Many mattresses can last up to a decade, but only if they’re properly taken care of. Waterproof mattress protectors don’t just keep mattresses clean and fresh—they also protect against stains, spills and allergens.
I’ve personally tested dozens of mattress protectors, but only eight made the cut for this roundup. Keep reading to find the best waterproof mattress protector for you.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Waterproof Mattress Protector?
Saatva makes the best waterproof mattress protector. This product is made with 100% organic cotton, which makes it feel quite breathable and cool.
Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors 2024
- Saatva – Editor’s Pick
- Nest – Best Waterproof Mattress Protector For Bed Bugs
- Nolah – Best Waterproof Cooling Mattress Protector
- Bear – Best Waterproof Mattress Protector for Bedwetting
- Helix – Best Waterproof Mattress Protector for Toddlers
- Birch – Best Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector
- TEMPUR-Pedic – Best Queen Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Vibe – Best Amazon Waterproof Mattress Protector
The Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors: Video Roundup
How We Chose Our Products
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have tested over 600 mattresses and accessories. We considered 12 different waterproof mattress protectors for this roundup, but ultimately decided these eight were the best. We assessed each product based on its quality, price point, construction and moisture-wicking ability.
Editor’s Pick – Saatva
Saatva Mattress Protector
This organic cotton mattress protector feels soft to the touch and won't make noise under your sheets.
Mattress Clarity Score
5.00 / 5
Read Full Review
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva waterproof mattress protector is made with 100% organic cotton, which not only gives it a soft and luxurious feel—it also makes it quite breathable. If you tend to overheat at night, you shouldn’t have to worry about waking up with night sweats.
Underneath the cotton cover sits a layer of polyurethane, which makes the protector waterproof. A silicon elastic band keeps it secure to the top of the mattress, so you shouldn’t have any issues with it flying off the bed in the middle of the night.
What our testers say: “The Saatva mattress protector has a high price tag, but there’s a lot to love about it. It has a luxurious feel, thanks to the organic cotton, and it doesn’t make a lot of noise. I tend to switch sleeping positions during the night, and I didn’t hear this protector squeak when I moved around.” – Tony, reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva Mattress Protector
- It’s super durable. Because it contains organic cotton and waterproof polyurethane, it can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. I expect this product to last at least five years, whereas many protectors only last about two or three years.
- It has a strong silicone elastic band, which helps it stay secure to the mattress. You shouldn’t have to readjust the protector in the middle of the night.
- It’s a good match for hot sleepers, because the cotton feels particularly breathable and doesn’t trap body heat.
What To Keep in Mind About the Saatva Mattress Protector
- This protector is pricey—it costs about $175 for a queen. While this may be out of many people’s budgets, it is a particularly durable protector that should last much longer than others on the market.
- Because it only covers five sides of the mattress, it doesn’t protect against bed bugs. Take a look at the Nest mattress protector if you want something that can keep bed bugs at bay.
Take a look at our full Saatva mattress protector review for more information.
Best Waterproof Mattress Protector For Bed Bugs – Nest
Nest Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector
The Cooling Mattress Protector from Nest Bedding is a good fit for those who are struggling with sleeping hot. The soft surface is made out of cotton, helping with breathability Fits mattresses up to 18" .
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
The Nest mattress protector is available in two different options: five-sided and encasement. If you want something that can help protect your mattress from bed bugs, you should opt for the encasement model. This one fully wraps around all six sides of the mattress and helps keep bed bugs away.
The Nest mattress protector is made with 100% cotton and has a thread count of 300. Though many people think high thread counts mean something is more luxurious, that isn’t necessarily the case. When it comes to the Nest mattress protector, this low thread count is beneficial because it allows room for airflow and helps keep the mattress cool at night.
What our testers say: “The Nest mattress protector is made with thin cotton, which helped me stay cool at night. When I poured water on top of it, I didn’t see any liquid get on the surface of the mattress. This protector made noise whenever I moved around on top of it, though. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to look elsewhere.” – Tony, reviewer
What We Love About the Nest Mattress Protector
- The encasement model fully surrounds the mattress and helps prevent bed bugs.
- It’s made with thin, breathable cotton that helps sleepers stay cool at night.
- It’s less expensive than other cotton mattress protectors on the market, and it should last at least three years.
What To Keep in Mind About the Nest Mattress Protector
- It makes noise whenever you move around on top of it. This may not be an issue for some people, but if you tend to wake up easily, you may want to consider the Saatva protector instead.
