Just Purchased New Mattresses. Mattress Protector or Pad or Both?

[NextTime]

Just purchased 3 new mattresses from Tuft and Needle and need some information on mattress protectors.

I've always only had a mattress pad on the bed.  Never really knew or thought about what they were for, but just accepted that they go before the sheets. I've been told to buy a mattress protector that is waterproof and completely encloses the mattress. To me that makes a lot of sense.  But since I am buying a mattress protector, do I still need the mattress pad? Is there some other function it performs that is necessary? Is there anything else I need to consider with the new mattresses that I don't know?

Thank you in advance.

[prognastat]

Some of the mattress protectors come with a pad built in.

It all depends on what you are most comfortable laying on. You can either go with both a mattress protector that doesn't have a built in pad and get a separate pad, you can get a protector with a built in pad or just a protector without pad if that is comfortable enough depending on the mattress.

The big thing about the waterproof protector is that none of your sweat and grime gets into the mattress helping it last far longer without turning funky. Also some mattresses come with a pad attached to the mattress already in which case having a separate pad on top is just a waste.

[NextTime]

So the pad is just for comfort then?

I know the T&N does come with a cover but isn't waterproof. I think I will just get something like this below unless someone here has any better ideas/recommendations.

http://www.amazon.com/SafeRest-Hypoallergenic-Waterproof-Mattress-Protector/dp/B003PWNGQU?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=A1PY6K8IX2H4OU

[prognastat]

Unless it is one of those where it is a combo between a protector and pad then the pad is mostly about comfort by adding an additional cushiony surface.

From what I can tell there is a cotton surface on the link you posted so as long as your mattress is comfortable enough you won't be laying directly on the waterproof surface and will probably be comfortable enough.

Another thing that waterproof is great for is if you spill things or on kids beds if they might be wetting the bed. Makes clean up much easier and saves your mattress.

[MMMaybe]

I have both but the pad is for comfort. If you don't have back issues, you could probably skip it. My mattress protector is not waterproof but has kept the mattress pristine.

[NextTime]

Yeah I'm going to go with that waterproof cover first.  If it's not comfy enough I will look at a pad.

thanks all.

[katsiki]

If your mattress comes with a warranty (I think from the factory?), you may want to see what it requires.  My parents learned the hard way that not having a protector (I think, ie not pad) voids the warranty.