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HSN Bedding Guide - Mattress Pads

How to Buy Mattress Pads

Mattress pads (also called mattress toppers) can look like a sheet, pad or small mattress and are used for a variety of reasons. Some mattress pads provide extra cushion and support for a more luxurious bedtime. Other, thinner mattress pads block dust mites, dirt, sweat, oil and stains from mattresses to keep them clean and extend their lifespan.

Before buying a mattress pad, know if you want it for extra cushion or extra protection. Then you can choose one with the best construction, thread count, fit and depth.

Mattress Pads for Protection

Thin pads used to protect mattresses will vary in thickness and construction. Many of these mattress pads are filled with cotton, are washable and do not repel liquids like vinyl mattress protectors. These protective mattress pads range in thickness. Some are quilted with heavy padding, while others are only a flat barrier between the fitted sheet and mattress.

Mattress Pads for Extra Support

Mattress pads can improve sleep quality by adding soft bulk to hard mattresses. They also come in a variety of thicknesses to provide the ultimate amount of cushion.

Natural and synthetic materials can be used to make options like:

Memory foam mattress pads – lightweight, thick foam that softens with heat and comfortably molds to your body. Memory foam is one of the most popular choices to make a bed more comfortable without buying a new mattress.

Cotton mattress pads – are soft and machine washable. They are usually very thin, quilted and built with elastic edging to keep the mattress pad in place.

Natural latex mattress pads – are durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and free of dust mites and mold. The latex is harvested from rubber trees. Natural latex mattress pads can last up to 20 years and synthetic latex can last even longer.

Wool mattress pads – extremely soft and naturally dust mite and mold resistant. Wool mattress pads absorb moisture from the body and acts as an insulator, so sleepers remain comfortable in both summer and winter temperatures.

Mattress Pad Thread Count

Just like sheets and comforters, thread count is the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric. It’s a sign of the quality, texture and durability of the mattress pad. Since higher thread counts mean tighter weaves, a mattress pad with a high thread count will keep the fill in and debris out.

Mattress Pad Fits

Mattress pads can be attached to your bed in multiple ways:

For instance, one king size pillow fits on a twin bed. If you prefer standard pillows, two fit on a queen bed and three fit on a king bed. Many luxury hotels pile four king pillows on their queen beds. The choice is really up to you.

Below are pillow dimensions and pillowcase information:

Anchor mattress pad – uses elastic bands to hug the mattress corners. This is the least secure fit.

Fitted mattress pad – looks like a fitted sheet. The top and the sides of the mattress are covered with elastic corners. The top is usually quilted.

Wrap mattress pad – the most secure fit. Elastic covers the top and sides all the way around the bottom. Even the sides are quilted for maximum padding and hold.

Mattress Pad Depth

What good is a mattress pad if it won’t fit on the bed? Measure your mattress first to see if the mattress pad is compatible. Sizes vary among manufacturers, but these are the average mattress and mattress pad sizes: