Mattress Pads: A Buyer’s Guide

When choosing mattress pads, focus first on fit for your body and sleep needs rather than marketing claims. Compare materials, support, comfort or firmness, temperature regulation, durability, care requirements, trial or return terms, and total cost. The best option is the one that solves the specific problem you are shopping for while remaining comfortable and practical over time.

The simple mattress pad is one of those unsung bedroom heroes. It’s not much to look at, but it goes a long way toward assuring a cool and comfortable night’s sleep.

A mattress pad’s quilted top, light cushioning, and snug fit help keep you feeling cozy throughout the night. At the same time, the extra layer provides your mattress with much-needed protection against stains and general wear and tear.

“Anything that contributes to comfort contributes to sleep quality,” says Terry Cralle, RN, certified clinical sleep educator and Saatva sleep consultant. She adds that if you have kids or pets who share your bed, mattress pads are particularly useful since they can help safeguard against messes.

Here, learn more about different types of mattress pads and how to find the right one for you.

Type of Mattress Pad	Key Features & Benefits	Best Suited For
Classic	Provides a slightly softer feel, basic protection against spills/stains (not waterproof), and allergen protection. Often made from cotton.	Budget-conscious shoppers wanting basic comfort and light protection.
Waterproof	Protects against moisture, heavy fluids, spills, and stains to extend mattress longevity.	Hot sleepers who sweat, kids, pets, people who eat/drink in bed, or those with incontinence.
Cooling	Uses specially engineered fabrics that lower bed temperature during sleep.	Hot sleepers or anyone who prefers a crisp, cold sleeping surface.
Heated	Functions like an electric blanket placed underneath you to provide warmth.	Sleepers who get cold easily on chilly nights.

Types of mattress pads

Some of the most popular types of mattress pads include:

Classic mattress pads will give your mattress a slightly softer feel and provide some protection against spills and stains (though they are not waterproof) and allergens. Most often made from cotton, basic mattress pads can be the least expensive option. Those made with higher-quality, more durable cotton tend to be more costly.

Waterproof mattress pads offer protection against spills, stains, moisture, and other fluids—enemies of your mattress’s longevity. They are ideal for sleepers who sweat a lot, frequently drink or eat in bed, have small children, have incontinence issues, or have pets that sleep on the bed.

Cooling mattress pads use specially engineered fabrics that lower the temperature of the bed while you sleep, ideal for hot sleepers or those who enjoy a crisp, cold sleep.

Heated mattress pads are like electric blankets except they go under rather than over you to help keep you cozy on chilly nights.

Common mattress pad materials

Mattress pads come in a wide range of fabrics, each one with its own advantages and disadvantages. These are the most popular ones:

Cotton: The most common fabric for mattress pads, cotton is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable. Look for cotton that’s free of chemicals and pesticide treatments—key considerations for those with skin sensitivities. Cralle is a fan of organic cotton in a mattress pad because it’s breathable and wicks moisture.

Polyester: Polyester is typically less expensive than other fabrics. Polyester isn’t as cool as cotton, and it doesn’t wick moisture. Another downside is that it isn’t considered hypoallergenic.

Plush velour: Velour is a knitted, fluffy-feeling fabric similar to velvet, made from cotton or a synthetic material such as polyester. Many velour mattress pads are also waterproof.

Other natural fibers: Tencel is a natural fiber that feels similar to rayon. While it provides excellent breathability and is moisture-wicking, it’s not naturally hypoallergenic the way cotton is. Like Tencel, bamboo is soft and moisture-wicking. It’s also hypoallergenic, but it’s more expensive than cotton.

Related: Mattress pads, protectors, and toppers: Which do you need?

Mattress pad costs

The cost of mattress pads ranges widely. Inexpensive ones can cost as little as $21.99, but for a high-quality cotton mattress pad with around an inch of padding, expect to pay between $100 and $200.

