The Best Mattress Protectors of 2024 (Reviewed and Compared)
Protect Your Mattress from Stains and Dirt
January 6, 2022
To help you find the best mattress protector in a sea of great products, we tested 37 mattress protectors and came up with the following top 10 list. Our ranking methodology consisted of a strict set of criteria, including quality, comfort, warranty, and price.
In addition, here you can find a detailed guide on how to choose the right protector for your mattress.
Just keep on reading, and hopefully, you’ll find a great mattress protector in no time!
The Top 10 Best Mattress Protectors in 2022
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Quilted top layer
Soft and silky
Waterproof
Natural materials
Breathable
Can fit thicker mattresses
Waterproof
Protects against dust mites
Breathable
Breathable
Quiet
Soft
Cooling phase change material
Quality protection for mattress
Comfortable
Great temperature regulation
Waterproof
Soft
Thin and breathable
Waterproof
Soft to touch
Made of organic cotton
Soft and stretchy
Waterproof
Cooling technology
Soft material
Can fit thicker mattresses
Lightweight material
Very quiet
Vinyl-free
Mattress Protector Reviews
When you have the best mattress, you want to protect it. These short yet informative reviews will help you decide which mattress protector is best for you.
Nectar Mattress Protector Review
- Editor's Pick
- Type: 5-sided protector
- 50-night money-back guarantee
- 5-year warranty
- Free shipping
- Price: $99
- Quilted top layer
- Soft and silky
- Waterproof
- Doesn’t encase the entire mattress
If you want to get the best mattress protector with a waterproof layer, you should consider getting the Nectar mattress protector. Since it’s waterproof, you won’t have to worry that liquids will damage your bed. In addition, it will guard it against dust mites and other allergens, but not as efficiently as a six-sided protector would.
Another advantage of the Nectar protector is that it features a quilted top layer, which is very silky and adds some comfort to your mattress. More than one waterproof mattress protector review praises this feature. It’s also super stretchy, so it can even fit some thicker mattress, as long as they are 22″ thick or less. With regard to its care, you can easily machine wash and dry it on a low setting.
The Nectar backs this product with a 5-year warranty and a 50-night money-back guarantee. However, keep in mind that you can return the protector only if you haven’t unpacked it.
Naturepedic Mattress Protector Review
- Best Organic
- Type: 5-sided protector
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Price: $109–$179
- Natural materials
- Breathable
- Can fit thicker mattresses
- Doesn’t encase the entire mattress
The Naturepedic waterproof mattress pad is designed to protect your mattress from any spills, liquids, and stains. It will also keep the dirt and dust at bay. However, it’s not the best bed bug mattress protector, since it doesn’t encase the entire mattress.
One of the greatest advantages of this mattress protector is that it’s made of natural materials. Namely, it consists of two layers of organic cotton. In the middle, there’s a waterproof barrier that absorbs any liquids spilled over a mattress. There are no phthalates, vinyl, PVS, or any other toxic material, so it’s perfectly safe for your health.
In addition, the protector is quite breathable, and it’s not noisy, which makes it a great addition to your bed. Also, many of the best waterproof mattress protector reviews claim that sleeping on this cover is a very pleasant experience.
You can choose its size to suit your mattress, just keep in mind that it can fit a mattress that’s 9″–16″ thick. Like most other mattress protectors, it can be machine washed and dried.
Bear Mattress Protector Review
- Best Value
- Type: 5-sided protector
- 100-day money-back guarantee
- 10-year warranty
- Free shipping
- Price: $75–$125
- Waterproof
- Protects against dust mites
- Breathable
- Not ideal for hot sleepers
The Bear mattress protector is a great choice for anyone who wants a slightly thicker cover for their mattress. Its top is made of cotton and polyester, so it’s very soft and breathable. However, its backing material adds to its thickness. Some of the best mattress protector reviews claim that it even adds to the comfort of your bed.
The manufacturer claims they use HeiQ technology, but this doesn’t say much about its material composition. Nevertheless, it’s thicker than polyurethane, which is typically used for mattress protectors. Also, it does its job very well! Your mattress will be well-protected against spills and liquid damage.
In addition, the Bear protector can guard your bed against dust mites and allergens. Even though 6-sided covers are the best mattress protectors for bed bugs, this one can be tucked nicely under the bottom of the mattress. It comes in all standard bed sizes, and it can fit all mattresses that are up to 20″ thick.
