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Mattress pads are not a bedroom essential, but many people find these accessories very useful. Their primary purpose is to provide a comfortable and supportive sleep solution, so if a bed isn’t completely comfortable, a mattress pad can help improve the experience a lot more economically than replacing the entire mattress.
Mattress pads also provide extra protection against spills, stains, and sweat from seeping through a sheet onto the mattress. They can also guard a mattress against dust mites, allergens, crumbs, and other debris.
Mattress pads are available in an array of materials, each associated with particular benefits such as cooling properties, a softer sleeping surface, or lumbar support by molding to the shape of the user’s body. The best mattress pad varies from person to person, but all varieties can assist in getting a better night’s sleep. Read on to learn what to look for in a mattress pad and about their materials, as see why the following recommendations reflect some of the best models available.
- BEST OVERALL: ViscoSoft Bamboo Mattress Pad
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amazon Basics Hypoallergenic Quilted Mattress Topper
- BEST MEMORY FOAM: Mellow 5-Zone Memory Foam Mattress Pad
- BEST COOLING: Leisure Town Cooling Cotton Pillow Top Mattress Pad
- BEST HYPOALLERGENIC: Enitya Bamboo Mattress Pad
- BEST WATERPROOF: SafeRest Terry Waterproof Mattress Protector
- BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Whisper Organics Organic Fitted Mattress Cover
- BEST FOR SIDE SLEEPERS: Utopia Bedding Elastic Fitted Quilted Mattress Pad
- BEST SIZE OPTIONS: Saatva Organic Mattress Pad
How We Chose the Best Mattress Pads
We researched the most sought-after mattress pads in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their construction, materials, size options, and other special features included by top brands.
After extensive product research, we included mattress pads and toppers in our list of top picks that are made for comfort, protection, and/or support, with most options offering both protection and comfort. Not only do most of our chosen mattress pads protect against dust mites, allergens, and other debris, they also add a layer of plush material to provide extra comfort while resting.
Each of these mattress pads is made with reliable and safe materials, including bamboo, cotton, organic cotton, pearl fiberfill, rayon, polyester, memory foam, microfiber, spandex, and more for long-term use and premium cushioning. Plus, many of these mattresses are made in a range of sizes including crib, twin, twin XL, full, full XL, short queen, queen, super queen, queen upper-flex, king, split king, king upper-flex, super king, RV king, and California king.
Our lineup of top picks was curated to include options for side sleepers, children, people who deal with night sweats, allergy sufferers, and eco-conscious consumers. Finally, a variety of these mattress pads showcase such sought-after features as built-in side panels, textured or quilted designs, and machine-washable constructions.
Our Top Picks
Based on the research criteria outlined above, these mattress pads are some of the top-performing in their respective categories.
Best Overall
ViscoSoft Bamboo Mattress Pad
Pros
- Anti-allergen pearl fiberfill pillow top and moisture-wicking bamboo-rayon fabric make it suitable for hot sleepers
- Protects against dust mites, allergens, and dander
- Comes in 7 sizes to fit a given user’s bed; fits mattresses up to 18 inches thick
Cons
- Not made for those who suffer from serious back issues; only claims to provide mild body ache relief
- Some users have reported inconsistencies with the materials
Shoppers will find ultimate comfort as well as protection with the ViscoSoft bamboo mattress pad. This thick and plush top pick is made with a 750 GSM (thread count measurement) anti-allergy pearl fiberfill pillow top plus moisture-wicking bamboo-rayon fabric for a comfortable, cool sleep night after night. This pad comes in seven standard sizes including twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king and is completely machine washable and allergen-resistant.
This impressive pad fits mattresses up to 18 inches thick and relies on a sturdy elastic to keep the pad in place.
Product Specs
- Intended use: For comfort and protection
- Material: Bamboo, rayon, and pearl fiberfill
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king
Get the ViscoSoft mattress pad at Amazon.
Best Bang For The Buck
Amazon Basics Hypoallergenic Quilted Mattress Topper
Pros
- Simple, straightforward design and affordable price; ideal for guest rooms, dorms, and other secondary sleep areas
- Made with cotton and polyester materials; protects against bugs, allergens, and other debris
- Fits mattresses up to 18 inches thick and comes in 6 standard mattress sizes
Cons
- May not be ideal for frequent or heavy-duty use; not as durable as some other products available
Those needing a basic cover to protect a mattress from dust mites and bed bugs while adding a nice layer of extra plush comfort might want to take a look at the affordable Amazon Basics hypoallergenic quilted mattress topper. This simple, straightforward mattress pad is made with hypoallergenic cotton and polyester and comes in six sizes to fit a given user’s current mattress. Plus, this top pick can fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick, has a lightweight feel, and is an easy-care, machine-washable choice.
