The 8 Best Mattress Protectors of 2023, According to Sleep Experts
Updated: May 04, 2023When it comes to finding the best mattress protector, don't sleep on these top-rated picks.
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When thinking about protecting your investments, you probably don’t consider your bed at first. But after learning how to buy a mattress and picking the best mattress for your lifestyle and budget, it’s time to secure a top-rated mattress protector. A mattress protector acts as an affordable insurance policy on your treasured bed—it even fits on top of a mattress pad. Plus, it’s undetectable below your favorite organic sheets, so a good night’s rest is guaranteed.
What is a mattress protector?
The best mattress protectors keep your mattress deal safe from wear and tear, which is important considering the time it takes to choose the right bed. Unlike mattress toppers, a mattress protector offers waterproof or water-resistant protection. It also guards against stains and bed bugs. Most work well for beds that kids and pets tend to crawl into. A waterproof protector, however, is ideal for those prone to eating and drinking in bed, even if it’s just Sunday morning coffee.
Decide if you prefer an encased mattress protector, which covers the entire surface, or a top protector that fits like a fitted sheet. A full encasement mattress protector is best for those with allergy concerns and those that need extra protection from potential bugs and mites. Keep in mind that encased mattress protectors may be more cumbersome for sleepers with a heavy memory foam mattress. It’s also important to look for a protector that’s washable and reusable, as it’s the first line of defense against spills.
The best mattress protectors
- Best overall mattress protector: Sijo Eucalyptus AiryWeight Mattress Protector
- Best budget mattress protector: Everlasting Comfort Mattress Protector
- Best splurge mattress protector: Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Best editor-tested mattress protector: SafeRest Mattress Protector
- Best mattress protector for kids’ beds: Coop Home Goods Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Best cooling mattress protector: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector
- Best slim-profile mattress protector: Sleepme Cool Luxe Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Best mattress protector bundle: Diamond Mattress Essential Bedding Bundle
Best overall mattress protector
Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector
If you’re looking for a perfect blend of comfort, temperature regulation and affordability, the Sijo eucalyptus mattress protector is a crinkle-free, sustainable wonder. It offers 100% waterproof protection, and it’s made of eco-friendly Tencel (aka eucalyptus fibers) that pair well with an organic mattress. It’s naturally soft, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. This cover boasts a fabric-like feel that beats noisy, plastic-like protectors. An elastic hem offers a shift-free sleep experience.
“I bought this to replace an older, bulkier mattress cover that was taking away from the softness of my mattress,” shares verified purchaser, Rebecca. “This has a light enough protection that the intended feeling of your mattress will still exist. I tend to get hot at night, and this seems to be keeping me much cooler.”
Pros
- Made of 100% waterproof, Tencel material
- Fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep
- Available in four sizes
- Can be washed and tumbled dry
Cons
- Doesn’t fully encase the mattress
- Twin and twin XL sizes aren’t available
Best budget mattress protector
Everlasting Comfort Mattress Protector
The budget-friendly Everlasting mattress protector is one of Amazon’s best deals and a favorite among shoppers, boasting more than 5,100 five-star ratings. Some sizes even come with free protectors to keep your best pillows in tip-top shape. This protector provides an extra-thin layer of 100% waterproof protection that reviewers swear by. It’s available in sizes twin all the way up to California king.
“Very impressed with the quality,” says verified purchaser, William R. “Excellent workmanship. The material doesn’t feel like those vinyl plastic ones. It’s made of a woven material that feels nice and doesn’t give a crinkling sound when you lie on it.”
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Woven-style, waterproof material
- Available in six sizes
- Fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep
Cons
- Not dryer-safe
- Not organic or made of sustainable materials
Best splurge mattress protector
Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector
The Saatva waterproof mattress protector wraps mattresses in breathable organic cotton for improved airflow, and offers a non-rubbery waterproof barrier that blocks all liquids. It’s machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle and dryer-safe when using a low tumble setting. A high-quality silicone elastic band keeps the protector in place, so it won’t shift or bunch while sleeping. To balance the splurge, pair it with affordable sheets from Amazon.
Pros
- Made with a breathable, organic cotton material
- Offers a non-rubbery waterproof barrier
- Available in seven sizes
- Can be washed and tumbled dry
Cons
- Only fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep
Best editor-tested mattress protector
SafeRest Mattress Protector
With more than 256,000 ratings, the SafeRest mattress protector is an Amazon must-see that boasts a wallet-friendly price point. It protects against liquid spills and accidents while offering a noiseless, crinkle-free sleep experience, thanks to a cotton terry surface. The protector is nearly undetectable under fitted sheets, plus, it’s hypoallergenic and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified.
