Mattresses get damp from time to time, whether it’s from urine, sweat, baby bottles that leak, or bedtime beverages. The best way to keep them dry is to invest in a waterproof mattress protector. This mattress cover can be removed and washed as needed, keeping your mattress fresh, clean, and dry.
Before you start shopping for your waterproof mattress protector, there are a few decisions you have to make first. Do you want a waterproof mattress protector that is also hypoallergenic? Is the item you’re considering available in the right size for your bed? The materials and testing processes used in the products’ manufacturing are also important to consider. Below are our choices for the best waterproof mattress protectors and our assessments of why they stand out from the competition.
- BEST OVERALL: SafeRest Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Vekkia Organic Mattress Protector
- BEST UPGRADE: Whisper Organics, 100% Organic Mattress Protector
- BEST ENCLOSED: Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement
- BEST BREATHABLE: PlushDeluxe Premium Bamboo Mattress Protector
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Waterproof Mattress Protector
Style
Before you start shopping, decide how much of your mattress you want to be waterproof. There are a few different kinds of waterproof mattress protectors, and the item’s packaging should indicate just how much of the mattress it protects. There are three common types of waterproof mattress protectors: top, five-side, and encasements.
- With top protectors, the most common type, the top of the mattress is the only part that’s truly guarded against water and other liquids.
- Five-side protectors are the next step up in keeping your mattress safe from spills and sweat. These cover the mattress top and all four of its sides. Both top protectors and five-side protectors fit on a mattress in much the same way as a mattress pad or a fitted sheet.
- Encasements zip all the way around to protect the whole mattress—covering the top, bottom, and all four sides—making them ideal for keeping various allergens and bedbugs, as well as liquids, away from your sleeping surface. The only real downside to encasements is that it takes some effort to get one on a mattress; you’ll have to lift the mattress off the frame to encase it.
To determine the best waterproof mattress protectors for the beds in your home, first, think about how much protection each member of your family needs.
Material & Fabrics
When you’re ready to shop for a waterproof mattress protector, try to find a vinyl-free model. Those made without vinyl are more breathable and don’t rustle loudly when you turn over in bed. Many of the better waterproof mattress protectors on the market are also hypoallergenic, with some even keeping bedbugs and dust mites away from your mattress.
The best mattress protectors are made of organic cotton or wool, and there are also quality protectors made from rayon, bamboo, and polyester. If you think you’ll have to launder it frequently, make sure it’s well made and machine washable.
Size & Fit
In the U.S., mattress sizes are standard, so you’ll have an easy starting point when measuring for your mattress protector. Be sure to carefully measure the depth of your mattress (or the “pocket”) to find the right size mattress protector.
When picking your mattress protector, make sure it’s large enough to cover your whole mattress. If it’s not large enough, you’ll find yourself making and remaking your bed often, as the mattress protector will fit too tightly and won’t grasp the corners well enough to stay tucked in over time. Likewise, remember to read the protector’s laundering instructions before throwing it in the washing machine. You don’t want to use the wrong wash setting and turn your queen mattress cover into a twin-size one when the laundry is done.
Our Top Picks
Now that you know a little bit about waterproof mattress protectors and why they’re useful, it’s time to go shopping. Our guide offers recommendations for the best waterproof mattress protectors, no matter your budget or bed size.
Photo: amazon.com
Available in six sizes (twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king), the SafeRest Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector has a supersoft, premium cotton terry material on its surface and a waterproof, breathable, hypoallergenic membrane coating underneath. The membrane is vinyl-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, and has not been treated with fire retardants.
This top protector offers protection against asthma, allergies, eczema, perspiration, dust mites, fluids, and more. The SafeRest protector is registered with the FDA as a Class 1 medical device. Quarterly washings are recommended to keep it in top condition.
Photo: amazon.com
Vekkia’s mattress protector is topped with organic cotton terry cloth. This protector offers superior breathability, excellent waterproofing, and can be machine washed and dried, so you won’t get too distraught if you spill a cup of coffee while sitting on it. Vinyl-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, latex-free, and hypoallergenic, this top protector is safe enough to be used by babies and toddlers, making it ideal for use during the potty training years.
The one possible downside to Vekkia’s mattress protector is that you may feel warm with this protector on the bed. If you’re a hot sleeper, you may want to lose a blanket or two. It is available in six standard mattress sizes.
Photo: amazon.com
Made with certified organic cotton that’s grown without pesticides or herbicides and is dyed without harmful chemicals, Whisper Organics’ sumptuous, 300-thread-count mattress protector offers plastic-free, hypoallergenic comfort. You may well be surprised by the softness. This top protector has a cooling quality too, so you’ll stay comfy however warm or cold it is outside.
We like this protector’s eco-friendliness, its natural ivory hue, and the fact that its pockets are 17 inches deep. On the downside, because it doesn’t contain synthetic materials, it’s not quite 100 percent waterproof. Available in twin, twin XL, queen, king, California king.
Photo: amazon.com
Easy to machine wash and tumble dry, Utopia Bedding’s waterproof mattress protector is remarkably stretchable and repels dust mites and bedbugs. Its backing is noiseless, breathable, and impermeable yet allows a healthy airflow. This encasement’s microzipper, which is designed to keep out even tiny bedbugs, protects the entire mattress on all sides, bottom, and top.
We like that Utopia’s mattress cover meets OEKO-TEX safety and environmental standards, so you know you’re sleeping on a safe surface. To ensure the mattress is always protected, you may consider buying two protectors per mattress so one can be used while the other is in the laundry.
Photo: amazon.com
Free of vinyl, PVC, and phthalates, the 100 percent waterproof PlushDeluxe premium bamboo mattress protector is remarkably soft and protects not just against liquids but also dust mites and dirt. Because it’s hypoallergenic, it’s a great option for those with eczema, allergies, asthma, or other environmental sensitivities.
We like that this top protector is moisture-wicking and promotes airflow, so you aren’t likely to overheat with it on your bed.
FAQs About Your New Waterproof Mattress Protector
If you’re new to waterproof mattress protectors and still have questions, don’t worry a bit. Here are answers to some common questions about waterproof mattress protectors and how to care for them.
How do you wash a waterproof mattress protector?
Most should be washed in cold water on the delicate cycle with a gentle, bleach-free laundry detergent. Do not dry clean. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions on your product for specific details.
How do you dry a waterproof mattress protector?
Tumble-dry your mattress protector on low-heat. Do not iron it.
How often should you wash a waterproof mattress protector?
Wash your waterproof mattress protector every two to four weeks to prevent bacteria, allergen, and dirt buildup.
