Best mattress protector 2023: waterproof, cooling and zipped covers compared

Whether you're sleeping or relaxing under the covers, the best mattress protector will ensure your trusted bed stays in tip top shape. More importantly, the best mattress protectors will keep your bed fresh, shielding it from spills, sweat, and dust.

But with so many best mattress protectors on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is best for your sleep style. For instance, if you tend to get hot while sleeping, opt for a mattress that offers cooling, sweat-wicking and protection against stains. Those who suffer from allergies will benefit from hypoallergenic covers, or opt for zipped mattress encasements to keep bed bugs at bay.

Plus, feeling comfortable at bedtimes will make a difference to your quality of sleep. "Listening to your body and understanding how much restorative rest you need to feel energized is key to understanding your sleep-wake cycle," explains Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, sleep expert and author of Finding Inner Safety. "Deep, nourishing sleep that is restorative and healing is what we should be aiming for."

We've selected the best mattress protectors to suit every sleep position, lifestyle and budget right now.

The quick list

Here’s the best mattress protectors you can buy right now based on our comprehensive online research. Scroll on for our full in-depth reviews. 

The best mattress protectors in 2023 

Best overall

Our top pick of the best mattress protectors is Purple. Here the leading mattress maker has thrown its expertise into creating a dual-layer mattress cover that safeguards against spills, dust mites and stains. A water-resistant inner layer prevents wetness from soaking through, while an absorbent outer layer dissipates liquid (including urine) so that it doesn't puddle.  

The five-sided Purple Mattress Protector covers everything apart from the underneath of your mattress and is designed to be stain-resistant, as well as machine washable.

You can buy it in seven different sizes, from twin to split king, and several different colors. We often see it pop up among the Purple mattress sales too, so you can usually save a few dollars on the price tag.

In terms of users reviews, the Purple Mattress Protector has a rating 4.4 out of 5 stars on Purple, and 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. While there's lots of praise for the high levels of protection against spills and stains, a few users have said that despite Purple saying the fabric is quiet in use, theirs was noisy.

Purple's offering is one of the most expensive options in our guide, but if you want best mattress protector bar none, and one that's designed by a top-rated mattress in a box brand and that's covered with a 10-year warranty, here it is. 

Best waterproof

Such is the trust in the Coop Home Goods Mattress Protector that the brand conducted an experiment pouring five gallons of apple juice onto it and not a drop got through. So if you’re looking for the best waterproof mattress protector yet can't stretch to the Purple Mattress Protector above, then this is the one for you. 

If you’re a hot sleeper, or you're experiencing hot flashes or night sweats, a waterproof mattress protector such as this is a must. That's because sweat can stain your mattress (and pillows), especially if it builds up over a sustained period of time and you don't clean your mattress. 

The Coop Home Goods Mattress Protector is created with the company’s own Lulltra fabric, which is breathable, soft and silent, and has a durable waterproof membrane to protect against spills and sweat. It’s machine washable too, making laundry day a breeze. You also get a 100 nights to try it out, which is generous for a mattress cover.

Best for hot sleepers

The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling mattress protector isn't just a premium protector, it's designed to help your mattress feel cooler to the touch. This is handy if you find your mattress to be a little on the warm side, though don't go expecting a miraculous cooling effect as you would get with a proper cooling mattress or topper. 

Made from breathable TitanCool fabric, the Brooklyn Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector draws heat away from your body, stopping it from building up under the sheets while you sleep. The material is also water-resistant to protect your mattress against spills, plus its hypoallergenic to safeguard against bacteria and dust mites. 

This luxury mattress protector has an average score of 4.7 out of 5 from over 460 user reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website. Like the Purple Mattress Protector, it's one of the more expensive mattress protectors in our guide, but if you want to keep your bed clean and cool at the same time, we think it's worth the investment. There's also a 30-day return period if you decide it isn't right for your bed.  

Best thickness

Not only is the Nectar Mattress Protector designed to safeguard your bed from spills, stains and allergens, it can also boost your in-bed comfort a little, putting it someway between a mattress cover and a thin mattress pad. 

The stretchy, non-slip design will fit mattresses up to 22 inches tall, and is easy to wash – simply machine wash and tumble dry on a low setting to freshen it up. Other perks include a five-year warranty, free shipping and returns, and a 50-night trial. 

No matter what size you choose, the waterproof Nectar Mattress Protector is a straight $99 – great if you’re after a Cal King, but it seems a tad unfair if you're just buying for a twin size bed. However, if you factor in the comfort on offer, then you might not mind paying a little extra for the smaller sizes when you can get a mattress cover with a padded cotton top for extra plushness.

Best for bedwetters

If you're an allergy sufferer, you'll need a hypoallergenic mattress protector designed to keep dust and particles from escaping your mattress whenever you sleep on it, and to prevent allergens from getting into your mattress. The SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector is designed to do exactly that, and has a user review score of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon. 

