s up to the needs in your life and for those around you in need of one or the other.
So when we say mattress pad vs. topper, at the end of the day, we’re forced to declare a draw. Neither is better than the other.