Bed pads come in several sizes, and the right one depends on what you are protecting. A pad that is too small leaves gaps, and one that is too big wastes money. Here is how the common sizes compare.
Common underpad sizes
- 23 x 36 inches: a smaller pad. It suits a chair seat, a changing table or the center of a bed for light use.
- 30 x 36 inches: a popular mid-large size. It covers the middle of a twin or full bed, a recliner seat or a wheelchair cushion with room to spare.
- 36 x 36 inches: a larger square pad for more coverage, often used on beds when movement during sleep is a concern.
Which size fits where
- Bed: place the pad under the hips and lower back. A 30 x 36 pad covers that area on most beds. For wider coverage, lay two pads side by side with a small overlap.
- Chair or recliner: a 30 x 36 pad covers the seat and folds up the back if needed.
- Wheelchair: see our guide to using bed pads on wheelchairs and recliners.
- Changing table or play mat: a 30 x 36 pad is more than enough.
- Puppies and pets: a 30 x 36 pad covers a crate floor or a training spot.
Choosing between sizes
If you are between sizes, consider how much the person moves at night. Someone who shifts around a lot may need wider coverage, and overlapping two 30 x 36 pads gives you about the same coverage as a larger pad. If coverage is the only concern, buying the larger size per pad costs more than buying a bulk pack of the mid size.
Our size
We make our disposable underpads in 30 x 36 inches, in a 50-count pack for $64.99 (about $1.30 per pad). They have eight layers and a leakproof polyethylene film backing. Free shipping on orders over $35, and a 60-day refund or exchange.
New to underpads? Start with our blue pads explained guide.