Home » Misc » What are the best mattress covers

What are the best mattress covers


10 Best Mattress Protectors | The Strategist

10 Best Mattress Protectors | The Strategist

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Best in Class

Skip article list

Photo-Illustration: Courtesy of the retailer

If you spend any time relaxing in or working from your bed — or if you have pets or kids — you know that spills are inevitable. The point of a mattress protector is to keep your sleep space clean and stain-free. By providing a layer of waterproof, sometimes hypoallergenic fabric between you and your very expensive mattress, a mattress protector can help ensure that you never have to fall asleep on a weird, smelly wet spot and your mattress stays looking its best (and that its warranty remains intact). And for city dwellers, a secure mattress protector can keep bedbugs from getting to your mattress and help you detect a possible infestation before it becomes a bigger problem.

To find the best mattress protectors, we talked to six experts who specialize in bedbug removal, pest control, and sleep. If you know what type of mattress protector you’re searching for, use the links below to jump ahead, or read on to find out what to look for as you shop.

Best overall | Best less expensive | Best cooling | Best for bedbugs | Best encased | Best for kids | Best bamboo | Best wool | Best for cribs | Best organic

Fabric: Mattress protectors are generally made from cotton, polyester, vinyl, and (sometimes) bamboo blends. However, the experts we spoke to when reporting specifically on anti-bedbug mattress protectors suggested avoiding vinyl. “Vinyl covers aren’t breathable and rip very easily because they have no stretch,” says Matthew Moers, co-owner of EZ Pest Exterminating. Beyond that, the material you choose is mostly a personal preference. Polyester is stretchy and durable but can be noisy. Cotton is quieter and a little more breathable but slightly less durable than polyester. Bamboo blends are better for hot sleepers or those looking for more sustainably sourced materials.

Protective qualities: Similar to mattress toppers, your mattress protector can serve more than one purpose. You might need a waterproof protector to keep a child’s mattress dry while potty training, a hypoallergenic protector (which means that it is made of material that is unlikely to cause allergic reactions), or a bedbug-resistant protector that will fully encase your mattress instead of covering just the top of it. Some protectors can check off all those boxes, while others focus on one function more than others.

Mattress fit: It’s important to choose a protector that will fit your mattress tightly. A loose fit provides more opportunities for bugs, mites, and liquid to penetrate through to your mattress and it can make the protector noisier when you move around at night. If you’re looking for a cover that will protect your bed from bugs, Jeffery White, owner and CEO of White Mantis Consultants, says that choosing one with a quality and secure zipper closure is also essential. “If the teeth are too large, the bugs may be able to get through the zipper even when closed. Also, where the zipper end-stop is located, there should be some sort of design aspect that makes sure there isn’t a gap between where the zipper closes and the fabric itself,” White explains. Meanwhile, Kay McDonald, trainer and handler at Bed Bug Detection K-9s, says that bedbugs can take up residence in your box spring, if you have one, so it’s wise to consider purchasing a protector to fully encase that part of your bed as well. The best way to ensure a snug fit is to match the mattress protector with the height of your mattress. Below, we’ve noted the maximum depth that each mattress protector will fit.

Cleaning: By design, mattress protectors collect sweat, moisture, and a laundry list of other stuff that you don’t want on your actual mattress. This means they need to be washed regularly, just like your bedsheets. Most mattress protectors are machine washable for convenient cleanup, but some aren’t designed to be tumble dried. If you are using a cover as part of a bedbug-management plan, White says that you should leave it on your mattress for at least a year to ensure that the bugs are dead and the problem is resolved.

SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Vinyl Free Waterproof Mattress Protector - Queen

$38 now 8% off

$35

Cotton terry over polyurethane | Hypoallergenic and waterproof | Fitted-sheet style | Mattresses up to 18 inches deep | Machine washable and tumble dry

When we asked Timothy Wong, the technical director of New York City–based ecofriendly pest-management company M&M Pest Control, about bedbug mattress protectors, he pointed to SafeRest’s covers as the best. While he recommends the brand’s Premium Zippered Bedbug Proof Mattress Encasement to his clients, he notes that all of SafeRest’s covers are completely waterproof, hypoallergenic, and machine washable. Because this fitted-sheet style will be easier to put on and remove than an encasement-style protector, we’ve named it our top pick. Many reviewers note that the cotton fitted cover is impressively waterproof and noiseless.

