The Best Mattress Protector of 2021 – Guard Your Bed

Everyone knows that their bedding needs to be washed on a regular basis and most of it can easily be laundered in the washing machine. But what about your mattress, how are you supposed to keep that clean?

The only way to keep your mattress clean is by using a mattress protector, which saves it from dust mites, liquid spills and a vast number of other contaminants. It also helps you avoid allergy attacks while ensuring a longer lifespan for your mattress. All mattresses should be covered by a good mattress protector. 

This guide will explain which mattress protectors we’ve chosen for our list of the Best Mattress Protectors and why. We’ll also explain the features of a mattress cover, as opposed to a mattress pad, topper or encasement. We will also offer other important details, so that you can shop with confidence when you start looking for a mattress protector of your own. 

The Best Mattress Protectors 

SafeRest Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector Review

What is so outstanding about the SafeRest Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector is that the company offers customers a 10-year warranty with full replacement coverage. This means that SafeRest is completely confident about the performance of this product.

In using this protector, we noticed that it was topped with a very soft cotton terrycloth fabric. This not only makes it more comfortable but also prevents the waterproof layer underneath from crinkling and waking you up during the night. Furthermore, the terry fabric is hypoallergenic, which is great for people who suffer from allergies.

To test the SafeRest out, we poured a cup of liquid on it, and instead of seeping into the mattress, it spread across the cotton terry cloth cover and remained atop the protector. It didn’t even drip down the sides. The water just stayed on top until we sopped it up hours later.

However, in comparing this with other products, we did find that the SafeRest Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector slept slightly hotter than we would normally prefer even though the cotton terry cloth on top is breathable and allows for airflow. This issue is very common among waterproof protectors, and although we’ve experienced better, we’ve also experienced worse. And, because of the many other benefits of this product, we really can’t complain too much.

If you tend to get hot and sweaty in bed due to medication you take or a condition you suffer, this may not be the best option for you. To get a good night’s sleep, it’s essential to be cool and dry, and this won’t help in that regard. For everyone else, though, the heat retention shouldn’t be a problem.

What we love about the SafeRest Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector is that it comes in a full range of sizes (including king and queen), it’s lightweight and has no odor whatsoever. You can also toss it in the washing machine and dryer on low heat, so it’s really easy to keep clean.

Lucid Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector Review

Lucid is a prominent brand when it comes to bedding, which added to the confidence we felt when we tested their product. What excited us, even more, was their 15-year warranty since it is way beyond the norm for mattress protectors.

The most important test of a protector’s performance is the waterproof test, so we always do an 8-hour test by spilling water on it to find out whether it penetrates through the fabric cover, retains the odor or leaves a stain. The Lucid Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector easily passed the waterproof test as there were no damp spots on the towel that we placed beneath it.

Another feature of the Lucid is that it’s 100% hypoallergenic, which always helps people sleep better, whether they suffer from allergies or not. It’s comfortable to sleep on and noiseless as well due to the terrycloth cotton material on the top. It’s made like an elasticized fitted sheet, deep enough to fit over a mattress of up to 22” thick.

The one downside to the Lucid Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector is that it didn’t really keep us as cool as we’d hoped. We tend to get hot at night, and this product didn’t help that, although it didn’t trap additional heat, either. Using this, you should not experience any excess heat based on your current sleep environment. However, if you are not 100% satisfied, rest assured Lucid offers a full return if you do it within 120 days. It’s up to you to properly care for the product by setting the washing machine and the dryer on low heat to avoid damage to the waterproof material.

Luna Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector Review

We’ve added the Luna Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector to our list since it offers great value for the price, comes in a variety of sizes (including king and queen) and has a 15-year warranty that is fully backed by Luna. Luna has one of the best reputations in the bedding and sleep products industry, and this protector does live up to that reputation, even though we discovered a couple of small issues.

In protecting the bed overall, the Luna definitely does its job. After performing our routine spill test, we could see that it is not only 100% waterproof but also has the ability to draw in the moisture and even wick it away from the surface. This reassured us that we would never have to sleep in puddles of perspiration during the night. However, you need to know that the solidity of its waterproofing does create a warmer sleep environment, although it’s only a moderate change.

