Protecting your mattress from spills, stains, and wear and tear helps it last longer, saving you money in the long run. The best way to do this is with a good quality mattress protector, and these humble slips of fabric also safeguard you and your mattress from dust mites, bed bugs and bacteria. After rigorous testing of all the latest mattress protectors, our bedding experts have ranked the best ones you can buy in 2025 right here.
We review each mattress protector for two weeks by subjecting it to a range of key tests including waterproof testing, stain resistance, noise (for waterproof mattress protectors), and by sleeping on it for at least a week. We also subject each mattress protector to repeat wash and dry cycles to test durability and shrinkage. Our experts then compare the review data and notes, and use those to create our rankings of this year’s best mattress protectors.
When choosing a mattress protector for you, think about the biggest issues your bed is likely to face. And they don’t have to cost the earth (one of our top picks costs from just $16.99), and they are a good investment no matter how long you’ve had your bed. So whether yours is years old or you’re buying one of this year’s best mattresses for better sleep and want to protect it from day one, we have excellent expert-tested suggestions for you here.
- Our top mattress protector picks start from just $16.99
- We've got a mattress protector for every budget, sleep need or concern
- Our team reviews each mattress protector for two weeks, conducting a range of tests to assess overall performance
1. Best overall
The Purple Mattress Protector is our number one selection for 2025 simply because it does everything you’ll ever need in a mattress protector. It is designed to fit mattresses up to 15” deep, to protect you from all common allergens such as dust mites, dander and dirt, and to keep you dry.
It's five-sided, meaning it covers each side apart from the underneath of your mattress, and features what the brand describes as the "dual-layer defence." This is an absorbent outer layer (made from polyester and spandex) which quickly dissipates liquid in the case of any spills or leaks, and an inner water-resistant layer (100% TPU polyurethane) which acts as a barrier to any liquids reaching your mattress, leaving your bed completely dry.
What's more, you don't need to worry about any unsightly blotches on your mattress, since the Purple Mattress Protector is also stain-resistant. Maintenance is also easy; simply toss it in the washing machine on a cold cycle and tumble dry on low.
The user reviews see customers largely satisfied, with an overall rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 from over 7,000 reviews on the Purple website (at the time of writing). The majority of reviewers praised the Purple Mattress Protector's comfort, breathability and it's five-sided protection, while some who left negative reviews commented that it was noisy, and for them, the protector led to a hot sleep.
It may not be the cheapest mattress protector, with prices starting at $79 MSRP for a twin, but you can often find Purple mattress sales which should mean discounts on this product. It also comes with exceptional benefits, including a 30-day return period, a 10-year warranty and free shipping. Overall, we consider this the top mattress protector currently on the market.
What we like about it...
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✅Water and stain resistant: The five-sided, dual-layer defence design ensures the Purple Mattress Protector keeps your bed clean and dry. Many users detailed how theirs proved effective after spills or accidents.
✅Soft and stretchy fabric: The material is stretchy by design and fits mattresses up to 15" deep. Many who reviewed this product commented on its softness and the comfort it provides.
✅Exceptional warranty: This mattress protector comes with a generous 10-year warranty which underlines the quality of this mattress protector.
What we don't like about it...
❌Not a budget option: If your priority is a less expensive model, then the Purple, starting at $79 for a twin, may be too pricey. Compared to the Utopia (#2) and other options in this guide, the Purple is definitely a premium purchase.
❌Does not have any cooling elements: Hot sleepers may find that a dedicated cooling mattress protector like the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling (#4) or the Sijo Airyweight (#6) will work better to prevent overheating or night sweats.
2. Best budget
Are all decent mattress protectors expensive? The Utopia Bedding Waterproof mattress protector, which has an MSRP of just $20.99 for a queen at Amazon, proves they don't have to be. In a nutshell, we found this soft feeling Utopia protector was completely effective at waterproofing, as well as being noiseless and breathable during our three week testing period.
The materials (80% polyester and 20% bamboo viscose material) are used for their moisture-wicking properties and breathability, and the bamboo in particular, as well as airflow provided by the elasticated material that makes up the sides of this protector, led to our reviewer giving the Utopia 4 out of 5 stars for temperature control. It is also noiseless and extremely effective at waterproofing (we scored it 5 out of 5 stars for both).
Our Sleep Features Editor Lauren Jeffries tested the Utopia protector and recommends it for its excellent ability to keep the bed dry, and its low cost. “However, it’s worth mentioning that because the sides of the mattress protector aren’t waterproof, if you spill anything on the edges of your bed, it’s likely to seep through very quickly to your mattress, staining it," she noted.
