Not only are mattress protectors a great way to make your mattress last longer — finding the right protector is also key to a good night’s sleep.
We tested the best mattress protectors of 2023 to make sure they delivered not only on mattress protection, but comfort as well. You’ll find our complete list of the best mattress protectors below, as well as who we think each one is a good fit for. Are you a hot sleeper, or on a budget? We’ve got you covered.
Best Mattress Protector – Our Top Picks
- Saatva Waterproof – Editor’s Pick
- Nest Bedding Cooling – Best Cooling
- Purple – Best Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Sleep Defense System – Best Bed Bug-Proof Mattress Protector
- Protect-A-Bed Allerzip – Best Allergen-Friendly Mattress Protector
- Vibe Defend-A-Bed Premium – Best Budget Mattress Protector
Best Mattress Protectors of 2023: Video Review
How We Chose Our Products
Our team of sleep specialists tested many mattress protectors currently on the market, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to find the best of the best for our readers. When building our roundup for the best mattress protectors of 2023, we paid special attention to durability, ease of use, and quality of materials.
For more, we encourage you to check out our Buyer’s Guide at the bottom of the page. There, we take a deeper dive into all of these attributes so you can make the most informed purchase possible.
Saatva Waterproof – Editor’s Pick
Saatva produces some of the best mattresses on the market, but they also sell high-quality bedding products, including this waterproof mattress protector!
Construction
Even though the Saatva mattress protector is waterproof, it features an organic cotton cover, making it much softer than many other mattress protectors on the market. Under the cotton is a layer of polyurethane, which provides its waterproof features. Finally, the protector has an elastic band made of silicone that secures it in place, so you don’t have to worry about it coming off of the bed.
Additional Benefits
We liked the Saatva mattress protector so much that we rated it a 4.4/5! Below are some of my favorite features that really made it stand out:
- Its cotton construction makes it very breathable, so you shouldn’t sleep hot on it.
- A lot of waterproof mattress protectors can be loud and crinkly, but this one was quite quiet.
- We tested just how waterproof this protector really is, and it passed with flying colors!
Read our full Saatva mattress protector review.
Saatva makes a cotton mattress protector that is fully water repellant! It doesn't make noise like some all plastic protectors, and it won't trap heat because it's very breathable! Keep your bed clean with one now!
Nest Bedding Cooling – Best Cooling
The Nest Bedding cooling protector feels cool to the touch. It absorbs body heat at night, then re-releases it when needed to help people keep a stable temperature.
Construction
What makes it so “cool” and one of my favorite protectors for hot sleepers is that the fabric is breathable cotton. Additionally, its makeup contains five-sided, fitted sheet-style protection, and is waterproof, dust mite-resistant, and hypoallergenic.
Additional Benefits
Nest Bedding’s protector is machine-washable on cool settings and with no heat in the dryer. It comes in standard sizes and fits mattresses up to 18” deep.
Check out the complete Nest Bedding Cooling protector review.
The Nest Bedding Cooling mattress protector feels cool to the touch thanks to Phase Change Material in the fabric. It has a quilted feel that's perfect for hot sleepers.
Purple – Best Waterproof Mattress Protector
Purple’s mattress protector is 100% water-resistant and water-absorbent. The entire protector has a 100% TPU Polyurethane layer, so if a spill or accident occurs, it won’t run down the sides and ruin the mattress.
Construction
Its 85% Polyester, 15% Spandex material makes it virtually undetectable under your sheets.
Additional benefits
In addition to its lovely waterproof nature, the Purple protector is really comfortable and fits all types of mattresses.
Read the full Purple protector review.
The Purple mattress protector goes on like a fitted sheet but the entire thing, top, and all four sides are 100% water-resistant and water absorbent. This means if spills fall to the side of your bed you're still covered.
Sleep Defense System – Best Bed Bug-Proof Protector
Your dreams — and mattress — should be free of bed bugs with the Sleep Defense System. This encasement mattress is lab-tested to be 100% bed bug-proof.
Construction
The protector comes with a bug flap and zipper lock, which essentially seals your mattress close.
Additional Benefits
This is not only excellent bed bug protection, but also protects your mattress from dust and allergens (making it a great protector for those with asthma as well).
Check out the complete Sleep Defense System protector review.
The Sleep Defense System mattress protector is lab tested to be bed bug-proof and allergen-proof. The encasement protector can be sealed and comes in two depths for a perfect fit.