$35 at Amazon

Buy

$35 at Amazon

Buy

Lucid Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector

$20

Cotton terry over polyurethane | Hypoallergenic and waterproof | Fitted-sheet style | Mattresses up to 22 inches deep | Machine washable and tumble dry

Amelia Jerden, a sleep coach and staff writer at Sleepopolis, says that the key to a noiseless topper is opting for “one that has a softer comfort layer on top, such as a thin padding of cotton,” and this affordable pick by Lucid fits the bill. The cotton terry surface is breathable and quiet, with reviewers praising the cover for being undetectable at night. It’s waterproof and hypoallergenic, and it has extra-deep pockets that provide a secure fit on mattresses up to 22 inches deep.

$20 at Amazon

Buy

$35 at J.C. Penney

Buy

Coop Home Goods Lulltra Waterproof Mattress Protector

From $38

60% polyester, 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon over polyurethane | Waterproof | Fitted-sheet style | Mattresses up to 18 inches deep | Machine washable and tumble dry on low

Made with the brand’s proprietary Lulltra fabric, this mattress protector from Coop Home (which also makes one of our favorite pillows) is most lauded for being breathable. The fabric is a blend of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon, the latter of which is known for being more cooling than other materials. Its polyurethane backing is fully waterproof, but the top player of fabric adds softness and helps prevent any crinkling sounds. The cover is also Oeko-Tex certified, which means it’s free of PVC and vinyl, and it fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep.

From $38 at Coop Home Goods

Buy

From $47 at Amazon

Buy

SafeRest Premium Zippered Bedbug Proof Mattress Encasement

$48 now 19% off

From $39

Cotton terry over a waterproof membrane | Bedbug protection, waterproof, and hypoallergenic | Full encasement | Available in a variety of depths, fitting mattresses up to 18 inches deep | Machine washable and tumble dry

This mattress encasement, which Wong recommends to his pest-control clients, is made from waterproof cotton and is breathable and washable but still provides exceptional protection. It has two layers — moisture-wicking cotton followed by an additional membrane barrier — to ensure your mattress stays dry. Wong especially likes the zipper, which is specially designed to prevent any holes or entry points to your mattress. For zippered, fully-encased covers, White says that the “zipper and zipper end-stop should have research demonstrating that it works at preventing bedbugs from getting in and out of the encasement. ” SafeRest’s bedbug mattress protectors are independently lab tested and certified to be bedbug-proof. This makes the encasement protective against both bedbugs and dust mites. It also happens to be Oeko-Tex certified, and unlike most other protectors, this one comes in a range of depths, from 6 to 9 inches on the low end to 15 to 18 on the high end.

From $39 at Amazon

Buy

From $39 at Amazon

Buy

Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement

$24 now 8% off

$22

Polyester knit over polyurethane | Waterproof | Full encasement | Mattresses up to 15 inches deep | Machine washable and tumble dry

If you prefer a zippered encasement to a fitted-sheet–style mattress protector, this one from Utopia bedding is made of stretchy knitted polyester and very thick and durable. It provides 360-degree coverage of your mattress, which helps keep out dust and bugs, and because it is lined with thermoplastic polyurethane on all sides, it is fully waterproof too. Since it’s made of polyester, it can be louder than cotton protectors, but reviewers note that for the quality, it’s a very affordable and durable protector. It fits mattresses up to 15 inches deep.

$22 at Amazon

Buy

Linenspa Zippered Mattress Encasement

$20 now 15% off

From $17

100% polyester over a waterproof layer | Waterproof | Full encasement | Mattresses up to 18 inches deep (for twin size) | Machine washable and tumble dry

NYC Bed Bug Inspections owner John H. Brickman often recommends Linenspa’s Zippered Mattress Encasement to his clients as an affordable cover to protect mattresses from dust mites and bedbugs. But it’s also a solid choice for kids’ mattresses because it is reliably waterproof. Many reviewers note they purchased the protector for their kids’ beds and it has kept the mattresses safe through all manner of accidents thanks to its waterproof backing on all sides. It’s not only affordably priced but comes with a 10-year warranty (as long as you follow the care instructions) should any problems occur before your kids outgrow it.

[Editor’s note: Since this mattress protector is the best for kids, we’ve linked to a twin-size protector, but it’s also available in sizes up to a California king.]

From $17 at Amazon

Buy

From $26 at The Home Depot

Buy

Nolah Bedding Bamboo Mattress Protector

From $99

Bamboo over polyurethane | Hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, cooling | Fitted-sheet style | Mattresses up to 15 inches deep | Machine washable and tumble dry

Made of soft, sustainably sourced, Oeko-Tex–certified bamboo material, Jerden recommends this mattress protector because it is “naturally cooling, antibacterial, and moisture wicking.” Made to be noiseless, the protector has a thin layer of durable polyurethane underneath to prevent spills, sweat, and moisture from touching your mattress. It is also machine washable and dryer safe.