Product Specs
- Intended use: For comfort and protection
- Material: Polyester and cotton
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king
Get the Amazon Basics mattress topper at Amazon.
Best Memory Foam
Mellow 5-Zone Memory Foam Mattress Pad
Pros
- 1.5-inch memory foam pad provides support for those with back, shoulder, or hip issues
- Textured design prevents heat buildup and transfer; suitable for hot sleepers
- Foam material is infused with aloe vera to promote quality rest
Cons
- Does not come in a California king size option
- Brand recommends using a protective pad on top of the memory foam pad
- Not machine washable; may be tricky to clean once dirtied
Add superior support, comfort, and cushioning to a past-its-prime mattress with this 1.5-inch mattress pad from Mellow. It features textured memory foam in five different zones to ease body aches in the back, hips, and/or shoulders. The pad’s textured design reduces heat buildup by allowing air to circulate within the cushion, which helps to promote a calm, relaxing sleep.
Since this product cannot be machine washed, covering it with a thin protective pad that can be laundered is recommended. It’s available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, and king sizes, and it comes in several different thicknesses.
Product Specs
- Intended use: For support
- Material: Memory foam
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, and king
Get the Mellow mattress pad at Amazon.
Best Cooling
Leisure Town Cooling Cotton Pillow Top Mattress Pad
Pros
- Integrated with the brand’s cooling technology; suitable for hot sleepers and/or couples
- Machine washable construction for easy maintenance
- Fits mattresses up to 21 inches deep and comes in 8 standard sizes
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pad itself is not very thick; not ideal for those who need a lot of support
Put cooling power to work with the Leisure Town cooling mattress pad, thanks to the brand’s “HNN Cooling Technology.” It features a combination of down-alternative fiberfill for optimal breathability and to keep heat from building up around the body during sleep. The mattress pad features a 100 percent cotton surface for smooth comfort, and it offers a measure of moisture resistance if spills are wiped up promptly. Easy to clean, this 3.94-inch mattress pad is machine washable, and the stretchy fabric skirt fits mattresses up to 21 inches deep. The Leisure Town mattress pad is available in twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, super queen, king, and California king.
Product Specs
- Intended use: For comfort and protection
- Material: Fiberfill and cotton
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, super queen, king, and California king
Get the Leisure Town mattress pad at Amazon.
Best Hypoallergenic
Enitya Bamboo Mattress Pad
Pros
- Hypoallergenic construction keeps dander, dust mites, and allergens away
- Down-alternative fill and a layer of padded cotton for comfort
- Elasticized skirt keeps the mattress pad in place while in use
Cons
- Comes in fewer sizes compared with other options currently available
The Enitya bamboo mattress pad offers hypoallergenic protection. It’s made from silky-soft bamboo fiber and is completely free from chemicals such as formaldehyde and phosphor. The interior down-alternative fill and a layer of padded cotton make this pad super soft and noiseless, and the elasticized skirt fits mattresses from 8 inches to 21 inches deep. The pad is machine washable and comes in twin XL, queen, and king sizes.
Product Specs
- Intended use: For comfort and protection
- Material: Cotton and bamboo
- Sizes: Twin XL, queen, and king
Get the Enitya mattress pad at Amazon.
Best Waterproof
SafeRest Terry Waterproof Mattress Protector
Pros
- Terry cotton material and waterproof membrane provide long-term protection against accidents and spills
- Comes in a crib size for babies and toddlers
- Lightweight and breathable construction prevents heat buildup
- Machine-washable construction is suitable for quick cleanup after spills or accidents
Cons
- Not built with comfort in mind; does not provide the plush comfort of other options
Those with dogs, cats, and young children—as well as those who like breakfast in bed!—will want to take a long look at the SafeRest waterproof mattress protector. This waterproof mattress protector has an impressive membrane layer that protects against bodily fluids, spills, and other accidents that may happen. Plus, it comes in a crib size for newborns and toddlers.
Though the membrane is tough, this cotton terry mattress pad is lightweight and breathable to prevent heat buildup, and it can be machine washed if desired.