We also have to point out that it’s almost silent, so it won’t disturb your night’s rest. When it comes to its maintenance, you can easily wash it in your machine and tumble dry it. Just follow the instructions on its label.
Casper Mattress Protector Review
- Most Comfortable
- Type: 5-sided protector
- 100-night trial
- 1-year warranty
- Free shipping
- Price: $89–$109
- Breathable
- Quiet
- Soft
- May bunch on thinner mattresses
Anyone looking for the best breathable mattress protector should consider Casper. This well-known mattress brand has only one mattress protector in its selection. It’s a 5-sided cover that will protect your mattress from any spills, dirt, and dust. While it’s made of waterproof materials, it is still very breathable thanks to the microscopic pores.
In addition, it doesn’t produce almost any crinkling sounds, so it’s very quiet and you’ll be able to have a great night’s sleep. Even though it’s not designed to add any additional comfort like mattress pads, it has a plush feel, and you might find your bed even comfier.
No matter if you need the best mattress protector for memory foam or any other type of bed, the Casper protector can fit any mattress that is up to 16″ thick. Since it’s very stretchy, you can easily take it on and off your bed. It fit perfectly on our queen-size bed; however, some complain that it bunches and wrinkles on thinner mattresses. In case of any spills or stains, just machine wash it, and it’ll be good to go.
You can also check out our in-depth review of Casper mattresses.
SpineAlign Arctic Cooling Mattress Protector Review
- Best Cooling Protector
- Type: 5-sided protector
- 1-year warranty
- Free shipping
- Price: $110 - $177
- Cooling phase change material
- Quality protection for mattress
- Comfortable
- No sleep trial
If you’re on the hunt for the best cooling mattress protector, then you may have found the perfect product with the SpineAlign Arctic Cooling Mattress Protector. You won’t have to worry about overheating in your sleep as this mattress protector helps to regulate your body temperature while you sleep. It’s made of phase change material, which will cool your body down in a comforting way.
You’ll also find that this mattress protector is a great way to keep your mattress in its original condition. No stains or marks will make their way through this protector, so your mattress will remain in excellent shape.
Cooling mattress protector reviews on this product also highlight that it’s super comfortable. You won’t feel like you’re lying on a stiff mattress protector. Instead, you will feel as though you’re sleeping directly on an actual mattress without any barriers.
Nest Bedding Mattress Protector Review
- Best Waterproof Protector
- Type: 5-sided protector
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 30-day warranty
- Price: $109–$149
- Great temperature regulation
- Waterproof
- Soft
- Not the best option for people with allergies
Nest Bedding offers five different mattress protectors, but we decided to review the COOL protector because it’s one of the most popular options. It stands out from other Nest Bedding products thanks to its ability to create a cool sleep environment. In our opinion, it really does have excellent temperature regulation. So if you’re looking for the best cooling mattress protector, you should definitely consider it.
This protector is made of a cotton-polyester blend and a breathable membrane that will keep your mattress safe from any spills or accidents. Besides being waterproof, it will also keep dust mites and allergens at bay. However, if allergies are your primary concern, we recommend getting a six-sided protector that encases the entire mattress.
The Nest Bedding protector comes in all standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king. According to many cooling mattress protector reviews, it can fit any mattress that’s up to 18″ thick, which is pretty amazing. Another great feature is you can use both the washing machine and dryer to keep this cooling mattress protector clean.
Purple Mattress Protector Review
- Best Protector for Every Bed Size
- Type: 5-sided protector
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 10-year warranty
- Free shipping
- Price: $79–$158
- Thin and breathable
- Waterproof
- Soft to touch
- Average noise
Purple offers a thin five-sided protector that can guard your mattress against staining and liquid damage. So anyone who needs the best waterproof mattress protector should consider this option. It consists of two layers. The top one is made of polyester and spandex, so it’s both very stretchy and water absorbent. The backing is made of polyurethane—a waterproof material that will prevent any liquid from damaging your lovely mattress.
Thanks to being so thin and stretchy, it can nicely fit any mattress that’s up to 13″ thick. It’s also very breathable, so it doesn’t change the feel of the mattress. However, we can’t say that this is the best mattress cover for light sleepers, since it’s not completely silent. Although there are some crinkly sounds, they won’t bother you if you tend to sleep tight.