From $99 at Nolah Mattress

Buy

Woolroom Chatsworth Wool Mattress Protector Pad

$260 now 37% off

$165

Wool interior and cotton shell | Hypoallergenic and moisture wicking | Fitted-sheet style | Mattresses up to 18 inches deep | Machine washable and hang to dry

Wool is both naturally hypoallergenic and moisture wicking, which can help you stay cool while you sleep. Unlike the other hypoallergenic protectors on our list, this one is not waterproof, but it can still help prevent smaller spills and accidents from seeping into a mattress. I added this mattress protector to my bed (along with the brand’s light comforter) to help safeguard my new mattress while adding a light layer of softness, and noticed that my medium-firm mattress had an extra dash of fluff and comfort without cranking up the heat. My partner noted that it helped our bed feel like “the perfect summer sleep setup. ” While wool has a reputation for being difficult to clean, this topper is conveniently machine washable on a delicate cycle — though you do have to hang it up to dry.

$165 at Amazon

Buy

$165 at Amazon

Buy

American Baby Company Waterproof Mattress Protector

From $17

$18 now 6% off

From $17

100% polyester | Waterproof | Fitted-sheet style | Mattresses up to 6 inches deep | Machine washable and tumble dry

Designed to keep diaper explosions, bottle spills, and general moisture away from your baby’s crib mattress, this budget-friendly, no-frills mattress protector is waterproof and machine washable. The deep corner pockets ensure that the protector won’t slide off the mattress. Many reviewers note that it’s durable and quiet, works well, and is easy to clean, which are all essential for babies.

From $17 at Amazon

Buy

From $17 at Walmart

Buy

Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector

From $159

From $159

100% organic cotton over polyurethane | Waterproof | Fitted-sheet style | Available in six sizes, fitting mattresses up to 22 inches deep | Machine washable and tumble dry

One of the main benefits of buying organic bedding is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your bed is free of potentially reaction-causing additives. Made of two layers of naturally hypoallergenic organic cotton wrapped around an extra-thin layer of polyurethane (which makes up just 5 percent of the protector), the Avocado mattress protector is soft, quiet, and waterproof. Although organic cotton is a good choice of material for anyone managing allergies, this is not a fully encased cover, so it doesn’t act as a total barrier for keeping allergens out. The protector is available in two depths, 16 inches or 22 inches, and can be machine-washed and tumble dried on low.

[Editor’s note: This mattress protector is currently out of stock, but Avocado expects it to be back in stock in mid-October.]

From $159 at Avocado Mattress

Buy

A bamboo mattress protector that encourages thermoregulation

From $45

An anti-bedbug encasement to protect your box spring, too

From $20

Buy at Amazon

A pillow cover that protects against bedbugs and allergens

$13

$26 now 50% off

• John H. Brickman, owner of NYC Bed Bug Inspections
• Amelia Jerden, a sleep coach and staff writer at Sleepopolis
• Kay McDonald, trainer and handler at Bed Bug Detection K-9s
• Matthew Moers, co-owner of EZ Pest Exterminating
• Jeffery White, owner and CEO of White Mantis Consultants
• Timothy Wong, technical director of M&M Pest Control

get the strategist newsletter

Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

The 10 Very Best Mattress Protectors

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Today's Top Clicked

Mondor Footed Figure Skating Tights 3310

From $11

Buy at Amazon

Hobonichi Techo Planner

Buy at Amazon

Hoka One One Ora Recovery Slide 2

$40

$40 $55 27% off

Buy at Nordstrom

Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater

Buy at The Home Depot

Ghia

$30

$30 $38 20% off

Buy at Ghia

The Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors and Pads

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

  1. Sleep
  2. Sheets & Bedding
Photo: Michael Hession

Early Black Friday Deals

FYI

Our upgrade pick—The Company Store’s Waterproof Cotton Mattress Pad—has been discontinued, and we’ve removed it from this guide. All of the remaining picks are still available, and we stand by them. If you want a luxe waterproof pad, we think The Company Store’s Legends Hotel Waterproof Mattress Pad is a direct replacement for our former upgrade pick. We’ll test one soon to confirm its quality.

If you want to shield a mattress from spills, potty training accidents, or pet messes, we recommend the SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector. After 240 hours researching and testing 14 protectors, we found the SafeRest did the best job at keeping our mattress dry, while also feeling comfortable to sleep on. And after multiple washes, it retained its waterproofing better than almost any other protector we tried.

