Our favorite mattress pad on the market right now is the EMONIA Pillow Top Fitted Mattress Pad, which is quiet and comfortable. Our favorite mattress protector is the LINENSPA Zippered Waterproof Mattress Protector, which fully encases your bed to protect it.
While mattress pads offer a bit of protection for your mattress, they exist more to provide additional comfort for your bed. Mattress protectors, on the other hand, are usually waterproof and their main purpose is protection against bed bugs, spills, and other damaging factors.
We’ll start by covering a few of the best options for each below, and then go into detail about the key differences between them after that.
The 3 Best Mattress Pads
In order to save you time, we’ve scoured the internet to find the three best mattress pads available on the market right now, each one suited to a specific need.
#1 The Best Hypoallergenic Pick- The LEISURE TOWN Mattress Pad
Last update on 2024-04-15 at 00:13 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Convenient packaging
- Super soft feel
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine washable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not as cool as other pads
The LEISURE TOWN Mattress Pad is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. It uses down alternative filling, which feels similar to goose down without the poking feel of feathers or the risk of irritating those with feather allergies. In addition, it protects your mattress from dust mites and other irritants.
The LEISURE TOWN Mattress Pad is ultra soft. Made with 100 percent cotton, it provides superior comfort without overheating as much as other materials. Keep in mind that some users reported it’s not especially cooling either, though.
Although the LEISURE TOWN Mattress Pad is slightly water resistant (meaning you can mop up spills fast), it’s not fully water resistant, as it doesn’t have a membrane backing.
This product is machine washable and easy to maintain. It comes in a vacuum bag and should be spread out for a few days to fully expand. Alternatively, you can machine wash and tumble dry it to speed up the expansion process. LEISURE TOWN offers a money back guarantee, in case you aren’t fully satisfied.
#2 Best Cooling Option- The Oaskys Mattress Pad
Last update on 2024-04-15 at 00:13 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Breathable and cool
- Dust mite-resistant
- Machine washable
- Soft material
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not as thick as it looks
The oaskys Mattress Pad is made with 100 percent cotton and has a breathable design that will help you rest at a comfortable sleep temperature. It uses hypoallergenic, poly-cotton filling which feels similar to feathers or down but costs less. The oaskys Mattress Pad uses diamond stitching, which helps keep the filling in place.
This product is easy to care for, as it can be machine washed and tumble dried. Make sure you wash and dry the mattress pad on the lowest possible temperature and never bleach or iron it. Using low heat will prevent the pad from shrinking and help it stay intact for longer.
The oaskys Mattress Pad comes in a vacuum bag and should be spread out for a few days to return to its original shape. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can contact the manufacturer and apply to return it.
#3 Best Luxury Option- The EMONIA Pillow Top Fitted Mattress Pad
Last update on 2024-02-19 at 14:05 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Soft and comfortable
- Doesn’t make noise
- Machine washable
What We Didn’t Like:
- May go flat quickly
The EMONIA Pillow Top Fitted Mattress Pad is our favorite luxury pick because it uses down alternative to create a soft, plush filling. Note that it’s a mattress pad, which doesn’t provide plush cradling like a thicker mattress topper would. Even so, it does provide some extra softness for your bed. The surface of this mattress pad is 100 percent cotton, making it breathable.
The EMONIA Pillow Top Fitted Mattress Pad stays in place and won’t make noise when you move around on it. It can be machine washed and tumble dried and has a hypoallergenic, dust mite-resistant, and antimicrobial design. You can apply to return this mattress pad for any reason, but contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.
The 3 Best Mattress Protectors
A mattress protector will help keep your bed protected from liquids, stains, dust mites, and other allergens. Below are our top three picks:
#1 Best Quiet Option- The LINENSPA Zippered Waterproof Mattress Protector
Last update on 2024-02-19 at 14:05 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Machine washable
- Doesn’t make noise
- Dust mite-resistant
- Affordable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Noticeable plastic feel
The LINENSPA Zippered Waterproof Mattress Protector is a thin, quiet barrier against liquids and spills. The machine washable protector zips closed and protects all sides of the mattress not just from fluids and allergens like dust mites. Some users reported that it doesn’t feel much like fabric and has a plastic feel to it.
The product is machine washable and could provide your bed with protection against bed bugs. The zipper is sturdy and works well and the encasement stays in place on your bed. The LINENSPA Zippered Waterproof Mattress Protector comes with a 10-year warranty.
#2 Best Polyester Option- The AmazonBasics Fully-Encased Waterproof Mattress Protector
Last update on 2024-02-19 at 14:05 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Soft polyester fabric
- Protects the whole mattress
- Durable materials
- Dust mite-resistant
What We Didn’t Like:
- Makes a slight noise
The AmazonBasics Fully-Encased Waterproof Mattress Protector is made from 100 percent polyester knitted fabric. It has a full zipper closure on each side and, as a result, protects your mattress from dust mites and bed bugs.
