The Best Mattress Pads of 2025

A mattress pad is primarily used to protect a mattress and, in some cases, adjust its comfort level. A pad goes on top of your mattress but underneath bedding. 

People purchase mattress pads for a variety of different reasons. Some sleepers need a pad to add a touch of softness to a very firm mattress. Others invest in pads to protect their mattress from spills, stains, dust, and allergens. Knowing your priorities can help you choose a compatible style. 

Why Should You Use a Mattress Pad?

A mattress pad can extend your mattress’ lifespan by protecting against moisture, dirt, and other contaminants. Pads can also help reduce allergies by shielding your bed against dust mites and other common allergens. 

Mattress pads can moderately enhance the comfort level of your bed by adding a layer of cushioning. Pads can sometimes prolong the life of an old mattress by making a worn surface more comfortable, but this should only be seen as a temporary solution rather than an alternative to purchasing a new mattress.  

• Enhanced comfort: A plush mattress pad can make an overly firm bed feel more comfortable. If you’re buying a pad to enhance comfort or pressure relief, look for a design with a quilted surface or plusher design. 

• Increased mattress longevity: Old mattresses with worn surfaces and deep impressions may benefit from a mattress pad with a thick and plush design. The additional padding can briefly extend the life of a mattress that would otherwise feel too worn-out to sleep on. That said, this should only be considered a temporary solution while you search for a replacement mattress.
  
• Cooling properties: The right mattress pad can help cool the surface of a mattress that feels too hot. If you’re a hot sleeper or live in a humid climate, look for mattress pads made from breathable materials like cotton, silk, and bamboo-derived fibers.

• Temporary mattress adjustments: Your support needs may change following an injury, pregnancy, and certain health conditions. Firmness preferences can also change with time. In lieu of buying a brand new mattress, you can use a mattress pad to adjust your bed’s comfort level for short periods of time. 

• Budget-friendly mattress solution: If your mattress isn’t entirely compatible with your sleep position or comfort preferences, a mattress pad can be a more affordable alternative to buying a new bed. A mattress pad won’t drastically change the feel of your mattress. It also won’t restore an old or bad mattress. That said, a mattress pad can provide additional comfort until replacing your mattress is possible. 

• Improved support: Most mattress pads are designed to add cushioning, but some mattress pads can help boost support and promote strong spinal alignment. This may reduce joint and muscle pain related to poor sleep posture. Not every mattress pad is built with support in mind, especially if it’s a thin or soft design. If support is a priority for you, look for more substantial materials like foam or latex. 

Are Mattress Pads and Mattress Toppers the Same?

Mattress pads and toppers are often thought to be one and the same, as both are placed on top of your bed. Despite their similarities, they do have distinct functions. 

Mattress toppers are thicker, so they have a greater impact on comfort and support. They safeguard your mattress from wear and tear, but they’re typically not waterproof. 

You can combine a mattress pad with a topper if you want both of their advantages. A topper always goes underneath a mattress pad. 

What About Mattress Protectors?

Mattress protectors are mainly used to keep a mattress clean. Some designs encase the entire mattress, while others just cover the top. Many use waterproof materials or coatings. 

Unlike mattress pads and toppers, mattress protectors are not intended to adjust a bed’s comfort level. 

A mattress pad’s performance varies depending on its construction. Some materials enhance pressure relief, while others regulate temperature. Knowing how you want to change the feel of your bed can help you choose the most suitable materials. 

Cotton

Cotton mattress pads are popular because of their breathability and ease of care. Most cotton bedding is considered hypoallergenic. 

Cotton mattress pads aren’t the sturdiest option, but they typically hold up well to washing.

Wool

Like cotton, wool is a natural fiber that regulates temperature well. It insulates during colder months and dissipates heat in warmer seasons. Wool is also a natural flame retardant. 

Wool mattress pads are less common and more expensive than other material options. 

Polyester

Polyester mattress pads tend to be soft and affordable. Polyester microfiber is a popular fill because it mimics the feel of natural down but is less expensive. 

Polyester doesn’t absorb heat as efficiently as cotton, but it’s more breathable than many foams. Polyester mattress pads aren’t the best choice if you’re looking to add support to your bed. They also tend to flatten with time, so they’re not the most durable option. 

Down and Feather

Down and feather mattress pads have a distinctive plushness. Similar to wool, down and feather mattress pads are great at regulating temperature, making them comfortable through all seasons. 

Natural down and feather mattress pads aren’t suitable for vegans since they’re sourced from ducks and geese. Some people are allergic to down and feathers. 

Other potential drawbacks include a higher price-point, clumping, and a rustling sound.

Down Alternative

Down alternative mattress pads have a fluffy feel similar to natural down. While not quite as durable as natural down, they’re usually more affordable and easier to clean. Down alternative is commonly made from polyester, cotton, and rayon.

