Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Mattress Protectors

Updated November 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
SureGuard 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector
SureGuard
100% Waterproof Mattress Protector
Check Price
Easy Off & On
Bottom Line

Our recommended choice for solid features at a super-affordable price.

Pros

Made with high-quality, breathable fabric. Offers solid protection against dust mites and pet dander. Available in many sizes, including crib and mini crib. Machine-washable for easy care. One of the "quieter" covers.

Cons

Not fully waterproof, so be careful of spills and leaks. Not ideal for deep-pocket mattresses.

Best Bang for the Buck
Lucid Hypoallergenic 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector
Lucid
Hypoallergenic 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector
Check Price
Breathable Design
Bottom Line

A good-quality piece with ample basic features available in several sizes.

Pros

Lightweight, durable material keeps the feel of the mattress and blocks allergens. Good-quality elastic keeps it in place and won't stretch out if you toss and turn. Works well with deep-pocket mattresses. Easy to put on.

Cons

Washing may weaken waterproofing capabilities over time.

Luna Premium Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector
Luna
Premium Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector
Check Price
Soft & Cozy
Bottom Line

Considered a premium option, this cover earns praise for its durable vinyl-free design.

Pros

Made with premium cotton terry with Luna's Airflow technology to allow for air circulation while repelling liquids. Hypoallergenic and ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers. Backed by a 15-year warranty.

Cons

May trap heat, especially in warmer climates. Not recommended for hot sleepers.

TASTELIFE Deep Pocket Waterproof Mattress Pad Protector
TASTELIFE
Deep Pocket Waterproof Mattress Pad Protector
Check Price
Best for Deep Pockets
Bottom Line

This cost-effective TPU-certified protector is our pick for deep mattresses.

Pros

We love its hypoallergenic, terrycloth top. It is also free of chemicals like phthalates and fire retardants, which can be irritating or carry odors. Popular choice among those with asthma or allergies. Soft and breathable.

Cons

Thin build and elastic weaken over time. May not be fully waterproof as advertised.

SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector
SafeRest
Premium Mattress Protector
Check Price
Soft Yet Durable
Bottom Line

A hypoallergenic mattress cover with a fitted-sheet style for a perfect fit.

Pros

Features a premium cotton terry surface that is soft and smooth. Includes a membrane layer that blocks fluids from reaching the mattress and prevents heat buildup. Fitted-sheet style allows you to maintain the feel of your mattress.

Cons

Loses its water resistance after multiple washes. Makes a noisy sound.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
77
Consumers
Consulted
22
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for best mattress protectors

You wouldn't go to bed without sheets and a pillow, but what about a mattress protector? It might not seem like a bedding essential, but a mattress protector is useful in a wide range of situations, from keeping your child's mattress clean when accidents happen to avoiding day-to-day wear and tear.

The tough part is finding the right mattress protector to fit your needs and your bed. You'll find a variety of different types on the market, and not all of them are suitable for all uses, nor are they all created equal.

If you want to find out more about mattress protectors, you've come to the right place. We at BestReviews have created this thorough shopping guide to help you make your purchase. Read on to learn more.

Content Image
A good mattress protector can help to extend the life of your mattress.

Why use a mattress protector?

Before shelling out for a mattress protector, you might be wondering if you really need one. Here are some of the most common reasons why people use mattress protectors.

  • Stains: Mattress protectors help you avoid getting stains on your mattress.

  • Liquids: If you choose a waterproof mattress protector, it will stave off liquid spills, sweat, or nighttime incontinence.

  • Comfort: Padded mattress protectors provide some added comfort and can rejuvenate an old, uncomfortable mattress.

  • Damage: Even basic mattress protectors will protect against general wear and tear from day to day use.

  • Warranty: If your mattress is torn or stained, the warranty may be void, so using a mattress protector could help you get your money back if anything goes wrong with your mattress.
Content Image
Did you know?
You can find mattress protectors that are designed to keep bed bugs at bay.
STAFF
BestReviews

Types of mattress protectors

Basic

Basic mattress protectors are essentially like fitted bed sheets with an extra layer or two of material stitched onto the top to help prevent stains and wear.

  • Pros: These tend to be lightweight, so they won't add bulk to your mattress or make it feel warmer to sleep on. These are also more affordable options.

  • Cons: Basic mattress protectors aren't waterproof, so one won't keep your mattress dry in the event of spilled drinks or bed-wetting.

Waterproof

As the name suggests, waterproof mattress protectors guard against liquids. These products have a waterproof layer underneath a soft fabric layer to keep your mattress dry.

  • Pros: These are ideal for children who wet the bed or anyone who suffers from nighttime incontinence, protecting against liquids and general stains.

  • Cons: The waterproof layer can make these mattress protectors feel and sound crinkly when you move.

Padded

If you want mattress protection and some extra comfort, padded mattress protectors are the way to go. These are made of polyester hollow fiber, down, or memory foam.

