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Do you long for a more restful and comfortable night’s sleep? A mattress can easily make or break the quality of sleep you get when the clock strikes bedtime. After all, it’s not uncommon to have a bed that doesn’t feel completely comfortable for your back. Not only that, but stiff mattresses can cause severe body aches and even back alignment issues down the line. An easy way to help ease this discomfort is to buy a good mattress pad.
This handy bedding accessory adds a thin layer to your mattress to adjust its firmness, making it a great investment if you prefer sleeping on a softer, plushier bed. In addition to helping you get a better night’s sleep, mattress pads can also help protect your mattress and extend its longevity. Mattress pads come in a variety of materials, sizes, and added features. So, whether you choose to buy one online or at the store, prepare yourself for a ton of options! To make your shopping experience simpler, we reviewed the most popular mattress pads. Read on for our top picks and a detailed buying guide to help you choose between them.
Buying Guide: Mattress Pads
If you are thinking about buying a mattress pad, there is virtually no reason not to! As a bedding accessory, it can help elevate your overall sleeping experience, adding to the softness of your mattress and keeping it protected. Whether you’re dealing with an aging mattress that just isn’t as comfortable anymore or one that’s always been a little too firm, this can be a real problem when it comes to getting better sleep.
The good news is that with a mattress pad, however, you can simply upgrade what you already have without spending hundreds of extra dollars on a whole new mattress. Read on for more reasons why investing in a mattress pad might be a great idea for you and tips for choosing the perfect one.
Are Mattress Pads Viable Replacements for Orthopedic Mattresses?
Because a mattress pad is much cheaper than a mattress itself, people with back problems may consider it as a replacement for orthopedic sleeping products. Unfortunately, you might find that switching the two doesn’t really offer the same results. Orthopedic mattresses have special built-in features that allow the spine to realign into a special position while you’re lying down. On the other hand, a mattress pad simply acts as a buffer between a hard bottom, adding a little additional support and protection. This means the two are not considered perfect substitutions for each other.
Why Should You Buy a Mattress Pad?
Mattress protection
One of the most common things all homeowners are guilty of is staining their mattresses. Unless yours is covered in waterproof material, chances are it will be damaged due to spills at some point or another – and that’s something nobody wants!
Not only is it incredibly difficult to clean a spill, but getting rid of the smell of the liquid later on is even harder. If you end up soaking your mattress in something sugary, your chances of an infestation of some kind can skyrocket overnight. With a mattress pad, however, you get better protection overall. This extra layer is usually machine-washable as well, so you can simply toss it in for quick and easy cleaning without having to worry about scrubbing your mattress.
Better sleep
Who doesn’t want to sleep better at night? This question might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easier said than done. Many people struggle to get restful sleep, whether because of stress, feeling too hot or cold, body aches, or specific sleep issues. These things can keep you up at night, but a mattress pad might be able to remedy the problem.
Many of these bedding accessories feature a soft, breathable design to better cradle your body while you lay in bed. This can help with temperature regulation, allowing you to sleep not too cold or too hot but just right. It’s also ideal if you prefer sleeping on a plush or softer mattress as opposed to a firm one.
Allergen protection
Let’s be honest: your mattress isn’t the most hygienic thing in the house. Most people don’t replace their mattresses for decades and don’t flip or clean them too often either, leading to lots of built-up dust, germs, and allergens. While it may not be financially feasible for you to keep your allergies at bay by buying a new one, you can help your bed stay cleaner for longer by investing in a mattress pad. This additional layer can be easily washed, so you can routinely get rid of dust, dead skin, pet dander, and more.
The Average Cost of a Mattress Pad
One of the great things about mattress pads is that they’re not exceptionally pricey. Safe to say, they’re generally a lot cheaper than buying a new mattress. On average, you can expect to get a decent quality mattress pad for under $50 and a great one for under $100. That said, there can be amazing pads sold at a low cost, especially if you can snag one that’s on sale. Most mattress pads that are worth your money should fall into a reasonable range, so there likely won’t be a reason to break your budget while shopping for one.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing the Right Mattress Pad
Material
Material is of utmost importance when it comes to choosing a great mattress pad. You need something soft and ideally breathable. Typically, microfiber and cotton fillings get the job done. Down alternatives may also be an option. Beware of over-the-top claims, however, and always make sure to check the product description or label. When buying online, you can also sift through the customer reviews to see whether the manufacturer’s claims are confirmed by real shoppers.
Side pockets
There is nothing quite as annoying as a mattress pad that keeps coming off at the sides, constantly requiring readjusting. If you have kids and a mattress pad with side pockets that are too short, be prepared to make the bed multiple times a day. Naturally, you don’t want to waste your precious time and energy, which is why you should look for the right size and stretchable pockets for proper coverage. This is especially important if you’re shopping for a tall mattress since not all mattress pads are designed to accommodate this extra depth.
Size and thickness
The wrong size or thickness of your mattress pad can severely compromise your overall experience. Customers who make the mistake of buying something too thin are often seen complaining about wasting money on a mattress pad that may as well be a regular sheet.
If you’re trying to make your bed much softer, opt for a mattress pad that is several inches thick and filled with a plush material that retains its shape. If you prefer your bed to be on the firm side but still want to protect your mattress from stains, choose a product that’s thinner and less intrusive. Ultimately, it’s essential to make sure you get the right thickness and size to fulfill your personal preferences.
Best Mattress Pads Reviewed in Detail
BEDSURE Mattress Pad
– Best Overall
Experience a new level of comfort and protection with the Bedsure Twin Cooling Cotton Mattress Pad. Designed to enhance your sleep overall environment, this mattress pad combines cooling cotton with expert quilting. It adds a luxurious and functional addition to your bedding. The fitted design is equipped with a deep pocket, ensuring a snug fit on mattresses ranging from eight to 21 inches. Plus, the breathable pillow top adds an extra layer of softness.
The cooling cotton material wicks away moisture. This results in a more comfortable sleeping environment and helps regulate your body temperature throughout the night. The design is expertly quilted, which adds a touch of elegance. It also ensures that the padding is evenly distributed for optimal comfort and support. From its deep pocket design to its cooling cotton material, this cooling, cushioned, and comfortable mattress pad is the top choice on our list.
Pros
- Breathable pillow top for extra plush
- Deep pocket design for a secure fit
- Creates a cool sleep environment
Cons
- Not thick enough for some people
Favorland Mattress Pad
– Most Comfortable
This mattress pad by Favorland promotes restful nights and stays in place, even if you have kids who love to jump on the bed. With elastic pocket sides that can be pulled to cover mattresses with dimensions up to 21 inches thick, this option is designed to snugly fit even tall mattresses without coming off easily. The chemical fiber allows for comfortable sleep and limits overheating at night, so you stay cool while you rest. Its seamless diamond stitch texture enables a smoother feel that is often missing in traditional quilted varieties.
You can also get alternative snow down fill in place of the regular fiber if you’re in search of a mattress pad that doesn’t aggravate your allergies. Because no real animal fur is actually used, you can sleep through the night without waking up to a congested nose. This mattress pad is our next top choice on this list, thanks to its incredibly soft construction and variety of sizes and styles.
Pros
- Comes with a hassle-free three-month return service
- Free lifetime customer support
- Breathable and ultra-soft design
Cons
- Stuffing can ball up after some time
ViscoSoft Mattress Pad
– Runner Up
Made from high-quality material and sold in different thicknesses, the mattress pad by ViscoSoft is the ultimate key to getting a good night’s sleep. It is available in 2-inch and 3-inch options so you can achieve your perfect mattress firmness. This product is manufactured from top-notch memory foam that is not only durable but safe for machine-washing as well. Designed to keep you cool at night, it features a gel-infused technology that promotes airflow while preventing the trapping of body heat.
Unlike other foam mattress pads, this pick comes with an anti-sinking feature that helps relieve body aches and arthritis flares. The mesh cover makes cleaning easy; simply take the pad off and throw it in the laundry. And when you’re ready to put it back on, the elastic straps will help it stay in place.
Pros
- Promotes comfortable sleeping position and temperature regulation
- Risk-free purchase with a 60-day money-back guarantee
- Comes with a five-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive when compared to other options
MATBEBY Mattress Pad
– Honorable Mention
The MATBEBY Mattress Pad is both soft and cool at the same time, designed to elevate your comfort level while sleeping. The microfiber filling makes this option perfect for a cozy night when you just want to crash in your bed and forget about the day. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though. Both the shape and design contribute to better temperature regulation, ensuring that you don’t wake up sweating in the middle of the night.
Plus, if you’re concerned about its longevity, don’t be. This product is considerably durable and holds its shape even after washing with cold water and gentle tumble drying. It is also pretty resistant to wrinkles, which helps this mattress pad maintain a luxe appearance. No matter the twists and turns this pick encounters, you shouldn’t have to worry about replacing it for a long time.
Pros
- Regains its fluff after some time of unpacking
- Offers a pretty good fit
- Comes in many sizes and colors
Cons
- Some customers claim the product arrived dirty
Utopia Bedding Mattress Pad
– Most Convenient
As the name suggests, this quilted mattress pad from Utopia is supposed to make you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. It comes with a wide skirt that perfectly fits around 16-inch tall mattresses. This is topped off with optimal durability to help protect your mattress from staining. When it comes to comfort, the material is extravagantly soft due to its fiberfill stuffing that grants extra buoyancy to the user. That means this product is great if you’re looking to make your mattress plushier and softer for a good night’s rest.
Not only does this pick make your bed more comfortable, but it can make it look nicer, too. This mattress pad comes in 12 different colors and patterns, so you can choose the one that best suits your space. The stretchable sides of this product help keep it securely in place. The additional option to machine wash and gently tumble dry this mattress pad is just another one of its great features.
Pros
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Enough mesh to cover a large mattress
- Fiberfill filling is extra plush
Cons
- Not waterproof
EASELAND Mattress Pad
– Most Reliable
Ideal for tall mattresses and optimal comfort, this mattress pad comes with 21-inch deep pockets with a top and down microfiber fill. You can also get this product in 300 TC pure cotton if you prefer. Due to its careful structure and design, it’s an excellent bedding accessory to complement your firm mattress and soften it for a better night’s sleep. Another one of its core advantages is the breathability of the surface material.
The stretchability of this pad is also of paramount importance in that it prevents accidental slip-offs due to twisting and turning at night. Since it comes in a fitted sheet style, this pick is also easier to put on your mattress. Safe to machine-wash for easy cleaning, the manufacturer claims that this product regains its plush and fluffy texture best after air drying.
Pros
- Easy to clean without damaging the filling
- Comes in two high-quality material options
- Skin-friendly and breathable texture
Cons
- Not as thick as other mattress pads
Oaskys Mattress Pad
– Also Consider
Made with 100% cotton or down alternative filling, this mattress pad is best suited for people looking to make their bed softer for a cozier night’s sleep. It is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, featuring a gorgeous white top that blends well with the neutral tones of a room. Unlike the regular quilting design, this product offers better support and relaxation through its optimal thickness. The overall feel is pretty luxurious as you get a smooth, soft surface that is still quite breathable.
This mattress pad is built to stay in place thanks to its deep pockets and four no-slip elastic anchor bands. Its elastic material helps prevent the stuffing from balling up in corners, so you shouldn’t need to replace it anytime soon. On top of it all, you can easily wash this mattress pad in the machine and leave it out to air dry with minimal effort required.
Pros
- Perfect balance between soft and supportive
- Super deep pockets for any mattress size
- Durable, well-fitting construction
Cons
- Doesn’t provide much of a cooling effect
People Also Ask
Q: Will a mattress pad help me sleep better at night?
A: Many people with a high-quality mattress pad recommend others to use one, too, as it helps them sleep better at night. Unless you have very severe back problems or body aches, it will most likely help ease the discomfort you experience while sleeping. A mattress pad may also help keep you cooler at night if you often find yourself waking up in a sweat.
Q: What is the cheapest mattress pad on the market?
A: Cheap mattress pads are often around $20 or even less, depending on whether you buy them at full price or on sale. Don’t skimp too much on the price, though; a mattress pad that’s very cheap might be of lower quality or not very durable. It’s always a good idea to read customer reviews to check if other people believe their purchase was worth the price.
Q: Is a mattress pad made with cotton better than one stuffed with wool?
A: While one would think that wool mattress pads provide more loft and comfort, it’s not entirely true. Keep in mind that many manufacturers use synthetic wool that isn’t as great as the real variety. If you find a non-synthetic option, however, wool is a non-toxic and more eco-friendly material. This premium material also has great insulation, perfect for keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Q: Are all mattress pads safe for the dryer?
A: The short answer is no. While some of the top mattress pads on the market are washing machine and dryer-safe, this doesn’t apply to every product. Some may be better suited for air drying on a clothesline or drying rack. So, always stick to the manufacturer’s instructions on care and maintenance and never put your mattress pad in the machine if it is advised against.
Q: Should I put a fitted sheet over my mattress pad?
A: While mattress pads are designed to serve as an additional barrier between you (and any late-night snacks) and your mattress, you should still put a fitted sheet over one to keep it clean. This bedding accessory doesn’t need to be washed as often as your regular bedding, so using a fitted sheet helps save you extra laundry. Besides looking good with the rest of your bedding, fitted sheets may feel even softer and silkier on the skin, helping you get the best sleep possible.
