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A comfortable bed can make all the difference in how you sleep, but buying a new mattress is a big commitment—especially if you’re in college, renting, or just not ready to make a major purchase. If you're currently not feeling your mattress—maybe it's too hard, too soft, too hot, or just not supportive enough—adding a mattress pad on top might be the answer. It's an easy and affordable way to add plush comfort and it even protects your mattress at the same time.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve spent decades testing all kinds of bedding, and we recently evaluated more than 20 mattress pads—both with our fiber scientists in our Textiles Lab and with consumer sleep testers in their homes. After analyzing the construction, materials, cooling features, and more, our Lab experts narrowed down the top-performing mattress pads including designs with innovative features and the pads our testers couldn’t stop raving about.
Whether you want extra softness, temperature control, or high-level mattress protection, there’s a pad out there to suit every need, and we’re here to help you find it.
Our top picks:
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Best Overall: SlumberCloud Performance Mattress Pad
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Best Value: Bedsure Quilted Mattress Pad
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Best Waterproof: The Company Store Legends Hotel Waterproof Mattress Pad
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Best Cooling: Sijo TempTune Mattress Pad
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Best Down: Parachute Home Down Mattress Pad
SlumberCloud Performance Mattress Pad
WHAT WE LOVE:Soft and substantial, this cushiony mattress pad helps provide plush comfort along with year-round temperature regulation.
WHAT TO KNOW:Made using polyester fiber fill and Outlast cooling technology in the cover, it works by absorbing and releasing heat according to your body’s relative temperature, making it great for couples, especially those who sleep at different temperatures.
Our consumer 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.
Although 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.
Bedsure Quilted Mattress Pad
WHAT WE LOVE:Bedsure's Quilted Mattress Pad offers comfort and durability at a bargain price—a relief when almost all quality bedding seems to cost a ton. Not only has it received ample praise from our testers, but it's also a top-seller on Amazon with thousands of glowing reviews.
WHAT TO KNOW:Testers were unanimously impressed from the start, with one calling out the construction as “quality, not flimsy.” They noted that it fit perfectly on their beds (including deep mattresses!) with ease. One shared, “I have tried over six 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 note that some testers wished it was a little thicker and more padded for extra support.
It comes in a wide variety of sizes, including a dorm-room-friendly Twin XL and a rare RV King.
The Company Store Legends Hotel Waterproof Mattress Pad
WHAT WE LOVE:Accidental spills, leaks, and incontinence can easily damage your mattress, 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.
WHAT TO KNOW:When we evaluated this product in our Lab, the cotton shell was slow to absorb liquids (meaning you can quickly wipe away spills) and nothing got past the waterproof layer. In addition, we found it felt smooth and soft rather than crinkly. On the downside, 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.
The Company Store Legends Hotel Waterproof Mattress Pad
thecompanystore.com
$214.00
The Company StoreSijo TempTune Mattress Pad
WHAT WE LOVE:If you’re a hot sleeper or tend to run warm at night, a cooling mattress pad could be just what you need. Sijo’s option is soft and comfortable without drastically changing the feel of your bed. It also features a waterproof inner layer to protect against spills and temperature-regulating fiber fill to help keep you cool.
WHAT TO KNOW:Testers were impressed with the quality construction and smooth fabric, praising its “soft feel.” It performed well in keeping sleepers comfortable all night, even during hot flashes. One tester said, “I sleep on my back and have hot flashes a lot. When it happened, I felt my back stay cooler and not as sweaty.” Just keep in mind: This pad isn’t as thick and plush as some of our other favorites.
RELATED: The Best Cooling Mattress Pads
Parachute Down Mattress Pad
WHAT WE LOVE:One of the most popular online bedding brands, Parachute is known for its quality sheets and pillows (including our best down pillow
). This down mattress pad features a generous 550 fill power for a light, plush feelthat our testers likened to sleeping on a cloud.
WHAT TO KNOW:The lofty down is topped with a sateen cotton shell that’s double stitched, so you can trust the fill won't poke through. The materials are undeniably luxurious, but does come at a higher price, so if you're looking to save or have sensitivities to down, the brand offers a down-alternative version
made with microfiber fill. Both can either be dry cleaned or machine washed at home.
Avocado Organic Mattress Pad
WHAT WE LOVE:While most mattress pads use cotton with down or polyester fill, the Avocado Organic Mattress Pad Protector is made with 100% organic cotton. In our evaluations, we found it soft, quiet, and substantial enough to add comfort without changing the feel of your mattress.
WHAT TO KNOW:Testers loved how easy it was to put on and appreciated the generous depth and elastic corners that ensure a snug fit. Its smooth fabric grips the mattress firmly, staying flat and in place with no slipping, bunching, or shifting—even after multiple washes. Its warm beige tone feels elevated and practical, helping to conceal everyday marks while remaining invisible under white sheets.
A note for hot sleepers: “I’ve been feeling unusually hot at night since using the protector, even with the AC on, which isn’t typical for me," said one tester.
Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool and Dry Mattress Pad
WHAT WE LOVE:Side sleepers often need a softer surface for optimal alignment, and a pillow-top mattress pad, like this Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool & Dry Mattress Pad, delivers just that. It adds cushioning to your mattress without making it feel bulky or hard to fit your sheets.
WHAT TO KNOW:Testers found the pad added noticeable comfort, reducing pressure on hips and shoulders, while also softening firm mattresses just enough to improve overall alignment.The pad is quiet, cushy, and made from high-quality, breathable materials that help regulate body temperature—even if it doesn’t actively cool.