Our pick

SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector

This inexpensive fitted mattress protector is one of the few that stayed fully waterproof through our tests. It’s comfortable to sleep on and inexpensive.

The SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector is one of the few protectors we tested that never failed, staying completely waterproof through 10 cycles of washing and drying and two leak tests. It’s affordable and highly recommended in user reviews (and from our staffers who’ve owned it). We think it’s great for a child’s bed, and we recommend having at least two on hand to swap out if needed. The cotton/polyester terry top is a little noisy and it’s scratchier than pricier quilted protectors, but we don’t think that’s a big deal because it goes underneath the sheets, not against the skin. The SafeRest comes in twin to California king sizes.

Advertisement

Also great

Priva Ultra Plus Sheet Protector

If you want something that’s easier to put on and take off the bed, the Priva Ultra Plus outperformed other mattress pads we tested.

Buying Options

$18* from Amazon

*At the time of publishing, the price was $20.

Although fitted protectors are better at staying put on the bed, waterproof pads are easier to add or remove and simpler to wash because they’re smaller. Of the three we looked at, the Priva Ultra Plus Sheet Protector is the only pad that aced our leak tests. Available in three sizes (none as big as a twin mattress), it’s a great option if you need concentrated leak protection for one side of the bed. The Priva is backed with vinyl, and though the manufacturer says the vinyl is phthalate-free, we were unable to get independent, third-party verification of this at the time of this writing. For children and pregnant women, we recommend the polyurethane Linenspa protector.

Also great

Linenspa Waterproof Sheet Protector

We like this travel-friendly, easy-to-change mattress pad for kids because it’s made with safer polyurethane instead of vinyl.

Though it’s not as effective at fending off leaks for as long as the Priva pad, the Linenspa Waterproof Sheet Protector is backed with polyurethane, which doesn’t pose the potential developmental health risks that vinyl does, so we think it’s a better bet for kids and pregnant women. It stayed waterproof through some of our testing, but will need to be replaced more frequently than the Priva (probably at least once during a child’s potty training years). The Linenspa is comfy to sleep on, comes in three sizes, and is convenient to have on hand for intense, short-term needs, like potty training, sick days with kids, or travel.

Everything we recommend

Our pick

SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector

This inexpensive fitted mattress protector is one of the few that stayed fully waterproof through our tests. It’s comfortable to sleep on and inexpensive.

Also great

Priva Ultra Plus Sheet Protector

If you want something that’s easier to put on and take off the bed, the Priva Ultra Plus outperformed other mattress pads we tested.

Buying Options

$18* from Amazon

*At the time of publishing, the price was $20.

Also great

Linenspa Waterproof Sheet Protector

We like this travel-friendly, easy-to-change mattress pad for kids because it’s made with safer polyurethane instead of vinyl.

The research

Why you should trust us

I spoke to Jamie Glowacki—potty training educator and author of Oh Crap! Potty Training—about protecting a mattress during potty training. Our health writer Shannon Palus spoke to Lakelyn Hogan, a gerontologist and caregiver advocate for Home Instead Senior Care, about what to consider when caring for elderly relatives. Harrison King, VP of engineering and quality at manufacturer American Textile Company, told us why waterproof protectors sometimes fail. I also looked at hundreds of user reviews and talked to Wirecutter staffers about their concerns for protecting a mattress against people- and pet-related spills and leaks.

I’ve written many guides for Wirecutter, including reviews of sheets, robes, towels, and blankets. I’ve also been through tough potty training as a mom, and have had several waterproof mattress protectors fail. It’s frustrating and expensive, so I researched and tested these protectors for what I wish I’d had (and known) when we were going through it.

Who should get this

If you want to prevent leaks or spills from ruining your mattress, you probably need a mattress protector—a waterproof pad or fitted sheet that goes on top of your mattress. A protector is not only helpful when you’re potty training kids, it can also defend your mattress against spilled beverages, sweat, adult incontinence, pet accidents, and other bodily fluids. If you want to protect yourself from bedbug infestations and dust mite allergies you should instead consider a mattress encasement (which seals the mattress inside).

How we picked and tested

Photo: Michael Hession

We spoke to experts, read user reviews and parenting blogs, and talked to our staff to find out what the most important features are in a mattress protector. We checked Amazon’s top sellers, took recommendations from our staff, researched offerings from bedding companies whose products we’ve tested in the past, and looked at protectors in stores, compiling a list of 36 products.