Slipperiness and fit were two areas that brought down the overall score of the Utopia protector to 3.5 out of 5 stars. Our tester found it to be “incredibly slippy” over the mattress and noted that material bunched and the protector often came loose during the night. However, if you’re looking for a low-budget mattress protector which is quiet, breathable and waterproof, the Utopia ticks all those boxes.
What we liked about it...
✅Good waterproofing: This protector claims to be waterproof and was proved to be so in the spill, wash and dry tests we conducted as part of the review process.
✅Breathable and soft: Similar to the Coop protector (#3), the Utopia features a bamboo viscose material which contributes to its soft-to-touch feel and breathability.
✅Budget purchase: The main highlight of this mattress protector is definitely the price. It starts from $16.99 for a twin while the queen retails at just $20.99. In comparison to brands like Purple (#1) and Brooklyn Bedding (#4), this is very affordable.
What we don't like about it...
❌No warranty or sleep trial: The benefits are limited to a 30-day return policy, meaning you don't get a warranty or a sleep trial.
❌Extremely slippery: Our tester noticed that the Utopia moved around a lot under the sheet, making it distracting when changing sleep positions.
❌Does not offer all-round waterproofing: The sides of the protector are not waterproofed which means there are chances for spills or leaks to seep through and stain the mattress.
3. Best waterproof
Coop Sleep Goods is a popular bedding brand known for crafting products targeting specific sleep needs, and if what you require is excellent waterproofing for your mattress, look no further than their Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector.
Tested and approved by our Managing Editor, Claire Davies, we found it combines the best qualities of a mattress protector (it's noiseless, soft and breathable), while getting 5 out of 5 stars for waterproofing capabilities. Made from the brand's Lulltra fabric (a combination of bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester) with a polyurethane backing, the protector effectively prevents any liquid seeping into the bed, which can cause damage or lead to mold.
Our lead reviewer spilled coffee, tea and water on the protector and put it through multiple wash and dry tests (as repeated washing can weaken the waterproof membrane) but the paper towel and sponge pad placed beneath the protector to spot any liquid that had broken through, emerged bone-dry every time.
Additionally, the Lulltra fabric (which contains bamboo viscose like that used in Utopia Bamboo mattress protector (#2)) is soft to touch and breathable, with moisture-wicking properties, meaning that we didn't sleep hot during the testing period.
Another plus point is its generous 18” depth which is likely to suit almost all beds, especially if you use a topper, or have a luxury mattress, which can be 14” tall. This protector has also been designed to be sweat and dust-mite resistant, and hypoallergenic, and it's machine washable. However, we did find that the polyurethane backing meant it was slippery on the bed.
Price wise, the Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector is a mid-range purchase, with a twin available at $46 while a queen retails at $59 direct from Coop Sleep Goods. Though you may find it for less during sales or on Amazon. If you factor in the benefits a 100-night risk-free sleep trial, 1 year warranty and free shipping, it's a great deal for top quality waterproofing.
What we liked about it...
✅100% waterproof: This protector excelled in all our spill tests, and retained its waterproofing abilities after multiple wash and dry cycles.
✅Breathable and soft: The Lulltra fabric is super soft, breathable and sweat resistant making it a good choice for hot sleepers too.
✅Longest sleep trial we've seen: Out of all the options in the guide, this protector stands out with its 100-night sleep trial.
What we don't like about it...
❌Very slippery: Our tester found that the mattress protector moved around a lot beneath the sheet when she changed positions during the night.
❌The lack of elasticated anchor bands: While it is easy to pop it on the mattress, securing it in place is tricky without the elasticated corner bands, which we think the brand should consider remedying.
4. Best for cooling
If you experience overheating and night sweats, adding another layer to your bed might seem counterintuitive, but of the many mattress protectors we tested in-house, the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector emerged to as our ultimate pick for hot sleepers. It's ultra cooling thanks to the "high-tech PE fibers" in the heat-dissipating polyester-polythene blend fabric (which is widely known as GlacioTex), which also make it cool-to-touch.
Our Senior Sleep Writer, Frances Daniels, reviewed this Brooklyn Bedding mattress protector and found it to be consistently cooling, and cool-to-touch, in the warmer months, during which she experienced heatwaves without air conditioning. Plus, it retained its cooling ability even after many wash tests, leading to a 5 out of 5 stars score in this area.
