The best mattress protectors in 2022: Waterproof and cooling

The best mattress protectors in 2022: 8 great cooling and waterproof covers

The best mattress protectors will keep your bed safe from all manner of unwanted spills, allergens and germs. With a full mattress cover (also know as a mattress encasement or zipped cover) you'll get maxim protection from bed bugs, while the majority of covers are designed to keep away allergy-triggering dust mites. Mattress protectors will cover the top and sides of your mattress to create a protective barrier, however only the top will be waterproof. And with full mattress encasements, the top, sides and bottom are covered.

When you're taking the trouble to invest in the best mattress, you'll want to ensure that it's properly protected if you want it to last. A mattress protector is a must during you're mattress's trial period, as you might not be able to send it back if it's been damaged or stained. And even if you're getting along just fine with an older mattress, adding a protector should extend its lifespan that little bit longer.

Our best mattress protectors guide can point you at all the available options, from waterproof mattress protectors to safeguard against bedwetting, spills and sweat, cooling mattress covers for warm weather or anyone who sleeps hot, and eco-friendly mattress protectors made from sustainable materials. And the great news is that you don't have to spend a fortune; some of our top picks from Linenspa, Bedecor and Coop Home will cost you less than $30. And if you want to save money, you'll find some top discounts among the Black Friday mattress deals, too.

For more ways to improve your sleep setup, see our guide to the best mattress toppers, and if you're not sure whether you need a topper or a mattress pad, our mattress pad vs mattress topper guide will explain the differences. For now, here are the highly rated mattress protectors we recommend... 

The best mattress protectors to buy in 2022

(Image credit: Coop Home Goods)

The Coop Home Goods Lulltra Mattress Protector is waterproof, soft, silent and easy to fit on top of your mattress. It’s made with OEKO-TEX certified materials, meaning you’ll find no toxic elements in this mattress cover. 

Crafted from 40% bamboo derived viscose rayon and 60% polyester (ultra-tech fabric), the Lulltra Mattress Protector comes in five sizes from twin to Cal king. It has over 4,800 user reviews on Amazon (August 2022), with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The real selling point is the fully waterproof membrane, making this the best mattress protector for safeguarding against spilled drinks in bed, and against night sweats and general body oils. It’s quiet in use too, so you won’t hear it rustling beneath your fitted sheet when you lie on top of it. At 15 inches deep, the Coop Home Goods Mattress Protector should fit most memory foam and hybrid mattresses, though you may struggle to fit it over your bed topper too.

Coop Home Goods has designed this mattress cover to be machine washable and dryable, so you’ll be able to keep your sleeping space fresher with ease. And because it’s breathable we recommend it as a good choice for hot sleepers. There’s a 100-night trial on it too, so if you change your mind during the trial and decide this isn’t the best choice for you after all, return it for a refund. Coop Home Goods also makes one of the and the best pillows for all sleeping positions, which we'd recommend checking out too.

• Mattress protector vs mattress pad: key differences explained

(Image credit: Hospitology)

If you’re looking for a waterproof zipped mattress encasement to protect your whole mattress from bed bugs, then the Hospitology Sleep Defense System is the best mattress protector for you regardless of whether you have a premium bed or an affordable mattress. This highly rated fabric cover safeguards against dust mites, spillages and allergies too, making it one of the most robust covers in our guide.

The Hospitology Sleep Defense System Mattress Encasement offers total protection against bed bug infestations, and is an excellent choice for safeguarding your mattress against germs and bacteria. It also boasts a 4.7 out of 5 star rating from over 12,000 Amazon user reviews (August 2022), with many customers praising the quality of materials and ease of use.

The encasement itself is made from extra-soft polyester knit, designed with a breathable and waterproof membrane. As such it won’t retain heat while you sleep, and it won’t make a noise once fully zipped over your bed either. It’s also machine washable and dryable, so you can quickly unzip it and pop it in the wash to keep your sleep space more hygienic when you’re ill.

(Image credit: SafeRest)

If you or a member of your family has allergies, then the SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector could be your perfect sleep solution. That’s because this hypoallergenic, soft, cotton terry mattress cover is designed to not aggravate common allergies. However, we’d recommend checking the material list first to ensure there aren’t any triggers for your allergies in there.

The SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector safeguards against sweat, urine, fluids and stains, and is back-coated with a breathable polyurethane membrane. As it fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep, this one is a good choice for extra-tall beds too.

