Best mattress protectors 2024: tried and tested, from waterproof to anti-allergy
LOOKING to prolong the life of your mattress? We’ve tested the best mattress protectors to help you find the right one for you.
Whether you’ve just moved into a rental and want to freshen up the mattress it came with, or you’re thinking of levelling up the one you own – a good protector is a smart choice.
Let’s be honest though, sifting through pages of products is a sure-fire way to boredom – and choice overwhelm!
So to help make your life easier, we’ve tested some of the best options out there to keep your bed safe from spills, stains, and accidental damage.
From waterproof wonders to breathable fabrics, these protectors are the unsung heroes of a good night’s sleep.
Whether you’re guarding against kids, pets or your own late-night snacking habits (no judgment), we’ve got you covered, literally, with our top picks for keeping your mattress fresh and fabulous for years.
Best mattress protectors at a glance
We reviewed some of the bestselling mattress protectors so that you can buy with your needs in mind and prevent a premature purchase of a new mattress.
Whether you’re looking for the best waterproof mattress protector, or best cooling mattress protectors we’ve put together and reviewed a selection.
- Best waterproof mattress protector: Otty
- Best mattress protector for hot sleepers: Nectar
- Best mattress protector for the elderly: Panda
- Best cooling mattress protector: Tempur
- Best mattress protector for bed wetting: Otty
- Best anti-allergy mattress protector: Simba
- Best breathable mattress protector: Emma
- Most afforable mattress protector: Nectar
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL ALERT
Save 30% on Emma Mattress Protector
Black Friday isn’t until the end of the month, but Emma has already launched its sale.
Right now, you can save 30% on its mattress protector (read our full review below). Prices start at £51.80 (was £74) for a single, and go all the way to £79.80 (was £114) for a super king.
- Emma Mattress Protector – shop here
Best mattress protectors, tried and tested
Emma Mattress Protector, from £51.80 (was £74)
Emma Mattress Protector, from £51.80 (was £74)
Rating: 4/5
Pros: Fits snugly to the mattress, meaning it won’t slip or easily untuck
Cons: Quite thick and elasticated edges make it a little tricky to put on the mattress alone
The Emma Sleep mattress protector is one of the most secure protectors I’ve seen, and most definitely used.
With a fully elasticated edge, it fits snugly to the mattress meaning it doesn’t budge at all while you sleep – perfect if you get fidgety during the night.
As much as I love how well it fits to the mattress, it did take a little more effort than usual to fit to the mattress.
It wasn’t immediately clear which edges were which, and the snug fit meant I really had to stretch it across (I think it would be much easier if you’re making the bed with someone else, but I am the designated bed maker in my house).
Made from 100% polyester, it’s breathable but still water-repellent, which keeps the mattress clean and protected.
It’s a little bit pricer at £94 full price for a double, so if you’re serious about your sleep it’s one for you.
Review by Zoe Bennetts
Nectar Mattress Protector, from £39
The Nectar Mattress Protector, from £39
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros: Thin and breathable, and easy to fit onto the mattress
Cons: Not as secure fitting around the mattress as others
This mattress protector from Nectar is a great all-rounder that won’t break the bank.
Made from a breathable tencel jersey with a SmartSeal PU film, this waterproof protector fits easily to the mattress.
It’s perfect if you live alone or are the designated bed-maker in your household, as you can put it on alone without any trouble.
Keeping you cool all through the night, it’s lightweight and doesn’t budge when you sleep which is important – there’s really nothing more annoying than when it slips off the edge!
It washes really well and isn’t too bulky to fit in the washing machine, meaning it’s easy to keep clean.
It’s not tumble-dry safe but I left it out in the garden on a sunny afternoon and it dried within a couple of hours, so don’t let that deter you.
Setting you back just £45 for a double, it’s ideal for those who don’t want to spend lots but are after good quality.
Review by Zoe Bennetts
Tempur Mattress Protector
Tempur Cooling Mattress Protector, from £119
Rating: 3.5/5
Pros: Very thin, breathable, water resistant, well-made, doubles as a fitted sheet
Cons: Not as snug fitting as expected, expensive, slippery
The Tempur mattress protector is a 2-in-1 design, meaning it can double up as a bottom sheet.
This is a great feature if you hate putting sheets on the bed and if you don’t want to spend even more money on a bottom sheet.
I personally chose to add a fitted sheet on top, as the waterproof nature of the protector means it has a slightly slippery surface, which I wasn’t too keen on.
This slippery texture, however, does make it feel cool to the touch and if you’re a fan of silk sheets, you will probably like it.
