Best Waterproof Mattress Protector: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

A high-quality mattress is an investment. It makes sense you’d want to get as many years of use out of it as possible.

A waterproof mattress protector can extend the life of your mattress and give you peace of mind whether it’s a new mattress or an older one. These protectors provide a safeguard against accidental spills, perspiration, bedwetting, and more.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best waterproof mattress protectors available. We’re also answering some common questions about the different types of mattress protectors, their benefits, and which features make for the best ones.

For reference, all sample prices in this guide are based on the queen-size option. Other sizes will cost more or less, depending on size.

The Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors Online

The internet is a great place to shop for a waterproof mattress protector because you’ll get a broader selection than you’ll find at just a single brick-and-mortar store. To compile our list, we used the Amazon marketplace for ease of comparison and access to reviews.

A mattress protector may seem great until you read customer reviews about how it tears easily, falls apart in the wash, or just doesn’t do its job.

We’re only looking at products rated 4 stars or higher by customers. Most of these mattress protector brands don’t have their own website. Let’s take a look at what’s out there.

• Best Overall Mattress Protector: Amerisleep Waterproof Mattress Protector
• Best Sleep-Enhancing Mattress Protector: Zoma Recover+ Protector
• Best Encasement Protector: PlushDeluxe Premium Mattress Encasement
• Best Protector for Kids: SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector
• Best Budget-Friendly Protector: Sopat Waterproof Mattress Pad Cover
• Best Hypoallergenic Protector: Luna Premium 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector
• Best Protector on Amazon: SureGuard Mattress Encasement
• Best Bed-Bug-Proof Protector: Degrees of Comfort Waterproof Zippered Mattress Encasement

Best Overall Mattress Protector: Amerisleep Waterproof Mattress Protector

This waterproof mattress protector from Amerisleep goes on like a fitted sheet. It features a soft-to-the-touch cotton-blend jersey top and elastic edging to keep it secure around your mattress. We like this mattress protector because it’s waterproof but also breathable—it’s air vapor porous, letting heat escape without allowing liquid to seep through to the mattress.

The Amerisleep Waterproof Mattress Protector keeps your bed safe from liquid spills, perspiration stains, dust mites, and other dirt and germs. We should note, though, it does not shield against bed bugs since it does not fully encase the mattress.

Amerisleep’s mattress protector accommodates mattresses 8 to 18 inches deep. It’s compatible with any mattress type and is OEKO-TEX Certified, meaning it’s free of harmful chemicals and safe for sleepers of all ages.

What’s more? This protector is machine washable for easy maintenance and comes with a 5-year warranty.

Price: $90

Machine Washable: Yes

Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split-king, and California king

Shipping and Returns: Free shipping, not eligible for returns

Warranty: 5-year warranty

Best Sleep-Enhancing Mattress Protector: Zoma Recover+ Protector

The next protector on our list, the Zoma Recover+ Protector, is more than just waterproof—it features temperature-regulating technology to prevent hot nights and facilitate deeper sleep. If you’re a hot sleeper or just struggle to get good sleep at night, this protector is worth considering.

The Recover+ Protector is made with a thin, breathable polyester fabric with TPU lamination and printing, in addition to Zoma’s proprietary Recover+ textile technology, to shield your bed from spills, stains, and damage all while improving sleep quality. So how does Zoma’s Recover+ tech make in difference in how you sleep?

This technology pulls body heat away from you and turns it into infrared energy, something our bodies absorb. The result is an increase in local circulation, and with that comes a decreased chance of night sweats and an increased chance of undisturbed sleep. Recover+ is especially helpful for hot sleepers, but it can really boost anybody’s quality of sleep.

Price: $130

Machine Washable: Yes

Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split-king, and California king

Shipping and Returns: Free shipping, not eligible for returns

Warranty: 1-year warranty

Best Encasement Protector: PlushDeluxe Premium Mattress Encasement

The PlushDeluxe waterproof hypoallergenic mattress protector has a soft 100% cotton terry surface. This is backed by a breathable, hypoallergenic waterproof membrane, which allows air through while repelling liquids.

