What Are Mattress Rejuvenator Pads?

Features

• Mattress rejuvenator pads come in three general types, according to Paul Giuliano at Bed Bath & Beyond: pads, toppers and memory foam. A range of materials is available and is an important factor for people with allergies to certain materials, such as down and feathers. Rejuvenator pads in all three types come in all mattress sizes, depending on the brand, and can provide new life to your mattress with renewed comfort and, in some cases, protection of the mattress underneath.

Pads

• A mattress pad is fitted to a specific mattress size; it covers the top and sides like a fitted sheet. Pads vary in material, thread count and features -- such as being waterproof -- and prices vary accordingly. The same mattress pad will increase in price with mattress size, also. Pads come in synthetic materials and natural fibers and may include features such as being hypoallergenic, waterproof and bed bug resistant. Pads range in density depending on the material and fill.

Toppers

• A mattress topper is also known as a fiber bed or pillow topper because it lies flat on top of a mattress like a pillow, rather than fitted to the sides like a pad. Toppers also tend to have a fluffy or firm density like a pillow and are often chosen over a pad for extra comfort. Because a topper isn't fitted, it may shift on the bed over time and have to be readjusted. Depending on the thickness of the topper and your fitted sheets, the corners of your sheets may be tight or even just short of fitted; most newer fitted sheets, however, accommodate extra thickness. Like pads, toppers come in various materials, thread counts, features and mattress sizes. A popular topper is down feather, or a synthetic equivalent.

Memory Foam

• Memory foam was first developed by NASA in the 1970s and has been increasingly used in hospital and home bedding since the 1990s to relieve joint pain. Today, it is widely available as a mattress topper. Unlike traditional toppers of down or synthetic materials which offer fluffy comfort, memory foam toppers conform to the body and offer more support, but it depends on your preference. As a mattress rejuvenator, a memory foam topper can essentially convert your traditional innerspring mattress to a more expensive memory foam one by providing the same support and pressure point relief.