The Best Mattresses of 2023

Night after night of sleeping on a mattress can lead to significant wear and tear—not just in terms of its support or comfort. If you desire to keep your sleep surface in as pristine condition as possible after placing it on the bed frame, a mattress protector can come to the rescue. Acting as a barrier against frequent mattress wear, such as stains and odors, a mattress protector is an excellent method to preserve your mattress. Moreover, it can add an extra layer of comfort to your mattress, making it a stellar supplementary investment for your bed.

To aid you in finding a mattress protector that is protective, durable, and sufficiently comfortable, I conducted thorough testing. I meticulously examined and rated over a dozen mattress protectors in the lab, assessing various aspects ranging from comfort and texture to quality and washability. Complementing my test results with additional research, I’ve curated a diverse range of products suitable for various mattresses and sleep preferences.

ViscoSoft Copper Mattress Pad

My top pick for an overall mattress protector is the ViscoSoft Copper Mattress Pad. Designed to extend the lifespan of your beloved mattress, its construction is durable, and I found it maintains its excellent condition even after washing. While other mattress pads may seem to have little impact on the feel of the mattress, in my testing, I found this pad to be exceptionally comfortable. Its filling conforms to the movements and curves of your body, giving more of a pillow-top feel than a mattress. A layer of down alternative fiber filling makes me feel like this simple addition can turn any mattress into a more comfortable one.

However, I did find room for improvement in the breathability of this mattress pad. This is a result of the heat-absorbing polyester material. Additionally, I noticed the filling seems to be more concentrated in the middle. Still, this didn’t deter two separate testers from wholeheartedly agreeing that they would recommend it to friends based on its overall comfort!

Where this mattress pad truly stands out is in how it provides protection for consumers. A 90-day money-back guarantee gives you ample time to determine if it suits your needs, and a five-year warranty offers long-term protection beyond the trial period.

Better Homes & Gardens Waterproof Cotton Mattress Pad

For budget-friendly mattress protection, I favor the Better Homes & Gardens Waterproof Cotton Mattress Pad. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Dotdash Meredith, the parent company of The Spruce.) Priced at just under $35, this affordable pad lives up to its promise—including keeping water and other liquids away from your mattress. In my testing, I appreciated how well the pad snugly fits the mattress; even with tossing and turning, it remains securely in place. Moreover, it doesn’t affect the fitted sheet’s snugness, thanks to its slim profile that makes bed-making as easy as if there were no pad at all.

When I dripped water onto the mattress, it bead up on the fabric. Overall, it took about five seconds to start absorbing—providing a decent level of waterproofing before reaching a fully soaked state. The bottom waterproof layer also ensures my mattress stays dry, a crucial aspect in preventing accidents and wear. However, the pad is quite thin. While I appreciate the fact that it doesn’t alter the feel of my sheets or mattress, I could feel the acupuncture mat placed underneath during testing. Nevertheless, if you don’t require extra cushioning or additional comfort, the thinness won’t be a drawback in its feel.

Birch by Helix Organic Mattress Pad

For those seeking a more supportive mattress, Birch’s organic mattress is a luxurious choice, delivering effects akin to a double-layered mattress. With a cotton shell and satin weave, it also boasts a remarkably soft feel.

As you indulge in the plushness of this hotel-style mattress, you can also appreciate that it is made from Fair Trade Certified cotton, produced in Fair Trade Certified factories. This means the production process itself is sustainable, and the factories provide fair economic benefits to workers. Apart from the overall feel of the mattress, it is also quite breathable despite its satin weave, with more cotton threads on top, which typically retain heat rather than dissipating it.

Upon first unpacking this mattress, I was put off by a woody scent. However, this odor does dissipate over time, and it didn’t deter me from enjoying the pressure-relieving benefits it offers.

Avocado Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Protector

Just like its advertised mattresses, Avocado extends its commitment to high-quality organic cotton mattress pads. Both inside and out, it’s made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, and I observed during the testing process that this pad feels silky, cool, and even looks pleasing to the eye.

Avocado Mattress, LLC. is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

For those seeking an environmentally and socially responsible, meticulously crafted option, the Avocado mattress truly meets all requirements—it is crafted from organic cotton, holds MADE SAFE certification, UL GREENGUARD Gold certification, Climate Neutral certification, and Vegan certification. These certifications respectively mean it is free from harmful chemicals, qualifies as a low-emission product, has a carbon-neutral production process and supply chain, and contains no animal products or has undergone animal testing.

This mattress pad is crafted with a cross-stitch technique, enhancing durability and reinforcing the edges. Additionally, the 3/4-inch wide elastic bands provide a secure fit without tugging at the mattress. Avocado explicitly states that this pad is not waterproof but has water-absorbing properties to help protect your mattress from stains, oils, and other accidents. Moreover, it is machine washable in case of mishaps. I found this to be accurate during testing, as the material seemed capable of absorbing stains like lipstick or small amounts of water.

I do want to note that in my testing, the design of this mattress pad is more geared towards protecting your mattress rather than enhancing its look and feel. Therefore, if you simply want an extra layer of isolation between the mattress and sheets, this design is a good choice. However, if you’re looking to upgrade the comfort of your mattress, you might need to consider other options.

Coyuchi Organic Cotton Mattress Pad

Coyuchi’s organic mattress pad emerges as a winner on all fronts, boasting not only an aesthetically pleasing design but also a plethora of functionalities. Crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton, the Coyuchi mattress pad adheres to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Moreover, it holds the MADE SAFE certification. I found that it enhances the comfort of the mattress, despite not being particularly thick or plush. During testing, lying on the pad felt cool and comfortable. Although Coyuchi doesn’t explicitly mention waterproofing, I was impressed by how much water it absorbed without coming into contact with the mattress.

The 15-inch pockets come with generous elastic bands, ensuring a secure fit on the mattress. This pad features a 2-inch stitched square and a densely woven cover layer, showcasing attention to detail. It not only helps to prolong the optimal condition of your mattress but is also machine washable, allowing you to keep it fresh.