Even though the brand states that the mattress protector is only water-resistant, in our spill tests during the review period, we felt it really deserves to be called waterproof. It kept the bed below completely dry and stain-free each time. It's also hypoallergenic and designed to keep bed bugs, bacteria and dust mites at bay, and has a honeycomb stitching design, and a smooth, soft feel.
Overall we awarded this protector 4.5 stars out of 5. It lost points for slipperiness as the flat sheet placed on top of the protector often slid off when the tester changed positions during the night.
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector is a high performance product, so it's not too surprising that it comes with a premium price tag comparable to the Purple (#1). The MSRP starts at $99 for a twin while a queen size is $129, though there is currently a 25% off sale at Brooklyn Bedding, bringing a twin down to $74.25 and a queen to $96.75. Plus it comes with a 30-day return policy, 3-year warranty and free shipping and returns.
What we liked about it...
✅Consistently cool-to-touch: The high-tech PE fibers make this protector cooling and cool-to-touch, attributes that remained even after months of regular use.
✅Proved to be waterproof in our tests: While the brand markets it as water-resistant, we found this protector successfully prevented any liquids from seeping into the mattress below, keeping it completely dry.
✅Stress-free benefits: The Brooklyn Bedding comes with free shipping, a 30-day return period, and the brand will cover the cost of sending it back to them if you decide it's not right for you. The 3-year warranty is also decent for a bedding product.
What we didn't like about it...
❌Not for those who toss and turn: Due to the slipperiness our tester noted during the review period, we do not recommend this for restless sleepers.
❌Pricier than most others: This Brooklyn Bedding protector is one of the most expensive options in this guide, so if you're on a budget, models like the Utopia (#2) may be more suitable.
5. Best for bed bugs
Bedbug infestations are a nightmare, but the good news is that you can safeguard your bed against these pests with a mattress protector. The Linenspa Zippered Waterproof Mattress Encasement is designed to offer 360 degree protection by fully encasing your mattress, complete with a zip closure.
The soft brushed polyester material (with polyurethane backing) is ultra-thin in order to be comfortable and ensure your mattress beneath has the same feel. It's also designed to be noiseless and 100% waterproof.
More than 18,000 users have given this protector an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with positive reviewers praising the protection it provides from spillages and bed bugs, the price and the ease in which it fits on the bed. A queen retails at $24.99 on Amazon, while a king is priced at $29.99, though at the time of writing some other sizes were discounted. Linenspa offer a 10 year warranty on their products, and according to Amazon you can access this manufacturer warranty by contacting their customer service.
The main disadvantage of this protector is that it only caters to mattresses up to 12" tall. Many luxury mattresses can stand taller this and mattress toppers add height, so it's definitely worth measuring your bed before purchasing. Otherwise, the Linenspa Zippered Waterproof Mattress Encasement is a good budget option for all-round mattress protection.
What we liked about it...
✅Zipped encasement design: The Linenspa is designed to keep bedbugs and all common allergens away, as it encases your entire mattress and features a zip closure.
✅100% waterproof: Customers on Amazon have noted that they were impressed by the Linenspa encasement's ability to prevent spills from leaking through to the mattress below.
✅Ease of maintenance: This protector has the benefit of being machine washable and can be put in the dryer (on low heat).
What we don't like about it...
❌Not luxurious: If you're looking for a premium option, this might not be the protector for you, as the polyester material doesn't have an expensive feel.
❌Can only suit mattresses up to 12": If you have a bed that's deeper than 12", this Linenspa protector is unlikely to fit. Always re-check your mattress depth before making the final call on a mattress protector.
6. Best for bedwetters
The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector is crafted from Eucalyptus-derived Tencel Lyocell fiber and offers a range of benefits, top of which is how effective it is at waterproofing. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone prone to bed wetting accidents.
Our reviewer was impressed by how it effectively kept the bed completely dry even after multiple spill tests, including with coffee and water, were conducted. This protection remained even after washing the protector several times.
While some waterproof mattress protectors can be uncomfortable due to a single layer polyurethane backing (which can be crinkle and crease during sleep), the Sijo Airyweight — with its advanced double thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) backing — proved to be lightweight and noiseless and led to an uninterrupted night's sleep. We also found the Tencel Lyocell made it extremely breathable and cool-to-touch, plus it's hypoallergenic.
