Best mattress protectors 2025 − 6 expert-assessed options for a clean, dry bed

The best mattress protector acts as a barrier between your bed and your body, wicking away sweat, spills and stains while keeping dust, dirt and dander out of your mattress. You can get a good mattress protector for less than $100, which is a small price to pay to prolong the life of your mattress.

You're probably shopping for a mattress protector for a specific reason: perhaps to protect your best mattress from wear; to safeguard against bed-wetting in cots and cribs or to ward against dust mites and bed bugs. As we head towards warmer weather, one of the best cooling mattress protectors could provide relief.

As the resident Sleep Editor at Homes & Gardens, I know where to buy the best mattress protectors. After months of in-depth, at-home testing, I can confirm that the Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector is the best on the market for thermoregulation and moisture-wicking. Still, some protectors deliver similar performance at far more affordable prices. I've assembled eight alternatives so that you can find the perfect mattress protector for you that meets your needs and budget.

Best mattress protectors 2025 − 6 expert-assessed options, at a glance

Below, you'll find a bite-size summary of each mattress protector, outlining the most important pros and cons. If you want to learn more about a particular mattress, keep scrolling, or skip to that section by pressing 'read more below'. There, you'll find a list of the need-to-know specs along with the details of our testing experience.

The best mattress protector overall

Our expert tester, Jaclyn Turner, slept on the Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector last summer. 'I'm a hot sleeper at the best of times,' she says, 'and the night sweats are no joke when you're sleeping through an Atlanta heatwave. I found that this organic cotton cover kept me cool and dry. No joke: I poured an entire cup of water onto the mattress protector and it stayed on top of the surface, instead of seeping through.'

The Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector is kept in place with a silicone elastic band, which ensures a snug fit right around the sides of the mattress. 'I tend to move around in my sleep,' says Jaclyn, 'and I haven't had a problem with the corners of the protector popping off. The skirt is nice and stretchy, able to accommodate thicker mattresses up to 16 inches deep, so it's a great option for bigger beds.

Retailing for just under $200 for a Queen, this is one of the more expensive mattress protectors on the market. To me, it feels like a reasonable price to pay for deep pockets and 100% waterproofing. If you're working with a tighter budget, then I suggest you skip Saatva and shop the SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector from Amazon, instead

It's worth noting that you only get a 1-year warranty with the Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector. That should be plenty of time to find faults with materials and manufacture, but you'll have to be quick if you want to file a claim. Also, you only get a 45-day window for free returns: after that, you'll have to pay a processing fee. 'Still, I don't think you will return the Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector,' says Jaclyn: 'it's breathable, snug and secure, and so silent you'll forget it's there'.

Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector | $195 at Saatva

View Deal

The best waterproof mattress protector

This is Amazon's number-one best-selling mattress protector, with more than 200,000 five-star reviews from verified customers. Here's a snippet from a recent review: 'when my wife was pregnant, her water broke on our bed − Niagara Falls levels of water breaking – and thanks to the SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector, our mattress stayed bone dry. Don't know how to give a better recommendation than that!'

Amazon shoppers love the SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector, and so does our expert tester, Jaclyn Turner. 'I like the soft feel of cotton terry cloth through my fitted sheets,' says Jaclyn. 'There's none of the squeaky slipperiness you get from synthetics. As a light sleeper, I appreciate that the SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector is noiseless in the night, thanks to an ultra-thin layer of waterproof materials.'

'As a hot sleeper, my only complaint is that the terry cloth material doesn't make the best thermoregulator,' says Jaclyn, 'though it's great for moisture-wicking. If you're looking for an actively cooling mattress protector, I suggest the Sijo TempTune Mattress Pad.'

SafeRest recommends their mattress protector as an AirBnB essential for hosts to keep their guest bedrooms clean. Given the low price of the protector (less than $70 for a Queen at full price), I'd say it's also a great option for first-time homeowners and buyers on a budget.

SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector | Was $69.95, now $38.99 at Amazon

View Deal

The best cooling mattress protector

The best cooling mattress toppers and pads are designed to dissipate heat, wick moisture, and block odors. Out of all the entries in our buying guide, the Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad offers the best performance at the fairest price. Good news for anyone with a thick mattress: the Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad can accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches deep.

Our expert tester, Louise Oliphant, is a hot sleeper who suffers from night sweats. Sleeping in a house without AC, she sometimes finds the heat and humidity of British summertime unbearable. 'The Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad works to make her bedroom much more comfortable,' she says. 'It's filled with thermoregulating fiberfill to cool her down and lined with a moisture-wicking membrane to absorb her sweat. I worried that the waterproof layer would make an unpleasant squeaking sound when I switched positions in the night, but so far, it's noise-free.'

Before you buy, it's worth knowing that Sijo only makes mattress pads in sizes Full through to California King. If you're looking for a cooling mattress protector with a similar look and feel to fit a smaller bed, then I recommend the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad.

Out of all the mattress protectors on this list, the Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad is one of the most expensive, retailing at $175 for a Queen. I think it's worth the money, but you could always shop the bedding sales to try and save some cash.

Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad | $140 at Sijo

View Deal

The best mattress encasement

Even the best mattress protector only covers part of your mattress: the top and the four sides. In order to properly protect your mattress from bed bugs and dust mites, you need an encasement to cover the top, bottom, and all four sides of your mattress.

Out of all the options on Amazon, the SureGuard Mattress Encasement boasts the best customer rating, with a 4.6/5 average from more than 20,000 verified reviews. 'Once I figured out the orientation of the cover, it was pretty easy to put on,' reads one recent review. 'Love the stretchy fabric and fit. At first I was a little tentative about pulling on the cover to make it fit, but with a little gentle pull it fit beautifully. Appears to be very durable and is not slippery or noisy.'

Unlike a lot of the protectors on this list, the SureGuard Mattress Encasement comes in a range of non-standard sizes, including Full XL for longer beds and cribs for babies. To accommodate thick and thin mattresses alike, you can choose between four different 'pocket' sizes, from 6" to 20".

There are a smattering of more mixed reviews, most of which mention that the encasement is hard to put on the mattress without help. You'll need to maneuver your mattress off the bed frame, wiggle it into the case, and zip it all the way around before you put it back on the bed. If you live alone, and you struggle to lift heavy weights, you'll need to ask a friend for help, otherwise, opt for a classic mattress protector.

SureGuard Mattress Encasement | $69.97 at Amazon

View Deal

The best mattress protector for memory foam

Like any mattress type, a memory foam mattress has its pros and cons. The body contouring effect of slow-moving foam offers targeted pressure relief to ease your aches and pains. You want your mattress protector to be thin enough that you still feel the benefit of the foam. Ideally, you want it to be thermoregulating to counteract the heat retention of dense foam. The Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad fits the bill.

Naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, this bamboo mattress pad is designed to combat night sweats and bust the bacteria that breeds in warm, damp environments, such as beds. I started testing the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad back in the spring, but I'm really noticing a difference in my bed and body temperature now, at the height of summer.

I sampled the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad alongside their Bamboo Comforter and Bamboo Duvet Cover. These pieces feel soft and silky, but it's the Bamboo Mattress Pad that puts in the hard work behind the scenes. I never woke up from the sound of polyester rustling, nor could I feel any ridges or hard edges through my fitted sheet. The thing I like best about the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad is the slim fit: thick enough to add some plush comfort to your mattress, but not so thick that it starts to stretch your fitted sheet.

A few final points: the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad comes in all the standard sizes, from Twin to California King, except for Twin XL. If you're looking to buy a mattress protector for your dorm bed, you'll need to shop elsewhere: I recommend the Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector. Also, the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad never claims to be waterproof, only water-resistant. To ward against sweat and stains, I recommend the SafeRest 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector.

Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad | Was $259.00, now $181.30 at Cozy Earth

View Deal

The best budget mattress protector

A mattress protector is an invaluable bit of bedding to keep your bed clean and prolong the life of your mattress. You shouldn't have to spend a small fortune to get good sleep. When you buy the Amazon Basics Mattress Protector, you don't have to: this budget-friendly option covers all the bases.

The Amazon Basics Mattress Protector is, more accurately, a mattress encasement. Instead of a stretchy bed skirt, you get two thin sheets of polyester. Once you zip the sheets together, you get total protection from dust mites and bed bugs for all six sides of your mattress.

Our expert tester, Louise Oliphant, bought herself an Amazon Basics Mattress Protector. 'Although it's far from perfect, and the polyester sometimes made a little squeaking sound as I moved around in the night, I can't deny that the Amazon Basics Mattress Protector offers air-tight protection from all angles,' says Louise. 'If you need to store your mattress while you're moving house or renovating a room, this is an excellent affordable option.'

Before you buy, it's worth noting that the Amazon Basics Mattress Protector only comes in two sizes: Queen and King. If you're buying for a smaller bed, or even a crib, then I suggest the SureGuard Mattress Protector, instead. Also, the Amazon Basics Mattress Protector is made from polyester, which tends to trap heat. For an eco-friendlier option that will keep you cool, I recommend the Avocado Organic Mattress Protector.

Amazon Basics Mattress Protector | Was $29.85, now $26.99 at Amazon

View Deal

Best mattress protectors 2025 – Side by side

Best mattress protectors 2025 − Honorable mentions

Over the years, our expert team has tested 12 mattress protectors. Our top six represents the best for comfort, waterproofing, thermoregulation, and ease of care. Still, I wanted to shout out three more mattress protectors that performed well in our tests and might meet your sleep needs.

• Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector: Inside this mattress protector, you'll find fibers from plastic bottles, upcycled and spun into super-soft fiberfill. That's why the Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector feels more like a mattress pad: it could add some plush comfort to a firm mattress. Normally, I wouldn't recommend a plasticky mattress protector for hot sleepers, but I suffer from night sweats, too, and I've found that it helps to keep my mattress cool. The only reason the Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector didn't make the main buying guide is because it's water-resistant, rather than waterproof.
• SureGuard Mattress Encasement: The zipper on the SureGuard Mattress Encasement is super-fine to inhibit bed bugs and dust mites from entering the mattress. For a zippered mattress protector, it's really very breathable, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for hot sleepers. Unlike a mattress protector, which comes with a stretchy skirt to fit deeper mattresses, this mattress encasement can only accommodate mattresses up to 8" deep. That's because the zipper creates total enclosure and leaves a lot less room for maneuver. I recommend the Amazon Basics Mattress Protector for deeper mattresses.
• Coop Home Goods Waterproof Mattress Protector: Amazon is one of the best places to buy bedding − but only if you know how to shop there. I had to sift through hundreds of plasticky protectors with terrible reviews to reach the Coop Home Goods Mattress Protector, but I'm so glad I did. With more than 4,000 verified five-star ratings and an RRP of just $59 for a Queen, the Coop Home Goods Mattress Protector offers a great balance of quality and cost. There are a handful of more mixed reviews, most of which concern the thermoregulation (or lack thereof). Hot sleepers would do better with one of the best cooling mattress protectors, such as the Sijo TempTune Mattress Pad.

How we test mattress protectors

I lead a team of expert testers in the search to find the world's best mattress protectors. Together, we represent a wide range of ages and sleep styles and we live right across the country in warm, cool, and temperate climates. We test mattress protectors for at least 30 nights in our own homes before we write our reviews. This should give an accurate indication of long-term performance. To learn more about how we test at Homes & Gardens, consult our expert guide.

We assess each mattress protector against the same criteria: comfort; noise levels; waterproofing; thermoregulation; and ease of care. To assess comfort, we layer the mattress protector beneath our fitted sheets and lie on the bed to consider how it feels: whether there are any uncomfortable ridges or slippery sections. To assess noise levels, we move around the mattress, listening for the tell-tale squeaks of a synthetic waterproof lining. To assess waterproofing, we pour a cup of water on the mattress protector to see whether it seeps through the fabric or settles on top.

