Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors: Our Top Picks In 2023
Our top picks for the best mattress protectors
Since we are talking about the best waterproof mattress protector then the waterproof rating was the first thing we paid attention to. We have analysed other characteristics too, and also divided the best waterproof mattress protectors into different categories, so you will find the best bamboo, the best cotton, then the ideal option for those with allergies and so on.
Mattress Protectors
1
Best Overall
Mattress Protectors
2
Best Value
Mattress Protectors
3
Best Budget
Mattress Protectors
4
Best Bamboo
Mattress Protectors
5
Best Cotton
Mattress Protectors
6
Best Zippered
Mattress Protectors
7
Best Anti-Allergy
Best Overall: The Simba Performance Mattress Protector
While it's not the cheapest, there's no arguing that the The Simba Performance Mattress Protector is the best mattress protector on the UK market right now!
Best Overall
The The Simba Performance Mattress Protector does everything that a good mattress protector should do, and then some.
For one, it keeps your mattress safe, with a polypropylene waterproof lining and a filling that can attract and destroy any nasty bacteria. So, beyond just keeping your mattress stain-free, you're also creating an anti-bacterial sleep surface!
On top of that, the cotton filling has two major benefits. Number one, it makes the mattress protector very breathable, which should put a smile on your face if you're a hot sleeper.
Secondly, it adds some padding to the mattress, which can make an older, firm mattress a lot more comfortable. And at 40cm deep, this mattress protector can fit just about any mattress you can find!
So, for all of these reasons, this premium cooling mattress protector is among the best mattress protectors in our book!
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU Queen
- Filling: Cotton
- Depth: 40cm
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
Advantages
Cooling
The cotton filling is very breathable and cooling.
Special technology against microorganisms
The mattress topper has anti-bacterial properties.
Added comfort
The mattress protector adds a bit of padding to the mattress.
Disadvantages
Expensive
This mattress protector is noticeably more expensive than the rest.
Best Value: Fine Bedding Quilted Luxury Cotton Mattress Protector
If you want a luxurious mattress protector, which is also waterproof and very functional, look no further.
Best Value
While it's not as flashy as the previous mattress protector, this quilted mattress protector is by no means lacking!
Like all of the mattress protectors on here, it's waterproof and protects your mattress from any spills or stains. However, it also has a nice microfibre filling that gives your mattress a bit of extra padding.
The quilt on the outer layer will also leave some sleepers more than satisfied. Be it if they just like the design or the added comfort and durability that it provides – it's a welcomed addition.
And lastly, this mattress protector is extremely easy to take care of. It can be machine washed, tumble dried, or just wiped down with a wet cloth. The only downside is that it can't fit some of the larger mattresses.
Nevertheless, easily one of the best mattress protectors when it comes to value!
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Filling: Microfibre
- Depth: 28cm
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
Advantages
Microfiber filling
Some nice extra padding.
Machine washable
Very easy to keep clean.
Good value
It's fairly high-quality for the price.
Disadvantages
Can't fit thicker mattresses
A lot of mattresses these days are slightly too thick for this mattress protector.
Best Budget: IMFAA Water & Moisture Proof Terry Towel Mattress Protector
If you want to buy a mattress protector for very little money without sacrificing too much quality, the IMFAA Mattress Protector is the perfect choice for you!
Best Budget
Many people, especially those who do not have a new mattress, do not want to pay a large amount of money for a mattress protector. And while they might not be luxurious, you can definitely still get a waterproof mattress protector that gets the job done for cheap!
The first thing you're likely to notice about this mattress protector is that it's extremely cheap, coming at less than half the price of similar models. However, it's still waterproof and can protect your mattress from any accidents.
Plus, unlike a lot of the mattress protectors on this list, this protector comes in many different sizes, even fitting cot beds! So, if your baby is still getting potty trained, this protector can save you a lot of trouble.
With that being said, the Terry Towel, while it does claim to use pure cotton, might not be as comfortable as some of the other mattress protectors on here. And Terrycloth in general has a texture that some people might not like.
So, while it's not the best mattress protector for everyone, those looking to save some money will surely be satisfied.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Double, King, Super King, Cot, Bunk, Crib, Moses Basket
- Filling: Terry
- Depth: 30-40cm
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
Advantages
Cheap
One of the cheapest mattress protectors on the market.
Lots of options
This protector comes in all shapes and sizes.