Its stretchy, fitted design makes it easy to put on and remove, while the extra-deep corners ensure it stays snugly in place throughout the night. While a few testers noted that it can shift slightly with lots of tossing and turning, the majority liked its durability, comfort, and how easy it is to clean.
Serta Waterproof Heated Mattress Pad
WHAT WE LOVE:This GH Bedding Award -winner from Serta gently warms up your bed before you crawl under the sheets. It features a plush down-alternative top layer that cushions the internal wires, so you get cozy warmth without feeling anything underneath. And with 10 heat settings and dual controllers , each side of the bed can be adjusted separately,making it easy for partners to customize their ideal temperature.
WHAT TO KNOW:In our evaluations, analysts liked the straightforward controllers and how quickly the pad heated up the bed. “The heating works well and warms up evenly, making the bed much cozier on cold nights,” said one tester. The surface also felt smooth and lightly padded, and testers noted they couldn’t feel the wires at all while lying on it, although it didn't necessarily make the bed feel any softer. The mattress pad also includes a waterproof layer to help protect your mattress from spills or accidents, making it both comfortable and practical for everyday use.
How we test mattress pads
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been evaluating bedding and home products for over a century, combining the expertise of our analysts with rigorous Lab testing and real-world feedback from consumer testers. In recent years, we've evaluated more than 20 different mattress pads, collecting, 3,335 data points for analysis.
Our testers provided detailed feedback on a variety of characteristics, like comfort, whether they maintained a comfortable temperature at night, and if the pad was noisy or shifted around. Our scientists and engineers reviewed any claims from brands, including cooling features or organic certifications, in addition to evaluating the overall construction. Here are a few of the things we prioritize when comparing different mattress pads:
✔️Comfort:Our testers rate the mattress pad on how comfortable it feels to lie on.
✔️Mattress enhancement:We consider if—and how—the topper changes the feel of our tester's mattress, noting what type of beds they own.
✔️Ease of use:Testers share how easy (or difficult) it is to put the mattress pad on and take it off of their beds.
✔️Temperature:Each tester reports whether or not they maintained a comfortable body temperature while sleeping with the pad on their beds.
✔️Stay-in-place capabilities:Testers also score the pad on whether or not it shifts around or bunches up on the bed at night.
✔️Sound:To ensure each mattress pad is quiet and undetectable, our testers and experts rate them on whether it makes noise during use.
✔️Overall satisfaction:Finally, testers share whether they liked sleeping on the mattress pad, if they plan to continue using it, and any other insightful comments they'd like to share about their user experience.
What to look for when shopping for mattress pads
Before you jump into purchasing a mattress pad, here are some helpful things to consider to help guide your search.
✔️ Ease of setup:The make-or-break aspect for most of our mattress pad testers is whether or not the pad will stay in place at night. Look for a stretchy bottom band to help keep the mattress pad in place, and be sure to confirm that the depth is compatible with your mattress.
✔️ Washability:While most mattress pads are machine washable, some aren't, so make sure to check the care label to ensure it's easy to care for.
✔️ Waterproof:For those who want to avoid having a mattress protector and a mattress pad and are mainly concerned with potential stains or spills (rather than bed bugs or dust mites), choose a style with a waterproof inner layer. This way, your mattress has some level of protection, and you'll have a layer of cushioning between the waterproof layer and your sheets.
✔️ Fill material:The fill of your mattress pad largely impacts your sleep experience. For a plusher feel, look for fluffy options such as down, down alternative, or wool, as each has an airy quality and lofty texture for a cloud-like sleeping environment. Keep in mind that the fluffy fill is more likely to trap heat. Hot sleepers should look for thoroughly tested temperature-regulating, cooling technologies like Outlast and 37.5.
✔️ Cover material: Cotton covers are the most popular for their natural softness and breathability, while polyester or cotton-poly blends are often more durable (i.e., less likely to shrink), cost-friendly, and are great at moisture-wicking for those with night sweats. Lyocell/Tencel is another less frequently used fiber for covers, but is known for its cool-to-the-touch feel and moisture-wicking abilities.
✔️ Certifications: When browsing, you may see these common emblems and certifications. Here's what they mean:
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Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS):This organic certification verifies that the entire product and manufacturing process adheres to strict conditions. Note that GOTS only certifies fully organic products instead of components (e.g., an organic cotton cover).
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Responsible Down Standard (RDS):Most relevant for down toppers, this ensures the ducks and geese receive humane treatment.
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OEKO-TEX Standard 100 :This third-party certification ensures the product has been tested for any unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals.
Do mattress pads really work?
Yes, they're a great way to make your bed even more comfortable. A topper won't fix a saggy or misshapen mattress, but it can add a layer of support and comfort to extend the life of your mattress. Although not a true mattress protector, pads add a layer of defense against wear and tear, spills, and even allergens like pet dander and pollen.
For ultimate protection, we recommend layering a mattress pad over a full encasement protector. This will give you a thick, comfortable top layer and full protection against bed bugs, too.
What is the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper?
While both are additions to your mattress to make your bed more comfortable, mattress pads and toppers are actually different.
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Mattress padsgo on your mattress like a fitted sheet for a thinner layer of plush comfort that extends the life of your mattress.
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Mattress toppersare 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 bed, go with a mattress topper. Also note that if you have back pain (pregnancy-related or otherwise), a mattress topper is often a better choice, as it can offer more support than a thin pad.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and oversaw recent mattress pad testing. Wu has written several stories about bedding, from different mattress toppers to various types of sheets. Prior to joining GH, she earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.
Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor, and content creator with over 15 years of experience covering consumer products, including bedding. Under Wu's guidance, she used the most recent testing data to update this list of the best mattress pads.
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