You can sleep comfortably on a mattress without a protector, but it's highly recommended. A protector will keep your mattress safe from rips, tears, spills, stains, dust mites, mold, and other microbes that may degrade your mattress or cause allergies. Check out this Nolah blog post to learn more about the germs that could live in your bed and how a protector helps keep your mattress clean.

Mattress pads add comfort and protection to your existing mattress. They're plush, cushioning, and help smooth out your sleep surface. They often fit snugly against your mattress like a fitted sheet.

Like mattress pads, mattress toppers provide cushioning and protection—but they also enhance your mattress's support and pressure relief. Toppers are thicker, often using foam for structural support and durability. They come in a range of firmness levels, so you can make your mattress feel softer or firmer, depending on your needs. The Nolah Mattress Topper uses our proprietary AirFoam™, which sleeps cool and offers four times better pressure relief than traditional memory foam.

Which is right for you? If you want to boost your bed's cushioning and keep your mattress safe, choose a mattress pad. If you want to elevate your mattress's overall pressure relief or change its firmness feel, opt for a mattress topper.

If your mattress is a little too soft or too firm for your liking, you can add a mattress topper to change its feel. A topper will enhance pressure relief, taking tension off your joints. Using a topper can also bolster your bed's support if your existing mattress sags slightly or has lost some of its firmness.

However, a topper can't fix a ripped, indented, or sagging mattress that no longer provides a flat surface or proper spinal alignment. If your current mattress shows these signs or causes serious pain, you need a new mattress, not a topper.

Cooling sheets support healthy, comfortable sleep through all four seasons. Every night, your body temperature drops as you prepare for bed, following your natural circadian rhythm. This temperature change is an example of a zeitgeber, a signal to the rest of the body that it's time for sleep. It prompts increased melatonin production, making you feel tired.

Your bedroom temperature, pajamas, and bedding should promote and sustain this natural temperature drop. Ideally, you should keep your room around 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit and sleep with lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking bedding. Bamboo fits the bill for cooling comfort and is also super-soft, durable, natural, and hypoallergenic.