BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here
Edit Story
We independently select all products and services. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission. Learn more

The 8 Best Mattress Protectors To Prevent Stains, Based On Testing

While a small smudge on a mattress can usually be spot cleaned, a cup of coffee or accident in the middle of the night is harder to clean and can potentially ruin a mattress—after all, you can’t just toss the whole thing in the washing machine. That’s where the best mattress protectors come in to guard against stains from sweat, spills or pets. I tested 10 different ones and found the best mattress protector overall to be the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector. Its combination of comfort and easy care made it a top pick.

However, what works for one person may not work for another, which is why we chose a variety of mattress protectors designed to suit different needs and sleep preferences. One thing most can agree on, if a mattress protector is noisy or overly warm, you likely don’t want to use it. To find the top mattress protectors, I extensively tested and slept on various options in order to see which ones work best. Here are of all the winners from our testing process:

Best Mattress Protector Overall

A Breathable, Noiseless Protector At A Reasonable Price

Sijo Airyweight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector (Queen)

Waterproof: Yes | Depth: 18 inches | Material: Top: 36% lyocell, 13% nylon, 45% polyester, 6% spandex, polyurethane membrane; Skirt: 100% recycled polyester, polyurethane membrane

Best for:

  • Hot sleepers  
  • Those wanting a comfortable protector
  • People who are sensitive to bedding that makes noise

Skip if:

  • You need side protection
  • You want a long trial period or warranty

Sijo’s mattress protector is our top pick because it gets a few things right where others fall short. First, the Sijo mattress protector doesn’t cause any heat buildup, unlike some others I tested. Appropriately named, the Airyweight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector is indeed breathable. It’s also made with lyocell fiber, which helps regulate body temperature. Care is easy since it’s machine washable and can be tumble dried on low.

While our other picks are comfortable to sleep on, I found this one so comfortable that I forgot it was even there. Thick mattresses are also not an issue for this protector since the Sijo can accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches tall, and it was easy to get on and off the bed. It passed our waterproof test, and I found no leaks—though it should be noted that the sides of the mattress protector are not waterproof. I really like that all of these great features come with a price tag of less than $80 for a queen size, which is significantly lower than some of the other mattress protectors I tested that didn’t perform quite as well. However, the Sijo protector’s seven-day risk-free trial period is much shorter than others on this list.


The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.


Best Value Mattress Protector

A Decent Mattress Protector At A Competitive Price

Linenspa Mattress Protector (Queen)

Waterproof: Yes | Depth: 14 inches | Material: Polyester top, polyurethane backing

Best for:

  • Someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot 
  • People who want a mattress protector that’s not noticeable

Skip if:

  • You need side protection
  • You sleep warm

I’ve previously tested the Linenspa mattress protector and wasn’t that impressed, but this time around, it seems like the brand has made some improvements. While you’re not going to get a top-of-the-line mattress protector, you get one that passed our waterproof test, and it’s less than $20 for a queen size—a hard price to beat. It’s extremely thin, which contributes to the low price tag, but in this case, it works in the protector’s favor because it has a barely-there feel. I also found noise wasn’t an issue as I moved around.

The one bigger drawback is that I found it gets fairly warm, so if you sleep hot, you may want to consider another mattress protector on this list. The skirt is also made out of a thin mesh material, so it doesn’t offer any side protection. The stretchy mesh made it easy to get on and off the bed, but the loose fabric allowed for shifting, so it also may not be the best for those who toss and turn during the night. Spills are easy to clean up since the protector is machine washable and you can tumble dry low. It’s also eligible for free returns within 30 days of receipt and has a 10-year warranty.


Best Organic Mattress Protector

Waterproof And Made With Certified Organic Cotton

Avocado Waterproof Mattress Protector (Queen)

Waterproof: Yes | Depth: 16 inches for standard, 22 inches for deep pocket option | Material: 95% organic cotton, 5% polyurethane waterproofing layer

Best for:

  • People who want an organic and eco-friendly option
  • Anyone who wants a quiet mattress protector
  • Sleepers with allergies

Skip if:

  • You are a hot or warm sleeper

Most mattress protectors are made out of primarily synthetic materials, but Avocado’s is made with 95% organic cotton. The organic cotton is GOTS certified, meaning it passes the Global Organic Textile’s Standard for manufacturing textiles based on strict ecological and social criteria. The other 5% of the mattress protector is a layer of polyurethane to make the protector waterproof, since cotton absorbs water. According to Avocado, it doesn't use any vinyl or phthalates in the waterproofing layer. Additionally, the entire mattress protector is Made Safe certified, which means it’s free of substances that can be harmful to humans, animals and ecosystems.