- Only the encasement model helps prevent bed bugs. The five-sided option will not offer the same protection.
- Though the encasement model is more effective at protecting against bed bugs, no mattress protector can completely prevent them. Bed bugs can harbor inside mattress foundations, bed frames, and headboards and migrate to encasement toppers. That said, the Nest topper is a great way to prevent existing infestations from spreading. You can place it around your mattress to trap the bed bugs until an exterminator comes to eradicate them.
For more information, read our full Nest mattress protector review.
Best Cooling Waterproof Mattress Protector – Nolah Bamboo
Nolah Bamboo Mattress Protector
The Nolah Bamboo mattress protector feels silky, smooth and luxurious.
Our Expert’s Take
Bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking and breathable, which is why so many cooling sheets are made from this material. The Nolah bamboo mattress protector feels silky and cool to the touch, which is great for people who tend to overheat at night.
This mattress protector is machine-washable, and because it’s made with high-quality materials, I expect it to last at least three years.
What our testers say: “The Nolah bamboo mattress protector is so silky and cooling, I notice its luxurious feel even when it’s underneath my fitted sheet. I love how breathable this protector feels, and I appreciate the fact that it contains hypoallergenic materials. One downside is that a queen size protector costs about $120 before discounts, which may be too pricey for some.” – Tony, reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Mattress Protector
- The bamboo cover feels silky and luxurious. It’s also antibacterial.
- This protector is particularly breathable and cool, thanks to the moisture-wicking bamboo fabric.
- It’s machine-washable, so it’s easy to keep it clean.
What To Keep in Mind About the Nolah Mattress Protector
- At $120 for a queen, this protector might be out of some people’s price ranges. However, this product often goes on sale during holiday weekends, so you may be able to get a good deal if you time it right.
- The Nolah mattress protector doesn’t protect against bed bugs, because it only covers five sides of the mattress.
Best Waterproof Mattress Protector for Bedwetting – Bear
Bear Mattress Protector
The Bear mattress protector is made of breathable fabric and is machine washable. It passed our waterproof test, and it fits deep mattresses. Overall, we really liked this mattress protector!
Mattress Clarity Score
5.00 / 5
Read Full Review
Our Expert’s Take
All of the mattress protectors on this list are waterproof, but the Bear protector is particularly good at keeping moisture away from the surface of the bed. It even helps prevent dark liquids from staining the bed.
The Bear mattress protector is also quite affordable. Before discounts, a queen size protector costs about $100, and you can usually save some money if you shop during a holiday weekend. I expect this mattress protector to last at least three years, because it’s made with a thick, proprietary polyester material.
What our testers say: “The Bear mattress protector does a really great job at keeping mattresses clean and dry. I poured a glass of water on it and walked away for a few hours. When I came back. I saw that none of the water had seeped into the surface of the mattress. I could see this working really well for toddlers who occasionally wet the bed. ” – Tony, reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Mattress Protector
- It is one of the best waterproof protectors on the market, so it should work very well for toddlers who wet the bed.
- The proprietary polyester material helps dissipate body heat and keep the top of the mattress temperature neutral.
- After discounts, this protector is very affordable. You can often get a queen size protector for less than $100.
What To Keep in Mind About the Bear Mattress Protector
- It’s a five-sided protector, so it won’t protect against bed bugs.
Read our full review of the Bear mattress protector.
Best Waterproof Mattress Protector for Toddlers – Helix
Helix Mattress Protector
The Helix mattress protector is super soft and passed our waterproof test. It's a durable option and is very easy to care for, so if you're looking for a comfortable mattress protector that can be machine-washed, this may be the one for you!
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full Review
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix mattress protector is a great value, which is already a perk if you have a toddler. But even better— this protector thoroughly absorbs liquid and prevents it from damaging the mattress underneath. If you have a little one who occasionally has nighttime accidents, this might be a good option for you.
The Helix mattress protector has a polyester cover that surrounds a polyurethane waterproof barrier. The product has deep pockets that wrap around mattresses like fitted sheets do. That said, if you have a mattress that’s thinner than 15”, the protector might slip off during the night.
At regular price, a queen size Helix mattress protector costs about $105. But with Mattress Clarity coupons, you can often get the price even lower.
What our testers say: “The Helix mattress protector is a great value and absorbs water very well. If you have a young child and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a protector, the Helix could be a good choice.” – Tony, reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Mattress Protector
- It’s sold at a low price. Before discounts, a queen size Helix mattress protector costs about $105. This could be particularly helpful for parents who want to buy an affordable and high-quality mattress protector for their child’s bed.
