Best Mattress Pads 2021

Mattress pads are relatively thick layers of quilted materials placed on top of a mattress to add a bit more comfort to it.

They help add an extra layer of comfort and also double up as mattress protectors.
We thought that instead of you trying many different ones, we’d do the research for you so you can choose the best that suits you.

Here is the list of the best mattress pads according to our research and testing:

Best Overall: Sweet Zzz Mattress Pad

Best Cotton: Saatva Cotton Mattress Pad

Best Down: Parachute Mattress Pad

Best Luxury: Boll & Branch Mattress Pad

Best Overall

#1 Sweet Zzz Mattress Pad

The Sweet Zzz mattress pad checks all the right boxes that qualify a pad as the best overall. First and most importantly it is extra thick and feels very soft and comfortable. Second, it has very deep pockets that can accommodate mattresses up to 17” thick.

It uses the highest quality down alternative which is a 3D 1.33D that is very rare to find and usually very expensive.

The combination of ultra-premium quality and thickness with the reasonable price is why we choose the Sweet Zzz Mattress Pad as best overall.

- Pros:

- Excellent value for the given quality.
- Nice and cool 100% natural cotton cover.
- 600 power fill 3D 1.33D down alternative fill that didn’t flatten.
- No feather poking or allergies
- 50 day full money back guarantee with no fees

- Cons:

(Best Cotton)

#2 Saatva Cotton Mattress Pad

Best Cotton

One of the respected names in the bedding industry, the Saatva company is well known for its many great bedding products. Their mattress pad consists of only high quality materials. The cover is 100% cotton and the fill is also 100% cotton.

Being green is not the mean reason why this pad made it to our list as it is also the best cotton pad we tried because of its cooling and comfort.

- Pros:

- Cons:

(Best Down )

#3 Parachute Mattress Pad

Best Down

We tried many down mattress pads and concluded that this is our pick as their best because of the offered comfort versus price.

The Parachute Mattress Pad features layers of down boxed to make the complete pad.

- Pros:

- Cons:

(Best Luxury)

#4 Boll & Branch Mattress Pad

Best Luxury

If budget is not an issue, then you should most certainly consider the Boll & Branch mattress topper. This pad is both very soft and very thick providing that 5-star hotel mattress sensation.

The fill of this pad is what makes it such a luxury. The fill is made of a special blend of organic cotton, wool, and poly. This gives it an authentic hotel pad feel of luxury.

- Pros:

- Cons:

Mattress Pad Buying Guide

This mattress buying guide is aimed at helping you understand what a mattress pad is for, the differences between it and other mattress toppers, as well as what to look for in a mattress pad and it’s benefits.

What Are The Differences Between Mattress Pad, Mattress Protector, and Mattress Topper?

Mattress Protectors

As the name suggests, a mattress protector protects you and your mattress. It acts as a shield between you and the mattress keeping out any sleep dangers you might encounter.

It comes as removable bedding that sits on top of or encases your mattress. Its thin nature doesn’t really affect how your mattress feels. Mattress protector’s main function is to protect the mattress against spills and stains of any kind. Hence the reason why most protectors are waterproof.

Mattress protectors also protect the user from allergens like dust mites, pet dander, dead skin shed by us, and other pestilences like bedbugs.

Mattress pads VS Mattress toppers

These two bedding accessories are easily confused. The two perform the same function but in different capacities. Both of them work to improve your overall sleeping experience by providing extra support and comfort, especially when the existing mattress is worn out or uncomfortable.

Mattress pads are thin removable beddings, usually 1″ inch thick that is placed on top of mattresses. They add a comfortable layer over the surface of your mattress. Some mattress pads come with waterproof qualities and can also prevent allergy-causing substances.

Mattress toppers, on the other hand, are a thicker version of mattress pads, usually 1″ to 3″ thick. They provide extra support and comfort for you. In some instances, they are used to regulate temperature for a cooler sleep experience. Think of it this way, mattress pads and toppers are siblings while mattress protectors are their very important cousin.

Although all three bedding accessories are important and useful in their own rite. The mattress protector stands out. It is a simple yet necessary bed accessory. It’s best to use it with both the pad or topper plus the mattress.

Questions To Ask Before Buying Your Mattress Pad?

Mattress pads can be used for different purposes but the major one is to slightly adjust the way a mattress feels. Our sleeping environment is crucial for our sleep health. To get the right mattress pad there are a number of factors to consider. We look at them below:

1- What Is The Fill Material?

What is inside a mattress pad, will determine the quality of sleep and its performance. There are many types of fill used with mattress pads such as:

Cotton

Cotton is soft and durable. It can be used as both a cover and fill material. When used as the infilling, it creates a soft plush mattress pad. Because of its availability, cotton is affordable, and hence a preferred choice for pads.

A cotton mattress pad can act as a mattress protector. However, because of cotton’s high absorbency, it can allow spills to sip through. Luckily, cotton is easily machine washable.