I found the cotton fabric feels soft, but it also felt slightly warm when I slept on it. On the upside, noise wasn’t an issue, and it can be machine washed and dried. It comes in a standard size that accommodates mattresses up to 16 inches and a deep pocket option that fits mattresses up to 22 inches, the deepest pocket size on this list. It also comes with a 100-night trial period and a one-year warranty.


Best Thin Mattress Protector

You Won’t Even Know This Mattress Protector Is There

Purple Mattress Protector (Queen)

Waterproof: No | Depth: 15 inches | Material: 85% polyester, 15% spandex, TPU polyurethane coating

Best for:

  • People who want an extremely thin mattress protector 
  • Those who need five-sided protection 
  • Shoppers who want easy care

Skip if:

  • You need waterproof protection, rather than water-resistant

Purple’s Mattress Protector is one of the most pleasant to sleep on, thanks to the thin material that doesn’t have any extra padding or quilting. I couldn’t feel or hear the material while lying down on it because it was so thin.

Surprisingly, it passed our waterproof test even though it’s labeled as water-resistant, but a large amount of liquid that’s left for a long time may seep through. One big advantage of this mattress protector is that it provides five-sided protection, so it’s a good buffer if dirty paws or sticky fingers happen to touch the sides, unlike others that have mesh sides. It’s also machine washable, so you can throw it in the wash and tumble dry on low. I washed it four times, and it was still as good as new. Purple offers a 30-day return period and 10-year warranty for this protector.


Best Waterproof Mattress Protector

A Five-Sided Option That Has Nearly Every Angle Covered

Tuft & Needle Mattress Protector (Queen)

Waterproof: Yes | Depth: 14 inches | Material: 100% polyester, waterproof TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) coating

Best for:

  • People who need protection for the top and sides of the mattress 
  • Shoppers looking for a quiet, comfortable pick

Skip if:

  • You have a mattress thicker than 14 inches
  • You sleep extra hot

Tuft and Needle’s Mattress Protector goes beyond the usual top coverage provided by most protectors. The waterproof material not only covers the sleeping surface of the bed but also extends to the four sides, ensuring complete protection around the edges and sides of the mattress—so even if liquid runs to the sides, your mattress is still protected. You don’t have to worry about harmful substances in the protector, either, as it’s Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certified.

I found this mattress protector to be forgettable in the best way when I slept on it because it didn’t make noise. I did find it a touch warm but not to the degree of being an issue. It fits mattresses up to 14 inches and is machine washable, so if accidents happen, you can quickly throw it in the wash. It comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a two-year limited warranty.


Best Plush Mattress Protector

This Mattress Protector Adds Plush Comfort

MOST POPULAR

Puffy Signature Mattress Protector (Queen)

Waterproof: Yes | Depth: 15 inches | Material: 60% polyester, 40% bamboo from rayon

Best for:

  • Those looking to add a plush layer on top of the mattress
  • Sleepers wanting durability
  • Anyone who wants a long trial and warranty period

Skip if:

  • You’re a hot sleeper

This mattress protector stood out from the rest due to its plush and thick quilted top, so if you’re looking to add extra comfort to your bed, this is a good pick. When I slept on the Puffy mattress protector, I liked the added layer of softness that made it feel cozier. The trade-off to this extra quilting is that I found it contributed to some heat buildup when I slept on it. If you live in a cold climate, you may appreciate the extra warmth, but it may not be the best option for hot sleepers.

It passed our waterproof test with no leaks coming through. It’s also machine washable and looked good after multiple washes. Just be aware that after running this mattress protector through a wash cycle it was full of water and required multiple dry cycles. It comes with a 101-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.