Our bedding writer Becky George reviewed the mattress protector and was impressed by the product, giving it a solid 5 out of 5 stars in all areas except one: ease of fit. "The elastic kept popping off from one side while trying to fix the other end even though the brands claims that it's designed to fit mattresses up to 20" thick," she explained.
This resulted in an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for the Sijo Airyweight. On the Sijo website, this protector has just under 5 out of 5 stars, though this is from only 146 reviews.
The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector is more expensive than some protectors in this guide (the Utopia at #2, the Coop Sleep Goods a #3 and the Linenspa at #5), with a twin size available at $60 and a queen at $80. However, a 15% off sale at the time of writing reduces a twin to $51 and a queen to $68. The benefits are limited to a 60-day free return period when you purchase directly from the Sijo website, and there is no warranty, but overall this is a good value protector.
What we liked about it...
✅Excellent waterproofing: In our spill tests, no amount of the liquid seeped in or stained the mattress, making it a strong choice for bedwetters.
✅Feels cool-to-the-touch: Our tester noted that the Sijo Airyweight, made from Eucalyptus-derived Tencel Lyocell, is instantly cool-to-touch and extremely breathable.
✅Noiseless and comfortable: The advanced double TPU backing didn't lead to any crinkling or creasing which allowed our tester (who is generally prone to toss and turn) to sleep soundly all night long.
What we don't like about it...
❌No warranty or free shipping: Compared to others in this guide, the lack of benefits like a warranty or free shipping (Sijo only offers free U.S standard shipping for orders over $100) is a serious disadvantage for the price you pay.
How we test mattress protectors
We recommend the best mattress protectors based on our extensive review process which includes both in-house testing and extensive research, as well as looking through thousands of customer reviews on popular retailer websites like Amazon.
Our primary objective is to make your search for the ideal mattress protector easier. We do this by clearly explaining what each product features and offers, and reviewing wherever possible to see if it matches up to what the brand claims. All of this is intended to help you decide which protector fits your sleep needs and budget.
Our reviewers spend at least two weeks sleeping on the mattress protector noting its performance (in terms of shipping, ease of fit, breathability, waterproofing, noise and slipperiness), design and materials, ease of maintenance (we carry out multiple washing and drying tests) to understand if it is really worth the price and delivers what has been promised by each brand.
Mattress protector shopping advice
As we mentioned, having an idea about the kind of threat your bed is likely to face is important when choosing one of the best mattress protectors. For example, are you buying a protector for a toddler's bed, or perhaps you have a couple of dogs that can't help but leap on right after a muddy walk? In that case the best option is a waterproof and stain-resistant mattress protector that can be machine washed for ease.
If you sleep hot and don't want to add any extra bedding or covers to your mattress that might hold heat, then choose a cooling mattress protector. These are usually made from breathable materials that help to dissipate excess heat, rather than storing it inside the fabric. Tencel and bamboo are excellent materials for this job, though the former can be more expensive.
For guest bed use only, you could get away with choosing a budget mattress protector. That's because they will only see occasional use so they don't need to be as hard-working as a mattress protector placed on your main bed.
Best mattress protector FAQs
How often should you wash a mattress protector?
We have a guide to how to wash a mattress protector, but here's a quick version. Mattress protectors should be washed every two months on average, but this changes depending on how often you use your mattress protector, whether you have been unwell, and if you have allergies. Let’s take a closer look at these scenarios now to help you decide if it’s time to pop yours in the wash.
If you have allergies, aim to wash your mattress protector once or twice a month. This may seem like a lot of laundry, but it will help prevent allergens from building up inside your protector.
If you have been unwell, wash your mattress protector as soon as you feel better to banish any remaining bugs from sneezes, coughs and other mucus.
If you have spilled drinks or food, spot clean the worst of it, then pop your mattress protector in the wash. Don’t let that stain sink in!
Guest bedroom mattress protectors can be left a little longer, unless you have had a long-term guest staying with you.
Mattress protectors should be washed and dried as per the manufacturer’s instructions on the care label. Using a mild detergent is best, and avoid using bleach or any other chemicals that will damage the protector.
Do you put a bedsheet over a mattress protector?
While a mattress protector is doing great work protecting your mattress, we'd still recommend you place a bedsheet over the top. This is for two reasons.
Firstly, a bedsheet acts as an additional protective layer between you and the bed, absorbing your body oils and sweat since it is in direct contact with your skin every night.
Secondly, it provides a smoother, softer and more breathable surface to sleep on compared to the texture of a mattress protector. Layering up your mattress with sheets and matching bedding will also add to the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom.
