After thorough testing, we've rounded up the best mattress pads for every need and preference.

Top Choice

The Quince Essential Mattress Pad features a plush, cozy feel, thanks to its 230-thread count cotton cover and down alternative filling. With 18-inch deep pockets, it stays securely in place, and the quilted design ensures the filling stays evenly distributed.

We found the Quince mattress pad incredibly easy to install and clean, thanks to its machine-washable design. This feature was particularly useful when our puppy had an accident on the bed—while the duvet and sheets soaked through, the mattress pad stayed dry. After multiple washes, the pad showed no signs of wear or quality loss.

The mattress pad offered a soft and plush feel, which complemented the firmness of the mattress. It remained comfortable in various sleeping positions, stayed securely in place all night, and didn’t produce any unwanted noises or noticeable odors.

Though it lacks cooling features, we didn’t experience overheating during use. Overall, the mattress pad felt both protective and cozy, offering excellent value for its price. We initially thought it would be much more expensive based on its high quality.

Available Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Material: Cotton shell, polyester down-alternative fill | Pocket Depth: 18 in. | Waterproof: No

Best Value

For basic mattress protection, the Serta Power Clean Quilted Waterproof Mattress Pad is an excellent choice. It adds an extra layer of defense for your mattress, is waterproof, and features a 3M Scotchgard treatment that helps repel moisture and sweat.

The mattress pad was simple to put on and stayed securely in place, even with movement during sleep. There was some noise from the waterproof layer underneath, but the pad remained in good condition after six months of use. Over time, it softened, and the noise decreased. However, washing it became a bit trickier and it took longer to dry because of the waterproof coating.

The mattress pad offered a softer sleep surface, but it’s thinner, so it might not be ideal if you're looking to add extra cushioning to your bed. Still, it provides solid protection against wear and tear, as well as spills.

Available Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Material: Thermal bonded siliconized hi-loft fill | Pocket Depth: 15 in., stretches to 19 in. | Waterproof: Yes

Best for Cooling

The Sijo Clima Tech TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad is designed with hot sleepers in mind—it features a cool, moisture-wicking surface and microcapsules in the lining to enhance temperature regulation.

We found the mattress pad was easy to fit onto the bed, with a stretchy material that remained in place. There were no odors upon unboxing, and it was silent when we lay on it. It’s also fully waterproof; even after spilling water on it, there was no leakage to the other side. It maintained its shape after use and is conveniently machine washable.

The cooling properties of this mattress pad were effective at keeping hot sleepers cool throughout the night. Its thin padding helps prevent heat buildup but doesn't offer much added cushioning. We also found that the pockets weren’t able to stretch over both a mattress and memory foam topper, which might make it less suitable for thicker mattresses above 10 inches.

Although the mattress pad comes at a higher price, it’s still a great choice for those looking for excellent temperature regulation and protection against spills.

Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Material: Nylon and Tencel shell, SIJO CLIMA lining | Pocket Depth: 16 in. | Waterproof: Yes

Top Heated

For those seeking heated mattress pads, the Reaks Electric Heated Mattress Pad offers a warm and cozy sleep experience. Soft to the touch and flexible enough for thick mattresses, it features 10 heat settings, a timer, and dual-zone heating on queen-sized and larger beds. This allows each side of the bed to have independent temperature control. The temperature can be adjusted between 87°F and 115°F.

The controls were straightforward during our tests, with backlighting for easy visibility of the heat level. The heat and timer settings offer a range from one to twelve hours, and the display shows the remaining time. The cords are designed well, are long enough to cover the entire length of the bed, and are not noticeable while lying down. Even at the lowest setting, we experienced consistent warmth, though some wires felt slightly warmer than others. Overall, the heat distribution across the pad was even.

This mattress pad is machine washable, but the care instructions recommend only washing for two minutes, which may be challenging for most washing machines. The pad also absorbs liquids quickly, which makes spot-cleaning more difficult.

After six months of use, the mattress pad still looks as good as new. The heating, timer, and controls continue to function flawlessly. Even after several gentle wash cycles followed by air drying, it remains soft and shows no signs of wear.

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Material: Polyester | Pocket Depth: 15 in. | Waterproof: No

PHOTO: The Company Store

The Company Store Company Cotton Jersey Waterproof Mattress Pad shields your mattress from spills without the usual crinkling sound or feel found in many waterproof pads. It features a thin waterproof layer sandwiched between breathable cotton jersey for comfort.

