The Best Mattress Protectors For Memory Foam Mattresses
Purchasing a new memory foam mattress is a huge step for a lot of people because they’re expensive, and if anything happens to yours, the warranty won’t be valid anymore. You can’t stain it or rip it, and you have to be careful as to how big of an indentation you leave in it over time, depending on the fine print of the warranty. Owning a memory foam mattress is a commitment and a responsibility. It’s something to take seriously!
The best way to ensure that your mattress stays in tip-top shape is to invest in the best mattress protector for memory foam mattresses that you can find. These mattresses need protection; they can’t take care of themselves. They need the help that only you can provide. Thankfully, there are mattress protectors designed specifically for this purpose. The challenge is in figuring out which protector is right for your mattress.
That’s where we come in. Our experts at The Sleep Judge have tried them all. We know which ones will keep your precious memory foam mattress safe and which ones are as useless as a plastic knife with a steak dinner. Below, you’ll find a list of the finest mattress protectors available for memory foam mattresses, followed by a guide exploring what to look for in a mattress protector for memory foam. What more could you possibly want?
For non-memory foam specific options, check out our list of the best mattress protectors.
1. Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector – Editor's Choice
- 100% waterproof covering
- Polyester/Lycra
- Brilliant Outlast technology, which helps you keep cool
- Thick and very comfortable
- 180 Day Warranty
2. SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector
- Has the Invisa-Shield so not to change the feel of your mattress
- Contains no phthalates, vinyl, or PVC’s
- Noiseless
- Works well against large spills
- 10 Year Warranty
3. LinenSpa Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Truly waterproof
- Washable
- 10 Year Warranty
4. Sleep Tite Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Can absorb up to 1 liter of liquid
- Fits 22” deep mattress
- Keeps perspiration out of memory foam
- No noise with movement
- 15 Year Warranty
5. Luna Mattress Protector
- 100% waterproof
- Stays put with the elastic band
- Machine washable
- 15 Year Warranty
Table Of Contents
- The Best Memory Foam Mattress Protectors
- 1. SlumberCloud Core Mattress Protector
- 2. Runner Up – SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector
- 3. Best Hypoallergenic – Linenspa Premium Mattress Protector
- 4. Best Waterproof – Sleep Tite Hypoallergenic 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector
- 5. Customer’s Choice – Luna Mattress Protector
- What Makes A Good Mattress Protector For Memory Foam?
- – Waterproof
- – Heat Retention
- Keep The Bugs Out!
- No Dust Mites Allowed!
- Protector Materials
- Conclusion
- Recent Updates
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Best Memory Foam Mattress Protectors
1. SlumberCloud Core Mattress Protector – Editor's Choice
Highlights
- 60 Day Trial, 180 Day Warranty
- Hypoallergenic
- Temperature Regulating
- Machine washable
Pros
- 100% waterproof covering
- Polyester/Lycra
- Brilliant Outlast technology, which helps you keep cool
- Thick and very comfortable
Cons
- A little pricey
- Only fits a mattress 16 inches deep or thinner
I’m a fairly hot sleeper, as is my husband, so when we were searching for a new mattress protector for our memory foam mattress, I knew we needed something that was not only waterproof but also offered cooling features. The Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector is the best of both worlds so we gave it a shot!
Upon opening, I didn’t really notice much off-gassing, which is good because I’m super sensitive to strong chemical odors. The overall feel of it was very “plasticky” and I was worried I’d feel that when sleeping. But I have to say, once I got it on the bed and slept that first night, there was no plastic feel or sound. It also did a great job at wicking away most of the heat and moisture from both of us. I have to say, I’m impressed.
After a week of use, I decided to see how it’d fare in a wash cycle. I ran it through a gentle load and tumble dried. The top area didn’t shrink, but I did notice the pocket sides were a big more snug the second time around. It was fine, it still fit back on the mattress without issue, but if you have a very thick mattress double check that the measurements will work for you.
2. Runner Up – SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector
Highlights
- 10-year warranty
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine Washable
- Cotton & Terry Cloth
- Fits 18” deep
Pros
- Has the Invisa-Shield so not to change the feel of your mattress
- 10-year product warranty
- Contains no phthalates, vinyl, or PVC’s
- Noiseless
- Works well against large spills
- Fits well
Cons
- Complaints of faulty seams
- Doesn’t fully encase the mattress
If you’re looking for the ultimate in memory foam mattress protection, this just might be it. The SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof protector guards against perspiration, allergens, bacteria, dust mites, urine and any other fluids. It’s great for those with kids, pets, asthma, allergies, incontinence or eczema. Anyone concerned about allergies related to their mattress can (quite literally!) rest easy on this gorgeous protector.
