These Expert-Tested Mattress Protectors Keep Your Bed Clean, Cool - and Feeling Like New

The best mattress protector acts as a barrier between your bed and your body, wicking away sweat, spills, and stains while keeping dust, dirt, dander, and pests, such as bed bugs, out of your mattress. You can get a good mattress protector for less than $100, which is a small price to pay to prolong the life of your mattress, although you can expect to pay around $200 for top-of-the-range options, which will be money well spent if it caters to your more specific needs.

You're probably shopping for a mattress protector for a specific reason: perhaps to protect your best mattress from wear and tear. While the best mattress toppers can provide additional comfort and support to improve an old or too-hard mattress, the a protective layer will safeguard against bed-wetting if you have young children, and ward against allergens and pests such as dust mites and bed bugs, which is particularly useful if your family is prone to allergies.

After months of in-depth, at-home testing, and compiling reviews by our team of expert testers, the Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector has delivered the best results, combining excellent waterproofing with comfort, ease of use, organic and non-toxic materials, and a noise-free surface to sleep on. Other protectors deliver similar performance at far more affordable prices, so there's something for all budgets depending on your priorities.

The Best Mattress Protectors - At a Glance

Below, you'll find a bite-size summary of each mattress protector, outlining the key pros and cons. To learn more about a particular mattress protector, keep scrolling, or skip to that section by pressing 'read more below'. There, you'll find a list of the need-to-know specs along with the further details of how we test mattress protectors.

The Best Mattress Protector Overall

Our expert tester, Alex Frost, said 'The Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector is everything you’d hope for in a product that you really need to just do its job, without causing any additional issues'.

Put simply, you want a mattress protector to keep your expensive mattress free from damage and stains, without disturbing your sleep. 'This one is highly reliable and doesn’t let anything leak through – even when I poured a glass of water directly on top of it to test out its promises,' confirms Alex. 'It’s also much easier to make the bed now, as the deep pocket options give more than enough fabric to make it around the sides, with some room to spare.'

The 'washable, breathable, non-toxic' protector has been tested for PFAS chemicals, and has a MADE SAFE certification for non-toxic standards, so if that's important to you, this will be a good investment. 'It is also actually quiet, which is the opposite of some cheaper options that crinkle while you roll around at night. Instead, this feels closer to a thinner version of one of the best mattress toppers, in that it’s super soft, luxurious fabric, and breathable,' adds Alex.

Over 1,000 online reviews on Avocado’s site show this is a high-quality product, with 4.7 stars across those reviews. 'Though this mattress protector is pricier than some, at $219 (at full price) for a Queen standard pocket, it’s worth the extra money in the long run,' Alex advises. 'As someone with five kids, I can attest to the fact that choosing a good mattress protector is an investment that’s important to make, especially if a bedwetter or bedtime snacks are at risk of ruining your mattress.'

If you're working with a tighter budget, then I suggest you skip Avocado and shop the SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector from Amazon, instead.

You get a 1-year warranty with the Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector, which should be plenty of time to find any faults with materials and manufacturing. Also, you get a 100-night trial window and free shipping, although it's worth noting that returns are not free.

The Best Waterproof Mattress Protector

This is Amazon's number-one best-selling mattress protector, with more than 200,000 five-star reviews from verified customers. Here's a snippet from a review: 'when my wife was pregnant, her water broke on our bed − Niagara Falls levels of water breaking – and thanks to the SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector, our mattress stayed bone dry. Don't know how to give a better recommendation than that!'

Amazon shoppers love the SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector, and so does our expert tester, Jaclyn Turner. 'I like the soft feel of cotton terry cloth through my fitted sheets,' says Jaclyn. 'There's none of the squeaky slipperiness you get from synthetics. As a light sleeper, I appreciate that the SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector is noiseless in the night, thanks to an ultra-thin layer of waterproof materials.'

'As a hot sleeper, my only complaint is that the terry cloth material doesn't make the best thermoregulator,' says Jaclyn, 'though it's great for moisture-wicking. If you're looking for an actively cooling mattress protector, I suggest the Sijo TempTune Mattress Pad.'

