RS Recommends

RS Recommends: These Mattress Pads Help Protect Your Bed and Improve Your Comfort

The best mattress pads add comfort to your bed while helping to keep allergens at bay

By Jon Adams

Jon Adams

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March 23, 2022

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One of the most important relationships we’ll have in our life is the one with our beds. In fact, experts say that the average person will spend at least 26 years of their life sleeping — and that doesn’t include all of the time we spend lounging in our beds either. The point is that you’ll be spending a lot of time in your bed, so it only stands to reason that we not only make sure that we’re enjoying our time, but that we’re taking care of our beds as well. One way we can kill two birds with one stone is by investing in a mattress pad.

How Does a Mattress Pad Work?

Mattress pads may seem like a luxury, but when you start to dig into the many benefits of them you’ll start to wonder how you’ve made it this long without one. For starters, they’re a great way to take the overall comfort of your bed to the next level whether you have one that’s firmer or softer.

Perhaps the best advantage to a mattress pad is the protection it offers. Allergens, such as dust mites, not only pose a threat to our bodies but the lifespan and longevity of our mattresses as well. The best mattress pads can also protect our mattresses against the occasional water spill or other liquid related accidents.

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Mattress Pads vs. Mattress Protectors vs. Toppers

What’s the different between a mattress pad vs. a mattress protector vs. a mattress topper? You may think that these three are interchangeable, but they all have their own functions. While mattress protectors do shield your mattress from allergens, they don’t add any comfort. In fact, you may find them to be a bit noisy as they’re made out of waterproof materials. Mattress pads, by comparison, protect and add comfort without the noise.

Where the pads are all about making your bed more comfortable, mattress toppers are more for adding firmness. They are typically anywhere from one to four inches thick, though they won’t protect your bed from allergens, liquids or contaminants the same way pads and protectors will.

Mattress Pad Buying Guide

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the best mattress pads online. Be sure to consider the following criteria.

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Size: It may seem obvious, but ensure that you’re buying a pad that’s comparable to the size of your mattress, whether it’s a full-size mattress pad, queen size, etc..

Type: Mattress pads can be made out of a variety of materials, each with their own advantages. For example, feather mattress pads are revered for their plush feel and breathability, whereas ones made from wool can wick away moisture and keep your body from overheating as you sleep. Your decision will ultimately hinge on your personal preference.

Machine Wash and Dry: Do yourself a favor and invest in a mattress pad that isn’t a headache to clean, even if you’re the most coordinated person who isn’t prone to accidents. There are plenty of options that can be thrown in the washing machine and dryer.

The Best Mattress Pads

Below is our list of the best and most comfortable mattress pads that you can buy online right now.

1. Utopia Bedding Quilted Fitted Mattress Pad

MOST COMFORTABLE

Utopia-Bedding-Quilted-Fitted-Mattress-Pad-Amazon

You might be shocked that a mattress pad at this low of a price point could be so effective, but the 55,000 glowing five-star reviews prove otherwise.

Made from a polyester fabric with a quilted down alternative top layer, this mattress pad is soft to the touch and is comfortable enough to keep you from tossing or turning through the night while also defending your mattress against allergens, stains and other contaminants.

One reviewer noted that of all the mattress pads they’ve owned over the years, this one was the softest. But don’t let its soft appearance fool you, this is an extremely durable mattress pad. Best of all, the elastic ends will keep it secured in place so you’re not constantly adjusting it. Available in a variety of sizes.

Buy Utopid Bedding Quilted Mattress Pad $21.99

2. Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Mattress Pad

BEST WATERPROOF MATTRESS PAD

Naturepedic-Waterproof-Mattress-pad-amazon

Even if you’re not extra clumsy, accidents happen; it’s not the worst idea to prepare for the worst case scenario. This waterproof mattress pad will not only protect your mattress from allergens, but spills and other containments as well like sweat, dirt, urine, pets and periods too.

While we noted that waterproof materials may be noisy or slightly uncomfortable to sleep on, this mattress pad has a second, organic cotton layer that shields the polyurethane layer so that you can only feel how soft it is. This mattress pad is also made exclusively from organic materials, with the cotton boasting a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification.

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Buy Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Pad $219.00

3. Parachute Down Mattress Pad

EDITOR’S PICK

Parachute-Down-Mattress-Pad

For those craving a little extra luxury, you can’t go wrong with this down mattress pad from Parachute. Boasting a 100% sateen cotton shell, your mattress won’t just be protected, but softer than ever as well. This pad is every bit as light as it is soft too, and can be easily tossed in the washer and dryer when the time comes to clean it. And don’t worry about the fill moving around either; the meticulous double stitching keeps it firmly in place. Available in a variety of sizes.

4. SafeRest Zippered Mattress Pad

SafeRest-Zippered-Mattress-Pad-Amazon

One threat to your mattress we didn’t mention was bugs, though we’re sure you’ve heard of them; not necessarily something you want crawling into bed with you at night. And while even the tightest hugging elastic ends won’t be able to ward those pests off, this mattress pad can thanks to its nifty Velcro micro zippers. Not even the smallest bug could worm its way in. You’re sure to sleep more soundly with the added peace of mind.

Buy SafeRest Zippered Mattress Pad $59.00

5. Zen Bamboo Cooling Mattress Pad

Zen-Bamboo-Cooling-Mattress-Pad-Amazon

If you tend to run hot while you sleep, we recommend this cooling mattress pad. The special blend of soft microfiber and natural bamboo will ensure that you won’t wake up in a sweat. Instead, it works to regulate your body’s temperature through the night, while also keeping heat from becoming trapped between you and your mattress.

Buy Zen Bamboo Cooling Mattress Pad

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