Our research helped us to determine the following criteria that make a great mattress protector:

Durable protection: A protector should stop leaks from reaching your mattress. Surprisingly, we found many user reviews complaining about protectors failing to do this, even out of the package. They also have a limited life span. If you wash and dry one enough times, the waterproofing will fail. According to King, one reason for this is the breakdown of the adhesive that attaches the polyurethane—the waterproof material used in many protectors—to the fabric top. “Different adhesives have varying levels of durability,” he said, “and some degrade more quickly.” Frequent washing, and drying on high heat, can accelerate that degradation. “Leading retailers require independent testing that proves effectiveness after multiple (5+) launderings,” King said. You could easily blow through five washes in a month potty training a toddler. King also noted that thinner, less effective laminates are sometimes used because they’re less stiff and make less noise. We looked for protectors with the most positive reviews, and we used staff feedback for our test picks wherever possible.

Safe materials: In our research we noted many concerns from parents about vinyl protectors, although one manufacturer told us its vinyl protectors are more waterproof than its polyurethane options. There is evidence that phthalates (added to some plastics, including PVC vinyl) can cause health problems in pregnant women and children, and several phthalates are restricted from use in products aimed at kids. Wherever possible we looked at materials like polyurethane and natural fibers first, and then also considered vinyl if it was phthalate-free.

Mattress protectors have a limited life span. If you wash and dry one enough times, the waterproofing will fail.

Fitted and pad protectors: We focused on fitted and pad protectors because they received the highest user reviews. Fitted protectors look like a fitted sheet with a waterproof top and stretchy jersey sides. They provide good protection, and don’t shift on the bed. Pads are smaller and don’t attach to the bed (and thus can shift more). They’re better for targeted spills, potty training, and bed sharing because you can swap them in and out more easily. We passed on pads with elastic straps at the corners, like the toddler-bed-size ones at IKEA, because they didn’t get great reviews. We also looked at mattress encasements, which go around the entire mattress, but they’re generally better for protecting against bedbugs or dust mites.

Comfortable: Because these protectors are a barrier between your sheets and your mattress, we wanted to make sure they felt good to sleep on. No overheating, no bunching, no sliding around on the bed. We paid attention to complaints of discomfort in user reviews.

A wide range of sizes: A mattress protector is helpful for any size bed, so we looked for models that come in a range of sizes, including crib and California king.

Affordable price: It’s handy to own more than one protector for a bed, so you can swap out a clean one at any hour without needing to do laundry right away. We focused on protectors that were affordable enough (less than $50 for a queen) to buy multiples. We considered more expensive protectors if user reviews indicated they perform well and offer extra comfort to be worth the additional investment.

Based on this criteria, we brought in 14 protectors to test. We measured each, then washed and dried them five times, following the care instructions on each label. Next we measured them again and calculated any shrinkage, and we laid them out for our first leak test.

For the leak tests, we placed a thick layer of paper towels under a specific spot in each protector and then poured 2 cups of water with food coloring on that spot. We weighted the wet section down with a 1-pound bag of beans and left the protectors alone for an hour to see if any liquid would soak through. Then we removed the paper towels and noted any moisture that had leaked through. We also felt the backs of the protectors for wetness.

Only the protectors that were bone dry after this first test moved on, and the list narrowed from 14 protectors to six. We washed and dried them all five more times and repeated the liquid tests, but we left them soaking for two hours this time. After the second leak test, three protectors were left completely dry.

We then slept a night each on those three protectors to assess how comfortable they were to use.

Our pick: SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector

Photo: Michael Hession
Our pick

SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector

This inexpensive fitted mattress protector is one of the few that stayed fully waterproof through our tests. It’s comfortable to sleep on and inexpensive.

The SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector was one of only three protectors we tested that stayed waterproof through all our testing. Its thin, soft material makes it more comfortable to sleep on than most of the protectors we considered, and it doesn’t bunch like our pad picks. The SafeRest is easier to wash than our upgrade pick, and it dries faster than any of our other picks. Like most of the protectors we considered, it comes in a wide range of sizes (including twin XL and California king), and it’s more affordable than other protectors we tested that didn’t perform as well in our tests.

All the fitted mattress protectors we found are designed to keep only the top of your mattress dry.

The SafeRest is the thinnest of all our picks, but in our testing it was one of only three whose waterproofing held completely after 10 cycles of machine washing warm and drying on low, leaving the back of the protector and the layer of paper towels underneath completely dry. The top is constructed of a cotton/polyester-blend terry with polyurethane laminated backing.

We liked that the SafeRest didn’t add extra weight or bulk under the sheets, like many pads and quilted protectors do, and that it can be stretched virtually as smooth and taut as the sheets on the bed. The terry texture doesn’t show through sheets either. We didn’t notice it through the night, and it didn’t make us overheat.

