Mattress protectors are a great bedding accessory to help keep your mattress as clean as possible. While it is possible to clean a mattress, prevention is easier when it comes to spills or allergens inside your bed. Whether you’re looking to waterproof your mattress, keep dust mites and other allergens out, or just keep your mattress in tip-top shape, we’ve got you covered.
Our expert recommendations have helped more than 15,622 people find a new mattress in 2024 alone (and 60,108 people overall since we started in 2014). Our team of certified sleep science coaches has tested over 300 beds and sleep products in our studio using our review methodology, including all the protectors featured in this guide.
When creating this list of best mattress protectors, I consulted Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, who is board-certified in sleep medicine, to ensure our methodology and specific recommendations are accurate.
Read on to see our list of the best mattress protectors on the market.
Our Top Pick for Best Mattress Protectors
The Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector earned our top spot for its waterproofing, its cooling capabilities, and overall comfort.
Best Mattress Protectors
- Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector – Best Overall Mattress Protector
- Bear GlacioTex Mattress Protector – Best Cooling Mattress Protector for Hot Sleepers
- Bear Protector – Best Value Mattress Protector
- Helix Waterproof Mattress Protector – Best Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Casper Waterproof Mattress Protector – Best Mattress Protector for Tall Mattresses
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What I Looked for in the Best Mattress Protectors
Mattress protectors should be simple, effective, and easy to use. I focused on finding options that actually shield your mattress without adding bulk, noise, discomfort, or hassle.
- Value: I compared each protector’s price to how well it performed. The best ones felt fairly priced for what you get: solid protection, a comfortable feel, and maybe even a few extras like moisture-wicking features or a quilted memory foam layer. If a protector costs more than $100, I expected noticeable quality or performance to justify it.
- Materials: A good protector should feel sturdy and well-constructed, not flimsy or prone to tearing. I also checked whether the materials were breathable and safe for your skin, especially for waterproof options that use synthetic barriers.
- Experience: My fellow testers and I looked for protectors that didn’t change the feel of the mattress or make noise under the sheets. The goal was to find a mattress protector that I could forget was even there. On the flip side, I docked points for anything that made the mattress feel hotter or more uncomfortable.
- Care: Cleaning shouldn’t be complicated. I awarded better scores to mattress protectors with clear instructions that can go straight into the washing machine without any extra fuss, especially since spills and stains are bound to happen.
Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector – Best Overall Mattress Protector
Saatva Mattress Protector
The Saatva Mattress Protector has a waterproof barrier to combat all sorts of liquids. The elastic bands attached to this protector prevent it from slipping.
Sleepopolis Score
5.00 / 5
The Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector is my pick for the best mattress protector because it’s durable and delivers exceptional protection while being easy to wash and use. Our product testers gave it a 4.5 out of 5 or higher in the materials, experience, and wash care categories.
Based on our experience with the Saatva Classic mattress, our testers had high expectations while testing the brand’s waterproof mattress protector. Fortunately, this mattress protector exceeded those expectations. Tester Nicole Davis gave it a 5 out of 5 for materials because she appreciated how durable it felt while stretching it over the mattress. Saatva also added some nice touches that made it easier to use overall.
“It fits snugly on the mattress without stretching or being overly thin,” Nicole said. “There’s a nice rubber lining by the elastic to prevent it from slipping off the bed, which I really appreciate.”
Nicole also gave the Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector 4.5 stars for experience and another 5 out of 5 for wash care. She and her fellow testers poured water onto the Saatva mattress protector and found the mattress underneath remained dry. It’s also machine-washable, which is a plus for parents of potty-training kiddos who don’t have time to make frequent visits to the dry cleaner.
“The bed felt a bit more firm with the protector on the mattress, but it wasn’t uncomfortable by any means,” Nicole said. “We also poured a cup full of water on it, and the mattress stayed completely dry. I was shocked!”
The only areas in which the Saatva mattress protector faltered were the price and customer service categories. At $195 before any discounts, it’s on the pricier side. However, we think it’s priced reasonably for the protection and quality you get. Our testers also noticed that there wasn’t a working chat function on the site, just email or phone. On the other hand, Saatva offers a 45-day trial on bedding, which is rare for bedding accessories.
Bear GlacioTex Mattress Protector – Best Cooling Mattress Protector for Hot Sleepers
Bear GlacioTex Mattress Protector
This protector features GlacioTex fabric for added cooling. The GlacioTex fibers also help wick away moisture for hot sleepers.