SafeRest recommends their mattress protector as an AirBnB essential for hosts to keep their guest bedrooms clean. Given the low price of the protector (less than $70 for a Queen at full price), I'd say it's also a great option for first-time homeowners and buyers on a budget.

The Best Cooling Mattress Protector

The best cooling mattress toppers and pads are designed to dissipate heat, wick moisture, and block odors. Out of all the entries in our buying guide, the Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad offers the best performance at the fairest price. Good news for anyone with a thick mattress: the Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad can accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches deep.

Our expert tester, Louise Oliphant, is a hot sleeper who suffers from night sweats. 'The Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad works to make my bedroom much more comfortable,' she says. 'It's filled with thermoregulating fiberfill to cool me down and lined with a moisture-wicking membrane to absorb sweat. I worried that the waterproof layer would make an unpleasant squeaking sound when I switched positions in the night, but so far, it's noise-free.'

Before you buy, it's worth knowing that Sijo only makes mattress pads in sizes Full through to California King. If you're looking for a cooling mattress protector with a similar look and feel to fit a smaller bed, then I recommend the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad.

Out of all the mattress protectors on this list, the Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad is one of the most expensive, retailing at $175 for a Queen. I think it's worth the money, but you could always shop the bedding sales to save some cash.

If you like the sound of a cooling mattress protector, but you're looking for something a little thicker, I suggest you shop for the best cooling mattress toppers and pads, instead.

The Best Mattress Encasement

Even the best mattress protector only covers part of your mattress: the top and the four sides. But, in order to properly protect your mattress from bed bugs and dust mites, you need an encasement to offer 360-degree coverage.

Out of all the options on Amazon, the SureGuard Mattress Encasement boasts the best customer rating, with a 4.6/5 average from more than 6,300 verified reviews. 'Once I figured out the orientation of the cover, it was pretty easy to put on,' reads one recent review. 'Love the stretchy fabric and fit. At first I was a little tentative about pulling on the cover to make it fit, but with a little gentle pull it fit beautifully. Appears to be very durable and is not slippery or noisy.'

Unlike a lot of the protectors on this list, the SureGuard Mattress Encasement comes in a range of non-standard sizes, including Full XL for longer beds and cribs for babies. To accommodate thick and thin mattresses alike, you can choose between four different 'pocket' sizes, from 6" to 20".

There are a smattering of more mixed reviews, most of which mention that the encasement is hard to put on. You'll need to maneuver your mattress off the bed frame, wiggle it into the case, and zip it all the way around before you put it back on the bed. If you live alone, and you struggle to lift heavy weights, you'll need to ask a friend for help, otherwise, opt for a classic mattress protector.

The Best Mattress Protector for Memory Foam Mattresses

Like any mattress type, a memory foam mattress has its pros and cons. The body contouring effect of slow-moving foam offers targeted pressure relief to ease your aches and pains. You want your mattress protector to be thin enough that you still feel the benefit of the foam. Ideally, you want it to be thermoregulating to counteract the heat retention of dense foam. The Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad fits the bill.

Naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, this bamboo mattress pad is designed to combat night sweats and bust the bacteria that breeds in warm, damp environments, like beds. I started testing the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad earlier in the year and really noticed a difference in my bed and body temperature during the warmer months.

I sampled the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad alongside the Bamboo Comforter and Bamboo Duvet Cover. These pieces feel soft and silky, but it's the Bamboo Mattress Pad that puts in the hard work. I never woke up from the sound of polyester rustling, nor could I feel any ridges or hard edges through my fitted sheet. The thing I like best about the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad is the slim fit: thick enough to add some plush comfort to your mattress, but not so thick that it starts to stretch your fitted sheet.

A few final points: the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad comes in the standard sizes, from Twin to California King, except for Twin XL. If you're looking to buy the best mattress protector for a dorm bed, you'll need to shop elsewhere: I recommend the Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector. Also, the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad never claims to be waterproof, only water-resistant. To ward against sweat and stains, I recommend the SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector.

