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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang
A good mattress protector will keep your mattress in great shape without sacrificing comfort. When shopping, you'll want to look for one that fits your needs, whether it's a material that keeps you cool or a size that works for deeper mattresses.
No matter your budget or needs, here are the best mattress protectors available today.
Best Overall
Parachute Cotton Mattress Protector
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parachutehome
Breathable material
Extra cushion
Good value
Machine-washable
Not waterproof
In terms of features and value, it's hard to beat the Parachute Cotton Mattress Protector. Made of 100% cotton, it has a soft and comfortable feel that will also keep you cool as you sleep. Plus, the top layer is quilted to provide extra cushioning—something that's hard to find in a mattress protector.
Parachute's mattress protector is available in a variety of sizes and can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches thick. It can be tossed in a standard washing machine with the rest of your bedding, so you can keep everything fresh and clean.
One note is that this option doesn't have a waterproof barrier. If you find that your mattress needs protection from spills, kids, or pets, you should layer it with another waterproof product.
Price at time of publish: $109 for Queen Size
Material: Cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: None listed
Best Budget
Utopia Bedding Waterproof Mattress Encasement
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Waterproof
Machine-washable
Zipper enclosure can be cumbersome
To protect your mattress without spending a lot of money, consider the Utopia Bedding Zipped Mattress Encasement. It provides a waterproof barrier and zips to cover the entire mattress—even the back. In case of a spill or accident, simply toss it in the wash and tumble dry. Because it's also sold in a two-pack, you can have a spare on hand.
It is made of polyester, so expect things to be a little bit hotter than with other options. The zippered enclosure can also be tricky to maneuver on larger beds, making it a better option for kids' or twin-sized mattresses.
Price at time of publish: $18 for Queen Size
Material: Polyester | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, and Crib | Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: None listed
Best Waterproof
SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector
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Amazon
Waterproof
Good value
Hypoallergenic
No cushion
This vinyl-free mattress protector from SafeRest is a great option that provides a waterproof barrier without changing the feel of your mattress (or using any materials known to bother sleepers). With a fitted design, all you need to do is put it underneath your fitted sheet to know that your mattress is protected. If it does get soiled, simply toss it in your washer with the rest of your bedding.
With no extra cushioning or support, this protector may feel more like a sheet than a mattress pad. However, if you're just looking for a waterproof barrier, it's one of the better options. It passed our spill test in The Lab, keeping the mattress fully protected from liquids.
Price at time of publish: $38 for Queen Size
Material: Polyester | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Depth: 18 inches | Certifications: OEKO-TEX Certified
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The Spruce / Vicky Wasik
Best Bamboo
PlushDeluxe Premium Bamboo Mattress Protector
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Breathable and plush texture
Great value considering price point
Waterproof
Machine-washable
May not hold up well in the dryer
Bamboo is a widely-beloved material for bedding, and for good reason—the fiber boasts a soft and breathable surface that rivals cotton and other highly-regarded fabrics. The PlushDeluxe Premium Bamboo Mattress Protector offers a ton of bang for your buck, especially considering it’s 100 percent waterproof and has a very cozy texture. The bamboo material adds an extra layer of plushness to your bed that can enhance the comfort of your mattress.
The mattress protector is washable, fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep, and is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.
Price at time of publish: $38 for Queen Size
Material: Bamboo | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Depth: 18 inches | Certifications: None listed
Best Organic
Coyuchi Organic Cotton Mattress Pad
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Coyuchi
100% organic materials
Eco-friendly construction
Quilted top
Expensive
Not waterproof
Coyuchi's Organic Mattress Pad is a high-quality option that comes at a premium price. Both the interior and exterior are made of 100% organic cotton, which is ethically sourced in India. The mattress pad is also GOTS and Made Safe certified, so it's free of potentially harmful substances like flame retardants or heavy metals.
