The Best Mattress Protectors That’ll Lengthen the Life of Your Mattress

After learning how to buy a mattress and ultimately picking one of the best mattresses for your lifestyle and budget, it’s time to secure a top-rated mattress protector. Unlike mattress toppers, a mattress protector offers waterproof or water-resistant protection. It also guards against stains and bugs, and it will lengthen the life of your mattress by reducing direct wear and tear. 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 to look for when buying a mattress protector

Mattress protectors keep your mattress safe from wear and tear, which is important considering the time it takes to choose a bed that best fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking for a mattress protector, consider what type best fits your needs: a waterproof or water-resistant mattress protector. Either works well for beds that kids and pets tend to crawl into, while a waterproof mattress protector is ideal for those prone to eating and drinking in bed, even if it’s just Sunday morning coffee.

Next, decide if you prefer an encased mattress protector, which covers the entire surface, or a top protector that fits like a fitted sheet. Full encasements are 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 in case of spills and requires regular cleaning.

Evaluation criteria

We looked at the overall feel of each mattress protector, paying extra attention to padding, shifting and if it made noise. We only included soft-to-the-touch options, ensuring each contained high user reviews. We also looked at the materials used, ease of washing and reusing, overall durability and how well it protected the mattress. Bonus points were given to affordable picks, because your mattress is expensive enough—adding a protective layer shouldn’t drain your wallet.

Best overall mattress protector

Sijo 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 you’ll want to add to every mattress. It offers 100% waterproof protection, and it’s made of eco-friendly Tencel (aka eucalyptus fibers). It’s naturally soft, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. This protector boasts a fabric-like feel that beats noisy, plastic-like protectors and covers by a mile. An elastic hem offers a shift-free sleep experience.

Pros

What we like about the Sijo Eucalyptus Mattress Protector:

• 100% Tencel construction offers a sound-free sleep
• Fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep
• Available in four sizes
• Oeko-Tex 100 certified
• 30-night trial period
• Easy to wash and tumble dry on gentle settings

Cons

Consider these factors before you buy the Sijo Eucalyptus Mattress Protector:

• Doesn’t fully encase the mattress
• Twin and twin XL sizes aren’t available

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Best budget mattress protector

Everlasting Comfort Mattress Protector

The budget-friendly Everlasting Comfort Mattress Protector is one of Amazon’s best deals and a favorite among shoppers, with more than 6,000 ratings. Some sizes even come with free protectors to keep your best pillows in tip-top shape. It’s an extra-thin layer of 100% waterproof protection that reviewers swear by. This protector boasts an everyday low price, and the brand is known to add coupons and discounts that render it even cheaper.

“Very impressed with the quality,” says verified Amazon purchaser Bill. “Excellent workmanship. The pockets are 18 inches deep and fit well over my queen size mattress with a four-inch thick memory foam topper. It tucks well under the mattress and has elastic around the bottom edge. The pillowcase has a high-quality zipper and fits nicely. 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

What we like about the Everlasting Comfort Mattress Protector:

• Affordable price point
• Woven-style material offers a crinkle-free sleep
• Available in six sizes, including twin and twin XL
• Fits deep and topped mattresses up to 18 inches deep

Cons

Consider these factors before buying the Everlasting Comfort Mattress Protector:

• Not dryer-safe
• Not organic or made of sustainable materials

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Best splurge mattress protector

Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector

The Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector wraps mattresses in breathable organic cotton for improved airflow, and it offers a non-rubbery waterproof barrier that blocks all liquids. It’s machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle. It’s also 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.

Pros

What we like about the Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector:

• Breathable, organic cotton top material offers a crinkle-free sleep
• Fits medium and semi-deep mattresses up to 16 inches deep
• Non-rubbery waterproof barrier blocks liquids
• Silicone elastic band keeps the protector from bunching
• Machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle (not bleach-safe)
• Available in seven sizes
• Dryer-safe when using a low heat, tumble setting
• Offers a luxurious feel

Con

Consider this before buying the Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector:

• With the twin size starting at almost $100, this model is on the pricy side

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Best editor-tested mattress protector

SafeRest Mattress Protector

With more than 228,000 ratings, the SafeRest Mattress Protector is an Amazon bestseller 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 that slides on like a fitted sheet.

Reader’s Digest Senior Editor Dawn Yanek 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,” says Yanek.

More big selling points? It doesn’t have a plastic smell or make any noise when you lie on it. In fact, it completely disappears under your fitted sheet, making it nearly undetectable. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it’s free of vinyl, PVC, phthalates and other potentially toxic materials. This affordable little wonder also helps reduce allergens and issues with dust mites.