In testing we preferred protectors with a terry top to those with a jersey or thick quilted cotton top because the liquid soaked in much faster and didn’t pool at the surface. Photo: Michael Hession

The SafeRest feels more like a sheet than the thicker, stiffer protectors we tried. This made it easier to wash than the more expensive protectors in our test group. Even the king size we tested fits in the machine with other wash, while higher-end protectors, made with quilted layers of material, must be machine washed alone. The stains from our leak tests came out easily in the wash (our upgrade pick took a few tries), and this protector dried quickly.

The SafeRest fits true to size on a king bed. It also shrank the least of our picks (only about 0.5 percent on average, compared with 2.6 percent for The Company Store’s quilted protector and 1.2 percent for the Priva pad). The SafeRest is intended for use on mattresses up to 14 inches deep, and we tested it on a 10-inch foam mattress but didn’t notice much excess fabric along the sides when making the bed.

Like most of the mattress protectors we considered, the SafeRest could fail over time. We’ll long-term test it to see how long the waterproofing lasts. This protector also comes with a 10-year warranty. A few of our staffers have used and recommend the SafeRest, and online reviewers note that it can survive lots of urine, is breathable, and fits mattress depths of 12 to 14 inches. Some write that it has lasted well over a year, even with weekly washing. For the price (about a quarter of the cost of our upgrade pick for queen size) we think the SafeRest is an all-around great value.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

We noticed that this protector seems to have a lot of fake reviews on Amazon, and for the twin and full sizes it has a C rating on Fakespot (the reviews for the queen and king sizes get a B rating). Because some of our staff have used this protector successfully, we decided to include it in testing. As with most of the waterproof protectors we considered, there are reviews noting it failed to protect the mattress from leaks and spills. Verified negative reviews noted that it’s not breathable, and that it’s noisy to sleep on. It is thin and thus tends to move and rustle more than our other picks, but it didn’t bother us while we slept.

Also great: Priva Ultra Plus Sheet Protector

Photo: Michael Hession
Also great

Priva Ultra Plus Sheet Protector

If you want something that’s easier to put on and take off the bed, the Priva Ultra Plus outperformed other mattress pads we tested.

Buying Options

$18* from Amazon

*At the time of publishing, the price was $20.

The Priva Ultra Plus Sheet Protector is easier to use than our main pick for quick bed changes because it’s a pad and not a fitted protector. You can place it under the sheets, or use it on top of the fitted sheet, precluding the need to strip the bed if it gets soiled. But it won’t protect your entire bed, like our main pick, and it’s more likely to bunch up than a fitted pad. We also don’t recommend this pad for kids or pregnant women, because of the vinyl backing.

We tested three pads, and the Priva was the only one that retained its waterproof ability through all of our tests. It’s softer than our top pick, with a thicker, quilted surface, and it’s almost as easy to launder—it took a little longer to dry than the SafeRest—because of its smaller size. It’s also nice if you sleep with a partner and need extra protection on only one side of the bed, rather than the full-bed protection of our top and upgrade picks.

The Priva’s top is a cotton/polyester blend, and it’s soft and cool to sleep on (although none of our picks overheated us at night). Its thin layer of polyester fill makes it softer and less flimsy than some of the fitted protectors we tried.

The Priva protector pad has a quilted cotton/polyester top backed by vinyl. Photo: Michael Hession

The Priva was comfortable to sleep on, but it did bunch a little in the night. Not so much that it moved away from the body, making the mattress vulnerable, but just enough that we woke up with a slight lump under our back. (This was also an issue with the Linenspa pad.) The Priva comes in three sizes: 18 by 22 inches, 24 by 34 inches, and 34 by 52 inches. We tested the largest size, which provides sufficient coverage under an adult body.

We haven’t tested Priva’s claim that this pad can survive 300 washes and hold up to 8 cups of liquid, but we do think it can handle the output from an average adult bladder (about 2 cups), and after 10 washes it showed no sign of leaking—which was better than the other pads we tried. We like that it’s portable, easy to wash, and less wasteful than disposable pads. Fiberlinks, the manufacturer of Priva, told us that no phthalates are used in the production of the vinyl for this pad, but because we couldn’t verify current third-party testing to confirm that at the time of this writing we recommend the Linenspa Waterproof Sheet Protector for kids and pregnant women.

Also great: Linenspa Waterproof Sheet Protector

Photo: Michael Hession
Also great

Linenspa Waterproof Sheet Protector

We like this travel-friendly, easy-to-change mattress pad for kids because it’s made with safer polyurethane instead of vinyl.

