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 6 Best Mattress Pads of 2024, According to 40 Hours of Testing These mattress pads are supportive and comfortable. 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 September 21, 2023 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 make for 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 certainly worth considering as well. After all, it’ll help protect your mattress from damage and even offer a few additional benefits as well. According to Stephen Light, a certified sleep science coach, mattress pads “add extra cushioning, and they can take the place of a mattress protector to help defend your mattress from sweat, spills, allergens, and general wear and tear.” To find the best mattress pads, we put 12 mattress pads at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. For two days, we used a pre-determined methodology to evaluate each mattress pad’s comfort, support, durability, breathability, quality, and overall value. We also consulted Light for additional insight. 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 ($19) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Sijo Clima Tech TempTune Mattress Pad at Amazon ($175) Jump to Review Best Quilted: Matbeby Quilted Mattress Pad at Amazon ($32) Jump to Review Best Waterproof: The Company Store Cotton Jersey Waterproof Mattress Pad at The Company Store (See Price) Jump to Review Most Comfortable: The Company Store Legends Hotel Mattress Pad at Home Depot ($117) Jump to Review Best Overall Better Homes & Gardens Waterproof Cotton Mattress Pad Walmart View On Walmart $39 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Support 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why You Should Get It It proved to be water-repellent and didn’t move after tossing and turning. Keep in Mind It’s fairly thin, so it’s not the best pick if you prefer more cushion and support. Overall, the best mattress pad is the Better Homes & Gardens Waterproof Cotton Mattress Pad. The mattress pad is offered in four standard sizes and proved to be quite durable during testing. The top layer of the mattress pad is a 250-thread count cotton cover that we noted is soft and breathable. Filling the cotton cover is batting made from a down alternative hypoallergenic polyester. Finally, a waterproof polyurethane layer on the bottom protects the bed from spills or middle-of-the-night accidents. During testing, we found that this pad provided a light cushion layer to the mattress, so it’s not the best mattress pad if you’re looking for a more supportive pick. However, we appreciated that the cushion was smooth and consistent and there were no bulky spots. Plus, it also stayed perfectly in place, even after we tossed and turned on it. The mattress pad features a wide elastic skirt that made it easy to put it on the bed, so you won’t need an extra set of hands to do it. Plus, it’s made to fit mattresses up to 22 inches thick. Another benefit of this best mattress pad proved to be waterproof during testing, providing a protective shield between you and your mattress pad. During testing, this pick repelled liquids with ease, and we noted that none of the liquids absorbed through or onto the mattress. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, full, queen, and king | Material: Cotton, down alternative, and polyurethane | 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 Budget Serta Power Clean Quilted Waterproof Mattress Pad Amazon View On Amazon $19 View On Wayfair $49 View On Home Depot $27 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 4/5 Support 5/5 Breathability 4/5 Quality 5/5 Why You Should Get It It was easy to put onto the mattress and didn’t make any noise while we tossed and turned on it. Keep in Mind It wasn’t as water-resistant as we would have liked. For a less expensive option, the best mattress pad is this pick by Serta. During testing, we found it easy to put on the mattress and even though the skirt only stretches up to 18 inches, there were no issues of the pad moving around or slipping off in our tests. We also appreciated that it didn’t make any noise while we used it. The mattress pad is offered in six sizes, so you’ll be able to find one that suits your needs. During our spill tests, we found that while the pad did get very wet, it didn’t go through to the mattress. However, since it seemed to absorb water, we worried that the water would eventually seep down to the mattress if left long enough. 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 $175 View On Nordstrom $175 View On Sijo Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Support 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why You Should Get It We liked the thickness of the pad and found it comfortable to use. Keep in Mind This pick is not offered in twin or king size. Sijo’s TempTune Mattress Pad is more expensive than other options, but we think it’s the best mattress pad worth investing in. During testing, we appreciated the thickness of the pad and found it comfortable to use. The brand claims this mattress pad will keep your body cool by absorbing extra body heat and redistributing heat if the temperature drops. While we didn’t notice any significant signs of temperature regulation, we were not overly hot or cold while using 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 the mattress well, did not emit any odors, and passed our waterproof test by keeping the mattress bone dry. It’s worth noting, however, that this mattress pad is not available in twin or standard king size, so it may not work for every bedroom. Product Details: Sizes: Full, queen, and California king | Material: Mica nylon blend, tencel, 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 $32 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Support 5/5 Breathability 4.5/5 Quality 4.3/5 Why You Should Get It It’s offered in nine sizes, so it’s sure to work in any bedroom. Keep in Mind This mattress pad is not waterproof. A quilted mattress pad, like this Matbeby option, adds extra comfort to your bed without the bulk that some mattress toppers do. This mattress pad comes in nine sizes, so you’re sure to find one that suits your space. Plus, it’s also available in seven colors, in case you have a preference. We found this pad comfortable, easy to put on, and not too bulky. It 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, we wondered if the quilting aspect could become a little lumpy after multiple washings. Keep in mind that this mattress pad is not waterproof, so while it adds some comfort and a layer of protection, it’s not ideal for small children or those prone to 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 Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Support 4.5/5 Breathability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why You Should Get It This pad goes on the bed quickly and easily, like a fitted sheet. Keep in Mind It’s fairly thin, so it’s not the best pick if you prefer a thicker option. Whether you have pets or small children or you’re prone to spills, this mattress pad by The Company Store will give you peace of mind. The waterproof mattress pad is easy to use and will spare your mattress from unwanted damage. The mattress pad features two layers of cotton jersey fabric with a polyurethane waterproof layer sandwiched between the cotton. During testing, water spread evenly throughout the top layer, but the mattress was dry. Overall, we’re confident that this pick would provide excellent protection from spills and accidents. The ultra-thin pad is easy to put on the bed, and we like that it is offered in two pocket depths: 11 and 18 inches. We found that it goes on the bed like a fitted sheet. Plus, the pad didn’t emit any odor, and thanks to the jersey cotton layers, it was silent, even while we were tossing and turning on the bed. 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 Most Comfortable The Company Store Legends Hotel Mattress Pad The Company Store View On Home Depot $117 View On The Company Store Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Support 4.5/5 Breathability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why You Should Get It This provides a cushy and waterproof layer of protection. Keep in Mind It’s more expensive than some other options This mattress pad from The Company Store may be an investment, but the mattress pad provides the benefits of a comfy mattress topper with the protection of a mattress pad. The mattress pad is offered in two pocket depths (9 and 16 inches) and all the standard mattress sizes, so it’ll work for just about any bedroom. During testing, we appreciated that the mattress pad was easy to put on the bed and secured like a fitted sheet. Even with the quilted shell, it stayed in place while tossing and turning on it and is quiet as well. The mattress pad features a cotton shell and the synthetic polyfill provides the cushion within the quilted squares. The polyurethane inner layer offers protection from spills and accidents, so you won’t have to worry about damaging your mattress. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Material: Cotton, synthetic polyfill, and polyurethane | 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 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 The best 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 the best 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