Both the mattress protector and the mattress I tested it on were Tempur, so I had expected the protector to fit like a glove, however, there was slight puckering around the edges.
This being said, compared to other mattress protectors I’ve tested, the fit was still superior.
To test the waterproofness of the protector, I poured some water onto the sheet and despite it looking like it was seeping through the sheet, the mattress underneath did, in fact, stay dry.
The protector fared well in the wash and the waterproofing remained unaffected.
The mattress protector is pretty expensive in my opinion.
However, it’s also worth noting that if you order a mattress directly from the Tempur website, you can receive one for free.
Review by Clara Wolsey
Otty Waterproof Mattress Protector
Waterproof Mattress Protector, from £89.99
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros: Waterproof, cushioned, comfortable, fits perfectly on the mattress, very easy to wash
Cons: Holds heat (I’ve been feeling more hot in bed since I started using it)
This product ticks a lot of my boxes when it comes to mattress protectors.
First of all, it does what it states: it’s actually waterproof.
I tested by pouring a glass of water on the protector, and I was pleased to see that it did not transfer to the mattress.
I previously owned a waterproof mattress protector and the most annoying feature was the crinkling sound that it used to make when turning around in bed.
This protector does not make any sounds, which is the main reason why it scored so highly for me.
It’s easy to manage, as it fits perfectly on the Otty Hybrid Mattress and is very lightweight.
It states on the website that it protects against dust mites, bacteria and allergens – but it’s important to wash it within a few hours if you spill something on the mattress protector, to avoid any stains developing.
Another reason the mattress protector scored highly is due to how comfortable I found it: even though it’s 100% polyester, it’s extremely soft.
I’ve noticed that even though Otty states that the material is breathable, I found that I was getting hotter in bed since using the waterproof mattress protector – hence why I removed 0.5 points from the score.
It’s not a big concern for me, as winter is fast approaching and I’m hoping it will help keep me warm when the nights get colder.
Overall, the price for the mattress protector is reasonably priced at £119.99 for a king size bed.
If you need a mattress protector that is actually waterproof, then this is the one for you.
Review by Pavlina Theodoulou
Simba Mattress Protector
The Simba Performance Mattress Protector, from £99
Rating: 4/5
Pros: Cushioned, perfect fit, dust-mite resistant
Cons: Not waterproof
The Simba Performance Mattress Protector has to be one of the most luxurious protectors that I have ever tried.
It’s made from breathable cotton with an anti-dust mite treatment, so if like me, allergies are not your friend (looking at you, hayfever and dust) then it’s the perfect companion for your mattress.
It has cushioning of 200gm, so it feels more like a super thin topper than a protector.
It also has bound edges which means it looks really premium on any mattress up to 40cm thick.
The biggest pitfall for me is the lack of waterproof liner, which is more of a problem if you have little ones who are prone to accidents, or you like to have a glass (bottle) of wine in bed.
I have no little ones except an impeccably-trained labrador, so it wasn’t a huge concern for me – but it was good to know.
It’s machine-washable at 40 degrees and can go on a cool tumble, so it’s an easy protector to wash when you do your bedding.
Review by Aaron Dowler
Panda Mattress Protector
Bamboo Mattress Protector, from £30
Rating: 5/5
Pros: Waterproof layer
Cons: Elasticated skirt feels like it could tear
This might just be my favourite mattress protector ever.
Thanks to the bamboo-cotton nanotechnology, it manages to have a ‘barely-there’ feel whilst also having a waterproof layer which is unheard of in the world of mattress protectors.
Usually, I find there’s an almost plastic-y feeling and sound when a protector has a waterproof layer, but I didn’t even notice this was on the bed.
It fits snuggly and comfortably and wraps around the mattress (and topper if you have one) without any overhang, due to the 32cm depth and fully elasticated skirt.
If I had one bug-bear, it would be that the elasticated skirt feels kind of fragile and like it could tear if you got heavy-handed with it.
To mitigate risk, I recommend washing this separately from any garment with zips, clips or buttons.
It’s naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial which is great if you’re an allergy sufferer like me, and can’t sleep properly if there’s even a speck of dust about.
From a design standpoint, the slightly bevelled edges leave a great finish and ensure that bed sheets have a little more structure when on.
Review by Aaron Dowler
What is the point of a mattress protector?
A mattress protector essentially helps to keep your mattress clean and fresh – acting as a barrier against spills, sweat, body oils and other liquids that can penetrate the mattress.
As Theresa Schnorbach, a sleep scientist at Emma, explains: ‘Mattress protectors, similar to mattress toppers, can prolong the lifespan of your mattress.