The waterproof membrane is polyurethane. It completely encloses all six sides of your mattress and has a zippered closure with a secure Velcro® flap.

The cover is thin, so it can do its job while not changing the feel of your mattress. Since it’s a full encasement cover, it’s bedbug- and dust mite-proof. Reviewers have said it’s easy to get on, even without help.

It’s important to note there are two depths of covers: 9 to 12 inches and 12 to 15 inches. Make sure you know which one you’re getting. Both depths are in the same description (beneath the mattress sizes) and you can toggle between them.

Price: $44.99

Machine Washable: Yes

Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king

Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and free returns

Warranty: 10-year warranty

Best Protector for Kids: SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector

This hypoallergenic waterproof mattress protector is vinyl-free, noiseless, and registered with the FDA as a Class 1 medical device. It’s certified by Oeko-Tex®, so you know it’s been tested for harmful substances. Their SafeRest Invisa-Shield doesn’t interfere with the feel of your mattress.

The cover is made of hypoallergenic, soft cotton terry which naturally absorbs fluids while allowing air and heat to pass through. The backside is coated to block fluids from passing through to your mattress. SafeRest’s waterproof membrane is polyurethane and contains no vinyl, PVC, phthalates, or chemical fire retardants.

It goes on fitted sheet-style and will accommodate up to an 18-inch mattress. It’s machine-washable and has a 200+ wash rating. This company has a website and the price shown is for a queen purchased on the site. There is free 5-7 day shipping on all orders..

Price: $69.95

Machine Washable: Yes

Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king

Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and free returns

Warranty: 10-year warranty

Best Budget-Friendly Protector: Sopat Waterproof Mattress Pad Cover

The Sopat waterproof mattress protector, made of 3D Air fabric, is softer and more comfortable than ordinary fabric protectors. The tag says the body is 100% polyester with polyurethane laminate. The skirt is 100% polyester as well.

The 3D Air fabric allows air to circulate so you sleep cool, clean, and dry. The mattress cover is TPU-backed, so there’s a layer of polyurethane between spills and your mattress.

It goes on like a fitted sheet to keep it securely in place. The deep pocket design accommodates mattresses from 8 to 21 inches in height. The elastic band at the bottom pulls any excess skirting under your mattress.

This protector is noiseless with no annoying crinkling sounds to disturb your slumber. Additionally, there is no vinyl, PVC, phthalates, or fire retardants in this cover.

The company doesn’t mention a satisfaction guarantee on their listing, but they do say they are willing to offer free exchanges and replacements if there is a problem with the product.

Price: $30.90

Machine Washable: Yes

Sizes Available: Twin, full, queen, king, and California king

Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and free returns

Warranty: 10-year warranty

Best Hypoallergenic Protector: Luna Premium 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector

This mattress cover has the widest range of sizes. Luna Airflow Technology makes this cover breathable while repelling moisture. It has an absorbent terry cotton top to soak up spills along with a polyurethane membrane to keep them away from your mattress.

It’s noiseless, hypoallergenic, waterproof, and protects against allergens, bacteria, perspiration, dust mites, and fluids. It contains no vinyl, phthalates, or PVC. Their Luna Invisi-Lay Protection means it won’t interfere with the current feel of your mattress.

This protector goes on fitted sheet-style, so it won’t shift or bunch up while you’re sleeping. The cover will fit mattresses up to 18 inches in depth.

The Luna is designed, sourced, and manufactured in the United States. This company has a website, but the prices are higher than on Amazon.

For example, the queen-size mattress protector on the company website is listed at $69.95 with free 2-5 day shipping. Free returns are only on Amazon. Their website allows 30 days for a return, but you must contact them for a return authorization number prior to sending it back on your own dime.