The Best Budget Mattress Protector

A mattress protector is an invaluable bit of bedding to keep your bed clean and prolong the life of your mattress. You shouldn't have to spend a small fortune to get good sleep. When you buy the Amazon Basics Mattress Protector, you don't have to: this budget-friendly option covers all the bases.

The Amazon Basics Mattress Protector is, more accurately, a mattress encasement. Instead of a stretchy bed skirt, you get two thin sheets of polyester. Once you zip the sheets together, you get total protection from dust mites and bed bugs for all six sides of your mattress.

Our expert tester, Louise Oliphant, bought herself an Amazon Basics Mattress Protector. 'Although it's far from perfect, and the polyester sometimes made a little squeaking sound as I moved around in the night, I can't deny that the Amazon Basics Mattress Protector offers air-tight protection from all angles,' says Louise. 'If you need to store your mattress while you're moving house or renovating a room, this is an excellent affordable option.'

Before you buy, it's worth noting that the Amazon Basics Mattress Protector only comes in two sizes: Queen and King. If you're buying for a smaller bed, or even a crib, then I suggest the SureGuard Mattress Protector, instead. Also, the Amazon Basics Mattress Protector is made from polyester, which tends to trap heat. For an eco-friendlier option that will keep you cool, I recommend the Avocado Organic Mattress Protector.

Best Mattress Protectors – Side by Side

Best Mattress Protectors − Honorable Mentions

Of the many mattress protectors our expert team has tested, our top six represent the best for comfort, waterproofing, thermoregulation, and ease of care for a range of needs. However, the three below also deserve a mention and may suit your needs better than our selection.

• Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector: Inside this mattress protector, you'll find fibers from plastic bottles, upcycled and spun into super-soft fiberfill. That's why the Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector feels more like a mattress pad: it could add some plush comfort to a firm mattress. Normally, I wouldn't recommend a plasticky mattress protector for hot sleepers, but I suffer from night sweats, too, and I've found that it helps keep my mattress cool. The only reason the Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector didn't make the main buying guide is because it's water-resistant, rather than waterproof.
• Coop Home Goods Waterproof Mattress Protector: Amazon is one of the best places to buy bedding − but only if you know how to shop there. I had to sift through hundreds of plasticky protectors with terrible reviews to reach the Coop Home Goods Mattress Protector, but I'm so glad I did. With more than 5,000 verified five-star ratings and an RRP of just $59 for a Queen, the Coop Home Goods Mattress Protector offers a great balance of quality and cost. There are a handful of more mixed reviews, most of which concern the thermoregulation (or lack thereof). Hot sleepers would do better with one of the best cooling mattress protectors, such as the Sijo TempTune Mattress Pad.
• Nolah GlacioTex™ Cooling Mattress Protector: Retailing at $209 full price for a Queen, you may well be able to pick this up for under $150 in the bedding sales. Unlike thick and plasticky mattress protectors, this is made from a lightweight blend of polyester and polyethylene. These fibers boast high thermal conductivity to carry heat away from your body and out of your bed. The fabric features a soft weave for a touchable texture through your bed sheets and is designed to fit beds up to 15 inches thick.

How We Test Mattress Protectors

Our team of expert testers represent a wide range of ages and sleep styles, and live right across the country in warm, cool, and temperate climates. Together, we test mattress protectors for at least 30 nights in our own homes before we write our reviews. This should give an accurate indication of long-term performance. To learn more about how we test at Homes & Gardens, consult our expert guide.

We assess each mattress protector against the same criteria: comfort; noise levels; waterproofing; thermoregulation; and ease of care. To assess comfort, we layer the mattress protector beneath our fitted sheets and lie on the bed to consider how it feels: whether there are any uncomfortable ridges or slippery sections. To assess noise levels, we move around the mattress, listening for the tell-tale squeaks of a synthetic waterproof lining. To assess waterproofing, we pour a cup of water on the mattress protector to see whether it seeps through the fabric or settles on top.

