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Best mattress protectors for bedwetting, allergies and more
Mattresses cost a pretty penny, and the best mattress protector will keep them ship shape for longer. Whether you’re shopping for your own bed or your kids’, we’ve got the whole family covered.
By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Feb 6, 2024
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From accidental spills and leaks to night-time bedwetting, your family’s mattresses go through a lot. One of the best mattress protectors can extend the lifespan of your mattress as well as guarding against dust mites and even keeping the bed cool for hot sleepers to boot.
Essential for home births, babies, toddlers and beyond, many Mumsnetters swear by a good mattress protector for every bed in the house. That’s why we’ve turned to the collective wisdom of the Mumsnet Talk forums to bring you the very best mattress protectors for every family member.
You won’t find any crinkly, noisy mattress protectors on our list, Mumsnet is far too picky for such things, only crunch-free, tried and tested protector sheets have made it onto our round up of the best mattress protectors. For more of our guides to a great night’s sleep for all the family, check out our round-ups of the best cot mattresses, the best mattress toppers and the best bed sheets.
These are the best mattress protectors for 2024.
Best mattress protectors: at a glance
Overall best mattress protector
No rustling whatsoever
Comes in almost every size
Super soft
Environmentally friendly materials
Pricey
Price on writing: From £30 | Material: Tencel | Sizes: cot, cot bed, single, double, kingsize, super kingsize | Waterproof?: yes | Machine washable?: yes
Certified not rustly by Mumsnetters, this is a mattress protector and bottom sheet in one with a comfortable natural tencel top and a 100% waterproof mid layer. Hippychick protectors also have temperature-regulating properties and they’re machine washable too.
What’s more, you can kit out the whole family with Hippychick protectors as there are versions to fit up to a super kingsize bed.
Read next: The best cot beds, as recommended by Mumsnetters
Best mattress protector on a budget
Bargain price
Available in 4 sizes
Washes well
No king size option
Some reviewers say it’s not 100% waterproof
Price on writing: From £10 | Material: Cotton/polyester blend | Sizes: 4ft, single, double, super king | Waterproof?: yes | Machine washable?: yes
If you’re looking for a bargain mattress protector that comes with an assurance of no rustling, this one from Bed-Ore is a classic Amazon bargain. Made from a soft Terry cotton/polyster blend, it’ll fit under your child’s sheet easily and keep their mattress safe from accidents.
It’s easy to bung in the washing machine too, and can be tumble dried on low. Mumsnetters say it’s soft, effective and breathable for a comfy night’s sleep.
Related: The best cribs and bedside co-sleepers for newborns
Best cooling mattress protector
Moisture wicking
High-tech cooling fabric
Available in lots of sizes
Expensive
Price on writing: From £36 | Material: Coolmax and polyester | Sizes: Pillow, single, king, superking, Euro single, small double | Waterproof?: yes | Machine washable?: yes
Brilliant for hot sleepers, these mattress protectors from premium sleep brand Soak and Sleep are made from patented Coolmax fibres which reduce body temperature and alleviate heat, plus they have a padded layer for comfort and innovative design that cools and dries quicker than other synthetic fabrics.
They’re waterproof and come with an elasticated skirt to keep them in place - plus pillow protectors are also available for extra coolness on your head and neck. The only catch is they don’t come cheap, with a single sized protector starting at an RRP of £46.
Related: The best travel cots for home and away
Best anti-allergy mattress protector
Endorsed by Allergy UK
Duvets and pillows also available in the same range
Not waterproof
Price on writing: from £28 | Material: Polyester | Sizes: Single, double, king, superking | Waterproof?: no | Machine washable?: yes
If it’s dust mite allergies you’re looking to guard against, rather than night-time accidents, this mattress protector from M&S comes recommended by both Mumsnetters and Allergy UK.
The protector’s specially-blended fibres are proven to reduce dust mite allergens, as well as limit the growth of bacteria and mould, keeping beds fresh and hygienic. While this particular mattress protector isn’t waterproof, Mumsnetters also swear by M&S’s soft and non-rustly waterproof range.
Read next: The best bunk beds for space-saving sleep solutions
Best bamboo mattress protector
Soft, breathable fabric
Waterproof
Dust mite resistant
Suitable for sensitive skin
Coolness to the touch isn’t to everyone’s taste
Some reviewers find it to be slippery
Price on writing: from £24 | Material: Bamboo and cotton | Sizes: Single, double, king, superking | Waterproof?: yes | Machine washable?: yes
Soft, natural, environmentally friendly and temperature-regulating - bamboo is a wonder fabric really well suited to bedding. The mattress protector is light, thin and fits seamlessly under a fitted sheet.
Breathable and cool, with a thin but effective waterproof Nano TPU layer, there’s not a rustle to be heard with this mattress protector.
Related: The best Moses basket mattresses and the best cot mattresses.
Small and portable
Can be used on a bed or out and about
Easy to wash and tumble dry
Super absorbent up to 3 litres
Doesn’t cover the whole mattress
Can move around while being slept on
Price on writing: £7 | Material: Not stated | Sizes: One size | Waterproof?: Yes | Machine washable?: Yes
How’s this for an alternative to endless loads of washing? These bed pads aren’t usually marketed to parents, which rather annoyingly means they’re a hell of a lot more affordable.