Bear Protector – Best Value Mattress Protector
Bear Mattress Protector
The Bear Mattress Protector is a five-sided, waterproof, breathable protector with a soft absorptive top made from a blend of cotton and polyester. The backing material is a bit of a mystery. Bear Mattress calls out the use of “HeiQ Adaptive Technology.”
Sleepopolis Score
5.00 / 5
If you’re a budget shopper looking for a no-frills mattress protector that gets the job done at an affordable price, the Bear Protector should be the perfect fit. The Bear is just $110 for a queen-sized protector before any discounts and often goes on sale for under $75, which is a steal for a protector this durable. Our product testers awarded the Bear Protector a 4.5 out of 5 or higher for value, materials, and customer service.
The Bear Protector was just shy of earning a perfect value score because it retails at just over $100 before promotions. However, it frequently goes on sale for well under that amount, making it a fantastic option for shoppers looking to squeeze the most out of their dollar. At full price, this mattress protector gets a 4.5 out of 5 for value.
While the Bear Protector missed earning a perfect 5-star score for value, it more than made up for it in the materials and customer service departments. Our product testers appreciated its natural feel, perfect fit, and durability.
“It feels thin but high-quality,” said tester Nicole Davis. “The fit is perfect on our queen mattress. There’s no extra fabric hanging off the side.”
After testing the protector by pouring a glass of water on it, Nicole and her fellow testers appreciated that it is completely waterproof. She also loved how comfortable the protector felt after putting a sheet on top of it.
“We don’t feel this under the sheet at all — it’s thin and subtle but still a bit of plushness,” Nicole said. “This is a great option for folks with children expecting frequent spills and bed-wetting.”
Another thing our testers noted about the Bear Protector was its generous warranty and return policy. The Bear gets a perfect 5 out of 5 for customer service because of its 30-night return policy and 10-year limited warranty, which is outstanding for a mattress protector.
While the Bear Protector delivers significant value at an affordable price, buyers should be mindful of two things. First, the Bear Protector is about as bare bones as it gets. It’s a durable cover that fits nicely and provides solid mattress protection. However, it lacks additional comfort or cooling features. Second, it was just big enough to fit our 13-inch test mattress in the studio. If you have a taller mattress, I recommend looking for something made for deep-pocket beds.
Helix Waterproof Mattress Protector – Best Waterproof Mattress Protector
Helix Mattress Protector
The Helix Waterproof Mattress Protector is marketed as completely waterproof and anti-microbial, so you shouldn’t have to worry about fluids, bacteria, and other contaminants dirtying your mattress.
Sleepopolis Score
4.70 / 5
If you’re shopping for a mattress protector, chances are you’re looking for something waterproof that can withstand accidents and spills. The Helix Waterproof Mattress Protector is a solid option for folks in need of a durable and waterproof option that envelopes the entire mattress to defend against nighttime mishaps. My fellow product testers and I gave it a 5 out of 5 in the experience and wash care categories because it offers above-average protection while being easy to machine wash.
While trying out the Helix Waterproof Mattress Protector, my fellow testers and I put it on a queen-sized mattress and placed sheets over it to gauge its real-world performance. Overall, I was pretty happy with my experience with the Helix protector and gave it a 5 out of 5 in the experience category.
It was easy to fit it around the queen-sized mattress, and it did a good job of wrapping around the entire bed. After putting sheets on top of the Helix Waterproof Mattress Protector and lying on top of it, I couldn’t feel it beneath me. The sheets stayed on top of the protector without slipping or bunching up.
I also gave this protector another perfect 5 out of 5 in the wash care category because Helix has made it incredibly easy to clean. According to its instructions, the protector is machine washable with cold water and dryer-friendly on low. However, I would probably wash it by itself so it doesn’t snag on a zipper. This mattress protector is thinner, so I could see it tearing if thrown into the wash alongside other items.
The only areas where the Helix Waterproof Mattress Protector faltered for me were price and materials. At full retail price, it costs $124. However, it often goes on sale for just under $100. I also don’t think it’s the best option for folks with thinner sheets. The Helix protector on its own feels a bit uncomfortable and thin despite being waterproof.
Casper Waterproof Mattress Protector – Best Mattress Protector for Tall Mattresses
Casper Mattress Protector
Able to fit any mattress up to 16″ deep, the Casper Waterproof Mattress Protector has a quilted top layer for added comfort, in addition to being waterproof and hypoallergenic.