This protector is topped with a cotton terrycloth material on the waterproof membrane. It’s 100% hypoallergenic and designed like a fitted bottom sheet for a snug fit. It proved to be very comfy when sleeping on, except we could hear the slight sound of plastic when we moved. However, the elastic corners helped it fit our mattress perfectly, so it didn’t slip at all during the night, and the noise was very minimal.

The Luna Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector is machine-washable and dryable, although you really shouldn’t wash it too frequently if you want to keep the material from wearing out. Most brands recommend that you wash your protector every few months unless you spill something on it. While we didn’t test it out for that long, we would recommend that you wait at least a couple of months to do the deed.

SureGuard Mattress Encasement Review

If you’re concerned about bed bugs, you need more than the typical mattress protector; you need what’s called a mattress encasement. They are distinctly different because a protector will fit over your mattress, whereas an encasement envelops your entire mattress and seals shut with a zipper. It may be somewhat difficult to get on and remove for washing, but an encasement is the only way you’re going to get full coverage that protects against bed bugs.

What we liked so much about the SureGuard Mattress Encasement is the fact that it not only 100% protects against bed bugs, but it’s also waterproof and hypoallergenic. This means it resists dander, dirt, dust mites, mildew, and mold. You also get a risk-free 30-day sleep trial plus a 10-year warranty for a full replacement. 

This product comes in a full range of sizes (including King and Queen), so you should have no trouble finding the perfect fit, including the perfect depth (thickness). Your depth choices are 6”-8”, 9”-12”, 13”-16”, and 17”-20”. The SureGuard Mattress Encasement is machine-washable and dryable and has a cotton terry top and polyurethane inner membrane. It’s also been tested by an independent lab and received the GREENGUARD Gold certification.

Linenspa Smooth Fabric Mattress Protector Review

We rate the Linenspa Smooth Fabric Mattress Protector as one of the best options because it is incredibly waterproof and has a soft, thin fabric covering, which feels a lot like a bedsheet. After our standard 8-hour spill test, we can verify that it is indeed 100% waterproof, plus no odor was present, and the color came right out after we machine-washed the product.

The hypoallergenic cotton top works in conjunction with the polyurethane under-layer to block allergens and dust mites. The elastic sides ensure a snug fit over your mattress. Compared to other products, the Linenspa is much thinner, while still being 100% waterproof. Because it’s so thin, it won’t retain much heat so you can sleep quite comfortably. However, there are some other issues that we found problematic.

Instead of wicking moisture away from the body, it lets it cling around you. Therefore, if you tend to sweat during the night, you would be better off looking for a protector with moisture-wicking properties. Linenspa claims that their protector is noiseless, but that’s not what we found. Although there are some models that make more noise, this one really wasn’t silent. However, we tested it out for a week and admit that we managed to sleep most of the week without any noise interrupting our sleep.

Additionally, if you want a protector with some cushioning, this would not be your best choice. However, if you’re on a limited budget and a little noise wouldn’t bother you, this might work out great. But your mattress should be comfortable enough to sleep on so that the thinness wouldn’t be bothersome.

This product is designed like a fitted sheet with enough depth for a secure fit on mattresses of up to 14” thick. The Linenspa Smooth Fabric Mattress Protector is machine-washable and dryable on low heat, and if you take care of it according to the instructions, it should last you a good long time. We love the fact that this product comes with a 10-year warranty even though we didn’t find any warranty issues. 

Utopia Bedding Bamboo Mattress Protector Review

The Utopia Bedding Bamboo Mattress Protector is made with TPU backing, which is impermeable. So, the mattress is fully protected against sweat, bed wetting, and other bodily fluids and the resulting stains. TPU is essentially a polyurethane membrane that is both waterproof and breathable. This means that moisture and heat can flow through, but liquids cannot penetrate and harm the mattress. The TPU backing is silent, so you won’t hear the sound of crinkling plastic when you shift positions at night. The soft bamboo fabric top provides complete comfort.

The Utopia Bedding is designed with a Smooth Grip Skirt System that allows it to snugly fit mattresses up to 17” thick. The elastic edges draw in the borders, so it’s easy to stretch around the base of the mattress on all sides, just like a fitted sheet. Once you place the right sized protector on your mattress, it will not slip and slide. It also allows air to flow through it while repelling liquids.

Because it fits so firmly around the mattress, restless sleepers, including children, can sleep comfortably even though they twist and turn throughout the night. The Utopia Bedding Bamboo Mattress Protector maintains a smooth surface that is near perfect. It can be machine washed and dried on low heat, but you should not iron it. It is also not recommended that you use bleach or any type of fabric softener either.

Zen Bamboo Premium Mattress Protector Review

The Zen Bamboo Premium Mattress Protector protects your mattress from being damaged by sweat, urine, and other liquid stains. It is also completely hypoallergenic to protect you against allergens, bacteria, and pet dander. People suffering from asthma, allergies, eczema, or other conditions that can be worsened by common irritants can benefit from using this product.

The Zen Bamboo is designed with breathable ultra-cool technology, which allows air to flow freely while preventing any heat retention. This will help you get a good night’s sleep by keeping your bed cool all night long. Also, you’re going to love the way the Zen Bamboo Premium Mattress Protector fits, covering mattresses measuring up to 72”x 84” and up to 15” thick. It’s OEKO-TEX Certified chemical-free, so there is no vinyl or PVC, which means it’s totally safe for children and pets. The manufacturer backs this product with a lifetime warranty.

Red Nomad Waterproof Mattress Protector Review

No homes are exempt from accidents involving spilled drinks. Because this could easily happen on beds, every mattress should be covered with a protector. The Red Nomad Waterproof Mattress Protector is waterproof and hypoallergenic to protect against spills, allergens, and dust mites. Whether you have allergies or not, you’ll sleep a lot better with a hypoallergenic cover.

The Red Nomad is 72”x 84” and is made to fit mattresses up to 18” thick. It is also OEKO-TEX Certified, so it is chemical-free with no PVC, phthalates, or vinyl and definitely worth the price. Because the Red Nomad Waterproof Mattress Protector is made with cool flow technology, you will stay cool and comfortable all night long without sweating. It comes with a full 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try it out for 30 days without worry.

Holy Lamb Organics Wool Mattress Protector Review

The Holy Lamb Organics Wool Mattress Protector is a luxurious product that is also eco-friendly. It keeps sweat and body oils from soiling your mattress over the years of use. However, aside from these, it will not protect your mattress from much else.

This luxurious protector comes with a hefty price tag and does not fit snuggly like a fitted bottom sheet or a mattress encasement; instead, it’s the same size as the top of your mattress and goes beneath your sheets. This drawback has attracted some negative reviews with people complaining that nothing holds the protector in place, so it can easily get bunched up beneath your sheets.

However, if you’re looking for a great wool product, we would still recommend the Holy Lamb Organics Wool Mattress Protector. It’s totally made of premium safe and eco-friendly wool, which makes it nice and thick, durable, cozy, and warm. 

What is the Purpose of a Mattress Protector?

A mattress protector is supposed to do exactly what its name says, which is to protect your mattress from stains as a result of bed wetting, liquid spills and sweat. The best mattress protectors also protect the mattress from dust mites and other types of allergens. 

Because there are many different kinds of mattress protectors, there are variations in what they do. Some are designed to be water and moisture resistant, while others are 100% waterproof. They also use different methods for protecting against liquid spills. Some pool the liquid on top while others absorb the liquid before it can reach the mattress. 

Most protectors are specifically designed to at least protect the mattress from any liquid reaching it, but some are hypoallergenic as well, which means they prevent dust mites, other allergens and/or bacteria from contaminating the mattress. For people who tend to get hot at night, they can get a breathable protector that wicks moisture away. 

Mattress pads, toppers and encasements are sometimes mistaken for mattress protectors, but they are not the same because they are made for distinctly different purposes. 