The hypoallergenic cotton terry surface has a membrane back coating that’s waterproof, breathable and noiseless. I like these features because I’d be able to move around and not hear a crinkling sound beneath me, but still be completely protected. It also fits like a fitted sheet, so it won’t move around as you sleep.
After the purchase of this mattress protector, you’re backed by a 10-year full replacement warranty. You can also machine wash it with your sheets and normal detergents that don’t contain bleach, and throw it in the dryer on low heat. The only thing asked is that you don’t iron or dry clean it. That’s not asking for much, given all of its benefits.
3. Best Hypoallergenic – Linenspa Premium Mattress Protector
Highlights
- 10-year warranty
- Waterproof
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine washable
- Vinyl & Polyurethane
- Fits 18” deep
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Truly waterproof
- Washable
- Not noticeable when on the bed
- Great for potty training children
Cons
- Not as quiet as advertised
- Too thin for some sleepers
The Linenspa Premium Mattress Protector is equipped with an ultra-thin hypoallergenic fabric with a polyurethane backing that blocks dust mites and allergens. This backing is also vinyl-free, safe for pets and children to sleep on and will fit mattresses up to 18” deep.
This mattress protector has a 100% waterproof top surface that can repel all liquids including perspiration, urine, bodily fluids and accidental drink spills. The fully-elasticized fitted sheet-style ensures a secure fit, and the deep pockets help make it smooth on the mattress.
This protector is easy to care for and is wrinkle-free. You can wash it in the machine and dry it on low heat. Also, you’ll get a 10-year warranty with the purchase of your product. Not to mention, it’s super affordable. This is a highly attractive mattress protector for anyone seeking premium quality that won’t break the bank.
4. Best Waterproof – Sleep Tite Hypoallergenic 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector
Highlights
- 15-year warranty
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine Washable
- Cotton terry
- Fits 22” deep
Pros
- Can absorb up to 1 liter of liquid
- Fits 22” deep mattress
- Keeps perspiration out of memory foam
- No noise with movement
- Doesn’t change the feel of the bed
Cons
- Complaints of sweating
- Few complaints of leaks
The Sleep Tite mattress protector offers 100% waterproof protection against all fluids. The technology in this product allows air to pass through it while repelling, resulting in a breathable and comfortable sleeping environment. Most memory foam mattresses sleep hot, so there’s no need to worry about this product making it worse.
This mattress protector fits mattresses up to 22” and it has a hypoallergenic cotton terry surface. It’s noiseless and won’t change the way your bed feels. You can move around all you want without being disturbed by a plastic crinkle sound. It’s a gentle way of keeping your mattress safe.
The Sleep Tite is ideal for those who suffer from allergies, asthma and eczema. It’s also Vinyl, PVC and Phthalate free. The fitted sheet design is great for all-round protection and you’ll receive a 15-year warranty with your purchase.
5. Customer’s Choice – Luna Mattress Protector
Highlights
- 100% waterproof
- Stays put with the elastic band
- Machine washable
- 15 Year Warranty
Pros
- 100% waterproof
- Stays put with the elastic band
- Machine washable
- 15 Year Warranty
Cons
- Some reports of thinning out after a few washes
- May have a noisy plastic sound as you move around in bed
The Luna Premium Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector comes in a number of sizes, is a great value mattress protector and is backed by a generous 15 year warranty. Luna has a great reputation when it comes to sleep products, and this mattress protector is no exception.
When it comes to protection, it was completely waterproof during my spill test. This mattress protector also draws in moisture and moves it away from the surface – I had no fears that I’d be sleeping in sweaty moisture during the night. It’s important to keep in mind that its waterproofing capabilities does mean that your sleeping environment is on the warmer side, though this may not be too noticeable unless you’re a typically hot sleeper.
The Luna mattress protector is completely hypoallergenic, has a terry cotton top and a waterproof membrane underneath, giving you a comfortable sleep surface. Regarding performance, there’s not much to complain about, particularly given that the elastic corners fit my mattress perfectly without slipping off throughout the night.
What Makes A Good Mattress Protector For Memory Foam?
Before you purchase just any old mattress protector, it’s really important to understand what makes one reliable and long-lasting. You want to be able to keep out allergens, moisture, dirt and anything else that may compromise your mattress. The problem with memory foam is that it’s so easy to ruin if it’s not properly protected, even with a sheet on it. You need to take special care of these mattresses if you want them to last. Here’s what you should look for in a protector for your memory foam mattress.
– Waterproof
Memory foam is like a sponge. As soon as it gets wet, you may as well consider it ruined. Once water is inside of that foam, there’s a good possibility that mold could form inside of it, especially if there isn’t enough breathability between the bottom and the top of the mattress. This is where a waterproof mattress protector comes in handy. You need something to block out all spills to avoid any of these sorts of issues.
