Shopping The 10 Best Mattress Pads of 2023, According to a Sleep Science Coach Our favorite is the affordable and noiseless SafeRest Mattress Protector. 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 November 7, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Amazon Creating a cozy and relaxing bed is key to a good night’s sleep. While not essential, the best mattress pad is a wise addition to your bedding. “Mattress pads have two primary benefits: They add comfort and a layer of protection for your mattress,” shares Stephen Light, a certified sleep coach and CEO of Nolah Technologies. 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. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Amazon Basics Quilted Mattress Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: The Company Store Legends Hotel Waterproof Mattress Pad at Home Depot Jump to Review Best Cooling: Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Best Heated: Sleep Number Warming Layer at Sleepnumber.com Jump to Review Best Waterproof: The Company Store Waterproof Mattress Pad at The Company Store Jump to Review Best Organic: Nolah Mattress Protector at Nolahmattress.com Jump to Review Best Zippered: Utopia Bedding Waterproof Mattress Encasement at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Allergies: Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Pad at Parachute Jump to Review Best for Cribs: Sealy Crib Mattress Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Why You Should Get It: It's affordable, available in a wide range of sizes, noiseless, and machine washable.Keep in Mind: It has no padding and a terry cloth feel. This SafeRest mattress protector is our top pick because it’s an affordable option, available in all mattress sizes, and gets the job done of protecting your mattress. Truly waterproof, this pad shields your mattress from sweat, urine, spills, or other messy situations. Unlike other affordable options, this pick is noiseless, and you won’t hear or feel any plastic coating moving around. The cotton material is like terry cloth it may sleep a bit warm for some, but for others, comfortable sheets squash that issue. 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 Best Budget Amazon Basics Hypoallergenic Quilted Mattress Pad Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It: It's inexpensive, comes in a wide range of sizes, and has elastic all the way around.Keep in Mind: It's not waterproof. An inexpensive option, this mattress pad is made with a lightweight quilted material that’s hypoallergenic. If you have allergy sensitivities in a dorm room, vacation rental, or home, this could be an excellent addition to your bed. We like that both sides of the pad are quilted, so it’s cushioned without adding too much bulk to your bed. 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 Best Splurge The Company Store Legends Hotel Waterproof Mattress Pad The Company Store View On Home Depot View On The Company Store Why You Should Get It: It's thick and plush, waterproof, machine washable, and comes in two depth options.Keep in Mind: It's expensive and will add bulk to your bed. For some, a bed is a sanctuary, and making it the most comfortable and cozy spot in the house comes at any expense. If that’s the case, and you like a cushioned bed, you’ll love this thick, plush mattress pad. The diamond quilted shell is made from damask cotton and then stuffed with a lofty fill that provides lots of cushioning. The diamond pattern keeps the fill from moving and ensures it stays evenly distributed across the entire surface. In between the two cotton layers is a thin waterproof layer that serves as a mattress protector. 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 The 9 Best Mattress Toppers of 2023 for Every Type of Sleeper Best Cooling Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad Amazon View On Amazon View On Cozy Earth Why You Should Get It: It's temperature regulating, made from bamboo, and has deep pockets.Keep in Mind: It's expensive, not waterproof, and doesn't come in twin xl. “If you’re looking for a cooling mattress pad, I recommend one with a breathable, moisture-wicking outer shell,” says certified sleep coach Stephen Light. Adding “materials like bamboo, eucalyptus, and organic cotton does a great job regulating temperature by allowing refreshing air flow and preventing humidity build-up.” The Cozy Earth mattress pad is made from viscose bamboo fabric. The thin design is plush but not overly so, and the fabric’s design claims to help regulate temperatures, so it’s helpful for hot sleepers or humid climates. 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 The 10 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers To Improve Your Summer Slumber Best Heated Sleep Number Warming Layer 4.2 Sleep Number View On Sleepnumber.com Why You Should Get It: It has two controls and an automatic shut off.Keep in Mind: It's expensive and doesn't come in twin, twin xl, or full sizes. If you live in a cooler climate or prefer to be super warm, a heated mattress pad could be just the thing to help you warm up and stay cozy. Though it’s pricey, we like this choice for a number of reasons. The pad features two controls, so if you sleep in bed with a partner, you can each control the heat levels. One person can use the heat without any difference made to the partner’s side of the bed. The system has an automatic shut-off, which is a must-have for heated pads. After 10 hours, the heat shuts off. To help put this pad on the bed, the “Logic Label” goes on the lower right corner, and then your bed is easy to make from there. 