A bed mattress pad is usually a rectangular piece of Styrofoam with a fabric covering that is used to increase the comfort level of the bed, especially if the mattress used is worn out or lumpy and uneven. It is also used to protect the bottom layer of the bed (the mattress) and is used for children or adults with urinary inconsistencies. This type of bed mattress pad is usually made of water resistant material such as latex or have a plastic backing, and are completely flat unlike the Styrofoam version which is more cushioned.

Besides the ones with plastic backing, the pad also exists in several other versions. A fitted pad is a flat quilted mattress with elastic sides that are used to fit it onto the bed and works in exactly the same way as a fitted sheet. This prevents the bed pad from moving about and helps keep it in place. Anchor pads on the other hand, are similar to the fitted pad but with less cushioning as well as less expensive. A guaranteed to fit mattress pad is another variation of the anchor pad; here, the elastic sides can be adjusted by the user to fit a particular mattress size. The most recent version that's growing in popularity is the memory form mattress that molds around your body shape when you sleep on it. This type of bed mattress pad is usually made up of latex or viscoelastic memory foam and is rather thick and hypoallergenic. Since its made up of open cell material and is porous, the air pushes through to other cells when you sit or sleep on it, creating a depression. The air moves back once you stand up and the depression disappears. Since this type of mattress does not resist your body weight like traditional mattresses do, it provides balanced support and comfort, reducing bed sores and relieving pressure points.

The crate style bed mattress pad (as the name suggests) looks like an egg crate with soft curvy dips and bumps and completely flat on the reverse side. This type of mattress pad can be made out of both open and closed cell foam, though the ones that are of the highest quality tend to be open cell, sing medical grade, medium density urethane foam.

For consumers who want a 'greener' product can now buy the organic version of the bed mattress pad. This type of pad is usually made of natural latex and covered with organic cotton or woolen fabric and is one hundred percent hypoallergenic. It is also a lot more comfortable than regular mattress pads due to the breathable porous nature of the fabric which absorbs moisture, keeping the body warm or cool according to the prevailing room temperature.

Bed mattress pads serve such diverse functions and are widely available that finding one to suit your requirements and budget is now easier than ever.