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Best twin XL mattress pads for college dorm rooms
Target
You don’t know what you’re going to be walking into when you and your kid meet their dorm room bed for the first time. Those mattresses have often times been used by plenty of other students, acquiring years’ worth of dust and grime. If you can’t afford to buy your college kid their own mattress, the next best solution is a mattress pad. Mattress pads offer an extra layer of comfort to sleepers, a barrier between your kid and a used mattress, as well as another level of protection for the mattress itself.
To help you find the right mattress pad for your kid, we’ve chosen the best mattress pads for college dorm rooms that you can order online. All of our picks are designed to fit Twin XL-sized mattresses, which is the size most commonly supplied in college dorm rooms in 2024.
The best mattress pads for college dorms in 2024
Check out our mattress topper picks from our favorite home retailers, including Wayfair and Target. All these picks are customer-loved, with customer review scores of 4 stars or better (where applicable).
Best thick mattress pad for college dorms: The Twillery Co. Newburg ultra plush 3″ inch mattress pad
Wayfair
College mattresses aren’t known for their comfort. So to ensure your kid feels like they are sleeping on clouds while away from home, get them this extra-thick mattress pad from The Twillery Co.
The mattress pad is three inches thick and provides cushioning with a down alternative fill, so it’s like sleeping on top of a duvet insert. What’s more, it can be cleaned in the washer and dryer.
The 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: “So comfortable. Feels like sleeping in the clouds.”
Best budget mattress pad for college dorms: Room Essentials quilted mattress pad
Target
You can’t go wrong with Target when it comes to affordable back-to-school supplies. This Room Essentials quilted mattress pad is just $10, a great price for parents who are already overwhelmed by how much dorm necessities cost.
Because of its low price, don’t expect this to have as padded a feel to it as our other top picks. It may provide an extra layer of comfort with its microfiber material (a soft, synthetic fabric) and its quilted construction, however, its primary function is to just cover a mattress.
Despite this, the Room Essentials quilted mattress pad has a 4.3-star rating on Target. One reviewer wrote, “This mattress pad is perfect for our new memory foam bed. It protects but doesn’t hinder the effect of the memory foam.”
Best splurge: Marriott mattress topper
Marriott
Give your kid the gift of sleeping on a hotel bed by getting them a mattress topper used in luxury hotels. The Marriott mattress topper is pricier compared to other mattress toppers, but it will provide a lot of extra comfort that your kid will no doubt appreciate. Plus, it may end up lasting longer than its more affordable counterparts thanks to its cotton material (cotton is known for being a strong fabric).
This strength will also ensure that the pad stays on the bed as your kid adjusts their sleeping position throughout the night (after all, these were designed to accommodate hotel guests). The fill is made of polyester, which may provide a little additional warmth to sleepers (synthetic fabrics, like polyester, heat up the body).
Best waterproof mattress pad for college dorms: Madison Park heavenly soft waterproof mattress pad
Target
This mattress topper is waterproof, so it should stop liquids from getting past its fabric. Even though it’s waterproof, the mattress pad should feel cozy too. The pad is filled with an alternative down, which will provide a nice layer of padding to sleepers. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, which may provide some relief to those with household allergies.
The Madison Park heavenly waterproof mattress pad has a 4.3-star rating on Target. One reviewer wrote, “I got this mattress cover for my daughter’s bed. She has slept on it now for almost a month and says that it is very comfortable. It’s just enough extra padding for her without taking away from the firmness of her mattress. She loves it so much I have caught her sleeping on it without a sheet. It’s super soft. Definitely recommend.”
Best cooling mattress pad: Niagara Sleep Solution bamboo mattress pad
Amazon
Those who suffer from overheating at night will appreciate this bamboo mattress pad. Bamboo is known for being moisture-wicking.
The pad is finished with pillow-top cushioning that will add a cloud-like sleeping experience to the bed. It’s machine washable and can handle mattresses up to 20 inches deep. What’s more, it’s currently on sale for $5 off (make sure you add the available coupon before checkout).
The Niagara Sleep Solution bamboo mattress pad has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. One reviewer wrote, “Our kids have this on their beds. They are both hot-natured and they say it keeps them cool and makes the bed more comfortable than what it is. It is easy to put on and wash.”