Price: $39.95

Machine Washable: Yes

Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, and California king

Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and free returns

Warranty: 15-year warranty

Best Protector on Amazon: SureGuard Mattress Encasement

SureGuard offers its mattress encasement in four different mattress depth ranges. The queen size is 9 to 12 inches in depth. There’s a dropdown feature to choose how deep you want your cover to be.

The SafeGuard has a cotton terry top layer and the backside is a polyurethane waterproof layer. There is no vinyl, PVC, or phthalates to worry about. It’s been lab-tested and GreenGuard Gold certified.

The cotton terry top is absorbent while the waterproof material on the back blocks spills from getting to your mattress. Easy machine wash and dry lets you focus on other things. Bedbug-proof, odor-free, and hypoallergenic, the encasement protects you from allergens such as dust mites, bacteria, mold, and mildew.

It has a zippered closure with a hook-and-loop tab to keep it from snagging your skin. The Flexi-Skirt technology makes it easy to protect just about any size mattress.

If you use a heated mattress pad, SureGuard recommends placing the protector under the pad because the heat could damage the waterproof backing.

The brand has an informational website which directs consumers to their listings on Amazon. If you’re not happy, they offer a full refund (less shipping) if returned within 30 days.

Price: $49.97

Machine Washable: Yes

Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, and California king

Shipping and Returns: Free shipping, free returns, 30-day satisfaction guarantee

Warranty: 10-year full-replacement warranty

Best Bed-Bug-Proof Protector: Degrees of Comfort Waterproof Zippered Mattress Encasement

If you need a waterproof mattress protector which also has superior bug protection, this cover has an advanced, patented triple-protection zippered closure. With this cover, you can reduce the devastation from infestation.

Bedbugs are unable to survive if they can’t nest or eat on the mattress membrane. With this mattress protector and its Sentinel 360 All-Round protection, nothing gets in or out of this.

The top is soft cotton terry with 3M Scotchgard stain release technology. This ensures your mattress is protected and the cover will stay clean-looking as well.

The polyurethane backside provides a barrier to keep liquids away from your mattress. Noiseless and hypoallergenic, Degrees of Comfort is one of the best mattress protectors of any price point.

This one made the list despite the limited sizes available because it offers the most secure zippered closure. If you need your waterproof protector to keep bad things out — and you have a queen-size or king-size bed — this one has all the right qualities.

You should note this waterproof mattress protector is available in two depths. You’ll see a toggle beneath the size in the listing. The sample price is based on the 13- to 15-inch depth (9 to 12 inches is also available).

Price: $36.99

Machine Washable: Yes

Sizes Available: Queen and king

Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and free returns

Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Helpful Info on Waterproof Mattress Protectors

When looking for the best waterproof mattress protector, keep in mind they come in three different types:

Encasement Protectors

Full encasement waterproof mattress protectors are usually hypoallergenic and go over your entire mattress. The closure is zipped to keep anything from entering. Mattress encasement is valuable for those who suffer from allergies and need breathable protection from moisture as well as:

• Dust mites
• Bedbugs
• Mildew
• Dander

Fitted Protectors

If you need moisture protection for the bed of a child, elder, or sick family member, the best waterproof mattress protector would be fitted. It won’t slide around as they get into bed and it’s machine washable. In this scenario, it’s easiest to have at least two. When one becomes soiled, it can be immediately replaced while the other is in the wash.

Saddle-Style Protectors

Saddle-style waterproof mattress protectors lay on top of your mattress. This type of protector is a strip of absorbent fabric with a waterproof backing. Since there’s no elastic, it’s held in place by tucking the free ends under the edges of your mattress.

This style of waterproof protector doesn’t cover the entire mattress top, but provides spot coverage right where you need it. They are generally 34 inches from top to bottom while the length varies according to the size you buy.

These may shift or bunch up under the sleeper but can be handy for short-term use in instances of frequent accidents, sickness, or post-operative care. We won’t be covering these in our list.

Of these three styles, a waterproof mattress cover can function as a barrier, by absorption, or in combination. Most in our list are a combination.

What Features Make the Best Waterproof Mattress Protector?

