hi shopaholicmanic,
depends on how old is your kid.
bumper mattress-meant more for sleeping purposes. if yours still a baby/infant, not yet crawling/walking, prob can stay in there for long.
bumper mat-it suits all age groups. definitely usage wise more universal. kids can crawl, roll, play, eat, lie down, rest on it, n even for adults, i like to sit on it while watching tv.