Do you need a mattress pad?

Comfort, support, and breathability: These aren't just important things to consider when shopping for the best mattress. They're also perks you can get with a great mattress pad. If you're already shopping for a mattress, we strongly suggest getting a pad, too. Once you try a mattress pad, you'll never go back.

If you're wondering whether buying a mattress pad is worth it, here's everything to know.

Do you need a mattress pad?

Mattress pads add an extra layer of comfort between you and your mattress -- but that's not all they do. There are a number of reasons to consider purchasing a mattress pad, from increased breathability to an extended lifespan for your luxurious mattress. 

The trick is to find the right one.

What's the difference between mattress pad and a mattress protector?

Shopping for a mattress pad can be confusing, because some companies and advertisers use terms like mattress pad, topper (a thicker version of a mattress pad), and mattress protector interchangeably. 

If you just need a bit of extra plushness to fall asleep fast at the end of the night, a mattress pad may be what you're missing. Mattress pads sit atop your mattress but beneath the sheets. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials: You can find latex, memory foam, and natural wool varieties out there. Cotton mattress pads, like the highly rated and organic Avocado mattress pad protector, are also an option and provide an especially soft, breathable sleep experience.

If you have a mattress topper or mattress protector, those go on top of the pad as well. A mattress protector does as its name implies: Its main purpose is to protect your old or new mattress from stains, dust mites, bacteria and other allergens. They come in a few different varieties: zippered mattress protectors that fully encase your mattress, fitted protectors that cling to the top and sides of your mattress (same as a fitted sheet), or anchor protectors that are held in place by elastic bands.

The benefits of a mattress pad

A mattress pad can be a smart investment for a number of reasons. Here are some obvious and not-so-obvious benefits of enhancing your bed setup with a mattress pad: 

• Added comfort: Let's start with the obvious. Mattress toppers can add a layer of plushness to your bed. Worried that your new firm mattress is, well, too firm? A mattress pad can give you the perfect middle ground. If you're already scouring the market for a new mattress, consider pairing a CBS Essentials fave, the Plank firm mattress (currently marked down 25% with promo code PRESDAY25), with a memory foam or cotton mattress pad for a "best of both worlds" kind of sleep.
  

• Allergy relief: In 2017, NIH researchers found one or more allergen at elevated levels in more than 70 percent of bedrooms across the US. Included on this allergen list, alongside pets and pest activity, are dust mites, which can easily take up residence in your mattress. A removable and hypoallergenic mattress pad that gets cleaned every few months can reduce your exposure to these and other allergens from dirt, dust, dead skin, and other debris.
• Waterproofing: Another advantage to a good mattress pad is the protection it offers against one of your mattress's biggest foes: spills and stains. Most (but not all) mattress pads contain a waterproof top layer; look for "waterproof" or "water resistant" tags when shopping for mattress pads. A good waterproof pad can function as a mattress protector as well, for anyone that wants the benefits of both without making two separate purchases.
• Extended mattress life: A plush mattress pad can slow the natural wear and tear of your mattress, extending its lifespan. The more comfort barriers between you and your mattress, the longer you'll go before needing to replace it due to warping or sinking.

How to find the right mattress pad for your bed

How do you know what's right for you? If the task of narrowing down the selection of mattress pads to find what works best for you is too daunting, here are some tips to help you shop.

• Choose the right material. If you tend to sleep hot regardless of what time of year it is, consider natural materials that are highly breathable like cotton or wool. These can help with your body's temperature regulation.
• Know what kind of support you want. Natural materials like cotton tend to be thinner than synthetic materials like memory foam. If you want to add a touch of pressure relief to your sleep experience, go with something firm and cushiony like the Saatva high-density foam mattress topper.