Best twin XL mattress pad for college dorm room

You don’t know what you’re going to do when you and your kid meet the dorm room bed for the first time. The mattress is often used by many other students, getting dust and dirt for years. If you can’t afford your own college mattress, the next best solution is a mattress pad. Mattress pads provide an extra layer of comfort for sleeping, a barrier between the child and the used mattress, as well as another level of protection for the mattress.

To help you find the right mattress pad for your child, we’ve selected the best mattress pads for college dorm rooms that you can order online. All of our options are designed to fit Twin XL size beds, which are the most common sizes provided in college dorm rooms in 2024.

The best mattress pads for college dorms in 2024

Check out our selection of mattress toppers from your favorite home retailers, including Wayfair and Target. All of these options are customer-favorite, with customer review scores of 4 stars or better (where available).

Best thick mattresses for college dorms: The Twillery Co. Newburg ultra plush 3″ mattress pad

College beds are not known for their comfort. So to make sure your child feels like they’re sleeping in the daylight when they’re away from home, get a thicker mattress pad from The Twillery Co.

The mattress pad is three inches thick and provides padding with alternative filling down, so it’s like sleeping on top of a duvet insert. What’s more, it can be cleaned in the washing machine and a dryer.

Twillery Co. Newburg has a 4.5-star rating on Wayfair. One reviewer wrote, “I’ve had this topper for a month so far and it’s definitely helped me get a more comfortable night’s sleep. Would recommend!”

Another customer said: “Lovely. Feels like sleeping on a cloud.”

Best budget mattress pads for college dorms: Room Essentials quilted mattress pad

You can’t go wrong with Target when it comes to affordable back to school supplies. This Room Essentials quilted mattress pad is only $10, a great price for parents who are already overwhelmed by the cost of dorm necessities.

Given the low price, don’t expect this to feel like the other top picks. It may offer an extra layer of comfort with microfiber material (a soft synthetic fabric) and quilted construction, but its main function is only to cover the mattress.

Despite this, the Room Essentials quilted mattress pad has a 4.3-star rating at Target. One reviewer wrote, “This mattress pad is perfect for our new memory foam bed. It protects but does not block the effect of the memory foam.”

The best slurry: Marriott mattress topper

Give your child the gift of sleeping in a hotel bed by getting a mattress used in a luxury hotel. Marriott mattress toppers are more expensive compared to other mattress toppers, but they will provide extra comfort that your child will not underestimate. In addition, it may last longer than its more affordable counterparts due to the cotton material (cotton is known to be a strong fabric).

This strength will also ensure that the pad stays on the bed when your child adjusts to sleep at night (after all, it is designed to accommodate hotel guests). The filling is made of polyester, which can provide additional warmth for sleeping (synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, heat the body).

Best waterproof mattress pads for college dorms: Madison Park heaven soft waterproof mattress pad

This mattress topper is waterproof, so it should keep liquids out of the fabric. Even if it is waterproof, the mattress pad should also be comfortable. Pad filled alternative down, which will provide a nice layer of padding for sleepers. In addition, it is hypoallergenic, which can provide relief for people with allergies at home.

Madison Park paradise waterproof mattress has a 4.3-star rating at Target. One reviewer wrote, “I got this mattress cover for my daughter’s bed. She has been sleeping on it now for almost a month and she says it is very comfortable. It is just enough extra padding for her without taking away from the firmness of her mattress. She is very happy, I caught him sleeping without a sheet.

Best cooling mattress pads: Niagara Sleep Solution bamboo mattress pad

Those who suffer from the heat at night will appreciate this bamboo mattress pad. Bamboo is known for its moisture absorbing properties.

The pad is finished with a pillow top cushion that will add a cloud-like sleeping experience to your bed. That machine washable and can handle beds up to 20 inches deep. What’s more, they’re on sale right now for $5 off (make sure to add any available coupons before checkout).

The Niagara Sleep Solution bamboo mattress pad has a 4.4 star rating on Amazon. One reviewer wrote, “Our children have this on their beds. They are both hot-natured and they say it is always cool and makes the bed more comfortable than it is. It is easy to put on and wash.”

Another customer wrote, “I’m a CNA night shift FT and I don’t sleep well at all. I’m hot and uncomfortable waking up in pain. After taking this the sleep problem has disappeared. I’ve had a little over a week and I’m very happy to be able to get it.”