Mattress pads are typically used to add a hygienic, waterproof, or hypoallergenic layer to a mattress. People who buy mattress pads do so because they:
- need a decent and plain cover between sheets and mattress that can be easily washed
- need a waterproof cover against the night time accidents of children or seniors
- need an allergen barrier for people with allergic reactions to ordinary sheets and mattresses
They’re different from mattress toppers which are more for additional support and comfort.
Where mattress toppers tend to be fixed to the mattress by corner anchor straps and so will often not cover the entire sleeping area, mattress pads fit the whole mattress in a similar fashion to a fitted sheet. This provides you with all-round stain or allergy protection ideal for those with young children or elders at home.
Some also have a filled top layer which gives an extra layer of comfort.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your mattress clean and fresh without using a lot of elbow grease scrubbing it (someone invent a comfy mattress that can be rolled into the washer with the laundry, please!) then a mattress pad could be just what you need.
Contents
The Top Mattress Pads Compared
| RANK | PADS | PRICE | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | LinenSpa Waterproof | $ | 8 |
| 4 | Milliard | $$ | 8 |
| 3 | The Grand | $ | 9 |
| 2 | Fitted Quilted | $ | 9 |
| 1 | Hanna-Kay | $ | 9.5 |
#5: LinenSpa Waterproof Quilted
This is a waterproof and hypoallergenic product which fits deep mattresses and comes in a variety of sizes. Whatever the size of your bed, there will be an option to suit you.
While LinenSpa’s mattress pad can be machine washed, it can’t be put in the dryer and will need to be air-dried. It also retains body heat so it can make for a sweaty, uncomfortable night especially if you live in a humid state or if it’s a warm season.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Can’t be put in the dryer
- Tears easily
Value For Money?
This is a reasonably-priced choice which would suit those with infants who are getting used to being dry overnight or who want an added layer of protection on a guest bed. Owing to the need to air dry, it is probably not ideal for long-term regular use or if you live in an area that doesn’t see much sun.
#4: Milliard Ventilated
This from Milliard is a crib mattress with a removable and waterproof cover. It is designed to be breathable so your baby doesn’t get too hot during the night.
While it is not recommended that newborns and very young infants sleep on a soft surface (this is a soft product) — babies over six months often struggle to get into a comfortable position on a standard crib mattress – placing this pad on top allows them the freedom of movement that often makes babies and toddlers prefer co-sleeping in their parents’ bed.
The removable and waterproof cover means the mattress pad is hygienic and easy to clean – both important factors when you’re dealing with little ones!
Pros
- Waterproof
- Removable and washable cover
- Gives baby a softer surface which allows for freedom of movement
Cons
- Strong off-gassing smell (See our guide on how to get rid of odor)
- Expensive
Value For Money?
This is expensive for what it is, but it does seem to offer babies the comfort they want.
#3: The Grand
The Grand is fitted and quilted that essentially provides an additional layer between sheets and a mattress and helps keep your mattress fresh and clean.
It is machine washable, but cannot be put in the dryer. It needs to be air-dried as it will not withstand the heat from a drier.
It fits most sizes of mattress well, and snugly, although the elastic at the corners does seem to begin to give after a few months.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Fits well
- Machine washable
Cons
- Air-dry only
- Not waterproof
Value For Money?
A little on the pricey side for what you get, though still affordable.
#2: Fitted Quilted Mattress Pad
This is NOT waterproof, and, while comfortable, is fairly thin. In essence, it is designed to offer an extra layer between sheets and a mattress.
It is machine washable and can be put in a drier on a very low heat.
As it doesn’t offer much, the price (though still acceptable) may be a bit on the high side. This would make an excellent “freshen up” purchase for a spare bed or vacation home bedroom.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Can be put in the drier on low heat
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Very thin
Value For Money?
Okay if you’re just looking for a little extra hygiene for a guest or vacation bed but otherwise a little on the pricey side for what it is.
#1: Hanna-Kay Quilted
Hanna-Key’s is a hypoallergenic model that can be machine washed and put in the drier even on high heat settings. This is a boon for people with dust mite allergies as heat ensures that mites are killed.
It is not particularly thick, but that is part and parcel of being a mattress pad rather than a mattress topper. It is also made of a stretchable material and so will easily fit even very deep mattresses without any riding up or popping loose.
If you need a hypoallergenic mattress pad that you can machine wash and put in the drier, this is it.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Fits deep mattresses
- Machine washable and dryer safe
Cons
- Not waterproof
Value For Money?
Whilst this is a little more expensive than many others, the fact that it can safely be machine washed and dried more than makes up for that. If you need to be allergy-proof, buy this hypoallergenic beauty.
- Knitted sides stretch for a perfect fit
- Cushy, quilted platform with hypoallergenic fill
- Breathable, Poly-Cotton
Last update on 2017-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API