What Makes a Mattress Protector Different from a Pad, Topper or Encasement?

Mattress Protectors

Mattress protectors are primarily waterproof and meant to protect it from bed wetting, liquid spills, sweat and other types of stains. They come in 1-side or 5-side versions. The 1-sided protectors are the most popular because they let the mattress fully breathe while protecting it from dead skin and bodily fluids. Mattress protectors are easy to clean because they can be machine-washed and dried.

People who suffer from allergies can get a hypoallergenic mattress protector to protect them from having allergic reactions during the night. Depending on the materials it’s made of and the construction, some mattress protectors make a little noise when you move around in bed, so this is something you would want to find out about before buying. Another downside is that if you machine-wash and tumble dry your mattress protector too frequently, it will likely degrade sooner than you would like. 

Mattress Pads & Toppers

Mattress pads are very similar to mattress protectors except that the top layer is slightly padded, which alters the feel of your sleeping surface a bit. In fact, many are quilted to create a cushioned layer that softens your bed, but only slightly.  

However, the main purpose of a mattress pad is to form a barrier between you and your mattress, so the bed is protected from bacteria, dust mites and other types of allergens. A mattress pad should not be confused with a mattress topper because a topper has a lot more cushioning. A topper dramatically improves the comfort of your sleeping surface, to the point that it feels like a bed in a luxury hotel. 

Mattress pads are not necessarily waterproof, but some are while others just absorb liquid spills. Some pads are hypoallergenic as well, but not all. Most pads are no more than 1” thick and are made to snugly fit over your mattress like a fitted bottom sheet, but some are entirely flat and stay in place beneath a fitted sheet when placed on top of the mattress.  

Mattress Encasements

A mattress encasement is similar to a mattress protector but offers more protection because it has a total of 6 sides instead of just 1 or 5. An encasement is designed to completely envelope the mattress so that it is protected against bed bugs, as well as liquid spills, dust mites and other types of allergens. 

A mattress encasement completely shields your mattress, as opposed to providing a partial shield like you have with a 1-sided or 5-sided mattress protector that slides on like a fitted sheet. Encasements and protectors have distinctly different purposes and are supposed to work together. 

If you want the ultimate mattress protection you should use a high-end mattress encasement with a top-quality mattress protector. The encasement would seal out bed bugs, bacteria, dust mites, and etc. while the protector would protect the mattress from liquid spills and/or moisture. 

If you are not at risk of a bed bug infestation, you are perfectly safe to forego an encasement and just use a mattress protector. They are much easier to keep clean and will allow your mattress to breathe.

Pros & Cons of Using a Mattress Protector

Overall, it would be smart to cover your mattress with a mattress protector, but before you go out and buy one there are a few drawbacks you should be aware of:

Pros

Protecting Your Mattress & Keeping the Warranty Valid 

A good mattress protector will protect it against liquid spills, moisture, insects, dust mites, bacteria and other allergens. 

Very Affordable 

You will pay a lot less for a good mattress protector than you would for a mattress pad or topper. In fact, you can find a very effective protector for about $20, although they can go as high as $50 to $60. 

Easy to Keep Clean 

The best mattress protectors are very easy to keep clean. They can be easily removed and washed in a standard washing machine and dryer on low heat. 

Lightweight 

Unlike a lot of mattress pads and toppers, you can easily put on and remove a mattress protector because they are very lightweight and not at all cumbersome. 

Cons

May Retain Heat 

Some users have claimed that the mattress protector they bought causes them to get hot and sweaty at night in bed. To avoid this problem, look for one that’s designed to be breathable. 

Some are Noisy 

Some mattress protectors have been known to make the sound of crinkling plastic when you move around in bed at night. This is caused by the waterproofing material. To avoid this, read the reviews and look for one labeled “noiseless” or “silent.” 

Can Bunch Up

Some mattress protectors have been known to bunch up or shift around under the bottom sheet. Make sure that you buy the right size so that you can avoid the discomfort, as well as the lack of protection. 

No Change in Comfort

The purpose of a mattress protector is not to make your sleeping surface more comfortable. It’s only designed to protect your mattress. That’s all. 