Dawn Yanek, a Reader’s Digest senior editor, tested this protector in her home full of kids, simply noting: It works. “I poured an entire glass of water smack in the middle of it, and the SafeRest’s terry material absorbed it like a towel while the waterproof lining made sure the liquid didn’t seep through to my actual mattress,” she shares.
Pros
- Provides a noise-free sleep experience
- 100% waterproof
- Affordable
- Protects against allergens
Cons
- No extra padding
Best mattress protector for kids’ beds
Coop Home Goods Waterproof Mattress Protector
The Coop Home Goods waterproof mattress protector stands up to regular machine washing (without fabric softener) and offers a soft, non-crinkly feeling that’s ideal for kids and guest bedrooms. It’s made with a proprietary synthetic backing that keeps spills and stains away. This silent, cool-to-the-touch wonder is topped with breathable bamboo-based materials.
“We have two dogs and a preschooler, who have all thrown everything they can produce at them. In last night’s case, that included both beds,” shares five-star reviewer, Mike E Bell. “These sleep very, very well. You really don’t know they are there. But even with a soaking load it keeps the mattress dry. The texture even keeps it from running along the surface.”
Pros
- Waterproof and protects against spills and accidents
- Fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep
- Hypoallergenic and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
- Available in six sizes
Cons
- Not bleach-safe or intended to be washed with fabric softener
Best cooling mattress protector
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector
If you’re a hot sleeper and worry that a mattress protector will only increase your sweat factor, the Brooklyn Bedding cooling mattress protector is for you. It’s made with “super-conductive material,” according to the brand, which is meant to draw heat out and away from the body. This creates a cooler sleep environment, and the silky-smooth fabric offers a cool-to-the-touch feeling throughout the night. It’s also hypoallergenic, protecting against bed bugs, mites and bacteria. Pair it with a cooling pillow for a sweat-free night.
Pros
- Made with super-conductive material to draw heat out
- Features a waterproof barrier
- Available in six sizes
- Covers mattress like a fitted sheet
Cons
- May be a bit slippery
Best slim-profile mattress protector
Sleepme Cool Luxe Waterproof Mattress Protector
If adding serious protection without loads of extra bulk is high on your priority list, the Sleepme waterproof mattress protector is a sleek piece you’ll love sleeping on. The cool-touch knit mattress cover, with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) barrier, boasts antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, as well as temperature regulation that hot sleepers will appreciate. It’s backed by thin, sound-free laminated fibers that keep moisture and spills from soaking into the mattress. It also protects against allergens, including dust mites and microbes. Grab a pair of pajamas for women, and you’re ready for a good night’s sleep.
Pros
- Made with a thin laminated TPU barrier
- Thermal conductive yarns draw heat away from the body
- Elasticized hem keeps the protector firmly in place
- Offers a 30-night sleep trial
Cons
- Pricey
- Only available in queen, king and California king sizes
Best bundle mattress protector
Diamond Mattress Essential Bedding Bundle
Sometimes it’s easier to buy everything you need to protect your mattress and fully make your bed in one simplified bundle. The Diamond Mattress Essential Bedding Bundle offers everything you need to lengthen the life of your mattress and rest easy—all for a wallet-friendly price. It’s complete with a soft-touch waterproof mattress protector that includes a 10-year warranty, a set of sheets and cooling memory foam pillows. The waterproof protector features soft, plush cooling fabric that matches any cooling mattress.
Pros
- Includes protector, sheets, and cooling memory foam pillows
- Soft fabric topping offers noiseless protection
- Synthetic backing keeps moisture, stains and stink out
- Available in six sizes
Cons
- Only available in one color
What to look for when buying the best mattress protector
Pay extra attention to padding, shifting and noise factor. This list only incudes soft-to-the-touch options, ensuring each featured high user reviews. Consider the materials, ease of washing and resusing, overall durability and how well it protects the mattress. Price point is also something to keep in mind. Your mattress is expensive enough, so adding a protective layer shouldn’t drain your wallet.
How we found the best mattress protectors
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Do I need a mattress protector?
A quality mattress protector is a great way to preserve a hefty mattress investment. After spending money on special mattresses for back pain or non-toxic options, safeguard your purchase with protection of its own.
Can you wash a mattress protector?
Cleaning a mattress protector is similar to cleaning a mattress. It takes time and effort, but it can be done. However, given that not all mattress covers can be thrown in a regular washing machine cycle, check the maintenance details of the one you plan to buy.
How often should you wash a mattress protector?
A mattress protector guards against spills and accidents, but that means it may need to be cleaned more frequently. It’s recommended to wash at least every two months, depending on its condition. Replace the protector every one to two years.
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