The Linenspa Waterproof Sheet Protector did not perform as well as the Priva pad in our tests, but we think it’s a safer option for kids and pregnant women because it’s backed with polyurethane. It also costs a little less. The Linenspa protector remained completely dry after our first leak tests, but after our second leak test the protector’s back and the paper towels underneath felt ever-so-slightly damp. It didn’t fail completely, but we don’t think it will last as long as the Priva. Some online reviewers note that the protector has worked for six months with daily laundering, and for more than a year with weekly washing. It’s inexpensive to replace, and we like a pad protector for kids because you can change it without removing all their bedding. It’s also convenient for travel, and it’s great for sick days when you want to protect a couch or a bed.

The Linenspa also comes in three sizes: 34 by 36 inches, 34 by 52 inches (the size we tested), and 44 by 52 inches. If you’re an adult looking for a mattress pad and want something roomier than the Priva, the Linenspa’s largest size may be a good option. We think that extra coverage works for a crib, toddler, or twin bed, especially if your kids tend to travel the mattress at night.

The polyurethane-backed Linenspa is softer than our main pick and vinyl pad pick but makes more noise when you rub it with your hands. Photo: Michael Hession

The Linenspa’s soft top is a cotton/polyester blend with a layer of synthetic fill. It was very comfortable to sleep on, but like the Priva it can bunch at night. Both pads we recommend shift around more than our fitted-sheet-style picks. The Linenspa is softer than the Priva and the SafeRest, and on the bed we didn’t hear any rustling at all, so we don’t think it will interfere with sleep. The Linenspa does not come with a warranty.

Care and maintenance

Following the care instructions on your mattress protector’s label is key to prolonging its life and preventing the waterproof backing from failing. For our top-pick protector, the SafeRest, the label says to wash it on warm (95 degrees Fahrenheit) or hot (200 ºF), but it can be sanitized up to 212 ºF. We recommend washing it that hot only if you actually need to sanitize it, not for everyday use and wear. The instructions for every protector we tested said to tumble dry on low, and we read several user reviews from people who prefer to air dry it to help it last longer.

Mattress protectors don’t need to be washed as frequently as sheets, especially if you put them under your sheets. Harrison King, of American Textile Company, told us that if you don’t have leaks or spills on your bed, you need to wash a protector only three to four times a year.

The competition

Fitted protectors

The Weekender Hotel-Grade 5-sided Mattress Protector has a smooth, T-shirt-like jersey surface instead of the terry used for several protectors we considered, and among fitted protectors, it came in third after our main and upgrade picks, leaving the paper towels underneath just slightly damp after our leak tests.

The Luna Premium Mattress Protector was completely dry on the back after our first leak test, but on the second, the waterproofing failed and soaked the paper towels underneath.

Malouf’s Sleep Tite Prime Mattress Protector was a staff recommendation. In the first leak test it failed in one spot, leaving a small (about 1 inch in diameter) wet spot on the paper towel barrier underneath.

The Casper Mattress Protector shrunk significantly—just over 10 percent, more than any other model we tested—after washing and drying, which could make fit an issue. Also, in our first leak test it left the paper towel barrier damp.

The Weekender Jersey Mattress Protector stretched out in the wash, enough that it would fit poorly on a mattress, and it was also damp (but not soaking) after our first leak test.

NaturePedic’s Organic Waterproof Fitted Protector Pad is made without any vinyl or polyurethane, the most common waterproof materials we found. After our first leak test the bottom felt wet and the paper towels were damp.

Our former upgrade pick, The Company Store’s Waterproof Mattress Pad, is now discontinued.

Encasements

The Allearease Zippered Mattress Protector is the only encasement we tested for this guide, and it left a 6-inch wet spot on the paper towels during the first leak test.

Sources

  1. Jamie Glowacki, potty training educator and author of Oh Crap! Potty Training, phone interview, March 13, 2018

  2. Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care, interview

  3. Harrison King, VP of engineering and quality at American Textile Company, email interview, March 26, 2018

About your guide

Jackie Reeve

Jackie Reeve is a senior staff writer covering bedding, organization, and home goods at Wirecutter since 2015. Previously she was a school librarian, and she’s been a quilter for about 15 years. Her quilt patterns and her other written work have appeared in various publications. She moderates Wirecutter’s staff book club and makes her bed every morning.

Further reading

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time).

