Most mattress pads are made with synthetic materials and toxic chemicals. Many don’t offer the kind of support they promise and some can actually sabotage your sleep. As part of the Leaf Score Guide to Non-Toxic Bedding, here are five important factors to consider when choosing a mattress pad.
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Mattress pads have a range of benefits for mattresses new and old. For one, a good quality mattress pad can extend the life of your mattress and give you a few more months or even years to save up for (and research!) your dream mattress.
If you’re in the market for a mattress pad, there are some important factors to consider before you buy. These include:
- Materials, i.e., what the pad is made of – including any chemicals of concern
- Size, shape, and fit
- Firmness, breathability, and other features
- Care and maintenance
- Certifications.
To help you find your perfect mattress pad, we look at all of these factors below, with links to more in-depth guidance where relevant.
#1 Mattress pad composition
A mattress pad is meant to make your mattress more comfortable. Whether it succeeds at doing this will largely depend on how it is made, i.e., the materials that go into the pad.
The two most common materials in non-toxic, organic mattress pads are wool and cotton. There are pros and cons to each, which we look at here.
It’s also wise to pay attention to any chemicals involved in manufacturing the mattress pad. After all, you don’t want to invest in a mattress pad only to find that it off-gases nasty chemicals that ruin your sleep.
To help you avoid any nasty surprises, we look at chemicals of concern and materials to avoid in mattress pads and protectors here.
#2 Mattress pads – Size, shape and fit
Mattress pads typically come in sizes to match standard mattress sizes. Some have a fitted design, while others use corner elastics to stay put on your mattress. Others are weighty enough to lie flat on your mattress without being secured.
Each style of pad has its benefits and drawbacks. For instance, a pad that sits on top of your mattress without anchors or sides can work well for an unusually deep mattress. It’s also much easier to remove when needed and is less bulky overall. The downside is that these ‘unfitted’ pads can move around if they don’t have a grippy underside or enough weight to stay put.
Elastic loops are a good choice for keeping pads in place without adding bulk. Fitted pads are usually best, though, for preventing pads from shifting even with vigorous activity. Check the depth of the pocket, though, to make sure it will fit your mattress (and account for some shrinkage with the first couple of washes).
We cover this topic in more depth as it applies to mattress protectors here, and much of the same advice holds true for pads.
#3 Mattress pads – Firmness, breathability, and more
Different kinds of mattress pads offer different kinds of performance. Some are super plush and thick while others can actually help firm up an overly soft sleep surface. Most of this hinges on the materials in the pad as well as the quantity of those materials and the overall design.
For instance, stitching and quilting can make the difference between a mattress pad that gets lumpy and uncomfortable after one wash and one that stays in shape for many years. What you want to look for, especially with thicker pads with wool or cotton filling, are rows of stitched circles or boxes along the full width and length of the pad. These help to keep fill in place for a smoother sleep surface.
Mattress pad materials also impact their breathability as well as their ability to wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry while you sleep.
The nice thing about organic mattress pads is that these aren’t sweaty like polyester. That said, wool is much better for thermoregulation and is a top choice for sleepers who tend towards being too hot or too cold rather than just right.
Mattress pad breathability is especially important to consider if you live somewhere hot and humid. In these locations, mold and mildew are a greater concern than in areas that are dry and cool. For hot, humid climates, favor wool (or even a thin latex pad) over cotton.
#4 Care and maintenance of mattress pads
Mattress pads are best used on top of a mattress and underneath a mattress protector.
Using a mattress protector alongside your mattress pad means that you don’t have to wash the pad too often. This helps to extend the pad’s usable life and can save energy, water, time, and wear and tear on your washing machine.
Note, too, that some pads aren’t machine washable, while others require a bigger machine than you might have at home.
Understanding basic care and maintenance for mattress pads can go a long way in helping to keep your pad in good shape for longer. This means it will keep providing comfort and won’t need replacing so soon. Proper care and maintenance of your pad also means fewer resources consumed overall, making your pad even more eco-friendly.
If in doubt, it’s best to follow the care instructions that come with your mattress pad, or to contact the company for guidance. We also offer more information on care and maintenance of mattress pads here.
#5 Certifications
As with all non-toxic, sustainable bedding, there are certain green certifications I like to see on any product I recommend. These include genuine organic certification and seals showing that the product is free from harmful chemicals.
We look at the most important green certifications for pads and protectors here.
Final thoughts on factors to consider when choosing a mattress pad
Mattress pads can be pricey. And there are many different types of mattress pad to choose between. What works for you may not work for your kids, friends, family, or that co-worker who knows better than everyone else.
Figuring out the right kind of mattress pad can take time. You may even want to give a few a test run before deciding. In which case, it’s a good idea to pay attention to return policies as most open bedding isn’t returnable in the U.S. for hygiene reasons.
Note, though, that while a synthetic mattress pad is likely cheaper than one made with certified organic natural materials, there’s a strong chance the synthetic pad will have a much shorter life and feel less comfortable than the more sustainable option. Overall, a longer-lasting, higher performance natural mattress pad offers better bang for your buck.
Now you’re familiar with factors to consider when choosing a new mattress pad, check out our top choices for non-toxic, organic mattress pads.
FAQs
Mattress pads can last for many years and often come with a longer warranty than a mattress protector (but a shorter warranty than a mattress). Pads degrade faster than many mattresses mostly because they are washed and dried.
Mattress pads also absorb sweat, other bodily fluids, and anything else that gets thrown at a mattress (unless you use a mattress protector).
Unlike mattress pads made with synthetic materials like polyester, spandex, and microfiber fills, natural mattress pads perform better and last longer. Both wool and cotton pads will settle and flatten over time, but you can often fluff these up again by hand or in a dryer on low. Wool is especially resilient and tends to last longer than other kinds of bedding.
Typically, then, a mattress pad will last until it is irrevocably soiled, seriously torn or worn, or if some other fate befalls it (such as serious infestation). You could easily get a decade or more of use out of a natural mattress pad before it needs replacing.
Another lovely thing about non-toxic mattress pads is that (where sanitary) you can upcycle, downcycle, or recycle the contents. For anything that’s not usable, don’t worry: organic cotton and wool are entirely biodegradable. You could even use an old mattress pad in your garden as frost cover or a weed barrier (again, where sanitary).