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Mattress Protectors Buyers Guide and Our Top Choices

Corey Majeau

It’s recommended by the National Sleep Foundation that adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and children need even more. Since your mattress is going to be used for at least 7 hours each night, why would you not want to keep it comfy, fresh and protected?

Without proper sleep, our minds and bodies don’t function at full capacity, which can be dangerous to our health, as well as to others. Every day, we do things like drive to work, counting on coffee or other stimulants to kick in and replace that rest we didn’t get, which can lead to major accidents and injuries. At work, we suffer from being tired and can’t be as productive or effective. All of this can be remedied if we have a proper sleep environment, something that can be created by removing anything that makes us uncomfortable or affects our ability to rest.

The best way to make sure that the mattress you spend so much time on stays in “like new” condition is to protect it with the best mattress cover you can find. These covers help to protect against moisture, mildew, sweat, accidental bedwetting, they can be hypoallergenic and aid in reducing symptoms of eczema, asthma and severe allergies, especially to dust mites.

If you want a mattress protector that’s going to last, be sure to do your research to find one with a good all-round rating, not just buy the cheapest one you can find. Let us help you decide which protector will be the best for your needs by providing you with mattress protector reviews for you to compare.

slumber-cloud-core-mattress-protector

1. Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector – Editor's Choice

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  • 100% waterproof covering
  • Polyester/Lycra
  • Brilliant Outlast technology, which helps you keep cool
  • Thick and very comfortable
  • 180 Days

2. SafeRest Mattress Protector

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  • 100% waterproof covering
  • Cotton Terry material for breathability and noiseless use
  • 10-year warranty
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Deep elastic sides
  • Affordable
  • 10 Years

3. LUCID Waterproof Mattress Protector

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  • 100% waterproof covering
  • Cotton Terry material for noiseless use
  • 15-year warranty
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Deep elastic sides
  • Affordable
  • 15 Years

4. Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector

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  • 100% waterproof
  • A soft cover very similar to a standard bedsheet
  • 10-year warranty
  • 10 Years

5. Luna Mattress Protectors

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  • 100% waterproof
  • Coming from a brand with an excellent reputation
  • Comes in a variety of sizes
  • 15 year warranty
  • Hypoallergenic
  • 15 Years

6. Bear Mattress Protector

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  • Material: HeiQ Adaptive Fabric
  • Shipping Weight: 5.0 lbs (Queen)
  • Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • 10 Years

7. Nest Mattress Protector

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  • Material: Cotton
  • Shipping Weight: N/A
  • Size: Twin XL, Queen, King, California King
  • 30-day trial

Our Picks for the Best Mattress Protectors

1. Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector – Editor's Choice

slumber-cloud-core-mattress-protector

Highlights

  • Material: Polyester/Lycra
  • Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Odor: None
  • Warranty: 180 Days
  • Shipping Weight: N/A

Pros

  • 100% Waterproof
  • Brilliant Outlast technology, which helps you keep cool during the night, preventing sweating and helping directly with the quality of sleep
  • Nice, thick and very comfy

Cons

  • A little pricey
  • Only fits a mattress 16 inches deep or thinner
  • Liquid takes a little while to soak in
  • Only fits a mattress 16 inches deep or thinner

Slumber Cloud sent us the Core mattress protector and it may not be the most cost effective solution to outfitting your mattress with a protective cover, but it’s by far the highest quality among those I’ve tested – and totally worth the added expense. It’s thicker and more comfortable than the average mattress protector, but it also incorporates Outlast technology, which really does keep you cooler during the night. It actually helped prevent sweating (I tested it during a hot summer) and aided in keeping me fast asleep.

Liquid spilled on the mattress cover did not soak in right away, but then, the cover is quite thick and still kept the juice in place (so there was no draining or penetration through to the mattress).

The material – lycra and polyester – makes the Slumber Cloud Core soft and thick, and I found it to be extremely comfortable. I would not recommend using it for a mattress thicker than 16 inches, but otherwise it’s a great fit and comes in a wide variety of sizes. My mattress with its topper is 14 inches thick, and it was snug enough not to have to worry about shifting and making noise. Yes, this is a noiseless product, too! Overall, I’d have to say I was extremely impressed with this mattress protector.

