Best Mattress Pads of 2022 – CNET [CNET]

There’s more to your bedding ensemble than just your mattress. Once you have that, you’ll still need to shop around to find the perfect set of sheets, comforter, plush pillows and maybe even a weighted blanket if you’re having some trouble falling asleep. But even with all the pieces in place, you may still feel like your bed lacks that special ingredient that makes it perfectly plush, supportive and comfortable.

A new mattress pad can help you maximize the comfort of your new bed, and take your sleeping experience to the next level. Mattress pads fit snugly over your mattress, and add a cushioned pad across the sleep surface. Not only do they make your mattress more comfortable for sleeping, but they also keep it dry, clean and protected from wear and tear, as well as helping to keep your sheets in place. The best mattress pads actually provide extra comfort and make your existing mattress more cozy, in spite of their thinness. While there are varying degrees of mattress pad thickness, even the thinnest layer can make a difference in how your mattress feels when you lie down.

Protecting your current mattress from liquid spills, dirt, dust mites, allergens and sweat can also add years onto its usable life and keep it from ending up in the landfill prematurely. A mattress pad can act as a waterproof layer or a mattress cover. The cleanest and best protected mattresses, after all, can be donated or passed on to others instead of just thrown away.

We hunted for the best mattress pads and came back with some goodies. Check out our favorites and find out which one could be the best mattress pad for you.

All prices listed are for queen sizes.

Read more: Best Mattress Topper for 2022

How to pick the best mattress pad

Features 

Depending upon your needs, the most important features of a mattress pad can vary. Folks that have allergies might opt for hypoallergenic features, such as natural latex, for their mattress pad. A wool mattress pad is great for absorbing moisture, and a cotton mattress pad is good at blocking stains and preventing wear and tear, while down regulates body heat to help keep sleepers warm in winter and cool in summer. Cotton terry can also be a good feature for waterproof mattress pads.

Materials

Look for quality materials with certifications, if applicable, as you browse. For example, organic cotton, wool or latex should have a certification from an independent third party like the Global Organic Textile Standard, which confirms the product consists of at least 70% organic fibers. For a product to be labeled organic, it must be 95% organic fibers. 

You may also want to find vegan, wool-free or down alternative fabrics if you prefer not to use animal products, which would each be labeled accordingly. 

Polyester and memory foam are occasionally found in mattress pads as well. Polyester is usually durable and affordable, while a memory foam mattress pad responds to heat and contours to the shape of the sleeper’s body.

Ease of care

For convenience, it’s always helpful to find a machine washable mattress pad, especially if you have kids or pets that require it to be washed often. Otherwise, make sure you have the time and space to wash your mattress topper by hand and hang it out to dry. Spot cleaning doesn’t seem to be a realistic option for mattress pads, but if you’re convinced yours will stay clean and dry for the most part, you can certainly try it. 

Thread count

The thread count of a fabric is the number of threads woven into a square inch of it. While there is some disagreement about how important thread count is to bedding of any kind, the general rule of thumb is that higher thread counts (200 to 600) make the fabric more durable and softer over time. If your mattress pad lists a thread count, try to aim for 200 or higher.

More for a good night’s rest 

• Best Gel Mattresses of 2022
• Best Memory Foam Mattress
• Best Firm Mattress in 2022
• Best King Mattress in 2022
• Avocado Green Mattress Review: Organic With a Luxury Feel
• Best Mattress in a Box for 2022