Whether your mattress is years old or a brand-new Black Friday purchase, it's important to protect it. While other mattress pads merely provide a layer between you and your bed, protectors made with waterproof material are necessary to prevent stains or voiding your mattress warranty. We found the best highly absorbent mattress protectors for twin to king size beds, and some even offer extra cushioning.
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This often-overlooked sleep essential can offer protection from accidental spills, allergens, moisture and other bodily fluids. And while they are not something many people think about, the best mattress protectors can add years to the life of your mattress.
I have extensive experience testing sleep products and offering recommendations based on my hands-on time with them. I tested some of the best waterproof mattress protectors in the only way you can: by pouring water on them.
Below you'll find how they felt and performed during my testing and the best options for your money.
What's the best waterproof mattress protector?
When testing the waterproof mattress protectors, there were a lot of great options I came across. The best overall mattress protector was the Saatva mattress protector. It's a heavy-duty mattress protector made from 100% organic cotton with a layer of polyurethane that keeps spills from getting through. It was the thickest protector I tested, not because it has padding but because it's made from high-quality materials.
In my testing experience, I found it extremely comfortable and fit beds well. It does an excellent job of repelling liquid, so you know your mattress will be protected.
Best waterproof mattress protectors of 2024
The Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector is a thick, heavy-duty bed protector with an almost canvas-like feel. It's heavier than other mattress protectors, but the stretchy sides make it easy to put on the mattress. Liquids sit on top of the mattress protector and slowly seep in without going through, thanks to the waterproof barrier.
I will say that the Saatva mattress protector is a little big when you first take it out of the packaging, but that is often the case with mattress protectors. You should expect them to shrink a little when you wash them. If you use it straight out of the packaging, the top protector layer could easily shift and leave some of your mattress vulnerable with only the siding to protect it.
Pros:
- Liquid slowly absorbs, giving you time to wipe it away
- Durable, canvas-like fabric
- Silicone elastic band to keep it in place
Cons:
- The protector top can easily shift off the surface of the bed
- Not for people on a budget
Additional features:
- Material: Natural cotton, polyurethane
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 16 inches thick
- Trial: 45-day free returns
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $$
The Sleep Number Total Protection Mattress Pad gives your mattress an extra dose of luxury with a unique wavy texture and cooling feel. It might be a little pricier than other options, but you won't be disappointed with the quality of this bed protector. It has a buttery, soft feel that I can't imagine anyone would dislike.
It snags the best cooling waterproof mattress protector because it is cool to the touch while being extremely comfortable. It isn't ice-cold by any means, but the sensation is there. If you're a hot sleeper but don't have the budget to invest in a cooling topper or mattress, this bed protector can help you from overheating at night. The textured top gives the mattress pad a little added cushion. I did notice that the texture did change when the fabric absorbed the water. It didn't let any water get through, but it did leave the protector with a wet spot. Other options that repel spills give you enough time to wipe spills away.
Pros:
- Textured top extends over the sides
- Extremely comfortable
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification
Cons:
- Expensive
- Absorbs water while others repel it
Additional features:
- Material: Polyester, cotton, spandex
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 16 inches thick
- Trial: 100-day free returns
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
- Price: $$$
Coop Home Goods is your best bet if you're looking for a no-fuss waterproof mattress protector that you won't feel at night. This waterproof mattress protector is a budget choice that melts into your bedding like it's not even there. It's waterproof, machine washable and has a simple striped texture.
The Coop Home Goods protector might not have the bells and whistles that other waterproof mattress protectors do, like cooling technology or a nice texture, but it's a solid protector that will extend the life of your mattress. For the price, it's a great choice.
Pros:
- Green Guard Gold and Oeko-Tex certification
- Fits mattresses up to 18 inches thick
- Plush feel
Cons:
Additional features:
- Material: Viscose rayon
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 18 inches thick
- Trial: 45-day free returns
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $
From mattress company Naturepedic, the Happsy Organic Mattress Protector Pad is a great choice if you're looking for an organic waterproof mattress protector. It's made from soft organic cotton and is extremely stretchy, which makes it a breeze to put on the mattress. While testing, I found this waterproof mattress pad soft and comfortable. It's not something that you would feel through your sheets.