2. Runner Up – Saferest Mattress Protector

Highlights

  • Material: Cotton Terry
  • Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Odor: None
  • Warranty: 10 Years
  • Shipping Weight: 1.0 lbs (Queen)

Pros

  • 100% waterproof covering
  • Cotton Terry material for breathability and noiseless use
  • 10-year warranty
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Deep elastic sides
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Held in heat a little too much for my liking
  • Doesn’t fit the bed quite right

Perhaps the first thing I found exciting about the Saferest Premium Mattress Protector was the 10-year full replacement warranty, which let me know the company was confident enough in the product to ensure great performance. On top of that, I instantly found that the cotton terry material that topped the protector was comfortable and aided in keeping the waterproof layer beneath from crinkling and awakening you with noise during the night as you shift in your sleep. To make this even better, the cotton terry material is hypoallergenic.

To test the waterproof layer – since this is the essence of what a mattress protector should prevent from reaching your mattress – I poured a cup of liquid on the Saferest mattress protector. I noticed instantly that it didn’t seep into the cover but spread and remained atop the protector. I thought that it might run down the sides, but it seemed to pocket the liquid on top, holding it in a reasonably small area and waiting for me to clean it off. This remained the case after several hours.

Maybe the only thing that wasn’t top notch about the Saferest was that, though the cotton layer on top is breathable and allows for airflow, this particular product slept a little too hot. While this is typical of many mattress covers due to the waterproof layer, I’ve had better (and worse) experiences. The slight overheating is tolerable, and with the many other benefits, I can’t complain too much.

Other great things about this mattress protector include the range of sizes, lack of odor, and the material being lightweight. It’s machine washable, and you can tumble dry (always on a low heat setting, though).

If you sleep hot or have issues with night sweats due to a condition you suffer or a medication you take, this mattress protector is likely not for you. I wouldn’t recommend it, simply because it won’t assist you in keeping your sleep environment cool and dry, which is essential to a good night’s rest. For anyone else, the heat retention shouldn’t be a problem.

Read Our Full SafeRest Review

3. Best Hypoallergenic – LUCID Premium Hypoallergenic 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector

Highlights

  • Material: Cotton Terry
  • Size: Twin, Twin XL , Full, Full XL, Queen, King, Cal King, Crib
  • Odor: None
  • Warranty: 15 Years
  • Shipping Weight: 2 lbs (Queen)

Pros

  • 100% waterproof covering
  • Cotton Terry material for noiseless use
  • 15-year warranty
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Deep elastic sides
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Held in heat a little too much for my liking

Lucid is no stranger to the bedding material market, and that gave me a confident feeling when I received this mattress protector for testing. Even more exciting was the 15 year warranty they offer, since this is definitely above and beyond the norm for mattress protectors.

Most important for mattress covers is to prove their waterproof capabilities, so I always perform an 8 hour test, checking back periodically after spilling juice on the mattress protector (this helps to gauge retention of odor and stains, as well as liquid penetration). With this Lucid mattress protector, I found not a single damp spot on the towel I placed beneath the mattress cover, which was quite impressive.

Another great feature is that it’s completely hypoallergenic, which will help you rest easier whether you have allergies or not. The terry cotton material is comfortable for sleeping and negates the nasty crinkling sounds that come with plastic mattress protectors. If you aren’t completely satisfied, Lucid allows full returns within 120 days, and you can be sure they’ll back their 15 year warranty in full. Just be sure to take proper care of the mattress protector, laundering on medium heat (or cooler) and tumbling dry on low heat to avoid damage to the waterproof material.

Read Our Full Lucid Review

4. Best Premium – LINENSPA Premium Mattress Protector

Highlights

  • Material: Vinyl and Polyurethane
  • Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Odor: None
  • Warranty: 10 Years
  • Shipping Weight: 1.0 lbs (Queen)

Pros

  • 100% waterproof
  • A soft cover very similar to a standard bedsheet
  • 10-year warranty

Cons

  • Plastic-type feeling and noise when sleeping on it
  • Liquid pools on top rather than seeping in and away from body

If you invest in a good mattress protector, you’ll find that the technology doesn’t just keep liquids from seeping through to the mattress. It also incorporates a technology that pulls moisture away from your body. Perhaps this is one of two small complaints with the Linenspa premium mattress protector, which otherwise receives incredibly high ratings based on my trial. First of all, this product is very soft and thin, and it feels much like a standard bed sheet. However, it’s 100% waterproof, as proven by my typical spill test. It doesn’t retain odor from the spill, either, and though I didn’t let the juice continue to set after the 8 hour test, the color came right out when I washed the protector.

The thin cotton cover and the under-layer of polyurethane work well together to create a nice fit for your mattress, utilizing elastic siding to make sure you get a tight fit. In comparison to other protectors, the Linenspa is quite thin, but it’s still completely waterproof. The Linenspa mattress protector comes with a 10 year warranty to support you if you do find any issues. Overall, I feel that this protector is among the best currently on the market for its value.

