We tested 22 heated mattress pads in our Lab and evaluated them on effectiveness, comfort, durability, and value. For expert safety advice, we spoke to Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). “When purchasing heated mattress pads, be sure to only purchase those which have been certified and tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL),” says Deerwester. “NRTLs test and certify electrical equipment and other products to ensure that they meet current safety standards and are safe with proper use." Our top pick is the Reaks Heated Mattress Pad because it has easy-to-use dual controls. Plus, our testers loved its comfortable feel and affordable price point. Keep reading for more of our tested and approved heated mattress pads. Who it isn’t for: People who want a cotton heated mattress pad. For those who share a bed, a heated mattress pad with multiple zones is necessary so each of you can tailor the temperature to your unique sleeping preferences. In our testing, the Reaks Heated Mattress Pad stood out for its comfort and heating abilities. Even though this pick is not very lofty or squishy, our tester says they “could only barely feel the wires” with their hands. “The mattress pad was pleasant and warm on the lowest setting and definitely put out a good amount of heat on the highest setting,” they say. “The heat was evenly distributed throughout the pad.” For queen, king, and California king sizes, each side of the mattress pad has a separate controller that our tester found to be “easy to use.” There’s a simple on/off button and another button that toggles between the heat settings and timer function, which can be set from one to 12 hours. Plus, this mattress pad effectively prevented most of the spill from leaking onto the mattress during our tests. However, our tester was perplexed by the manufacturer’s washing instructions, which specify that you can wash the pad for only two minutes. Overall, our tester was impressed with this mattress pad’s performance, especially considering the retail price. “It outperformed many of the other mattress pads in the same price category and even some more expensive models,” says our tester. “It is comfortable and heats evenly.” Price at time of publish: $110 Product Details:
Material: PolyesterHeat Settings: 10Washable: YesSafety Certification: ETL
Who it isn’t for: Light sleepers who want displays with adjustable brightness. An affordable heated mattress pad can still create a cozy sleeping environment, so if you’re hoping to save, opt for this simplistic pick from Biddeford Blankets. Our tester described it as a “no frills” mattress pad, with two basic controllers. “The controllers have large, illuminated buttons and a digital display that is easy to read,” says our tester. Unfortunately, the displays do not turn off, which may bother some sleepers. During our evaluations, “the difference in heat between the lowest and highest setting was less than I was expecting, but was noticeable,” according to our tester. At its highest setting, this mattress pad reached 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which might not be warm enough for super cold nights. Our tester also highlighted that this blanket has two different heating zones. “The lower half of the pad is a little warmer than the upper half,” they say. “This is a nice feature for people who suffer from cold feet (or have a partner who does), but unfortunately, it’s not adjustable and cannot be disabled.” While this heated mattress pad might not offer many customization options or bonus features, “it works as advertised and it’s hard to beat for the price,” says our tester. “For someone just looking for a basic, heated mattress pad, this is a winner.” Price at time of publish: $100 Product Details:
Material: Cotton, polyesterHeat Settings: 10Washable: YesSafety Certification: ETL
Who it isn’t for: People who want a heated mattress pad with no detectable wires. Our sleep preferences can fluctuate with the weather, so finding a heated mattress pad with plenty of settings can keep you comfortable and cozy as the temperature changes. The Sunbeam Restful Quilted Heated Mattress Pad offers 12 heat selections, timer controls, and an auto shut-off function, all of which impressed our testers. “The best thing about this mattress pad is the overall quality of the heat provided, easy-to-use controls, and overall comfort,” says one tester. During the spill test, this pick also repelled the liquid and prevented it from reaching the mattress, making it ideal for those prone to messes or who have small children. Plus, this mattress pad can be machine-washed and dried, so you can throw it in the wash like a regular load of laundry. Even though there were no physical signs of damage post-wash, the highest temperature was noticeably lower than the initial temperature, with a drop of about four degrees. While this one is a bit more expensive than some other budget options, our tester says “the comfort and heating on high make this dual-control mattress pad a worthwhile purchase.” The main downside they found during testing was that the wires were too noticeable, so if you’re sensitive to any small bumps while sleeping, you should opt for another heated mattress pad on our list. Price at time of publish: $160 Product Details:
Material: Cotton Heat Settings: 12Washable: YesSafety Certification: ETL
