When it comes to protecting your mattress from spills, sweat and other stains, it’s a good idea to use a waterproof mattress protector. Mattresses are often a major investment and these covers provide a barrier in the case of mishaps and accidents, helping to extend the life of your bed.
A waterproof mattress protector can extend the life of your mattress. Tencel Stretch Fabric
A good waterproof mattress protector prevents liquids from seeping through to your mattress, no matter how much or how long it’s been on the protector. It should also feel comfortable to sleep on, prevent overheating and not make noise. Whether you need a mattress protector because of children or pets, or simply want peace of mind knowing your mattress is safe from accidents, we scoured the internet for all the options and relied on first-hand testing to find the best waterproof mattress protectors.
Materials: Top: 36% lyocell, 13% nylon, 45% polyester, 6% spandex, polyurethane membrane; skirt: 100% recycled polyester, polyurethane membrane | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king
Sijo’s AiryWeight Eucalyptus mattress protector checks all the boxes for a waterproof mattress protector, it shields against liquids, it’s breathable and doesn’t overheat. Plus, it’s so comfortable it’s easy to forget it’s even on the bed. The fabric is made with Tencel lyocell that has a slightly cool feel for immediate heat relief. Sijo also adds a silver ion anti-microbial treatment to help slow the spread of microorganisms like some bacteria and fungi.
If an accident does happen, it’s easy to launder. The waterproof mattress protector can be thrown in the washing machine and then tumble-dried on low.
What Our Testers Say: I tested the Sijo Airyweight mattress protector and can vouch that I didn’t experience any heat build-up throughout the night, thanks to the breathable material. It can fit on most thicker mattresses, accommodating up to 18 inches thick. Just note that the top of the mattress protector is waterproof but the sides are not.
Materials: Cover: 100% polyester cover; backing: 100% polyurethane | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king
It’s hard to beat the price of this Linenspa waterproof mattress protector at under $20 for a queen size. Not only is it less expensive than many mattress protectors on the market, but it’s a great mattress protector as well. The top fabric is flexible and vinyl-free, so there are no crunching noises while sleeping on it. The top fabric is soft and thin so you’ll barely notice it under your sheets. Care is easy since the protector is machine washable and can be tumbled dry on a low heat setting.
What Our Testers Say: I’ve slept on this waterproof mattress protector and found it comfortable, the only drawback is that it does get warm, so this is best suited for those who don’t sleep hot. The side skirt is made of a thin mesh fabric so it doesn’t offer side protection, but it’s easy to put on and take off the bed.
Material: 48% high density polyethylene, 52% polyester | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Some waterproof mattress protectors are prone to overheating, but not this one from Slumber Cloud. This waterproof mattress protector is specifically designed to keep you cool. The cover fabric is made with Outlast Xelerate, which according to the brand, absorbs and releases excess heat, while also spreading the heat out from under your body to prevent overheating.
What Our Testers Say: I’ve slept on this mattress protector and found it cool-to-the-touch and comfortable to sleep on. The top fabric is thick enough to absorb liquid, so it doesn’t pool beneath the person sleeping, and at the same time, the waterproof layer keeps your mattress dry.
Material: Polyester, with waterproof TPU coating | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
If you’re looking for a mattress protector for bedwetting, chances are you’ll want to choose something with protection on the top and sides of the mattress. Unlike many mattress waterproof protectors that only safeguard the top of the bed where you sleep, this Tuft and Needle option has waterproof protection on the four sides of the mattress, in addition to the top, so you’ll be covered if liquid leaks over the edge. It fits mattresses up to 14 inches and is machine washable and can be machine dried on low.
What Our Testers Say: When I slept on this mattress, I found it slightly warm, but not a deal breaker. I also appreciated that it didn’t feel stiff or make noise.
Material: 60% polyester, 40% rayon from bamboo | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Puffy’s Signature waterproof mattress protector is extremely comfortable to sleep on with its plush feel. The top layer is quilted to give it extra thickness and provide some additional padding. The rayon made from bamboo helps it breathe and wick moisture, keeping you dry and cool. You won’t wake up due to noise with this mattress protector either, since the fabric is flexible and quiet. If a leak happens, it is machine washable to make laundering easy. It fits mattresses up to 15 inches.
