Even if your mattress or topper isn't particularly expensive, a good mattress protector is important for sleep hygiene. It acts as a barrier between you and your much-loved mattress, guarding it against dust, mites, bed bugs, and more.
We found the best mattress protectors on the market and tested them ourselves. After sleeping on a range of options, we picked the best of the bunch based on how they performed. We also scrolled through highly-rated products loved by shoppers online.
These incredible mattress protectors will ensure that even the best mattress lasts longer — and they'll make your money go further. The best part? You can get a great buy for as little as $80 depending on the size of your bed. We've reviewed four of the buys in this guide, giving each one a rating of 4.5 stars or more.
The best mattress protectors to buy right now
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The best waterproof mattress protector
The Casper Waterproof Mattress Protector is fully waterproof and still feels like the best bed sheets of our childhoods, setting it up to be one of the best waterproof mattress protectors. It's made from the same waterproof material used in premium outdoor gear, and that's the genius of it. Its microscopic pores are small enough to keep spills out but large enough to let air in. The cover needs to be hand washed and air dried, however.
Some of the waterproof mattress protectors we've tried feel crinkly, which means that when you move in bed it causes materials to move and make a crunching noise. Not this one, though. Kaitlin claims it feels more like terrycloth and it's designed to cling firmly to even the best cheapest mattress. It's also so thin, she hardly knew it was there. If you love the feel of your mattress and don't want to alter it, this one is your best bet. Do note that it fits mattresses up to 16 inches only, so if you've invested in the best mattress topper you can afford, then measure to make sure it will fit.
The best cooling mattress protector
Hot sleeper? The SlumberCloud Core Mattress Protector will work wonders for your comfort levels, and it's one you'll find yourself discussing at the dinner table about how it changed your sleep (well, Kaitlin did, anyway). Made with NASA-developed technology originally used to regulate the temperature in space suits, it's the best cooling mattress protector, of course! The mattress pad has a quilted HDPE/polyester blend cover. Inside, it holds a lining treated with Outlast technology — a Certified Space Technology by the Space Foundation. This astronaut-worthy tech is designed to keep the fabric at a certain temperature, so it'll absorb heat when the fabric gets too warm and release it when needed. It doesn't add any extra padding to your mattress.
With its thin, crinkle-free waterproof barrier, Kaitlin found this cooling mattress protector worked its magic on spills accidents, and sweat — keeping her from overheating at night. It works double duty and stayed put when she shifted positions during the night on an adjustable base. It's also nice and big so it will fit deep mattresses up to 20", meaning that even if you have a topper on your mattress it should still stretch.
The best mattress protector for deep mattresses
The perfect pick for those looking to marry sustainability with functionality, the Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector will let you rest easy knowing your mattress is covered from spills and stains in an environmentally friendly, non-toxic way. To create a waterproof barrier, two layers of soft GOTS-certified organic cotton sandwich a thin, waterproof polyurethane film (which makes up only 5% of the overall construction). It's made without vinyl, PVC, and phthalates, and the cover has small pores that allow for breathability. It comes in two depths depending on your mattress thickness. Standard is perfect for mattresses 16" and less, and the deep pocket fit is for mattresses (and topper combinations) 22" in depth.
Being eco-conscious, Kaitlin was looking forward to testing whether this protector was worth the price. While it's designed for Avocado mattresses (like the Avocado Eco mattress we reviewed, or the non-toxic Avocado Green mattress we tested), it fited her other brand of mattress perfectly. Moreover, a cotton, non-plastic layer that's waterproof? Wow. She loved how it felt so soft yet was so great at keeping water droplets at bay. This mattress protector really gives the premium Avocado experience, without having to splurge on a new mattress.
This protector is designed to be washed and tumble-dried, and you need to wash it before the first use. It will shrink a little to fit your mattress better. It comes with a one-year warranty.
The best organic mattress protector
If you prefer the plush feel and breathability of a traditional quilted mattress protector, the Saatva organic cotton mattress pad is hard to beat. Not only is it organic, but it's also made from Fair Trade Certified cotton. You can sleep well knowing where your money's going. It adds an extra element of comfort (but not so much that it'll change the firmness of your mattress) thanks to the plush layers of comfortable organic cotton. The moisture-wicking properties help create a barrier that protects the mattress underneath, and its quilted stitching ensures the fill stays plump and even. It's also fitted with an extra-wide elastic band to keep it securely in place. Do note it isn't waterproof, though. You can wash it in your machine and tumble dry it, however.
Kaitlin has a mattress she's not quite entirely happy with comfort-wise, so a mattress protector that's quilted? Great! Not only does it make sure the mattress isn't getting dirtied or stained, but she also benefits from a soft padded sleep surface. Do bear in mind that it only fits mattresses up to 16" high, so if you have a deep mattress or use yours with a topper, be sure to check that it will fit.
