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Mattress Pad vs. Featherbed

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Mattress Pad vs. Featherbed

When you’re looking for something to use on top of your mattress for a better feel, there are many different pads that you can choose from. However, the big decision is between a mattress pad and a featherbed.

Either one can keep you comfortable, but there are also differences between the two. Here is an explanation of both, and tips on how to decide which one is for you.

Mattress Pads

Mattress pads are pads that you place on top of your mattress to solve a number of different problems you may have. Here are the top three types of mattress pads you can choose from.

  • Memory Foam: Most mattress pads are now made with memory foam. This foam can come in a variety of widths, so you can get anything from ½ an inch to over 4 inches. The foam that it’s made with may also be different, depending on the price and how long it’s designed to be used. It may be worthwhile to spend a few extra bucks to get something of higher quality. The other two types may also have memory foam too, but have different elements on top of the pad as well.
  • Heating: This type of pad is designed to be used when you want to stay warm when it’s cold outside or whenever it’s cold in your house. It keeps you from having to use extra covers or electric blankets. They are also a lot safer to use than traditional electric blankets. Besides that, these pads are usually able to turn themselves off and can easily be cleaned. At the same time, they usually don’t offer a lot of support because they are thin. Other features that come standard are a range of heating levels and dual temperature controls, so you can have a different heat level than your partner, even when you’re sleeping side by side.
  • Cooling: Mattress cooling pads are much like the heating version, but they are designed to help you stay cool while you’re asleep. They also can help alleviate muscle pain, and can keep you from waking up many times throughout the night. You are able to purchase these pads in different widths, as well as types, that sit flat on the bed.

Featherbeds

Featherbeds are much like what they sound like. They sit on top of a mattress and are filled with feathers, usually goose down or duck feathers. They can be filled with different types of feathers, depending on the manufacturer, so they aren’t all created equal. However, they are great if you’re looking for something that is all natural, but they can cause irritation or allergic reaction for some.

They are also very comfortable to lie on and make the bed look luxurious. They may be hard to clean however and don’t offer any back support. This type of topper has been around for many years however, and was once only used by royalty and the very rich, so it’s nice that anyone can purchase one nowadays.

Similarities

Both types of mattress toppers come in sizes that are good for a variety of different beds and purposes. They also both sit right on top of mattresses and can be covered with sheets or other types of covers, so they are easier to keep clean. They also can be found in a variety of prices and quality levels.

Another main thing they have in common is that they give the bed a little something extra, to keep you from having to purchase a new mattress right away.

Differences

A major difference between these two types of mattress toppers is that one type is made from manmade materials, and the other is made from all natural products. Mattress pads are made from different types of foam and other things, and featherbeds are generally made of cotton and bird feathers.

Another difference is that mattress pads are likely to be much heavier than featherbeds, which may be something you need to know if you intend to move your mattress pad around from time to time.

How to Choose

Now that you know the basics of each type of mattress topper, you can decide which one you want to purchase for your home. To do so, the first thing you have to do is determine what your needs are.

For example, if you want your bed to be super comfortable and also look good when it’s made up, you may want to look into featherbeds. On the flip side, if you need more support while you’re sleeping, you may want to get a memory foam pad, so you don’t have to go bed shopping. A bed is a big investment that requires a lot of researching, and buying a topper can give you the time you need to do that research before you replace the whole thing.

To start researching mattress pads, visit websites that review products and places that sell them, to see what their selling points are, and to see what other people are saying. You may see something you really like, and more importantly, you’ll be able to determine what the best features of each product are.

After that, you can make a purchase and be certain you install it correctly onto your bed. You should also take care to ensure that it’s always in good working condition and is stain free. When you solve these problems, any of these mattress toppers will be able to be a good friend to you and your body for a long time.

Conclusion

Choosing between mattress pads, which are generally made of memory foam, and featherbeds, can be a real challenge, unless you know what they are and the problems they’re supposed to solve for you. They have their differences and similarities, and both can be used on different beds for different reasons. When you know what you’re looking for and do research on both types, you’ll be able to choose a product that’s just right.

 

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