To assess thermoregulation, we switch off our AC before we sleep, making note of any times we wake up in a sweat. To assess ease of care, we clean the mattress protector according to the manufacturer's instructions, monitoring how the performance changes before and after each clean.

We also consider the practicalities of buying a mattress protector, from the range of sizes on offer to the details of delivery. We like to compare our findings against verified reviews to pick up common customer concerns. Finally, we bring it all back to the price to help you determine value for money.

Our Mattress Protector Testers

Jaclyn Turner

Jaclyn is Homes & Gardens' former eCommerce Editor and sleep expert, having passed our five-step certification process to become a verified customer advisor on mattresses. She is a huge advocate of the importance of getting eight hours' sleep and having the best mattresses and bedding to support that.

Alex Frost

Alex is a Cincinnati-based product tester who has slept on dozens of mattresses and toppers. She's a side and belly sleeper, with a long history of chronic but controlled back and hip pain issues so is always on the look out for the most supportive products.

Louise Oliphant

Louise is one of our former Sleep Editors. As a hot sleeper and an eco-conscious shopper, she likes natural latex to regulate her temperature.

Emilia Hitching

Emilia is Homes & Gardens' former Sleep Editor and led a team of experienced testers based around the globe, so they could, together, bring readers the most informative and honest reviews to help you buy well.

How to Choose a Mattress Protector

A mattress protector is an invaluable bit of bedding, so you want to get the right one first time. Here are the most important things to bear in mind when shopping for one.

Learn the Difference Between Waterproof vs Water-Resistant

A waterproof mattress protector can keep any amount of liquid from seeping through, no matter how long it sits on the surface. A waterproof mattress protector is the best choice for kids' beds or cribs where you might be dealing with overnight bed-wetting.

A water-resistant mattress protector offers some protection against spills, but liquid may seep through eventually if there is a large amount or it's left for an extended period of time. A water-resistant mattress protector offers insufficient protection against bed-wetting, but it's good enough to prevent night sweats from damaging your mattress.

Fitted Sheet vs Encasement

The most common mattress protector type is a fitted-sheet style, with an elastic band that stretches all around the mattress. They're easy to get on and off the bed for when you need to do the laundry.

A mattress encasement is harder to get on and off the bed, but it offers 360-degree protection: on top, underneath, and around all four sides of the mattress. This is the best mattress protector type for anyone who suffers from dust mite allergies or wants to keep bed bugs out of their mattress.

If you have a particularly deep or heavy mattress you may want to think twice about buying a mattress encasement as they can be tricky to fit on the mattress single-handedly and need to be deep enough to fit around your entire mattress, but not leave excess fabric so that it creases or sags.

What Size to choose

Many mattress protectors will come in a full range of sizes from Twin to California King, so go for your mattress size, but bear in mind a few things. Some mattress protectors require washing before use to allow the fabric to shrink to a comfortable fit around your mattress. And, just like fitted sheets, mattress protectors have skirts of different depths to accommodate various mattress thicknesses. Make sure you check the depth of your mattress and the protector's skirt length before buying so you don't end up with one that is constantly slipping off.

Think About Thermoregulation

If you suffer from night sweats or hot flashes, or you simply tend to run a little warm, then you're what's known as a hot sleeper. You could spend thousands of dollars on a specialist cooling mattress, or you could pick up a cooling mattress protector for a fraction of the price.

When you're shopping for cooling mattress protectors, steer clear of polyester: synthetic weaves aren't as breathable as natural fibers, so they tend to trap heat. Instead, consider cotton, bamboo, eucalyptus, and even wool to dissipate heat, wick moisture, and block odors.

How Easy is it to Care For?

Most mattress protectors are machine-washable on cold and dryer-safe on low heat. Avoid high temperatures that could warp the waterproof lining and cause leaks.