Sleepopolis Score
4.60 / 5
Sleepers with more elevated mattresses might find it challenging to find a protector that adequately covers the sides. If that sounds like you, the Casper Waterproof Mattress Protector might be what you need. I tested it on one of the thicker mattresses in our studio (13 inches), and the deep, ultra-stretchy sides had no problem wrapping securely around the corners. I gave the Casper a perfect 5 out of 5 in both value and materials. This mattress protector is soft, feels like cotton, and costs just $99 for a queen before discounts (often on sale for around $89).
The material is a soft polyester blend with a rubber backing that adds waterproof protection. It lacks a traditional elastic band, but the stretchy, cheesecloth-like sides did the job just fine. I gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for experience because it stayed in place after I jumped into bed and rolled around on the mattress.
With a sheet over this mattress protector, I could feel the bumps and tufts of the mattress slightly less, which was a plus. However, the material felt a little thick on the Casper Waterproof Mattress Protector, so I would not recommend it for sleepers who rely on their mattresses for active cooling. I could see this mattress protector trapping more heat than its ultra-thin competitors.
The only real drawbacks for me were on the customer service side. Casper offers a solid 10-year limited warranty and a 30-night trial, but the brand refuses returns after that period — and you have to pay for return shipping. Folks in Alaska and Hawaii also have to pay a shipping fee.
I did get a live rep in under a minute via chat and appreciated how quickly they answered my questions, but overall, the return policy might not be as generous as other brands.
Other Mattress Protectors We Considered
In addition to our top picks, two mattress protectors offered a solid mix of features, comfort, and performance. While they didn’t quite make our main list, they may still be a great fit, depending on your needs and preferences.
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Protector
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Protector has a bit of everything for sleepers looking for a premium sleep experience. This mattress protector has special cooling fibers to prevent hot sleepers from overheating, and its materials are waterproof and hypoallergenic. The only downside is that it is pricier than many other protectors at full price.
Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector
While the Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector from Coop Sleep Goods doesn’t have a ton of extra features, it gets the job done with a snug fit and a non-slippery surface. Both of these traits will help keep liquid and bacteria from seeping into your mattress or onto the floor. This protector also comes at a value price without skimping on durability or quality. However, I left it off my final list because I felt shoppers could get a little more bang for their buck out of the other options here.
How We Picked and Tested These Mattress Protectors
Even though it is possible to clean a mattress, a quality mattress protector can help preserve your new mattress’s longevity and hygiene. Whether you want to ward off spills, allergens, bed bugs, or dust mites, a good mattress protector should act as an invisible shield without sacrificing comfort. We tried out numerous options using our rigorous testing methodology to identify which ones work and which make your bed crinkly and uncomfortable. Below, we break down the key criteria we used to evaluate each protector.
Value
In most cases, mattress covers shouldn’t cost a fortune. We assessed the value of each mattress protector by comparing its price to the quality and features it delivers. For reference, we consider protectors under $100 (for a queen size) to be budget-friendly, while midrange models fall between $100 and $200. Anything above that is pricey and should offer notable performance or comfort enhancements to justify the cost.
Our favorite mattress protectors were options that stayed within a reasonable price range and delivered on performance, comfort, and durability. These protectors are barely noticeable in your bed, and we mean that in a good way. Conversely, any mattress protector that failed to keep spills off the mattress or felt fragile and noisy got docked in this category, especially if it came with a premium price tag.
Materials
Unlike sheets or mattress toppers, you don’t sleep directly on a mattress protector. However, materials still matter. Our product testers closely inspected each mattress protector to see if the fabric felt sturdy, flexible, and able to stand up to regular use. We also looked at how the protector fits on the mattress: A good one should stretch snugly over the bed without feeling like it will rip or tear.
We also considered the safety and environmental friendliness of the materials used, especially for waterproof protectors that sometimes contain vinyl or synthetic coatings. These materials can emit potentially harmful phthalates or VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that pose health risks and contribute to indoor air pollution.
“Look for hypoallergenic materials that fight common allergens like dust mites, mildew and mold,” Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta advises. “Make sure that it’s easy to clean, has good ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture, and avoids materials that might trigger your allergies.”
Most reputable brands list this information on their packaging or website, and we deducted points if any harmful or questionable materials were present. The best protectors in this category felt strong, well-constructed, and secure without adding bulk or awkward tension when fitted onto the bed.
Experience
High-quality mattress protectors do their job without drawing attention to themselves. That means no crunchy textures, no loud crinkling when you roll over, and no noticeable changes to the feel of your mattress. Our testers evaluated whether a protector made the bed firmer, less breathable, or generally uncomfortable while noting any distracting noise.
