The best mattress protectors are an essential addition to any sleep set-up. After all, the best mattresses are expensive, so we all want to make sure our investment stays in tip top condition for as long as possible. A mattress protector will help you to do that.
In addition to our bedsheets, a mattress protector is a barrier that prevents sweat, oils, skin cells (yuck!) and general dirt and grime from transferring from our bodies onto our mattress whilst we sleep.
A zippered protector or a mattress encasement can also help to protect our mattress from dust-mites, allergens, and even bed bugs. Whilst a waterproof mattress protector will protect a mattress from bedwetting or accidental liquid spills.
As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, a mattress protector is the one bedding purchase I advise everyone to make, and the good news is that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a decent one. I've rounded up my top recommendations below.
Best mattress protectors
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To help you find the right mattress protector for your needs, I've rounded up the best waterproof mattress protectors for protection from bed wetting or night sweats, the best cooling mattress protectors for protection that won't cause overheating, and the best mattress protectors for preventing allergies or bed bugs for the ultimate peace of mind.
Best waterproof mattress protectors
A waterproof mattress protector will protect your mattress from moisture, whether that's bedwetting, night sweats, or accidental spills.
The best waterproof mattress protectors will offer this protection without feeling too plasticky, causing overheating, or making too much of a rustling noise. These are my top recommendations.
Materials: cover 80% cotton and 20% polyester, backing 100% polyurethane Sizes: single / double / king / super king Depth: 30cm Care: machine washable, do not tumble dry
This is one of the best value waterproof mattress protectors I've found, with prices starting at £14 for the single, £18 for a double, £20 for a king size, and £24 for a super king size.
The terry towelling upper means its a great option for bedwetting as there's plenty of absorbant fabric to soak up liquid, whilst the polyurethane base layer adds an impermeable barrier to protect the mattress.
This protector can also be machine washed, although it needs to be line dried rather than tumble dried.
It also has over 400 positive reviews from Dunelm customers who rate it on average 4.7 out of 5 stars, praising its comfort, quietness on the bed, and value for money.
Materials: cover 80% cotton and 20% polyester, backing 100% polyurethane Sizes: single / double / king / super king Depth: 38cm Care: wash at 40°c, tumble dry low temperature
If you need a deeper waterproof mattress protector then this Sleep Solutions option available from Marks & Spencers will fit a mattress up to 38cm in depth.
It's only a little more expensive than the Dunelm option, and, similarly, it features a terry towelling upper to absorb fluid paired with a polyurethane base layer that acts as a waterproof barrier to protect the mattress from spills.
This protector can also be machine washed and tumble dried on a low temperature.
There is also a 30cm deep Sleep Solutions Terry Waterproof Mattress Protector available for a comparable price to Dunelm's terry towelling option.
Materials: cover 70% bamboo, 30% cotton, backing 100% polyester Sizes: cot / cotbed / single / small double / double / king / super king / EU single / EU double / EU king / EU emperor Depth: 32cm Care: wash at 50°c, do not tumble dry
This waterproof mattress protector comes in a wide range of size options that make it easy to find an option to fit a sofa bed, caravan bed, or any other unusually sized sleeping area.
It features a mix of temperature-regulating bamboo and cotton in its cover, with a base layer of what the brand dubs 'Nano TPU™', and describes as an 'ultra-thin, silent, aerosol-free, non-toxic, biodegradable, waterproof layer'.
Whilst this protector doesn't have the absorbency of a terry towelling option, it still provides very discreet waterproof protection and on testing we found it a great option for protecting a mattress from excess moisture such as sweat.
Best cooling mattress protectors
Bedding made from synthetic materials – like polyester and nylon – can cause us to overheat as these materials are derived from petrochemicals which lack breathability. A mattress protector made from natural materials – such as one that's made from 100% cotton, or a mix of cotton and wool – will offer a much cooler sleep.
Just make sure to check the small print. Often mattress protectors will mix a cotton top layer with synthetic wadding underneath. My top three recommendations below are the real deal.
Materials: outer 100% cotton, filling 100% cotton Sizes: single / double / king / super king Depth: up to 30cm / up to 38cm Care: wash at 40°c, tumble dry low temperature
This is the best value pure cotton mattress protector I've found, with prices starting at £25 for the single, £29.50 for a double, £35 for a king size, and £39.50 for a super king size.
It's also one of the few pure cotton mattress protectors that's available in two depths which is very useful for getting a snug fit on the bed. There's an option for mattresses up to 30cm and for beds up to 38cm deep.
This cotton protector can be washed at wash at 40°c and tumble dried at a low temperature, plus it gets rave reviews from M&S customers, with over 400 reviewers rating it on average 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Marks & Spencer's cotton is also sourced from the Better Cotton Initiative which aims to support cotton growing communities, whilst protecting and restoring the environment.