- It works great for thick beds because it has deep pockets.
- The polyurethane waterproof barrier absorbs a lot of water and helps keep the mattress clean and dry.
What To Keep in Mind About the Helix Mattress Protector
- It might slip off mattresses that are shorter than 15” tall. This protector has deep pockets, so if you toss and turn during the night, it might not stay secure to the top of the bed.
- It’s not bed bug proof. If you want to protect your mattress against bed bugs, you may want to get the Nest protector instead.
Read our full review of the Helix mattress protector.
Best Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector – Birch
Birch Waterproof Mattress Protector
Birch uses 100% certified organic materials in its mattress protector. It also has some added waterproofing.
Our Expert’s Take
As a company, Birch is all about producing organic, high-quality bedding products. The Birch mattress protector contains GOTS-certified organic cotton, which means the material is made with at least 95% organic materials throughout the entire supply chain.
The organic cotton gives the Birch protector a particularly soft and luxurious feel. Underneath the water-absorbent cotton is a thin layer of polyurethane, which helps the protector soak up even more liquid.
What our testers say: “I love how soft the Birch mattress protector feels. It easily stretches around my queen size bed, and I didn’t feel it shift during the night. This protector does contain some high-end materials, though, so it has a bigger price tag. It may not work for everybody’s budget.” – Tony, reviewer
What We Love About the Birch Mattress Protector
- It’s made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, which feels particularly luxurious and soft.
- The cotton cover and polyurethane layer absorbs a lot of liquid and helps keep mattresses clean and dry.
- The protector fits around mattresses like fitted sheets do, and it stays secure throughout the night.
What To Keep in Mind About the Birch Mattress Protector
- It’s only a five-sided protector, so it won’t protect against bed bugs.
- It costs about $150 at regular price, which could be too expensive for some people.
Best Queen Waterproof Mattress Protector – TEMPUR-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Protect Mattress Protector
The TEMPUR-Protect mattress topper absorbs liquids and keeps it from getting to your mattress. It's soft and quiet, making it a great option for those who need a protector.
Our Expert’s Take
The TEMPUR-Protect® is great for queen size beds because it’s high-quality, waterproof and it securely fits around mattresses. And because it doesn’t contain any plastic material, it doesn’t make noise whenever you move around on top of it.
Though the top layer of the protector isn’t completely water repellent, the protector will prevent stains and spills from seeping into the surface of your mattress. If you spill liquid on the protector, the surface will absorb some water and feel wet. Fortunately, this protector is machine-washable, so you can easily clean it and put it back on your bed.
If you’re a hot sleeper, the TEMPUR-Protect® could be a good option. It’s made with thin material that doesn’t trap a lot of body heat. This protector is made from a luxury brand, though, so it does have a higher price point.
What our testers say: “The TEMPUR-Protect® protector does a good job at keeping mattresses clean and dry, even though the top layer does absorb some liquid. I like how this protector stays totally silent whenever I move around on top of it, but if you’re on a budget, I wouldn’t recommend this protector. ” – Tony, reviewer
What We Love About the TEMPUR-Protect®
- It doesn’t contain any plastic material, so it doesn’t make noise whenever you roll around on top of it.
- The protector is made with thin material that feels breathable and cool.
- The TEMPUR-Protect® stays secure to the top of the mattress, even when you move around on top of it.
What To Keep in Mind About the TEMPUR-Protect®
- The top layer of the protector isn’t completely water repellent. It will feel wet if you spill water on it, but the liquid shouldn’t seep into the surface of the mattress.
- At $169 for a queen, the TEMPUR-Protect® may not fit in everyone’s budget.
Best Waterproof Mattress Protector on Amazon – Vibe
Vibe Defend-A-Bed Premium Mattress Protector
Defend-A-Bed's Premium Mattress Protector is an affordable and simple waterproof mattress protector It is better for thicker mattresses. Those with thin mattresses may have extra noise and movement with the additional material.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.60 / 5
Read Full Review
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re looking for a no-frills mattress protector that can be delivered straight to your doorstep with Prime shipping, the Vibe protector fits the bill. This is, by far, the most affordable protector on my list. At regular price, a queen size protector costs about $25. While the price may sound appealing, I should warn you that this protector isn’t as durable as the others featured on this list.
The Vibe protector is made with a thin cotton terry material. It feels breathable and cool, and it can fit around mattresses that are up to 22” tall. Because of its cheap construction, though, I don’t expect this product to last longer than a year. This could be a good option for college students living in dorm rooms.