In case of any spills or accidents, simply take off the protector and machine wash it. There shouldn’t be any stains afterward. They come in all standard sizes. So no matter if you’re looking for a twin or king size mattress cover, you should be able to find the perfect fit for your bed.
You can also check out our detailed review of Purple mattresses.
Nolah Mattress Protector Review
- Made of organic cotton
- Soft and stretchy
- Waterproof
- No trial period
Looking for the best organic mattress protector? The Nolah Organic Cotton protector will keep your mattress from regular wear and tear without affecting its comfort level and original feel. Since it’s made of certified organic cotton, it’s exceptionally soft and breathable. Therefore, it won’t retain your body heat.
The backing is made of waterproof material, which will protect your bed from any spills and accidents. Thanks to this poly-barrier, the protector will also guard your mattress against dust mites and other allergens. However, keep in mind that only a six-sided protector can guarantee full protection against these types of intruders. If you need the best mattress protector for bed bugs, it’s better to look for a mattress encasement.
This mattress protector comes in the standard bed sizes. However, Nolah doesn’t offer a California king mattress protector. Since it’s very stretchy, you can easily fit it to any mattress that’s up to 16″ thick. Like other protectors on our list, the Nolah protector can also be machine washed.
Slumber Cloud Mattress Protector Review
- Best Luxury Protector
- Type: 5-sided protector
- Free shipping
- 60-night trial
- 180-day warranty
- Price: $139–$199
- Cooling technology
- Soft material
- Can fit thicker mattresses
- Doesn’t encase the entire mattress
Anyone looking for the best mattress protector for bedwetting should check out Slumber Cloud’s Dryline mattress protector. It’s a 5-sided cover made of soft, stretchy, and hypoallergenic fabric. Since it’s waterproof, it’ll guard your mattress against any stains and spills. This way, your bed will stay clean while you catch some quality shut-eye. The protector doesn’t produce any unpleasant sounds, and the materials won’t affect the feel of your mattress.
Another great feature of this cover is that it uses Outlast temperature regulating technology. Thanks to this NASA-approved technology, the Dryline mattress protector doesn’t retain body heat. Therefore, it’s often recommended as the best mattress protector for hot sleepers.
However, if you want to protect your mattress from dust mites or bed bugs, this cover isn’t the best option. If you need this kind of protection, it’s best to look for 6-sided protectors.
The price of this protector depends on the size you choose, so as you can guess, a twin mattress protector is the cheapest option. Keep in mind that it can fit any mattress that’s 5″–16″ thick. Many waterproof mattress protector reviews confirm that it’s a solid pick for thinner mattresses. It’s also great that you can clean it in your washing machine and dryer.
Linenspa Mattress Protector Review
- Best Dust Mite Protector
- Type: 6-sided protector
- 10-year warranty
- Price: $19.99–$29.99
- Lightweight material
- Very quiet
- Vinyl-free
- Slight heat retention
The Linenspa offers one of the best bed bug mattress protectors. Its mattress encasement is made of soft material that will protect your bed while it won’t interfere with your slumber. Besides being soft to touch, it’s quite breathable, and it produces almost no noise. So you can have a great night’s rest while the protector will keep your mattress from any harm.
Since this is a waterproof mattress cover, you don’t have to worry about any spills or liquids that can damage your bed. What’s more, it encases your entire mattress, protecting it from bed bugs and dust mites. With this in mind, it’s often recommended to people who need the best mattress protector for allergies.
Thanks to having a handy zipper, you can easily remove it and machine wash it. It’s also suitable for dryers, so caring for this product is pretty simple.
The good news is that Linenspa’s cover comes in all the standard bed sizes. However, you should know that this zippered mattress cover is suitable only for mattresses that are up to 12″ thick.
What We Looked for in the Best Mattress Protectors
—Our Ranking Methodology—
Shopping for a mattress protector can be almost as demanding as finding the right mattress. Even though a mattress cover is a much simpler product, there are a number of features to consider. That’s why we read through dozens of user reviews to find out what really matters when choosing a protector for your bed. Here are the five most important criteria that we focused on while reviewing and testing mattress covers.
