If the pad included with your playard feels too thin, a thicker replacement can seem like an easy comfort upgrade. But fit and safe sleep come first: many playards are designed to be used only with the mattress or pad that came with them. Check your playard manual before adding or replacing anything, and use an aftermarket mattress only if the manufacturer allows it for your exact model.
Our top pick here is the Hiccapop 1.25-inch pad, which is designed for a 38-by-26-inch playard and comes with a carry bag. The other options include a thinner foam mattress and two bedding accessories—not all five are mattress replacements. Measure your playard and check its instructions before buying.
| Product | Type | Listed size or thickness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiccapop Playard Mattress Pad | Foam mattress pad | 38 × 26 × 1.25 in. | A portable, washable-cover option |
| YENING Pack and Play Mattress | Foam mattress | 38 × 26 × 1 in. | A thinner replacement option |
| Biloban Waterproof Mattress Pad Protector | Fitted protector, not a mattress | 39 × 27 in.; fits mattresses up to 5 in. deep | Protecting a compatible mattress |
| Lillibearas Pack and Play Mattress Topper | Foam topper | 38 × 26 × 1.5 in. | Shoppers considering a thicker topper, subject to playard approval |
| GUNTAIL Pack and Play Sheets | Two fitted sheets, not a mattress | 38 × 26 in.; 6-in. pocket depth | Keeping spare sheets on hand |
Our Picks: Best Thicker Mattress For Pack And Play reviews
Hiccapop 1.25-Inch Pad: Best Overall Cushioning Pick
The Hiccapop is a foam playard pad measuring 38 by 26 inches and 1.25 inches thick. Its rounded corners and reinforced edges are intended to help it sit snugly in a compatible playard. The pad has a firm feel, and the included carry bag makes it easier to take along or store.
The cover is described as waterproof and machine washable, and it can be removed for cleaning. Some owners find the pad adds welcome cushioning compared with a very thin included playard pad, while still feeling supportive. It arrives compressed, so allow time for it to expand before checking its shape and fit.
This is the most substantial mattress-style option in this list that stays below the 1.5-inch thickness of the Lillibearas topper. That does not mean it is approved for every playard. Its listed dimensions are intended for a 38-by-26-inch space, so check both your playard manual and the actual interior fit before use.
Pros:
- 1.25-inch foam construction adds cushioning without being the thickest option here.
- Rounded corners and edge support are designed for a close fit.
- Removable, waterproof cover is machine washable.
- Includes a carry bag for storage and travel.
Cons:
- Listed for 38-by-26-inch playards, so it may not fit other sizes.
- Must not be used unless the playard manufacturer allows an aftermarket mattress pad.
Verdict: Choose the Hiccapop if your playard maker permits a replacement pad and the 38-by-26-inch dimensions match your model.
YENING 1-Inch Foam Mattress: A Slimmer Replacement Option
The YENING is a 38-by-26-inch foam mattress with a listed thickness of 1 inch. It is thinner than the Hiccapop and the 1.5-inch Lillibearas option, which may be useful if you are looking for a modest change rather than the thickest pad available. The product description says it fits most standard playards, but dimensions alone do not confirm compatibility with a specific model.
The foam is described as firm, breathable, and CertiPUR-US certified. Its cover is waterproof and removable for machine washing. The product information says to wipe the mattress itself clean rather than wash it, so the cover and foam have different care needs.
Compared with the Hiccapop, the YENING has a simpler, one-layer construction and is a quarter-inch thinner. That may suit shoppers who want a straightforward foam surface, but it does not provide the same listed thickness or carry bag. As with any replacement, follow the playard maker’s instructions and check for a snug, gap-free fit.
Pros:
- Firm foam in a 38-by-26-inch size.
- Waterproof cover can be removed and machine washed.
- Foam is listed as CertiPUR-US certified.
Cons:
- At 1 inch thick, it is not the thickest choice in this roundup.
- Mattress care is limited to wiping clean, according to the product details.
Verdict: Consider the YENING if you want a one-inch foam option and your playard’s instructions specifically allow a replacement mattress.
Biloban Waterproof Protector: A Washable Layer for a Compatible Mattress
This Biloban product is a fitted waterproof protector, not a standalone foam mattress. It is listed at 39 by 27 inches and can fit a mattress up to 5 inches deep. That larger measurement matters: it is not the same size as the 38-by-26-inch mattresses in this roundup, so measure the mattress and playard before ordering.
The protector has a soft microfiber surface, absorbent layers, and a waterproof TPU backing. It is designed to fit over a mattress and is machine washable and dryer friendly, according to the product description. Its padded construction may add a little softness, but it should not be treated as a replacement mattress or a way to make an unsuitable playard mattress fit.
For shoppers who already have a manufacturer-approved mattress and want a washable barrier against spills, this is more relevant than a foam topper. If the playard instructions require only a fitted sheet or prohibit added padding, follow those instructions instead.
Pros:
- Waterproof backing helps protect a compatible mattress from spills.
- Machine washable and dryer friendly, according to the product details.
- Fitted design accommodates mattresses up to 5 inches deep.
Cons:
- It is a protector, not a mattress replacement.
- The listed 39-by-27-inch size differs from the 38-by-26-inch mattress options.
Verdict: Buy the Biloban only as a protector for a compatible, approved mattress—not as a way to add a new mattress to a playard.
Lillibearas 1.5-Inch Foam Topper: Thickest Listed Option, With Fit Checks
The Lillibearas is a foam topper listed at 38 by 26 inches and 1.5 inches thick. That makes it the thickest mattress-style item in this roundup by its stated dimensions. The product description emphasizes a soft surface, foam support, lightweight construction, and rounded corners intended to help with fit.