The design is similar to a fitted sheet, so it couldn’t be easier to pop on or to remove for washing (you can machine wash and dry it). The SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector is also soft to the touch and noiseless when in use. Thanks to the brand’s Safe Res Invisa-shelf design, it won’t interfere with the feel of your mattress either. 

(Image credit: Brooklyn Bedding)

Do you get hot while you sleep? If so, then the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector is the best choice for you. The brand has used a heat-conductive material that draws away from your body, preventing it from building up in the bed. This creates a cooler sleep surface that remains cool to the touch, so you can enjoy a more comfortable night’s sleep.

The fabric is the same as that found on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora mattress, designed purely for hot sleepers and for hot weather use. This luxury mattress is also hypoallergenic and provides a barrier against dust mites, bacteria and bed bugs. Though for full mattress encasement protection against bed bugs, see the Hospitology Sleep Defense System towards the top of this guide.

Brooklyn Bedding’s Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector slips on in the same way a fitted sheet does, and is easy to remove for machine washing. The brand recommends laundering it in cool to warm water with no bleach, before tumble drying it on low.

(Image credit: Linenspa)

You can repel all liquids and body fluids with Linenspa’s Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector, as it has a 100% waterproof backing. So if you are dealing with incontinence, or your kids are prone to bed-wetting, this fitted sheet-style mattress protector is a good choice.

Linenspa’s polyester mattress cover has over 95,000 ratings on Amazon (as of August 2022), with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customers praise its value for money, and how effective it is and quiet too. 

As it measures 14 inches deep, you may struggle to stretch it over a taller mattress, especially one boosted by a mattress topper. So if you need a deeper depth, we’d suggest considering the Coop Home Goods Lulltra Mattress Protector (see our number one choice).

For the low starting price, the Linenspa Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector is one of the best mattress covers for sheer value for money. The fact that it comes with a 10-year warranty shows that it’s also built to last.

(Image credit: Purple)

The Purple Mattress Protector is made from polyester, Spandex and TPU, sports dual-layer protection to keep your mattress dry and safe against urine, sweat and spillages. In addition to stopping liquid from soaking through the fabric, this mattress cover prevents any puddles from occurring on top. It’s also designed to be stain-resistant and to look as good as new after each machine wash. 

Purple, of course, is a well-known boxed mattress brand in America, so you can expect a high quality feel and performance from its one and only mattress protector. In addition to the dual-layer protection, it offers an additional slice of comfort, allowing your hips and shoulders to sink in, but without masking the feel of your mattress. 

It also has a special dust mite and dander barrier - not all of the options in our best mattress protector guide offer the same. The only niggle is the price. Starting at $79, it’s one of the most expensive offerings here, second only to the pricer Brooklyn Bedding option above. So if you’re looking for something that’s a bit more affordable, if not quite as luxurious, then check out the SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector further up this guide. 

However, if you’re intending to use your mattress protector every night, we’d argue that the Purple Mattress Protector is worth the money, especially considering it comes with a 10-year warranty.

(Image credit: Bedecor)

The Bedeco Mattress Protector is a great all-rounder, being waterproof, machine washable and affordable, though the Linenspa mattress protector is fractionally cheaper. If you’re on a budget or in need of a decent mattress protector for your spare bedroom, Bedecor’s cover will fit the bill. 

We say this because it comes with 18 inches of pocket depth, making it suitable for a range of mattresses. Bedecor has also designed it with a terry toweling top layer (backed with TPU), so it can quickly soak any spillages should they occur. Keep in mind that only the top of the mattress protector is waterproof. If bedwetting or spillages occur, simply remove the fabric protector and pop it in the machine for washing and drying.

The Bedeco Mattress Protector fits in the same way as a fitted sheet does, so look at the Hospitology Sleep System further up if you want a zippered mattress encasement. 

Like many of the other options in our best mattress protectors guide, this one has a general rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars generated from over 16,000 user reviews on Amazon (as of August 2022). Most customers praise its waterproofing and value for money, while a few say it’s a little noisy on the bed because of the TPU layer under the terry cotton top.

(Image credit: Utopia Bedding)

This eco-friendly mattress protector has a user review rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars from over 31,000 accounts on Amazon (as of August 2022), with customers praising its breathable feel and waterproofing. The Utopia Bedding Bamboo Mattress Protector fits mattresses up to 15 inches deep, which is ample for most beds-in-a-box. 