  • Pros: These act as both mattress toppers and mattress protectors and can help you get a more comfortable night's sleep if your mattress isn't quite up to par.

  • Cons: Padded mattress protectors can make you feel warmer at night, which isn't ideal for summer use. Down-filled padded mattress protectors can exacerbate allergies and asthma.

Anti-allergy

Anti-allergy mattress protectors usually fully encase the mattress and are designed to keep dust, pet dander, and other allergens out of your mattress.

  • Pros: These are ideal for people who suffer from hay fever, pet allergies, or dust allergies. Since they keep these allergens getting into your mattress, you won't be sleeping on a hotbed of allergens.

  • Cons: The fully encased design can be awkward to put on your mattress.
"You can find mattress protectors with cooling properties, which could help you get a good night's sleep if you prefer a colder sleeping environment."
STAFF
BestReviews

Mattress protector features to consider

Size

It might seem obvious, but you need to make sure you buy the right size mattress protector to fit your mattress. If you're not 100% sure what size your mattress is, you'll need to measure it.

Material

You can find mattress protectors made of a variety of materials. Here are some of the most common.

  • Cotton: Naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and soft, cotton is an excellent option for mattress protectors, but it can be expensive.

  • Polyester: A choice that won't hurt your wallet, polyester might not be the most cool or luxurious material, but it's durable and easy to care for.

  • Cotton/polyester blend: You'll often find mattress protectors made from a blend of cotton and polyester. These are more affordable than pure cotton and retain some of cotton’s good features.

  • Bamboo: Another natural and breathable option, bamboo is an ideal material for mattress protectors because it wicks away moisture and helps stop odor-causing bacteria from growing. Bamboo grows quickly, so It's also a very sustainable material. The only drawback is its high cost.

Fit

The majority of mattress protectors fit much like fitted bottom sheets, slipping over the top of your mattress, with elastic corners to hold them in place. However, some mattress protectors fully enclose all six sides of your mattress – top, bottom, and all four vertical sides. Fully enclosed mattress protectors usually have a zipper so you can completely seal the mattress inside. While These mattress protectors are more difficult to fit, they do keep allergens and/or bed bugs from getting into your mattress.

Comfort

Some mattress protectors are more comfortable than others. Most are simply designed to protect your mattress, and you wouldn't notice they were there if you hadn't made the bed yourself. Others are padded and made with comfort in mind. Memory foam mattress protectors are arguably the most comfortable, but these can be warm to sleep on. Those filled with down or polyester hollow fiber offer some extra comfort – a bit like sleeping on top of a thick comforter – but don't make a huge amount of difference.

Mattress protector prices

Mattress protectors vary in price. You can expect to pay between $10 and $100, depending on a range of factors, including size, material, and type. A basic twin mattress protector costs as little as $10 to $15, while a high-end padded or fully enclosed king-size option can cost as much as $100.

Tips

  • Look for a mattress protector that's easy to wash. Most mattress protectors should be machine washable, so you can simply throw them in the wash with your sheets. However, this isn't always the case, so be sure to double-check.

  • Check if your chosen mattress protector comes with a warranty. Some reputable brands offer as much as a ten-year warranty, which gives you some peace of mind when purchasing.

  • Think about the breathability of your chosen mattress protector. If your mattress protector isn't breathable, it can trap heat and make you feel too warm at night. This might not be much of an issue in winter, but it can be uncomfortable in the warmer months.

  • Make sure your chosen mattress protector dries quickly. If a damp mattress protector takes a long time to dry after it gets damp, it can get uncomfortable if you sweat in the night.
Content Image
You should make your bed as normal on top of your mattress protector – don't use it instead of a bottom sheet.

Tips

Q. Will I feel hotter at night if I use a mattress protector?

A. Some mattress protectors will make you "sleep hotter," which is an issue if you prefer to be cooler when you sleep or you live in a warm climate. Padded mattress protectors will generally make you feel warmer at night, as will those made from synthetic materials.

Q. Are waterproof mattress protectors uncomfortable to sleep on?

A. Waterproof mattress protectors usually feature a layer of polyurethane or vinyl to keep moisture from seeping through. Sometimes this waterproof layer can rustle and feel a bit stiff. However, the best waterproof mattress protectors don't have a stiff or crinkly feel and are completely noiseless when you move around. Look for these features if you want to make sure you'll be comfortable sleeping on a waterproof mattress protector.

Q. I have a very deep mattress. Will a mattress protector fit it properly?

A. Some mattresses are deeper than others. If yours is deeper than average, you could find it hard to find a mattress protector that fits properly. Those that go on your mattress like a fitted sheet won't reach to the bottom of the mattress and may pop off the corners. Fully enclosed options might not be large enough to zip around your mattress. However, all is not lost. You can find extra-deep mattress protectors, which will resolve this issue.

Our Top Picks