Mattress pads, like the Hanna Kay Hypoallergenic Stretch-to-Fit Mattress Pad, are meant to protect your mattress from spills, leaks, and unwanted pests. Since dander, dust mites, and bodily fluids are only a few of the undesirables that can find their way onto your bed, this essential barrier prevents them from settling deep into the fibers of your mattress. And if the mattress pad itself gets soiled? No problem—you can throw it in the washing machine and have it back on your mattress in a matter of hours. All this considered, we wanted to put one to work in our bedroom. Keep reading for our take on Hanna Kay’s ability to protect and cushion.
Comfort: An extra layer of protective cushioning
Mattress pads should add to the comfort of your mattress, and this one does just that. The quilted top creates pockets of filling that cushion the body as you lay down. The quilted design also helps the filling hold its shape as you toss in your sleep and roll in and out of bed each day. For a mattress pad, we found it provides excellent cushioning. We wouldn’t compare it to a mattress topper, which may have several inches of supportive cushioning, but the pad does offer a thin, protective layer of pillowed comfort. We also can’t talk about this mattress pad without mentioning the hypoallergenic barrier it creates. If you need to control dust mites and dander, it does the job. Better yet, it doesn’t trap body heat or moisture in the process, making it highly breathable. It can also withstand a serious amount of washings, so clean it as often as needed to keep allergens at bay.
Fit: Short mattresses may have issues
The Hanna Kay has polyester-knit stretch-to-fit sides that are intended to fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep. At the bottom of each stretchy side is a single row of elastic designed to anchor the mattress pad in place. Our test mattress was 12 inches deep, which left some fabric to spare. We tucked it underneath the mattress and didn’t have any problems with the overall fit. The pad stayed in place throughout the night, despite regular tossing and turning. If your mattress is shallower than 10 inches, though, the Hanna Kay may not work for you as it’ll likely slip around.
Durability: Wash it often, wash it hot
Let’s talk about one of the other purposes of a mattress pad: protection. Mattress pads prevent allergens, perspiration, bacteria, and more from working their way into your mattress. If you ever need to wash the mattress pad itself, it’s not too troublesome. The Hanna Kay stands out when it comes to washability. It can be washed with hot water and dried on high heat: If you ever find yourself dealing with things like lice, bed bugs, or tough stains, those high temperatures are exactly what you need. We held our breath when washing it on high and checked for pilling or displacement of the filling. To our delight, there was no pilling on the quilted top or any loss of stretch on the sides. Even better, the filling didn’t displace; it felt just like it had when it came out of the package.
Construction: Built to last far longer than the price suggests
The Hanna Kay’s affordable price gave us pause as low cost and quality don’t always go hand in hand, but the construction quality exceeded the price point. The stitching of the quilting includes back stitches at the center of each quilted corner. That reinforces the point where threads cross to prevent holes and tears. It also helps hold the filling in place. The seams around the edge of the quilted top are also well-stitched, so you’re not likely to tear through the polyester side with regular use.
Price: Inexpensive and worth more than every penny
The Hanna Kay retails for roughly $26, placing it at the low end of the mattress pad price range. Its performance and quality are of a mattress pad of a much higher price point. We’re confident that even with frequent washings, this pad will last years to come.
Competition: Plenty of choices, but quality counts
Superior Down Alternative Mattress Pad/Topper: If you want mattress protection paired with the extra padding of a mattress topper, Superior’s down alternative mattress pad is an excellent choice. Mimicking the comfort of a featherbed, the combo pad/topper offers a full two inches of loft for just $65. Utopia Bedding Quilted Mattress Pad: The Utopia is certainly a bargain at just $20, but it’s thin and sacrifices quality. Like the Hanna Kay Mattress Pad, it stretches to fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep and it’s machine washable. But given that the Hanna Kay offers much better quality for just a few dollars more, we’d suggest “splurging” for the higher-end option. SafeRest Waterproof Mattress Protector: Waterproof mattress pads form a protective shield from nighttime accidents. If you have a small child who still wets the bed, SafeRest—which runs from $25 to $35 depending on the size of your mattress—can be a lifesaver. Like the other mattress pads we’ve mentioned, it also protects against dust mites and bacteria, and when it comes time to clean it, you can just throw it in the washing machine. It protects your mattress, it’s comfortable, and it can be washed over and over while maintaining its shape and loft. Only those with a short mattress might want to pause before buying. But even then, if you tuck it underneath the mattress well enough, you may be able to make it work.