Best Mattress Protector For Hot Sleepers

A Cooling And Comfortable Mattress Protector

Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector (Queen)

Waterproof: Yes | Depth: 20 inches | Material: Fabric: 48% high-density polyethylene (HDPE), 52% polyester fabric; Lining: 100% polyester fabric with Outlast Technology coating, TPU breathable waterproof lamination; Skirt: 100% polyester

Best for:

  • Hot sleepers who want a cool-to-the-touch feel
  • People wanting a durable, quiet protector

Skip if:

  • You’re bothered by some fabric pilling
  • You want a trial period to test out the protector

Slumber Cloud is a brand that does cooling bedding really well. It rang true for this mattress protector, as I found it the coolest to the touch out of the ones I tested. It passed our waterproof test, and I didn’t have any issues sleeping on it when it came to noise or comfort. However, after four washes I noticed the fabric started to pill, so it may not hold up in the long run. However, if you’re a hot sleeper and the pilling doesn’t bother you, this may be a good pick since it felt the coolest. Keep in mind that since it’s on final sale, it doesn’t come with a trial period and cannot be returned or exchanged.


Fastest Absorbing Mattress Protector

Absorbs Liquid To Keep You Dry And Comfortable

Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector (Queen)

Waterproof: Yes | Depth: 18 inches | Material: 60% polyester, 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon with a waterproof 100% polyurethane backing

Best for:

  • Those who want something very absorbent
  • Sleepers wanting a quiet option
  • Shoppers who value third-party certifications

Skip if:

  • You’re a hot sleeper

The Coop Sleep Goods mattress protector is comfortable to sleep on and doesn’t make noise when you move. It passed our waterproof tests, and it really stood out for its ability to absorb liquid quickly into the fabric—so there’s not a wet puddle if someone is sleeping and can’t immediately change the protector.

The fabric feels smooth and cool, but it wasn’t as cooling as some of the other mattress protectors I tested, so it’s best for someone who doesn’t sleep too hot. The skirt is made with a polyester mesh material that’s durable and easy to stretch over the sides when putting it on. The protector is also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified to be free of harmful chemicals. And it comes with a 100-night trial period and one-year warranty.


Other Mattress Protecters I Tested

I tested two additional mattress covers that didn’t make the cut. Here’s how they compare to our top picks.

Casper: The Casper mattress protector has a slightly thicker fabric on top, which gives it extra comfort but also leads to some heat buildup. It passed the waterproof test, but the main issue that held it back is I struggled getting it on and off the bed.

SafeRest: SafeRest’s mattress protector has a terry cloth fabric on top, which makes it very absorbent. However, you can feel the texture of the fabric through the sheets, which makes it not as comfortable to sleep on as others. It’s also more expensive than our value pick, the Linenspa Mattress Protector, which I liked better.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted team has spent many hours researching, testing and writing about hundreds of sleep products, including mattress protectors, to build our robust library of mattress and sleep stories.

  • Forbes Vetted contributor Jamie Ueda, the author of this story, extensively tested all the mattress protectors on this list and slept on each one a minimum of two nights. She has years of experience testing mattress protectors and other bedding items such as pillow protectors, sheets, comforters and more. She has expertise working in product development and quality control in the textiles industry. She holds a degree in apparel and textile design and a degree in mechanical engineering.
  • Mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon oversaw this article and both have experience testing all the bedding items you can think of, from sheets and duvets to mattresses and bed frames.
  • This article is regularly refreshed and checked for accuracy. It was last updated in June 2024 with new product recommendations and FAQs.


How I Tested The Best Mattress Protectors

When testing mattress protectors, I used each one for at least two nights to judge any issues with noise, heat buildup, breathability, comfort and overall experience. I evaluated the materials used for each mattress protector and noted how they affected the performance and consumer experience. I put each mattress protector through four wash and dry cycles to look for problems such as pilling, wear and any other durability-related issues. I also noted if it needed multiple dry cycles and the ease of laundering each one.

I conducted a waterproof test by putting a piece of paper towel under a section of each mattress protector. I used water that was dyed blue and poured a set amount of water on the protector and put a weight on top to simulate someone lying on it. I let it sit for eight hours and then checked to see if any of the blue liquid had leaked through to the paper towel. I performed the waterproof test on each mattress protector straight out of the packaging and then again after four wash and dry cycles. Lastly, I looked at the price and value for each one and how they compare to others that are similar.


What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Mattress Protector

Waterproof Vs. Water-Resistant

If a mattress protector offers protection from liquids, it’s labeled waterproof or water-resistant. These sound similar to each other and are sometimes thought of as interchangeable, but it’s important to know the difference so you don’t end up ruining your mattress. Waterproof means the protector can keep any liquid from seeping through, no matter the amount or how long it sits on the mattress protector. This is a good choice for kids beds or any situation where you want protection from overnight accidents that can’t be cleaned up right away. Water-resistant offers some protection against spills, but they may leak through eventually if there’s a large amount of liquid or it’s left on for an extended period of time. For those who are looking for light protection from the occasional spill, this level of protection is a good option.

Fabric And Materials

Most mattress protectors are made with fabric and some type of waterproof or water-resistant layer. The fabric is used as a top layer to enhance comfort and absorb liquid with a waterproof or water-resistant coating on the back to prevent liquids from getting through. Most people want to opt for this type of protector since they are comfortable, make little noise and tend to be cooler.

Vinyl is another material used for mattress protectors, but it typically makes them noisy, trap heat and feel like shower curtains. They are cheaper, but we recommend avoiding these and choosing a fabric mattress protector for about the same price instead, such as our best budget pick from Linenspa.

Mattress Protector Care

Most of the mattress protectors I tested can be machine washed on cold and tumbled dry on low. Be sure to follow the instructions as many mattress protectors recommend not using certain laundering products like bleach and avoiding hot temperatures because they can damage the mattress protector and cause leaks.

Fitted Sheet And Encasement Style

There are two main styles of mattress protectors: fitted sheet and encasement styles. Which one you choose depends on your protection needs and preferences. We focused on fitted sheet styles for this article since they’re easiest to use, but encasement styles can be better for protecting against allergens and bed bugs since they fully encase the mattress. Learn more below.

  • Fitted sheet mattress protectors are common and as the name suggests, they are constructed like a traditional fitted sheet with an elastic band that stretches over the bed to keep it in place. It’s easy to launder these because you can get them on and off the bed easily. These are great options for those who may have frequent accidents or spills and need to launder the mattress protector more often. Steve Hodges, M.D., professor of pediatric urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and co-author of The M.O.P. Book: The Proven Way to Stop Bedwetting in Toddlers Through Teens says even though he doesn’t routinely recommend mattress protectors since it doesn’t solve the problem of bedwetting, there are no real drawbacks to using them. He suggests looking for one that is, “waterproof, breathable, noiseless, comfortable and washable.”
  • Encasement style protectors cover the entire bed, including the bottom. These are harder to get on and off than fitted sheet styles since they need to be maneuvered under the bed and around the mattress. Rachel L. Miller, M.D., FAAAAI, system chief of the Division of Clinical Immunology and interim chief of the Division of Rheumatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, recommends this type for patients with dust mite allergies. “Patients with dust mite allergies likely benefit from reductions in exposures to dust and dust mites,” she says. “Using a dust mite proof encasing around the mattress and possibly the pillows—in combination with other measures to reduce exposure to dust mites (e.g. HEPA vacuum cleaners)—may be helpful.” These types of protectors are also used to protect against bed bugs.


Do I Need A Mattress Protector?

A mattress protector is not a necessity, but people who sweat heavily, those who have overnight accidents or people with pets may want to invest in one. Mattress protectors can help extend the life of the mattress by keeping it free of liquid spills and stains, and they can help prevent voiding your mattress warranty.

Are All Mattress Protectors Waterproof?

No, some are water-resistant, which means that some liquid may leak through the protector, while waterproof means that no liquid should seep through to the bed.

Are Any Mattress Protectors Actually Waterproof?

Yes, there are mattress protectors that are actually waterproof, like the Tuft & Needle Mattress Protector or Tuft & Needle Mattress Protector. One thing to note, as previously mentioned in this article, is that water-resistant is not the same as waterproof. Only waterproof mattress protectors provide a leak-proof barrier.

Are Expensive Mattress Protectors Worth It?

For some individuals, an expensive mattress protector is worth it. Pricier mattress protectors can provide more benefits like being breathable so you don’t overheat and being noiseless. Some also may have softer fabric, more plush materials to make the bed more comfortable or added cooling components. However, if you don’t need these extras, spending more may not be worth it.