A bed that’s worn out its new and has become uncomfortable, or for someone looking to protect their brand new mattress may look for the best mattress pad to help them out. When it comes to mattress pad reviews, you really need to do your homework to find the one that’s just right for you. The best mattress pads are ones that add more comfort to your mattress while also protecting it.
Many bedding experts agree that a mattress pad is essential, but choosing the best mattress pad can be tricky, which is why research is needed. After all, mattress pads can comprise of all kinds of materials at varying densities. What works for one person may not work so well for someone else. It can be extremely problematic searching for the best mattress pad.
On top of researching the different material types, you’re going to find that there are a plethora of options to choose from on the market. You may not know which one is best for you. This is when you need read as many mattress pad reviews you can and get a feel for what’s out there.
The Best Mattress Pads
- Hospitology Products: the best microfiber cover option
- ExceptionalSheets: the best bamboo rayon cover option
- Utopia Bedding: the most affordable mattress pad
- Superior: the best down alternative option
- Hanna Kay: the most comfortable mattress pad
- ExceptionalSheets: the best pillow top option
- Mastertex: the best cotton cover choice
- Leisure Town: the best for cooling properties
Table of Contents
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Mattress Pads Comparison Table
Picture | Product | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | - Stretchy fabric for 18” pocket keeps the pad in place | ||
 | - Hypoallergenic, plush fill | ||
 | - Smooth grip system for a perfect fit | ||
 | - Soft microfiber shell makes no noise | ||
 | - Superior protection to your mattress | ||
 | - Resistant to stains, spills, and moisture | ||
| - Ultra-soft with a velvet feel | ||
| - Filled with snow down alternative fill |
Mattress Pads Reviews
Hospitology Products Review: The Best Microfiber Cover Option
- Stretchy fabric for 18” pocket keeps the pad in place
- Lightweight, soft down alternative fill
- Soft, brushed microfiber cover
Price:
This mattress pad from Hospitology is heavenly in all kinds of ways thanks to the various design elements that aim to make your mattress more comfortable.
Hospitology uses breathable and lightweight materials, which allow free circulation of air and maintain a comfortable temperature for the ideal sleeping climate. The bottom layer is made of compressed hypoallergenic down alternative fiber for more softness without any real added height.
The pad’s top layer comprises polyester with a brushed microfiber feel to give it some additional softness.
People allergic to down will consider this their best option since the fill materials and cover are hypoallergenic. While the material will protect your mattress, it can’t defend against more serious spills as it’s not waterproof. You can wash and dry it, but make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Thanks to the two-way stretch fabric in the corners, it’s easier than ever to place this pad on your mattress and keep it in place. The fiberfill won’t shift thanks to the box-quilting feature, so even when you move on the pad or wash it, it doesn’t clump. It comes with 18-inch deep pockets that ensure it can fit most beds.
For many, Hospitology is an affordable way to bring more comfort and softness to their beds. It’s like you’re sleeping on a cloud.
ExceptionalSheets Review: The Best Bamboo Rayon Cover Option
- Hypoallergenic, plush fill
- Breathable, highly-durable bamboo rayon
- No shifting of fill due to double-needle baffle box
Price:
ExceptionalSheets uses a blend of materials to ensure a high-quality, comfortable mattress pad for their customers to enjoy. The pad’s top cover comprises of 160-thread count bamboo rayon with a double-needle baffle box to keep the Revoloft fill from shifting. Revoloft is a hypoallergenic down alternative made with polyester to give it a feel of authentic duck and goose down but without any feathers, poking, or allergies.
There is about one inch of Revoloft fill, giving your bed a plush feel no matter what kind of mattress you have – from memory foam, latex and innerspring. Under the fill, the backing contains 70 percent polyester and 30 percent cotton. Thanks to the silent protection, you get the sleep you need – no disruptions.
A stretchy skirt made of spandex, nylon, and polyester fits mattresses up to 18” deep - it covers the mattress’ sides with the elastic, ensuring it remains in place. With these materials, the pad provides an extraordinary amount of breathability and moisture-wicking properties (ensuring your stay cool all night).