Materials: outer 100% cotton, filling 98% cotton and 2% mixed fibres Sizes: small single/ single / small double / double / king / super king Depth: up to 35cm Care: wash at 40°c, do not tumble dry
This cotton mattress protector comes in a little more expensive than the M&S option, but it offers a wider range of sizes, including both a small single and small double mattress size.
However, there is only one mattress depth available, so if your mattress is over 35cm deep, you'll need to opt for one of our other recommendations.
Like the M&S option, this protector can be machine washed at 40°c, plus, as cotton is a natural fibre that can shrink when laundered, it's been specifically designed so that its dimensions take shrinkage into account. However, the downside is that unlike our other picks, this one can't be tumble dried.
John Lewis says its cotton is sustainably sourced and supports cotton farmers who 'use water efficiently, care for the environment and promote fair and decent work'.
Materials: outer 100% cotton, filling 100% cotton Sizes: single / double / king / super king Depth: 40cm Care: wash at 30°-40°c, tumble dry low temperature
Unlike my first two recommendations, this extra deep cotton mattress protector will fit a mattress up to 40cm in depth, so it's a good option if you want a cotton mattress protector to fit over a mattress that has a topper attached.
It can be machine washed on a warm setting, tumble dried on low, and it's designed to be slightly oversized when unboxed to allow for natural shrinkage when it's first washed.
It is the most expensive cotton protector inthis round-up, but it's also the only cotton mattress protector on our list to be Oeko-Tex 100 Standard certified. That means no harmful toxins or chemicals have been used in the manufacturing process which is good news for the planet, and us.
It's also delivered in a drawstring cotton bag, in plastic free, recyclable packaging which is great news for the environment.
Best mattress protector for preventing allergies and bed bugs
The best mattress protectors for preventing allergies and bed bugs are those that cover all six sides of the mattress. Also known as a mattress encasement, these zippered mattress protectors will help to protect your mattress from dust-mites if you have allergies, and can also prevent bed bug infestations.
If you're moving into a furnished rental property or buying a secondhand mattress, a mattress encasement could also offer peace of mind that any nasties lurking within the mattress are contained.
Materials: cover polyester, backing polyester Sizes: cot / cot bed / single / double / king / super king Depth: 30cm Care: wash on cold, do not tumble dry
Mattress encasements can be tricky to source, so it's no wonder this Amazon option is a bestseller. Plus, a very affordable price tag makes it the best budget option I've come across.
This zippered mattress protector is also waterproof on all six sides, so your mattress will be fully protected from moisture as well as dust mites and bed bugs.
Available in adult sizes as well as smaller cot and cot bed options, the only downside is this protector's depth, with it only fitting mattresses up to 30cm deep.
However, with 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 11,000 reviewers, it's a definite crowdpleaser, and owners praise both its value and performance.
Materials: 100% cotton Sizes: single / small double / double / king / super king Depth: 30cm / 35cm Care: wash at 40°c, tumble dry on a low
Made from 100% cotton, this mattress encasement isn't waterproof, but it is dust-mite resistant which is great news for those with allergies.
Importantly, it's machine washable at 40°c and can be tumble dried on a low heat, so you can easily freshen up your bed and wash away any pollen, pet hair, or other allergens regularly.
It's also a useful buy for anyone who just wants to protect their mattress from marks on all six sides, and as it's pure cotton, it's far more breathable option than a waterproof encasement.
Handily, this zippered protector is also available in two depths of 30cm or 35cm.
Materials: cover 100% polyester, backing 100% polyurethane Sizes: single / small double / double / king / super king Depth: two zip heights Care: wash at 30°c, do not tumble dry
This clever waterproof mattress encasement features two zip heights which means it can cater to a variety of sizes of mattress.
Its jersey top layer also creates a comfortable sleep surface whilst the 4-in-1 protection offers defence against dust mites, bed bugs and allergens, as well as keeping your entire mattress dry and stain-free.
You can also opt to add on Soak & Sleep's Pillow Encasements which offer the same inpenetrable protection for your pillows.
How to choose the best mattress protector for you
These are the six main factors you'll want to consider when choosing the right mattress protector for your needs.
Waterproofing: If you need to protect your mattress from bedwetting then you’ll want a waterproof mattress protector. These feature an impermeable plastic membrane that prevents moisture from penetrating through the protector and reaching the mattress. You can get waterproof mattress protectors (where just the top of the protector is waterproof) or zippered waterproof mattress encasements (that protect all six sides of the mattress from moisture).
However, a waterproof mattress protector does come with downsides – largely that the plastic underlayer lacks breathability, can feel a little ‘plasticky’ underneath your bedsheet, and can rustle. So if you aren’t worried about bedwetting, it can be best to avoid a waterproof mattress protector and opt for a more breathable option instead. More on that next.