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 Best Waterproof The Company Store Company Cotton Jersey Waterproof Mattress Pad The Company Store View On The Company Store Why You Should Get It: The cotton layers are soft, and the waterproof layer doesn't have a plastic noise, smell, or feel. It also comes in two depth options.Keep in Mind: It's expensive and doesn't come in twin xl. For anyone with kids, older adults, pets, or people who eat in bed, a waterproof mattress pad is a must-have. The waterproof pad will protect your expensive mattress from spills, stains, and smells. Plus, a mattress pad is much easier to clean than a mattress. Many waterproof mattress pads have a plastic layer that can be noisy, crinkly, or just generally uncomfortable and apparent. Not this one! 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 The 9 Best Air Mattresses of 2023 Best Organic Nolah Organic Cotton Mattress Protector Nolah View On Nolahmattress.com Why You Should Get It: It's made from organic cotton, protects from allergens and dust mites, and is machine washable.Keep in Mind: It's only for a depth of up to 15 inches and has the logo printed on the pad. If you prefer an all-natural bed, this mattress pad is made with organic cotton and a completely waterproof, lightweight poly layer. Even with waterproofing, this mattress pad sleeps cool, is breathable, and won’t make any noise or emit plastic smells. We like that the thinner pad is easily machine washable and will fit in a standard washer and dryer. 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 The 10 Best Organic Sheets for a Dreamy Bedroom Best Zippered Utopia Bedding Waterproof Mattress Encasement Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why You Should Get It: It's inexpensive, zips around to full protect the mattress, and is machine washable.Keep in Mind: There's no flexibility with depth measurement, and it can be tricky to put on. A zippered mattress pad provides the ultimate peace of mind. With this style, the mattress pad goes around the mattress, so the top, bottom, and sides are fully protected. While inexpensive, the tricky part of this mattress pad is actually getting it on the mattress. Putting the pad on is a two-person job and requires you to stand the mattress up while you wrap it and then zip the mattress pad around the mattress. If you are removing and washing this waterproof pad often, the time-consuming two-person process may be too much hassle for the protection this provides. 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 The 9 Best Adjustable Beds of 2023 to Get A Restful Night’s Sleep Best for Allergies Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Pad Parachute View On Parachute Why You Should Get It: It uses a down alternative material and is fluffy.Keep in Mind: It's expensive and dry-clean or machine washable. “Many mattress pads use goose down filling, which isn’t ideal for sleepers with allergies,” Light says. “Instead, opt for a pad filled with down-alternative, cotton, or another hypoallergenic material.” Following that advice, we like this cushy soft down-alternative mattress pad. It’s made with a cotton sateen shell and filled with hypoallergenic microfill, so it won’t bother anyone with allergies. 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 Best for Cribs Sealy 2-PACK Waterproof Fitted Toddler and Baby Crib Mattress Pad Sealy View On Amazon Why You Should Get It: It's hypoallergenic, waterproof, affordable, and comes in a convenient two-pack.Keep in Mind: It's made of polyester, and odd sized cribs will need a different pad. A waterproof mattress pad is a must-have with a crib. Your baby is bound to have a leak, blowout, or unfortunate stomach bug at some point. A waterproof mattress pad will come in handy over and over again. We love that this affordable set comes in a two-pack. Any parent who has changed sheets in the middle of the night will appreciate that with a two-pack, you’ll always have an extra mattress pad on hand. 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 The Bottom Line Purchasing a mattress pad is a wise investment that provides an added layer of protection and extends the life of your mattress. The Safe Rest Mattress Protector is an affordable option that provides waterproof protection, is widely available in a range of sizes, and will not emit a plastic smell, sound, or feel. For a more cushioned pad, the Company Store Legends Hotel Waterproof Mattress Pad is a luxe mattress pad that still provides waterproof protection and will help extend the life of your mattress. 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit