13 mattress protectors to keep your mattress in tip-top condition
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Finding one the best mattress protectors is just as important of a task as hunting down the most stylish linen bedding or comfiest body pillow you can. A good quality mattress protecter plays a crucial role in maintaining the longevity of your mattress, as well as enhancing your overall sleep experience. Many modern mattress protectors are designed with advanced materials that offer additional benefits, such as temperature regulation, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability. These features help to create a more comfortable sleep surface, promoting better airflow and regulating body temperature throughout the night, which can lead to improved sleep quality.
A high-quality mattress topper acts as a barrier against common threats to your mattress, such as spills, stains, dust mites, and allergens. By creating a protective shield, it safeguards your mattress from liquid damage, whether it's caused by spills, accidents, or perspiration, therefore preventing moisture from seeping into the mattress layers and causing mould or mildew growth. Additionally, a mattress protector helps to repel dust mites and allergens, ensuring a cleaner and healthier sleep environment.
We've found plenty of reliable mattress protectors available to shop now, featuring a range of options from sleep tech brands like Nectar and Simba to more budget-friendly choices from Dusk and Dunelm. Whether you're in search of a cooling mattress topper, a waterproof mattress protector, a bamboo mattress protector, or a luxuriously quilted option, our edit has something to cater to every need. Scroll down to see our picks of the best mattress toppers and protectors to shop in 2024.
How we test | What type of mattress protector should I buy? | What fabric is best for a mattress protector |Things to avoid | Our top picks
Best mattress protectors at a glance:
- Best overall - Performance Mattress Protector, £99, Simba
- Best waterproof - The Nectar Mattress Protector , £40, Necar Sleep
- Best for hot sleepers - Waterproof Coolmax Pillow and Mattress Protectors, £38, Soak&Sleep
- Best value - Luxury Quilted Mattress Protector, £15, Dusk
By utilising customer ratings, conducting hands-on testing, reading through your faqs, and analysing search history data, we've selected what we believe are the best mattress protectors and covers available. We've delved into both positive and negative feedback, sparing you the effort. Additionally, as a team of fashion, interiors, and beauty experts, we happen to know a thing or two about which brands have earned their respective places as the best in the business (and which haven't). Plus, with a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, of course some of us have trialled a mattress protector or twenty, so we have some dos and don't knowhow, too.
What to consider when purchasing a mattress protector
First thing's first: there are a few different types of mattress protectors on the market.
- Skirted mattress protectors. These are the most common kind of mattress protectors and they fit like a traditional fitted sheet would. They feature a skirt that fits under the four corners of your mattress and covers the top and all four sides.
- Encased mattress protectors. These are a lot less common and encase the entire mattress, fastening with a zip. They protect not only the top and sides but the bottom of your mattress, too. This is great if you want to protect against bed bugs or dust mites, but they are trickier to fit and more expensive.
- Mattress protectors with elastic straps. These are the most affordable and offer the least amount of protection. The protector only covers the top of the mattress, leaving the sides bare; it's fastened with elastic straps to each corner.
Besides the type of mattress protector, there are a few other features to consider.
- The fabric. You'll most commonly have the choice of a cotton, synthetic or wool mattress protector. Cotton is breathable and can be purchased as hypoallergenic, while synthetic is the most affordable (yet least durable) and wool is biodegrade-able, warm in winter and actually quite supportive.
- Whether it's waterproof. Waterproof mattress protectors mean they spillages or accidents simply run off the top of the mattress, keeping it protected for longer. The main downsides? Waterproof mattress protectors tend to be warmer, and they often make a "scrunching" sound when you move around at night.
- Whether it's quilted. If you do want a bit of extra support and don't fancy buying a mattress topper on top of your mattress protector, opting for a quilted protector could be a good choice.
- For hot sleepers - you'll need to weigh up whether waterproofing your luxury memory foam mattress or having a cool mattress protector for those warmer nights is a priority, as the majority of plastic covers required for a water-resistant finish will lessen the breathability of your bed.
- For kids - some flame retardant chemical coatings on mattress covers are considered toxic - for more information, see this deep dive - so it's best to check the safety information on products and/or opt for a naturally flame retardant fabric, e.g. wool.
- For cold sleepers - check whether you can use one of the best electric blankets with your mattress protector - not all of them allow this.
After more bedding content? Head this way for low platform bed frames, over here for silk bedding sets and in this direction for anti-allergy pillows. We've also found weighted blankets to help you nod off, sleep masks and pillow spray to help you relax and headboards to crown the whole shebang. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.
What is the best mattress protector on the market? Scroll for our full edit.
- 1/13
Best mattress protector overall
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single, EU single, small double, double, EU double, EU queen, king, super king.
- Materials: Cotton cover, skirt and filling (+3% other fibres) with a polypropylene lining.
- Waterproof? No.
Pros: What better way to protect your Simba mattress than with the brand's own bed protector? Breathable for hot sleepers and with Bi-Ome® technology to keep your product odour-free, clean and of the same good quality it was when you bought it for years to come.
Cons: Would be better if it was a waterproof cover, but it is machine washable (just make sure to use non-bio detergent).
Customer ratings are saying: Stays in place, has a nice bed mattress quilting, and is oh-so-soft.
Save money on single and double mattress protectors with these Simba discount codes.
2/13Best waterproof mattress protector
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single bed, small double, double, king size, super king size.
- Materials: Tencel® jersey cover, polyester skirt and polyurethane film lining.
- Waterproof? Yes!
Pros: Nectar's mattress protector is a well-fitting, protective choice and provides a solid invisible layer to keep you cool (and your mattress dry) as you sleep.
Cons: It makes a small amount of noise when you move around in bed, and it can't be tumble-dried.
Customers are saying: Fully waterproof mattress cover, it doesn't feel like there's a PU layer underneath you at all.
- 3/13
Best mattress protector for hot sleepers
Specifications:
- Sizes available: In the bundle pack – king, in the mattress protector alone – single, double, king, super king and emperor.
- Materials: ‘Coolmax’ breathable fabric and polyester
- Waterproof? Yes!
Pros: Soak&Sleep's waterproof protector is too good to pass up on and, with Coolmax fabric to wick away moisture and keep you cool and dry, no matter the weather, it's one we're adding to our wishlists straight away, if not our shopping baskets right now. Plus, it's tumble-dry friendly!
Cons: The extra deep 35cm skirt may be a tad too roomy for some shallow mattresses, but you only need to tuck it in to fix that problem.
Customers are saying: Practical, you can't feel or hear the waterproofing and it's good value.
Trying to get prices down by adjusting your cookie preferences? Well stop it! We've got Soak&Sleep discounts right here.
4/13Best value mattress protecter
Specifications:
- Sizes available: single, double, king, super king.
- Materials: 100% Cotton.
- Waterproof? No.
Pros: The quilted mattress protector from Dusk is offered in standard sizes, with options for either a standard (30cm) or deep fitted (35cm) design. Made entirely from 100% cotton, it guarantees year-round breathability while maintaining the pristine condition of your mattress.
Cons: Nothing of note!
Customers are saying: Customers have praised this cotton protector for its excellent quality, highly recommending it, especially considering the promotional price!
5/13Best breathable mattress protector
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king
- Materials: 100% cotton
- Waterproof? No
Pros: Durable and well-fitting – even after washing – it has a depth of 30cm and prolongs the life of your mattress by keeping it from discolouring and protecting it from stains and general wear and tear. In terms of the functionality otherwise, it folds down to a compact size for easy storage and is of great quality considering the price.
Cons: Not a top pick for bed wetting – too absorbent.
Customers are saying: Helps natural fibre mattresses to breathe, is generously sized and stays fresh.
Save money on single, double and king-size mattress protectors by using these M&S vouchers at checkout.
6/13Best pillow top mattress cover
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single, double bed, king, super king
- Materials: Fine percale cotton with hollowfibre polyester cushioning and a polyester jersey skirt
- Waterproof? No.
Pros: Brook + Wilde's Lux Mattress is one of our favourites of all time, so there's no WAY we'd risk stains and spillages ruining it. This mattress protector adds extra comfort with thanks to cushioned quilting, so it's a great choice if your current mattress is less-than-comfy. It fits a range of bed sizes well, has moisture-wicking qualities to keep you dry and cool while you sleep, and it comes with a three-year guarantee.
Cons: Standard delivery is within two weeks.
Customers are saying: Washes beautifully, is well padded and will certainly be going back to buy all manner of duvet covers and bedding!
- 7/13
Best mattress protector for periods
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Cot, cotbed, single, small double, double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU king, EU emperor.
- Materials: Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial bamboo, plus Nano TPU™.
- Waterproof? Yes.
Pros: Good for hot sleepers, waterproof and sustainable? This Panda mattress protector is silky soft touch to sleep on, whisper quiet when you move and just an all round good choice.
Cons: None of note!
Customers are saying: Super soft, cooling on the skin and fits a deep mattress perfectly.
8/13Best John Lewis mattress protector
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king
- Materials: Cotton and Outlast® cotton
- Waterproof? No
Pros: Made with an innovative Outlast® pure cotton cover – a fabric that was originally made for NASA – this mattress protector helps to keep you cool in the summer and warm in colder climes by buffering sudden temperature changes. Cool right?
Cons: Given the high ticket price point, we'd at least hope for waterproofing or perhaps next-day delivery as standard.
Customers are saying: “Does what it says and more,” this product really does keep you cool, even if you have a super thick duvet.
Save money on all your VAT-included bedding products with these John Lewis discounts.
9/13Best cooling mattress protector
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Small single, single, small double, double, queen, king, super king.
- Materials: 100% hypoallergenic and eco-friendly Tercel fibres.
- Waterproof? Yes.
Pros: Designed with luxurious fabrics that include silent Tencel fibers renowned for their durability, hypoallergenic properties, and silky texture, this mattress protector also incorporates a clever “Miracle Membrane” barrier to shield you from dust mites and other allergens, while its moisture-wicking fabric ensures you remain cool and comfortable, effectively combating night sweats.
Cons: Nothing of note!
Customers are saying: The product is excellent, boasting high quality and swift delivery.
10/13Best cotton mattress protector
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Waterproof? No.
Pros: Effectively compatible with mattresses up to 30cm in depth, this protector extends the lifespan of your mattress by safeguarding it from discoloration and everyday wear and tear, promoting a fresher and more hygienic sleeping environment. It's luxuriously quilted with naturally breathable cotton, guaranteeing a supremely comfortable night’s rest. Moreover, M&S has committed to promoting responsible cotton production, and this protector utilises Better Cotton, ethically sourced for sustainability.
Cons: One customer expressed disappointment solely in the cover's excessive depth, resembling an extra deep fit that they didn't require. However, it's worth keeping in mind that this may accommodate any potential shrinkage during a machine wash.
Customers are saying: It fits their expensive mattress flawlessly and maintained its size after washing and drying, without any shrinkage.
11/13Best quilted mattress protector
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king, emperor.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Waterproof? No.
Pros: If you seek a luxurious mattress protector to combat night sweats, this could be an ideal choice. Utilising cutting-edge NASA-developed technology, the 100% cotton fabric efficiently stores surplus heat until your body temperature lowers, gradually releasing it to maintain a steady temperature, all while ensuring a soft and comfortable feel.
Cons: While there are no complaints about the mattress protector itself, it's worth noting that at £100 for a single size, it's considered an investment.
Customers are saying: A purchaser noted using it to stay warm during winter, praising its unique plush feel that keeps them cosy at night.
12/13Best luxury mattress protector
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king.
- Materials: 100% Polyester.
- Waterproof? Yes.
Pros: With a built-in polyurethane layer providing waterproof protection against spills, and soft polyester quilting offering an exceptionally plush feel, this mattress protector also functions as a barrier against dust mites, while adding a thin cushioning layer to your mattress for increased comfort.
Cons: It accommodates mattresses up to 28cm in height, making it unsuitable for slightly taller mattresses, therefore it's advisable to check your mattress dimensions beforehand.
Customers are saying: The cover fits the mattress well and feels delightfully soft.
13/13Best soft mattress protector
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single, small double, double, king, super king.
- Materials: 100% Polyester.
- Waterproof? No.
Pros: Tailored for taller mattresses ranging from 30-35cm deep, this protector boasts an embossed microfibre cover, providing a luxuriously soft feel. Filled with hollowfibre for added comfort, it includes elasticated corners for easy fitting and is conveniently machine washable for simple maintenance.
Cons: While it's not waterproof, it is suitable to pop in a washing machine and safe for tumble drying on a low heat setting.
Customers are saying: Buyers commend the excellent quality, noting the soft and padded texture, along with its perfect fit for taller mattress.
