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Last Updated on March 8, 2024

Best Mattress Protector – Preserve Your Mattress & Make It Last Longer

TSA reviewer Connie Hack

Written by Connie Hack

Sleep Advisor

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Owning a high-end mattress (but also budget mattresses) requires owning a good and breathable mattress protector. Use one of the best mattress protectors UK picks to make sure you protect your mattress!

If you want to extend the lifespan of your mattress, you MUST purchase the best mattress protector. This applies especially to those who have recently purchased a brand new mattress. Number one reason you need a mattress protector, other than to prolong the use of your mattress is to also protect your warranty for as long as possible.

If you wanted to return the mattress, but it has stains or rips, you wouldn’t be able to do that. Although a food or drink stain may sound innocent, many mattress manufacturers do not accept mattresses with stains back because of health concerns. That’s why, in order to protect your wallet – you also have to protect your new mattress!

8 best mattress protectors in 2023

Let's find the best mattress protectors in the UK that you can get on the market first. Then, we will talk about the types and important features to consider later on.
    Mattress Protectors 1
    panda-bamboo-mattress-protector
    Panda Bamboo Mattress Protector
    BEST OVERALL
    Mattress Protectors 2
    Product image of Casper mattress protector
    Casper Mattress Protector
    BEST VALUE
    Mattress Protectors 3
    a product image of emma mattress protector
    Emma Mattress Protector
    UPGRADE PICK
    Mattress Protectors 4
    Product image of Simba Performance Bed Linen.
    Simba Performance Mattress Protector
    BEST COTTON
    Mattress Protectors 5
    Product image of Highliving Mattress Protector
    Highliving Mattress Protector
    BEST WATERPROOF
    Mattress Protectors 6
    Highliving Quilted Mattress Protector
    Highliving Quilted Mattress Protector
    BEST QUILTED
    Mattress Protectors 7
    nectar-mattress-protector-
    Nectar Mattress Protector
    BEST DISCRETE
    Mattress Protectors 8
    a product image of dormeo evercomfy aloe vera mattress protector
    Dormeo Evercomfy Aloe Vera
    BEST ANTIMICROBIAL

BEST OVERALL: Panda Bamboo Mattress Protector

BEST OVERALL
panda-bamboo-mattress-protector

The Panda Bamboo Mattress Protector deserves all the praise. From the quality of the fabric and stitching, to materials used in the making of this product. The mattress protector has optimal breathability and allows airflow so it won't retain any moisture throughout the night. Therefore, it is a fantastic cooling mattress protector for all seasons.  It's hypoallergenic and antibacterial – bamboo fibre is a natural bacteria repellent. It's stretchy and can fit easily on a mattress.

This mattress protector will definitely protect your mattress from everyday wear and tear but it's also waterproof! Unlike other kinds of mattress protectors with waterproof properties, this one doesn't make a single sound while you move. Maintenance is easy, just pop it in the washing machine on up to 50 degrees. And last but not least, this breathable mattress protector comes with a 2-year guarantee!

Check our Panda Bamboo mattress protector review.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Pull on/fitted
  • Materials: Outer cover – 70% bamboo rayon and 30% cotton
  • Machine washable: 50 C degrees; hang dry
  • Sizes: Cot, Cot Bed, Single, UK Double, King, Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU King, Emperor
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Eco-friendly: Yes
  • Warranty: 2 years

BEST VALUE: Casper Mattress Protector

BEST VALUE
Product image of Casper mattress protector

The Casper Mattress Protector is a true epitome of quality product. Besides protecting from dirt, bacteria and everyday wear and tear, it’s also waterproof, with an elegant design. It has microscopic pores which don’t allow moisture to get in, but allow airflow nonetheless.

That way you’ll keep your mattress fresh and clean for years to come. The protector is basically silent, and will fit any kind of standard mattress sizes. The Casper Mattress Protector comes with a 1-year warranty which is a rarity, and on top of that Casper offers free shipping and returns across UK. It is a good mattress protector for memory foam mattresses.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Zipper
  • Materials: Knit Top: Polyester and Spandex; Skirting: Polyester, Nylon, and Spandex – Polyethylene
  • Machine washable: Hand wash; air dry
  • Sizes: Single, EU Single, Small Double, Double, EU Double, King, EU King, Super King
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Eco-friendly: No
  • Warranty: 1 year.

