Mattress Protector Buyer's Guide

Overview

When shopping for mattress protector, it’s important to know what to look for so you can easily compare products. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

Is a mattress protector worth it?

If you have an expensive new mattress, a mattress protector will prove well worth its minimal cost. From potty-training toddlers to playful pets, accidents can happen on your bed. Rather than scrubbing stains out of your mattress or replacing it in the case of a catastrophe, employing a mattress protector can keep it good as new.

Mattress protectors are beneficial for both old and new mattresses of any size. They’re easy to put on, easy to maintain, and can save lots of money and effort in the long run. They’re ideal for children, older adults struggling with incontinence, nursing mothers, people who eat and drink in bed, or those who share their beds with pets.

Mattress protectors are also beneficial for people with allergies because they keep dust, pet dander, and other allergens from building up in the mattress. Some mattress protectors are designed to keep bedbugs out. Weighed against the cost of purchasing a new mattress or calling in an exterminator for a bedbug infestation, that mattress protector can be a low-cost lifesaver.

What makes the best mattress protector?

When shopping for the best mattress protector, look for one that is breathable, comfortable, durable, and easy to wash. Mattress protectors made from fabric with a waterproof membrane rather than all-plastic protectors will be the most comfortable and create the least amount of noise when you move around at night. A breathable, moisture-wicking protector will allow for airflow and heat dissipation, so you don’t overheat while you sleep.

A mattress protector should be durable enough to last through years, and many runs through the washing machine. Cotton, polyester, and bamboo blend are all highly resilient and comfortable materials that can be machine-washed. The best mattress protector should fit your mattress well and be easy to take on and off for cleaning.

What does a mattress protector do?

A mattress protector prolongs the life of your mattress by acting as a barrier between the mattress and the outside world. Like a fitted sheet, a mattress protector covers the top and sides of the mattress and blocks liquids and debris from coming in contact with the mattress. Some protectors encase the mattress completely, preventing allergens, bedbugs, and dust mites from burrowing down into the bed’s fibers.

Since mattresses are large and heavy, you can’t simply toss them in the washing machine. And scrubbing stains out of a mattress can be futile work. On the other hand, you can simply toss a mattress protector in the washing machine every month or two.

What are the different types of mattress protectors?

There are three basic types of mattress protectors: fitted, encasement, and strapped. Five-sided fitted mattress protectors are the most common and are placed on the bed like a fitted sheet. They protect the top and sides of the bed but do not fully enclose it. These are best for keeping liquids and debris off of your mattress.

Encasement-style mattress protectors enclose the entire mattress on all six sides and protect it from bedbugs and contaminants as well as liquids. This type slides on around the mattress and has a zipper closure.

You can also purchase a simple waterproof strapped protector that lays across the top of the mattress and is secured in place with elastic straps. This type protects the top only, not the sides, and is ineffective against bedbugs.