The best waterproof mattress protectors have some key features in common:

• A polyurethane back-coating
• No vinyl, PVC, or phthalates
• Absorbent material
• Machine washable for easy care
• Silent with no annoying crinkling sounds
• Hypoallergenic so you can breathe easy
• Stretchy sides which tuck under the mattress edge (if fitted)
• Breathable fabric to keep you cool and sweat-free
• Hook-and-loop tabs over zipper pulls (if encasement)
• A warranty
• A satisfaction guarantee

A Polyurethane Back-Coating

This is the best the industry has right now for waterproof protection. Materials and manufacturing processes are evolving all the time, so it’s a good idea to check what’s available about once a year.

This is especially important if you need a waterproof protector for the long term. After all, a mattress protector is the barrier for keeping liquids from soaking and staining your mattress.

No Vinyl, PVC, or Phthalates

Speaking of evolving processes, these chemicals were once common in waterproof mattress protectors. This is no longer the case. Every waterproof pad we looked at had none of these chemicals, even those not on this list.

Absorbent Material

This is an important feature. If the liquid just pooled on the mattress, it would be miserable for sleeping and could also run off onto other surfaces. Absorbent material soaks up the liquid for damage control while the backing keeps it from ever reaching your valuable mattress.

Machine Wash for Easy Care

There really is no excuse for making a dry-clean-only or spot clean-only cover. Machine washable is the norm for these kinds of covers, so don’t accept anything less.

No Annoying Crinkling Sounds

Getting rid of vinyl took care of much of the crinkling problem that used to make waterproof bed materials noisy and not very breathable. It’s worthwhile to scan the reviews for purchasers complaining about crinkling noises.

If the mattress protector crinkles, it’s likely due to cheap (and potentially toxic) materials or antiquated processing methods. You’ll want to stay away from these — even if it’s for the guest bedroom.

Hypoallergenic So You Can Breathe Easy

Hypoallergenic means it’s free of allergens such as dust mites, pollens, bedbugs, mold, and mildew. If avoiding allergens is important to you, you’ll want to get an encasement cover.

A smart move would also be a protective cover for your box spring as well as your pillows. You’ll want to wash these more often than quarterly, at least during allergy season.

Stretchy Sides to Tuck Under the Mattress Edge (If Fitted)

If your mattress protector doesn’t tuck under and the elastic is only on the sides of your mattress, it’s going to shift. Having the edges slip off during the night can lead to disturbed sleep as well as poor waterproofing coverage. The cover can’t do a reliable job if it doesn’t stay in place.

Breathable Fabric to Keep You Cool and Sweat-Free

You know you run the risk of being too hot any time there’s a coating. Get a soft, breathable fabric that allows as much airflow as possible while still sealing out liquids.

Hook-and-Loop Tabs Over Zipper Pull (If Encasement)

Some of the people you are protecting with a waterproof cover have delicate skin, such as children and older people. Having a tab over the zipper pull will prevent it from dragging on sensitive skin.

Hook-and-loop can get gunked up with lint and stray threads which can cause it to stop working overtime. It’s a good idea to make sure it’s closed before you throw it in the wash.

A Warranty

Nothing lasts forever, especially not products made from fabric. Still, a reasonable lifespan is expected.

If the mattress protector stops being waterproof after 20 washes, a warranty gives you the means to hold the manufacturer accountable. It’s not like a waterproof mattress protector is just a sheet. It has a functional coating which should do its job for the lifetime of the product.

A Satisfaction Guarantee

A satisfaction guarantee means you can expect a replacement or a refund if the product doesn’t fit or it falls apart on the first wash. Whether you get a replacement, exchange, or your money back will depend on the guarantee.

Not every mattress protector we listed has a guarantee. If this matters to you, it’s worth looking for. There are plenty of brands offering a guarantee of some kind — typically 30 to 90 days — in addition to the warranty.

Who Needs a Waterproof Mattress Protector?