UPGRADE PICK: Emma Mattress Protector

UPGRADE PICK
a product image of emma mattress protector

If you are looking to replace your existing mattress protector, you should not miss Emma mattress protector! It suits any Emma mattress but also comes in a few different sizes as well. 100% waterproof, breathable, comfortable, crinkle-free, this is a universal mattress protector that will be great choice for every mattress!

How confident they are proves the fact that you can try this protector out for 200 nights before returning it. Oh yes – it comes with 2-year guarantee so you can be sure it will last you a lot of time.

Do check our Emma mattress protector review to learn more about this product.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Elastic straps/fitted
  • Materials: 100% polyester with Purotex technology
  • Machine washable: 40 C degrees; air dry
  • Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Eco-friendly: No
  • Warranty: 2 years.

BEST COTTON: Simba Performance Mattress Protector

BEST COTTON
Product image of Simba Performance Bed Linen.

A good mattress is an investment and one that should be protected. The Simba Performance Breathable Mattress Protector does just that, shielding your mattress from regular wear and tear, dirt, and moisture while extending its life. The 200 thread count cotton is super soft, and the 200 gm fill adds an extra layer of comfort to the mix.

But the real key to this protector's effectiveness is the Bi-Ome® technology. This unique system actively prevents odours and eliminates microorganisms, keeping your mattress fresh and healthy. So if you're looking for a way to prolong the life of your mattress, the Simba Performance Breathable Mattress Protector might just be a wise choice.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Pull on/fitted
  • Materials: 100% Cotton, Skirt: 100% Cotton, Lining: 100% Polypropylene, Filling: 97% Cotton & 3% other fibres
  • Machine washable: Cool wash; tumble dry
  • Size: Single, Double, Small Double, King, Super King, EU Double, EU Queen, EU Single
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Eco-friendly: Yes
  • Warranty: N/A

BEST WATERPROOF: Highliving Mattress Protector

BEST WATERPROOF
Product image of Highliving Mattress Protector

If you loved the previous Highliving mattress protector, why not get an upgrade? With this mattress protector not only will your mattress last longer, you also won’t have to worry about leaving stains as it is waterproof! This is a perfect anti allergen mattress protector as it won’t let any dust mites in (or out) of the mattress.

You won’t have to worry about moisture retaining in the mattress and you can keep the mattress protector clean at all times as it is machine washable. The terry cloth is smooth and gentle to the skin, it won’t irritate you, and the polyurethane in the back won’t let any moisture reach your bed. The best waterproof mattress protector if you ask us!

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Pull on/fitted
  • Materials: Cotton terry cloth with polyurethane barrier
  • Machine washable: High temperatures; line dry
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King, Cot & Cot Bed
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Eco-friendly: No
  • Warranty: No

BEST QUILTED: Highliving Quilted Mattress Protector

BEST QUILTED
Highliving Quilted Mattress Protector

This mattress protector is not only affordable, it also adds comfort to your mattress! Its cover is a blend of cotton and polyester, and the filling is just polyester. This mattress protector comes in all standard mattress sizes, and fits like a charm. The Highliving mattress protector doesn’t move around, fits nicely on any type of mattress and provides adequate airflow.

It’s also anti allergy and very gentle to the skin, so you won’t experience any irritations. This mattress protector is also machine washable at mild temperatures. It’s easy to put and remove from the mattress, as the fitted sheets are pretty elastic and flexible. We can say safely that this is one of the best quilted mattress protectors.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Pull on/fitted
  • Materials: Cotton terry cloth with polyurethane barrier
  • Machine washable: High temperatures; line dry
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King, Cot & Cot Bed
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Eco-friendly: No
  • Warranty: No

BEST DISCRETE: Nectar Mattress Protector

BEST DISCRETE
nectar-mattress-protector-

If you want to protect your mattress but you don't want to ruin its perfect look, go for Nectar mattress protector. Not only is it “invisible” but also highly comfortable and sag-free. It uses 100% Tencel jersey of 105 gr/02, with 100% polyester skirt that is suitable for mattress up to 32 cm deep.