Make sure to check the care tag: some manufacturers advise against bleach, where others recommend eco-friendly detergents. You can also read our guide on how to clean and care for a mattress protector for more advice

Consider Eco Materials

If you are an eco conscious shopper you may want to prioritise eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, bamboo and cornstarch based fabrics, which are also more breathable than synthetic ones, such as polyester. Also look for GOTS-certified fabrics, and recycled fibers and fillers. While eco materials are usually a bit more expensive, they'll be worth it for the peace of mind and to keep those night sweats at bay.

Is it Hypoallergenic?

A hypoallergenic mattress protector can guard against dust, dirt, and dander, as well as sweat, spills, and stains. If you've got sensitive sinuses or have pets in the house, then I suggest you buy a hypoallergenic mattress protector.

Your best bet is to invest in a mattress encasement, which offers hypoallergenic protection from all angles. It's a great way to cover the mattress off-gassing smell you get from memory foam models or any barnyard scents that come from an organic mattress.

FAQs

What Sort of Mattress Protector is Best?

There are lots of different mattress protector types. Which is best for you depends on your specific needs. Here's a quick overview of the pros and cons of the most common mattress protector types:

• Zippered: also known as a mattress encasement, a zippered mattress protector is best for anyone who is allergic to dust. When you enclose your mattress in a zippered protector, you get 360-degree safeguarding against dust mites and bed bugs.
• Fitted: if you're buying for a crib or kids' bed, you want a mattress protector that you can quickly whip on and off the bed to clean up overnight accidents. A fitted sheet style is best: you can take it off in seconds.
• Synthetic: as a general rule, synthetic materials are less absorbent than natural fibers, so they're better for waterproofing.
• Organic: natural fibers, such as wool and cotton, are more breathable than synthetic substances, and they're far more environmentally friendly. I recommend the best organic bedding for eco-conscious shoppers.

Are Expensive Mattress Protectors Worth It?

I would consider any mattress protector that costs more than $100 for a Queen to be an expensive mattress protector. Our reigning champion, the Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector comes in at $219 (full price - although is often knocked down in the sales), which certainly qualifies as expensive. But if you have just invested in an expensive brand new mattress that you want to keep in pristine condition, or are looking for more than just basic waterproofing, you will appreciate the added benefits of this option, such as organic, breathable and hypoallergenic materials. Before you start to shop, I suggest you set an upper and a lower limit to your budget to give yourself a guide of what you're prepared to spend.

Can You Machine Wash a Mattress Protector?

Yes: most mattress protectors are machine-washable on cold, and dryer-safe on a low heat. Some, like the Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector will require washing before use to shrink it to the right size for your mattress. Always check the instructions on the care tag beforehand to ensure your mattress protector performs at its best for as long as possible.

Do You Put a Bed Sheet Over a Mattress Protector?

Yes, a mattress protector goes directly on top of your mattress or mattress topper and beneath your sheets. In fact, a mattress protector works a lot like a fitted sheet: you need to stretch the elasticated skirt over each corner of the mattress.

Which Mattress Protector is Best for Bed Bugs?

A mattress protector is also the first line of defense against bites from bed bugs and other allergies caused by dead skin cells, pet dander, and other irritants reaching your best mattress. However, bed bugs can get through openings in a mattress protector. To avoid this happening, opt for zippered or encased mattress protectors, like the Sureguard Mattress Encasement, which will bring 360 protection and peace of mind.

It's also important to keep your mattress clean, which is why a mattress protector should be the first thing you buy following the purchase of a new mattress, especially if you want to keep these pests at bay.

The best mattress protectors are a great way to prolong the life and freshness of your mattress, keeping it clean, allergen and stain-free, but it's still worth learning how to clean your mattress like our cleaning experts to keep it free from any ingrained dirt that will still build up over time. Just be sure to avoid these mattress cleaning mistakes to keep your mattress in top condition.

If you're wondering, after reading this, whether it's actually a mattress protector that you need, and your priority is to improve the comfort and support of an old or stiff mattress, you might want to consider one of the best mattress toppers instead, while the best cooling mattress toppers and pads offer good options for hot sleepers.