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A mattress protector, pad, or encasement helps protect your mattress and prolong its lifespan. These covers help keep spills, sweat and dust out of your mattress. The Mattress encasement is similar to a mattress protector, with the difference that it fully encases your mattress and completely closes rather than just covering the top area of the mattress.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Fits mattress depth | Top fabric | Bed bug blocking | Machine washable | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Up to 15" | Knitted polyester | ✓ | Yes | Not stated |
| 2 | Up to 12" | Not stated | ✓ | Yes | 10-yr |
| 3 | 6"–18" | Not stated | Not stated | Yes | 15-yr |
| 4 | 13"–16" | Cotton terry | ✓ | Yes | 10-yr guarantee |
| 5 | 12"–18" | Polyester knit | ✓ | Yes | 5-yr |
| 6 | 15"–18" | Cotton | ✓ | Yes | Not stated |
✓ yes · ✗ no · – not confirmed · Specs as stated on the Amazon listing or by the maker · Not a treatment for any condition
What is the Difference Between a Mattress Encasement, Pad and Protector
Mattress encasements, pads, and protectors come in various sizes to fit standard, double, queen, and king-sized mattresses. They are usually waterproof and machine washable and aim to protect and enhance your mattress. While a Mattress pad provides an extra layer of cushioning and protection, a mattress protector wraps the mattress for protection. The Mattress encasement, however, completely encases your mattress from top to bottom, with zip closure, so the whole mattress is covered. There are, in turn, a few types of mattress encasements available; Types of Mattress Encasements;- Allergy Protection Mattress Encasement – For people with dust mite allergy, allergy groups recommend zippered allergen-barrier covers on the mattress and pillows.[1] They also protect against pet dander and pollen that can cause allergies and build up inside your mattress. Washing bedding weekly in hot water also helps control dust mites.[1]
- Bed Bug Protection Mattress Encasement – A bed bug encasement keeps bed bugs from getting into the mattress and traps any already inside. It doesn’t treat an infestation elsewhere in the room.[2]
When Would You Need a Mattress Encasement?
When you need something that provides complete protection against wetness and spills in your mattress, an encasement is a much better choice than mattress protection. A zippered encasement also keeps dust mite allergens sealed inside the mattress.[1] A bed-bug-rated encasement keeps bed bugs out of the mattress. If allergy symptoms bother you at night, an encasement is one step to try. See a doctor if symptoms continue. The Mattress encasement can be washed regularly while your mattress stays clean and fresh. The mattress encasement is also ideal for children and elderly individuals who may have an “accident” at night, as it protects the mattress from spills.Features of a Good Mattress Encasement

- Use -You get various mattress encasements and must choose one according to its ultimate purpose. Some are waterproof for protection against liquids and spills, while others are for protection against allergens and bed bugs. Mattress encasements are generally ideal if you have sensitive skin or allergies, and then you should opt for designs that are specifically dust, dust mite, pollen, or allergen-proof. I would choose the most waterproof options with a terrycloth top layer if only for spills and wetness.
- Materials – Most mattress encasements will consist of fabric such as terry cloth, polyester, and lycra, with vinyl or plastic layers for waterproofing protection. Some are only water-repellent and still quite breathable. Lycra may also be used in the blend to add stretch for easy folding over your mattress. Terry cloth may be used on top, generally, cotton, which will absorb moisture and liquids from sweat, spills, or accidents; however, the waterproof underlayer will prevent it from seeping through. The terry cloth and upper fabric layers are generally quick-drying and moisture-wicking.
- Protection Levels — Most mattress encasements offer different levels of protection. Some are liquid repellent, while others are fully waterproof. Some are designed to resist allergens and dust, while others are more breathable.
- Closure Most Mattress encasements will have a secure zip closure. Check that the zipper has a cover flap or lock at the end, which matters for bed bugs.[2]
- Machine Washable – Most mattress encasements are machine washable. However, not all can be dried in a tumble dryer as the waterproofing membrane may come off in time.
Our Picks: Mattress Encasements
If you are looking for a good mattress encasement, well then look no further than our extensive list; We hope you love the products we recommend!1
- A six-sided zippered encasement for mattresses up to 15 inches deep.
- The top is smooth knitted polyester with a TPU waterproof backing.
- The listing title says it’s bed bug and dust mite proof.
- Machine wash and tumble dry on low.
2
- This encasement slides on like an envelope and zips closed on all sides.
- A waterproof lining blocks liquids, and the listing says it’s noiseless.
- Linenspa says the zipper helps seal out dust mites, allergens and bed bugs.
- It fits mattresses up to 12 inches thick, is machine washable and has a 10-year limited warranty.
3
- This encasement covers all six sides with a waterproof barrier and a watertight zipper.
- It fits mattresses 6 to 18 inches deep.
- Lucid says the barrier stays quiet and lets air move.
- It’s machine washable and dryer safe, with a 15-year limited warranty.
4
- A six-sided zippered encasement with a fine zipper that SureGuard says seals out bed bugs.
- It’s waterproof, with a 100% cotton terry top.
- The listing says it’s GREENGUARD Gold certified and free from vinyl, PVC and phthalates.[3]
- This queen fits mattresses 13 to 16 inches deep. It comes with a 10-year quality guarantee.
5
- A zippered encasement that stretches to fit queen mattresses 12 to 18 inches deep.
- It has a waterproof barrier on all six sides.
- The polyester knit top sits over a breathable waterproof membrane.
- Machine wash and tumble dry low. It has a 5-year limited warranty.
6
- This zippered encasement covers the mattress on all sides.
- SafeRest says it guards against spills, allergens and bed bugs.
- The waterproof barrier sits under a quiet cotton surface.
- This version is sized for 15 to 18-inch mattresses and is machine washable.
Index Table: Top Rated Mattress Encasements
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utopia Bedding Zippered Encasement - Six-Sided Waterproof Zippered Encasement |
| Utopia Bedding | |
| 2 | Linenspa Zippered Encasement - Waterproof Noiseless Mattress Encasement |
| Linenspa | |
| 3 | Lucid Zippered Encasement - 360 Degree Waterproof Mattress Encasement |
| Lucid | |
| 4 | SureGuard Six-Sided Encasement - Zippered Bed Bug Proof Encasement |
| SureGuard | |
| 5 | Hospitology Sleep Defense System - Zippered Bed Bug Proof Encasement |
| Hospitology | |
| 6 | SafeRest Zippered Encasement - Zippered Waterproof Mattress Encasement |
| SafeRest |
Sources
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Dust Mite Allergy. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- UL Solutions. UL GREENGUARD Certification. Accessed October 16, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Product picks reviewed and updated; added a Key Specs table; added Sources (AAFA, EPA, UL); filled the remaining Key Specs cells from product listings
- Feb 2022: First published