Why We Should All Be Using a Mattress Protector

Protects Against Stains

The warranty on a mattress requires that the mattress be totally clean with no stains whatsoever, otherwise the warranty is not valid. The reason is that a stain would indicate that liquid had been spilled on it, causing the foam to degrade and sag, voiding the warranty. The problem is that people can easily spill a drink on their bed. It may be your morning coffee or a glass of juice. Either way, your mattress will likely be permanently stained. Furthermore, sweat and body oils can easily seep into your mattress, which would also shorten it’s lifespan. 

Unfortunately, these types of stains are prone to unpleasant odors and tend to attract bacteria, creating a contaminated mattress, which is unhealthy for sleeping. 

But, if you cover your mattress with a waterproof mattress protector, you can eliminate these problems. To clean it, all you have to do is remove it and toss it in the washing machine and dryer on low heat. This is very practical for families with kids and/or pets. The best mattress protectors certainly protect against bed wetting and are easily available. 

Keeps Out Dust Mites

Studies show that a pillow that’s more than 2 years old is prone to having dust mites, as well as their droppings. A mattress can carry up to 10 million dust mites. Sleeping in this kind of environment cannot be good for anyone’s health and there is no way to wash a mattress. The only solution is to cover your mattress with a good mattress protector, which is something you can easily wash. This will allow you to sleep peacefully knowing you are in a clean, healthy environment. 

Allergy Relief

People with allergies tend to have difficulty sleeping. Using a hypoallergenic mattress protector can help you sleep much better. Wouldn’t it be nice to sleep soundly through the night without sneezing and wake up without a stuffed-up nose or red itchy eyes?

Moreover, even if your allergies don’t disrupt your sleep, the discomfort they cause can lead to a poor night’s sleep. Rather than waking up well rested and refreshed, you start out each day tired and unable to really catch up on your sleep. 

Prevents a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bugs are a very difficult pest to eliminate. Once they infest your bedroom, they’re nearly impossible to get rid of. The only solution that makes sense is to prevent this from happening in the first place. You can do this with a full mattress encasement. Some come with a zipper lock and bed bug flaps designed to completely seal and protect the entire mattress. This will seal your mattress off from bed bugs as well as dust mites and other types of allergens. 

Helps to Kid-Proof Your Mattress

It’s very difficult to keep a mattress from staining when there’s kids around. Kids sometimes wet the bed and are prone to spilling their drinks. This is just what kids do and it can ruin a perfectly good mattress. 

If your mattress does not have a protector on it, even the smallest stain can be impossible to remove if it’s not cleaned up immediately. And since kids are not likely to tell you that they spilled their drink on the bed, you probably won’t discover the stain until it’s way to late to get it out. 

The best mattress protectors are completely waterproof, so although you cannot keep your kids from spilling their drinks, you can keep it from staining your mattress if you cover it with a mattress protector.

How to Choose the Perfect Protector for Your Mattress

Just like when you start shopping for a new mattress, there are a number of things you will want to consider when trying to find the right mattress protector:

Type of Fabric on Top

When you’re looking for a mattress protector, you will want to consider the type of fabric it’s made of. The best mattress protectors have a waterproof layer with a soft comfortable material on top. Do your research to determine how well the fabric over the protector keeps liquid and moisture out. 

You will likely come across mattress protectors made of the following types of fabric: 

Cotton 

Mattress protectors with a layer of 100% cotton material on top work well for people who tend to get hot and sweaty at night because cotton will wick away perspiration and sweat. 

Cotton Blend 

Many of the best mattress protectors are made of a cotton/polyurethane blend. While this is not as breathable as 100% cotton and can be a bit noisy, they are waterproof so they protect the mattress against liquid spills, which 100% cotton cannot. 

Polyester 

Mattress protectors made of polyester tend to be very affordable. You’ll find that many waterproof mattress protectors are made of polyester. These are great for children’s beds or people dealing with incontinence because they’re basically fail-safe. The only problem is that they tend to retain heat so if you sweat at night, polyester would not be your best option. 

