Mattresses are a big investment, not only financially but also in your quality of sleep. Your bed can get ruined easily from accidental spills, stains or sweat, which is why you need a waterproof mattress protector to keep your bed as good as new. The best waterproof mattress protectors provide a barrier for your mattress so liquids don’t seep through, even if it’s left overnight or longer, without disrupting your sleep.
The best waterproof mattress protectors maintain comfort while preventing stains, spills and other ... [+]
Not only should it protect your mattress, but a good mattress protector should feel comfortable to sleep on, be quiet and prevent overheating. If you’re looking for a mattress protector to shield your bed, we researched to find the best options on the market and tested a roundup of highly-rated options. Our top pick is the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector, but also included other top-favorite picks that accommodate individual needs.
- Best Waterproof Mattress Protector Overall: Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector
- Best Value/Affordable Waterproof Mattress Protector: Linenspa Premium Mattress Protector
- Best Cooling Waterproof Mattress Protector: Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector
- Best Waterproof Mattress Protector For Bedwetting: Tuft And Needle Mattress Protector
- Most Comfortable Waterproof Mattress Protector: Puffy Signature Mattress Protector
- Best Waterproof Mattress Protector For Toddlers: Naturpedic Organic Waterproof Kids Mattress Protector Pad
- Best Organic Mattress Protector: Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching, testing and reporting on mattresses and bedding. We sorted through dozens of waterproof mattress protectors—and have tried and tested many of them ourselves.
The author of this story, Jamie Ueda, has extensive experience testing bedding items such as mattresses, sheets, comforters and more—including mattress protectors. Jamie has spent years analyzing and writing about apparel and textile products for many trusted publications, including Good Housekeeping, CNN Underscored and USA Today’s Reviewed.
How We Chose The Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors
When choosing mattress protectors, first I looked at popular picks online and well-known brands. I also relied on my knowledge from testing dozens of mattress protectors previously as well as my industry background—which includes educational and professional experience in textiles. I’ve worked in product development and quality assurance at a home textiles company as well as Nike, and have degrees in apparel and textile design and mechanical engineering.
To narrow the list down, I chose brands that have high ratings and reviews or mattress protectors from brands that I’ve tried in the past and have proven reliable, consistent and high quality.
What to Consider When Shopping For A Waterproof Mattress Protector
Fabric
If a waterproof mattress protector has fabric, it’s generally used to help make it more comfortable with extra cushioning. Some can also allow heat and sweat to pass through so it doesn’t build up underneath, which helps prevent overheating. Most commonly, you see materials such as polyester, cotton, lyocell and rayon from bamboo used to make the fabric. These materials can help with breathability and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry.
Waterproof Materials
- Polyurethane. Most waterproof mattress protectors are waterproof due to a polyurethane coating. You may also see this written as “polyurethane membrane, "TPU” or some other variation of polyurethane. It’s often used because it can be applied as a thin coating to the fabric, and has the advantage of being breathable and quiet in addition to making it waterproof.
- Vinyl. Some waterproof mattress protectors are made with vinyl. These types are often much less expensive, but these have a downside. Due to vinyl trapping moisture and not being breathable, it often leads to sweating and overheating. It’s also prone to making much more noise than fabric protectors. It’s best to avoid vinyl types since they are not comfortable to sleep on.
Fitted Vs. Encasement Styles
When shopping for waterproof mattress protectors, you often come across fitted and encasement styles. Fitted waterproof mattress protectors resemble a fitted sheet whereas encasement mattress protectors cover the entire mattress, including the bottom, almost like a pillow case for your mattress that seals shut. If you’re buying a mattress protector for frequent spills, a fitted waterproof mattress protector is best since it’s easier to put on and take off. Encasement styles often involve moving the whole bed, so it’s much more difficult to take off and put on if you need to wash it.
Care And Maintenance
Most waterproof mattress protectors aren’t designed to last forever, so you want to take care of them properly to make them last as long as possible. Typically, mattress protector manufacturers recommend washing on cold and tumble drying low. Most waterproof mattress protectors can be washed multiple times but know that eventually the waterproofing could wear off. To help make it last, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Otherwise, it could lead to damaging the waterproof layer or other materials of the protector. It’s also not recommended to use bleach with these. Both heat and bleach are not recommended because they can ruin the waterproof backing.
Mattress Protector Vs. Mattress Pad
Mattress protectors and pads can both be designed to enhance comfort and offer some degree of protection for a mattress. Generally, mattress protectors serve the purpose of protecting your bed from liquids or sweat. These can be water-resistant or waterproof. They are usually thin so you can’t feel them underneath you while sleeping, or have a small amount of padding that typically won’t change the feel of the bed.
Mattress pads are for making a mattress more comfortable or changing the feel of it, such as from firm to soft or vice versa. These often consist of thick padding material two to three inches. They are made with memory foam, fiber fill and sometimes microcoils. These can significantly change the feel of a bed and are not waterproof or water-resistant.
What Is The Best Mattress Cover To Protect From Urine?
When choosing the best mattress protector for urine, you want to choose one that’s waterproof rather than water-resistant so liquid can’t leak through, no matter how long it’s left on. Consider choosing one that also has protection on the sides of the mattress, rather than just the top, in case liquids leak over the edge. Our favorite is the Tuft and Needle Mattress Protector, which has 5-sided protection.
What Is The Best Leak Proof Mattress Protector?
The best leak proof mattress protector is one that’s waterproof. Waterproof mattress protectors prevent liquids from reaching the bed, even if they’re left on for a long time. Water-resistant mattress protectors also help guard your bed against liquids, but if the liquid is left on for too long, it can potentially leak through the protector.
How Many Times Can You Wash A Waterproof Mattress Protector?
Most waterproof mattress protectors can be washed multiple times. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, otherwise it could lead to damaging the waterproof layer or other materials of the protector.
More Stories To Shop
