4 Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors of 2024: Expert Tested
Sleep Number Total Protection mattress protector
Best Cooling Waterproof Mattress Protector
Coop Home Goods Waterproof Mattress Cover
Best waterproof mattress protector on a budget
Most mattresses require a significant investment. They are expensive and deserve to be protected. Mattress protectors, or “mattress covers,” are one of the most overlooked sleep essentials. It’s something that many people don’t think about. The best waterproof mattress protectors provide protection from dirt, allergens, and moisture while adding a layer of comfort. That simple layer of fabric can add years to the life of your mattress.
I have a lot of experience testing sleep products and making recommendations based on my time with them. I tried some of the best waterproof mattress protectors the only way you can: by pouring water over them. I picked the best ones for the money and this is how they felt and performed when I tested them.
What is the best waterproof mattress protector?
When testing waterproof mattress protectors, I came across a lot of great options. The best overall mattress protector was the Saatva Mattress Protector. It’s a heavy-duty mattress protector made from 100% organic cotton with a polyurethane coating that prevents spills from getting through. It was the thickest protector I tested, not because it has padding, but because it’s made from high-quality materials.
In my testing experience I found it extremely comfortable and it fit well with beds. It does a great job of repelling liquids so you know your mattress is protected.
Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors of 2024
The Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector is a thick, sturdy bed protector with an almost canvas-like feel. It is heavier than other mattress protectors, but the stretchy sides make it easy to place on your mattress. Liquids sit on the mattress protector and slowly seep in without penetrating, thanks to the waterproof barrier.
I will say that the Saatva mattress protector is a little big when you first take it out of the packaging, but that is often the case with mattress protectors. You should expect them to shrink a little when you wash them. If you use it straight out of the packaging, the top layer can easily shift and leave a part of your mattress vulnerable with only the side to protect it.
Advantages:
- Fluid is absorbed slowly, giving you time to wipe it away
- Durable, canvas-like fabric
- Silicone elastic to keep it in place
Cons:
- The protective cover can easily slide off the bed surface
- Not for those on a budget
Additional features:
- Material: Natural cotton, polyurethane
- Style: Leaf style
- Fits: Mattress up to 16 inches thick
- Process: 45 days free returns
- Guarantee: 1 year limited warranty
- Price: $$
The Sleep Number Total Protection Mattress Pad adds an extra dose of luxury to your mattress with a unique wavy texture and a cooling sensation. It may be a little more expensive than other options, but you won’t be disappointed with the quality of this bed protector. It has a buttery soft feel that I can’t imagine anyone not liking.
It is the best cooling waterproof mattress protector because it feels cool to the touch and is extremely comfortable at the same time. It is not icy cold by any means, but the feeling is there. If you get hot easily but don’t have the budget to invest in a cooling mattress topper or mattress, this bed protector can help you avoid overheating at night. The textured top gives the mattress protector a little extra cushioning. I did notice that the texture changed as the fabric absorbed water. It didn’t let water through, but it did leave the protector with a wet spot. Other options that repel spills give you plenty of time to wipe up any spills.
Advantages:
- Structured top extends over the sides
- Extremely comfortable
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification
Cons:
- Duration
- Absorbs water, while others repel it
Additional features:
- Material: Polyester, cotton, spandex
- Style: Leaf style
- Fits: Mattress up to 16 inches thick
- Process: 100 days free returns
- Guarantee: 10 year limited warranty
- Price: $$$
Coop Home Goods is your best bet if you’re looking for a no-fuss waterproof mattress protector that you won’t feel at night. This waterproof mattress protector is a budget choice that melts into your bedding like it’s not there. It’s waterproof, machine washable, and features a simple striped texture.
The Coop Home Goods protector may not have the bells and whistles of other waterproof mattress protectors, like cooling technology or a nice texture, but it’s a solid protector that will extend the life of your mattress. For the price, it’s a great choice.
Advantages:
- Green Guard Gold and Oeko-Tex certification
- Suitable for mattresses up to 18 inches thick
- Plush feeling
Cons:
Additional features:
- Material: Viscose-rayon
- Style: Leaf style
- Fits: Mattress up to 18 inches thick
- Process: 45 days free returns
- Guarantee: 1 year limited warranty
- Price: $
From mattress company Naturepedic, the Happsy Organic Mattress Protector Pad is a great choice if you’re looking for an organic waterproof mattress protector. It’s made from soft organic cotton and is extremely stretchy, making it easy to place on your mattress. When testing it out, I found this waterproof mattress protector to be soft and comfortable. It’s not something you’ll feel through your sheets.