Rayon 

Rayon is a manmade material derived from natural fibers. Mattress protectors made with rayon are usually comfortable and breathable. What makes them even better is that they’re usually eco-friendly.

Waterproof Layer Material

As discussed earlier, aside from the fabrics listed above, the best mattress protectors are also made with a waterproof layer. This is typically polyurethane, however it’s sometimes vinyl. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of talk about how safe vinyl is and why most manufacturers prefer vinyl-free solutions. You should do your own research to determine which waterproof material would best meet your needs. 

Here are your choices for the waterproof layer: 

Vinyl 

Mattress protectors made with a layer of vinyl are extremely reliable because vinyl is quite thick and will not allow any liquid penetration. Vinyl is also very effective at keeping out bed bugs and dust mites. The downside is that vinyl can be unhealthy because it contains phthalates. It can also be annoying because it makes a crinkling noise when touched. It’s also not breathable, so you might get hot under the covers if you have a vinyl mattress protector. 

Polyurethane 

Mattress protectors made with a layer of polyurethane are thin, quiet and breathable while still being very effective at keeping any liquid from penetrating. Unfortunately, because it’s so thin it might degrade after being washed a few times and if this happens, leakage can occur. 

Types of Mattress Protectors

Strapped 

A strapped mattress protector has elastic straps at the corners to secure it to the mattress. These straps provide a night tight fit, more than a fitted protector would, but the protector doesn’t go over the sides so the mattress is not fully protected. 

Five-Sided  

Five-sided mattress protectors fit over your mattress just like a fitted bottom sheet, so they can be very easily put on and removed. Because these protectors do not cover the entire mattress, they cannot protect it against an infestation of bed bugs. But if you’re not worried about getting bed bugs and only concerned about spills and/or bed wetting, a 5-sided protector may be the perfect solution. 

Encasements

An encasement is basically a 6-sided mattress protector. It comes with a zipper and completely encloses the entire mattress. These types of protectors are designed to protect against bed bugs. However, they can be hard to remove when it comes time for washing. 

Level of Waterproofing

The best mattress protectors are waterproof, but some protect the mattress from liquid spills and moisture better than others. And, some protectors are not waterproof and only water-resistant. When selecting the type of protector that will best meet your needs, you should find out whether it is made to totally repel water or at least have the ability to absorb some of it. If you are buying this for your child’s bed, you do not want them waking up in a puddle should there be an accident. 

Protection Against Bed Bugs

Most mattress protectors only have one layer of waterproof protection. If you want your mattress to also be protected from bed bugs, you should get a full mattress encasement. 

If bed bugs are of concern to you, you really need more than just a mattress protector. You need something that will cover the entire mattress and an encasement is designed for this. List your priorities and if bed bugs are among them, look for a full mattress encasement. 

Allergy Protection

If you are an allergy sufferer, you will want to look for a mattress protector designed to keep allergens out. Dust mites can accumulate in mattresses without an effective mattress protector, so make sure you find a good hypoallergenic mattress protector if you react to dust mites and/or other allergens. 

Other Important Considerations

Proper Size

What size mattress protector should you get? This is a very common question and to answer it you need to know the difference between a mattress cover and protector. A cover is designed to lay on top of the mattress, while a protector should cover far more than just the top. 

The proper size for your mattress protector would be dependent on the size of your mattress. Make sure you have all the pertinent details before you begin shopping so that you can get the correct size with the level of protection that will best meet your needs. 

Protectors that envelope the entire mattress and offer complete protection are called encasements and these are preferred by most people, especially if bed bugs are of concern. 

The term “pocket depth” usually applies to fitted sheets, but it is also used with the type of mattress protectors that have fitted corners and edges. You need to consider the thickness of your mattress and how the fitted corners and edges are going to stretch over the sides. This is particularly important if your mattress is thicker than 14” because this is typically too thick for a regular fitted sheet. The pocket depth of mattress protectors is usually 14” – 18” depending on the brand. 

