5 Best Mattress Protectors, According to Bedding Experts
These top-tested protectors keep your mattress safe from sweat, water, urine, and more.
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A mattress is a big investment so, of course, you want to try to keep it as clean as possible to ensure it lasts. But even if you're super careful, accidents or spills can happen. That's why it's a good idea to use whatever safeguards you can to keep your mattress in good condition: Enter the waterproof mattress protector. A waterproof protector covers five or six sides of your mattress to prevent liquids, sweat, grime, and other messes from seeping into your bed, which can ultimately extend the life of your mattress. Plus, some protectors can even block out bugs and allergens.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Coop Home Goods Premium Mattress Protector
- Best Value: SafeRest Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Best for Hot Sleepers: SlumberCloud Performance Mattress Protector
- Best Organic: Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector
Not all mattress protectors are guaranteed to be waterproof, so in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we put mattress protectors to the test to determine if they're truly water repellent. We also evaluate washability, shrinkage, hand feel, and noise—no one wants a crinkly mattress protector keeping them up at night. On top of that, we share protectors with consumer testers who try them out on their own beds and give feedback on ease of bed making, fit, and comfort. We've tested 18 protectors in recent years, and these are the five picks that stood out in our tests.
Best Deal
Pros
- Holds up well in the wash
- Plush feel that stays cool
- Ideal for mattresses up to 18 inches deep
Cons
- Mesh side panels aren't as strong as other picks
Our top-tested mattress protector, this five-sided style from Coop Home Goods, easily stretches over your bed like a fitted sheet and is simple to pull off when spills occur. When we poured water on the upper panel, not even a drop seeped through to the inside, proving the protector to be truly waterproof. It's also impressively quiet and was given one of the highest ratings for producing little to no noise during our Textiles Lab evaluations.
It's machine washable and dryer safe, so it's easy to clean with the rest of your bedding. When we laundered the protector in the Lab, it looked good as new without noticeable wear, and there were only minimal signs of shrinkage. The side panels aren't as sturdy as some of the other protectors we tested, but they're stretchy enough to fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep.
WHAT USERS SAY: The upper material is made with a soft and smooth polyester and rayon blend that's comfortable and feels cool to the touch, according to our consumer testers and GH analysts in the Textiles Lab. One analyst who has tested plenty of protectors said, "I immediately noticed how soft it was compared to other mattress protectors." Online reviewers said it's not even noticeable underneath their sheets and noted that it lies flush with their mattress without shifting.
Online reviewers with young kids and pets who are prone to having accidents at night shared that it has kept their mattress totally dry. One reviewer who had previously used a more expensive model that leaked said, "My son had an accident in my bed, and NOTHING made it through! This one is great."
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Outer material | Polyester and rayon blend |
Pros
- Easy to place on a bed
- Testers and online reviews said it's quiet
- Absorbent and soft terrycloth top
Cons
- Some reviewers noted it runs hot
It's a five-sided protector with a cotton-blend terrycloth upper and waterproof backing to keep liquid from seeping through onto your mattress. The upper panel is comparable to a bath towel, so it soaks up and holds onto moisture. Some online reviewers said the machine-washable protector takes quite a while to dry fully for this reason. SafeRest also offers a silky smooth viscose option and an ultra-padded version for a plusher feel.
WHAT USERS SAY: One GH analyst uses this mattress protector on her kids' beds and shared, "It's very easy to get on [thanks to the] stretchy side panels and [it's] very quiet." She credits the protector for saving her kids' mattresses when they're sick. According to the brand and online reviewers, it's also a great option for college dorms and first apartments.
The cotton material is soft and barely makes a sound, according to online reviewers who said it's not as crinkly as other affordable protectors they've tried. The caveat: Some online reviewers said the protector runs warm, so it's not the most ideal option for hot sleepers.
| Sizes | Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Outer material | Cotton and polyester blend |
Pros
- Outlast cooling technology
- Soft, moisture-wicking Tencel material
- Easy to put on a mattress
Cons
- Some testers said it felt noticeable under their sheets
If you're a sweaty sleeper, you may avoid waterproof mattress protectors for fear they'll be hot and stuffy. But that doesn't always have to be the case. SlumberCloud is one of our favorite brands for cooling bedding, and its Performance Mattress protector is made with moisture-wicking Tencel and uses Outlast technology that stores and releases body heat.