Breathability: Bedding made from synthetic materials such as polyester is likely to cause overheating as these materials lack breathability. Instead these materials tend to reflect body heat and humidity back towards the sleeper which can lead to us waking up hot and sticky in the night. Alternatively, natural materials such as cotton and wool allow for better air circulation. Better air circulation means the body can regulate its temperature better, which makes for a less disturbed and more restful night’s sleep.
Allergies and bed bugs: If you want to protect your mattress from allergens such as dust-mites or bed bugs then the safest way to do so is to opt for a zippered mattress protector (also known as a mattress encasement) that covers all six sides of your mattress.
Fit: Make sure that the mattress protector you choose is the right size for your mattress, e.g. if you have a double bed, you’ll need a double mattress protector.
Ease of care: Look for a mattress protector that’s machine washable so it’s easy to clean and care for. As Karen Innes, New Product Development Manager at bedding manufacturer Slumberdown says, 'something often overlooked is washing your bedding, and your mattress protector is no exception - choose a mattress protector that is machine washable and try to get into a washing routine with your bedding to prevent any build-up of sweat, oil and dirt.'
Environmental impact: Synthetic polyester mattress protectors are usually the cheapest option, but they’re derived from petrochemicals which are non-renewable, hard to recycle, and don’t biodegrade easily, so they’re the most harmful to the environment. Instead, try to opt for a mattress protector made from natural materials, such as cotton, wool, or even bamboo, instead.
FAQs
What is a mattress protector?
Essentially, a mattress protector is a layer of fabric that covers the surface of your mattress to protect it from dirt, stains, and moisture.
A mattress protector generally has a top layer made from cotton or polyester and a layer of light wadding below this. The wadding is designed to keep any stains lifted up away from the mattress surface, it's usually only 1cm or so thick, but this can be enough to absorb sweat, skin cells, and any dirt or grime without them reaching the mattress.
Alternatively, a waterproof mattress protector is essentially a plastic sheet that covers the mattress to protect it from liquids such as urine or excessive sweat. More expensive waterproof mattress protectors will have a layer of fabric and wadding above the plastic membrane to make them more comfortable to sleep on, and some feature thick terry towelling to help absorb moisture.
What is the best mattress protector to prevent sweat stains?
A waterproof mattress protector offers the ultimate protection from sweat stains as it prevents moisture from reaching the mattress by way of an impermeable membrane.
However, the downside is that this impermeable membrane also means that air can't get through the protector, and the lack of air circulation can make overheating and subsequently, sweating, worse. A waterproof mattress protector that features cotton terry towelling can be a good solution as having the cotton layer closest to the body can enable the body to regulate its temperature better.
Do you put a bed sheet over a mattress protector?
Yes, I would always add a flat or fitted sheet over a mattress protector. The sheet acts as an added layer of protection, and generally looks nicer and is more comfortable to sleep on than sleeping directly on the mattress protector itself.
Should you choose a mattress protector or a mattress topper?
A mattress protector and a mattress topper are two different things. You can find out more in our guide to mattress toppers vs protectors. However, in a nutshell, a mattress topper is a thick cushioned layer designed to add extra comfort to a mattress that otherwise feels too firm. Whereas a mattress protector is a thin fabric layer designed purely to protect your sleep surface from accidental stains, moisture, or allergens.
In our opinion, all mattresses should be fitted with a mattress protector to keep the mattress below clean and hygenic. Whereas not everyone needs a mattress topper.
However, if your bed is too firm, you may want to add one of the best mattress toppers, or one of the best cooling mattress toppers, to your bed to increase its comfort or breathability. In this case adding a mattress protector over your topper will also help to keep your topper clean!
Do mattress protectors make a difference?
A mattress protector may at first seem like an unnecessary add-on, but, adding one to your sleep set up will do wonders for keeping your mattress guarded against spills, damages and dirt that may seep through your sheet (even without you realising it).
Ever noticed some marks or yellow stains on your mattress, but are unsure where they’ve come from? Yep, a mattress protector will take the stain instead, leaving your mattress fresh underneath. This all contributes to the longevity of your mattress.
How often should you wash a mattress protector?
You can opt to wash your mattress protector as often as you wash your sheets, which is generally advised once a week, or at minimum once a fortnight. However, because you'll have a sheet over the mattress protector it may not need washing quite so frequently, and you might find once a month is enough.
How you wash the protector or encasement will depend on the type of protector and the material it’s made from. Our guide to how to wash a mattress protector has more detail, but, in short, always refer to the care instructions on the mattress protector before washing.
How we test
You'll find full details of the Ideal Home review process on our How We Test page.
For those mattress protectors we've tested, a member of the Ideal Home team slept on it for at least two nights to test out its comfort, breathability, and how easy it was to attach to the bed. We also placed a towel under each waterproof mattress protector and poured water onto the surface to see if any moisture penetrated through.
Where we haven't yet managed to test a protector in person, we've thoroughly researched its materials and construction and dived into reviews from existing owners to ensure each protector lives up to its claims.
We also considered value for money and sustainability when compiling our top recommendations.
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