Written by Amelia Jerden, Senior Staff Writer
Mattress protectors are a great bedding item to add to your mattress to keep it as clean as possible. While you can 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. 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 2024
- Best Overall – Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Best for the Money – Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Best Luxury – Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Protector
- Best Hypoallergenic – SweetZZZ Cooling Mattress Protector
- Best Encasement Protector – Layla Full Encasement Mattress Protector
- Best Cooling – Nest Bedding Cooling Cotton Mattress Protector
- Best Waterproof – Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Protect Mattress Protector
- Best Eco-Friendly – Puffy Signature Mattress Protector
Best Mattress Protectors Video
Best Overall – Saatva Waterproof 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
Expert Opinion
The Saatva mattress protector is an all-around great option — it’s waterproof, cooling, and shouldn’t make your bed feel plasticky. It’s also marketed as being ethically-sourced, and is designed to snugly fit beds with a thickness of 16 inches or less.
What customers say: “Waterproof, quiet, and it doesn’t move around underneath you if you toss and turn in your sleep! The top is a soft canvas-like material while the bottom feels like the inside of a sleeping bag with a hint of suede.” – Vanessa
Who the Saatva Mattress Protector Is Best For
- Hot sleepers: The cover is made from cotton, a breathable material, and the poly foam is ventilated.
- Sleepers with most mattress sizes: The Saatva comes in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and even split king.
- Uncertain shoppers: Saatva offers a generous 45-day sleep trial and a one-year warranty, so there’s a lot of time to test out this protector.
Who Should Avoid the Saatva Mattress Protector
- Budget shoppers: This protector does work wonders, but the materials and performance comes at a price.
Get our best deal on the Saatva protector.
Best for the Money – Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector
Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector
This durable mattress protector has a snug, non-slippery fit that keeps out liquid and bacteria. Its materials are also OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 Certified.
Expert Opinion
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.
What customers say: “I purchased this for an elderly parent and pooch. It fits well on the mattress, is not slippery, noisy, or uncomfortable, and works effectively. We couldn’t be more pleased.” – Sharon F.
Who the Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector Is Best For
- Budget shoppers: With a price range of $46 to $69 before discounts, it’s cheaper than a lot of other mattress protectors on the market.
- Sleepers with allergies: The Coop Sleep Goods protector is hypoallergenic, so it isn’t likely to activate anyone’s allergies.
- Parents: This mattress protector is machine-washable, so it’s a good option for anyone with children who are more prone to spills.
Who Should Avoid the Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Those who want extra bells and whistles: This protector doesn’t have any additional cooling features or other luxurious touches.
Get our best deal on the Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector.
Best Luxury – Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Protector
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector surpasses our expectations for a comfortable, cooling, and waterproof protector.
Sleepopolis Score
4.70 / 5
Expert Opinion
Luxury mattress protectors are an important find for some, because they often provide additional features geared towards specific preferences. For example, many include special cooling or waterproofing abilities; others have exceptional materials. In the case of the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Protector, it has a bit of everything. Special cooling fibers designed to prevent hot sleepers from overheating, and the materials in this protector are waterproof and hypoallergenic.
What customers say: “As someone who “sleeps hot,” I’m always on the look out for a solution. This cooling mattress actually works, even in Texas which is experiencing record high temperatures.” – Catherine R.
Who the Brooklyn Bedding Protector Is Best For
- Budget shoppers: Even though this is a luxury topper, it comes at a pretty affordable price (less than $100 after discounts).
- Those wanting easy care: This protector is machine-washable for added convenience.
- Folks wanting a silky feel: Brooklyn Bedding markets its protector as one that feels smooth and silky, so if this is the type of feel you’re looking for, it could be the topper for you.
Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Protector
- Those wanting a long sleep trial: This protector’s sleep trial is 30 days, which may not be enough if you’re uncertain about your ideal product.
Get our best deal on the Brooklyn Bedding Protector.
Best Hypoallergenic – SweetZZZ Cooling Mattress Protector
Sweet Zzz Cooling Mattress Protector
This mattress protector is made entirely from Tencel — a fiber derived from naturally cooling eucalyptus.
Expert Opinion
Waking up feeling congested from allergies is such a bummer, but with the right mattress protector, you can keep some of those allergens out of your mattress. The SweetZZZ Cooling protector is hypoallergenic. It helps protect the rest of your mattress from contaminants such as dirt and dust mites. There’s also an option to select a six-sided protector, which fully encases your mattress and makes it even harder for allergens to reach it.