Read Our Full Linenspa Review

5. Best Value – Luna Premium Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector

Highlights

  • Material: HeiQ adaptive fabric
  • Size:Twin, Twin XL, Full Queen, King, California King
  • Odor: None
  • Warranty: 15 Years
  • Shipping Weight: 5.0 lbs (Queen)

Pros

  • 100% waterproof
  • Coming from a brand with an excellent reputation
  • Comes in a variety of sizes
  • 15 year warranty
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons

  • Did have a bit of a plastic sound when I slept and moved around
  • Seemed to thin out a bit after washing

I’ve included the Luna premium hypoallergenic mattress protector among the ranks of the top products because it’s great value, comes in a number of sizes and has an excellent 15 year warranty that the manufacturer fully backs. When it comes to sleep products, Luna has a great reputation, and this mattress protector hits the mark to keep that reputation intact.

When it comes to protection, the Luna premium hypoallergenic mattress protector worked wonders, not only proving it was completely waterproof during my typical spill test but also showing the ability to draw in the moisture and move it away from the surface so that there was no concern that I would be sleeping in puddles of sweat during the night. One thing to keep in mind is that the solidity of its waterproofing does lead to a hotter sleep environment, though it’s a moderate change.

This particular mattress protector has a terry cotton top and a waterproof membrane underneath, and it is completely hypoallergenic, and it is textured for a great sleep. I found it very comfortable, with the exception of the slight plastic sound on occasion when I shifted. With the performance, there’s really not much to complain about, especially since the elastic corners made it fit my mattress with no slipping and shifting during the night.

Read Our Full Luna Review

6. Best Waterproof – Bear Mattress Protector

Highlights

  • Material: Polyester, Nylon, Thermoplastic Polyurethane
  • Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Odor: None
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Shipping Weight: 1.6lbs

Pros

  • Easy to wash
  • 10 year warranty
  • Soft top
  • Completely waterproof
  • Fitted sheet style

Cons

  • Does make a crinkly sound while being broken in
  • Sleeps hot

The Bear Mattress Protector is a high quality waterproof covering for your precious mattress. This guarantees that no water or moisture can get onto your bed. The protector is five-sided, breathable, and has a soft top that absorbs spills and moisture.

It has HeiQ fabric technology that helps to transport moisture and heat away from the body and protects from dust mites, bacteria and other nasty allergens. It has a 100% waterproof barrier that protects your bed from stains and liquid damage and comes with a generous 10 year warranty. It’s also created to work with Celliant technology and the Bear Mattress.

This cover may be best suited for those who have incontinence, pets, toddlers that frequently sleep in your bed, or if you sweat a lot in your sleep.

Read Our Full Bear Mattress Review

7. Best Cooling – Nest Mattress Protector

Highlights

  • Material: Cotton
  • Size: Twin XL, Queen, King, California King
  • Odor: None
  • Warranty: 30-day trial
  • Shipping Weight: N/A

Pros

  • 6 standard sizes
  • Waterproof
  • No added noise
  • Extra deep corners
  • 30-day trial
  • Financing available

Cons

  • Might be slippery

Mattress protectors weren’t always a must-have item, but only because they used to be so inconvenient. The Nest Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector has removed most of the negative issues that people have with mattress protectors. There won’t any loud crinkly noises when you move in bed. Plus, this mattress cover shouldn’t create or trap heat when you sleep on it. In fact, the material is actually cool to the touch.

Best of all, the Nest Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector does precisely what it’s meant to do: protect your mattress. The waterproof materials work well to keep your bed dry, free of stains, and it prevents odors from getting into the fabric of your mattress.

If you have a tall plush bed, you’ll appreciate the deep pockets of this mattress protector because you won’t struggle to get it on your bed. However, the pockets may be too deep, which could present an issue with slippage. If it does, you can add bed garters to help keep it in place.

Read Our Full Nest Bedding Review

Are Mattress Protectors Necessary?

Some may argue that mattress protectors are an unnecessary accessory for your bed. But the reality is, your mattress requires protection against more than the occasional crumb or spill. Think of a mattress protector as insurance. For example, when you make a major investment in something like a car or house, you protect that investment with insurance. While your mattress may not cost as much as a car – though some these days come close to carrying such a price tag – you still want to protect it, since it’s a serious investment. If you expect your mattress to last ten years or more, having a mattress protector is definitely the way to go.

With that said, this is why you need a mattress protector:

– Keeps the Mattress Clean

According to a study done by Ohio State University, 10% of the weight of a pillow that’s two-years old can be filled with dead dust mites and their droppings. A mattress may also have 100,000 to 10 million dust mites inside of it.

