This $24 Mattress Pad Is Perfect for Upgrading Your Bed on a Budget
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A comfortable bed is key to a good night's rest, but buying a new mattress or a topper can be a big commitment, especially if you don't plan on staying too long in one place, whether you're in college or planning on moving out after your lease ends. A mattress pad is a simple, effortless way to add much needed plush comfort to your bed. Plus, you usually won't have to upgrade to deep pocket sheets with a pad, unlike some thick mattress toppers. Mattress pads go on top of your mattress, just like a fitted sheet, but it's crucial you find one that actually works for you.
Luckily, at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, our experts and analysts have tested all sorts of bedding, including mattress pads, for over a century in our Labs and with thousands of consumer testers to find the best available.
Whether it's lofty pillows, smooth sheets, fluffy comforters or supportive mattresses, we've evaluated it all throughout the years, both in Lab using specialized equipment and at home with thousands of consumer testers. After analyzing over 450 data points, we've rounded up the the best of the best, including award-winning top performers, styles with innovative features or pads that have tons of rave online reviews.
Performance Mattress Pad
Soft and substantial, this cushiony mattress pad helps provide plush comfort along with year-round temperature-regulation. Made using Outlast cooling technology in the cover with a polyester fiber fill, it works by absorbing and releasing heat according to your body’s relative temperature, making it great for couples, especially those who run both hot and cold.
Our testers were surprised by just how effective it was, with one commenting, “I did not notice that the pad felt cool to the touch, but somehow it kept me from throwing the covers off in the middle of the night, so it works!” Another shared that it provided much-needed warmth in the cold winter, and others swore it helped improve their quality of sleep. The caveat? While some found it fit perfectly on their beds, one of our testers noticed the pad had a tendency to bunch up under her when moving around at night.
Performance Mattress Pad
$259.00
slumbercloud.com
SlumberCloudQuilted Mattress Pad
Nowadays, it seems every bedding product, from basic sheets to simple pillows, will cost an arm and a leg if you want something comfortable and durable, but this mattress pad from Bedsure delivers just that at a lower price point. Not only has it received ample praise from our testers, but it also boasts more than 20,000 reviews on Amazon with an average of 4.6 stars. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of sizes, including a dorm-room-friendly Twin XL and rare RV King.
Testers were unanimously impressed from the start, calling the construction “quality, not flimsy” and noted that it fit perfectly on their beds (including deep mattresses!) with ease. One raved, “I have tried over 6 brands over [the] years and this is the best. It felt very comfortable, the material was high quality and after placing it on my mattress it gave it added comfort which I LOVED.” Just take note that some testers wished it was a little thicker and more padded for extra support.
Quilted Mattress Pad
$31.99
amazon.com
BedsureLegends Hotel? Waterproof Mattress Pad
Accidental spills, leaks and incontinence can easily damage your mattress and are a hassle to clean, making a waterproof mattress protector or mattress pad vital. Luckily, this option from The Company Store provides protection without compromising on comfort. It has a cotton shell with lofty polyester fill over a waterproof, polyurethane-based inner layer.
When we evaluated this product in Lab, the cotton shell was slow to absorb any liquids (meaning you can quickly wipe away spills) with nothing getting past the waterproof layer. In addition, it felt smooth and soft to our analysts rather than crinkly. Note that this pad is still being tested for shrinkage, but some online reviewers have noted that the mattress pad shrinks more than others they've used, so make sure to follow the care instructions and choose a depth compatible with your mattress.
Legends Hotel? Waterproof Mattress Pad
$134.00
thecompanystore.com
The Company StoreQuilted Fitted Mattress Pad
With over 100,000 reviews on Amazon, this quilted mattress pad comes with high praise from online reviewers for adding comfort to their beds. It’s made from polyester microfiber fabric with a polyester fiber fill (a.k.a. down alternative) top layer for a little softness. Additionally, the elasticized skirt accommodates mattresses up to 16 inches deep.
While we haven't tested this one quite yet, it's already earned 5-star ratings from nearly 90,000 users. In fact, one reviewer says, "I already love my bed, so I wasn’t trying to solve a problem with this. So I was pleasantly surprised at how much [more comfortable] my bed felt, and I’m sleeping even better." The only things to note are, if you're looking for a waterproof mattress pad, this one won't fit the bill, and hot sleepers might find it too warm.
Quilted Fitted Mattress Pad
$21.99
amazon.com
Utopia BeddingTempTune Mattress Pad
Sometimes you're not looking to add a different texture to your bed, but rather a different feel. If you're a hot sleeper or find yourself running hot on your mattress, a cooling mattress pad may be the perfect fix. This mattress pad from Sijo is soft yet discreet: it’s comfortable but won’t drastically change the feel of your bed. On top of that, it has a waterproof inner layer to block spills and uses temperature-regulating fiber fill.
Our testers were immediately impressed by the quality construction and smooth fabric, highlighting the “soft feel.” Plus, it didn’t disappoint, keeping testers at a comfortable temperature throughout the night compared to other pads with a short-term “cool-to-the-touch” feel. One tester shared, “I sleep on my back, and have hot flashes a lot. I felt when I was having a hot flash it helped my back stay cooler [and] not as sweaty.” Just remember that this pad isn't as thick and plush as some of our other picks.
