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For many, a mattress protector is an afterthought compared to things like the quest for the best bed sheets or the best pillows, but most sleep experts recommend an added layer of protection. Mattress protectors can actually help keep your mattress cleaner and protect you against night-time allergens, which can make for a more quality night’s sleep. In addition, mattress protectors can prolong the life of your mattress by preventing harmful bacteria and contaminants from getting in.
Most mattress companies also sell mattress protectors, and will often bundle the two for added value. The right one for you will depend on your individual sleeping habits, your partner, any allergies, and overall personal preferences. Check out our top picks for the best mattress protectors below.
Well known for some of the best mattresses on the market, Purple also makes top-rated mattress protectors that come in all sizes. Multiple layers provide water resistant protection without sacrificing a soft and flexible feel that contours to your mattress. It also makes for a quiet layer of protection, as opposed to the noise of plastic protectors.
The machine-washable Purple Mattress Protector provides flexible protection against moisture and dust.
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector employs specialized cooling technology to keep you protected and cool as you sleep. Their high-tech polyethylene fibers are lightweight and smooth while still protecting against bacteria and dust mites. This protector also has a noise-free, water-resistant layer to protect your mattress against any moisture. It fits on your mattress with an elastic strap and is machine washable. Shopping tip: For a fully chilled-out sleeping experience, see our lists for the best cooling mattresses, best cooling pillows, and best cooling sheets.
Brooklyn Bedding’s Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector keeps your sleep cool while defending against bacteria, allergens, and unwanted moisture.
The Coop Home Goods Ultra Luxe Waterproof Mattress Protector is, as you’d expect, waterproof, but it will keep you cool and comfortable, too. The bamboo-derived viscose rayon is more breathable than other waterproof protectors, and the waterproof layer is soft, flexible, and noise-free for a comfortable night of sleep. (For more about bamboo-based materials, read our guide to bamboo vs. cotton sheets.)
Coop Home Goods’ Ultra Luxe Waterproof Mattress Protector is easy to maintain and provides breathable protection all night long.
For ultimate protection for your little one’s first mattress, turn to American Baby Company’s Waterproof Fitted Crib and Toddler Mattress Protector. With snug elastic, this mattress protector will keep any spills or other moisture off of your crib mattress for an affordable price.
The Waterproof Crib and Toddler Mattress Protector from American Baby Company provides a well-fitting, waterproof protector that’s easy to maintain.
SafeRest’s Premium Mattress Encasement provides 360-degree protection from all outside contaminants, including bed bugs. The fully zippered protector’s inner layer is made of polyester, while the outer layer is soft terry for breathable comfort.
SafeRest’s Premium Mattress Encasement provides 100% waterproof, bed bug-proof 360 degree protection.
If you’re ready to invest in a high-priced, high quality mattress protector, Avocado offers a 100% vegan, waterproof mattress protector made of certified organic cotton. (Avocado made our list of the best places to buy a mattress online.) Test out its plush and breathable cotton with a noise-free waterproof layer during a 100-night free trial—helpful, since it’s quite a pricey protector.
Avocado’s Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector is machine washable and made of certified organic vegan cotton.
Bamboo’s natural breathability distinguishes Nolah’s Bamboo Mattress Protector, which is also durable and 100% waterproof. The bamboo top layer is Oeko-Tex and FSC certified, which means that it’s sustainably made with chemical-free ingredients. The protector comes in all sizes and fits mattress thicknesses up to 15 inches. Its high quality and durable materials are backed by its 10-year warranty to protect against any damage. Nolah’s customer-focused shopping experience is one of the reasons why the brand has repeatedly topped lists for anything bed-related, including the best queen mattresses, best mattresses for side sleepers, and best mattress toppers for back pain.
Nolah’s Bamboo Mattress Protector is waterproof, and made from Oeko-Tex and FSC certified bamboo that comes in all mattress sizes for a cool and comfortable night’s rest.
Made with kids in mind, Linenspa’s Mattress Encasement is 100% waterproof and protects with a 360 degree encasement. The 100% polyester is still smooth while maximizing protection, for a quiet night’s rest. At $20, the price is reasonable; however, if you want a longer term investment with more features, you may want to opt for a different brand in a twin size.
Linenspa’s Mattress Encasement provides 360-degree waterproof protection for twin mattresses at an affordable price.
For guaranteed 360-degree protection for your mattress, your best bet is a fully zippered mattress protector. Utopia Bedding’s Zippered Mattress Protector is 100% waterproof while being a durable protector that’s still soft and comfortable. The polyester blend is OEKO-TEX Certified for added safety.
Utopia Bedding’s Zippered Mattress Encasement provides 360-degree protection from dust mites and allergens, and is 100% waterproof.
AllerEase’s Ultimate Cotton Allergy Relief Zippered Mattress Protector is a steal for top protection against 99% of all common household allergens, including dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and more. The soft jersey cotton top is temperature-regulating in both directions for consistent and comfortable sleep. It’s machine washable under hot water, to reassure you that you’re killing all allergens and bacteria that could find their way to your bed. If it ever stops working, AllerEase has you covered with a lifetime warranty.
AllerEase’s Ultimate Cotton Allergy Relief Zippered Mattress Protector boasts protection against 99% of common household allergens, and is backed for a lifetime.
Having any kind of mattress protector can improve your sleep and prolong the life of your mattress—it doesn’t have to be the most expensive one on the market. The Lucid Cotton Terry Mattress Protector gives you great bang for your buck, with even its largest size costing less than $30. The sustainably-made, chemical-free terry cotton top layer provides a soft and breathable feel, like the fluffiest of bath towels, while the waterproof barrier below protects your mattress from any spills and unwanted moisture. We also love the 15-year warranty and 30-day trial period.
Lucid’s Cotton Terry Mattress Protector provides a luxury feel and quality material backed by a 15-year warranty for under $30.
We reviewed a selection of the best online mattress retailers to make our recommendations for the best mattress protectors. In particular, we focused on price, availability of options, materials, care, and warranty. All of our picks are priced under $100 for a queen size, and they’re all machine washable. The majority of our picks also offer warranty periods.
Generally, there are three types of mattress protectors that differ based on how they fit and attach to your mattress. Some, like a fitted sheet, fit with elastic around the top and sides of your mattress, while others secure a top layer with elastic straps that fit around the corners. A fully encased mattress protector provides top and bottom protection and zips shut.
Your optimal material will depend on personal preferences and sleeping patterns. You may not need a fully waterproof mattress protector, which could open your options to more organic or breathable materials. If you’re a hot sleeper, bamboo or other temperature-regulating materials may be best for you.
Most mattress protectors today are machine washable for optimal convenience so you can throw them in with your bedding. If you’re okay with a little extra TLC and attention for your mattress protector, you may see your options open up to even higher-quality materials.
Technically, you don’t have to use a mattress protector, but they have a number of benefits that make them worth the investment. They can protect you from dust mites and other allergens, for example, which can improve the quality of your sleep and make you a healthier person. They also protect your mattress from wear and tear, which can extend its life and the life of your bedding.
The correct way to wash a mattress protector will depend on the size and material, so always be sure to check the care label. Generally, machine-washable mattress protectors should be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle to prevent shrinking, in mild detergent without fabric softeners. For mattress protectors that aren’t machine washable, you can use mild detergent to spot clean any stains, hand wash in cold water, and hang to dry.
This can vary depending on your mattress protector and your lifestyle. Generally, you should wash your mattress protector once every couple of months, or immediately after any spills, bedwetting or illness. If you sleep with pets or suffer from allergies, you should wash your mattress protector more frequently.
This will depend on the care instructions for your mattress protector. Some protectors can be tumble dried in a dryer, while others are recommended to be line dried.
This depends on what type of sleeper you are, and the material of your mattress protector. Generally, mattress protectors are designed to keep water, sweat, and allergens off of your mattress, which can make them less breathable and cause some people to overheat.
Mattress protectors don’t prevent bed bug infestations; however, they may trap bed bugs between the mattress and the mattress protector and prevent them from biting you, which will eventually cause them to starve.
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