Mattress protectors with stiff or plasticky materials often created the most friction, especially under thinner sheets, while higher-scoring models seamlessly blended into the bedding experience.
Our favorite protectors were ones that we could forget were even there. These mattress protectors provide a layer of protection without making the mattress feel warmer, harder, or noisier. Bonus points if the protector passed our water test without leaving moisture behind.
Care
If you use a mattress protector, you will likely have to clean it sooner or later. No matter how frequently you deal with accidents or spills, your mattress protector should be easy to clean. We looked for clear, easy-to-follow care instructions and paid close attention to whether it was machine-washable or needed more hands-on maintenance.
The most convenient mattress protectors were machine-washable and featured legible care labels or online guidance. These earned the highest ratings, as they made cleanup hassle-free. We gave lower scores to products with vague or missing instructions and those that required meticulous spot-cleaning without a machine-wash option (for cloth protectors). For firmer plastic or vinyl protectors, spot-cleaning is more expected and doesn’t automatically result in point deductions.
In all cases, we asked: Is it easy to keep this protector fresh and functional?
What to Consider When Buying Mattress Protectors
While mattress protectors are relatively straightforward accessories, not all are created equal. The right one can save you from persistent stains down the line. Consider these factors before you buy, whether you’re shopping for no-frills basics or premium features.
Types of Mattress Protectors
Mattress protectors generally fall into two categories: encasement and fitted-sheet style. Mattress encasements fully zip around the entire mattress and are typically used for maximum protection against bed bugs or allergens. Fitted-sheet styles are more common and stretch over the top and sides of your mattress like a standard sheet, making them easier to remove and clean regularly.
There are also variations in material, especially when it comes to waterproofing. Some use vinyl or polyurethane layers for spill resistance, while others rely on treated fabrics that are quieter and more breathable. Choose based on your priorities, whether that’s waterproofing, allergen defense, or minimal feel under your sheets.
Who Should Use a Mattress Protector
Nearly everyone can benefit from using a mattress protector, especially if you want to extend the lifespan of your bed. They help guard against elements that can degrade your mattress over time, including everyday wear, spills, sweat, allergens, and dust mites.
Mattress protectors are especially helpful for families with young kids, people with pets, or anyone living in humid environments where mold or moisture might be a concern. And if you’re still within a mattress warranty period, many companies require a protector to remain eligible for coverage.
Customer Service Policies
A good mattress protector should have a clear return and warranty policy, especially when buying online. Look for brands offering at least a 30-day return window, ideally with free return shipping or a satisfaction guarantee.
You should also look at whether the brand provides responsive, accessible customer service — via chat, email, or phone — and if the protector comes with a meaningful warranty. Some companies offer only limited coverage for defects, while others provide multi-year warranties that speak to product durability and trust in its materials.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews often reveal details that aren’t obvious from product pages or brand descriptions. Look at reviews on the company’s website and on third-party marketplaces like Amazon. When combing through online reviews, note any patterns regarding noise, comfort, waterproof performance, and fit. If multiple reviewers mention the same issue (for example, crinkly noise or corners that won’t stay put), it’s usually a red flag.
On the other hand, praise for durability, comfort, and ease of cleaning often aligns with our testing results, which helps us confirm which protectors will hold up in real homes over time.
Mattress Protector FAQs
Do mattress protectors make you sweat?
A high-quality mattress protector with breathable materials like organic cotton or Tencel can help regulate temperature and wick away moisture, reducing the chance of night sweats.
As Dr. Shelby Harris, one of our medical advisors explains, “Natural materials like cotton or linen also tend to be more breathable than synthetics, like polyester, which makes them a better choice for hot sleepers.”
Can you wash a mattress protector?
Yes, most mattress protectors are machine washable and safe to tumble dry on low heat, making them easy to clean and maintain. Always follow care instructions to preserve the fabric and waterproof layer.
Will a mattress protector affect the feel of my mattress?
Lightweight mattresses that use soft yet durable materials like rayon ensure that the mattress protector won’t significantly change the feel of your mattress. It adds protection while maintaining comfort and flexibility.
Do I need a mattress protector if I have a topper?
Yes, a mattress protector adds an important layer of defense even if you use a topper or mattress pad. A mattress protector can help guard against spills, dust mites, and allergens while staying gentle on your skin.
Are mattress protectors safe for sensitive skin?
Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic mattress protectors with OEKO-TEX certifications are tested for harmful substances, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin. They offer peace of mind along with comfort and protection.