Material: Organic cotton and thermoplastic polyurethane barrier | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen
This eco-friendly mattress protector is made with a waterproof layer that’s sandwiched between two layers of certified organic cotton jersey. The jersey material makes it stretchy so it’s easy to maneuver over a mattress without too much fuss. Between the cotton jersey is an ultra-thin waterproof barrier, which helps with breathability while still being waterproof.
It has a Made Safe certification, meaning it’s third-party tested to be free of vinyl/PVC, phthalates, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and butane rubber. When accidents happen, it can easily be laundered in a washing machine and dried. There’s also a crib-size mattress protector available.
What Our Editors Say: “I picked this mattress cover for my son’s bed because of the Made Safe and organic certifications,” says Vetted commerce editor Margaret Badore. “I’m so happy with how well it has protected the mattress. It’s also showing no signs of wear after over a year of many cycles through the washer and dryer.”
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.
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.
Most waterproof mattress protectors are made with a layer of fabric and then a waterproof layer that’s typically a coating on the fabric or thin film that’s adhered to the fabric. Some waterproof mattress protectors are made with vinyl, which is often much less expensive but these have a downside. Due to vinyl trapping moisture and not being breathable, it can lead 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.
When shopping for waterproof mattress protectors, you’ll 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.
Learn More: How To Choose A Mattress Protector And Why You Need One
Fabric materials with a breathable waterproof barrier make the best mattress protectors. These are soft, breathable and not crunchy. Vinyl or any other stiff plastics should be avoided as they are uncomfortable, make noise and can lead to sweating and overheating.
It depends on your needs. It may be worth spending more on a mattress protector if you’ll be sleeping on it every night. Some may prefer features like breathable or cooling fabric which can cost more. If the mattress protector will only be used once in a while, and factors like extra heat or noise won’t bother you, then it may not be worth the splurge for a more expensive one.
For mattress protectors that don’t make you sweat, look for breathable materials so heat and moisture vapor can pass through. Cooling technologies that are added to the fibers or fabric help prevent sweating as well. Our pick for the best cooling mattress protector that’s still waterproof is the Slumber Cloud Core.
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.
I am a temporary reporter for the wealth team covering billionaires. Prior to joining Forbes, I reported for Nikkei Asia and the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting. I hold a Master of Science in Journalism and a Master of International Affairs, both from Columbia University. Tips: mhunterhart@forbes.com.
I am a temporary reporter for the wealth team covering billionaires. Prior to joining Forbes, I reported for Nikkei Asia and the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting. I hold a Master of Science in Journalism and a Master of International Affairs, both from Columbia University. Tips: mhunterhart@forbes.com.
I’m a freelance journalist living in Milwaukee, WI by way of Minneapolis. I typically cover health, psychology, and lifestyle topics in print and online, including the New York Times, Washington Post, and the American Psychological Association. After studying creative writing in undergrad, I cobbled together a few editing and writing odd jobs, and now I’m lucky to write full time. I enjoy researching and testing products because it helps streamline and simplify my home life –– and hopefully yours, too. I’m also a mom to two young sons (and two pups) who keep me busy and laughing when I’m not working.
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Alison is a Philadelphia-based writer and editor who has been sharing buying advice and product reviews for over a decade. She likes martial arts, cats, good food, and saving money. She dislikes writing about herself.
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As a beauty contributor at Forbes Vetted, I curate and write product reviews and roundups, featuring top skincare, makeup and haircare products. Previously, I was the senior home and style editor at MarthaStewart.com, where I wrote and edited stories ranging from home décor and beauty to gardening and hosting. I have over a decade of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion and design content for a variety of publications including Oprah, Travel and Leisure, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, Martha Stewart Living and more.
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I’m a contributing writer covering women’s and men’s fashion and accessories at Forbes Vetted. I’ve worked in media for 20 years, art directing and designing fashion, beauty, health and tech content for a variety of magazines, websites and brands. Prior to this, I studied magazine journalism at the University of Missouri. When I’m not researching fashion, you’ll find me doing freelance projects, exploring textile and interior design, and rollerskating.
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