What customers say: “In the past I have purchased other protectors, they were cheap, plastic, noisy, and hot. The cooling protector from Sweet ZZZ is thin, quiet, and stays cool. I recommend it.” – Jack
Who the SweetZZZ Is Best For
- Online shoppers: SweetZZZ generously offers a 10-year warranty, 50-day sleep trial, and free shipping.
- Hot sleepers: The Tencel fibers used in this protector work to prevent hot sleepers from overheating by wicking away moisture.
- Eco-conscious shoppers: It’s made of 100 percent Tencel, a eucalyptus lyocell fabric.
Who Should Avoid the SweetZZZ
- Those wanting a tight fit: Some reviews report that the SweetZZZ was a bit slippery.
Get our best deal on the SweetZZZ mattress protector.
Best Encasement Protector – Layla Full Encasement Mattress Protector
Layla Mattress Protector
The Layla Cooling Mattress Protector is woven with fibers designed to keep you and your mattress cool. It also provides liquid protection, so this is an excellent option for waterproofing.
Sleepopolis Score
4.60 / 5
Expert Opinion
Layla, along with many other companies, offer five-sided mattress protectors that stretch over the mattress surface and around the edges. However, there is the option of a full encasement (or six-sided) protector, which covers the entirety of your mattress. This helps prevent contaminants like dirt, dust mites, and bed bugs. Layla offers our favorite model; it’s a high-quality option at an affordable price.
What customers say: “Perfectly sized for our Layla mattress. Very comfortable and it keeps you cool throughout the night. Very happy with my purchase.” – Janet D.
Who the Layla Encasement Is Best For
- Budget shoppers: Layla offers one of the cheapest protectors on this roundup. It’s priced under $70 after discounts.
- Hot sleepers: The same barrier that prevents liquids from entering your mattress is also designed to be cooling.
- Those wanting a quiet material: Layla markets its protector as one that stays silent, regardless of whether or not you toss and turn.
Who Should Avoid the Layla Encasement
- Folks wanting a tight fit: Some reviews critique the Layla protector’s ability to stay snug on their mattress.
Get our best deal on the Layla Encasement Mattress Protector.
Best Cooling – Nest Bedding Cooling Cotton Mattress Protector
Nest Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector
For sleepers looking for a mattress protector that won’t add a layer of warmth to their mattress, the Nest Bedding cooling protector may be just right for you. Cool to the touch, this protector did a great job of dissipating heat throughout the night while also protecting the mattress from particle and liquid spills.
Read Full ReviewExpert Opinion
The last thing folks need when tacking on another accessory to their bed is for it to add even more heat at night. Luckily, the Nest Bedding protector was made specifically for cooling. The top of its construction consists of cotton, a naturally breathable material. And the lamination on the protector is a “thermoplastic polyurethane lamination,” which makes the protector waterproof.
What customers say: “This purchase was money well spent to improve the quality of my sleep and to derive health benefits thereby.” – Mitch H.
Who the Nest Bedding Protector Is Best For
- Parents and pet owners: This protector is not only waterproof, but machine washable.
- Those wanting options: You don’t have to worry about the price difference when choosing between a five-sided or encasement protector.
- Folks wanting to avoid a plasticky feel: Reviews report that the Nest protector avoids feeling noisy and plasticky like other protectors.
Who Should Avoid the Nest Bedding Protector
- Those who want free shipping: Nest Bedding only offers free shipping on orders over $150.
Get our best deal on the Nectar mattress protector.
Best WaterProof – Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Protect Mattress Protector
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Protect Mattress Protector
The TEMPUR-Protect is waterproof and uses cooling ThermalSense fabric, making it a great option all-around for those looking for a mattress protector.
Expert Opinion
Having a waterproof protector is crucial for preventing larger messes; for example, many parents appreciate a waterproof protector as it can shield a nice mattress from bed-wetting. The protector is made from polyester with Tempur-Pedic’s ThermalSense fabric, which helps to regulate temperature. The underside of the topper is backed with waterproof polyurethane, which prevents liquid from soaking through the protector onto your bed.
When we poured water onto the TEMPUR-Protect, we didn’t see any liquid on the mattress — a great sign of how effective this protector is.
What our tester says: “This protector is really comfortable to rest on. I didn’t get any of that ‘plastic sheets’ feeling that sometimes comes with mattress protectors.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Who the TEMPUR-Protect Is Best For
- Those with tall mattresses: The TEMPUR-Protect features a mesh skirt that can fit a mattress between eight and 16 inches tall.
- Hot sleepers: The ThermalSense fabric used for this protector gives it a cooling feel.