This bamboo mattress pad is best for all types of sleepers who want to boost their bed’s comfort and softness without the need for a thick topper or cover. ExceptionalSheets provides a one-year warranty for all its products.
Utopia Bedding Review: The Most Affordable Mattress Pad
- Smooth grip system for a perfect fit
- The filling stays in place due to excellent stitching
- Breathable and soft
Price:
The Utopia Bedding mattress pad is a high-quality product for a great price. The pad’s top comprises of brushed microfiber fabric that is comfortable against the skin. And, its fluffy and lofty polyester fiberfill feels like sleeping on a cloud and gives you the best comfort you never thought possible.
This mattress pad will give you an extra layer of comfort and bring back some life to your old mattress, changing its firmness or softness. It sits on top of the mattress but under your sheets for some added padding that can make a world of difference to your sleep quality. Utopia Bedding can be used on your personal bed or a guest one, making it a useful home addition.
The company has come up with a quilted diamond pattern design, with walls between top and bottom layers that keep the filling from shifting and clumping up. Thus, it stays evenly distributed even if you toss about in bed and cushions the pressure points as you get to sleep.
The pad comes with a smooth grip skirt system that ensures it can be used on mattresses up to 16-inches deep. The system works similarly to a fitted sheet, enveloping the mattress all the way around. The material of Utopia Bedding is breathable - it will lock in moisture, so you stay comfortable all night long.
While it’s not waterproof, the price is ideal for those looking for comfort from their beds. It can be machine washed and dried, too, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The pad is available for all major mattress sizes.
Superior Review: The Best Down Alternative Option
- Soft microfiber shell makes no noise
- Fill won’t shift due to double-needle stitching
- 2 inches of lofty down alternative polyfill
Price:
If you want added comfort to your bed, then a down alternative mattress pad may be your best choice. It goes with an ultra-soft shell that comprises of the finest 100 percent microfiber shell and down alternative polyfill. The great part about the silky microfiber shell is that it’s very soft and makes no noise. Another wonderful aspect is that it’s hypoallergenic, which is a relief for people who suffer from allergies to feather and goose down bedding. With two inches of lofty fill, you can turn your bed into a cloud of luxury.
The shell is made of ultra-thin fibers that have been tightly woven together to produce a strong fabric resistant to wrinkles, fading, and stains. The lightweight microfiber cover and down alternative fill promote airflow to create a breathable, cool bed.
Superior has the baffle box construction, which includes double-needle stitching that will keep the fill from moving around. You can throw it in the washer and dryer (make sure it’s tumble dry low). If you’re not sure how to wash and dry the pad, read the care label instructions.
Revive your old mattress with this plush down alternative pad, while preserving its support. Superior brings comfort and style back to your bed, giving you a great night’s sleep once more.
Hanna Kay Review: The Most Comfortable Mattress Pad
- Superior protection to your mattress
- Deep pockets designed to keep the pad in place
- Soft poly-cotton blend to ensure breathability
Price:
The biggest feature of this mattress pad is its comfort, as the manufacturer wanted to make sure that you enjoyed every minute of your sleep time.
Hannah Kay contains 40 percent more fill than other mattress pads on the market, making it even easier for you to get the rest your body needs. It also has a unique poly-cotton blend that will keep you cool as you rest.
The mattress pad is designed like a sheet to give your mattress the best fit. It uses the stretch-to-fit technology, so it fits perfectly on the surface even if you have a topper on your bed. With its knitted polyester sides, it can fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep with no problems. It stays in place, so you never have to worry about it bunching up.
What hinders you from getting a good night’s rest is dead skin cells and sweat that allow dust mites to proliferate. Thanks to the hypoallergenic properties of the poly-cotton material, you no longer have to be worried about synthetics and allergens. When you need to wash the pad, just throw it in the washer with the rest of the laundry. Thanks to its diamond stitching, it’s very durable and keeps the fill from clumping while it’s in the washer.