The pad goes on top of your child’s sheet, positioned roughly where their bum will be while they’re sleeping, and the pad catches any accidents, wicking moisture away and protecting the sheet and mattress. Needless to say, if your child’s a bit of a wriggler, these might not work so well.
Read next: The best baby monitors Mumsnetters swear by
Best cot bed mattress protector
Full cot bedding set in one
Great price
Fully washable
Comfy and rustle-free mattress protector
You have to buy the whole set
Will be too small when your little one moves up to a bed
Price on writing: from £30 | Material: Polyester | Sizes: Cot, cot bed | Waterproof?: Yes | Machine washable?: Yes
Even the best nappy can let you down overnight, and those surprise naps while potty training can also be a worry, so it’s always a good idea to have a mattress protector on any cot mattress.
This set from John Lewis includes not just a mattress protector but also a duvet, pillow and sheet sized perfectly for a cot or cot bed. At £30 for a cot and £40 for a cot bed set, these are really great prices compared to buying each piece separately. What’s more, it’s all designed to be easily chucked in the washing machine, dries quickly and has reinforced seams that won’t fray with repeated washes.
Related: The best breast pumps, tried and tested by Mumsnetters
Best king size mattress protector
Soft to the touch
Washes well
Thick and generously quilted
Keeps its elasticity even after several washes
Not waterproof
Quilting means it takes longer to dry
Price on writing: from £14 | Material: Polyester | Sizes: Single, double, king, super king | Waterproof?: no | Machine washable?: yes
This affordable mattress protector from Dunelm holds its own against some of the bigger brands according to Mumsnetters. This simple option is secure and comfortable, and is available for a variety of bed sizes.
While this topper will stop your mattress becoming stained from small spills and leaks, it isn’t a fully waterproof protector. However, reviews promise a mattress protector that washes well and provides a comfortable night’s sleep.
No mess, no fuss
Sticks to mattress or sheet
Durable between accidents
Single-use
Price on writing: £7.50 | Material: Polypropylene | Sizes: one size | Waterproof?: yes | Machine washable?: no
While not the most cost-effective or environmentally-friendly option, sometimes a bit of extra convenience is worth its weight in gold to your sanity. These bed mats from Huggies have sticky strips that keep them in place, and Mumsnetters say they last well as long as they’re kept dry - perfect for guarding against the occasional accident.
While they won’t protect the duvet like pull-up pyjama pants, we think these are a good alternative to night time nappies, especially if your child is nearly there at night time. They’re dependably waterproof and fit right across a single-sized mattress, giving you peace of mind while your child sleeps.
Best mattress protector for a toddler bed
Great price
Available in pretty much every mattress size you can imagine
Waterproof and breathable
Treated with aloe vera for sensitive skin
Soft terry towelling
Slight rustle
Price on writing: from £11 | Material: Cotton + polyester | Sizes: 60 x 120cm - 200 x 200cm (see link for full list) | Waterproof?: yes | Machine washable?: yes
Available in every mattress size under the sun, this 100% waterproof mattress protector from Velfont comes highly recommended by Mumsnetters. With a soft, aloe-treated terry towelling top layer and PU layer to keep moisture away from the mattress and allergens away from you, it’s a brilliant basic for keeping your mattress in tip-top condition.
Some reviewers report a bit of rustling, which is unfortunate. If this doesn’t bother you or your child and you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful cover for a mattress, we think it’s still a good option.
How to choose the best mattress protector
Mattress protectors might not be the most glamorous purchase you’ll make, but this essential household item is worth investing in for all your family’s beds. These days mattress protectors are available with lots of useful features such as cooling technology, anti-allergy fabrics and highly absorbent layers. Of course, as it’s going on your bed, a soft topping is a must for a comfortable night’s sleep. Mattress protectors are available in both fitted and flat sheet versions, so look out for which type you prefer for your bed.
How often should a mattress protector be washed?
It’s easy to forget about your mattress protector when it comes to doing the laundry, but like all bedding, it does need to be washed regularly. Guidance varies widely about how often you should wash your mattress protector, ranging from every two weeks to every four months. We suggest aiming for somewhere in between and wash your mattress protector every two months to keep dust mites and other allergens at bay. For potty training and bedwetting you should wash your protector once soiled, even if they’re waterproof.
What’s the difference between a mattress protector and a mattress topper?
A mattress protector is designed to extend the lifespan of your valuable mattress and protect it from stains, leaks, and spills. A mattress topper is designed to make your mattress more comfortable, and will usually be thicker and softer. If you want to use both, put the mattress topper on first and then the mattress protector.
What is the best mattress protector to buy?
We evaluated the top mattress protectors on the market and decided the Hippychick Tencel Fitted Mattress Protector is the best all-rounder to buy. It comes extremely highly recommended by Mumsnetters, and we like that it’s environmentally friendly, completely rustle-free and super soft.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation from a real parent, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which mattress protectors discerning Mumsnet users had bought. We compiled a list of mattress protectors they recommended, noting how effective they found them, and whether they were particularly good for any certain needs.
We then did some research across the wider web, looking at which mattress protectors had won accolades or been featured in ‘best buy’ lists across websites and print media, and what customers’ reviews said about them.
Having collated all that information, we picked the mattress toppers we thought would make the best buys in several interest categories.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here).