Bear Protector
Most protective mattress pad
Mattress pads fit over your mattress snugly and add a bit of cushioning to the sleep surface. In addition to that, you also get some of the benefits of a mattress cover, since a mattress pad will also help keep your mattress dry, clean and protected from wear and tear. Having a mattress pad will also help keep your sheets in place. Our sleep experts have hunted for the best mattress pads and have put together this list of the best of the best. Take a look at our favorites and find out which one could be the best mattress pad for you.
The best overall mattress pad
The Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad tops our list due to its high-quality materials, comfort, plush feel, temperature-regulating properties and overwhelmingly high reviews. The bedding company is known for its cooling products that include NASA-approved fabric. We think this mattress pad will work for almost every sleeper, hot sleeper especially.
How we chose the best mattress pads
Our team of sleep experts has tested countless mattresses, pillows, blankets, comforters, sheets and mattress toppers — we know what products make for a good night’s sleep. The mattress pads on this list were carefully chosen. Our team considered each mattress pad’s materials, feel, price, sizes, level of protection, special features such as cooling properties and whether it was waterproof or machine-washable.
Best mattress pad of 2024
Factors to consider when choosing the best mattress pad
Before buying a mattress pad for your bed, consider these four factors.
Features
Depending upon your needs, the most important features of a mattress pad can vary. Folks that have allergies might opt for hypoallergenic features, such as natural latex for their mattress pad. A wool mattress pad is great for absorbing moisture, and a cotton mattress pad is good at blocking stains and preventing wear and tear, while the down filling regulates body heat to help keep sleepers warm in winter and cool in summer. Cotton terry can also be a good feature for waterproof mattress pads.
Materials
Look for quality materials with certifications, if applicable, as you browse. For example, organic cotton, wool or latex should have a certification from an independent third party like the Global Organic Textile Standard, which confirms the product consists of at least 70% organic fibers. For a product to be labeled organic, it must be 95% organic fibers.
You may also want to find vegan, wool-free or down alternative fabrics if you prefer not to use animal products, which would each be labeled accordingly.
Polyester and memory foam are occasionally found in mattress pads as well. Polyester is usually durable and affordable, while a memory foam mattress pad responds to heat and contours to the shape of the sleeper’s body.
Ease of care
For convenience, it’s always helpful to find a machine-washable mattress pad, especially if you have kids or pets that require it to be washed often. Otherwise, make sure you have the time and space to wash your mattress pad by hand and hang it out to dry. Spot cleaning doesn’t seem to be a realistic option for mattress pads, but if you’re convinced yours will stay clean and dry for the most part, you can certainly try it.
Thread count
The thread count of a fabric is the number of threads woven into a square inch of it. While there is some disagreement about how important thread count is to bedding of any kind, the general rule of thumb is that higher thread counts (200 to 600) make the fabric more durable and softer over time. If your mattress pad lists a thread count, try to aim for 200 or higher.