Dismiss

Tips for choosing a mattress pad for a sofa and a bed, find out how to choose a quality mattress pad

Sleeping comfort is not a luxury, but a necessity. Only sound and healthy sleep allows the body to relax and recharge with energy for the whole day. A comfortable mattress for the bed, a warm blanket and a cozy pillow are the traditional “formula” for perfect sleep. Increasingly, this trio today is complemented by a mattress topper. Why is it needed? What kind of mattress covers are there? Which is better to choose? We will try to answer these questions in this article.

What are mattress protectors for?

In stores you can find models for a bed and a sofa, and in assortment, which allows you to choose the appropriate option depending on the required functions.

Lovers of breakfast in bed simply need moisture-resistant models. Spilled coffee can seriously harm a sleeping place: you have to dry it, wash out stains. The top layer can be immediately removed and thrown into the wash.

The main function of a mattress topper for a sofa is obvious - to hide surface irregularities. In addition, it will add comfort to the bed. The use of mattress covers for sofas is relevant when unfolding. However, such models are also suitable for double beds with single mattresses of different hardness. They allow you to make the joint almost invisible.

These are not all possible uses for these products. They will also help:

Models differ in composition, price, and properties. You choose.

Types of mattress covers

What should be the mattress cover? In such a variety, it is really difficult to navigate. Toppers (another name for these products) can be either single-layer or multi-layer; both thin and tall; both soft and hard. And according to the functions they distinguish:

Protective options are usually thin and single-layered. They usually contain a water-repellent material, such as latex. Leveling models can consist of one or more layers. They are denser, because their task is to level the surface. Corrective models are the most dense and high, thanks to which they allow you to change the degree of rigidity of the mattress itself. At the same time, mattress covers for a sofa do not stand out in a separate group.

What else is important to know when choosing? An important role is played by the size of beds and sofas: the product must exactly match the dimensions, since it is attached to elastic bands. Do not focus only on standards, it is better to measure the parameters of your own furniture before buying.

What are mattress toppers made from?

The filler and material of the mattress cover determine its functionality. The surface of the product is in direct contact with the body, so it is better if it is made of natural and pleasant to the touch fabrics. The ideal option is cotton or knitwear. They are easy to wash in case of contamination, they are light and do not electrify. The choice of filler is just as important as the material of the cover.

The choice of filler primarily depends on the desired effect. Different types of foam are used for compaction, latex for softening, and coconut coir for stiffening. In addition, some manufacturers create models based on bamboo, wool and fluff, but such materials are not suitable for protecting the mattress, because they themselves are quite expensive and at the same time sensitive to external influences.

Those who, for health reasons, are advised to sleep on a flat and hard surface, should give preference to coconut models. Their thickness varies. Most often, the material is combined with latex, which holds the coconut fibers together - this is the best solution for those who like to sleep on their backs. It is important to note that this is a static model, which, when collapsed, loses its properties and deteriorates, so you should handle it carefully.

The protective properties of coconut are not as pronounced as the corrective ones. In the case of natural latex, we can talk about a balanced effect. If you are faced with the task of choosing a material to protect a baby mattress, then pay attention to this particular filling, since it is hypoallergenic and does not allow moisture to pass through.

From synthetic fillers it is better to choose foam. Of course, it will not make the bed as hard as coconut coir, but it still has a corrective effect. It comes in different densities. In addition, there are specific options, for example, with carbon impregnation, which neutralizes harmful allergens.


How to choose a mattress pad correctly?

Of course, the size and thickness of the product matter. However, the priority when choosing should be fillers and materials for mattress toppers. If your bed consists of two single mattresses, it is better to give preference to high-density foam options, and an overly soft bed can be adjusted using coconut models.


In terms of storage and transportation, foam is more unpretentious than other materials. It does not deform when twisted and recovers quickly. It is better not to do this with latex and coconut. Thus, to the question “which mattress topper is better?” There is no universal answer. Choose the option based on your goals. Sleep should be fun! This means that you should “conjure” above the bed, arranging a comfortable sleeping place for yourself, which will give you a truly healthy restful sleep.

Author: Dmitry Shipilov

Publication date: December 16, 2019

Views: 9264

Why do we need mattress covers

Mattress covers protect the mattress from dust and dirt, moisture and static electricity. Depending on the materials, the product performs different functions. The main property is effective air exchange, which models with a three-layer coating do an excellent job of.

Mattress covers are classified according to the degree of rigidity, which is:

Low is the best choice for firm mattresses. With the help of the cover, you can make the bed softer and more comfortable for rest.

Medium is an excellent choice for correcting uneven mattresses. A harmonious combination of hard and soft fillers provides additional comfort.

High - used to increase the rigidity of too soft mattresses, align the bed well.