Product Specs
- Intended use: For protection
- Material: Cotton terry
- Sizes: Crib, twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king
Get the SafeRest mattress pad at Amazon or Target.
Best Eco-friendly
Whisper Organics Organic Fitted Mattress Cover
Pros
- Manufactured to meet the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS); environmentally friendly compared with other options currently available
- Comfy and breathable construction helps prevent buildup of body heat
- Easy to care for; machine washable and fits mattresses up to 17 inches deep
Cons
- Not designed to add a lot of plush comfort or support; this option runs thin
- Cotton is not as moisture wicking and cooling as other materials
Shoppers can support environmentally responsible manufacturing while protecting their mattress with the Whisper Organics 100 percent organic cotton mattress pad. This product boasts Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, meaning it meets the organization’s strict social and environmental standards. It’s naturally breathable (so beneficial for hot sleepers) and machine washable. The cover is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king, and it fits mattresses up to 17 inches deep. Note that this mattress pad runs thinner than many competitors, as it’s intended for protection rather than comfort.
Product Specs
- Intended use: For protection
- Material: Cotton
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king
Get the Whisper Organics mattress pad at Amazon.
Best For Side Sleepers
Utopia Bedding Elastic Fitted Quilted Mattress Pad
Pros
- Quilted and comfortable to provide extra support to shoulders, hips, and back
- Microfiber material is lightweight and breathable enough for hot sleepers and couples
- Stays on the mattress snugly; suitable for people who change sleep positions frequently
- Comes in many sizes and colors to match a broad range of bedroom setups
Cons
- Not spill- or waterproof; manufacturer recommends use of an additional cover for protection
Side sleepers who can benefit from added support for their shoulders, back, and hips may want to check out this Utopia Bedding mattress pad. This comfy quilted option features ample fiberfill for extra “loft,” cushioning side sleepers in all the right places. Plus, its “smooth grip system” wraps completely around the mattress to keep it in place, much like a quality fitted sheet. Despite its extra padding, the pad is lightweight and breathable for hot sleepers and couples. It’s machine washable for easy care and comes in a wide variety of sizes and more colors than other options on this list.
Product Specs
- Intended use: For comfort
- Material: Microfiber
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, short queen, king, RV king, and California king
Get the Utopia Bedding mattress pad at Amazon.
Best Size Options
Saatva Organic Mattress Pad
Pros
- Comes in 9 sizes to fit almost any mattress; most versatile option on this list
- Light plush cushioning provides support and comfort
- Spandex and silicone-elastic band keeps the mattress pad in place; ideal for restless sleepers
- Moisture-wicking construction is ideal for hot sleepers and couples
Cons
- May not provide a lot of support for those with back, shoulder, or hip issues
Folks with many different types of beds to protect may find a solution with Saatva’s organic mattress pads, which come in nine sizes including twin, twin XL, full, queen, queen upper-flex, king, California king, split king, and king upper-flex. Plus, this organic cotton option has a thread count of 300, a light plush cushioning for coziness, and the ability to effectively wick away moisture.
This sustainably sourced, GOTS-certified pad features spandex side panels and a silicone-elastic band to help it stay in place, making it perfect for restless sleepers. It can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches thick.
Product Specs
- Intended use: For comfort
- Material: Organic cotton
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, queen upper-flex, king, California king, split king, and king upper-flex
Get the Saatva mattress pad at Saatva.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Mattress Pad
The best mattress pad is one that helps provide a good night’s sleep while being easy to care for and durable. There are several other factors to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress pad as well, which are described below.
Types of Mattress Pads
For many, the term “mattress pad” is synonymous with “mattress topper.” However, one of the differences is that mattress pads are typically thin, rarely thicker than 3.5 to 4.5 inches, while mattress toppers can be much thicker. A mattress pad is often a layer of quilted fabric, and the material the pad is made from will determine its best use.
For Comfort
A too-firm mattress or a mattress with a scratchy surface texture may benefit from an overfilled mattress pad, or one made from dense foam that offers a bit of cushioning between the sleeper and the mattress. For comfort in cold weather, a wool or Sherpa-lined mattress pad helps retain body heat and keep the sleeper warm, while a mattress pad that features micro-gel offers a cooling sleep surface on warm nights.
For Support
Mattress pads made from latex and foam offer a measure of support. Memory foam is particularly popular for this reason, since the material molds to the shape of the user’s body to provide support to the lumbar and pressure points. Some are also covered with a quilted pad and come with an elasticized skirt that fits over the mattress beneath.
