The Best Mattress Pads of 2026

Not everyone thinks of a mattress pad as a bedroom essential, but these simple coverings can noticeably improve how a bed feels. If a mattress is too firm or slightly worn, a quality pad offers an easy, cost-effective upgrade without replacing it.

Available in a wide range of materials, mattress pads can provide benefits like cooling, added softness, or gentle contouring. Many also add an extra layer of protection against spills, stains, sweat, dust mites, and allergens. While the right choice depends on your sleep preferences, the following picks highlight some of the best mattress protectors for improving comfort and overall sleep quality.

Shoppers can enjoy ultimate comfort as well as protection with the ViscoSoft bamboo mattress pad. This thick and plush top pick is made with a 750 GSM (a thread count measurement) pearl fiberfill pillow top plus moisture-wicking bamboo-rayon fabric for a comfortable, cool sleep. Made to fit twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, or California king mattresses up to 18 inches thick, it relies on a sturdy elastic to keep it in place. It’s also completely machine washable and allergen-resistant.

Get the ViscoSoft mattress pad at Amazon or ViscoSoft, starting at $39.96.

Those needing a basic cover to protect a mattress from dust mites and bed bugs while adding a nice layer of extra plush comfort might want to take a look at the affordable Amazon Basics hypoallergenic quilted mattress topper. This simple, straightforward mattress pad is made with hypoallergenic cotton and polyester and comes in six sizes to fit a given user’s current mattress. This option can fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick, has a lightweight feel, and is an easy-care, machine-washable choice.

Get the Amazon Basics mattress pad at Amazon, starting at $18.52.

Add superior support, comfort, and cushioning to a past-its-prime mattress with this 1.5-inch mattress pad from Mellow. It features textured memory foam with five support zones designed to relieve pressure in the back, hips, and shoulders. The textured design also promotes airflow to reduce heat buildup, helping create a cooler, more relaxing sleep surface. Because this pad isn’t machine washable, pairing it with a thin, washable mattress protector is recommended.

Get the Mellow mattress pad (various sizes) at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Target, starting at $21.69.

Put cooling power to work with the Leisure Town cooling mattress pad, which uses the brand’s HNN Cooling Technology to help prevent heat buildup during sleep. The down-alternative fiberfill promotes breathability, while the 100 percent cotton surface adds smooth, comfortable coverage. Designed for easy care, this pick is machine washable and also offers light moisture resistance when spills are wiped up promptly. With a thickness of 3.94 inches, it comes in eight sizes to fit mattresses up to 21 inches deep.

Get the Leisure Town mattress pad at Amazon.

Whether you have pets, young children, or simply enjoy breakfast in bed, this SafeRest mattress protector is built to safeguard your mattress from everyday messes. Its waterproof membrane creates a reliable barrier against spills, bodily fluids, and other accidents, and it’s even available in a crib size for newborns and toddlers. Despite its durable construction, the cotton terry surface remains lightweight and breathable to help prevent heat buildup. The protector is also machine washable for easy care.

Get the SafeRest mattress pad at Amazon. 

Shoppers can support environmentally responsible manufacturing while protecting their mattress with the Whisper Organics 100 percent organic cotton mattress pad. It carries Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, meeting strict social and environmental criteria, comes in a range of sizes, and fits mattresses up to 17 inches deep. Naturally breathable and well suited for hot sleepers, this pad is also machine washable for easy care. Just keep in mind that it’s on the thinner side, making it better for protection than added comfort.

Get the Whisper Organics mattress pad at Amazon or Whisper Organics, starting at $125.99.

Side sleepers wanting extra support for their shoulders, back, and hips may want to check out this Utopia Bedding mattress pad. The quilted design uses generous fiberfill to create added loft, providing targeted cushioning where side sleepers need it most. Plus, its “smooth grip system” wraps fully around the mattress, helping the pad stay securely in place like a fitted sheet. Despite the added padding, the pad remains lightweight and breathable, making it a good option for hot sleepers and couples. It’s machine washable for easy care and available in a wide range of sizes and multi-pack quantities.

Get the Utopia Bedding mattress pad at Amazon or Target, starting at $16.61.

Available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, queen upper-flex, king, California king, split king, and king upper-flex, Saatva’s organic mattress pad accommodates standard and adjustable beds alike. This GOTS-certified pad is made from organic cotton with a 300 thread count, offering light plush cushioning for added comfort while effectively wicking away moisture. It also features spandex side panels and a silicone-elastic band to help keep it securely in place, which makes it a solid choice for restless sleepers.

Get the Saatva mattress pad at Saatva.

 

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