Suitable for mattresses up to 15 inches deep, the Organic Mattress Pad has a quilted top layer that provides a soft, cushiony feel. It isn't advertised as waterproof, but it provides enough protection from spills or accidents if cleaned up immediately. When testing it in The Lab, we were impressed with how well it absorbed liquid without letting it touch the mattress. And when laundry day does roll around, you can toss it in your washing machine with like colors.
Price at time of publish: $298 for Queen Size
Material: Organic cotton | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Crib | Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: GOTS, Made Safe
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The Spruce / Vicky Wasik
Best Long-Lasting
Avocado Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Protector
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Avocado
Handmade
Multiple depths
Quilted top
Organic materials
Expensive
Not waterproof
Another organic cotton option, the Avocado Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Protector is made by hand, quilted with reinforced edges, and comes in two depth options. While expensive, the materials are some of the best you can get—when testing it in The Lab, we were wowed by the silky, cooling fabric and virtual undetectability underneath a fitted sheet. It also has the most certifications of any on our list, so you know that you’re getting a superior product from a company that really cares.
The mattress pad isn’t completely waterproof and is quite pricey—even more than some mattresses. If you want a mattress pad for short-term use, it probably isn’t worth the cost. But if you want something that will last and keep you comfortable for years, the organic mattress protector from Avocado is great.
Price at time of publish: $299 for Queen Size
Material: Organic cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Depth: 16 or 22 inches | Certifications: GOTS, Made Safe, Greenguard, Climate Neutral, FSC, Certified Vegan
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The Spruce / Vicky Wasik
Best Cushioning
The Company Store Legends Hotel Waterproof Mattress Pad
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The-company-store
Waterproof
Extra cushion
Multiple depths
Machine-washable
Expensive
Just because you want to protect your mattress doesn't mean you need to sacrifice comfort. Case in point: The Company Store's Legends Hotel Waterproof Mattress Pad. With a diamond-quilted shell and an ultra-thin waterproof layer, it provides all the protection and cushioning you could need. It's available in two heights—11 or 18 inches—and six sizes, so you'll be sure to find the perfect fit for your mattress.
While one of the pricier options on our list, this mattress protector is cheaper than buying a waterproof layer and mattress pad separately. Plus, it's machine-washable, which can be hard to find in a cushioned pad.
Price at time of publish: $152 for Queen Size
Material: Cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Depth: 11 or 18 inches | Certifications: None listed
Best Hypoallergenic
Linenspa Zippered Mattress Encasement
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Amazon
Protection against dust mites and allergens
Soft, breathable texture
Waterproof
Provides top protection only
No cushion
If you have asthma or are especially sensitive to allergens, you’ll want to consider purchasing a hypoallergenic mattress protector. The Linenspa Waterproof Smooth Top Premium Queen Mattress Protector protects against dust mites and other allergens, which can help improve your quality of sleep. We also love that it’s waterproof and machine washable for easy care.
While the product isn’t cushioned, the fitted-sheet-style mattress protector is made from polyurethane and polyester fabrics that are both comfortable and breathable. Note that the mattress protector only provides protection on top of the mattress and not the sides, so you may want to look at other options if you have pets or kids who are prone to messes. The mattress protector fits mattresses up to 14 inches deep and is available in twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, and California king sizes.
Price at time of publish: $18 for Queen Size
Material: Polyester, polyurethane | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, Cal King | Depth: 14 inches | Certifications: None listed
Best Cooling
Casper Waterproof Mattress Protector
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Casper
Cooling design
Works well with Casper mattresses
Waterproof
No cushion
Casper mattresses are top quality, so it’s no surprise that their mattress protector options are also highly-rated. The brand's waterproof mattress protector uses a crinkle-free polyester with a barrier to keep your mattress safe from spills or accidents without disturbing your sleep. While polyester can be hot, this protector is designed with microscopic pores to allow heat to escape so that you stay cool.
There isn’t any added cushion with this mattress protector, but it can be easily layered with a mattress pad of your choice. Just note that it's designed to work best with Casper mattresses.