The biggest advantage of this product is relatively low price tag. When comparing it to similar products, this one is really cheap – especially considering it comes from Nectar Sleep. Plus, this affordable price tag comes with 365-night trial and lifetime warranty. So you don't have to worry if anything happens to this protector. While it holds the title for the best discrete, it is also the best luxury mattress protector!

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Pull on/fitted
  • Materials: 100% Tencel; 100% polyester skirt
  • Machine washable: Low temperature; tumble dry
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King, Small Double
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Eco-friendly: No
  • Warranty: Lifetime.

BEST ANTIMICROBIAL: Dormeo Evercomfy Aloe Vera

BEST ANTIMICROBIAL
a product image of dormeo evercomfy aloe vera mattress protector

If you want to protect your mattress but you don't want to ruin its perfect look, go for Nectar mattress protector. Not only is it “invisible” but also highly comfortable and sag-free. The biggest advantage of this product, beside having protection against dust mites and microbes, is relatively low price tag.

When comparing it to similar products, this one is really cheap – especially considering it comes from Dormeo. Plus, this affordable price tag comes with 365-night trial and lifetime warranty. So you don't have to worry if anything happens to this protector.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Elastic straps/fitted
  • Materials: Microfibre (Aloe Vera infused), quilted hollowfibre
  • Machine washable: 40 C degree; hang dry
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King
  • Waterproof: No
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Eco-friendly: No
  • Warranty: Lifetime.

Types of mattress protectors

Better safe than sorry! When it comes to mattress protectors, there are all kinds of them which can suit different needs. We can sort mattress protectors in 3 categories:

In addition, to find the ideal mattress protector you need define a few things:

Important features to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress protector

Material

When buying any product, you should first pay attention to the material. Whether it's a T-shirt, jacket, mattress or mattress protector, when you see what material it's made of, you can already tell what features the product has. Today on the UK sleep market you can find mattress protectors made of many different materials, the most common materials are cotton, different types of synthetics and wool.

Cotton

Cotton has been used for thousands of years and will probably be used forever. Cotton is very soft and breathable, and also durable, so it is a favorite choice of many. A mattress protector made of cotton is certainly much more comfortable to sleep than some others, because you will not be hot and you will be very comfortable. But you can't expect a cotton mattress protector to be waterproof, so such a mattress protector will protect the mattress from wear and tear, but not from spills.

an image of cotton material for pillows

Synthetic

Polyester certainly has many advantages, and perhaps the main reason why people decide to buy a mattress protector made of some type of synthetic is the price. Also, a polyester mattress protector can be waterproof, which for many is the most important feature of a mattress protector. You can wash it and it will dry very fast. However, it can be very uncomfortable to sleep on polyester, especially for hot sleepers, so you should double-check reviews before buying one.

waterproof mattress protector with a zipper

Wool

Wool mattress protectors are very rare and significantly more expensive than most other products in this category. No other material, whether natural or synthetic, is a better temperature regulator than wool. Durability is fine, but maintenance can be more complicated than with cotton and polyester. Also, wool protector is not waterproof. So such wool product will act more as temperature regulating layer than true protector.

Waterproof

The fist goal of mattress protector is to protect your mattress. We all like, from time to time, to spend time in bed eating and drinking. Accidental spills are very common these days. Thus, waterproof protection will ensure that no liquid penetrates inside your mattress. The majority of waterproof mattress protectors come with a thin waterproof barrier, though it is not uncommon to see a quilted design with waterproof properties. While investing in this mattress protector may lead to a higher price tag, having a breathable waterproof mattress protector is simply a must for all who eat/drink often in their beds.

An image of a liquid spilled over Sweetnight's mattress protector.