This is also one of the cheapest options in our guide, yet it still comes in a good range of sizes. So, what are the benefits? SafeRest's mattress cover offers protection against sweat, urine, spillages, dust mites and general stains. Though if you want the best mattress protector for bedwetting, look at the Purple cover at the top.

Like the other options in this guide, the SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector is fully machine washable and dryable, so you can turn it around very quickly on laundry day.

Best eco-friendly

If you're looking for an eco-friendly mattress protector to go with your organic mattress, try this 340gsm Utopia Bedding Premium Bamboo cover. It has a very slightly cushioned top, meaning it isn't as thick as a mattress pad and certainly not as plush as a proper bed topper, but it will add in a little extra comfort. 

Like other waterproof mattress covers in the guide, this one has a TPU to protect the top of the mattress - so the sides won't have the same waterproofing. It will help to protect against sweat stains, body oils and other moisture, and because bamboo is naturally breathable it won't collect heat either. 

If you prefer mattress protectors without thick elasticated bands, you'll love the design of the Utopia Bedding Premium Bamboo cover. That's because it opts for a Smooth Grip Skirt System, infused with elastic so that you can simply pull the borders of the pockets down to make it stretch over the mattress. 

Best for deeper memory foam

Budget mattress manufacturer Tuft & Needle has a good reputation when it comes to its mattresses and bedding, and the same levels of care can be found with its mattress protector. The Tuft & Needle is designed to be rustle-free and easy to care for – simply machine wash on a cold setting, then line dry or tumble dry with no heat. 

Waterproofing is taken care of via a polyurethane film, so you can rest a little easier knowing your mattress will be better protected from accidental spills. The Tuft & Needle mattress protector is easy to attach to your bed in the same way you would a fitted sheet, and is suitable for mattresses up to 14 inches deep. 

It’s worth keeping an eye out on the Tuft & Needle site for deals on this mattress protector, as it is slightly more expensive than some others. You do however, get free shipping, a two-year warranty and a generous risk-free 100-night trial.

Best for allergies

This terry cotton mattress protector might feel soft, but it's tough when it comes to protecting your mattress against allergens, moisture, dust mites and bacteria. The SureGuard Mattress Protector is easy to clean in the washing machine and can be gently tumble-dried. That said, if you suffer from allergies then air-drying in the sun for at least four hours is recommended to properly kill dust mites. 

For the low price, there's plenty to like about the SureGuard Mattress Protector. It fits in the same way as a fitted sheet does, and can be used with most standard size mattresses. If you have an extra deep bed, this one is available in a range of depths up to 20". 

Sizes start from a mini crib size and because it’s designed to be noiseless, your little one shouldn’t be woken up by the sound of it rustling beneath them when they move around.

Best for bed bugs

Looking for a mattress protector for bed bug protection - and one that doesn't cost the earth? If you're on a tight budget and dealing with bed bugs, then the Linenspa Zipped Waterproof Mattress Encasement is the best choice for you. It's available in a variety of sizes and is designed to fully encase you entire mattress, zipping closed to provide maximum protection. 

Linenspa's zipped mattress protector is popular on Amazon, with user reviews stating how it provides good quality protection, especially if you suffer from allergies, and at a reasonable price.

It's worth nothing that this cover can only cater for mattresses up to 12 inches deep, so if you own a deeper mattress, the Linenspa Zipped Waterproof Mattress won't be suitable for you. Otherwise, this is a good budget option that gives solid, basic protection without the high price tag.

Best for guest beds

If you're on a very tight budget but need a reliable mattress protector to keep your guest room mattress safe from stains, spills, smells and germs, then the Utopia Bedding Waterproof Mattress Protector will do the job. There's nothing fancy about this – it's about as basic as mattress protectors get – but it does offer a layer of protection and is simple to use thanks to elasticated straps that anchor it in place.

This Utopia Bedding mattress protector is made from a poly-cotton blend and offers a degree of protection from spillages and urine. We'd recommend it for guest rooms beds that see occasional use, but if you have an expensive mattress, pick the Purple mattress cover instead as it gives robust protection. If you need a high-performing waterproof mattress protector, look at the Coop Home Goods option. 

Some user reviews state that it stops working so hard after repeated washes, which is definitely something to keep in mind if you are putting this on your main bed. But if all you need is a budget mattress protector for occasional use on your guest bed, and without breaking the bank, that's exactly what you'll get here.

How to choose

How to 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 sick, 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 ill, 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.

If you find yourself asking why has my pillow turned yellow, you can actually get protectors for your pillows as well. Plus, a mattress protector can help avoid these 7 mattress care mistakes you’re making right now. 

Read more:

• The best memory foam mattress
• We round-up the best weighted blankets for adults
• Our guide to this year's best comforters