Honestly, a mattress protector is essential. Whether you sleep on a bed that came with your rental or have invested your savings in a brand-new mattress, you NEED one. It may seem like an add-on you can live without, but a good mattress protector will help your bed last longer and make your money go further.
Why else do you need a mattress protector? They're important for sleep hygiene. It acts as a barrier between you and your much-loved mattress, guarding it against dust, stains, and, accidental spills. Because no matter how careful you are with your morning toast and coffee (or lunch — WFHers, we see you) it's far too easy to stain your mattress. My fake tan gals, I hope you're listening, too.
For how much work they do, mattress protectors don't actually cost that much either. You can get a great buy for as little as $50 (or less!), to protect your much-loved mattress from everything life throws at it. Enjoy peace of mind in bed at all times.
The best mattress protectors to buy 2023
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Choose from rigorously tried, tested, (and reviewed) mattress protectors, from the likes of Allswell, Tempur, Lucid, and other brands renowned for their sleep essentials
- Best mattress protector overall: Nectar mattress protector (it's on sale!) (opens in new tab)
- Best waterproof mattress protector: Casper mattress protector (opens in new tab)
- Best eco-friendly mattress protector: Avocado organic mattress protector (opens in new tab)
- Best cooling mattress protector: Slumbercloud core mattress protector (opens in new tab)
- Best quilted mattress protector: Saatva mattress pad (opens in new tab)
- Best cheap mattress protector: SafeRest mattress protector (opens in new tab)
The Nectar Mattress Protector is a 100% waterproof, ultra-breathable mattress protector that doesn't feel like it. Instead, Nectar has concentrated on delivering a comfortable surface with a ton of bonus practical features.
Features
This mattress protector is comfortable to the touch. Made with Tencel (here's the science: it's extracted from natural wood cellulose and manufactured into a soft and ultra-breathable fabric), it's more absorbent than cotton and cooler than linen. Plus, Tencel is eco-friendly, which is a major bonus.
In testing
Forget all that for a minute, though. This mattress protector is waterproof, so you can be sure that it'll protect your mattress. But if you think waterproof means stiff and plasticky? Think again. During testing Kaitlin, our writer, found it to be silky to the touch, as well as quiet and stretchy. It's resistant to allergens and dust, making it a good buy for both allergy sufferers and pet owners like Kaitlin, who regularly returns home to find a furry friend on her bed.
We recently got our hands on the Casper Waterproof Mattress Protector and were super impressed. It's fully waterproof and still feels like the snuggly, comfortable bed sheets of our childhoods, setting it up to be one of the best waterproof mattress protector options.
Features
This mattress protector is made from the same waterproof material used in premium outdoor gear, and that's the genius of it. Its microscopic pores are small enough to keep spills out but large enough to let air in. The cover can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent and — happily — tumble dried on a low setting (not all mattress protectors can be).
In testing
Some of the waterproof mattress protectors we've tried feel crinkly, which means that when you move in bed it causes materials to move and make a crunching noise. Not this one. Kaitlin claims it feels more like terrycloth and it's designed to cling firmly to your mattress (even deep ones up to 15 inches). It's also so thin, she hardly knew it was there. If you love the feel of your mattress and don't want to alter it, this one is a keeper.
The perfect pick for those looking to marry sustainability with functionality, the Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector will let you rest easy knowing your mattress is covered from spills and stains in an environmentally friendly, non-toxic way.
Features
The Avocado organic waterproof mattress protector safeguards your mattress while adhering to the company's strict sustainability standards. To create a waterproof barrier, two layers of soft GOTS-certified organic cotton sandwich a thin, waterproof polyurethane film (which makes up only 5% of the overall construction). It's made without vinyl, PVC, and phthalates, and the cover has small pores that allow for breathability.