Best of all, if you suffer from allergies, this is a perfect choice as it’s made of true hypoallergenic material. And, if you don’t like it, Hanna Kay offers a 10-year “Shield It” Guarantee that allows you to return the product for a complete refund.
ExceptionalSheets Review: The Best Pillow Top Option
- Resistant to stains, spills, and moisture
- Advanced cooling technology
- Premium stitching ensures no clumping
Price:
When you want comfort from a mattress pad, ExceptionalSheets is something to consider. Its filling is very soft and extra plush, making it feel as if it’s an actual goose and duck down but without the poking or allergies. Many people opt for this pad to soften up the firm mattress and cool down a hot one. When you want the best sleep possible, Exceptional Sheets is where you go.
The pad comes with a 160-thread count polyester, stain-resistant, moisture-resistant cover. It gives the maximum protection for your mattress from sweat and spills. And, as if that is not enough, it’s filled with a plethora of cooling, hypoallergenic cluster down fiber that allows more airflow and makes it breathable. On top of that, it uses the baffle box stitching to keep the filling from moving around or shifting as you sleep.
ExceptionalSheets will fit snugly to your mattress, using the elastic skirt to wrap around the mattress of up to 18 inches thick. It can be used with any kind of mattress from memory foam to latex to innerspring. It’s been certified as safe based on the guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as it uses no flame-retardant chemicals.
Mastertex Review: The Best Cotton Cover Choice
- Ultra-soft with a velvet feel
- Stretchy sides for a perfect fit
- Highly breathable and prevents overheating
Price:
Mastertex is very popular for two reasons – it protects your mattress and improves its comfort. This mattress pad is made of very soft hypoallergenic down alternative filling that feels like real down.
Mastertex’s construction makes sleeping more comfortable, which means better sleep quality. The 100 percent cotton top cover adds softness, providing a comfy classic touch when you’re sleeping. The top cover is made of cotton rather than microfiber, which means it’s more breathable and won’t overheat. It also whisks moisture away from the body, keeping you cool. If you run hot while sleeping, this is the best mattress pad available.
You can easily place it on top of the bed thanks to its extremely large stretchable sides that hug the mattress tight and won’t slip off during the night or when making the bed in the morning. You’ll never have to wake up and spread the pad out again, thanks to this design.
With the diamond-shaped blocks for its stitching, the filling won’t clump up, and the pad maintains its shape. And, maintenance and care for Mastertex are easy because you can easily wash it for easy cleaning.
Leisure Town Review: The Best for Cooling Properties
- Filled with snow down alternative fill
- Uses advanced HNN Cooling Technology
- Fabric sides fit mattresses up to 21 inches thick
Price:
Are you constantly waking up hot? If so, then you need a cooling mattress pad from Leisure Town that uses the HNN Cooling Technology. This technology produces a cloud-like surface that comprises of 300-thread count, 100 percent cotton for amazing comfort without the sweat and heat. The new shape is also very supportive and soft, unlike normal diamond-quilted seams.
For those wondering if the pad would make you cold during the winter months, the answer is no. HNN Cooling Technology only increases the flow of air, so the mattress pad is more breathable than other products on the market. If you have a mattress that is uncomfortable due to heat, then this is the best mattress pad for you.
Leisure Town is made of snow down alternative fill to give it a feel of actual goose and duck down without the use of feathers that can poke you as you sleep or trigger an allergy. It’s also great in keeping your mattress stain-free. While the cover is made of cotton, you can quickly wipe up spills. And, with the thickness this pad has to offer, the fluid will not get into your bed’s mattress. So, if you want breakfast in bed, you can have it.
The fabric sides can fit mattresses up to 21 inches thick. It won’t slide even if you toss and turn in your bed. Even better? You can easily throw it in the washer and dryer to get it clean or to get even more fluff to the pad.
Mattress Pad: What Is It?