If anyone in your household is prone to liquid accidents, such as children, pets, or the elderly, the bed should have a waterproof protector. These are not the only reasons to use a waterproof pad, but they spring to mind for most folks.

A waterproof mattress cover will be of service to you if you have a nice mattress or need to make an old one last. Another thing to consider is whether or not you’re a hot sleeper. If you tend to sweat, you can avoid stains and unwanted moisture by investing in a waterproof cover.

It’s hard to spot clean a foam mattress, so at the very least you’ll want some kind of cover. This can help even if only to avoid mildew and bad odors down the road.

What Is the Safest Way to Wash Most Protectors?

If you read the reviews for just about any mattress cover, you’re going to see reviews from people who didn’t wash them correctly. You’ll need to read the care tag for your individual cover, but we’ll give a general overview of the safest washing instructions.

Waterproof mattress protectors are not dry-cleanable. The harsh chemicals used in the dry cleaning industry will ruin the waterproof backing.

It’s best to wash your cover on cold with other like-colored items. Do this without fabric softener or bleach. When you put the mattress protector in the dryer, don’t use a dryer sheet.

Using fabric softener or dryer sheets when washing and drying a waterproof mattress protector will reduce the absorbency of the fabric. Bleach will destroy the waterproof backing.

This is where the other like-colored items will come in handy. They will help keep the mattress protector off the heating element of your dryer.

Keeping it off this source of high heat is the most important thing for preserving. Ironing your waterproof mattress cover will damage the coating as well. Most manufacturers recommend removing the covers quarterly for washing.

Frequent Washing Suggestions

If your household has a lot of liquid accidents, it’s best to buy two or three waterproof mattress protectors to make your life easier. It’s better to immediately replace it and go back to bed than waiting for it to wash and dry.

Another great tactic is to cover your mattress with a waterproof encasement cover, then put a fitted waterproof protector over that. When an accident happens, you can pull off the fitted cover and throw it in the wash. The encasement cover will still be there. You’ll only have to deal with the entire mattress when the cover gets soiled (or during your quarterly wash).

Can You Use a Heated Mattress Pad When You Have a Waterproof Mattress Protector?

Using an electric mattress pad is great for warming up the sheets before you get into bed, especially in the foot area. But if not placed correctly, a heated mattress pad can damage the polyurethane backing on your waterproof mattress cover. To protect the backing, you’ll need to place the protector under the heated pad.

Commonly Asked Questions

Do hotels use waterproof mattress protectors?

Yes, many hotels protect their mattresses with waterproof protectors. An encasement keeps the mattress form growing stained and can also keep out pests such as dust mites. These and other preventative measures are why many travelers find hotel beds so comfortable.

Do you put a sheet over a mattress protector?

Yes, most people will find it uncomfortable to sleep on a protector without a sheet or pad. Some protectors do have softer tops, but many do not and feel slippery or coarse. A fitted sheet also acts as another barrier and limits how often you need to wash your protector.

How often should I wash my mattress protector?

Most people can get away with washing their protectors once a month or even every two months.  You should also wash it if you’ve spilled something on it or there’s been an accident.

While you’re washing your protector, you can freshen up your mattress with a quick vacuum and a sprinkling of baking soda. Leave the baking soda alone for a few hours, then vacuum it up before you replace your protector.

How often should I wash my bed sheets?

Your bed sheets should be washed more often than your protector, at least once a week. Frequent washings prevent dirt, debris, and dust mites from settling and accumulating. Pillowcases may need to be replaced every few days to keep your face clean.

What’s the difference between a mattress pad and protector?

While a mattress pad can provide protection and many are waterproof, their primary purpose is to increase your mattress’s comfort. A pad’s quilted design adds a touch of softness to your mattress. A protector’s main purpose is to encase your mattress and keep out liquids and pests.

The Best Waterproof Mattress Protector

After all you’ve learned in this guide, we trust you have enough information to make a quality-of-life improvement. Little things add up to big differences, especially when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. A quality waterproof mattress protector can give you the peace of mind to sleep better.