The Best Mattress Protectors

Buying Guide for Mattress Protectors

Why buy a mattress protector?

Mattress protectors keep mattresses clean, which leads to better hygiene and improved mattress durability. A well-made, hypoallergenic design can safeguard the mattress from bacteria, dust mites, bed bugs, accidental urination, pet hair, and more. A key step that must be taken is washing the mattress protector regularly as well.

What should you look for in a mattress protector?

• Fabric Type: Different mattress protector types call for different fabrics. A mattress protector bag for moving doesn’t require breathable layers but puncture-proof plastic. Genuine, high-thread count (TC) cotton provides breathability and protects those with allergies, as does hypoallergenic polyurethane. Fabric stitching plays a critical role as well.
• Fit: Most of the mattress protectors we review here utilize the deep-pocket, elastic band-rimmed, fitted-sheet style design. The deep pockets make a mattress protector useful for a range of mattress thicknesses. Some mattresses are top-only protective, while others protect all four sides and the top; either way, they’re designed to fit firmly. Another important reason for selecting a well-fitted protector is that it will move around less, will create less noise, and will most likely disrupt your sleep less or not at all.
• Intended Use: Mattress protectors are used to prevent liquids from reaching the mattress, in cases of incontinence, for example, or with pets. However, there are covers, or pillow-top pads, that offer comfort first and foremost. Not all mattress protectors are waterproof, so you’ll want to make sure that it is an offered feature if it’s important to you.

What should you expect to spend on a mattress protector?

So much depends on the level of quality, price included. Generally, the better-made higher-quality materials used will be a more expensive mattress protector. Here, we reviewed products that are good quality and reasonably priced from $16 to $40. However, if you’re looking to spend more, you can find mattress pad protectors upward of $150.

Our Picks for the Best Mattress Protectors

Pros: This nonslip mattress bag is great for moving or for storing your mattress. It’s composed of prograde 6-mils-thick polyethylene which resists punctures and tears. Because it’s so tough, the bag is reusable and a nice quality if you’re often on the move or need to store your mattress for long lengths of time. You can relax knowing that this bag will fit most mattresses from twin to king size thanks to the 3D-gusseted design. The bag features extra-wide self-adhesive strips for extra protection.

Cons: There are no handles on the storage bag.

Bottom Line: Using this mattress protector takes four simple steps: unfold the bag, place the mattress inside, close the bag with the adhesive strips, and take it away.

 

Pros: The SafeRest mattress protector has a lot to offer. It’s breathable, waterproof, quiet, and features a hypoallergenic cotton terry surface. This material absorbs fluids, is breathable, and stays cool. The backing, or membrane, of the mattress protector is free of vinyl PVCs, phthalates, and fire-retardant treatment.  While it’s protective and strong against perspiration, urine, and other fluids, the protector is subtle and will not change the feel of your current mattress. Finally, it’s registered with the FDA as a class one medical device.

Cons: It is not as quiet as expected.

Bottom Line: This mattress protector can be great choice for your household. It handles sweat from your kids, dirt from your pets, and incontinence, too.

 

Pros: This twin-size, ultra-thin mattress protector by Linenspa is made of 100% hypoallergenic polyurethane fabric. It’s vinyl-free and safe for pets and children. The top, waterproof surface features microscopic pores that allow airflow for breathability and blocks all liquids from sweat to urine and accidental spills from snacking in bed. Dust mites and allergens don’t stand a chance of getting past the protector either. The fitted sheet-like protector has deep pockets for a secure fit.

Cons: It’s not 100% waterproof.

Bottom Line: Keep your mattress protected with this protector that is made of hypoallergenic fabric and is easy to clean. Just throw it in the washing machine, then dry on low heat.

 

Pros: Do you love the feel of a soft quilted blanket? If so, look at this queen-size quilted mattress protector pad. The diamond stitching creates rows of small but lofty pockets. Inside each diamond is a polyester fiber filling that won’t clump or shift so you can fall asleep easily. The fabric and the protector secure up to a 16-inch-deep mattress with elastic like a fitted sheet.

Cons: The mattress protector pad is not waterproof.

Bottom Line: For a soft, cushy feel, this mattress pad is exactly what you need. This quilted protector pad offers support and revitalizes your mattress.

 

Pros: This luxury mattress pillow top cover features a 100% cotton top and a down alternative fill, a pairing that provides deep comfort. The 300-TC cotton absorbs sweat and is breathable, making it skin-friendly. It fits mattresses just like a fitted sheet, thanks to its deep, 360-degree pocket design. Stretching from 8 to 21 inches deep and secured with a 103 GSM single-track elastic band, this pillow top mattress won’t move around on you as you sleep. To guarantee it won’t, the pillow top has a box-stitching design that prevents the down alternative filling from moving. This pillow top is washable using a gentle cycle and low temperature.

Cons: The pillow top is not as fluffy as expected.

Bottom Line: A decadent option among mattress protectors, this pillow top cover is ultrasoft and uses the highest-quality fabric and box-stitched design to keep your mattress in great shape.

Final Thoughts

A well-made mattress protector is a wonderful addition to your housekeeping items to help protect your mattress from harm. From the variety of fabrics to waterproof features to different levels of comfort, a mattress protector can offer exactly what you need to maximize the longevity of your mattress and your health.