Besides, there are cotton pads that come with extra backing to make them liquid-proof. You can go for these, to serve as mattress protectors.

Latex

Latex is known for its highly responsive nature and its ability to contour as well. When used in a mattress pad it can adjust the comfort of your mattress especially a thicker layer of latex.

Latex is not as absorbent as cotton so it can act as a good mattress protector, however, it’s much more difficult to clean than cotton.

Memory foam

Memory foam is better suited as a mattress topper. This viscoelastic foam performs best when it is thick. Memory foam is loved for its unmatched comfort and contouring properties.

When it comes to protecting the mattress, memory foam is a poor choice as it’s highly absorbent and not easy to clean.

Memory foam is also known to give off strong odors and might not be the thing you want next to your face unless it’s treated and covered with special fabrics.

Feather

Mattress pads can also be filled with feathers. When this happens, they are known as featherbeds. Feather is derived from duck and geese’s plumage. A softer alternative to

feather is down collected from the undersides of these birds. Down and feathers are soft in nature and very plush. As such, mattress pads with feathers fall more under-mattress toppers

Featherbeds are poor at protecting against spills and oftentimes require special cleaning instructions.

Fiber

Fiber can be derived from various synthetic materials such as rayon and polyester. Fiber-based mattress pads are mostly built to be waterproof and resistant to spills.

Some fiber pads use down alternative, a synthetic version of down produced by ducks and geese. This down is usually similarly soft and way cheaper.

Depending on the thickness of the pad they can add softness to your bed and directly influence how your mattress fills. The downside to fiber pads is that they can be noisy and also tend to have special cleaning instructions.

Wool

Last but not least, mattress protectors made of wool. Wool is a natural material derived from sheep’s fur. It’s soft, cozy, and warm. Wool is also breathable and doesn’t retain moisture. This means it doesn’t easily stain and is free of odors. It makes durable mattress pads and is a great option to consider.

The only downsides to wool are that it’s expensive and not waterproof.

2- What Is The Cover Material?

Similar to fill material, mattress pads are made with different cover materials as well.

Cotton

Cotton is a soft breathable material and therefore very ideal as a cover material. It stays cool all through the night, providing a better sleeping experience.

You can pick an organic cotton mattress pad to enjoy its hypoallergenic benefits. Organic cotton is made without chemicals and pesticides and so it retains most of its natural bug repellent nature.

Cotton is also a great choice for those with sensitive skin, as it rarely irritates.

Polyester

Polyester is a common pocket-friendly option. And though it doesn’t sleep cool as cotton or Tencel, it can easily be combined with other materials for better performance. Polyester is easy to clean, hypoallergenic, and very pocket friendly.

Tencel

Tencel is a new fabric made from lyocell. Tencel is beloved for its environmentally friendly aspect, high breathability, and moisture-wicking properties.Tencel is also considered hypoallergenic. It’s a great option for those with sensitive skin because of its soothing soft nature

Velour

Velour is a knitted or woven from cotton or synthetic material. It resembles velvet and has a soft smooth feel. Velour can be designed to be waterproof and brings about its luxury and comfort.

Bamboo

Bamboo is another natural material with similar benefits to Tencel.Bamboo surfaces are soothing and comforting. It is breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps one sleep cool. It is also resistant to bacterial making it a hypoallergenic option.

3- What Is The Depths Of The Mattress Pad And How Is It Attached?

Pocket depth is very crucial when choosing a mattress protector.

Just like fitted sheets, mattress pads are made with fitted edges. The depth here, simply measures how far the fitted edges will stretch over the sides of the mattress.

Mattress pads that are too small to stretch over your mattress keep popping off. To avoid this frustration, ensure you go for a mattress protector with extra deep pockets.

This is especially important if your mattress measures 14 inches or wider. Most mattress pads will come with a depth of 14 to 18 inches.

There are three types of mattress pad enclosures

Elastic- just like fitted sheets, mattress pads can have elastic bands on the outer edges. This will help you pull down the corners and sides of the pad under the mattress. Remember you have to pick a pad with the right depth so as to fit your mattress.

Anchor band- these bands go under the corners of your mattress. They don’t fully cover the sides which helps prevent heat retention in the mattress.The downside for anchor bands is that they move and need regular readjusting.

Encasement – this 6 sided mattress pads cover the entire mattress. They are zippered and offer more protection to your mattress. They are however difficult to put on and remove.

4- How Does The Cost Compare To The Quality?

Mattress pads generally don’t cost much and have price points ranging between $60 to $100. However, depending on the materials used some pads could cost an upward of $200. As such a down alternative with organic cotton cover is bound to cost more than a poly covered down alternative filled pad.

The main thing here is to pick what suits your tastes and preferences and be ready to pay the price.

5- Are The Mattress Pad Reviews Good?