Hypoallergenic

Another important feature of a mattress protector, especially if you suffer from allergies, is to choose a hypoallergenic mattress protector. Don't confuse anti-allergic and hypoallergenic – as hypoallergenic tries to reduce the chance of allergy reaction, whereas the first one is made to prevent the reaction entirely. When you have hypoallergenic protector, your chances for allergy reaction are significantly lower. Look for an organic mattress protector to make sure you are dealing nothing with but natural materials.

Cooling properties

Cooling properties are often overlooked when buying a mattress protector, and this is very important for your night's sleep. Protector will not be a useful to you if it protects your mattress, but makes you sweat constantly. It is therefore essential to find the ideal balance between waterproof and breathability features. If cooling properties are most important to you, then be sure to go with bamboo, cotton and wool.

A bamboo leaf.

Eco-friendly

We must protect our planet at all costs, because we have no other home. So whatever you buy, pay attention to whether the product is eco-friendly. Fortunately, the companies that make up the UK sleep industry are mostly dedicated to the goal of preserving the environment, so it won't be difficult for you to find eco-friendly products. Find whether product has OEKO-TEX or some other certification, as well as more on the origin of the materials.

Quilted design

While some sleepers use mattress toppers, some don't use these and therefore don't have additional cushioning. Still, this can be overcome if you start using a mattress protector that comes with a quilted design. A mattress protector with a quilted design provides with the additional 1 cm of cushioning, which increases the comfort. However, we still highly recommend using both mattress protector and mattress topper to increase your mattress' comfort and prolong its lifetime.

An image of a quilted mattress protector.

Care instructions

Most mattress protectors are machine washable. Since their main purpose is to protect the mattress from wear and tear, but also dirt and spills, then it is logical that you can wash them in the washing machine and prepare them for use again. Of course, check the care instructions when you buy it, to avoid damage if you wash it at too high a temperature or dry it in a tumble dryer, for example.

Warranty

Mattress protector is not a product that will surely come with a warranty, like a mattress. Many mattress protectors on the UK market come with a warranty, which usually lasts a year or two. But there are also those that come without a warranty. If you want to be 100% sure that the product is functional, our advice is to buy one that comes with a warranty because it is a sign that the company believes in the product as well.

Conclusion

Online shopping has never been so easier, and safer. Why spend hours looking for the best mattress protector in stores when you can order it online? That’s why we decided to try some out for you and tell you which mattress protector is worth your time and money. In this list we mentioned our top 5 mattress protectors.

an image of Emma mattress protector ready to be pulled on

They will elongate your mattress’ lifespan and protect it for years to come. You will be able to use the warranty for as long as possible, and on top of that sleep safe. No allergies, no skin irritations and no sound. Those are the best features of a good mattress protector. And luckily, every single one we mentioned so far has what it takes to protect your mattress. Happy shopping!

FAQs about mattress protectors

What is the difference between a mattress cover and a mattress protector?

These two are basically same things, with the difference that a mattress cover is specifically designed to offer protection against spills and bacteria.

How to wash my mattress protector?

You should refer to the maintenance/washing instructions care as not all mattress protectors are the same. Though not every mattress protector is the same, the majority of them can be washed at 40 C degrees.

How often should I wash my mattress protector?

Tt should be washed at least once per 60 days. If you can more frequently, even better. Just stick to the care instructions.

Do I need a mattress protector if I have a mattress pad?

Yes, you can use it and improve the protection of your mattress in general.

Which side of mattress protector goes up?

The top surface of every mattress protector should have an “imprinted hand” sign that designates the top side of it.

Do mattress protectors protect me from dust mites?

If it is hypoallergenic and designed in an anti-allergen way, yes it protects you 100% from dust mites and other allergens.

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About the author

Connie Hack
As a CPD certified Sleep Consultant I know how important sleep is. And as a combination sleeper, I have found it difficult to get products to suit my sleep style. I have more than 2 years product testing experience with The Sleep Advisors which means I have slept on, with and under more than 500 products with varying degrees of success. This is added to more than 2 years experience as a product reviewer for Closer, Heat and Grazia magazines, so I've got a rigorous process. I love sharing my sleep testimonials with our readers and hearing their experiences too.
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