Light explains that when shopping, look for a mattress pad with “a soft and smooth outer shell made with a stretchy and durable fabric. On the inside, they typically contain cotton, down, down-alternative, wool, or other similar fillers.” It provides protection because mattress pads “defend your mattress from regular wear and tear, plus many are waterproof, shielding your mattress from sweat, spills, and stains.” There are countless types of mattress pads on the market. If you’re on the fence, it’s worth investing in a mattress pad to give yourself or your loved one added comfort and protect the mattress. A mattress is a steeper financial investment than a mattress pad and much more challenging to clean than a pad, so the investment is well worth it. There are so many mattress pads on the market. While our top choice is the SafeRest Mattress Protector, there are many options on the market. Here are the 10 best mattress pads to fit your lifestyle, needs, and budget. Keep in Mind: It has no padding and a terry cloth feel. The mattress pad is thin, so do know it won’t add any cushioning to your bedding situation. Because it’s thin, this mattress pad is machine washable and easily fits into a home’s standard washer and dryer. The mattress pad goes on like a fitted sheet with elastic edges. It can suit a mattress up to 18 inches deep and will work for all but the deepest mattress pad. Whether you need to stock a whole house, want to bring a protective pad on vacation, or need a new mattress pad, this is a great option that does what it’s supposed to at an affordable price. It won’t change the feel of your bed but will give you peace of mind that your mattress is well protected. Price at time of publish: From $32 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress depth: Up to 18 inches | Material: Cotton with coating Keep in Mind: It’s not waterproof. There are no plastic elements, so the pad keeps the bed cool and quiet. That also means that this pad isn’t waterproof, so while it will protect the mattress and provide some cushioning, you may still want some additional waterproof protection. Machine washable, this mattress pad stays put on a mattress up to 18 inches deep and will fit in most standard washers and dryers. Price at time of publish: $22 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress depth: Up to 18 inches | Material: Polyester/cotton blend Keep in Mind: It’s expensive and will add bulk to your bed. The comfortable filling prevents the bed from getting too hot and masks any sounds from the plastic innards. Not only does this mattress pad come in all mattress sizes, but you can choose between two depths so you’re sure to get a perfect fit. While it is a splurge, this pad is super comfortable and doesn’t feel or sound like some of the thinner waterproof options. Price at time of publish: From $111 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress depth: 11 or 18 inches | Material: Cotton damask shell, synthetic polyfill, polyurethane inner layer Keep in Mind: It’s expensive, not waterproof, and doesn’t come in twin xl. While this pad boasts lots of loving reviews, there are a few considerations. It’s not waterproof, so if that’s important, skip this pad. There are also specific washing and caring instructions for this mattress pad. Spot or dry cleaning is recommended and if that’s not an option, it should only be put on the rinse cycle in the washer and hung dry. If you lose peace of mind without the waterproof capabilities, it’s not worth the added stress of having to wash this pad a particular way. Price at time of publish: From $144 Product Details: Size: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress depth: Oversized | Material: Viscose from bamboo fabric Keep in Mind: It’s expensive and doesn’t come in twin, twin xl, or full sizes. This pad is expensive and not available in a twin or full-size mattress. Sleep Number offers a one-year warranty and a 100-night return program. Price at time of publish: From $199 Product Details Size: Queen, king, California king | Mattress depth: Flexible straps | Material: Polyester Keep in Mind: It’s expensive and doesn’t come in twin xl. Made with two layers of soft jersey cotton, plastic protection is placed between the cotton. The pad is soft and protective. While it’s expensive, this pad will last and is offered in two depths to fit your bed. While it might not be overly plush, the mattress pad is suitable to fit into a machine washable and dryer with no issue. Price at time of publish: From $109 Product Details: Size: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress depth: 11 or 18 inches | Material: Cotton jersey and waterproof layer Keep in Mind: It’s only for a depth of up to 15 inches and has the logo printed on the pad. For those with a super-deep bed, this option may not be large enough since it stretches to depths up to 15 inches. There’s also a logo printed on the mattress pad, so if you use thin, white