You're finally ready to invest in the best waterproof mattress protector. Smart idea! Especially if you're someone who loves to enjoy their morning coffee in bed, or if you often sleep with a fresh coat of self-tan. A waterproof mattress protector is normally a purchase you never think you need until the dreaded mistake happens. While they can cost you a little chunk of money, it's much cheaper than having to replace your mattress!
If you're in a dorm and you're happy with the feel of your mattress, then a protector will also give you peace of mind. Chances are, a few people have likely slept on that mattress before you. The same goes if you are in a rental and your mattress has been provided by your landlord.
Not only can the best mattress protector wick away dirt and spills from your mattress or topper, but they also provide a hygienic sleep surface that prevents mold, mildew, dirt, and dust mites from settling into where you snooze. To help you figure out which waterproof mattress accessory is best for you, we've tested three that range from $80.10—$215 when on sale.
Best waterproof mattress protector: Quick menu
1. Waterproof mattress protectors on sale
2. The list in brief ↴
3. Affordable: Casper waterproof mattress protector
4. Cooling: Slumber Cloud core mattress protector
5. Organic: Avocado waterproof mattress protector
7. What to consider
8. FAQs
9. How we test
The best waterproof mattress protectors, as tried and tested
Waterproof mattress protectors on sale
Good news: all of the waterproof mattress protectors we've tried and tested are discounted right now. It seems the retailers are in good spirits and might be keeping their Presidents' Day sales live until the end of the month. Watch this space.
It's worth noting that a water-repellent mattress protector can help to keep the best mattresses looking brand new and the best cheap mattresses last longer than their average lifespan. Look out for retailers who subsidize the price of their best mattress toppers and protectors when you buy a mattress. You could save yourself loads at the checkout!
The quick list
Price: $89-$109
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King
Material: Polyester and Spandex
Quilted? No
Hypoallergenic? Yes
Care: Handwash and air-dry
Price: $149-$209
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cali King, and Split King
Material: Lyocell, proprietary Outlast fabric
Quilted? Yes
Hypoallergenic? Yes
Care: Machine washable, air dry
Price: $109-$199
Sizes: Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cali King, and King
Material: Organic cotton and polyurethane
Quilted? No
Hypoallergenic? No
Care: Machine washable, air dry
The best affordable waterproof mattress protector
This waterproof mattress protector is made from the same weatherproof 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. It ideally needs to be hand washed and air dried.
Even some of the best 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 16 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's a keeper.
The best cooling waterproof mattress protector
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 a NASA-developed technology originally used to regulate the temperature in space suits, it's our best cooling waterproof mattress protector, of course! It comes with a 60-night trial period and a 180-day warranty.
The mattress pad has a quilted HDPE/polyester blend cover, which encases a fabric lining treated with Outlast technology, deemed a Certified Space Technology by the Space Foundation. This fancy tech is designed to keep the fabric at a certain temperature, meaning it absorbs heat when the fabric gets too warm and releases it when needed. But it doesn't have any extra padding.
With its thin, crinkle-free waterproof barrier, Kaitlin found this protector to work its magic on spills and accidents, and we would say sweat too, but the core Mattress pad kept her from overheating at all. It works double duty. It held tightly to the mattress when she shifted positions during the night on an adjustable base.
This pick also features in our best cooling mattress pad and toppers guide.
The best waterproof mattress protector for deep mattresses
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 both from spills and stains and in an environmentally friendly, non-toxic way. It comes with a 100-night trial and a one-year warranty.
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 also made without vinyl, PVC, and phthalates, and its small pores allow for breathability.
Kaitlin was excited to see if the protector was worth the expensive price tag. It's designed for Avocado mattresses, so she was surprised to find it would fit most mattresses up to 22 inches in depth, thanks to a deep pocket design. Even cooler? A cotton, non-plastic layer that's waterproof. She loved how it felt so soft but was great at wrangling water spills. This mattress protector gives the premium Avocado experience, without having to splurge on a mattress from the brand. But say you do want to go all-out, the Avocado Eco Organic mattress we reviewed was awarded top marks.
| Name | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Casper waterproof mattress protector | Our most affordable pick that comes with a 30-night trial. Hypoallergenic, but doesn't come with extra padding or warranty. Hand wash and air dry. |
| Slumber Core waterproof mattress protector | A waterproof and cooling mattress protector, made with NASA-designed technology. Ideal for allergy sufferers and hot sleepers. Fits mattresses up to 20" deep, and comes with a 60-night trial and 180-day warranty. However, it's expensive. |
| Avocado organic waterproof mattress protector | Made with two layers of GOTS-certified organic cotton and a polyurethene film, this breathable protection so you can sleep comfortably. 100-night trial and 1-year warranty. But, it's not hypoallergenic or quilted. |
What to consider when buying a waterproof mattress protector
- Is it actually waterproof? Okay, so it may sound simple, but make sure it's waterproof! Many can claim to be waterproof but are actually water-resistant — which isn't useful if you want to protect against any potential spills.
- What's it made of? Waterproof mattress protectors are usually available in a range of materials, like cotton, bamboo, Tencel, and polyester combined with a waterproof layer. The most advanced designs use polyurethane, a super-thin, flexible waterproof membrane that is undetectable and silent while you sleep. It's also super breathable. The downside is that this isn't eco-friendly.
- Does it have a finish? This plays into what your waterproof mattress protector is made from. Some may be plastic or have a hard finish, which can cause a squeaky noise when you sleep and be generally quite uncomfortable. Vinyl, for example, is excellent at repelling liquids and is easy to clean, but it runs hot and makes noise.
- Can it be washed? There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to washing a mattress protector. Some can be cleaned in your washer, others need to be hand-washed, and a few might benefit from spot-cleaning (with one of the best upholstery cleaners — ideally bleach-free as harsh solutions can damage waterproof mattress protectors).
FAQs
Why do you need a waterproof mattress protector?
The best waterproof mattress protector will protect not just your mattress from liquid accidents but all kinds of nasties, which aren't worth losing sleep over. Yes, knowing how to clean a mattress is important, but protecting it in the first place is the best way to look after your bed.
One of these covers will have you sorted with an extra layer of padding and protection from potentially damaging liquids that have leaked or spilled. They'll also protect you from germs and allergies caused by dust mites. And lengthen your mattress's life, while protecting its warranty.
They can be used alongside a mattress topper or pads if you need extra cushion. A topper might be able to add some sort of protection against dust mites and other allergens but it will lack the waterproof aspect.
How we review waterproof mattress protectors
Nectar mattress protector in review.
At Real Homes, we like to review the best products for you, so we can try them before you buy. This means sleeping on, in, or trying out the bedding buy for ourselves, looking at what other customers say, and testing them against claims. We aim to test everything in person, which is true for every mattress protector on this list.
The protectors featured on this list have been put on our mattresses at home, washed after a few uses, and used again. We'll see how they feel, look, cost, and clean. All of these protectors have been tested by our reviewer Kaitlin.
I tested all of the waterproof 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 biweekly sheet-washing routine, we started looking forward to 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.