Hypoallergenic
This protector shouldn't cause any allergies.
Disadvantages
Not the highest quality
Not as comfortable as some other mattress protectors.
Not for everyone
Some people might not like the texture of the protector.
Best Bamboo: Panda Bamboo Mattress Protector
We've reviewed countless bedding items, and bamboo has always been a sign of high quality!
Best Bamboo
The first main selling point of the Panda Bamboo Mattress Protector, is, of course, the inclusion of bamboo.
That's because bamboo helps out in quite a few fields – making the mattress protector more breathable, nicer to the touch, and even anti-bacterial!
However, this isn't the only thing that the Panda Mattress Protector brings to the table. Thanks to the Nano TPU layer, this waterproof mattress protector is also incredibly thin (especially when compared to other waterproof mattress protectors).
And this means that you'll hardly even feel it at night! So, if you already have a very comfortable mattress and just want to keep it stain-free, this is an amazing choice.
Read our Panda Bamboo mattress protector review to see why this is the best mattress protector for a lot of people.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Cot, Cot Bed, Single, Small Double, UK Double, King, Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU King, EU Emperor
- Filling: Cotton
- Depth: 32cm
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
Advantages
Bamboo
Utilising bamboo makes most bedding items 10x better.
Very thin
You will hardly even notice the mattress protector.
Anti-bacterial
Aside from just being hypoallergenic, this protector is also anti-bacterial.
Disadvantages
Potential off-gassing at first
Bamboo can have a slight odour for the first night or two.
Best Cotton: Dreameasy Luxury Pure Cotton Mattress Protector
Just like bamboo, cotton makes all bedding products a bit better. And when you have high-quality cotton, like this mattress protector, it's even more noticable!
Best Cotton
Utilising 200-thread count cotton, this mattress protector is incredibly breathable and soft to the touch. So, if you're experiencing some minor overheating problems, this could be a nice workaround.
Plus, if you have sensitive skin, the surface texture of a high thread count cotton is bound to be a lot more pleasant than some rougher synthetics. And this alone can make this the best mattress protector for those with sensitive skin,
Also, this waterproof mattress protector is also completely hypoallergenic. So, no accumulating dust mites or anything of that sort. And the mattress protector is machine washable and waterproof, so, keeping it clean is rather easy.
Lastly, even though this mattress protector is firmly on the cheaper side, you still get a 1-year guarantee, which is a very nice bonus.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Filling: Polyester
- Depth: 38cm
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
Advantages
Top quality cotton
Both nice to the touch and breathable.
Hypoallergenic
Helps keep dust mites as bay.
Machine washable
Easy to keep clean.
Disadvantages
Slight durability issues
It's unclear whether this mattress protector can handle larger spills.
Best Zippered: Utopia Bedding Premium Zippered Waterproof Mattress Encasement
If you want maximum protection for your mattress, a zippered mattress protector is the way to go!
Best Zippered
While all waterproof mattress protectors are good at keeping your mattress safe, most of them have one chinks in their armour – the underside of the mattress.
That's why zippered waterproof mattress protectors are the only way to ensure you're protected from all sides!
Not only that, but a zip seal is a lot more secure than just pulling the skirt over the mattress. So, when it comes to dealing with dust mites and/or bed bugs, this might be your best option!
And while the polyester cover might not be as comfortable as cotton or bamboo, for the price, it's quite the steal.
Lastly, this waterproof mattress protector can be machine washed and even tumble-dried, so keeping everything spick and span doesn't take a lot of work.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Double, King
- Filling: Polyester
- Depth: 30cm
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
Advantages
Decent value
For the price, the mattress protector is pretty high quality.
Antibacterial
Helps fight dust mites and even bed bugs.
360-degree zipper
The mattress is protected from all sides.
Disadvantages
No Super King size
If you have a very large mattress, this mattress protector won't fit.
Not the highest quality
Some people might prefer a cotton or bamboo cover.
Best Anti-Allergy: Emma Mattress Protector
While all of the mattress protectors we've featured so far have been hypoallergenic (and waterproof), the Emma Mattress Protector takes it to a new level!
Best Anti-Allergy
Thanks to something Emma calls AllergyShield technology, this waterproof mattress protector is supposedly one of the best when it comes to keeping dust mites and even pet hair at bay!
So, if you're being woken up every other night by sneezing attacks, this could be a game changer.