- Sleepers with most mattress sizes: Tempur-Pedic offers this protector in eight different sizes, so most people should find it compatible with their bed.
Who Should Avoid the TEMPUR-Protect
- Budget shoppers: The TEMPUR-Protect is on the higher end of prices for a mattress protector, so it likely isn’t a good budget buy.
Get our best deal on the TEMPUR-Protect.
Best Eco-Friendly – Puffy Signature Mattress Protector
Puffy Signature Mattress Protector
The Puffy Signature Mattress Protector is an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic option that provides waterproof protection and a tight fit to almost any mattress.
Expert Opinion
If you’re interested in more eco-friendly products, the Puffy Signature Mattress Protector could be a good option. It’s made of bamboo rayon and earned itself a OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification. This means that the Puffy protector meets some rigorous standards for material quality, which should please many eco-conscious shoppers out there.
What customers say: “Great product. We have pets that don’t always make it off the bed. Great way to protect the mattress from anything.” – Sean E.
Who the Puffy Protector Is Best For
- Those wanting a long sleep trial: This protector has an extremely impressive 101-night sleep trial, which means you have that amount of time to decide if this is the protector for you.
- Folks with thick mattresses: The Puffy Signature protector fits mattresses up to 15 inches high.
- Online shoppers: Puffy offers free shipping and returns on their protector.
Who Should Avoid the Puffy Protector
- Budget shoppers: This product is $150 before discounts, which is out of price range for some.
Get our best deal on the Puffy mattress protector.
Mattress Protector vs Pad vs Topper
The difference between protectors, pads, and toppers is a bit tricky, because these accessories can overlap in a few ways. Toppers change a mattress’ firmness and make a surface softer or firmer. Pads are thinner than toppers, but are still used for smaller changes in firmness. They can have protective features, resembling that of a mattress protector. Mattress protectors, on the other hand, aren’t used as comfort layers but as defensive layers. These accessories protect your mattress from spills, allergens, dust mites, bed bugs, and other contaminants.
Types of Mattress Protectors
Fitted
These protectors are often five-sided and include pocketed corners to tuck under your mattress. This works similarly to a fitted sheet.
Elastic
These protectors are often five-sided and include elastic straps that securely fit around your mattress. It prevents the protector from slipping around on the mattress.
Encasement-style
These are uniquely six-sided, so all of your mattress is protected. You can secure these to your mattress with a zipper. Because it’s six-sided, it provides ultimate mattress protection. Unfortunately, this does make it more difficult to remove for washing.
Mattress Protector Considerations
Materials
Cotton, polyester, down, and polyurethane are some of the most commonly found materials in mattress protectors. Some are used for thinner comfort layers, which decreases the plasticky noise that some mattress protectors have. For waterproofing, polyurethane is extremely popular.
Waterproof
Consider whether waterproofing is an important aspect for you. If you have children, sleep with a pet, or just want extra protection for any circumstance, then a waterproof protector is a wise investment. Many of the models in this roundup are built to prevent liquids from penetrating your mattress.
Read: How to Clean Urine Out of a Mattress
Cooling Ability
If you’re a particularly hot sleeper, a breathable or cooling mattress protector is something you’ll want to search for. Sometimes, accessory materials found in toppers, pads, and even protectors can trap additional heat. Look for thinner mattress protectors or models marketing breathable and cooling features! Bamboo, Tencel, or modal are all great cooling materials, or you can opt for a breathable material like cotton.
Dimensions
Size of Mattress Protector
Consider what size bed you’re using your mattress protector for. Often, companies make protectors able to fit twins to California kings. However, some companies make protectors for cribs or even RV mattresses.
Depth of Mattress Protector
You’ll also want to check the height of your mattress to make sure that the mattress protector fits it properly. If you have a particularly tall mattress, look for a deep pocketed protector that provides full coverage.
Overall Fit
Make sure to find a mattress protector that fits snugly to your mattress. Elastic straps and fitted mattress protectors might use a stretchy material to help with this. A product that hugs the mattress well makes it less likely that contaminants will penetrate the surface.
Read: Mattress Sizes and Bed Dimensions
Mattress Protector Benefits
Protection From Contaminants
Whether you’re looking to protect your bed from dust mites, bed bugs, allergens, dirt, spills, stains, or other contaminants, a mattress protector has your back. Often, certain mattress protectors excel at shielding your bed for particular circumstances. For instance, many protectors are made specifically for waterproofing, while others specialize in bed bug defense.