If you’ve ever heard of mattress pads but not quite sure how they work, here’s a simple explanation. They are a thick piece of quilted material that is laid on top of a mattress but under the sheets. They are usually used to give more comfort to a bed, but some pads can help protect your bed’s actual mattress from normal wear and tear as well as stains and spills.
By using a mattress pad, the feel, and firmness of your bed changes. So, if you are happy with your current mattress, a pad might be really an unnecessary expense.
Mattress Pad vs. Topper vs. Protector
Similar products currently on the market are called mattress pads, toppers, and protectors, but are they one and the same? Actually, no! They have differences that will affect your decision on which one is best for you.
Protector – Placed around the entire mattress for extra protection; usually hypoallergenic and waterproof
Topper – Placed on top of a mattress to alter how the bed feels. A topper aims to add comfort to a bed. They’re the thickest of the three, but offer no real protection against spills and stains.
Pad – Hybrid of a topper and protector, it offers protection against spills and allergens while also giving more comfort to your bed. It has a thick quilted construction that can help in alleviating pressure points the current mattress may be lacking in.
Materials You Can Choose From
Wool
This is a natural material that comes from sheep, and there are many worthwhile qualities to it. For one, it’s very soft and breathable. While it does absorb liquids, it dries out quickly. It doesn’t lock in odors, and if taken good care of, can last for a long time. All these aspects and more are why people tend to seek out this material when looking for the best mattress pad.
However, what does put some people off from buying a wool mattress pad is the price. It is more expensive to produce than synthetic materials or cotton. Plus, wool is not going to protect your bed completely, and spills can still seep through and damage the mattress.
Fiber
There are all kinds of materials that can be used in a fiber bed or fiber mattress pad, such as rayon and polyester. One kind of fiber material is known as down-alternative – which means that it has a feeling similar to down but at a much lower price. Many manufacturers will blend different material types together to create a pad that offers an array of features. For instance, some blends have been made to be resistant to spills or waterproof.
Synthetic fiber pads are usually inexpensive, but added features such as stain-resistant properties could increase the price. They do provide some extra softness, but this depends on the pad’s material and thickness. In terms of downsides, some customers have reported that the fiber material can be noisy when they are moving. They also need to be specially-cleaned to keep them in good shape.
Feather
Feather mattress pads are made from duck or geese feathers to provide more softness to your bed. These are often known as featherbeds. Some feathers may be down, which means the feather is softer and lighter.
This type of material is often thicker and can be classified more like a mattress topper. They are also more expensive (especially down) and don’t do a good job of protecting the bed from spills. And, cleaning them can be a hassle too.
Memory Foam
Memory foam has properties that allow responding to pressure - the foam will compress directly in proportion to the applied weight. This is one of the reasons why memory foam has become a very popular bedding material – be it mattress pad, topper, or the mattress itself.
However, memory foam isn’t great for protection against spills and other accidents - it has no waterproof or water-resistant properties. And, for some people, the smell of new foam can be nauseating. If you want to use memory foam, it’s wiser to go with a topper, as it’s much thicker and allows better contouring. Plus, a thicker layer of memory foam will help lengthen the life of your mattress.
Latex
The majority of latex mattress pads comprise of a blend of synthetic and natural latex. Latex is regarded as a bouncy material, but it retains a level of contouring. And, as long as you have a thick pad, it will alter the feel of your bed. Latex is also useful in protecting your bed from damage. However, while it’s not absorbent like cotton, it’s not completely waterproof either.
In terms of downsides, latex is typically very expensive and harder to clean than cotton. If you’re considering a latex mattress pad, it may be best to get a topper instead since a thicker layer will alter the feel of your bed more and protect it against spills.
Cotton
This material is known for being soft and adding a plush feel to any bed. Now, depending on the pad’s thickness, you could also get some layer of protection too. However, it doesn’t do a good job protecting your mattress from really bad spills and stains. Unless it’s been specially treated or has some special backing to it, a bad spill will soak into your mattress.