Who it isn’t for: People who want a pre-heat setting on their heated mattress pad. Whether you like to sip your morning coffee from the comfort of your bed or have accident-prone little ones, a waterproof pad ensures that your mattress stays in mint condition. During the spill test on the Serta Waterproof Heated Mattress Pad, “the liquid pooled and very easily could be blotted with paper towels.” Our tester compared the heat on the highest setting to “a heated seat in a vehicle,” with the highest recorded temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit. “The controls were simple and easy to use and also offered a timer option,” says our tester. “The screen was lighted when activated and then went off—[a] good feature as to not create a light while sleeping.” Throughout the testing process, our tester found that the pad stayed in place and “was very comfortable” and that the wires were barely noticeable. While our tester wished there were smart features or a pre-heat function, we still think this is a solid option for anyone who needs a waterproof heated mattress pad. Price at time of publish: $139 Product Details:
Material: Polyester, cottonHeat Settings: 10Washable: YesSafety Certification: ETL
Who it isn’t for: People who want a wide range of settings to select from. Of the 22 options we tested, the Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad had the most impressive heating capabilities. On the lowest setting, its temperature measured 79 degrees Fahrenheit—which is even warmer than some other mattress pads were on their highest mode. Once cranked to its highest setting, this pick from Bedsure reached a balmy 83 degrees Fahrenheit. This mattress pad doesn’t have any bells and whistles, and it only has four heat settings to choose from—but it still stood out for its warmth. “I was impressed with how quickly it heated up, and the heat at the lowest setting felt warm (the best of any of the other ones I tested),” says our tester. “At the highest setting, the warmth felt really good and there was a nice variance in temperature from the high to the low (5.6 degrees).” In addition to its ample heating power, this pad also impressed us with its plush texture and ability to stay in place throughout the testing process. While our tester “could slightly feel the wiring,” they say it “did not take away from the comfort.” Especially at its moderate price point, this heated mattress pad is ideal for anyone who wants to be as warm as possible. Price at time of publish: $95 Product Details:
Material: PolyesterHeat Settings: 4Washable: YesSafety Certification: ETL
Who it isn’t for: People who want a heated mattress pad with a wide temperature range. Warmth is a key consideration when selecting a heated mattress pad, but if the material or wiring is uncomfortable, it can undermine the overall quality of your pad. For those primarily concerned with comfort, opt for the Perfect Fit SoftHeat Electric Mattress Pad. “The texture of this mattress cover itself is lovely,” says our tester. “The top of it is a fine terry cloth. I did not feel any of the wires even when I was putting it on the bed, let alone laying on the mattress.” This mattress pad was about 75 degrees Fahrenheit on its lowest temperature setting and 78 degrees Fahrenheit on its highest setting, so it left a bit to be desired in terms of the temperature range. Our tester was satisfied with how warm it was on the highest mode, however, they wished the lowest setting was a bit cooler. It performed well in terms of durability, too, with no signs of damage or degraded heating quality after washing—plus, it stayed firmly in place throughout our testing. And during our spill test, simply washing this mattress pad removed the stain. But our tester recommends avoiding scrubbing when spot-treating any messes, as it could ruin the texture of the mattress pad. Price at time of publish: $100 Product Details:
Material: PolyesterHeat Settings: 10Washable: YesSafety Certification: UL
Who it isn’t for: People who want a pad that can heat above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. With a 17-inch pocket, the Woolrich Sherpa Heated Mattress Pad will fit snugly on any bed, ensuring that it stays in place even if you have a thick mattress. “It stays put so even the most restless of sleepers would not be discomforted,” says our tester. In addition to its deep-pocket design, this heated mattress pad has virtually undetectable wires and a soft surface that earned stellar scores during our testing. “The texture of the heated mattress pad is a fluffy fleece,” says our tester. The controls and functionality of the pad were also straightforward and “easy to read and understand,” and our tester adds that “they are easily accessible from a lying position.” The main downfall of this selection is that the heat settings and range are limited, and “the difference between lowest and highest was barely perceptible. Only when the tester was in the middle of the bed with arms outstretched was any difference perceived.” There was a temperature difference of about four degrees, which might not be adequate heating for cold sleepers or frigid winter months. Price at time of publish: $130 Product Details:
Material: PolyesterHeat Settings: 5Washable: YesSafety Certification: UL-tested
For an even more affordable option, we recommend the Biddeford Blankets Quilted Electric Mattress Pad. Our tester appreciated its no-frills design and highlighted its two separate heating zones that provide more warmth on the bottom—making it great for people with cold feet.