For Protection
Mattress pads and mattress protectors have the shared benefit of extending the life of a mattress. This is especially true if they’re used from the time the mattress is new. Depending on the pad’s material, it can protect the mattress from spills and from dust mites, pollen, and other allergens. Many mattress pads are machine washable, but some are not, so it’s important to read the label before laundering.
Material
A variety of materials go into making mattress pads comfortable and protective.
- Cotton: Cotton mattress pads permit air circulation, which can help the sleeper remain cool at night. They aren’t ideal for protecting a mattress from big spills, but a tightly woven cotton surface can often resist a spill for a few seconds if it’s wiped up promptly. Cotton mattress pads are affordable, starting around $15, but they can run as high as $100 if the cotton is organically sourced.
- Feathers: Down, which comes from the soft underbelly of geese, makes for the most comfortable feather mattress pad, because feathers from other parts of the bird’s body tend to have sharp ends. Feather mattress pads offer natural insulating warmth and a bit of cushioning, and some can be laundered. They range in price from around $25 to $75 but can be more expensive depending on quality.
- Textile: Fabrics such as nylon, rayon, polyester, and synthetic blends, including down-alternative fiberfill, are frequently found in mattress pads. Polyester and polyester-blend fabrics offer a measure of waterproofing, but they can also be slightly crinkly beneath a bed sheet. This type of mattress pad is inexpensive, ranging from $15 to around $30.
- Wool: Wool makes for a comfy mattress pad, offering warmth in cool weather and wicking away perspiration to keep the sleeper from waking up sweaty. These pads can be pricey, though, easily running $150 to provide the privilege of sleeping on this natural animal fiber.
- Foam: Both latex foam and memory foam mattress pads offer lumbar support and will conform around a sleeper’s body. The main difference is that memory foam derives its soft, spongy density from polyurethane and real latex, which is a natural derivative of rubber trees. A synthetic version of latex is also available, and synthetic latex mattress pads are competitive in price with memory foam pads, both running $20 to $50 or more, depending on size and thickness, while a real latex mattress pad is pricier, costing $55 to $100 or more. Foam is typically reserved for thicker toppers, however, which come in sizes from 2 to 5 inches thick.
Function
It’s important to note that a mattress pad has functional limits. While thicker pads may offer a small bit of support and cushioning, unlike toppers, mattress pads are not designed to correct major problems with too-hard or lumpy mattresses. They’re simply not thick enough to do so.
Size
The cushioned part of most mattress pads is sized to fit the top of the bed surface, using the common U.S. bed sizing: twin, full, queen, king, and California king. Some, however, are also available in unique sizes such as twin XL, short queen, or split king. The pad is usually attached to an elastic skirt that fits around the perimeter of the mattress. In recent years, mattresses have become available in sizes up to 22 inches thick, so most manufacturers state the depth of mattress their pads are designed to fit.
Thickness
Most mattress pads are relatively thin, while a few are thicker—up to 1.5 inches thick. For those looking for an even thicker version, a mattress topper is a more suitable option that can be up to 4 inches thick.
The Advantages of Using a Mattress Pad
Mattresses are expensive—some cost as much as $1,500 or even more, so it just makes good sense to pay a bit more for a mattress pad that will help users protect their investment.
- Mattress pads help keep dust, dander, dust mites, and other allergens from infiltrating the mattress.
- A waterproof mattress pad will block spills and other fluids from soaking into the mattress.
- If the surface texture of the mattress is less than comfy, an overfilled mattress pad will offer a layer of cushioning for added comfort and with some models, support.
FAQs
If you’re looking to protect your mattress or add a bit of cushion or support to your bed, you may have a few questions about what a mattress pad is designed to do.
Q. What is the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress pad?
While some pads and toppers fit into both categories, in general, mattress pads are no thicker than 3.5 to 4.5 inches and come with skirts that secure them to the mattress. Toppers can be thicker and usually have no skirt.
Q. Why should you use a mattress pad?
Mattress pads can protect your mattress from dust, dander, allergens, dust mites, and spills.
Q. Are mattress pads waterproof?
Some are, and if they are, they will be labeled as such and will feature a waterproof barrier. Others are water-resistant, which means the tight weave of the surface fabric will keep a spill from soaking in immediately, giving you a few seconds to quickly wipe away the liquid before it soaks through.