On top of that, the protector covers the mattress from all sides, with straps on each edge to get a nice, snug fit.
And, unlike most of the waterproof protectors on this list, you even get a 2-week trial! Therefore, you don't have to worry about whether the protector is too small or too noisy – you can just take it back.
Click here to read our full review of the Emma Mattress Protector.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU SIngle, EU Double, EU Queen
- Filling: Polyester
- Depth: 25cm
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
Advantages
Anti-allergenic
This waterproof mattress protector is also allergy-proof!
Machine washable
Makes keeping the mattress protector clean a lot easier.
High quality
Emma is typically known for making very high-quality bedding.
Disadvantages
Not the most affordable
There are definitely cheaper mattress protectors.
What to consider when buying the best waterproof mattress protector
Even from just our selection, you can see that there are quite a few waterproof mattress protectors on the UK market. However, what differentiates the best mattress protector from a glorified top sheet? Or just a good mattress protector that isn't waterproof? Well, that's what we're here to figure out!
So, we're going to go down the line and detail all of the features that we look for when trying to find the best mattress protector. Depending on your preferences, some of these features may be more or less important but generally, these are the factors that dictate what is a good waterproof mattress protector.
So, when making our list of the best waterproof mattress protectors, here are the features we looked for.
Size
Since we're looking for the best waterproof mattress protector, you might have assumed we'd focus on the durability or the thickness first. However, we'd say that getting the correct size should be your number one goal!
That's because in order for a waterproof mattress protector to do its job and keep all kinds of nasty allergens away from your mattress (and keep your mattress dry), it needs to be a perfect fit. Hypoallergenic mattress protectors that are too big won't accomplish much of anything and a zippered mattress protector that's too small will be as useful as a hand towel.
So, check and double-check that your new waterproof mattress protector fits your mattress. And if you want to waterproof your baby's crib or cot, make sure to specifically look for waterproof mattress protectors in that size.
A fitted sheet vs full encasement
On a similar note to the previous section, it's important to differentiate between a flat sheet and an encasement-style mattress protector. Basically, a flat sheet mattress protector just sits atop your mattress while an encasement-style mattress protector wraps around the mattress.
Most of the time, we'd suggest going for an encasement mattress protector (as you can see from our best mattress protector picks). While they are more annoying to put on, they provide better protection and that's the entire point of a mattress protector.
Nevertheless, make sure to check whether you're getting a flat sheet or not, as it can influence your decision!
Waterproof rating
When buying waterproof mattress protectors, them actually being waterproof is kind of a big deal. However, it can be somewhat difficult to gauge exactly how well a mattress protector can handle spills.
A good sign is if it has a vynil (although this is somewhat rare) or a polyurethane backing. Both of these materials are known for their waterproofing abilities.
However, it's not rare for companies to just say their mattress protectors are waterproof and leave it at that. So, if possible, look for reviews – especially if pictures are included. Also, pay attention to the language. If the waterproof mattress protector is stated to “deal with small spills”, know that it likely won't be able to handle potty training or larger messes.
Also, the thicker the waterproof mattress protector is, the more likely it is to successfully protect your mattress. After all, even if it's a good quality waterproof mattress protector, if it's too thin, it might fail at containing larger amounts of liquids.
The cover material
An okay mattress protector is just going to protect your mattress. But the best mattress protector is also going to keep you comfortable! After all, unless you plan on taking the mattress protector off every night, you will be in direct contact with the covers.
So, if you're getting your mattress protector from a regular store, see how the covers feel to the touch. And if you're getting your waterproof mattress protector online, try to look for high-end materials such as cotton or bamboo. Polyester can also be a decent choice but it's a bit more hit-or-miss.
The breathability of the covers
On a similar note to the previous section, you also want a mattress protector that won't trap heat. After all, just because you have a waterproof mattress protector doesn't mean that you should wake up every morning in a puddle of sweat.
The criterium is mostly the same, with materials like bamboo and cotton having the clear advantage when it comes to finding a cooling mattress protector. Another point worth noting is the thickness of the mattress protector.
This is because a thinner mattress protector won't really get in the way and it can leave the job of temperature regulation to your mattress. A thicker mattress protector on the other hand has to be specifically designed as a cooling mattress protector to keep you comfortable.
Is it a zippered waterproof mattress protector?
Considering we have an entire category for zippered waterproof mattress protectors, it shouldn't be a surprise that this is a very nice perk to have.