The AmazonBasics Mattress Protector also protects your bed against liquid spills and is a good choice for people with incontinence issues or kids.
This protector is easy to put on and take off and stays in place instead of sliding around. While it isn’t extremely noisy, it does make a slight sound when you move around on it, according to user reviews. The AmazonBasics Fully-Encased Waterproof Mattress Protector comes with a one-year warranty.
#3 Best Budget Pick- The SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector
Last update on 2024-04-14 at 13:27 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- 10-year warranty
- Machine washable
- Affordable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Might be noisy
The SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector has an affordable price for budget shoppers. It’s made with a hypoallergenic cotton surface and a waterproof membrane back coating. This mattress protector helps keep your bed safe from bacteria, allergens, fluids, and dust mites. It’s designed to slip over your mattress without impacting how your bed feels.
The SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector can be used with all mattress types, including latex, innerspring, and memory foam beds. It’s machine washable but shouldn’t be ironed, bleached, or dried on high heat. The SafeRest Protector comes in a tightly folded package. When you order this protector, wash it first to open up the fabric loops, which you’ll use to attach it to your bed. Note that users said that this mattress protector isn’t silent and does make some crinkling noises. It comes with a 10-year warranty.
What’s the Difference Between a Mattress Pad and a Protector?
Before you decide whether to opt for a mattress pad or mattress protector, it’s essential that you fully understand the difference between the two. Below, we’ll go into detail about each, so you can get a clearer picture.
Mattress Pads
A mattress pad goes on your mattress to add some comfort to your bed. It usually lays between your bedding and mattress and covers just the surface. While a new mattress will usually feel comfortable immediately and not require additional padding, a mattress pad could make a firm bed feel a little plusher. Mattress pads also often come with hypoallergenic and waterproof properties which are additional reasons to consider one.
Mattress Pad Benefits
Should you opt for a mattress pad instead of a mattress protector? Let’s look at some of the advantages of this:
- Additional comfort: A mattress pad could be a good idea for you if you need some extra comfort on your bed. Maybe you bought a mattress that ended up being slightly firmer than you anticipated. A mattress pad could provide a little extra softness and make your bed just right.
- You can’t afford a new bed yet: You might have a mattress that’s on its last leg and needs replacing soon. But mattresses are expensive and, if you can’t afford one just yet, a mattress pad could help you make your bed a little more comfortable in the meantime.
- Your mattress protector is noisy: If you’re using a mattress protector with membrane backing and it makes crinkling noises (which is fairly common), you might want to add a mattress pad to your bed. Using a mattress pad on top of the protector could help muffle the noise while still ensuring you get the waterproofing benefits the protector provides.
Mattress pads tend to cost more than protectors since they usually have more filling. If you want to add a mattress pad to your bed specifically for comfort reasons, try to find one that has a thick design. Also read user reviews to determine that the pad actually has a plush feel, because some of them have only a small amount of filling.
Mattress Protectors
You can probably guess what mattress protectors do by their name: they’re designed to protect your bed. Mattress protectors come with a number of benefits and most of them involve preventing stains or damage to your mattress. They come in a wide range of prices but usually cost around $20 to $30.
Mattress Protector Benefits
How does a mattress protector benefit you? Let’s look at a few of the advantages of adding this product to your existing bed:
- Waterproof protection: When you get a new mattress, the warranty might state that the manufacturer policy will be voided if there’s water damage or other staining on the bed. This is just one reason to keep your mattress stain-free with a mattress protector. Even if you’re a generally clean person, it’s a bit of extra insurance and peace of mind.
- Shields your bed from allergens: A mattress protector gives your bed a barrier against allergens like dust mites. In addition, it can help prevent dead skin cells and mold from collecting in your bed, which can cause it to break down faster. Not only will a protector help your mattress last longer, but it will make your bed a safer place to rest.
- Bed bug protection: Bed bugs are a terrible pest to have and extremely difficult to get rid of. Using a mattress protector could keep your mattress protected from these tiny insects, although they won’t get rid of them.
Some mattress protectors have a bit of additional quilting that provides some extra comfort. Keep in mind, though, that mattress protectors are designed to provide a barrier against damaging elements and not to be comfortable. If you’re looking for something to make your bed more comfortable, you’d be better off going with a mattress pad or topper.
Final Verdict
Mattress protectors exist to protect your bed against allergens, liquids, and stains. They can also help protect it against bed bugs, dust mites, and bacteria. Mattress pads can give your bed a little extra comfort and protection, although they won’t be as protective as a waterproof mattress protector.
Our favorite mattress protector is the LINENSPA Zippered Waterproof Mattress Protector. This option protects all six sides of your bed and is easy to put on and take off.