Another customer wrote, “I am a FT night shift CNA and I wasn’t sleeping good at all. I was hot and uncomfortable waking up in pain. After getting this my sleeping issues have disappeared. I’ve had it a little over a week and I am so glad I got it.”
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Record-high inflation in the post-pandemic era has been challenging for many Americans, but retirees often face added struggles as prices rise since many are on a fixed income. That’s why it comes as no surprise that 59% of retirees expressed concerns about their financial security, according to a survey conducted by MedicareFAQ.
The good news is that many seniors have a significant source of funds to draw from in their home equity. In fact, for seniors 65 and over, the median value of their home equity is $250,000. That’s a 47% increase in the value of equity since before the pandemic.
Older Americans who need extra funds can tap this equity to help make ends meet, and they have different ways to do it including a home equity loan and a reverse mortgage. There are important differences between home equity loans vs. reverse mortgages, though, so retirees must do more than just compare today’s home equity interest rates to decide which is best.
This guide will help you understand when a reverse mortgage makes sense and when you should opt for a home equity loan instead.
Find out more about your home equity loan options here.
When a reverse mortgage is better for seniors
Reverse mortgages use your home as collateral, just as traditional mortgage loans do — but they work very differently. That’s because you don’t send in monthly payments with a reverse mortgage. Instead, your lender sends money to you and your loan balance grows each month. When you pass away or move, the reverse mortgage must be paid back.
“A reverse mortgage is intended for borrowers over age 62 that are not able to afford their monthly payments using their current retirement income and need additional income to help with their responsibilities,” says Lisa Gaffikin, a home loan specialist at Churchill Mortgage.
Gaffikin says that if you have limited income, you may not qualify for a traditional home equity loan but a reverse mortgage could be an option. You’ll get to stay in your home without adding to your monthly obligations, while also being able to supplement your current income.
You do need to have sufficient equity in your home though, and will need to follow requirements including continuing to maintain the property over time.
“Reverse mortgages are ideal for seniors who are house-rich but cash-poor,” says Josh Lewis, a certified mortgage consultant and host of The Educated Homebuyer.
Lewis also addressed a common concern seniors have about reverse mortgages: the ability to leave property to loved ones when you pass away, which could be impacted by the fact the loan must be paid upon your death.
“There’s a misconception that you won’t have a home to leave to your heirs but that is not true,” Lewis says. “You’ll have a home, but the equity your heirs inherit will depend on how long you live and how your home appreciates over time. It’s truly no different than inheriting a home with a traditional mortgage, except the loan balance will need to be paid off through a refinance or sale within six to 12 months of the homeowner’s passing.”
Learn about how a home equity loan could benefit you today.
When a home equity loan is better for seniors
Home equity loans work differently than reverse mortgages. You’ll still need equity and must use your home as collateral, but you receive the borrowed funds upfront when you take out the loan and you must start making payments on the debt immediately.
“Home equity loans are ideal when you need a lump sum and can handle monthly payments,” Lewis says. “With lower upfront costs and typically lower interest rates, they’re perfect if you want to keep building equity and might sell or pass on your home soon. This option works well for those with a steady income who are looking to borrow for a specific purpose.”
The key thing to remember, though, is that you must qualify by showing the lender you have enough money to afford the loan payments and you must be able to make those payments for the duration of the loan term. This isn’t always easy when you need extra cash.
“A home equity loan might be a better option if the homeowner is not struggling to make current payments and only needs equity from the home to consolidate non-property debts or to lower monthly expenses for liabilities with higher interest rates,” Gaffikin says. “If the borrower is comfortable with their housing expenses and can make the current housing-related payments and the new home equity loan payment, a home equity loan might very well be the best choice.”
Gaffikin recommends looking at your full financial picture and considering the long-term implications of your decision when deciding which is right for you.
The bottom line
Ultimately, if you want to access equity with no monthly payments and are OK with leaving less equity to your heirs, a reverse mortgage is likely the better option and you should shop carefully to find the best reverse mortgage companies to minimize interest and fees. If you’d rather pay back your loan during your lifetime and can afford it, a HELOC is the better choice.
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