Best budget mattress protector
Looking for a more affordable option? You don't have to skimp on quality when looking for a budget-friendly mattress protector. This highly-rated pick available on Amazon has 4.6 stars with a whopping 42,000 reviews. It's available in a range of colors with everything from aqua blue to pastel pink, so you're sure to find something that matches your bedroom decor.
High-quality TPU backing secures your mattress from the top and resists any leakage into the mattress. The cotton terrycloth top layer is soft to the touch and feels cozy at night. And if any accidents do happen, you can machine wash cold on gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat.
One reviewer says, "This product is excellent. It fits my king size bed perfectly. It has a soft material like on the top for comfort under a sheet. Underneath is soft but and sturdy plastic material protects the bed from any spills. Nothing will soak through due the material used."
Highly-rated mattress protector
This affordable mattress protector is a fan favorite on Amazon. With 4.6 stars and over 273,000 ratings, it's safe to say shoppers approve. Amazon even sold over 8,000 in the past month.
This mattress protector features a noiseless, breathable, and wrinkle-free surface with a membrane back coating. It's guaranteed to be waterproof and made with a hypoallergenic cotton terry surface. It protects against dust mites, allergens, sweat, and body odors. It's machine washable using mild household detergents.
Shoppers appreciate the comfort, protection, performance, and value of the mattress cover. One reviewer says, "Overall I am very happy with this mattress protector because it is not crinkly, makes no noise when we sleep on it, and stays put on the bed without us and it sliding around all night long. This launders easily with the sheets. I'd highly recommend it to everyone who has pets or kids."
What to consider when choosing a mattress protector
There are a few questions to ask yourself prior to picking the best mattress protector for your needs. We've already answered why you need a mattress protector, but we went to the experts to learn more.
"It’s best to pick a mattress protector that includes an anti-bacterial and anti-viral treatment," says Karen Innes, NPD manager at Slumberdown. "This will help reduce the build-up and cross-contamination of bacteria, ensuring you are sleeping in a cleaner, more hygienic bed." See below for more features to keep in mind.
Consider which material is right for you:
- Cotton mattress protectors will suit sweaty sleepers because the breathable fabric will wick away body sweat.
- Waterproof, cotton blend is a popular choice (think cotton/polyurethane mix). They won't be as breathable and may be noisier than pure cotton ones but they will protect against spills — something cotton-only options can't do.
- Polyester mattress protectors are your budget buy or you'll find it as a material in a waterproof mattress protector. Perfect for children or anyone suffering from incontinence, they're pretty much fail-safe. Downsides? They're not great for sweaty sleepers.
- Rayon is man-made from natural fibers, and mattress protectors in this material are usually breathable and comfortable to sleep on. Better still? They're often the eco-friendly choice.
- Tencel is a fiber made from regenerated wood cellulose, making it a sustainable and non-toxic choice. It's also softer than silk and supremely breathable.
FAQs
What's the difference between a mattress protector and a topper?
We asked Steve Reid, CEO at Simba, who notes how it can be confusing to know the real difference between the two products. "Many people are understandably confused by the difference between a mattress protector and a mattress topper," says Reid. "You do put them both on top of your mattress to improve its quality. The difference is that a mattress protector protects your mattress from dirt, moisture, and dust, while a mattress topper increases the comfort of your mattress if it’s old, worn out, or just low quality. Toppers can be filled with feathers, synthetic alternatives, or memory foam."
For maximum comfort and cleanliness, we recommend using both.
Is a mattress protector worth it?
Mattress protectors are unsung bedding heroes. Their biggest benefit is the fact that they will keep your mattress safe from spills and stains for around five years.
A good mattress can easily set you back $700 or more, whereas most mattress protectors can be snapped up for less than $100. If you consider that using a mattress protector can prolong the life of your mattress by at least a couple of years, without even factoring in early replacement due to major accidental damage, then a protector sounds like a very wise purchase. Invaluable even.
How we test mattress protectors
When reviewing our mattress protectors, we look at factors like fit, breathability, comfort, and of course, if they're as waterproof. As you would assume, the most practical way is to use them on our own beds! They get slept on for at least a week to endure the practicalities of everyday life. Then, they'll be washed according to their instructions (either in a washer or hand-washed) and dried to test their durability. To see how waterproof they are, we pour drops of water on them and see how it interacts with the fabric.
Our freelance writer, Kaitlin, tested four of the mattress protectors on this list and compared the pros and cons of each.
Our guides on how to wash a mattress protector and how to clean a mattress protector have lots of tips on maintaining your protector after you've invested in one. Experts suggest washing your mattress protector every few months. It's not necessary to wash as often as your duvet cover or pillows if there aren't any spills or stains to take care of.