I was surprised by how well the Happsy Organic Mattress Pad repelled liquid. Instead of slowly sinking into the fabric like Sleep Number, the water sat on the Happsy mattress protector. This will give you plenty of time to clean up spills before they get a chance to get to your mattress. This also provides extra confidence for this protector to keep out dirt and debris.
Pros:
- Certified organic cotton
- GOTS and Made Safe certified
- Liquid doesn't penetrate quickly
Cons:
- Loose fit on mattress
- Unclear warranty information
Additional features:
- Material: Certified organic cotton and polyurethane film
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 15 inches thick
- Trial: 30-day free returns
- Warranty: NA
- Price: $$
How we tested the best waterproof mattress protectors
Our CNET sleep team has years of experience testing mattresses and sleep products. We've rolled around on just about every bed that you can buy. With each product, we use tests and assessments to determine the quality, performance and our recommendation. For waterproof mattress protectors, the key factors I used while testing are as follows:
Noise: When you think about mattress protectors, you probably imagine the loud, plastic-like encasements you may have had in your dorm or the last Airbnb you stayed in. The best waterproof mattress protectors are far beyond that now. Nearly all of them have a polyurethane backing that keeps liquids from seeping through your mattress. This introduces the potential for noise as you roll around at night. No one wants to be woken up at night by the sound of crinkling. Noise was noted while testing every mattress protector on this list.
Waterproof properties: Just because something says it's waterproof doesn't mean it does it well. Assessing the waterproof performance of each mattress protector was essential during our testing process. I did this by pouring water on each protector, noting if it repelled or absorbed water, and if it did absorb it, how long it took.
Specifications: Like mattresses, bed protectors generally have warranties and trials attached to them. For each product, the warranty, trial and certifications were noted in the reviews. Extra features like cooling technology were also included.
Read more on how we test mattresses at CNET.
Things to consider when shopping for a mattress protector
Mattress protectors aren't something you should skip. Not only will it save you cleaning time, but it will also extend the life of your bed by protecting the layers of foam inside.
There are a lot of waterproof mattress protectors on the market, varying by price, quality and performance. That makes it challenging to narrow down which mattress protector is best for you. To simplify it, we've narrowed down some critical factors to remember when shopping for the best waterproof mattress protector.
Style
There are several styles of waterproof mattress protectors. Some are full encasements that zip around the entirety of your bed, while others are pads that sit on top with straps that anchor it to the bed. The most common type of mattress protector looks like a fitted sheet. They are stretchy and easy to put on, although they can shift at night.
Material
Another thing to consider when shopping for the best waterproof mattress protectors is what it's made of. Some protectors boast organic certifications like Oeko-Tex that confirm the product is free of harmful substances.
Also, decide what type of texture you want from a bed protector. Some, like Sleep Number, have elaborate textures you can feel through a sheet. Others are designed to blend in, so you don't even know they are there.
- Cotton: Many people seek out cotton waterproof mattress protectors because cotton is breathable and easy to care for. It’s a classic choice for comfort and moisture-wicking.
- Tencel: Waterproof mattress protectors made from Tencel are silky smooth when you touch them. Tencel is often included in cooling mattress protectors because it has a natural cooling effect.
- Terry cloth: Terry cloth is comfortable and great for waterproof mattress protectors because it quickly absorbs the spill rather than leaving it to pool on top as some quilted tops do.
Budget
They're cheaper than mattresses, but mattress protectors can still run you a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the features and brand of the product. Thankfully, there are good options for every budget. Establishing how much you want to spend on a mattress protector will help narrow down your options.
A mattress protector is a sleep accessory that extends the life of your mattress by repelling liquid, dirt and debris. They're typically thin layers of fabric that blend into your existing bedding setup, so you don't even notice they're on your bed.
Mattress protectors are a small investment when you think about the significant return they give. Whether it's sweat, dead skin cells or spills, there are a lot of things that collect in your mattress. The best mattress protectors protect your bed from allergens and debris and limit moisture that could break down the adhesive between foam layers.
As with any sleep product, there are disadvantages to be aware of. Some report that adding a waterproof mattress cover makes them sleep hot because of the polyurethane barrier. If that's something that concerns you, look for a bed protector that is made from breathable material like cotton.
The best waterproof mattress protectors can help protect your mattress from urine. They're designed to absorb spills before they can reach your mattress. You can also add a waterproof underpad for extra protection.