sheets, it may show through. Nolah offers a 30-night trial program, so if you’re on the fence about an organic option, it’s easy to try it out. Price at time of publish: From $69 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress depth: Up to 15 inches | Material: Organic cotton with a lightweight poly layer Keep in Mind: There’s no flexibility with depth measurement, and it can be tricky to put on. Available in all the standard mattress sizes, there’s no flexibility with depth measurements with this pad. Because it zips around, it cannot stretch to mattresses more than 13 inches deep. Great for specific needs and a uniform look, a zip-around style does come with some extra work. Price at time of publish: From $18 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress depth: 13 inches | Material: Waterproof polyester Keep in Mind: It’s expensive and dry-clean or machine washable. This pad is not waterproof, so while you’ll get the extra cushion, it won’t provide that level of protection for your mattress. Reviewers praise that the comfortable pad is still easy to wash and fitting sheets on top of the pad proves to be no problem. Price at time of publish: From $159 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress depth: Up to 18 inches | Material: Sateen cotton shell and hypoallergenic microfill Keep in Mind: It’s made of polyester, and odd sized cribs will need a different pad. Machine washable, this pad easily fits in standard washers and dryers. The polyester fabric is hypoallergenic, an added bonus that will help trap allergens and keep your little one breathing easy. Made with elastic around the entire pad, there’s also a built-in secure skirt that helps prevent any bunching or sliding, so your bed and bedding are safe and secure. Price at time of publish: $33 Product Details: Size: Standard crib: 52 x 28 inches | Mattress depth: 6 inches | Material: Polyester
What to Know About Mattress Pads Before Shopping
Size
The mattress pad needs to securely fit on top of your mattress. The best way to do this is to purchase a mattress pad that is the right size. Nearly all mattress pads are available in the standard range of mattress sizes. The elastic hem should be secure and keeps your mattress pad in place.
Mattress Depth
A mattress pad needs to securely stay on the mattress. If you have an extra-deep mattress, you’ll need an option with extended depth. Don’t forget this, otherwise, the mattress pad will continue to pop off and not fit correctly.
Material
Choose a material that will work for your lifestyle and needs. If you have allergies, go for an alternative material that will not exacerbate your allergies. Anyone with kids should always pick a waterproof mattress pad since spills, leaks, and accidents are inevitable.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you wash a mattress pad?
Always follow the care instructions on your particular mattress pad. Amy Hoban, chief creative officer at Parachute Home provides a helpful timetable and tips for cleaning mattress pads. She recommends, “Every three to six months you should wash your mattress pad on a cold, delicate cycle with liquid laundry detergent—and always avoid using bleach.” “If you don’t want the hassle or you’re unable to fit such a large item in your washer, I also recommend taking them to a green dry cleaner," she adds. Whether you are putting the pad away in a linen closet or back on the bed, Hoban reminds us, “don’t use or store your mattress pad until it’s completely dry."
What are the benefits of a mattress pad?
A mattress pad is helpful for both a restful night and for protecting your mattress. Hoban says, “A mattress pad protects your mattress from stains and extends its lifespan while also providing additional softness and comfort.” With all of those benefits, a mattress pad is a no-brainer addition to any bedroom.
How is a mattress pad different from a mattress topper?
While they both provide benefits, Hoban explains the difference between the two. “A mattress pad serves more as a protector for your bed that also offers additional comfort, while a mattress topper has a thicker fill adding a plush layer of softness to your bed. A mattress topper is cloud-like and can help even the firmest mattresses feel luxuriously fluffy.” While it may seem like a lot, you can use both on one bed.
Who We Are
This article was written by Maya Polton, an experienced freelance writer who has written for various publications. In looking at mattress pads, she aimed for brands that offered a variety of fits and sizes, affordable prices, and provided comfort and protection. User reviews (and complaints) were also helpful in locating brands that live up to their promises of quality, accurate descriptions, and customer service. She interviewed Stephen Light, a certified sleep coach and CEO of Nolah Technologies and Amy Hoban, chief creative officer at Parachute Home for insight on how to pick, clean, and care for a mattress pad.