We had no trouble fitting it onto the mattress, and it stayed in place without shifting. The pad is thin and doesn’t provide significant cushioning, as its main function is to protect the mattress from liquids. During our spill test, water spread evenly across the surface, absorbed into the pad, but never soaked through, keeping the mattress completely dry.

After six months of use, the mattress pad showed no signs of wear or loss of quality. It remained waterproof and continued to protect the mattress effectively. Even after multiple washes and dryings, there was no change in fabric texture or unpleasant odors.

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Material: 100% cotton jersey outer layers, Thermoplastic polyurethane inner layer | Pocket Depth: 11 or 18 in. | Waterproof: Yes

Softest

The Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector lives up to its name by providing a soft, luxurious layer to your mattress. It features a sateen outer shell with eco-friendly recycled fill—each protector repurposes approximately 16 plastic bottles. Rather than the usual pockets, the Buffy mattress protector utilizes straps to ensure a secure fit, while the quilted stitching keeps the fill evenly distributed and prevents it from shifting beneath you.

During our test of this mattress protector, we found that the Tencel material gave it a wonderfully soft feel, and it made our sheets even more enjoyable when placed underneath. It was easy to install, with elastic straps that slid effortlessly under the mattress, and it completely covered the surface of the mattress (we tested it on a king-size). There was no unpleasant smell when we unboxed it, and the protector stayed in place throughout the night without shifting or bunching up. However, it’s on the thinner side, so it doesn't offer extra back support.

Caring for the Buffy mattress protector is a bit more involved. It’s recommended to dry clean it, which can be less convenient than machine-washable alternatives.

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Material: Tencel lyocell fiber shell, recycled PET fill | Pocket Depth: Straps fit mattresses up to 21 in. | Waterproof: No

Final Verdict

Our top choice is the Quince Essential Mattress Pad, known for its comfort, ease of cleaning, and strong protection against spills and accidents. For those who tend to sleep hot, the Sijo Clima Tech TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad is a great option, with its moisture-wicking surface and unique lining designed to help regulate your temperature throughout the night.

Our Testing Process

To identify the top mattress pads, we tested 50 different models in our lab and selected the best performers to bring home for a minimum of six months of personal testing. Each pad was placed on a mattress, and we slept on it every night during the testing period. We also followed the care instructions provided by the manufacturers for washing and cleaning the pads.

Our evaluation covered mattress pads crafted from various materials, as well as options that were waterproof, heated, or cooling. Throughout the testing, we focused on key factors such as comfort, support, durability, effectiveness, and overall quality.

We assessed the ease of placing the mattress pad on the bed, whether it made any noise or shifted during the night, and its comfort in different sleeping positions. We also checked for any odors when the pad was first opened and monitored how well it maintained its shape over time. For breathability, we observed any temperature changes after lying on the pad for a few minutes. Additionally, we evaluated the overall value of the pad, considering both its price and features.

To test waterproofing, we conducted a water spill experiment where we poured water on the pad to see how it spread on the surface and whether it absorbed or stayed on top. After six months of use, we carefully inspected the pad for any signs of wear, damage, or quality degradation.

A Guide to Mattress Pad Shopping Like a Pro

Materials for Shells and Fillings

When selecting a mattress pad, the materials for the shell and fill can offer distinct advantages, making it essential to choose one that matches your sleeping preferences.

Mattress pads are available in various materials. In our tests, we examined options crafted from cotton, Tencel, and polyester. Natural fabrics such as cotton are generally more breathable and moisture-wicking, making them a great choice for hot sleepers. Buffy’s Plushy Mattress Protector features a Tencel lyocell shell, which may absorb moisture even more effectively than cotton. While synthetic materials like polyester are often more durable, they tend to trap more heat.

The fill material in a mattress pad can influence its weight, cushioning, and loft. For instance, down and down-alternative fills offer lightweight, airy comfort. However, any type of fill may shift or compress over time. The Quince Essential Mattress Pad incorporates a quilted design to reduce shifting of the fill during normal use.

The ease of cleaning and maintenance might also influence your choice of material. A mattress pad that is either machine washable or easy to spot clean will prove more convenient over time.

Pocket Depth

Selecting a mattress pad with the appropriate pocket depth is crucial to ensuring it stays in place throughout the night and for years to come. If your mattress is deeper, you’ll need to check the pocket depth to ensure it fits properly. In our tests, mattress pads had pocket depths ranging from 11 to 18 inches. The Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector uses straps instead of pockets, offering greater flexibility to fit mattresses up to 21 inches, which may include a mattress with a topper.