Protect-A-Bed Allerzip – Best Allergen-Friendly Protector
The Protect-A-Bed AllerZip mattress protector takes its allergy (and bed bug) protection seriously. It’s Certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly™ by the Asthma And Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), and it’s also an FDA Class 1 Medical Device and certified bed bug-proof.
Construction
It boasts a 6-Sided Miracle Membrane barrier that prevents mold, mildew, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.
Additional Benefits
This protector is a comfortable, waterproof, and comes in two depth options so you can find the perfect fit for your mattress.
Read the complete Protect-A-Bed AllerZip protector review.
The Protect-A-Bed Allerzip mattress protector is an encasement protector that will stop allergens from reaching your bed. It comes in two depth sizes for a perfect fit.
Vibe Defend-A-Bed Premium – Best Budget Mattress Protector
While the Vibe Defend-A-Bed protector is regularly priced at $21.02 for a Queen, it’s often deeply discounted and sold at several retailers.
Construction
The cotton terry waterproof surface is breathable and can fit mattresses up to 22 inches.
Additional Benefits
If you’re looking for a simple but dependable protector that will keep your mattress surface free from stains and allergens, the Vibe Defend-A-Bed protector is hard to beat.
Check out the complete Vibe Defend-A-Bed protector review.
The Vibe Defend-A-Bed Premium mattress protector is a great fitted-sheet style option for those on a budget.
Things To Consider Before Buying Your Protector
Type
There are number of different mattress protectors out there, but they all typically come in three different styles.
- Encasement (or zippered): The protector covers 100% of your mattress from the top to the bottom. The protector is often closed with a zipper.
- Fitted: A popular type of protector, this fits your mattress in the same way a fitted sheet would (tucked under your mattress with pocketed corners).
- Elastic strap: This protector lays on the top of your mattress while elastic straps wrap around the four corners. This anchors the protector to the mattress.
Size
Mattress protectors come in sizes for every type of mattress, including RVs, sofas, and cribs. See our article on the common mattress sizes.
Some mattress protectors (like the Sleep Defense System protector) also offer different depth options so you can find a snug fit without a lot of extra material.
Fabric
Mattress protectors are made with several softer and more comfortable types of materials, in addition to a waterproof layer. You may see protectors made with:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Down
- Spandex
Most mattress protectors come with some sort of waterproof material. This is typically polyurethane, but in some cases, they’re made with vinyl.
There has been some discussion over the safely using products that contain vinyl (and any toxic gas they may release). Many brands are choosing to make waterproof mattress protectors that are vinyl-free. You can read more about vinyl mattress protectors here.
Encasement mattress protectors tend to be 100% the same material on all sides while fitted sheet-style protectors tend to be one type of material on the surface (with waterproof backing) and a thinner, non-waterproof polyester on the sides.
Care
Your mattress protector will most likely come with its own specific set of care instructions. Usually, protectors can be machine-washed and dried. In some cases, the company may tell you that it’s preferable to let your protector air-dry.
Since heat can disrupt the waterproof membrane in your protector, always dry your mattress protector on low heat. And because spills and leaks can ruin your mattress (and your mattress warranty), you want to make sure your protector is in good shape and will keep any liquids or accidents from getting through.
Protectors often come with their own warranty, which will become void if you don’t follow the care instructions that are meant for your protector.
Price
Mattress protectors come in a wide range of prices. You can find some for $20 (or less if on sale).
The more services your mattress protector provides, the higher the price. Mattress protectors that offer temperature regulation (like the Bear mattress protector) tend to cost more than a simple waterproof cotton terry protector like Luna or Linenspa.
FAQs
How long do mattress protectors last?
A mattress protector should last at least one to two years with proper care. Common signs for replacement are odors or any worn out spots. Make sure you replace the protector before the worn spots become tears or holes.
How often should you wash a mattress protector?
In most cases, you should wash your mattress protector once every two months or so, unless it is peak allergen season or you have recently been sick.
What’s the difference between a mattress protector and a mattress topper?
Mattress protectors are usually thin and are designed to keep your mattress safe from stains, allergens, and bed bugs. Generally, protectors do not have an effect on the feel or comfort level of the mattress. Mattress toppers are often several inches thick, designed to alter the feel of the bed by providing an extra layer to the mattress.
Do mattress protectors affect comfort?
Because the majority of mattress protectors are quite thin, they are unlikely to have a large impact on the comfort level or firmness level of your mattress. If you are interested in changing the firmness of your mattress, consider using a mattress pad or mattress topper.
If you don’t use a protector, you might have to dispose of your mattress prematurely. Check out our article about what to look for in a mattress protector.