Quality
Regardless of whether you look for an inexpensive protector or a pricier option, it’s essential that it’s made of quality materials. Even if it’s not the best-rated mattress protector, you have to be sure that it doesn’t contain any harmful materials.
Since many parents are concerned about vinyl protectors, we tried to stay away from this type of mattress cover. However, you should know that vinyl itself is not toxic. Instead, you should try to avoid polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—a type of plastic that often contains phthalates. These compounds can have adverse health effects, especially in children and pregnant women. So if you decide to get a plastic mattress cover, even though this is not the best material for a mattress protector, always look for a phthalate-free one.
In addition, the quality of the materials used will affect the protector’s lifespan. You don’t want to end up with a cover that doesn’t stop leaks from reaching your bed after washing it only a few times. If you have a toddler or a pet, you can expect to launder your cover pretty often. Therefore, it’s best to look for quality materials that will provide durable protection.
Comfort
Even if you have one of the best-rated waterproof mattress protectors, it’s not enough that it guards your bed against spills, stains, dirt, and dust. It also has to be comfortable! This means that it should fit your mattress perfectly, without bunching or wrinkling. Next, it shouldn’t make you feel too warm. This is especially important if you’re a hot sleeper. Last but not least, a good mattress cover needs to be quiet since crinkling sounds can prevent you from having a good night’s sleep.
Warranty
Since a mattress protector isn’t as huge an investment as a mattress, many are not covered by a warranty. Almost any mattress protector review underlines that this is the case even with the best protectors. Therefore, we believe that any type of warranty is a big plus. We noticed that the length of the warranty period varies greatly—from one month to 10 years. However, the time period that’s covered by the warranty isn’t always the deciding factor—you should also check what type of damage is covered and under what terms and conditions.
Price
We tried to find out what the best price for mattress protectors should be. Most brands offer protectors in all standard bed sizes, from twin to king. Therefore, their prices will depend on the size you choose. We tried to include both inexpensive and luxurious options on our list so that everyone can find something that fits their budget. No matter how much you decide to spend—a few dozen to hundreds of dollars, it’s essential that you get the best value for the money.
What You Need to Know About the Best Mattress Protectors
—Buyer’s Guide—
When you invest in a comfy mattress that should support you in the years to come, you don’t want to leave it unprotected. Fortunately, a mattress protector can help you prolong your bed’s longevity. Besides guarding it against dust and dirt, many bed covers are also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about spills and accidents. They can also be a great accessory for people with allergies, since the best allergy mattress protector offers additional protection against dust mites and bed bugs.
Although the main purpose of a mattress protector is to protect your mattress, it also needs to be comfortable. After all, you need to sleep on it! So here are all the things you should consider when buying a new mattress cover.
Materials
Most mattress protectors are made of several types of materials. Typically, they use a soft fabric for the top layer and have a waterproof backing, which is especially important if you’re looking for the best waterproof mattress protector for a toddler.
Some of the most commonly used materials include cotton, spandex, polyester, and down. So you can choose between natural and synthetic fabrics depending on your preferences.
The waterproof layer is usually made of polyurethane. However, there are also covers made of vinyl. Since the use of this material is a bit controversial due to its safety, we recommend that you avoid it or at least look for those that are phthalate-free.
Should You Use a Waterproof Mattress Protector?
This is one of the most important questions when it comes to your choice of mattress protector. We always recommend getting a waterproof cover since liquid damage can void your mattress warranty.
This type of protection is ideal for people with small kids and pets. Just as we already said, pay attention to the material of the waterproof layer.
Do You Want to Protect Your Mattress Against Bed Bugs?
Some mattress protectors can guard your mattress against bed bugs to a certain degree. However, if you need full protection against these nasty pests, you should look for the best zippered mattress protector. This type of protector covers the entire mattress.
Keep in mind that you can’t take an encasement off your mattress as easily as a mattress protector. However, if bed bugs are your primary concern, six-sided protectors are a much more effective solution.
Size
It’s crucial to get a mattress protector that’s the right size for your bed since you don’t want to end up with a cover that wrinkles and bunches under your sheets. This can be very annoying and uncomfortable.
Of course, the size will depend on the size of your mattress. So if you have a king size bed, you’ll look for the best king size mattress protector. Even though most protectors are made for standard bed sizes, always check their dimensions. Also, don’t forget about your mattress’s thickness. While some protectors can fit mattresses that are up to 22″ thick, others can only fit those with lower profiles.