What our testers say: “The Vibe mattress protector is great if you’re in a pinch. It will prevent stains and spills from ruining your mattress, but it won’t last very long. If you have children who occasionally wet the bed, you may want to get a more durable option such as the Bear protector ” – Katie, reviewer
What We Love About the Vibe Protector
- It’s extremely affordable. On Amazon, you can often buy it for as low as $25.
- It works well for college dorm rooms, because it’s cheap and effective.
- If you have Amazon Prime, you can get free two-day shipping.
What To Keep in Mind About the Vibe Protector
- It’s not very durable. This protector is made with thin cotton, which can easily tear.
- It’s a five-sided protector, so it won’t prevent bed bugs.
Read our full Vibe mattress protector review to learn more.
Do I Need a Mattress Protector?
You don’t need a mattress protector in order to get a good night’s sleep, but it could offer many benefits. Mattress protectors prevent liquids from staining mattress covers, which can extend the lifespan of the bed. Many parents place mattress protectors around their children’s beds, especially during the potty training stage. Some mattress protectors, like the Nest encasement, can also help prevent bed bugs and dust mites.
Mattress Protector vs Mattress Pad
When it comes to mattress protectors vs mattress pads, there aren’t many significant differences. Mattress protectors, like the name suggests, protect against allergens and stains. Most mattress protectors don’t have a lot of padding on top, and they don’t affect the overall firmness or feel of the bed.
Mattress pads are slightly thicker than mattress protectors. They add a thin layer of cushioning to the top of the bed, but they don’t significantly change the firmness level like mattress toppers do. Many mattress pads are also waterproof and hypoallergenic.
What to Look for in a Mattress Protector
These are the main things to look for when shopping for a mattress protector:
Protection
First and foremost, you’ll want a mattress protector that keeps your mattress clean and dry. Some protectors, like the Nest, can fully encase the mattress and protect against bed bugs.
Security
Many of the protectors on this list have deep pockets and stretch around the top of the mattress like a fitted sheet. You shouldn’t have issues with any of these products slipping off in the middle of the night. You may also find protectors that have elastic corner straps and fit on the bed like a mattress topper.
Some protectors, like the Nest, wrap around the entire mattress, which offers an extra layer of protection and helps prevent bed bugs.
Washability
Most mattress protectors are machine-washable, but not all. Make sure to read the care instructions before buying, especially if you want a protector you can wash and use for many years.
Price Point
Mattress protectors range in price. Some, like the Vibe, cost as low as $25. Others, like the luxurious Saatva mattress protector, cost about $175. In my experience, you get what you pay for. Many of the budget-friendly protectors won’t last longer than a year. If you want something more durable, you will need to pay more.
How to Wash Waterproof Mattress Protectors
Most mattress protectors are machine-washable, as long as you use mild detergent and low heat. You can also tumble dry most mattress protectors on low. But make sure to thoroughly read the product’s care instructions before washing—not every protector is the same.
The Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors
Once again, here are our top picks for the best waterproof mattress protectors:
| Product | Best For |
| Saatva | Editor’s Pick |
| Nest | Best Waterproof Mattress Protector For Bed Bugs |
| Nolah | Best Waterproof Cooling Mattress Protector |
| Bear | Best Waterproof Mattress Protector for Bedwetting |
| Helix | Best Waterproof Mattress Protector for Toddlers |
| Birch | Best Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector |
| TEMPUR-Pedic | Best Queen Waterproof Mattress Protector |
| Vibe | Best Amazon Waterproof Mattress Protector |
FAQs
Do waterproof mattress protectors make you sweat?
Not all waterproof mattress protectors will make you sweat. Many, like the Saatva and Nolah, are made with breathable materials that help sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
Are waterproof mattress protectors safe for babies?
Yes, waterproof mattress protectors are safe for babies, as long as they are used correctly. Make sure the protector fits snugly to the mattress, and regularly check to make sure it doesn’t slide off during the night. It’s also important to keep your baby away from vinyl mattress protectors, because many of them release harmful chemicals.
Are all mattress protectors waterproof?
No, not all mattress protectors are waterproof. Make sure to read the fine print if you’re looking for a waterproof mattress protector.
Do waterproof mattress protectors deter bed bugs?
Some waterproof mattress protectors, such as the Nest encasement protector, deter bed bugs. If you’re looking for a protector that will help prevent bed bugs, make sure it covers all six sides of the mattress. Protectors that only cover five sides of the mattress will not keep away bed bugs.