Just as with everything that is purchased online nowadays, you need to read mattress pad reviews before making any purchases. Previous reviews about the product you are interested in are important in helping you determine whether the pad performs as advertised.

Check for both positive and negative comments. If you notice a pattern, then it’s most likely the experience you will get. Pick the pad with the most genuine positive reviews. It will more likely than not perform just as it did for those who purchased it before you.

6- See If They Offer Returns On Their Mattress Pad?

To enjoy a risk-free purchase, you have to be able to test your mattress pad out. This helps you find out if it fits and eliminates the worry that you’ll be stuck with it in case you don’t like it.

Sleep experts say it takes a minimum of 21 to 30 days to tell if a mattress pad is the right fit or not.

When purchasing a mattress pad ensure it has a return policy. A hassle-free return with a trial period of a minimum of 30 days is ideal. Please remember to read the company’s return policy to keep from voiding it.

For example, most companies won’t take back a soiled or stained pad. Neither will they take back a damaged pad due to user negligence.

7- How Good Is The Pads Warranty? What Does It Cover?

Look for a mattress pad with a warranty. Mattress pad warranties last between 10 to 15 years.

Warranties, however, come with requirements e.g. the mattress pad shouldn’t be stained. Buyers are advised to wash their mattress pads to keep the warranty enforceable. If you don’t meet the requirements of the warranty it will be voided.

Why Should You Consider Getting a Mattress Pad?

Whether it’s a new or old mattress, if you are not getting the comfort level you need to fall asleep, then something needs to be done. Mattress pads are a good addition to mattresses at any point in their lifecycle. They have many benefits, such as the ones we look into below:

1- Give Your Mattress a Hotel Like Feel

Ever wished your bed could feel like that luxurious hotel bed you once had your best night of sleep in? The right mattress pad or topper can give your mattress this feel and leave you feeling pampered like a king.

Mattress pads have long been the secret to those comfy hotel beds. Some hotels actually layer several of them depending on their functions. You see, it’s upon every industry’s responsibility to research thoroughly and understand just what its customers need. Then go beyond expectations.

As such, hotels understand that in order for you to have the best night of your life they have to find the right balance between support and comfort. Using memory foam pads and pillow top mattress pads does just the trick.

The pillow top layer helps add luxurious comfort to the bed, while the memory foam layers underneath provide pain-relieving contouring and support. This makes you feel as if you are melting into the mattress.

Having known this, it’s easy to use different types of mattress pads to layer your bed at home and look forward to luxurious nights such as those offered by hotels.

2- Protect Your Mattress

While protecting your mattress is not a mattress pad’s primary function, it is one of the benefits of using a mattress pad.

A mattress pad acts like a barrier that keeps dirt, moisture, and irritants from reaching the surface of your mattress and getting absorbed. Something that can affect your bed’s hygiene and quality of sleep.

When we sweat or drool directly on our mattresses. The mattress automatically absorbs these fluids. Accumulation of these fluids causes staining and odors that nullify the validity of your warranty.

A mattress pad can, however, protect your mattress from these troubles. A thicker pad will do better or a pad backed with protection technology.

Mattress pads made with moisture-wicking fabrics also keep moisture away from the mattress. Although a mattress pad made with moisture-wicking properties, keeps moisture from getting into your mattress, it’s not waterproof and hence a temporary solution. It’s important to use a mattress protector to properly protect your mattress for longer life.

3- Reduce Allergies

Many substances induce allergies. Things such as dead skin cells which we shed daily, pet dander, pollen, and dust induce allergies. Worse, these substances attract dust mites that feed on our dead skin cells. Research shows that dust mites are a leading cause of asthma attacks at night.

When we sleep directly on our mattresses, without a pad on, these substances easily find themselves on our beds into the mattresses. Since mattresses are not easy to clean, the accumulation of this matter can lead to a dangerous reaction in our bodies.

Since pads are washable, you can prevent all these allergens from penetrating the mattress and causing harm to your body. Hence providing clean and fresh sleeping surfaces for you and your family.

4- Soften Your Mattress

It takes time to get used to a firm mattress. In most cases, it’s common to wake up stiff and sore after lying on an overly firm mattress. A firm mattress is great for support, but to soften it up a bit, a mattress pad is a good idea.

Depending on how firm your mattress is, you might need a mattress topper. But if you need to make the mattress slightly softer for long-term use, a mattress pad is inexpensive and works best.

Final Verdict

Mattress pads are a great addition to your mattress for multiple reasons. In this guide, we have seen that they make your mattress a tad more comfortable to lie on. In addition, they also act as mattress protectors.

However, there are many mattress pads out there, some value for money, others, not so much. To help you determine the right mattress pad.

Remember the questions to ask yourself before purchasing a mattress pad. Of these, the cover, fill, and depth of the mattress pad are very important. Besides these factors directly affect the performance, durability, and price of the mattress pad you consider getting.

Remember you pay for what you get. In the end, ensure that the mattress pad you end up getting is value for money.