Many of the mattress protectors made are waterproof, which offers protection against bed wetting, pet urine, bodily fluids, spills and perspiration. A dense waterproof protector with a liner that’s also breathable is best for blocking moisture from reaching the memory foam.
– Heat Retention
Memory foam mattresses are known to trap heat. This is because as you sink into the foam, it hugs you and doesn’t allow as much air to breathe (like innerspring does). Bedding that can not only protect your mattress but keep you cool as well is a nice added bonus. It’s entirely possible to block this one major drawback of memory foam, so why wouldn’t you?
Keep The Bugs Out!
If you allow little critters to get inside of your mattress, chances are it won’t be replaced and your warranty will be voided. Bed bugs are nasty little critters that can infest your entire house, costing you thousands of dollars to have them removed with chemicals if you can’t seem to get rid of them naturally.
Zippered mattress encasements work best for protecting memory foam against these nasty bugs. They zip all the way around the bed and have a flap that goes over the zipper, just in case there’s the tiniest hole between the end of the seam and the zipper. This ensures that there’s no possibility of bugs getting in. These pads are usually made from a synthetic material that’s dense, such as polyester or polypropylene, which stops the bugs from being able to bite through it.
No Dust Mites Allowed!
Dust mites are almost as bad as bed bugs. They can cause a major stir in allergies and asthma, and can also exacerbate existing conditions. If you invest in a protector that offers dust mite protection, it usually has an antimicrobial treatment on it. This will keep the dust mites away and those with allergies or other medical conditions will benefit greatly from zippered protectors. If the protector has pores, the dust mites may still be able to get in. Make sure that’s not the case and keep all of those creepy critters out of your mattress!
Protector Materials
Contrary to what you may think, not all mattress protectors are going to have that strange crunchy sound or feel to them when you move around. Honestly, not a lot of them even sound like that anymore thanks to new materials and technology that are being used to manufacture them. Let’s check out some of the different materials that are used in protectors and what the pros and cons of each are.
Vinyl
Vinyl protectors are indeed the ones that often make the crinkle and crunching sound when you move around on them. These are best for those who have a bedwetting problem or who like to have their pets sleep with them.
With memory foam, if a pet’s claws dig into it, it could dig up some of the foam or put rips in it. If a pet urinates on the foam, the smell may never come out. A vinyl protector would be best in this situation. The important part about these is that they can be wiped down quickly and help prevent mold and mildew. Unfortunately, they do make noise, so you have to decide if that is worth the other undeniable benefits.
Polyester
Polyester protectors are great when it comes to waterproofing, especially if it’s a polyester-polypropylene blend. These are generally inexpensive and usually have a polyester shell with a fiberfill or polyester. They can either be fitted, elastic, zippered or strapped for your convenience.
Cotton
Cotton is ideal for sleepers who want a dense and firm feel. It’s hypoallergenic and perfect for guarding against dust mites and allergens. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a waterproof option, cotton may not be the best thing for you. This isn’t to say that you can’t get a waterproof cotton protector, you just have to make sure to research it thoroughly so it will protect your bed against moisture before you purchase it.
Conclusion
It can be tough finding the perfect product to protect your memory foam bed from the everyday wear and tear it goes through. You can’t predict if your dog is going to have an accident, or if you’re going to spill your wine while watching Netflix in bed. Your memory foam mattress will suck any liquid right up and forever smell, so you’ll have no choice but to replace it. This is why it’s important to get yourself the best mattress protector you can find, and we hope that our product recommendations above give you the variety you need to find the perfect one for you.
Recent Updates
July 20, 2021: A fifth product has been added to the roundup, the PlushDeluxe Premium Bamboo Mattress Protector due to popularity. Additional FAQs have been included to address common customer queries.
Jan 25, 2023: Updated Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector with personal review and testing and original images.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mattress protectors really work?
Buying a protector for your mattress (or a pad or topper) works to create a barrier between your sheets and mattress, preventing any liquids from seeping through and staining your bed. Mattress protectors also preserve your warranty in case you need to return your mattress for any reason.
Do you need a fitted sheet over your mattress protector?
Yes – you should make your bed as normal by covering your mattress protector with your fitted sheet, as it will give you a softer, smoother sleeping surface.
What’s the difference between a mattress protector and mattress pad?
A mattress protector is solely there to provide a barrier between your sheets and your mattress, while a mattress pad is typically thicker and provides more cushioned support.
Do mattress protectors prevent bed bugs?
Unfortunately, no mattress protector is 100% bed bug proof.
How often should you wash a mattress protector?
On average, it’s recommended to wash your mattress protector every two months.