Airflow & Breathability

Do not forget to find out about the airflow and breathability of any mattress protector you’re considering. Unfortunately, what manufacturers claim on the label is not necessarily true. So, your best bet is to read reviews written by actual users. 

How breathable your protector is will determine whether your mattress gets sufficient airflow to prevent the growth of bacteria. Good airflow also keeps it from acquiring unpleasant odors. So, this is a very important consideration.

Additionally, the more that can flow through the protector, the less apt bed bugs and dust mites are to get through and infest your mattress. The best mattress protectors on the market boast that they have “premium breathability” because this is such an advantage.  

Care & Maintenance 

Most mattress protectors come with a set of specific care and maintenance instructions. Most can be machine washed and tumble dried on low heat. However, some manufacturers state that it would be best to just air dry the protector. 

Heat can degrade the waterproof membrane of any mattress protector, so it’s doubly important that you wash and dry it on low heat. 

Because liquid leaks and spills can quickly ruin a mattress and nullify your warranty, you will need to constantly check to make sure it’s in good shape so that any spills don’t get through. 

Again, if your protector has a warranty it will become null and void unless you follow the precise care instructions provided by the manufacturer. 

Warranty

It’s important to know that any type of moisture or liquid that penetrates the mattress will shorten its lifespan because it will degrade the foam inside. Without a proper mattress protector, you will probably have to keep replacing your mattress, just to keep it comfortable. 

And we don’t have to remind you that moisture and spills will leave stains and nullify your warranty. The best mattress protectors have an effective waterproof layer, which prevents fluids like urine and sweat from penetrating through to the mattress. This will help you to keep your bed a lot cleaner, help it last longer and ensure that the warranty on your mattress remains valid.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a good mattress protector make my mattress softer and more comfortable?

Not necessarily. This is not the purpose of a mattress protector so your mattress will probably feel no different after you put on the protector. 

Should a mattress protector be placed on a child’s bed?

Yes, they are often needed to protect the mattress on a child’s bed against dirt, grime and other types of contaminants that kids often track in. The best mattress protectors are waterproof, which is a necessary precaution for children who sometimes wet the bed. 

How do you keep a mattress protector clean?

Most mattress protectors can easily be tossed in the washing machine and dryer on low heat. While this may cause premature deterioration, it may be the most effective way to clean and sterilize it. Proper care instructions are usually included with the product and discussed in the warranty, so look for this.

Does a mattress protector make the bed sleep hot?

Generally speaking, protectors tend to make the bed sleep a bit warmer. However, cotton protectors are more breathable than rayon or polyester, so cotton may sleep cooler. 

How can I make sure that the protector I buy will fit my mattress?

Buy one that matches the size of your mattress. If your mattress is over 12” thick, you need to find out what the pocket depth is of any protector you’re considering. Some brands are designed to allow additional coverage for mattresses that are overly thick. 

What can I expect to pay for a good mattress protector?

The average price for a good mattress protector is anywhere from $50 to $60, however some are priced as low as $20. If you choose one made of organic cotton or some other luxury fabric, you will pay more. 

What is the warranty coverage on most mattress protectors?

The best mattress protectors come with a 10- to 15-year warranty. However, you need to know that many manufacturers insist that the owner wash their mattress protector whenever it gets soiled and if this is not done, the warranty could be null and void. Furthermore, most manufacturers refuse to honor the warranty when there are certain types of damage, which include permanent stains resulting from food, drinks, cosmetics or bleach. 

Is it safe to use a vinyl mattress protector?

No. A mattress cover made of vinyl or PVC is not safe when it comes to your health. The problem is they can contain phthalates, which are known to cause health problems that are especially problematic for children and pregnant women. 

Conclusion

Placing a good protector over your mattress is one way to increase its lifespan. It can also enhance your overall sleep and health by preventing bacteria, dust mites, pollen, bed bugs and other nasty allergens from contaminating your mattress. It will also keep your mattress stain-free from spills, which should keep it odor-free as well. 

We hope the information included in this article, as well as the reviews, have given you what you need to make the best choice in a mattress protector to meet your needs. Armed with this information, you should be able to select the right one.