Personally, the idea of dust mites adding up to several pounds of my bedding disgusts me. You can’t launder a mattress, but you can certainly wash a mattress protector. If you cover your mattress with a protector, it can keep those dust mites away and keep it clean.

– Extends the Lifespan of Your Mattress

Any kind of moisture that hits your mattress shortens its comfort life by wearing down the foam. Without a protector, you will need to replace your mattress more often for that “like new” feel. Not to mention the fact that moisture and spills may void the warranty of the mattress. The majority of mattress covers today have a waterproof layer to keep sweat, urine, and other liquids from reaching your mattress. That adds up to a much cleaner, longer lasting mattress without stains.

– Allergy Relief

Allergies can certainly affect how you sleep. If you have a protector on your mattress that’s hypoallergenic, you may find yourself sleeping better and not suffering from the usual runny nose or itchy eyes. Even if your sleep isn’t interrupted by allergies, the discomfort allergens cause can lead to poor sleep quality, so you’re tired during the day and never quite catch up.

How Allergies Affect Sleep

Allergies are a nuisance and can drastically affect your sleep which may cause drowsiness, irritability, and other issues that can ruin your day. Studies have shown that people who suffer from allergic rhinitis from hay fever and other different allergies, have more of a rough time sleeping and are twice as likely to experience insomnia and other sleep disorders. Those who suffer from a dust mite allergy, pollen, pet dander, and other allergies may also have a hard time sleeping.

Dust Mites: The Silent Stalker

Dust mites are tiny, itty bitty, annoying pests that live, eat and sleep on and inside your mattress and pillows. They’re only around 0.4mm long and enjoy feasting on the flakes of your skin that you naturally shed. These things are so tiny, so you may be asking yourself how and why they can be so dangerous, but here is your answer.

As disgusting as this is going to make you feel, dust mites defecate in your bed and on your pillows. No, you can’t see it, but it’s there. Their poo, for lack of a better term, contains a very potent allergen called DerP1.  If you suffer from symptoms such as eczema or sinus problems that just won’t go away, this may be the first clue that you have a dust mite allergy, especially if your symptoms get worse when you’re in bed.

What To Look For in a Mattress Protector

Before you go out and buy the first protector you see, it’s essential and beneficial for you to know what to look for or what you’ll be using it for. If you’re looking for indoor use rather than outdoor use for camping, the features are going to be different. What exactly is it that you should be looking for? Let us give you a rundown of some of the things that you need to consider before buying one.

Everyday Use

If you’re looking for just a little bit of protection, a cotton cover will suffice. No, this won’t protect your mattress from spills or liquids, but it will protect your mattress from dirt and dander.

Liquids and Spills

If you sweat a lot or are looking to protect your child’s mattress from accidental bedwetting, you’re going to want something made from a waterproof fabric. The fabric will help to wick away moisture and stop spills and leaks from penetrating your mattress. Nobody wants to replace their mattress due to a small accident that just won’t go away, even after being scrubbed and power washed.

Hypoallergenic Properties

If you have allergies, you’ll want to look for something that will fully encase your mattress with anti-allergen features. The full encasement will also protect bed bugs with the bed bug barrier, nobody wants bed bugs, yuck.

Temperature Control and Cooling Properties

Mattress protectors made from latex and/or wool are best for regulating your sleeping temperature. A cotton protector by itself can be washed in the washer and is lightweight, but when you add in moisture-wicking and fabrics that regulate temperature, you may sleep more comfortably and cool. This is important for people who naturally sleep hot, as well as for anyone who has an underlying condition or takes medication that causes overheating and night sweats. Many of these mattress protectors also have moisture-wicking properties.

Comfort

If you want something just to add a touch of comfort while protecting your mattress, a quilted cover will work. These tend to be made from comfort-enhancing fabrics such as cotton or polyester.

Price

The more features a protector has, the more will it be priced. For instance, some protect against allergens and pests, whereas others don’t. Likewise, some keep the body temperature stable by having a cooling material, while others retain heat. An average mattress protector starts at around $20, and higher quality protectors with a range of features can go over $150.

Conclusion

After long and careful consideration, I have to say that the best overall is the Slumbercloud Core Mattress Protector. This mattress protector managed to outshine the others by a hair, with its added thickness that assists in creating a more comfortable sleep environment while also offering complete protection against moisture and allergens. It absorbed moisture and pulled it away from my body so I could continue to rest comfortably, and there was no irritating sound throughout the night. It even kept me cooler so there was less sweat to be absorbed and drawn away than usual. The slightly higher cost of this model over others is worth it to offer that peace of mind we all need to enjoy a restful, comfortable night’s sleep.