Selecting a Mattress Pad

If a mattress pad is labeled a wrap pad, it means that the pad covers both the top and sides of the mattress, secured by elastic. Mattress pads labeled fitted also goes over the sides and top but it’s more like a sheet with elastic only on the corners. Finally, and the least secure of the mattress pad styles, is an anchor pad that only goes over the top with elastic bands on the corners.

With terminology out of the way, you can examine potential mattress pads for their thread counts. You want at least 200 for durability. Also, it doesn’t hurt to measure your mattress before you shop. You’ll need a larger pad if your bed has a pillow top, for example, or if it has extra deep sides.

Let’s talk materials.

Wool is naturally resistant to dust mites and moisture resistant, silk absorbs moisture quickly but requires dry cleaning, wool latex blends are built to last but very expensive, cotton and polyester is soft and washable but not usually as thick as other pads, and fleece is also soft but compresses over time.

Foam is a good choice because it stays relatively cool and they distribute weight well. Memory foam, however, holds heat. Nonetheless, memory foam helps people who suffer from back or neck pain.

Generally speaking the thicker the mattress pad, the better. The primary function of a pad is to protect the mattress and prevent moisture from entering it. Secondarily, pads offer back support, and a thick mattress pad is more comfortable.

Finally a lot of mattress pads come with anti-bacterial qualities or are hypoallergenic for people with allergies. Mattress pads with these features cost more, but are worth the extra money because they’re natural and chemical free.