TempTune Mattress Pad
$175.00
amazon.com
SijoDown Mattress Pad
One of the most popular online bedding brands available, Parachute is known for its popular sheets and pillows (including one of our best down pillows). This down mattress pad features a generous 550 fill power for a light, plush feel. There’s also a sateen cotton shell that’s double stitched around the fluffy down, so you can trust the fill won't poke through.
The lofty down also provides indulgent comfort, resulting in a fluffy feel that our testers likened to sleeping on a cloud. The material is undeniably luxurious but does come at a higher price point, so if you're looking to save or have sensitivities to down, the brand offers a down-alternative version made with microfiber fill. Besides the fill, it has the same overall construction. Both can either be dry cleaned or machine washed at home.
Down Mattress Pad
$289.00
parachutehome.com
ParachuteOrganic Cotton Mattress Pad
While most mattress pads are made of a cotton shell with either down or polyester fill, this one from Coyuchi is made entirely of GOTS-certified organic cotton, so you can trust that the entire production process is organic, not just the growing of the cotton. The all-cotton construction allows for excellent breathability, and, although not waterproof, cotton is highly absorbent, so the pad will still provide some protection from stains and spills.
When testing it out at home, one of our experts commented, "It is beautifully made and has great weight to it." Other consumer testers agreed, highlighting the quality construction, and gave it perfect scores for being comfortable and quiet. The only thing to be wary of is that it's thin yet heavy, making laundry day a little more challenging.
Organic Cotton Mattress Pad
$298.00
amazon.com
CoyuchiDown Alternative Mattress Pad
Side sleepers often need a softer surface for optimal alignment and a pillow-top does just that. This pillow-top pad from Riley provides a plush, cushioning surface on a slightly-too firm mattress. The lofty, substantial feel is a step above other polyester-filled pads we’ve tested and offers true cloud-like comfort. Under the fiber fill, there’s a waterproof inner layer for a little extra protection and all layers are encased in a soft cotton cover.
There’s no denying this thick pad offers a softer surface for sleeping, and our testers agree. One even raved, “The first time I lied down on it I thought 'Wow,' because the mattress was still firm but also plush and more cozy.” Plus, they were impressed by the helpful label on the bottom right corner for easy bed-making, how well it stayed on their beds and the “luxurious” outer cotton. However, one tester noted that she overheated more with the pad, as the thick layer kept her cooling mattress from helping alleviate her night sweats.
Down Alternative Mattress Pad
$105.00
rileyhome.com
RileyRestful Quilted Heated Mattress Pad
During cold winter nights, a heated mattress pad might just be the perfect solution, especially if you'd prefer heat from below rather than above (e.g. from an electric blanket or cozy comforter). This option from Sunbeam was the top performer in our test and comes with 12 different heat settings and an automatic shutoff function (for a maximum of 12 hours) for safety.
It not only earned high marks for reaching a high temperature (above 79 degrees F) quickly but also maintained the warm heat well. Testers appreciated the dual controls for larger queen and king beds but noted that the button-control wasn't as easy to use as a dial. Take note that many commented that the cotton and polyester top wasn't as soft as they liked, and some noted they could feel the wires, so be sure to layer on some thick soft sheets for comfort.
Restful Quilted Heated Mattress Pad
$139.99
amazon.com
SunbeamWaterproof Fitted Quilted Crib Mattress Pad
Even the best diapers leak every once in a while. For an easy clean up, opt for a waterproof mattress pad for your little one’s crib mattress. This one has a quilted polyester top for a cushiony, comfortable feel with a waterproof vinyl pad to keep the crib mattress protected. Plus, it’ll fit crib mattresses up to six inches deep.
With over 6,000 reviews and a high 4.8-star average rating, this is definitely one to consider. Online reviewers especially like how it doesn't feel crinkly or loud and is easy to put on and take off — even in the middle of the night — for quick removal when you need it. Just note to wash according to the care label as some reviewers noted the pad shrank more than they expected.
Waterproof Fitted Quilted Crib Mattress Pad
$19.99
amazon.com
Carters
What is the difference between a mattress pad and mattress topper?
While both are additions to your mattress to make your bed more comfortable, mattress pads and toppers are actually different.
Mattress pads go on your mattress like a fitted sheet for a thinner layer of plush comfort that extends the life of your mattress.
Mattress toppers are thicker and usually made from memory foam or latex and lay flat on top of your mattress.
Since mattress pads go on your bed like a fitted sheet, look for mattress pads that have deep pockets to fit your mattress’s depth. We also recommend that you make sure the mattress pad is machine washable for easy cleaning after any accidents.
Should I buy a mattress pad or mattress topper?
If you're looking for a slight upgrade with added cozy comfort, a mattress pad is the way to go, as it’s a smaller change that's typically more affordable.
Alternatively, if you no longer love the feel of your mattress, but aren’t ready to splurge on a new mattress, go with a mattress topper. Also note that if you have back pain (pregnancy-related or otherwise), a mattress topper is often better choice for you as it can offer more support than a thin pad.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst and originally wrote this story. She’s been at Good Housekeeping for over four years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for all types of bedding, including pillows and mattress toppers, and has written stories on the best cooling mattress pads and toppers. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience and product quality assessment expertise.
Grace Wu most recently updated this story. She's a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and oversaw recent mattress pad testing. Grace has written several stories about bedding, from different mattress toppers to various types of sheets. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.
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