While cotton mattress pads are affordable, their prices increase if the pad is made from high-end cotton or organic cotton. The majority of these pads will last a long time, even when machine-washed on a regular basis.
Primary Advantages To Using Mattress Pads
Now, you may be wondering why you should even bother buying a mattress pad. Actually, there are six good reasons to consider them for your bed.
Easily Washable
Washing your mattress isn’t easy to do, but some mattress pads or their covers can be removed and thrown in the washer. If you’re concerned about your bed’s hygiene (and your own), this is certainly a perfect option.
Muffles noise
It’s not uncommon for some mattresses to make noise when you or your partner moves. This can be disturbing to your sleep, especially if you’re a light sleeper. The best mattress pads will muffle the noise, allowing you to stay asleep throughout the night.
Temperature Regulation
It’s not uncommon for a memory foam mattress to increase your body heat, making you over sweat. Most people cannot sleep well if they are too hot. However, many mattress pads are made of quilted breathable fabric that increases airflow. Thus, your body’s temperature stays regulated thanks to the cool climate the pad has created. Plus, their cover usually comprises cotton fabric, which locks in moisture, allowing you to sleep dry and cool all night long.
Bacteria Protection
Mattress pads are ideal in keeping bacteria and germs from collecting. Without this extra barrier, the bacteria make a home out of the mattress, causing it to degrade quicker. With the added protection, it will last longer, and you stay healthy.
Pest Protection
A mattress pad is great for protection against dust mites and bed bugs, which can cause allergies. The majority of them are quilted using hypoallergenic materials, which prevents allergens and dust mites from rising up your mattress so you can wake up feeling refreshed and healthy. If you’re constantly waking up with allergies, it could help alleviate the symptoms.
Mattress Preservation
Designed to preserve your current mattress and extend its longevity, a mattress pad adds another layer of protection from fluids, germs, and other allergens. People often keep liquids nearby their beds, which means accidents are likely to happen. If this happens, the liquid gets deep into the surface where you can’t reach it. With an added layer of protection, you can maintain your bed’s longevity. Be sure to do your homework here, as the best mattress pads will offer both comfort and waterproof properties.
Things to Consider Before Making a Purchase
With so many options on the market, you may think making the right choice is going to be difficult. But not so! With the right information in hand, you can search the Internet or look in a store to find the best mattress pad for your ultimate comfort and needs. What do you need to consider?
Comfort
A good mattress pad adds a layer of cushion to the surface of the mattress. Now, the comfort will be dependent on the fill material, type of fabric used, and stitching style. Be sure the pad’s cover has a classic plush touch and adds some softness to your bed, as well.
Mattress Size
What size mattress pad you get is dependent on the size of your mattress. Make sure to measure your mattress – depth, and size before you make a purchase. You want that pad to fit comfortably around your mattress to ensure protection.
Attachment
There are three ways for attaching a pad to a mattress – elastic, anchor straps, and encasement.
Anchor Straps – These are single pieces of fabric that go under the mattress corners. They do not cover the sides or bottom of the bed. They don’t cause any heat retention but may need readjustments because they are likely to move.
Encasement – This method will cover the mattress entirely. It usually includes a zipper and gives you more protection. However, it may take a bit more work to put on since you’ll need to lift the mattress to get it done.
Elastic – This is the most common method, as it works similarly to fitted sheets. Elastic on the outside of the pad keeps it in place after the corners and sides of the pad have been pulled down under the mattress. It’s very easy to use, but make sure the pad covers the depth of your mattress so it can fit over it entirely.
Allergy Resistant
If you suffer from allergies – be it chemicals, dust mites, or even certain fabrics, you need to find hypoallergenic materials that will alleviate these allergens.
Breathability
How well you sleep is often affected by your body temperature. The best mattress pad is one that offers breathability, so you stay cool even in the dead of summer. Cotton tends to do the trick here, as it’s a breathable material that will help prevent you from overheating while you sleep.