Price at time of publish: $89 for Queen Size
Material: Polyester | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: None listed
Best for Deep Mattresses
Tastelife Waterproof Mattress Pad for Deep Pocket
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Works for deep mattresses
Machine-washable
Waterproof
Not great for low mattresses
No cushion
If you have a very plush mattress, it can be hard to find a mattress protector that fits. The TASTELIFE Waterproof Mattress Pad is designed to specifically fit mattresses up to 21 inches deep. Made of a cotton-polyester blend, it will protect your mattress while also remaining breathable. Best of all, it works with just about any budget—you won't have to make a big financial investment to keep your mattress protected.
While this protector works great for deep mattresses, you may find that you need to keep adjusting it for regular mattresses. It's advertised to work on mattresses as low as 8 inches, but the elastic enclosure will be noticeably looser and could come untucked over time. It also doesn’t provide any extra cushion—it's best used as a mattress protector rather than a mattress pad.
Price at time of publish: $22 for Queen Size
Material: Cotton and polyester | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Depth: 8 to 21 inches | Certifications: TPU Certified by SGS for quality
Our top pick is the Parachute Cotton Mattress Protector, which provides just a bit of extra cushion while remaining breathable. It can be cleaned in the washing machine to make sure that any dirt or grime is washed away. For a great waterproof option, the SafeRest Hypoallergenic Vinyl-free Mattress Protector provides a waterproof barrier without sacrificing comfort.
What to Look for in a Mattress Protector
Material
Considering the material of your sleeping arrangements is important considering how much time you spend there. Mattress protectors are available in budget-friendly materials that perform well, such as polyester. You can also find them in sustainable and health-conscious materials like organic cotton. High-end materials will cost more but may hold up longer over time and multiple washes.
Sizing
Most mattress protectors come in standard mattress sizes. You should match your mattress protector to the size of your mattress. You will need to pay close attention to depth since this can vary by brand and product. If you have a plush mattress or use an additional topper, you may need to look for a mattress protector that fits deep mattresses.
Temperature Regulation
Mattress protectors can be cooling but don’t generally have the same high-tech cooling design as a mattress or topper. Look for one that is made with breathable fabrics, such as cotton. Polyester tends to hold the most heat unless specifically designed for airflow. Thicker mattress protectors are usually hotter than thin barriers as well.
Certifications
Look for a mattress protector that discloses all of the materials used. Industry certifications such as GOTS, Made Safe, or OEKO-TEX show that the company has taken extra steps to ensure that its product is made safely. These certifications can also demonstrate that the manufacturing process is environmentally-friendly and sustainable.
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What is a mattress protector?
A mattress protector provides a barrier between the sheets and the mattress. They are designed to increase the longevity of your mattress by reducing the dirt, debris, and messes that come into contact with it. Some can also be waterproof or provide additional cushion and comfort.
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Are mattress protectors hot to sleep on?
Mattress protectors are usually less hot than added mattress toppers or pads but can trap heat, especially if they are not made of breathable materials. Look for a mattress topper that is made of cotton or bamboo. Polyester mattress protectors and those with a waterproof barrier are often the hottest to sleep on.
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What’s the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress protector?
A mattress pad’s primary purpose is to provide additional comfort by adding a plush, cushiony layer atop the mattress. A mattress protector, on the other hand, can be thinner and may provide additional safeguards against stains, allergens, and even dust mites. Mattress protectors are usually easier to care for compared to mattress pads since protectors are intended for regular cleaning.
Both mattress pads and mattress protectors will protect your mattress from wear and extend its lifespan, but if you want to maximize both comfort and protection, you should consider purchasing both or a hybrid of the two.
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How long does a mattress protector typically last?
With proper care, you should be able to keep a high-quality mattress protector for at least a few years. Make sure you wash it regularly (at least once every two months) to clean off any oils, dirt, and stains. However, if you notice any holes, rips, or tears in your mattress protector, be sure to replace it right away to ensure your mattress stays protected.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. With three small children and pets, she is familiar with the need for a high-quality mattress protector—and over the past three years, she has personally tested and used multiple products from this list. To compile the most comprehensive recommendations, she researched industry certifications, tester reviews, and the top features needed in a mattress protector.