We updated this article in January 2022 to remove an unavailable item and to include new picks from Avocado Green Mattress and Turmerry.
After finding your dream mattress, you may think the next step is putting on your sheets. But first, you should really consider adding a mattress protector. Mattress protectors are worth it because they're designed to extend the life of your mattress by acting as the first line of defense against wear and tear, allergens (like pet dander and pollen), spills and even bed bugs. Best of all, while cleaning your mattress is difficult, you can wash a mattress protector by tossing it into the washing machine. When accidents inevitably happen, you will be counting your lucky stars that you invested in a mattress protector before the damage.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests hundreds of bedding products each year, from sheets to comforters to pillows to mattresses. Our expertise means we can identify great mattress protectors: Our picks have either excellent laboratory performance or rave reviews and innovative features from trusted brands to help build your ultimate bed.
What is the best type of mattress protector?
Five-sided protectors go on your mattress like a fitted sheet. This protector does not cover the mattress entirely, so it cannot protect against bed bugs. But because it’s easier to take on and off, it’s a great pick for easy clean up from incontinence or frequent spills.
Encasement protectors cover the entire mattress and have a zipper closure to keep them secure. Encasement styles are the mattress protectors to guard against bed bugs, but they're more difficult to remove for washing.
Want easy cleanup and bed bug protection? Layer an encasement protector over the mattress and then add a five-sided protector on top for the best of both worlds. And if you're worried about frequent spills and accidents, make sure you invest in a truly waterproof mattress protector. These are the best mattress protectors, according to our Lab pros:
Compare the size chart closely to your mattress size to prevent tears
Amazon's most popular mattress protector is this Linenspa waterproof encasement style for ultimate protection. The mattress protector zippers around the mattress with hooded Velcro flaps for the zipper to tuck into, creating a tight seal resistant to bed bugs. If you suffer from allergies, this pick can create a guard against household allergens like dust mites, pet dander and pollen. We love that they also offer pillow and box spring encasements too.
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, Split Queen, King and Cal King; box spring and pillow encasement options. • Materials: Polyester with polyurethane • Waterproof: Yes
With a whopping 210,000 reviews (!!!) and a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, this mattress protector from SafeRest comes highly recommended. It features a soft cotton terry top layer with a waterproof backing without vinyl, designed to be noiseless. As a five-sided style, it's easy to put on the bed like a fitted sheet.
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and Cal King • Materials: Cotton terry with membrane backing • Waterproof: Yes
Starting at just $17 for a Twin size, this pick provides full encasement, waterproof protection for a fraction of the cost of other picks. With waterproof backing, the top of this protector is designed to be comfy while still repelling liquids. Plus, it is completely machine washable for easy care.
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and Cal King • Materials: Polyester • Waterproof: Yes
SafeRest's encasement protector can guard against bed bugs. Using extra small zippers and Velcro coverings, this protector is designed to keep pesky bed bugs or dust mites out of your bed. Plus, this pick is OEKO TEX certified, so you can be confident it is free from dangerous amounts of harmful substances.
• Sizes: Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and Cal King with depth options up to 18" • Materials: Cotton terry with membrane backing • Waterproof: Yes
Some reviewers note that's not fully waterproof against large amounts of fluid
Your mattress protector must fit your mattress for it to do its job properly and be quiet and comfy while you sleep. This encasement style waterproof protector by SureGuard offers multiple sizes from crib to California King with different mattress depths, keeping your mattress clean no matter its size.
• Sizes: Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and Cal King with depth options up to 20" • Materials: Cotton terry with membrane backing • Waterproof: Yes
The main caveat of waterproof materials is they can sometimes cause the mattress to get a bit hot. Slumbercloud designed the Dryline Mattress Protector with Outlast coating technology, which stores and releases heat to keep you at a comfortable temperature all night long. Featured previously as our best temperature regulating sheets, SlumberCloud is a great pick for your ultimate cool bed.
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and Cal King • Materials: Tencel outer cover with Outlast technology and a membrane backing • Waterproof: Yes
Some reviewers wish it had a tighter fit to the mattress
While most mattress protectors aren't available with organic materials, this pick from Avocado Green Mattress is made with GOTS certified organic cotton. It features two layers of organic cotton surrounding a thin polyurethane waterproof film to protect against spills. The protector goes on like a fitted sheet for easy on/off.
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and Cal King • Materials: Organic cotton with polyurethane waterproof layer • Waterproof: Yes
8
Best Crib Mattress Protector
Waterproof Fitted Crib Protective Mattress Pad Cover
Before potty training, diaper leaks are inevitable, but a mattress protector prevents nighttime leaks from ruining the mattress in your baby's crib. With over 32,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.7-star rating, this pick is 5-sided, so it's easy to take off in case of an accident. It is designed to fit the standard crib mattress size (28" x 52" x 9"). Reviewers also loved to use this mattress protector on dog beds too!
• Sizes: Mini Crib, Crib and Playard • Materials: Polyester • Waterproof: Yes
This topper features organic cotton jersey fabric with a waterproof backing that's waterproof without any crinkling noises. When evaluating in the Lab, our pros were impressed at just how quiet this pick is without major off-gassing smells common with mattress protectors. With Crib, Twin XL and Split Cal King sizes included, this pick has a great variety of size options.
• Sizes: Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King and Split Cal King • Materials: Organic cotton with polyurethane backing • Waterproof: Yes
Full 3-piece set with everything a college student needs
Encasement protects against bed bugs
5-sided protector guards against spills
Not available with Prime shipping
At college, you will be sleeping on a used mattress, so you want as much protection as possible. This pick is a 3-piece set, including an encasement mattress protector, a 5-sided protector and a pillow protector. The encasement protector will act as a barrier from bed bugs and other pests or allergens while the basic protector is waterproof for easy clean up from accidental spills. This set will help you sleep soundly on an unfamiliar mattress.
Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping InstituteSenior Product Analyst, Textiles, Paper and Plastics LabEmma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst at The Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates fiber-based products ranging from bedding to clothing.
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