Cover
There are three fabrics typically used in a mattress pad’s outer cover – rayon, cotton, and polyester.
Cotton and rayon have a good amount of breathability, so you stay cool as you sleep. Polyester, however, doesn’t have as many breathable qualities, which makes it more of an ideal choice for winter months. Another positive aspect of polyester is it’s more resistant than cotton, which ensures your mattress pad will stay cleaner for longer. Rayon blends are great for additional softness and keeping you cool, but they cost more money.
Additionally, you should keep in mind the thread count of the cover you review. The higher the thread count, the softer the feel. If softness is what you’re looking for, then you want one that has a high thread count. However, if the goal is to hide a mattress pad under your sheets, a lower thread count is what you’re looking for. Another aspect to consider is that higher-thread counts tend to cost more.
If a mattress pad is made of the loose filling (like down), you also need to look at the stitching. All-over stitching ensures the fill doesn’t move around and clump up.
Easy Washing
Another thing to consider is easy care and maintenance. Now, while it’s possible to find a mattress pad to protect against stains and spills, sometimes it’s not possible or in your budget range to find a product that does this. Therefore, you want to find one that is easy to remove and wash to keep your bed clean and odorless.
Price
You can spend anywhere from $30 to $2,000 on a mattress pad. If you want a thin cotton pad for protecting your bed from spills or other moisture, then you won’t spend very much. However, if you want a high-quality memory foam pad that cushions and supports your body, you’re going to be shelling out more money.
Ask yourself why you need or want a mattress pad.
- Do you want to protect your bed from spills and other moisture?
- Do you want to keep your body cool while sleeping?
- Do you want to improve your current bed’s comfort?
By knowing what you want, you’ll be able to find an ideal option for your particular situation.
Warranty
It’s true that warranties are complex, and many companies don’t cover all damage scenarios. However, be sure that your purchase is backed by a solid manufacturer warranty that offers years of protection.
FAQs
Will A Mattress Pad Bring Back The Feel Of An Old Mattress?
If you have a really old mattress – one that’s been worn out past its prime – then a mattress pad will do little to help you. In this type of case, it’s best to get a new mattress and then purchase a pad to protect it and extend its lifespan.
Can I Just Buy a Memory Foam Mattress Pad Instead of Buying a Pricey Memory Foam Mattress?
Since a memory foam mattress can run you into the thousands of dollars, people often look to memory foam mattress pads for the cheaper alternative. The key is to give yourself some additional layer between the mattress and the bottom sheet, which is where thick memory foam comes in. The best thing you can do is test out the different pad thicknesses at a bedding store before you make a purchase.
Do Mattress Pads Generate Heat?
In most cases, no. This is because they are thin layers of fabric and don’t allow for heat to accumulate. They don’t generally affect the airflow around your body, which means you can stay cool. The thicker a pad is, the more temperature control issues you will face. This is especially true if you go with a material like memory foam.
Can You Clean A Mattress Pad?
Absolutely! A mattress pad will accumulate dust, dirt, hair, and other things, which is why you should regularly clean it. Thankfully, many manufacturers are using materials that allow you to easily throw it in the washer. However, be sure that you follow their recommended care instructions to ensure the quality remains intact.
Is There A Difference Between a Mattress Pad and a Topper?
The majority of mattress pads are marketed as toppers, which is why people are easily confused.
- A pad is designed to protect the mattress while a topper gives the user some added cushion.
- Pads tend to be thinner than toppers and are made of absorbent materials such as cotton or latex (that is water-repellent). Toppers, on the other hand, are thicker and often use plush foam.
The more high-end toppers may give the same protections as a basic pad, but they will be expensive.
What To Remember…
As you see, there are all kinds of options available on the market for you to choose from. Eventually, it all boils down to a personal choice. The best mattress pad for your particular situation may not do well for someone else, so it’s always important to do your research to make an informed decision. Plus, when you know the why of your need for a mattress pad, you can look through different options to see which one will serve your needs better.