‘They are usually made from impermeable or water-resistant materials.’
‘Emma’s mattress protector, for example, is 100% waterproof and spill-proof.
‘I’d recommend a mattress protector to those who want to prolong the lifespan of their mattress,’ she adds.
We’d add that if you’re thinking of making a new mattress purchase, now is the perfect time to buy a protector, as it means your mattress will be kept fresh from new.
If you need some help deciding on a mattress, check out our tried and tested roundups of the best mattresses and the best memory foam mattresses.
There’s also our shopping page for more product tips and recommendations.
What types of mattress protectors are available to buy?
Theresa says there are ‘a broad range of mattress protectors that can offer protection for different types of sleepers.’
For instance, ‘waterproof and anti-allergy protectors act like a shield and can help safeguard you and your mattress from physical damage.
She also notes: ‘While cooling protectors can help to stop you overheating at night, fleece or high pile mattress protectors offer comfort and warmth.
‘If it’s comfort that you’re looking for, you could also consider a mattress topper instead.
‘Like a protector, a topper can be easily removed and washed to help prolong your mattress’s life.
‘However, they usually do not offer the same level of waterproofing,’ she adds.
Is it worth buying an expensive mattress protector?
An expensive mattress protector can be worth it if you’re looking for extra perks like waterproofing, cooling features or plush padding.
If you spill your coffee in bed or have a pet who loves jumping up for a cuddle, the pricier ones offer better protection.
Plus, all importantly – they can be a lot comfier.
If you’re simply just trying to keep dust and sweat away though, a mid-range option will certainly do the trick.
Theresa says it’s best to ‘consider the comfort and any sleep concerns of the person you’re buying for: are you buying for a child who wets the bed, or are you looking to improve your sleep on an old mattress?
‘Let the needs of the sleeper guide what kind of mattress protector (and perhaps topper) you’re looking to purchase.’
The right fit is just as important too, as it will ‘prevent potential disturbances like the rustling of excess material or your protector pinging off under your sheet as you move in the night’.
What is the difference between a mattress protector and a mattress cover?
A mattress protector is like your mattress’s superhero cape: it shields it from spills, dust and allergens, keeping things fresh and clean.
A mattress cover, on the other hand, is more like a cosy outfit for your mattress.
It fits over the entire mattress (like a fitted sheet) and provides a layer of comfort and style.
While protectors focus on safeguarding your mattress, covers often add a bit of softness and can even change the feel of your bed.
So, in a nutshell: a protector is all about defence and a cover is all about extra comfort.
What material is best for a waterproof mattress protector?
The best material for a waterproof mattress protector is a waterproof material like polyurethane.
When combined with a soft and breathable top layer like cotton or bamboo, you’ve got a winning pairing – so it’s definitely worth checking the fabric composition of an item before buying.
Polyurethane creates an effective waterproof barrier while still being breathable.
In contrast, cheaper plastic materials can make the bed feel hot or noisy, so you’ll want to avoid those.
‘When made from the right material, mattress protectors can keep you fresh and cool throughout the night by providing another breathable layer on top of your mattress’, Theresa agrees.
‘This helps to regulate your body’s temperature, giving you a comfortable sleep all night long.’
What is the life expectancy of a mattress protector?
A good mattress protector can last anywhere from two to five years, depending on how well you treat it.
If you’re washing it regularly (but not too harshly) and it’s not battling daily coffee spills or pet accidents, it’ll stick around for a while.
Like any regularly used item, though, it will eventually show signs of wear – so you can expect some thinning, a little less waterproofing magic or small tears.
If it starts looking worn out or it’s not doing its job, it’s time to let it retire.
Keep it happy, and it’ll keep your mattress safe for years!
Will mattress protectors go on sale for Black Friday?
Absolutely!
Many retailers selling mattress protectors are known to join the Black Friday sales frenzy, so you can definitely snag a deal.
Big retailers love slashing prices on bedding – and mattress protectors are no exception.
Whether you’re eyeing a high-end waterproof protector or a simple comfy one, chances are you’ll find discounts.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times for upgrading your sleep setup without breaking the bank, so if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to grab a protector (or two!), get ready to pounce on the best deals.
Your mattress will thank you (and so will your wallet).
Want to find more savings on your online shopping? Then head to Sun Vouchers where you can get discounts and voucher codes from hundreds of top retailers including B&Q, Boots, Iceland, Lookfantastic, Dunelm, Adidas, Marks & Spencer and more.
Head to our shopping mattress hub for more deals, reviews and recommendations.