The Best Mattress Pads and How to Clean Them
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Our Picks For The Top Mattress Pads
- 1. Utopia Bedding Ultra Soft Breathable Mattress Pad
- 2. EASELAND Easy Clean Noiseless Mattress Pad
- 3. oaskys Skin-Friendly Fluffy Mattress Pad Cover
- 4. MATBEBY Microfiber Cooling Mattress Pad
- 5. LEISURE TOWN Cloud-Like Fitted Mattress Pad Cover
- 6. AmazonBasics Knitted Lightweight Mattress Topper
- 7. TEXARTIST Breathable Deep Pocket Mattress Pad
- 8. Taupiri Microfiber Machine Washable Mattress Pad
- 9. The Duck & Goose Co Overfilled Queen Mattress Pad Topper
- 10. EMONIA Queen Pillow Top Fitted Mattress Pad
- 11. Bedsure Shrink-Resistant Quilted Mattress Pad
- 12. Hanna Kay Hypoallergenic Quilted Mattress Pad
- 13. Hospitology Products Microfiber Quilted Mattress Pad
- 14. Edilly Bamboo CertiPUR-US Certified Mattress Pad Cover
This wallet-friendly pick will upgrade your current mattress for less. It stretches to fit deeper mattresses and the quilted construction is built to last. Polyester filling makes this pad more breathable, too.
Economical ComfortThis quilted mattress pad is a budget-friendly way to make your mattress more comfortable.
Sleep comfortably on this mattress pad that has a 100% cotton surface. It absorbs sweat so you sleep cool. The down alternative adds softness to any firm mattress.
Skin SensitiveFilled with a down alternative filling, this mattress pad is breathable and gentle on your skin.
Add a layer of softness to your mattress with this fluffy mattress pad. It fits mattresses with a thickness of up to 21 inches and is made using 100% cotton. You can count on the pad staying in place, as it features both a 360-degree elastic skirt and four non-slip anchor bands.
Improve Your SleepYou'll find this mattress pad comes in a choice of white or gray.
If your mattress feels a bit hard or lumpy, top it with this queen mattress pad. The pad can be used with mattresses that have a thickness of up to 21 inches, which means deep pockets are no problem. Thanks to the newly designed microfiber filling, the pad is also resilient, and breathable and machine washable.
Luxe FeelThis quilted fitted queen mattress pad is both soft and supportive.
Buying Guide
A nice cushy mattress makes it easy to relax at the end of a long day — but the price tag on mattresses with built-in toppers can spike your stress levels. Luckily, you don’t have to buy a pricey luxury mattress to enjoy that cloud-like feel. Mattress pads can help you rest easier for a fraction of the cost of replacing your current mattress.
Mattress pads come in a variety of fabrics. Cotton, polyester and cotton-poly blends are the most common options. Cotton mattress pads are very breathable but might absorb stains or shrink in the wash. Polyester is a tough fabric that won’t shrink or tear as easily as other options. It also dries quickly for easier cleaning. Cotton-poly blends combine the breathability of cotton with the sturdiness of polyester. You might also see microfiber mattress pads. These pads are super soft, lightweight and quick-drying.
MORE: The Best Mattress Protector
Mattress pads also use a variety of filler materials. Natural fillers like down are lightweight and warm, but they’re also expensive and difficult to care for. Plush polyester gives a similar feel without the added cost or tricky care instructions that come with natural fillers. Most synthetic fillers are also hypoallergenic, so they’re great for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
Your mattress pad’s stitching can affect how comfortable it is. Without solid stitching, your mattress pad’s filler can clump up in one section. Box stitching will add some much-needed stability to your mattress pad, preventing uncomfortable lumps.
MORE: The Best Mattress Cleaner and Sprays
Now that you’ve got your mattress pad basics down, check out our Tips & Advice to help you make your final decision.
What to Look For
- Your mattress pad won’t be very useful if it doesn’t fit over your bed. Carefully measure your mattress’s length, width and depth and compare those measurements to the pad’s measurements before you buy. Relying on the classic twin, full, queen and king designations might not help if you have a very deep mattress that needs extra coverage.
- You’ll want to clean your mattress pad regularly to keep dust mites and allergens at bay. Read your mattress pad’s care instructions before you throw it in the washing machine — some pads need to be washed and dried at lower temperatures to maintain their shape.
- If you have a deeper mattress, consider purchasing some elastic straps to fit around the corners of your mattress pad. These will help it stay in place, especially when you’re removing and replacing your bedsheets.
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Here’s how often you really need to wash your mattress pad
Experts recommend just a few times each year.
“It’s only necessary to wash your mattress pad several times per year,” says Carolyn Forte, director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Sheets generally take more wear and tear than a mattress pad which is why they are washed more often.”
The Sleep Foundation concurs, stating that two to three times per year is adequate. However, they add that you can vacuum your mattress pad when you wash your bedding to remove dust particles and other debris.
How to Clean a Mattress Pad
So what is the best way to clean your mattress pad? The answer largely depends on the type of pad you have. The best solution is to read and follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions, typically listed on a tag.
Generally, it is safe to wash a mattress pad in cool or warm water with a mild detergent. Tumble dry on the lowest setting. You can use dryer balls to help the pad stay fluffy.
Alternatively, hang the pad out on a clothesline or an indoor clothes drying rack. If your mattress pad has vinyl backing, this is probably the best option to avoid melting or damaging the vinyl in the dryer.
If you have a foam mattress pad, it may not be safe to toss it in the washing machine.
“Your best bet is to spot clean them,” green-cleaning expert Leslie Reichert told “Today.”
First, vacuum both sides of the pad. Next, use an enzyme-based cleaner or equal parts water, distilled white vinegar and lemon juice to scrub any stains. Then, rinse with a clean sponge in cool water and blot dry. You can clean an egg crate mattress topper the same way.
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