The brand only recommends laundering the protector two to four times per year to keep it in the best shape and prevent damage to the waterproof lamination, so it may not be ideal for someone who's more prone to accidents.
WHAT USERS SAY: This protector is loved by testers and GH analysts alike, who said it really helps them maintain a comfortable, stable temperature as they sleep. Even testers who sleep on heat-trapping memory foam beds said this protector keeps them from overheating. One of our consumer testers who owns a cooling mattress and uses this protector shared that she was initially nervous the protector would take away from the cool feel of her mattress and be too warm. But after trying it, she said, "I was pleasantly surprised that my mattress was just as cool and comfy as always."
Our testers said the five-sided protector was easy to put on their bed. Some testers appreciated the thin layer of fill inside, which gives the protector a slightly padded feel, but others wished they couldn't feel the protector through their sheets. One also commented that it "felt almost slippery under the sheet and made it harder for my sheet to stay in place."
RELATED: The Best Cooling Comforters
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Outer material | Tencel lyocell |
Pros
- Soft and stretchy cotton fabric inside and out
- Testers said it's quiet
- GOTS-certified processes and material
Cons
- Slightly oversized, brand recommends washing at least once before using for the best fit
This simple five-sided cotton protector from Avocado is GOTS-certified, meaning the entire manufacturing process and materials used are certified organic. The protector sandwiches a waterproof film between two layers of soft and stretchy cotton jersey for a barely noticeable feel on your bed. And even the waterproof polyurethane is derived from cornstarch, so it's natural through and through.
When we poured water onto the protector in the Textiles Lab, the cotton did absorb some of the liquid, but none of it seeped through the protector, keeping the surface below totally dry. If you have a tall mattress, Avocado also offers a deep-pocket option.
WHAT USERS SAY: The protector won a Good Housekeeping Bedding Award for two consecutive years (2026 and 2025), earning top scores with consumer testers and in the Lab. All our testers gave the protector near-perfect scores for staying quiet as they slept at night. "
There's no noise involved with this mattress protector when you toss and turn at night—impressive for a waterproof protector," shared a tester. A tester who spilled water on her bed reported that the protector stopped water from soaking into her mattress and said it dried quickly post-spill. Testers who are self-proclaimed sweaty sleepers noted that it keeps their bed from soaking up and holding onto their sweat for a fresher feeling mattress. They also rated it highly for staying securely in place on their beds.
One tester did note that the protector was a little oversized for his mattress, explaining that it was loose at the corners, which caused the material to bunch up under his sheets. The brand recommends washing the protector at least once before putting it on your bed because it's designed to shrink slightly to better fit your bed, and it can be dried on low heat.
RELATED: The Best Organic Sheets
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King with deep pocket option |
| Outer material | Organic cotton |
Pros
- Earned perfect scores for being silent
- Cushioned feel
- Testers remained a comfortable temperature at night
Cons
- Not waterproof
Some mattress protectors can be loud under your sheets as you toss and turn in bed. But when we evaluated this pick from Aeptom in the Lab, it produced the least amount of volume, making it a great option for those who are particularly sensitive to sounds at night or who simply don't want to feel a crunchy protector underneath their sheets.
Aeptom's mattress protector is made with a cover of smooth, moisture-wicking Tencel lyocell, which is temperature regulating yet feels cozy. The protector isn't waterproof, so it's not an ideal pick for someone with pets or small children who are accident-prone. In our Textiles Lab evaluations, the plush upper padding soaked up the majority of the liquid we poured during our water-resistance tests—so while it may not be waterproof, it still provides some protection from spills.
WHAT USERS SAY: Our testers unanimously rated this protector as being quiet and comfy. Testers were surprised by just how comfortable the topper felt compared to others they've tried. One compared using the topper to "sleeping on a cloud." They also noted that it didn't make any sound as they slept and said they didn't feel or hear it during the night. When we tested the mattress topper in the Lab, it was virtually silent and earned perfect scores for being quiet.
Several testers highlighted its cool feel, including one tester who is experiencing perimenopause and regularly experiences hot flashes. Another tester shared, "I used to wake up sweating at night but this protector has eliminated the night sweats."