In testing
Kaitlin was looking forward to testing whether this protector was worth the expensive price. While this mattress protector is designed for Avocado mattresses, she was surprised that it fits most mattresses between 6 inches and 16 inches deep, thanks to the deep pocket design. Moreover, a cotton, non-plastic layer that's waterproof? Wow. She loved how it felt so soft yet was so great at keeping water droplets at bay. This mattress protector really gives the premium Avocado experience, without having to splurge on a new mattress.
Hot sleeper? The SlumberCloud Core Mattress Protector will work wonders for your comfort levels, and it's one you'll find yourself discussing at the dinner table about how it changed your sleep (well, Kaitlin did, anyway). Made with NASA-developed technology originally used to regulate the temperature in space suits, it's the best cooling mattress protector, of course!
Features
The mattress pad has a quilted HDPE/polyester blend cover. Inside, it holds a lining treated with Outlast technology — a Certified Space Technology by the Space Foundation. This astronaut-worthy tech is designed to keep the fabric at a certain temperature, so it'll absorb heat when the fabric gets too warm and releases it when needed. It doesn't have any extra padding, but if comfort is what you're looking for, Slumber Cloud also makes a mattress pad version, but you will lose the waterproof feature.
In testing
With its thin, crinkle-free waterproof barrier, Kaitlin found this protector to work its magic on spills and accidents. We would say sweat, too, but the core mattress pad kept her from overheating at all. It works double duty and stayed put when she shifted positions during the night on an adjustable base.
If you prefer the plush feel and breathability of a traditional quilted mattress protector, the Saatva organic cotton mattress pad is hard to beat. Not only is it organic, but it's also made from Fair Trade Certified cotton. You can sleep well knowing where your money's going.
Features
Essentially, it's simple, cozy, and high quality. It adds an extra element of comfort (but not so much that it'll change the firmness of your mattress) thanks to the plush layers of comfortable organic cotton. The moisture-wicking properties help create a barrier that protects the mattress underneath, and its quilted stitching ensures the fill stays plump and even. It's also fitted with an extra-wide elastic band to keep it securely in place.
In testing
Kaitlin has a mattress she's not quite entirely happy with comfort-wise, so a mattress protector that's quilted? Great! Not only does it make sure the mattress isn't getting dirtied or stained, but she also benefits from a soft padded sleep surface. It's not waterproof, so sipping drinks in bed isn't a risk worth taking. But breakfast in bed? No question about it.
If you’re not looking to spend quite so much on a mattress protector, we feel confident in this pick from Saferest. Why? It's one of the most popular, if not the best-selling protector on Amazon. It's hypoallergenic and waterproof, but a queen size will still run you less than $40 (the price tends to fluctuate a bit, be sure to click above to check the best price on Amazon). It's our best mattress protector for those looking for quality at a great price.
Features
It’s waterproof, which is a must-have detail for sweaty sleepers or youngsters dealing with the occasional bedwetting situation. Though it can deflect moisture, it’s made from soft cotton terry, so you won't need to worry about it being uncomfortable or crinkling as you sleep (because why would you want anything that disturbs your sleep). There's not much information about what the exclusive waterproof membrane layer is made of, but it's free of vinyl, PVC, phthalates, and fire retardant treatments.
In testing
We haven't had our hands on this one ourselves, but because it's beloved by so many buyers, we felt as though it still deserved a spot in our best mattress protectors guide. Customers on Amazon have given it an average rating of 4.5 stars. The only complaint? The terry cotton meant led to some people getting a little hot in bed, so it's a perfect pick for the winter.
Real Homes review process
When reviewing our mattress protectors, we look at factors like fit, breathability, comfort, and of course, if they're as waterproof as they claim to be. As you would assume, the most practical way is to use them on our own beds! They get slept on for at least a week to endure the practicalities of everyday life. Then, they'll be washed in the washing machine (or hand-washed) and dried to test their durability. To see how waterproof they really are, we pour drops of water and see how it interacts with the fabric. We've had one of our expert reviewers Kaitlin test all of the protectors on this list with a badge. Here's what she had to say:
I tested all the mattress protectors on this list, which was great, as I got to compare and contrast the pros and cons of each. I have a double bed and share it with my husband, and as much as I hate the fortnightly bed-change routine, we came to look forward to swapping out and trying out different under-sheet protectors and pads.