Helps Allergies
If you’re waking up feeling stuffy from allergies, try investing in a mattress protector. It’s almost too easy for allergens to collect on a mattress, but it’s extremely difficult to deep-clean a bed and remove them. A mattress protector is easy to put on and take off, and it’s far easier to wash. It’s not too late if your mattress already has allergens, though; a mattress protector creates a barrier between you and the mattress, separating you from allergens.
Tip: Wash your mattress protector at least once a month during allergy season to avoid allergy symptoms.
Prevents Bed Bugs
Encasement-style protectors in particular are especially effective at protecting against bed bugs, because these protectors encompass the entire mattress. A zipper secures these protectors and makes the protector impenetrable. Some mattress protectors are constructed specifically for combating bed bugs. These might be worth looking into if you’re contending with infestations.
Read: How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in 3 Easy Steps
Increases Mattress Durability
With less dirt and spillage collecting on a mattress overtime, its lifespan is prolonged. This is incredibly cost effective. Instead of investing in a new mattress because it has too many new stains, you can simply replace the mattress protector (far cheaper than shelling out $1,000+ on a mattress).
Read: Best Mattresses That Won’t Sag
Mattress Protector Disadvantages
Noise and Discomfort
Many mattress protectors have plasticky material that causes a rustling sound when you move on the mattress. Luckily, many companies create a soft padding on their protectors to prevent this. That said, some models don’t take preventative measures when it comes to noise, so be on the lookout.
How to Care for Your Mattress Protector
How Often to Wash
We recommend washing your mattress protector every two months to clean off the contaminants it collects overtime. If you have allergy issues (or if it’s peak allergy season), it’s worth washing twice a month or as often as needed for your comfort.
How to Wash
Fortunately, most mattress protectors are machine-washable. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the manufacturer if you’re not 100 percent sure. The manufacturer can also specify whether the protector should be washed with cold or warm water, and if the mattress protector is dryable.
Purchasing Your Mattress Protector
Average Cost
You can generally expect to spend between $25 and $150 for a queen size mattress protector. The cheapest options may not provide sufficient durability and may not include or deliver special features like cooling or waterproofing. On the other hand, super-luxury protectors may not provide any more than a reasonably-priced mattress protector would.
Read: Best Cheap Mattresses
Exclusive Coupons
Our team at Sleepopolis displays top deals on our coupon page!
When to Buy
For accessories and mattresses alike, the best times to buy typically lie around national holidays. To secure the best deals, we suggest checking out mattress protectors around President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and Christmas.
Warranty and Sleep Trial
In this roundup, we included the lengths of company sleep trials and warranties. This information tells the customer a lot about 1) how much time they have to test out a company’s product and 2) how much confidence a company has about the quality of their mattress protector.
Warranties protect the customer from paying for a damaged or defective product. Keep in mind that every company’s policy is different, so it’s crucial to read the fine print on warranties. That way, you’ll know what conditions to expect.
Sleep trials are an allotment of time in which the customer can test out the product. Longer sleep trials are better, of course. They allow more time to determine whether or not the mattress truly fits their needs.
Read: Our Complete Mattress Guide
FAQs
Which type of mattress protector is best?
The best mattress protector is the one that most closely aligns with your needs and preferences. If we had to choose, however, we’d go with the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector. It provides comfort, cooling, and waterproofing for a value price.
Do mattress protectors make a difference?
Absolutely! Mattress protectors defend your mattress from contaminants and ultimately extend the mattress’s lifespan. This makes them an invaluable investment.
Can you still get bed bugs with a mattress protector?
Yes, you can, if it’s a five-sided protector. Encasement protectors, on the other hand, entirely cover the mattress. This makes them far more effective in starving bed bugs. That said, it’s still worth investing in a protector marketed specifically for eliminating bed bugs if you find yourself having serious bug bed issues.
Do waterproof mattress protectors make you hot?
The plastic waterproofing materials used in mattress protectors can trap heat and cause you to become sweaty. However, not all waterproofing mattresses are bad for hot sleepers. Many companies created waterproof constructions that are also breathable. Several of these can be found in this very roundup!
Do you put sheets on top of your mattress protector?
Yes! Sheets go over the mattress protector. Many put mattress toppers between mattress protectors and sheets for added comfort.
How We Chose These Mattress Protectors
Before we go more into depth about these mattress protectors, we’d like to share a bit about the process we used to select them.
Since we wanted our roundup of the Best Mattress Protectors to truly represent the best of the best, we took the quality of materials and special features into account. All of these mattress protectors are high-caliber products using materials that last. Many are waterproof, some specialize in cooling, and others are eco-friendly. Each offers something different, but one thing’s the same: they’re products we believe in. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Amelia Jerden
Senior Staff Writer
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