Mattress pad care

As providers of comfort and shields against mishaps and spills, it’s important that your mattress pad is easy to remove and wash. Mattress pads are either secured with elastic corner straps or a skirt of fabric, also lined with elastic. (Ones with elastic side panels give the most secure fit and won’t shift or move around during the night.)

Regularly washing a mattress pad will keep your bed clean, sanitized, and odorless. Make sure the mattress pad you select is machine washable, and of course follow the care instructions included with it. (Check out our guide to cleaning your bed for more cleaning tips.)

FAQs

What is the difference between a classic and waterproof mattress pad?

A classic mattress pad offers light cushioning, a softer feel, and basic protection against allergens and minor spills, but it is not waterproof. A waterproof mattress pad contains a protective moisture barrier designed to shield your mattress from heavy spills, sweat, incontinence, and pet accidents.

Will a mattress pad change the feel of my bed?

Yes, but subtly. A mattress pad adds a light layer of quilting or padding to slightly soften your mattress surface. If you need major cushioning or firmness changes, a mattress topper is usually a better option.

How do I ensure my mattress pad stays in place?

Look for mattress pads that secure with elastic side panels or a full fabric skirt around the edges, rather than simple corner straps. A full skirt provides the most secure fit and keeps the pad from shifting or bunching up while you sleep.

Can I wash my mattress pad in a washing machine?

Most mattress pads are machine washable, which helps keep your bed sanitized and odor-free. Always check the manufacturer’s care label for specific washing and drying instructions before cleaning.

Who it helps

• Extends mattress lifespan: Protects your investment against daily wear, tear, spills, and stains.
• Improves sleep quality: Adds a layer of comfort, cushioning, or temperature regulation, directly contributing to better rest.
• Ideal for parents and pet owners: Provides an essential defense barrier against accidental messes, fluid spills, and pet dander.
• Great for hot or cold sleepers: Offers temperature-controlled materials (cooling or heated) tailored to your specific thermal needs.
• Helpful for allergy sufferers: Shields against dust mites and allergens (especially hypoallergenic cotton or bamboo options).

The mattress pad decision checklist

1. Identify your primary goal

• Basic softness and light protection: Go with a Classic mattress pad.
• Spill, fluid and stain protection: Choose a Waterproof mattress pad.
• Temperature control (Overheating): Opt for a Cooling mattress pad.
• Extra warmth on cold nights: Select a Heated mattress pad.

2. Choose the right material

Cotton

• You want a naturally hypoallergenic and breathable material.
• You prefer moisture-wicking properties (especially organic cotton).
• You are sensitive to chemicals/pesticides.

Polyester

• You are shopping on a tight budget.
• Hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking features are not high priorities.

Plush velour

• You want a soft, fluffy, velvet-like texture.
• You want a cozy top layer that often includes waterproofing.

Tencel

• You want a smooth, rayon-like feel.
• High breathability and moisture-wicking are essential, but hypoallergenic properties are not strictly required.

Bamboo

• You want a premium, ultra-soft, and moisture-wicking fabric.
• You require a hypoallergenic option and are willing to pay a bit more than standard cotton.

3. Check fit & household factors

• Pets or kids: Ensure the pad is waterproof to guard against accidents/messes.
• Fit type: Look for elastic side panels/skirt (rather than simple corner straps) to prevent the pad from shifting or bunching up at night.

4. Care & maintenance requirements

• Verify that the pad is 100% machine washable for easy removal, sanitizing, and stain removal.

5. Set your budget

• Under $30: Basic/inexpensive options.
• $100 – $200: High-quality cotton options with ~1 inch of cushioning and durable construction.

Experience cooler, more comfortable sleep with this Saatva mattress pad

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Organic Mattress Pad Shop Now

Luxurious diamond-patterned mattress pad made with cotton for optimal breathability and comfort. Side panels finished with extra-wide elastic band to keep mattress pad in place.

What can a mattress topper do for your bed? Check out our mattress topper buyer’s guide to find out.