Introduction
You just spent $1,000+ on a new mattress. The last thing you want is for it to get ruined by a spilled glass of water, pet accident, or just normal sweat and body oils.
A mattress protector is cheap insurance for your mattress. But most of them are terrible — crinkly, hot, ill-fitting, and they change the feel of your mattress.
I tested 6 popular mattress protectors to find the ones that actually protect your mattress without ruining your sleep.
What to Look For
Protection Level
- Stain protection: Basic protectors just repel liquids
- Waterproof: Full liquid protection (good for kids, pets, accidents)
- Bed bug proof: Blocks bed bugs (good for travel or apartment living)
- Allergy protection: Blocks dust mites and allergens
Material
- Cotton: Breathable, comfortable, but not waterproof
- Polyurethane (PU): Waterproof, but can be noisy and hot
- Tencel / bamboo: Soft, breathable, water-resistant (not fully waterproof)
- Vinyl: Cheapest, waterproof, but very crinkly and hot — avoid
Fit
Look for:
- Deep pockets (at least 15 inches for most mattresses)
- Elastic all the way around (not just at the corners)
- Snug fit that doesn't shift around
Feel
The best protectors are ones you forget you're wearing. If you can feel it crinkling or it changes the feel of your mattress, it's not a good one.
Top Picks
Best Overall: SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector
Price: ~$45 Queen
The SafeRest Premium is the best all-around mattress protector I tested. It's waterproof, hypoallergenic, fits great, and you can barely feel it under your sheets.
The cotton terry surface is soft and absorbent, and the polyurethane backing is quiet — no crinkling sounds when you move. It didn't change the feel of my mattress at all.
The fitted sheet style has deep pockets that fit my 14-inch mattress easily, and the elastic holds it securely in place. It's also machine-washable and dryer-safe.
Pros:
- Quiet and comfortable
- 100% waterproof
- Cotton terry surface feels nice
- Fits deep mattresses
- Affordable
Cons:
- Tends to sleep a bit warm (but better than most)
- Not the cheapest option
- Takes a while to dry after washing
Best Cooling: Slumbercloud Dryline Mattress Protector
Price: ~$90 Queen
If you sleep hot, the Slumbercloud Dryline is worth the premium. It uses a special fabric that's waterproof but more breathable than standard protectors.
I didn't notice any difference in temperature compared to sleeping without a protector — which is basically unheard of for a waterproof protector. It's also very soft and quiet.
Pros:
- Sleeps cool (no sweaty nights!)
- Soft and quiet
- Waterproof
- Very comfortable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Thin (might not be as durable)
- Fitted sheet style only
Best Budget: Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector
Price: ~$20 Queen
For twenty bucks, the Linenspa protector is a great value. It's waterproof, fits well, and does the job. It's not as nice as the SafeRest — the surface feels more plastic-y and it's a bit noisier — but for the price, it's hard to complain.
If you need a protector for a guest room, kid's room, or just don't want to spend much, this is a solid choice.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Waterproof
- Decent fit
- Gets the job done
Cons:
- A bit crinkly/noisy
- Cheaper feel
- Not as breathable
Best for Bed Bugs: SureGuard Mattress Encasement
Price: ~$60 Queen
If bed bugs are your concern (you're traveling, live in an apartment, or just want peace of mind), you need a full encasement — not just a fitted protector. The SureGuard encasement completely zips around your mattress, blocking bed bugs and dust mites on all six sides.
It's also waterproof and hypoallergenic. The zipper is tight and secure, and the fabric is surprisingly soft for a full encasement.
Pros:
- Full 6-sided protection
- Bed bug proof
- Waterproof and hypoallergenic
- Good quality zipper
Cons:
- More expensive
- Can change the feel of the mattress slightly
- Harder to put on (two-person job)
Best Cotton: Pure Brands Mattress Protector
Price: ~$35 Queen
If you prefer the feel of cotton and don't need full waterproofing, the Pure Brands cotton protector is a good choice. It's made with 100% cotton terry and has a water-resistant (not waterproof) backing.
It breathes better than fully waterproof protectors and feels more natural. It'll protect against spills and sweat, but not a full-on flood.
Pros:
- Cotton feels natural and breathable
- Water-resistant (not fully waterproof)
- Comfortable
- Good value
Cons:
- Not 100% waterproof
- Won't protect against big spills or accidents
- Absorbs more moisture
Do You Really Need a Mattress Protector?
Yes — absolutely. Here's why:
- Sweat and oils: Your body loses about a pint of water a night through sweat. That all goes into your mattress, discoloring it and breaking down the materials.
- Accidents happen: Spilled drinks, pet accidents, kid bedwetting — one incident can ruin a $1,000 mattress.
- Allergies: Mattresses are full of dust mites. A protector creates a barrier.
- Warranty: Many mattress warranties require you to use a protector. If you stain your mattress, the warranty might be void.
For $30-$60, it's cheap insurance.
Care Tips
- Wash before first use. Removes any manufacturing chemicals and softens it up.
- Wash every 1-2 months. More often if you sweat a lot or have pets.
- Tumble dry on low. High heat can damage the waterproof layer.
- Don't bleach or use fabric softener. Both can break down the waterproofing.
- Rotate when you rotate your mattress. Helps it wear evenly.
Final Verdict
For most people, the SafeRest Premium is the best mattress protector. It's comfortable, quiet, waterproof, and reasonably priced. You barely notice it's there — which is exactly what you want from a protector.
If you sleep hot, splurge on the Slumbercloud Dryline. If you're on a budget, go with Linenspa. And if bed bugs are a concern, get the SureGuard encasement.
Just get something. Your mattress is a big investment. Protect it.