Breathability
Your mattress protector needs to be breathable for several reasons. First, materials that promote airflow allow you to sleep cool. Second, when a cover prevents natural air circulation, your mattress might trap all kinds of odors. Finally, a breathable cover prevents the growth of bacteria.
Although many manufacturers claim that their protectors are breathable, it’s always a good idea to check what the customers have to say.
Cooling
If you’re a hot sleeper, you’re probably looking for the best cooling waterproof mattress protector. It might use different technologies, from gel infusions to heat-wicking materials. Just keep in mind that not all protectors will perform the same when it comes to retaining body heat.
Benefits of Mattress Protectors
Protects from Stains
Anyone can easily spill something over a bed. Whether that’s coffee or blueberry juice, your mattress will probably be stained for good. However, with a waterproof mattress protector, you don’t have to worry about these things. You just take it off and machine wash it. Especially practical for people with kids or pets, the best waterproof mattress protector for bedwetting is easy to find.
Helps with Allergies
Allergies can greatly affect the quality of your sleep. By protecting your bed from dust mites and other allergens, a mattress protector may relieve your allergy symptoms. Therefore, a cover made of hypoallergenic materials can help you have a good night’s sleep. It shouldn’t matter whether you’re looking for the best mattress protector for a memory foam mattress or a hybrid, as it is the material of the mattress protector that makes it helpful for allergies.
Guards Against Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be a huge nuisance since it’s very difficult to get rid of them when they infest a mattress. Usually, the only solution is to replace the mattress. So if you want to protect your bed from these ugly pests, we recommend getting an encasement. This is a six-sided protector that closes with a zipper, so it guards your mattress from all sides. You can look for the best mattress protector for memory foam beds, hybrid beds, or latex beds, as long as the protector is secure.
Wrapping Up
A mattress protector can be a great addition to your bed because it will protect it from dirt, dust, stains, and allergens. Our top list is here to help you narrow down your choice. In addition, we hope that you will easily find the best mattress protector for your needs with the help of our detailed buyer’s guide.
FAQs
What is the best type of mattress protector?
It’s always best to look for waterproof mattress protectors since they will guard your mattress from any spills and liquid damage. They are especially useful if you have small kids or pets. The following are our top picks:
- Nest Bedding mattress protector
- Nolah mattress protector
- Purple mattress protector
Are bamboo mattress protectors good?
Bamboo is hypoallergenic, keeps moisture away from your body, and stops the growth of bacteria. This makes bamboo mattress protectors sanitary and great for people with skin issues.
Should I get a mattress protector?
If you want to protect your mattress and prolong its longevity, you should definitely get a mattress protector. This bed accessory is especially handy for people with children or pets, but anyone can spill something on it from time to time.
What is the best mattress protector for bedwetting?
If you’ve started potty training, it’s a great idea to get a waterproof mattress protector. It’s recommended to look for those that have a water-resistant layer made of polyurethane or some other non-toxic material. However, you should stay away from vinyl covers since they may contain phthalates, which may cause health problems.
How often should you wash mattress protectors?
Since mattress protectors go under the sheets, they don’t get dirty that often. Therefore, it’s enough to wash them once a month or even once every couple of months. However, if you sleep with your pet, you’ll have to wash it more often—probably once a week. Also, if there’s a spill, you should wash it immediately.
Are vinyl mattress protectors safe?
No, a vinyl or PVC mattress protector will not be safe for your health. They often contain phthalates, which can lead to a number of health problems, especially in children and pregnant women.
Can I wash a waterproof mattress protector?
Yes, most of the best mattress protectors can be washed in a washing machine. So caring for this piece of bedding isn’t difficult. Just follow the instructions on the product label.
Can mattress protectors go in the dryer?
Yes, generally you can tumble dry your mattress cover on a low to medium heat setting. However, you should always check the label for the manufacturer’s instructions.
Who makes the best mattress protector?
It’s not easy to answer this question since your choice will depend on your needs. First, do you need a waterproof cover? Do you also want to protect your bed from dust mites and bed bugs? In addition, hot sleepers should look for additional cooling features. We tried to compile a top 10 list that includes a variety of options in order to help you find the best mattress protector for your needs. You can check it out above.