To assess thermoregulation, we switch off our AC before we sleep, making note of any times we wake up in a sweat. To assess ease of care, we clean the mattress protector according to the manufacturer's instructions, monitoring how the performance changes before and after each clean.

We also consider the practicalities of buying a mattress protector, from the range of sizes on offer to the details of delivery. We like to compare our findings against verified reviews to pick up common customer concerns. Finally, we bring it all back to the price to help you determine value for money.

How to choose a mattress protector

A mattress protector is an invaluable bit of bedding, so you want to get the right one first time. Here are the most important mattress protector buying rules to bear in mind.

Learn the difference between waterproof vs water-resistant

A waterproof mattress protector can keep any amount of liquid from seeping through, no matter how long it sits on the surface. A waterproof mattress protector is the best choice for kids' beds or cribs where you might be dealing with overnight bed-wetting.

A water-resistant mattress protector offers some protection against spills, but liquid may seep through eventually if there is a large amount or it's left for an extended period of time. A water-resistant mattress protector offers insufficient protection against bed-wetting, but it's good to stop the night sweats.

Opt for fitted sheet vs encasement

The most common mattress protector type is fitted sheet style, with an elastic band that stretches all around the mattress. They're easy to get on and off the bed for quick laundry.

A mattress encasement is harder to get on and off the bed, but it offers 360-degree protection: on top, underneath, and around all four sides of the mattress. This is the best mattress protector type for anyone who suffers from dust mite allergies or wants to keep bed bugs out of their mattress.

Consider ease of care

Most mattress protectors are machine-washable on cold and dryer-safe on low heat. Avoid high temperatures that could warp the waterproof lining and cause leaks.

Make sure to check the care tag: some manufacturers advise against bleach, where others recommend eco-friendly detergents.

FAQs

What sort of mattress protector is best?

There are lots of different mattress protector types. Which is best for you depends on your specific needs. Here's a quick overview of the pros and cons of the most common mattress protector types:

• Zippered: also known as a mattress encasement, a zippered mattress protector is best for anyone who is allergic to dust. When you enclose your mattress in a zippered protector, you get 360-degree safeguarding against dust mites and bed bugs.
• Fitted: if you're buying for a crib or kids' bed, you want a mattress protector that you can quickly whip on and off the bed to clean up overnight accidents. A fitted sheet style is best: you can take it off in seconds.
• Synthetic: as a general rule, synthetic materials are less absorbent than natural fibers, so they're better for waterproofing.
• Organic: natural fibers, such as wool and cotton, are more breathable than synthetic substances, and they're far more environmentally friendly. I recommend the best organic bedding for eco-conscious shoppers.

Are expensive mattress protectors worth it?

I would class any mattress protector that costs more than $100 for a Queen as an expensive mattress protector. Our reigning champion, the Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector, comes in at $195, which certainly qualifies as expensive. Before you start to shop, I suggest you set an upper and a lower limit to your budget.

As lead sleep product tester, I make sure to consider the performance against the price. I believe that the Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector offers $195 worth of comfort, waterproofing, and thermoregulation. In that context, I'm inclined to forgive the short sleep trial and limited warranty.

Can you machine wash a mattress protector?

In most cases, yes: most mattress protectors are machine-washable on cold and dryer-safe on a low heat. Make sure to check the instructions on the care tag before you begin.

Do you put a bed sheet over a mattress protector?

Yes, a mattress protector goes directly on top of your mattress or mattress topper and beneath your sheets. In fact, a mattress protector works a lot like a fitted sheet: you need to stretch the elasticated skirt over each corner of the mattress.

Even the best mattress protector isn't perfect. It's worth learning how to clean your mattress like our cleaning experts to dig up deep dirt. Make sure to avoid these mattress cleaning mistakes to get the most out of your mattress.