Khan suggests measuring the height of your mattress and selecting a pad that’s slightly thicker than the measurement, typically 1 to 2 inches. If the pocket depth is off, the pad may not fit properly, which could lead to it slipping off or bunching, making it uncomfortable to use.

Water Resistance

If you have pets or young children that sleep with you, a water-resistant or waterproof mattress pad is essential. This ensures any spills or accidents are absorbed and prevented from reaching the mattress itself. 

Adding a waterproof layer to your mattress pad comes with some downsides. According to Dell'Accio, the membrane designed to block liquids also traps more heat and reduces breathability at the surface.  

Our top pick for waterproofing, The Company Store Company Cotton Jersey Waterproof Mattress Pad, was silent and kept the mattress dry after a nighttime accident. On the other hand, the Serta Power Clean Quilted Waterproof Mattress Pad featured a waterproof backing but made a slight crinkly noise and took longer to wash and dry.

Support

Mattress pads are primarily designed for protection rather than providing support. However, if you're seeking more support, consider natural memory foam made from latex or organic certified latex. According to Dell'Accio, natural memory foam offers better pressure relief and a higher level of comfort.

More Mattress Pads to Consider 

Easeland Mattress Pad: A solid, basic choice. It features deep pockets that fit most mattresses and maintains its shape and quality even after machine washing. It stayed securely in place despite frequent movement (including from a pet), though it wasn’t as plush or luxurious as some of the other mattress pads we tested.

Threshold Performance Mattress Pad: This pad offers great value, comfort, and reliable protection against fluids. We did find it a bit challenging to get the first corner on due to the extremely stretchy sides, but once it was on, it stayed put. The pad is machine washable, though it took longer to dry due to its padding.

Better Homes & Gardens Waterproof Cotton Mattress Pad: This pad fits snugly on mattresses without shifting or making any noise, even after multiple tosses and turns. During our spill test, water initially stayed on top of the fabric for a few seconds before being absorbed into the pad, with none of it soaking through to the mattress. While it offers light padding, it doesn’t provide substantial cushioning.

Questions You Might Ask

What’s the difference between a mattress pad, mattress topper, and mattress protector?

Mattress pads, toppers, and protectors all sit atop your mattress, but each serves a different function and provides a different feel. All can be removed and washed according to their care instructions.

A mattress pad provides a protective layer over your mattress, safeguarding it from dust and spills while helping to prolong its lifespan. Often, it adds a touch of softness or cushioning to your bed and typically fits over the entire mattress with pockets for a secure fit.

A mattress topper is meant to adjust the comfort level of your mattress by adding either more cushioning or firmness. If you’re looking to change how your bed feels, a topper can help. These don’t always feature pockets to cover the mattress sides and are usually held in place with straps or by your fitted sheet.  

A mattress protector is a thin, protective layer that acts like a fitted sheet. It shields your mattress from stains and allergens but doesn’t offer cushioning or change the feel of your bed.

What is the best filling for a mattress pad?

Different types of fills offer varying levels of cushioning and breathability. For instance, down and down alternatives are light and fluffy, but they tend to shift under movement. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, opting for a down alternative may be the better choice.  

Cotton is known for being breathable, soft, and comfortable, while polyester is generally more budget-friendly but tends to trap heat. The Sijo Clima Tech TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad features a lining infused with microcapsules designed to regulate temperature, although it comes with a higher price tag.

How thick should a mattress pad be?

The ideal thickness of a mattress pad depends on your needs. If you’re simply looking for a protective layer to block spills and dust while prolonging your mattress's life, a basic mattress pad will suffice. However, if comfort is a priority, you should look for one with more cushion and fill. Most mattress pads are about 1 to 2 inches thick. Anything thicker will provide extra softness and support, but keep in mind that thicker pads may be more challenging to wash and dry.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Lesley Chen, a contributing writer for Mytour who specializes in shopping, home, and lifestyle topics. To create this list, we tested 50 mattress pads in our lab, assessing them based on factors like comfort, durability, water resistance, quality, and value. For expert insights on mattress pads, Chen consulted Jack Dell'Accio, founder and CEO of Essentia, and Jeff Kahn, CEO and co-founder of Rise Science.