Thickness alone is not a reason to choose this topper. An added or replacement mattress can create an unsafe gap or change the playard’s intended sleep surface. The listing asks shoppers to measure their playard, but you should also check the playard manual or manufacturer before considering this product. Do not use it if the maker does not allow an aftermarket topper or mattress.
The product information does not specify a removable, machine-washable cover or include a carry bag. Compared with the Hiccapop, its main distinction is the extra quarter-inch of listed thickness, not a clearly stated advantage in care or portability. Its fit and permitted use matter more than that difference.
Pros:
- Listed at 1.5 inches thick, the thickest mattress-style option here.
- 38-by-26-inch dimensions match the listed size of several standard playard mattresses.
- Described as lightweight and portable.
Cons:
- Its thickness may not be permitted by your playard manufacturer.
- Product details do not specify a removable washable cover or carry bag.
Verdict: Consider this topper only if your exact playard model explicitly permits it and the fit is secure; otherwise, stick with the supplied mattress and approved bedding.
GUNTAIL Two-Pack Sheets: Handy Spares, Not Extra Cushioning
The GUNTAIL set contains two fitted sheets sized 38 by 26 inches, with a listed pocket depth of 6 inches. These are bedding, not a mattress or padded topper, so they will not make a thin playard pad thicker. The elastic around the edge is intended to help keep each sheet in place.
The sheets are made from microfiber and are described as machine washable and pre-shrunk. Having a spare can be useful when one sheet is in the wash, but fit still matters: check the dimensions of your playard’s supplied mattress and make sure the sheet lies flat without loose fabric.
Compared with the Biloban protector, the GUNTAIL set is focused on fitted sheets rather than a waterproof padded barrier. Neither product replaces a mattress. Choose these if your main need is clean bedding, not more cushioning.
Pros:
- Includes two fitted sheets for a spare bedding option.
- Microfiber fabric is described as machine washable.
- Elastic edging is designed to hold the sheet in place.
- Listed for 38-by-26-inch mattresses.
Cons:
- Does not add meaningful mattress thickness or replace a mattress.
- Fit should be checked against your actual mattress dimensions.
Verdict: Choose the GUNTAIL set when you need spare fitted sheets for a matching mattress, not when you are looking for a thicker sleep surface.
How to Choose a Thicker Mattress for a Pack and Play
Check the Playard Manual First
Before shopping, find out whether the playard maker allows a replacement mattress or topper at all. Some playards are designed to be used only with the pad supplied with the product. A mattress that fits the opening may still be unsuitable if it is not approved for your specific model.
Measure the Interior and Compare Dimensions
Do not rely only on labels such as “standard size.” Measure the playard’s sleeping area and compare it with the product’s exact length and width. The options here include both 38-by-26-inch mattress products and a 39-by-27-inch protector, which are not interchangeable by name alone.
Prioritize a Snug Fit Over Extra Thickness
A replacement should fit as intended, with no gaps around the edges and no bunching or shifting. Extra thickness is not automatically better: an added layer can change how the sleep surface fits inside the playard. If the mattress does not sit flat and snugly, do not use it.
Look for a Firm, Flat Sleep Surface
For infant sleep, use a firm, flat surface and only the bedding allowed by the playard manufacturer. Avoid adding loose blankets, pillows, or other soft items. A plush feel is not a substitute for a properly fitted, approved sleep surface.
Know Whether You Are Buying a Mattress or an Accessory
A foam mattress or topper is different from a fitted sheet or waterproof protector. The Biloban is a protector, and the GUNTAIL set is sheets; neither is a standalone mattress. Check the product type carefully so you do not expect a bedding accessory to add the same support as a mattress.
Consider Cleaning and Travel Needs
If you travel often, a carry bag may be useful, as with the Hiccapop. If easy cleanup matters most, compare whether the cover is removable and machine washable. Follow the care directions for each part: a washable cover does not mean the foam core can also go in the washing machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a thicker mattress in any Pack and Play?
No. Check the manual for your exact playard model. Use an aftermarket mattress or topper only if the manufacturer allows it and the product fits as directed.
Is the thickest option automatically the best choice?
No. The 1.5-inch Lillibearas is the thickest mattress-style product listed here, but thickness alone does not establish compatibility. A secure fit and the playard maker’s instructions matter more.
What is the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress protector?
A mattress pad or foam mattress can provide a sleep surface, if approved for the playard. A protector fits over an existing mattress to help shield it from spills. The Biloban is a protector, not a replacement mattress.
Do the GUNTAIL sheets make a playard mattress thicker?
No. They are fitted sheets made to cover a compatible mattress. They do not replace a mattress or provide the same cushioning as foam.
How do I know whether a mattress will fit?
Measure the inside of your playard and compare it with the mattress dimensions. Check that the mattress sits flat and snugly, and follow the playard manufacturer’s fit and use instructions.
Can I wash the whole mattress?
Care varies by product. The Hiccapop and YENING descriptions specify washable covers, while the YENING mattress itself should be wiped clean. Follow the care label and product instructions rather than machine washing foam.
Final Recommendation
The Hiccapop is the most balanced mattress-style pick here for shoppers whose playard allows an aftermarket pad: it is 1.25 inches thick, has a removable washable cover, and includes a carry bag. The YENING is a thinner foam alternative. The Lillibearas is thicker, but should only be considered when your playard maker explicitly permits it. If you cannot confirm that a replacement is allowed, use the playard’s supplied mattress and approved bedding instead.