Our Testing Process
To find the best heated mattress pads on the market, we tested 22 popular models in our Lab. Our testers started by setting up the mattress pad, noting how well it fit the bed, whether it was secure over the mattress, and how many outlets it required. For heated mattress pads that rely on water circulation for warmth, our testers timed how long it took to set up the product and how challenging the process was. Next, our testers used an infrared thermometer to test the heating function and temperature output, first taking a recording of the mattress pad before they turned it on. As heated mattress pads come in various designs, we tailored our tests to account for standard models as well as those with single and dual controllers or a pre-heat function. With each type of mattress pad, our testers took the temperature in three different areas and recorded the average overall temperature. For mattress pads that include a pre-heat function, we started the pre-heating process and measured the temperature after 10 minutes. For pads with a single controller, our tester set the heat to its highest setting and recorded the temperature, assessing whether the pad hit the manufacturer’s listed range. To evaluate mattress pads with dual controls, our testers set one side to its lowest setting and the other to its highest before recording the temperature separately on each side. They also lay on the bed to see if the difference in temperature on each side was distinguishable. Testers also noted if there was a void between the heating zones or a noticeable difference between the temperature on the two sides. After testing the temperature output, our testers spent five minutes lying on the beds. During this time, they noted the texture of the heated mattress pad, the detectability of the heating components, and whether they felt too hot or comfortably warm. Testers also used the controller and examined the ease of use, brightness, and heating indicators. If the mattress pad included smart features, our tester downloaded the app and made adjustments through their phone, noting how user-friendly and practical the design is. Our testers then removed the fitted sheet to see whether the pad stayed in place or popped off. (We found the Woolrich Sherpa Heated Mattress Pad to stay in place very well, thanks to its deep 17-inch pocket.) Since a heated mattress pad should also protect your mattress from a moderate spill or stain, our testers poured 1/4 cup of apple juice on the pad and let it sit for five minutes before evaluating how well it protected the mattress from the liquid. Our testers washed any machine-washable mattress pad according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If compatible, they also tumble-dried it and noted whether it took multiple cycles to completely dry. If the heated mattress pad was spot-clean only, testers blotted the apple juice stain with a wet rag and then treated it with a Tide pen if any discoloration remained. Following the laundering process, our testers again fit the pad onto their bed and looked for any signs of shrinkage, wear, damage, or texture change after washing. They also re-tested the heating function and took the temperature of the pad after 10 minutes on its highest setting to see if it reached the same level of heat as it did before washing and drying. Once the testing process was complete, our testers reviewed the retail price of their heated mattress pad, which ranged from $50 to $2,245, with a median price of $110. They then rated the heated mattress pad they tested on its effectiveness, comfort, durability, and value—the latter of which was judged in conjunction with its performance in our tests and whether it functioned as advertised.
How to Shop for Heated Mattress Pads Like a Pro
Material
Like with any bedding, the material of your heated mattress pad can play a vital role in its comfort, warmth, and durability. Most pads are made with cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two. Cotton is a breathable natural material that absorbs moisture and wicks away heat, keeping you at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. For those who prefer a mattress pad that repels moisture, opt for polyester, which is stretchier and generally more durable than cotton. If you want a heated mattress pad with the best of both materials, a blend of cotton and polyester can give you breathability and durability.
Safety rating
A UL or ETL certification is the best way to ensure that a heated mattress pad has safe, non-hazardous components. Options that have earned either certification were tested in Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) and found safe, so you can purchase them with more ease of mind. All of the heated mattress pads on our list have been tested according to the UL or ETL standards.
Care
Maintaining your heated mattress pad will require cleaning, so consider the ease of upkeep before you make your final decision. Some mattress pads are machine-washable but cannot be put in the dryer, while others are as easy to clean as a standard cotton T-shirt. Other heated mattress pads can only be spot cleaned. If you’re shopping for a child’s bed or are someone who’s prone to spills or messes, we recommend avoiding mattress pads that are spot-clean only. The hassle of scrubbing out stains might outweigh the heating benefits, so you’d be better off with a machine-washable option.
More Heated Mattress Pads to Consider
Hyde Lane Premium Mattress Heating Pad: This dual-control heated mattress pad offers 20 heat settings to select from, which is higher than most of the others we tested. While it’s comfortable and has an adequate heat range, our testers found controllers challenging to use, especially if adjusting at night. This heated mattress pad is also on the higher end price-wise. Sleep Number Warming Layer: Our tester found this heated mattress pad to be simple and easy to use. While it was comfortable and provided warmth, it was hard to tell the difference between the low and high temperatures. And since this pad was above the median price, our tester thought that there were more affordable options that performed similarly in our tests.
Questions You Might Ask
What is the best material for a heated mattress pad?
The best material for a heated mattress pad is cotton, as it offers breathability and absorbs moisture to keep you warm but not overheated. That said, cotton pads are typically pricier than polyester. So if you want a more budget-friendly heated mattress pad, we recommend looking for a polyester option, which provides a bit more durability and stretchiness.
What’s the difference between a heated mattress pad and an electric blanket?
While heated mattress pads and electric blankets function similarly, they can produce different results. Heated mattress pads provide better overall heat retention, as the bedding on top of the pad creates insulation. They are also less likely to become bunched up or tangled as you sleep, and they’re better at hiding the feeling of heating elements as they go beneath your sheets. But if you want a heated element to use in your living room and your bedroom, an electric blanket is more transportable and versatile than a heating pad.
How long do heating mattress pads last?
The longevity of your heating mattress pad depends primarily on how well you care for it, with an approximate lifetime of five years. “Be sure to properly maintain the mattress pad and its electrical cord,” says Deerwester. “Look for dark, charred, or frayed spots or one where the electric cord is cracked or frayed. Replace any worn or old heated mattress pads.” Also, keep in mind that frequent runs through the washer and dryer may cause your pad to break down more quickly.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Quinn Gawronski, associate commerce editor for Real Simple, who has three years of experience writing and editing product reviews and roundups. To compile this list, we tested 22 heated mattress pads in our Lab and evaluated them on effectiveness, comfort, durability, and value. For expert tips, we consulted Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. If that’s the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
