Comfort, support, and breathability: These aren’t just important things to consider when shopping for the best mattress. They’re also perks you can get with a great mattress pad. If you’re already shopping for a mattress, we strongly suggest getting a pad, too. Once you try a mattress pad, you’ll never go back.
If you’re wondering whether buying a mattress pad is worth it, here’s everything to know.
Mattress pads add an extra layer of comfort between you and your mattress — but that’s not all they do. There are a number of reasons to consider purchasing a mattress pad, from increased breathability to an extended lifespan for your luxurious mattress.
The trick is to find the right one.
Shopping for a mattress pad can be confusing, because some companies and advertisers use terms like mattress pad, topper (a thicker version of a mattress pad), and mattress protector interchangeably.
If you just need a bit of extra plushness to fall asleep fast at the end of the night, a mattress pad may be what you’re missing. Mattress pads sit atop your mattress but beneath the sheets. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials: You can find latex, memory foam, and natural wool varieties out there. Cotton mattress pads, like the highly rated and organic Avocado mattress pad protector, are also an option and provide an especially soft, breathable sleep experience.
If you have a mattress topper or mattress protector, those go on top of the pad as well. A mattress protector does as its name implies: Its main purpose is to protect your old or new mattress from stains, dust mites, bacteria and other allergens. They come in a few different varieties: zippered mattress protectors that fully encase your mattress, fitted protectors that cling to the top and sides of your mattress (same as a fitted sheet), or anchor protectors that are held in place by elastic bands.
A mattress pad can be a smart investment for a number of reasons. Here are some obvious and not-so-obvious benefits of enhancing your bed setup with a mattress pad:
How do you know what’s right for you? If the task of narrowing down the selection of mattress pads to find what works best for you is too daunting, here are some tips to help you shop.