“The only issue is that you may need an advanced degree in engineering to figure out which way it goes on the bed,” adds Yanek. “Not to mention folding it, like other fitted sheets, but once you figure that out, it’s smooth sailing and a small inconvenience for something that helps you keep your mattress in tip-top shape.”

Pros

What we like about the SafeRest Mattress Protector:

• Cotton terry surface offers a quiet and smooth sleeping experience
• Waterproof
• Fits easily over the mattress, no tugging or pulling necessary
• No vinyl smell
• Protects against allergens

Cons

Consider these factors before buying the SafeRest Mattress Protector:

• No extra padding
• Doesn’t have length and width indicators to help you orient it on the bed
• Less ideal for temperature regulation and hot sleepers

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Best mattress protector for children’s beds

Coop Home Goods Ultra Luxe Waterproof Mattress Protector

The Coop Ultra Luxe Waterproof Mattress Protector stands up to regular machine washing 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.

“I love this mattress protector!” shares verified purchaser Lindsay. “I got it for my child’s bed, as they still have occasional accidents. It makes zero sound on the bed, it’s soft and it’s not hot at all! It has survived several accidents with nothing getting through to the mattress. Very easy to wash as well! Highly recommend!”

Pros

What we like about the Coop Home Goods Ultra Luxe Mattress Protector:

• Waterproof, to protect against spills and kid and pet accidents
• Breathable bamboo fiber-based top material
• Elastic band keeps the protector in place so it won’t bunch
• Fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep
• Hypoallergenic
• Available in six sizes
• Machine washable
• Oeko-Tex Certified

Con

Consider this before buying the Coop Home Goods Ultra Luxe Mattress Protector:

• Not bleach-safe or intended to be washed with fabric softener

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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 Luxury 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.

Pros

What we like about the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector:

• Features cooling material that draws heat away from the body
• Soft, silky topping offers a quiet and smooth sleeping experience
• A waterproof barrier protects against all sorts of spills
• Available in six sizes
• Elastic band keeps it in place so it won’t bunch
• Machine washable on gentle cycles
• Fabric-like feel that beats plastic-like options
• Covers mattress like a fitted sheet

Con

Consider this before buying the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector:

• Must be washed on a delicate setting and only tumble dried

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Best slim-profile mattress protector

Chilisleep Cool Luxe Mattress Protector

If adding serious protection to your bed without loads of extra bulk is high on your priority list, the Chilisleep Cool Luxe Mattress Protector is a sleek piece you’ll love sleeping on. The cool-touch knit cover 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.

Pros

What we like about the Chilisleep Cool Luxe Mattress Protector:

• Thermal conductive yarns draw heat away from the body
• Covers mattress like a fitted sheet, offering a soft, knit feel
• Elasticized hem keeps the protector firmly in place without shifting or bunching
• One-year limited warranty
• 30-night sleep trial

Cons

Consider these factors before buying the Chilisleep Cool Luxe Mattress Protector:

• Only available in queen, king and California king sizes
• Queen size starts at $200, making it one of the pricier options

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Best mattress protector for bedwetting

GoodMorning.com Mattress Protector

The Goodmorning.com mattress protector is a thin-profile addition to beds that uses the brand’s Advanced WaterShield Waterproof Barrier technology to block all liquids with shocking efficacy. That’s because the technology was originally developed for ski and snowboard clothing before becoming the bedding world’s a-ha! moment. It’s also quiet and shift- and bunch-resistant, and it pairs as well with cooling bedding as it does with the best flannel sheets.

Pros

What we like about the GoodMorning.com Mattress Protector:

• Protects against large volumes of liquid without leaking
• Available in six sizes
• Fits mattresses up 16 inches deep
• Machine washable
• Two-year warranty

Cons

Consider these factors before buying the GoodMorning.com Mattress Protector:

• Not dryer-safe
• Not organic, though the top panel is made from a sustainable bamboo blend

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Best mattress protector bundle

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. It’s backed by a serious moisture-blocking synthetic lower layer that promises mega-protection for your mattress.

Pros

What we like about the Diamond Mattress Essential Bedding Bundle:

• An affordable bundle that’s complete with memory foam pillows and cooling sheets
• Soft fabric topping offers noiseless protection
• Synthetic backing keeps moisture, stains and stink out
• Available in six sizes
• Includes a 10-year warranty

Con

Consider this before buying the Diamond Mattress Essential Bedding Bundle:

• Comes as an entire set, so you may not need all the components

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