This $24 Mattress Pad Is Perfect for Upgrading Your Bed on a Budget (2024)

Soft and substantial, this cushiony mattress pad helps provide plush comfort along with year-round temperature regulation. 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 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. But while 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.

This mattress pad from Bedsure is comfortable and durable at a lower price point — a relief when almost all quality bedding seems to cost a ton. Not only has it received ample praise from our testers, but it also boasts more than 20,000 reviews on Amazon with an average of 4.6 stars. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of sizes, including a dorm-room-friendly Twin XL and a rare RV King.

Testers were unanimously impressed from the start, calling the construction “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 take note that some testers wished it was a little thicker and more padded for extra support.

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.

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. Note that this pad is still being tested for shrinkage, but 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.

With over 100,000 reviews on Amazon, this quilted mattress pad comes with high praise from online reviewers for adding comfort to their beds. It’s made from polyester microfiber fabric with a polyester fiber fill top layer (a.k.a. down alternative) for a little softness. Additionally, the elasticized skirt accommodates mattresses up to 16 inches deep.

While we haven't tested this one quite yet, it's already earned five-star ratings from nearly 90,000 users. In fact, one reviewer says, "I already love my bed, so I wasn’t trying to solve a problem with this. So I was pleasantly surprised at how much [more comfortable] my bed felt, and I’m sleeping even better." The only things to note: If you're looking for a waterproof mattress pad, this one won't fit the bill, and hot sleepers might find it too warm.

If you're a hot sleeper or find yourself running hot on your mattress, a cooling mattress pad may be the perfect fix. This mattress pad from Sijo is soft yet discreet: it’s comfortable but won’t drastically change the feel of your bed. On top of that, it has a waterproof inner layer to block spills and uses temperature-regulating fiber fill.

Our testers were immediately impressed by the quality construction and smooth fabric, highlighting the “soft feel.” Plus, it didn’t disappoint, keeping testers at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. One tester shared, “I sleep on my back, and have hot flashes a lot. I felt when I was having a hot flash it helped my back stay cooler [and] not as sweaty.” Just remember that this pad isn't as thick and plush as some of our other picks.

One of the most popular online bedding brands available, Parachute is known for its quality sheets and pillows (including one of our best down pillows). This down mattress pad features a generous 550 fill power for a light, plush feel. It's topped with a sateen cotton shell that’s double stitched around the fluffy down, so you can trust the fill won't poke through.

The lofty down also provides indulgent comfort, resulting in a fluffy feel that our testers likened to sleeping on a cloud. The material is 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.

While most mattress pads are made of a cotton shell with either down or polyester fill, this one from Coyuchi is made entirely of GOTS-certified organic cotton, so you can trust that the entire production process is organic, not just the growing of the cotton. The all-cotton construction allows for excellent breathability, and, although it's not waterproof, cotton is highly absorbent, so the pad will still provide some protection from stains and spills.

When testing it out at home, one of our experts commented, "It is beautifully made and has great weight to it." Other consumer testers agreed, highlighting the quality construction and giving it perfect scores for being comfortable and quiet. The only thing to be wary of is that it's heavy, making laundry day a little more challenging.

Side sleepers often need a softer surface for optimal alignment and a pillow-top does just that. This pillow-top pad from Riley provides a plush, cushioning surface to improve the feel of a slightly-too-firm mattress. The lofty, substantial pad is a step above other polyester-filled pads we’ve tested and offers cloud-like comfort. Under the fiber fill, there’s a waterproof inner layer for a little extra protection, and all layers are encased in a soft cotton cover.

There’s no denying this thick pad offers a softer surface for sleeping, and our testers agree. One even said, “The first time I lay down on it I thought 'Wow,' because the mattress was still firm but also plush and more cozy.” Plus, testers were impressed by the helpful label on the bottom right corner for easy bed-making, how well it stayed on their beds and the “luxurious” outer cotton. However, one tester noted she overheated more with the pad, as the thick layer kept her cooling mattress from alleviating her night sweats.

During cold winter nights, a heated mattress pad might just so the trick, especially if you'd prefer heat from below rather than above (i.e., from an electric blanket or cozy comforter). This option from Sunbeam was the top performer in our test and comes with 12 different heat settings and an automatic shutoff function after 12 hours.

It not only earned high marks for reaching a high temperature (above 79 degrees F) quickly but also maintained the heat level well. Testers appreciated the dual controls for larger queen and king beds but noted that the button control wasn't as easy to use as a dial. Take note that many commented that the cotton and polyester top wasn't as soft as they'd hoped, and some noted they could feel the wires, so be sure to layer on some thick soft sheets for comfort.

Even the best diapers leak every once in a while. For easy clean-up, opt for a waterproof mattress pad for your little one’s crib mattress. This one has a quilted polyester top for a cushiony, comfortable feel with a waterproof vinyl pad to keep the crib mattress protected. Plus, it’ll fit crib mattresses up to 6 inches deep.

With over 6,000 reviews and a high 4.8-star average rating, this is definitely one to consider. Online reviewers especially like how it doesn't feel crinkly or loud and is easy to put on and take off — even in the middle of the night — for quick removal when you need it. Just note to wash according to the care label as some reviewers noted the pad shrank more than they expected.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been evaluating bedding and home products for over a century, relying on the knowledge and research of our expert analysts along with our in-Lab tests and consumer testers. In recent years, we've worked with over 60 consumer testers to evaluate more than 15 different mattress pads, collecting over 500 data points for analysis.

Our testers provided detailed feedback on a variety of aspects, including overall comfort, ease of setup and whether they maintained a comfortable temperature at night. Plus, our scientists and engineers reviewed any claims from brands, including cooling features or organic certifications, in addition to evaluating 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 user reports whether or not they maintained a comfortable body temperature while sleeping with the pad on their beds.

✔️ Stay-in-place capabilities: Reviews also score the pad on whether or not it shifts around or bunches up on the bed during use.

✔️ 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.

Before you jump into purchasing your next mattress pad, here are some helpful things to consider to help narrow down 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 your mattress pad in place and make sure to check 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. But note 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 common, 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:

Yes, they're a great way to make your bed even more comfy! 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

While both are additions to your mattress to make your bed more comfortable, mattress pads and toppers are actually different.

• Mattress pads go on your mattress like a fitted sheet for a thinner layer of plush comfort that extends the life of your mattress.
• Mattress toppers are 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.

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.

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst and originally wrote this story. She’s been at Good Housekeeping for over four years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for all types of bedding, including pillows and mattress toppers, and has written stories on the best cooling mattress pads and toppers. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience and product quality assessment expertise.

Grace Wu most recently updated this story. She's a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and oversaw recent mattress pad testing. Grace has written several stories about bedding, from different mattress toppers to various types of sheets. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.