I was surprised at how well the Happsy Organic Mattress Pad repelled liquids. Instead of slowly sinking into the fabric like Sleep Number, the water stayed on the Happsy mattress protector. This gives you plenty of time to clean up spills before they have a chance to get onto your mattress. This also gives this protector extra confidence to keep dirt and debris out.
Advantages:
- Certified organic cotton
- GOTS and Made Safe certified
- Liquid does not penetrate quickly
Cons:
- Loose fit on mattress
- Unclear warranty information
Additional features:
- Material: Certified organic cotton and polyurethane film
- Style: Leaf style
- Fits: Mattress up to 15 inches thick
- Process: 30 days free returns
- Guarantee: n/a
- Price: $$
How We Tested the Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors
Our CNET Sleep Team has years of experience testing mattresses and sleep products. We’ve tested nearly every bed you can buy. With each product, we use testing and reviews to determine quality, performance, and our recommendation. For waterproof mattress protectors, the most important factors I used during testing were:
Noise: When you think of mattress protectors, you probably think of the noisy, plasticky covers you might have had in your dorm room or the last Airbnb you stayed at. The best waterproof mattress protectors have now gone way beyond that. Almost all of them have a polyurethane backing that prevents liquids from seeping through to your mattress. This introduces the possibility of noise if you toss and turn during the night. No one wants to wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of crinkling. Noise was noted during testing of every mattress protector on this list.
Waterproof properties: Just because something says it’s waterproof doesn’t mean it actually is. Assessing the waterproof performance of each mattress protector was essential during our testing process. I did this by pouring water over each protector and noting whether it repelled or absorbed water, and if it did absorb water, how long it lasted.
Specifications: Like mattresses, bed protectors usually have warranties and trial periods. For each product, the warranty, trial period, and certifications were noted in the reviews. Additional features such as cooling technology were also included.
Learn more about how we test mattresses at CNET.
What to look for when buying a mattress protector
Mattress protectors are something you should not skip. Not only does it save you cleaning time, but it also extends the life of your bed by protecting the layers of foam inside.
There are many waterproof mattress protectors on the market, varying in price, quality, and performance. This can make it difficult to determine which mattress protector is best for you. To make it easier, we’ve listed a few key factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best waterproof mattress protector.
Style
There are several types of waterproof mattress protectors. Some are full encasements that zip around the entire bed, while others are pillow-tops that sit on top with ties that anchor it to the bed. The most common type of mattress protector resembles a fitted sheet. They are stretchy and easy to put on, although they can shift during the night.
Material
Another thing to consider when shopping for the best waterproof mattress protectors is what it’s made of. Some protectors have organic certifications such as Oeko-Tex which confirm that the product does not contain any harmful substances.
Also, decide what kind of texture you want from a bed protector. Some, like Sleep Number, have elaborate textures that you can feel through a sheet. Others are designed to blend in so you don’t even know they’re there.
- Cotton: Many people look for cotton waterproof mattress protectors because cotton is breathable and easy to care for. It is a classic choice for comfort and moisture wicking.
- Tencel fabric: Waterproof Tencel mattress protectors are silky soft to the touch. Tencel is often used in cooling mattress protectors because it has a natural cooling effect.
- Terry cloth: Terry cloth is comfortable and ideal for waterproof mattress toppers because it quickly absorbs spills instead of pooling on the surface as can happen with some quilted tops.
Budget
They are less expensive than mattresses, but mattress protectors can still cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the features and brand of the product. Fortunately, there are good options for every budget. Determining how much you want to spend on a mattress protector can help you narrow down your options.
A mattress protector is a sleep accessory that extends the life of your mattress by repelling liquid, dirt, and debris. They are typically thin layers of fabric that blend in with your existing bedding setup, so you won’t even notice they’re on your bed.
Mattress protectors are a small investment when you consider the return on investment. Whether it’s sweat, dead skin cells, or spills, there are many things that collect in your mattress. The best mattress protectors protect your bed from allergens and dirt, and limit moisture that can break down the mattress. glue between the foam layers.
As with any sleep product, there are drawbacks to be aware of. Some report feeling hot when adding a waterproof mattress cover due to the polyurethane barrier. If you’re concerned about this, look for a bed protector made of breathable material like cotton.
The best waterproof mattress protectors can help protect your mattress from urine. They are designed to absorb spills before they can reach your mattress. You can also add a waterproof underlay for extra protection.
