A mattress pad functions to absorb liquid that may destroy the main mattress. It keeps the surface clean and dry and free from all those discomforts one experiences in sleeping on a soiled bed. It is especially useful for baby mattress or regular mattress with adults suffering from problems leading to this.

To avoid dangers in using mattress pads, especially with cribs, the following should be taken into consideration:

• The mattress pad must fit correctly on to the crib. Shifting and wrinkling can displace the mattress pad. Studies have shown that this is one of the causes of SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
• The mattress pad should be washable, so that daily maintenance and cleaning is easy.
• The mattress pad must be an effective barrier or shield to protect the user from certain allergies.