It also has a very lightly cushioned top, so while it won’t ever replace your mattress topper for instant comfort, it sits half-way between one of those and a mattress pad. That makes it a good choice for anyone who wants a thicker mattress protector but without altering the feel of their bed. 

There’s a TPU backing on the top of the Utopia Bedding Bamboo Mattress Protector to provide waterproofing, safe-guarding your bed from spills and moisture such as body oils, sweat and drool. Because bamboo is naturally breathable, it enables air to flow more freely up from your mattress and through the protector. It’s easy to fit too, thanks to a Smooth Grip Skirt System that hugs your mattress perfectly.

Are mattress protectors worth it?

Yes, mattress protectors are 100% worth the money. They are vital for prolonging the lifespan of your mattress and keeping it in tip top condition night in, night out. These fabric covers also mean you don't have to clean fully your mattress so often, as they protect against everyday stains, smells and general wear and tear. That isn't to say you can skip out on cleaning your mattress though, as that is an important aspect of care. Read our guide on how to clean a mattress for step-by-step advice.

Considering how some of the options in our best mattress protectors guide start from under $16, this is a small cost compared to the level of protection and hygiene they offer. You can usually find them at discounted prices during brand and retailer mattress sales too.

Each mattress protector or encasement comes with a long list of benefits. Some are basic designs capable of protecting your bed from spills and stains, while others are full mattress covers capable of warding off pesky bed bugs. They aren’t without their annoyances though - some are a little noisy in use - but these pale in comparison to the benefits. Especially if you find a mattress protector with a five or 10-year warranty.

Plus, if you have just invested in a new mattress and are still in your trial period, it’s essential you protect your mattress from all of the above. So if you don’t use a good quality mattress protector, and you stain it or mark it in some way, you may not be eligible for a return on the bed if you change your mind during the trial period.

When is the best time to buy a mattress protector?

The moment that you buy a new mattress is the best time to buy a mattress protector, because if you cover it properly from the start, your mattress will stay cleaner and healthier for longer. That will help it last longer, saving you money in the long run. 

If your mattress is a few years old and you want to buy a new mattress protector to freshen things up, there are great prices available most days. We feature several affordable mattress covers in this guide, and quite often they are discounted. Some mattress manufacturers even throw in a free mattress protector as a perk when you buy a boxed mattress. 

Using a good mattress protector helps your actual mattress to stay fresher for longer between cleaning (Image credit: Getty)

Outside of these scenarios, the best time to buy a mattress protector is usually when there are big, seasonal mattress sales happening. The most well-known are the Black Friday mattress deals, which arrive in late November, quickly followed by Cyber Monday mattress deals. We've seen great prices on mattress protectors during these sale periods, and while the discounts are never huge, even $10 off a mattress cover that's normally priced $30 is a generous saving.

At other times of the year, you may find decent deals during the Presidents' Day mattress sales, the Memorial Day mattress sales, and the Labor Day mattress sales. Whatever the month, the price-tracking software we use in this guide will show you the very best mattress protector prices on that day, so you'll get the cheapest options shown to you.

How often should you wash a mattress protector?

Mattress protectors are designed to withstand regular washing, though how much washing they can withstand depends on the materials the cover is made from and how well made (or not) the protector is. According to cleaning experts, you should wash a mattress protector every two months.

Think about all the sweat, dead skin and bacteria that seeps through your fitted sheet and onto the mattress cover, and it's no wonder you need to clean it far more often that your actual mattress. Want to know more about this? Then check out our feature on dust mites and sweat: what builds up on a mattress that isn't cleaned.

However there are situations where you may need to wash your mattress protector more frequently. These include illness - if you have recently been sick, it's best to strip all of your bedding, including the mattress protector, and wash them to remove any bacteria, germs and other nasties that have landed on the sheets and mattress cover. 

If you share your bed with a pet, you might want to wash your mattress protector monthly to stay on top of all the shed fur, pet dander and germs that a sleeping pet adds to bed linens and protectors. 

You'll also need to clean your mattress protector immediately if you have spilled something on it, as the faster you deal with the spillage, the less it will stain your mattress cover. Remember, the better you care for your mattress protector, the longer it can protect your mattress and save you money on looking for replacements. 

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