And that's because a zippered mattress protector will consistently provide better protection than a deep-sheet style mattress protector. After all, a zipper means there's nothing coming in or out!
So, if you want the highest degree of protection from dust mites and bed bugs and/or have a pet that sheds a lot, a zippered waterproof mattress protector is going to be a very solid choice.
Does the mattress protector come with straps?
On a similar level as the previous segment, we have corner straps. While they're not as secure as a zippered mattress protector, straps can still help keep the mattress protector in place.
And below corner straps, we'd put mattress protectors with an elastic skirt. And then flat sheet mattress protectors are at the bottom when it comes to security.
Firmness & thickness
When it comes to the thickness of the mattress topper, you can go in one of two ways, depending on what you're looking for.
If you already have an amazing mattress that you just want to protect from accidental spills, try to find a waterproof mattress protector that's on the thinner side. This way it won't mess with the feeling of your mattress and you can still sleep like a champ.
However, if you want a slightly softer mattress, you can look for a waterproof mattress protector with padding. It can't completely change the feeling of your mattress but it can certainly soften it up a bit.
Other ways to protect your mattress
Even the best waterproof mattress protector can't do it all. And while a waterproof mattress protector is the best way to keep your mattress nice and dry, there are other bedding options that can improve other areas – like comfort or breathability!
So, in case you want to do a bit more than just make your mattress waterproof, here are your options!
Getting a mattress topper
While a mattress topper isn't nearly as durable (or spill-resistant) as a waterproof mattress protector, it's a lot better in some other fields. For one, even the best mattress protectors can't influence the feeling of your mattress too much. A good mattress topper on the other hand can play quite a big role here!
So, if even a quilted mattress protector isn't giving you enough cushioning, a good mattress topper could be the way to go.
Secondly, we have to talk about breathability. While most mattress protectors utilise breathable materials, they can rarely compare to a cooling mattress topper. And that's because a breathable mattress protector will mostly just rely on the mattress to do all the heavy lifting.
Getting a fitted sheet
While having the best waterproof mattress protector can protect your mattress from all kinds of spills, if you just want to keep it clean and hypoallergenic, a fitted sheet is an easier solution. After all, like most mattress protectors, a fitted sheet has an elasticated skirt and can wrap around your entire mattress.
And because of said elasticated skirt, dust mites are a lot easier to deal with and keeping your mattress clean just requires one machine wash.
Plus, a fitted sheet can be a lot smoother to the touch since, unlike a waterproof mattress protector, it can be 100% cotton or silk. And good bed sheets can definitely make you a lot more comfortable at night. Not to mention that, unlike waterproof mattress protectors, they're completely silent 100% of the time.
Conclusion
And that just about wraps up everything you need to know to find the best waterproof mattress protector on the market. Hopefully, your mattress will now be completely immune to all spills and accidents and you can sleep comfortably every night!
If you have any questions, about waterproof mattress protectors or anything else bedding-related, feel free to ask away in the comments or check out the FAQ section.
FAQs about your new waterproof mattress protectors
Lastly, let's just go over a few of the FAQs we've found about waterproof mattress protectors. And if there's anything we've missed, feel free to let us know!
Can I protect my mattress from urine with a waterproof mattress protector?
Absolutely! That's what a waterproof mattress protector is for.
How often should I change my waterproof mattress protector?
The mattress protector should be washed every two months or so. However, any spills should be wiped away or cleaned right away.
How long will my new waterproof mattress protector last?
The service life of a mattress protector mostly depends on the quality of the material and how well you maintain it. But generally, it should last at least 2-3 years.
Will my new waterproof mattress protector make me sweat at night?
This will depend on the breathability of the plastic membrane that coats your waterproof mattress protector as well as the covers.
Is a waterproof mattress protector necessary?
While even a regular mattress protector can potentially keep your mattress safe, it's usually best to get a waterproof model. This is especially true when potty training children or if you have an especially accident-prone pet.
Is a mattress protector the same as a mattress pad?
In a lot of cases, these two terms can be used interchangeably. However, a mattress pad can also be more akin to a mattress topper in some cases. So, read the product description carefully.
Is a mattress protector the same as a mattress topper?
No. A mattress topper is mostly focused on keeping you comfortable while a waterproof mattress protector is just used to keep your mattress stain-free and dry.
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