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If you want to preserve your mattress’s integrity, you are in the right place! You can read further to learn about mattress protectors’ key features, when you should buy one, and the difference between a mattress topper and a protector.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Style | Top fabric | Fits depth | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fitted | Cotton terry | Up to 22" | 15-yr warranty |
| 2 | Fitted | Cotton blend | Up to 18" | 10-yr warranty |
| 3 | 6-sided zip encasement | Cotton terry | 13–16" | 10-yr guarantee |
| 4 | 6-sided zip encasement | Polyester | Up to 16" | 10-yr warranty |
| 5 | 5-sided fitted | Organic cotton | Not stated | Not stated |
✓ yes · ✗ no · – not confirmed · Specs as stated on the Amazon listing or by the maker · Not a treatment for any condition
What’s the Difference Between a Mattress Protector and a Mattress Pad?
There are many differences between a mattress topper and a mattress protector. A mattress topper is like a mattress extension and is usually needed for an additional comfort layer. A mattress pad usually won’t protect your mattress from spills or bed bugs. When you buy a mattress topper, you will still need a mattress protector to cover it along with your mattress; otherwise, both will suffer over time. A mattress protector is usually a thick fitted sheet with no stuffing or padding. A mattress pad is usually quilted and very thick or in the foam mat format, giving extra bulk to the mattress. Many mattress protectors are waterproof, whereas a mattress topper or pad will soak through your mattress. You can also wash a mattress protector in the washing machine, but you want to avoid throwing your mattress pad in there, or it will get ruined!When Does One Need A Mattress Protector?
Everyone should have a mattress protector for some reasons:- Keeping Your Mattress Clean – The main reason that all mattress protectors have in common is wanting to keep your mattress and mattress pads in pristine condition. A mattress protector fits underneath your bed linen and on top of your mattress, catching any sweat and preventing spills, dirt, and other mess from seeping down to your mattress.
- Easy Cleaning – Dust, dirt and sweat can build up in a mattress over time. A protector is much easier to wash than a mattress, so you can keep the surface you sleep on clean. If you have allergies, ask your doctor which bedding steps make sense for you.
- Bed Bug Protection – Mattress protectors that have a zipper are also known as encasements. Encasing the mattress and box spring removes many bed bug hiding spots and makes bugs easier to spot. The EPA suggests choosing a high-quality encasement and checking it regularly for holes.[1]
- Waterproofing – Unlike cooling sheets, a waterproof mattress protector prevents any water or liquids from penetrating the mattress beneath it. This is useful for children who wet the bed or just for clumsier individuals who tend to spill beverages in bed. You can pop it in the washing machine with a waterproof mattress protector, and no harm is done.
Characteristics of a Good Waterproof Mattress Protectors
Good mattress protectors have a few, if not all, of the following features:- High Thread Count – Thread count matters less on a protector than on sheets. Look at the top fabric (cotton, terry or polyester) and how it feels.
- Air Flow Technology – urethane or vinyl are some materials used in the making of mattress protectors. Hence, it is important to ensure your mattress protector is breathable or will cause you to sweat (even though it will ironically protect your mattress from that).
- Waterproof Barrier – not all mattress protectors are waterproof. Good waterproof mattress protectors allow your skin to breathe while still letting liquids run off the mattress, similar to a tent!
- Tight Fitting – You don’t want a mattress protector that falls off the bed when you roll around at night. Ensure the mattress protector has a zipper or a stretch-fit finish on the edges.
- “Double Barrier” – This is a marketing term, not a standard. It usually means a fabric top layer plus a waterproof membrane underneath. Check what the two layers actually are, and whether the protector covers only the top or all six sides; it doesn’t mean twice the protection.
Our Waterproof Mattress Protector Picks
Here is a list of waterproof mattress protectors to help keep your mattress from getting ruined when you make a mess! We hope you love the products we recommend!1
- This fitted protector has a cotton terry surface with a polyurethane backing that repels liquids.
- Deep pockets fit mattresses up to 22 inches deep.
- It is thin and quiet and doesn’t change the feel of your mattress, per the listing.
- It is machine washable and comes with a 15-year warranty.
2
- This fitted protector has a cotton blend terry surface (80% cotton, 20% polyester, per the listing) and a waterproof polyurethane layer for fluids, sweat and spills.[2]
- It is quiet and breathable, per the listing.
- Stretchable pockets help it fit snugly; the listing says queen, king and Cal King sizes fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep (twin and full up to 14).[2] SafeRest offers a 10-year warranty.[3]
- Machine wash and tumble dry on low; high heat can damage the waterproof layer.[2]
3
- This zippered six-sided encasement covers the whole mattress and has a cotton terry top.
- The maker says its zipper seals the mattress against bed bugs; pair it with a box spring encasement.
- The listing says it is free from vinyl, PVC, phthalates and fire retardants and is GREENGUARD Gold certified.[4]
- The queen fits mattresses 13 to 16 inches deep and has a 10-year quality guarantee.
4
- This six-sided zippered encasement covers the whole mattress, not just the top.
- A polyurethane-laminated backing blocks spills and sweat, and the surface is soft polyester.
- The twin fits mattresses 39 x 75 inches and up to 16 inches deep.
- It is machine washable, and the listing gives a 10-year warranty.[5]
5
- This protector has an organic cotton top, a polyester fill layer and a 5-sided waterproof TPU layer.
- The listing says the cotton is OEKO-TEX certified.[6]
- The maker says the 0.02 mm TPU layer stays waterproof after repeated washing.
- A 360° elastic skirt keeps it in place; the listing does not give a maximum mattress depth or a warranty term.
Comparison Table: Waterproof Mattress Protectors
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LUCID Premium Waterproof - Cotton Terry Waterproof Mattress Protector |  |
| LUCID |
| 2 | SafeRest Waterproof Protector - Cotton Blend Waterproof Mattress Protector |  |
| SafeRest |
| 3 | SureGuard Zippered Encasement - Six-Sided Waterproof Bed Bug Encasement |  |
| SureGuard |
| 4 | CrystalTowels Zippered Encasement - Six-Sided Zippered Waterproof Protector |  |
| CrystalTowels |
| 5 | Lofe Organic Protector - Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector |  |
| Lofe |
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- Amazon. SafeRest Waterproof Queen Mattress Protector listing. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- SafeRest. Premium Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector (manufacturer page). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- UL Solutions. UL GREENGUARD Certification. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- Amazon. CrystalTowels Ultimate Zippered Waterproof Mattress Encasement listing. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- OEKO-TEX. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. Accessed October 16, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rechecked all five protectors; corrected the SafeRest fabric, depth and warranty details; explained what “double barrier” really means; completed the Key Specs table
- Feb 2022: Added LUCID Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Jul 2021: Added SafeRest Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Sep 2020: Added CrystalTowels Zippered Waterproof Mattress Encasement
- May 2017: First published
