Once you've invested in a quality king mattress, a king mattress pad is a small additional investment that has numerous benefits.

A king mattress pad can help to add comfort and a more plush sleeping surface. It can provide overall support for older mattresses. It can also offer additional support for those individuals with back or other medical issues. A pad is also designed to prevent liquid spills from seeping into the futon and permanently staining it. Many individuals like the fact that futon padding can be laundered or dry cleaned on a regular basis, making the sleeping surface of the bed as clean and fresh as possible.

A king mattress pad will vary depending upon the thickness of the padding and the material used to construct it. A fitted one will cover both the top and the sides of the mattress and a guaranteed-to-fit pad features elastic sides for the most snug fit even when it has deep sides.

The plushness or thickness of a king futon pad can range between 2 to 5 inches and is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Thicker pads provide more softness and cushioning. Some waterproof pads are designed solely as a protective device against spills or bed wetting and do not offer any cushioning features.

Look for a futon pad that is treated to be stain and water repellent as well as treated to resist accumulating bacteria and other microbes. Padding that is 100 percent cotton has more lifespan than a cotton and polyester blend. Look for the highest thread count possible as this indicates that the padding has a higher threshold for wear and tear.

Ask about the material that provides the futon padding filling. Most fills are polyester, with the option of down feathers or a combination of both to provide added cushioning. Foam pads not only will cushion the body but like a memory foam futon, help to evenly distribute the body's weight atop the mattress to provide a more restful night's sleep.

Individuals who suffer from allergies or other breathing disorders should check out king mattress padding models made using fleece wool, organic wool or hypo-allergenic latex. These are the best pads to repel dust mites and feature no dyes, chemicals, or odors which can irritate the sleeper's lungs while sleeping on the futon.

Selecting the right king mattress pad is an investment in a good night's sleep, so take your time comparing the many options available.