Features at a Glance
| Sizes | Queen, King |
| Outer material | Tencel lyocell |
More waterproof mattress protectors to consider
We've rounded up the best of the waterproof mattress protectors we've tested, but here are other great performers from our evaluations to keep in mind:
Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector Pad: This protector was one of the softest in our tests. It's made of organic knit cotton jersey with an in-between waterproof barrier. During our evaluations, water seeped through the knit top, but the inner layer prevented any moisture from seeping through to the back. However, the fabric was louder than others we tried.
Bedgear Ver-Tex Cooling Mattress: Our testers loved that this protector helped them to remain a comfortable temperature as they slept, and they said the mattress protector was nice and quiet. Some testers said the smooth material felt a little too slippery under their sheets, causing their bedding to shift around.
How we test waterproof mattress protectors
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we extensively test all types of bedding to ensure that you can create the most comfortable bed possible for a great night's sleep. We recently tested 18 waterproof mattress protectors, analyzing them for performance and durability properties. We also researched retailer reviews to understand long-term durability and everyday use.” Here's what we consider during our evaluations:
✔️ Waterproofing test: To ensure that the mattress protectors were actually waterproof, we conducted a spill test simulation in the Textiles Lab. We lined a tray with absorbent blotting paper, weighed the tray for later comparison, and then covered the tray with material from a mattress protector. Next, a set amount of distilled water, similar to a standard spill, was poured onto the mattress protector (pictured here). After three minutes, the protector was removed, and the tray was weighed again. The more water that soaked through the mattress protector and into the absorbent blotting paper below, the less waterproof the protector proved to be, meaning it's not as likely to keep your mattress dry.
✔️ Laundering test: We also put mattress protectors through repeated wash testing to see how well the protectors withstand regular laundering and to analyze if they can resist shrinkage when dried. Plus, we rated each protector for softness.
✔️ Noisiness test: To check that the protectors we recommend aren't too noisy, we crinkled each protector together and rated the volume produced.
✔️ Consumer tests: Lastly, we sent some of these picks to our consumer testers for real-life use. They tried the protectors out on their own beds and shared feedback about ease of bed making, comfort, temperature regulation, mattress fit, sound levels, and more.
What to look for when shopping for a mattress protector
There are so many types of mattress protectors on the market that it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your bed and lifestyle. Here are some helpful characteristics to consider to make shopping a little easier:
✔️ Material: Mattress protectors are all designed with some sort of waterproofing material, and most are encased in a second material for added comfort or better performance.
Polyurethane gives most mattress protectors their waterproof abilities. It's a type of plastic that acts as a moisture barrier but it can be noisy and uncomfortable to sleep on if not encased in another material.
Cotton is a natural fiber that can be woven into durable moisture-wicking fabrics or knit into softer stretch fabrics that, when paired with a waterproof lining, can help keep you comfortable and protected while you sleep.
Tencel is a silky smooth fiber that can feel cool to the touch. It's a popular pick for cooling waterproof mattress protectors and a great choice if you're a hot sleeper.Terrycloth isn't a fiber but a type of fabric (usually cotton) that is woven with little loops of extra yarns that allow for extra absorbency from spills.
✔️ Protection: A mattress protector can be a full encasement cover or a five-sided cover.
A five-sided cover fits on the bed like a fitted sheet, leaving the bottom of the mattress exposed. These covers are usually easier to remove than full encasements and can be taken off quickly when an accident happens. All of our picks are five-sided protectors.
Encasement waterproof mattress protectors completely cover a mattress on all six sides, including the bottom. You slide the cover over your mattress and then zip it shut for maximum coverage from spills. Some offer bed bug protection, too.✔️ Care: The last thing you want is to make a mess on a mattress protector that isn't machine washable or dryer safe, so before buying a mattress protector, it's a good idea to review the care label or care instructions listed in the online product description. Though it's uncommon, some protectors are air-dry only, requiring additional time and care.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Textiles Lab. She’s been at Good Housekeeping since 2018, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for a variety of bedding, including electric blankets, pillows, cooling comforters, and more. Seymour has previously written about the best mattress protectors and best cooling mattress pads.
In-Lab tests were performed by Amanda Constantine, home and apparel reviews analyst in the Textiles Lab. She also coordinated at-home consumer testing and evaluated mattress protectors as part of our Bedding Awards program. She has been with Good Housekeeping since 2022 and tests and reviews a variety of bedding, like mattresses, comforters, duvet covers, and more.
