How to Choose a Mattress Pad
- 1). Measure the height of your mattress. Place a piece of cardboard between the mattress and the box spring. Place another piece of cardboard on top of the mattress. (For pillow-top beds, place the cardboard on top of the pillow-top.) With a measuring tape, measure the distance between the two pieces of cardboard.
- 2). Determine your budget. Mattress pads can range in price from as little as $15 to as much as $1800. If you've purchased a less expensive bed, or your bed is old, you might want to invest in a high-quality mattress pad to add more comfort to your bed.
- 3). Look at different types of pads. The simplest type of mattress pad is the anchor style, which only covers the top of the mattress and is held in place with an elastic band at each corner. Pillow-top mattress pads add an additional layer of comfort to your mattress. Memory foam pads provide firm support while conforming to your body shape. Convoluted--also known as egg crate--pads made of high-density dimpled foam help distribute body weight. Some mattress pads are heated and offer an alternative to electric blankets.
- 4). Decide which fit is best for your size mattress. Some mattress pads features sides made of stretchy fabric that should fit any mattress up to 24". A fitted pad will cover the the mattress like a fitted sheet with elastic in all four corners. This will fit most standard-size mattresses, but may not fit an overly deep mattress. The anchor pad with exposed elastic bands offers the most generous fit.
- 5). Decide which material is best for your needs. If someone in your family has allergy problems, you can choose a mattress pad made with anti-microbial cotton. These pads usually have higher thread counts to protect you from dust mites and other allergens. Higher thread count is another consideration for comfort, as this creates smoother, softer fabric. If you're concerned about waterproofing your mattress, some pads have a polyurethane backing that repels liquid.