I also have a black lab, who often ends up on our bed (not that we openly allow him), so making sure our mattress is protected is certainly a priority.
How to choose a mattress protector
There are a few questions to ask yourself prior to picking your new mattress protector. "It’s best to pick a mattress protector which includes an anti-bacterial and anti-viral treatment," says Karen Innes, NPD manager at Slumberdown. "This will help reduce the build-up and cross-contamination of bacteria, ensuring you are sleeping in a cleaner, more hygienic bed." See below for more features to keep in mind.
- Is it waterproof? The best mattress protector will be waterproof. It will keep your mattress clean and dry. That being said, these types can be noisy and made of plastic materials, which aren't the comfiest to sleep on.
- Is it made from breathable fabrics? If it's waterproof, it needs to be breathable, especially for those with traditional memory foam mattresses. Check that the material can regulate your temperature so you don’t overheat.
- Do you suffer from allergies? If you have hay fever or struggle with dust allergies, you may need to consider a hypoallergenic mattress protector.
- Comfort? Some prefer their mattress protector to be quilted for extra comfort and softness.
- Can it be washed and/or dried? Most mattress protectors are machine washable but not all can go in the tumble dryer, so check first.
- Is it eco-friendly? If sustainability is a priority, look for materials like organic cotton, Tencel, bamboo, and eucalyptus fiber.
Which material mattress protector should I choose?
- Cotton mattress protectors will suit sweaty sleepers because the breathable fabric will wick away body sweat.
- Waterproof, cotton blend is a popular choice: think cotton/polyurethane mix. They won't be as breathable and may be noisier than pure cotton ones but they will protect against spills — something cotton-only options can't do.
- Polyester mattress protectors are your budget buy or you'll find it as a material in a waterproof mattress protector. Perfect for children or anyone suffering from incontinence, they're pretty much fail-safe. Downsides? They're not great for sweaty sleepers.
- Rayon is man-made from natural fibers, and mattress protectors in this material are usually breathable and comfortable to sleep on. Better still? They're often the eco-friendly choice.
- Tencel is a fiber made from regenerated wood cellulose, making it a sustainable and non-toxic choice. It's also softer than silk and supremely breathable.
How often do you wash a mattress protector?
Experts suggest washing your mattress protector every few months. It's not necessary to wash as often as your duvet cover or pillows if there aren't any spills or stains to take care of.
Synthetic protectors are typically quicker to wash and dry. Otherwise, have a back-up option. Note: Those with this easy-to-care option may mean you wash more frequently, which won't do you any harm, but it might impact their longevity.
See our guide on how to wash a mattress protector for our top tips.
What's the difference between a mattress protector and a topper?
We asked Steve Reid, CEO at Simba (opens in new tab), who notes how it can be confusing to know the real difference between the two products. "Many people are understandably confused by the difference between a mattress protector and a mattress topper," says Reid. "You do put them both on top of your mattress to improve its quality. The difference is that a mattress protector protects your mattress from dirt, moisture, and dust, while a mattress topper increases the comfort of your mattress if it’s old, worn out, or just low quality. Toppers can be filled with feathers, synthetic alternatives, or memory foam."
For max comfort and max cleanliness, we recommend using both.
Is a mattress protector worth it?
Mattress protectors are unsung bedding heroes. Their biggest benefits are the fact that they will keep your mattress safe from spills and stains.
A good mattress can easily set you back $700 or more, whereas most mattress protectors can be snapped up for less than $100. If you consider that using a mattress protector can prolong the life of your mattress by at least a couple of years, without even factoring in early replacement due to major accidental damage, then a protector sounds like a very wise purchase. Invaluable even.