People turn to mattress pads for various reasons, and not all models are created equal. A mattress pad with excellent temperature control, for example, may not be supportive. 

Your body weight, sleep position, and personal preferences all play a role in finding a compatible mattress pad. You can also consider feedback from fellow shoppers to find the best mattress pad for your needs.

Choosing a Mattress Pad That Meets Your Needs

Mattress pads have two main functions: adjusting a bed’s comfort level and keeping a mattress clean. Some models are designed to perform both, while others may excel at one but not the other. Knowing your priorities can help you choose a compatible design. 

• Firmness: If you’re unhappy with the firmness level of your bed, a mattress pad can make subtle adjustments to its feel. Dense materials like memory foam and latex can make a soft or indented mattress feel sturdier or firmer. Polyester, cotton, and wool can soften an overly firm surface. 

• Cushioning: If you need to enhance plushness in your mattress’ comfort system, a thick mattress pad can provide additional cushioning. Materials like memory foam, latex, and down can relieve pressure buildup. If adding height is your primary goal, look for thicker models with minimal compression. 

• Protection: If your main concern is to protect your mattress from damage, look for mattress pads with waterproof materials or coatings. These designs are helpful if you drink or eat in bed, or have a child going through a bed-wetting phase. 

Materials like wool, cotton, and bamboo-derived fabrics naturally repel moisture. They not only protect your mattress from damaging contaminants, but they may alleviate allergy symptoms in susceptible people. 

Factors to Consider in a Mattress Pad

The range of mattress pads on the market can be overwhelming, but we’ll explore some of the top factors to consider when comparing models. 

• Material type: A mattress pad’s feel and performance largely depends on its materials. Cotton and wool, for example, are heat-dissipating. Memory foam retains more heat, but it excels at pressure relief. Materials also impact a mattress pad’s durability and ease of care. 

• Thickness and density: A thin mattress pad won’t change the feel or height of your bed, but a thick one can add notable loft. This is desirable if you want to add pressure relief or support. If you do choose a thicker model, you may need sheets with deeper pockets to accommodate the extra height. 

• Waterproofing: Mattress pads with waterproof materials like vinyl and polyurethane can safeguard your bed from moisture damage. They’re helpful if you experience night sweats or have a child prone to bed-wetting. 

• Temperature regulation: The right mattress pad can help regulate the overall temperature of your bed. If you tend to sleep hot or live in a warm climate, look for mattress pads with breathable fabrics. Some models incorporate cooling technologies like phase change material, copper fibers, and gel infusions. These features are designed to draw heat away from sleepers. 

• Noise: If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to avoid certain materials. Waterproof pads made with vinyl and other plastics can make crinkly noises as you move during the night. On the other hand, memory foam or quilted pillow-tops can help muffle a noisy mattress. 

• Quality and durability: As with most products, higher quality materials and craftsmanship usually means better durability. Polyester mattress pads are often affordable, but they may not last as long as cotton or foam designs. A mattress pad’s warranty is sometimes a good indicator of its durability. 

• Cleaning and care: Every mattress pad comes with recommended cleaning guidelines. Some are machine-washable, while others should only be spot-treated. You can avoid premature wear by following the manufacturer’s care instructions.
• Cost: Mattress pads come in a range of price-points to suit nearly every budget. Shoppers can pay as little as $30 or upwards of $200 for a mattress pad. While price sometimes indicates quality, the most expensive mattress pad isn’t necessarily the best one for your needs.

Whether this is your first mattress pad or you’re replacing an old one, we will cover some of the most frequently asked questions to help you pick the right model. 

How Do You Keep a Mattress Pad From Sliding?

A shifting mattress pad can disrupt sleep, so most designs have elastic borders or loops to ensure a snug fit. It’s also important to choose a model that fits your mattress height. A mattress pad that’s too small or too loose is more likely to slide off your mattress. 

Can You Use a Mattress Protector With a Mattress Pad?

You can combine a mattress protector with a mattress pad for extra security. The mattress protector goes on top of the mattress pad since it’s designed to block out liquid and contaminants. Depending on the thickness of each product, you may need to use sheets with deeper pockets to accommodate the additional height. 

Do You Need a Mattress Pad or a New Mattress?

The lifespan of a mattress depends on many factors, including materials, craftsmanship, and amount of use. Most mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Since a mattress pad only adds a modest amount of cushioning or support, it will not salvage a worn-out mattress. If you purchase a mattress pad in lieu of replacing a bad mattress, you may impact proper spinal alignment, leading to aches and pains. 

A firm mattress pad can help revitalize a mattress that’s begun showing signs of wear, but it should only be a temporary fix. If your mattress is very old, it’s better to invest your money in a replacement rather than a mattress pad.