We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Home Reviews Bedding Reviews These Are The 7 Best Mattress Pads of 2024, According to Months of Testing Supportive and comfortable options to upgrade your bed. By Maya Polton Maya Polton Maya is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens with 15 years of experience in digital media and communications. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on May 10, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line Our Testing Process What to Know Before Shopping Others We Tested Your Questions, Answered Who We Are What Is BHG Recommends? Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson A cozy bed helps ensure a good night’s sleep, so it’s understandable if you want to invest in a good mattress, comfortable pillows, and other bedding. While not essential, adding a mattress pad is undoubtedly worth considering. After all, it’ll help protect your mattress from damage and offer additional benefits. According to Stephen Light, a certified sleep science coach, mattress pads “add extra cushioning, and they can replace a mattress protector to help defend your mattress from sweat, spills, allergens, and general wear and tear.” To find the best mattress pads, we tested 12 at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. For two days, we evaluated each pad’s comfort, support, durability, breathability, quality, and overall value. After the initial tests, we continued to use the mattress pad for up to six months, taking frequent notes on durability and wear after prolonged use and frequent washings. We also consulted Light for additional insight. What We Tested We evaluated 12 mattress pads on their comfort, support, durability, breathability, and quality. For more information on how we tested mattress pads, check out our testing process below. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Better Homes & Gardens Waterproof Cotton Mattress Pad at Walmart ($39) Jump to Review Best Budget: Serta Power Clean Quilted Waterproof Mattress Pad at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Sijo Clima Tech TempTune Mattress Pad at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Quilted: Matbeby Quilted Mattress Pad at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Waterproof: The Company Store Cotton Jersey Waterproof Mattress Pad at The Company Store (See Price) Jump to Review Best Heated: Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad Queen Size at Amazon ($86) Jump to Review Best With Dual Control: Sunbeam Restful Quilted Heated Mattress Pad at Amazon ($90) Jump to Review Best Overall Better Homes & Gardens Waterproof Cotton Mattress Pad Walmart View On Walmart $39 Why You Should Get It The mattress pad has a 250-thread count cotton cover. Keep in Mind This pick is only available in four standard sizes. After two months of testing, our favorite mattress pad is the Better Homes & Gardens Waterprood Cotton Mattress Pad. This pick is offered in four standard sizes and structured like a fitted sheet. Overall, we thought this option performed just as it should. The top layer of this mattress pad is a soft and breathable 250-thread count cotton cover. Filling the cotton cover is batting made from a down alternative hypoallergenic polyester. A waterproof polyurethane layer on the bottom protects the bed from spills or middle-of-the-night accidents. Even after months of use and frequent washings, the waterproof layer remained in tact and effective. This pad provided a light cushion layer, stayed perfectly in place during the even after some tossing and turning, and was quiet overall. The cushion is also smooth and consistentas well. Thanks to the wide elastic skirt, it’s easy to put this mattress pad on the bed, even by one person, and it will fit mattresses up to 22 inches thick. Overall, we appreciated the price point of this pick and that it was machine washable as well. The only drawback is that it’s unavailable in twin XL or California king sizes, so it may not work for every bedroom. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, full, queen, and king | Material: Cotton, down alternative, and polyurethane barrier | Care: Machine washable Key Terms to Know Mattress Pad: A thin, quilted layer made to cover the surface of the mattress, providing a thin layer of padding and protecting your mattress from stains, spills, and wear and tear. Mattress Topper: A thicker layer of foam or quilting primarily designed for comfort, mattress toppers can range from one to three inches deep. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Budget Serta Power Clean Quilted Waterproof Mattress Pad Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Target $40 View On Wayfair $53 Why You Should Get It This pick is available in various sizes. Keep in Mind The skirt stretches up to 18 inches, which may be too small for deep mattresses. We tested the Serta Power Clean Quilted Waterproof Mattress Pad at home for two months and thought it was a great option for those who want a less expensive pick. It offered a thin layer of padding and protected our mattress well. Plus, we noted that it was soft and pillowy but not overly hot. The mattress pad is offered in six sizes, making it a helpful option for stocking a vacation rental or updating your home’s mattress pads. During testing, we found it was easy to put on the bed and even though the skirt only stretches up to 18 inches, the pad did not move around or slip off in our tests. In our spill tests, the mattress stayed dry, but the pad did get very wet. It doesn’t repel water but absorbs it, so we wondered if the damp pad is left on the mattress for a long time, it might eventually seep through to the mattress. After prolonged use, we noticed the pad did sound a little crispy and drying the pad in the dryer was tricky. The material is waterproof, and it takes a while for it actually to get dry. This didn’t diminish its effectiveness and we still recommend this pick as a wonderful option, especially for accident-prone kids. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine washable Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Splurge Sijo Clima Tech TempTune Mattress Pad Sijo View On Amazon View On Nordstrom $175 View On Sijo Why You Should Get It The fabric blend is supposed to absorb body heat and maintain a consistent temperature. Keep in Mind This pick is not available in twin or standard king size. The Sijo TempTune Mattress Pad is more expensive than other picks but after two months of testing it at home, we think it’s worth the investment. Overall, we felt it was high-quality and we had few complains about it. Crafted with an outer layer made from a Mica nylon blend with Tencil, the fill is Clima, which is supposed to adjust to your body temperature. After two months of testing,this pad showed no signs of wear and tear and continued to work well. This pad claims to keep your body cool by absorbing extra body heat but redistributing heat if the temperature drops. While our we didn’t notice any significant benefits, we were not overly hot or cold with this mattress pad. Plus, we found a temperature difference between the slept-on side and the empty side of the bed. The mattress pad fit well, did not emit any odors, and passed our waterproof test by keeping the mattress bone dry. Just note that this mattress pad is not available in twin or standard king sizes. Product Details: Sizes: Full, queen, and California king | Material: Mica nylon blend, tencil, and clima | Care: Machine wash on cold Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Quilted Matbeby Quilted Mattress Pad Amazon View On Amazon $26 Why You Should Get It This option is offered in nine sizes. Keep in Mind This mattress pad is not waterproof. A quilted mattress pad, like the Matbeby Quilted Mattress Pad, adds extra comfort to your bed without the bulk that some mattress toppers do. This mattress pad comes in nine sizes–a rare distinction and a helpful resource if you’re looking for odd sizes, like an RV king mattress pad. It’s also available in seven colors, which is beneficial if you want something beyond the typical white mattress pad. We found this pad comfortable, easy to put on, and not too bulky. This pick fit snugly on the mattress but the pad didn’t fully cover all the edges of the bed’s mattress. While the quilted squares keep the filling in place, the quilting did seem to get less plush after two months of use. This mattress pad is not waterproof, so while it adds some comfort and a layer of protection, note that it will not keep your mattress dry from spills. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, full xl, queen, short queen, king, California king, and RV king | Material: Microfiber | Care: Machine washable Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Waterproof The Company Store Cotton Jersey Waterproof Mattress Pad The Company Store View On The Company Store Why You Should Get It This pad goes on the bed quickly and easily, like a fitted sheet. Keep in Mind It’s pretty thin, so it’s not the best pick if you want one that adds comfort as well. The Company Store Company Cotton Jersey Waterproof Mattress Pad gives you peace of mind and avoids late-night worries when bedtime accidents occur. Keep in mind that it doesn’t provide added fluff or comfort. After two months of testing with a potty-training son, no less, this mattress held up well to the occasional nighttime accident. The mattress was never wet, and we appreciated how silent the pad is, especially since some waterproof pads are plastic and emit smells or noises. The wetness protection is a crucial feature of this pad: It has two layers of cotton jersey fabric, with a polyurethane waterproof layer sandwiched between the cotton. This mattress pad provides excellent protection from spills and accidents. The ultra-thin pad is easy to put on the bed, and we like that it is available in two pocket depths: 11 and 18 inches. This option goes on the bed like a fitted sheet. Along with the benefits of protection, the pad emits no odor, and thanks to the jersey cotton layers, it’s silent, even when tossing and turning on the bed. This mattress pad does not add plushness or provide heating or cooling benefits. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Material: Cotton jersey and waterproof barrier | Care: Machine washable Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Heated Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad Queen Size Amazon View On Amazon $86 Why You Should Get It Two controllers allow dual zones, and a 10-hour shut-off provides peace of mind. Keep in Mind This heated pad is not water resistant. The Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad is a reliable if you want to add a heated mattress pad to your bed. While it has no frills, the mattress pad comes with two controllers, so it’s easy to achieve different heat levels on both sides of the bed. Four temperature levels provide a custom level of comfort. During testing, the setup was easy, and after six months of consistent use, it still heated consistently, even after washing. This pick got high praise for quality, comfort, and affordability. However, this option only has four temperature levels, which is less than some other heated options. A heated mattress pad requires easy access to electricity, and this pick needs two outlets, so make sure your bed is positioned near an appropriate outlet. While the pad can be machine washed, hang drying is recommended, and note that it is not water resistant. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, and king | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Best With Dual Control Sunbeam Restful Quilted Heated Mattress Pad Amazon View On Amazon $90 Why You Should Get It Dual controls each have 12 heat settings. Keep in Mind This pad is not water resistant. An easy setup and a plush fabric make the Sunbeam Restful Quilted Heated Mattress Pad an excellent option if you’re looking for a dual-control heated mattress topper. It just needs access to one outlet, and each control has 12 heat settings, so each sleeper can get their exact level of needs met. After six months of use, we found that this pick works great and felt that setting different temperatures for each person's side is a must-have for heated mattress pads. It's easy to use, reliable, and cozy as well. We did note, however, that the wires are pretty thick, which was one negative point of this pick. While it’s not water resistant, the mattress pad allows for easy washing.It can be washed and dried in both machines and even after six months of frequent washing, there were no changes to the quality of the pad. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, full, queen, and king | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash and dryer safe Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock The Bottom Line Overall, the Better Homes & Gardens Waterproof Cotton Mattress Pad is the best mattress pad to consider. In addition to being less expensive than some other options, we appreciated that it’s both soft and waterproof as well. Our Testing Process To find the best mattress pads, we evaluated 12 styles at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Throughout the testing period, we scored each pick based on comfort, support, durability, breathability, quality, and overall value. To start, we placed an acupressure mat on the mattress and put the pad on top. We evaluated how easy it was to place the mattress pad on the bed, and considered if there were any odors. We then laid on the mattress and tossed and turned five times on the bed multiple times, keeping in mind our overall comfort, as well as if the pad moved at all. We also considered the thickness of the pad, as well as if the pick was temperature regulating. For the mattress pads that were labeled as waterproof, we conducted a spill test with water to determine if the waterproof mattress pads truly lived up to their claims. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson What to Know About Mattress Pads Before Shopping Sizes Mattress pads are at least offered in standard mattress sizes, so you should be able to find one that works for your bedroom. It’s worth noting your mattress’s depth, as well as the mattress depth of the mattress pad, to determine if it’ll easily fit onto your bed. Material When choosing a mattress pad for your home, you’ll want to consider the material it’s made out of. A breathable fabric like cotton or bamboo is preferred to keep you cool and comfortable. If your mattress pad is just rubber or another waterproof material, it’ll likely be loud, emit a smell, and be uncomfortable to sleep on. Care Like other bedding, you’ll want to wash your mattress pad and keep it clean. “Mattress pads often attach to your mattress like a fitted sheet for easy removal and machine washing. Always check the manufacturer's care label, but in many cases, a mattress pad can be washed with cold water on a gentle cycle and then tumble-dried on low,” says Light. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Other Mattress Pads We Tested Leisure Town Mattress Pad Cover The Leisure Town Mattress Pad Cover didn’t impress us during testing. The mattress pad retained heat rather than cool us, as the pad claims to do. Plus, it’s not waterproof, so it’s not ideal for those with pets or small children. Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Pad While it was easy to put on the bed, the Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Pad was thin and noisy, and we found it did not stay in place during our tossing and turning test. A down alternative option is helpful for some people, but we didn’t think it was worth the investment. Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad After testing the Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad, we appreciated that it was lightweight and comfortable. However, we noted that it emitted a slight odor and given the price point, we didn’t think it was worth the investment. Your Questions, Answered What are the benefits of a mattress pad? The main advantage of a mattress pad is that it provides a layer of protection for your mattress. Many mattress pads are waterproof, which should be essential when buying a mattress pad for kids. Some mattress pads can be heating, cooling, added cushioning, or support as well. The 7 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers For All Sleepers, According to Testing How is a mattress pad different from a mattress topper? Mattress toppers are thicker than mattress pads and often use more substantial materials like foam or latex to alter the feel of your bed, explains Light. A mattress pad is more likely waterproof than a mattress topper, though waterproof toppers exist. How much do mattress pads typically cost? Mattress pads can range in price from under $30 to upwards of a couple hundred dollars. The price will vary based on mattress size, as well as the material and brand. Who We Are This article was written by Maya Polton, an experienced freelance writer who has written for various publications. The five members of Maya’s family have mattress pads on their beds, and all her kids have waterproof pads. She’s changed sheets in the middle of the night too often to risk anything different. To make this list, she used insights from our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. She also consulted Stephen Light, a certified sleep coach and CEO of Nolah Technologies, for additional insight. What Is BHG Recommends? Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit