A mattress is the most expensive piece of furniture most households own, and it is also the hardest one to clean. Foam does not forgive. Once urine, wine or a pet accident soaks in, the stain is part of the mattress for the rest of its life, and it will show through every fitted sheet you own.
A mattress protector is a fitted waterproof layer that sits between your mattress and your sheets. It blocks spills, sweat, dust mites and allergens before they reach the foam, and it takes the wash instead. The best mattress protectors in 2026 do that job without adding crinkly plastic noise, without trapping heat, and without making a good mattress feel cheap. We compared 10 of them for this guide.
We leaned on three things to build the list: the size of the review base behind each product, how the waterproof layer is actually constructed, and how consistently owners report it holding up after months of laundering rather than one good night. Nobody should have to choose between protecting a mattress and sleeping well on it.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Mattress Protectors in 2026
- Every Pick at a Glance in 2026
- 1. SafeRest Waterproof Queen Protector: The Best All-Rounder
- 2. Utopia Bedding Waterproof Zippered Encasement: The Best Bed Bug Barrier
- 3. Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector: The Best Budget Fitted Cover
- 4. Utopia Bedding Waterproof Protector up to 17 Inch Deep: The Best Deep Pocket Fit
- 5. Utopia Bedding Bamboo Viscose Protector: The Best for Hot Sleepers
- 6. PlushDeluxe Bamboo Waterproof Protector: The Most Versatile
- 7. BEDLORE Waterproof Mattress Protector: The Best Quilted Comfort
- 8. SureGuard Waterproof Mattress Protector: The Best for Allergy Sufferers
- 9. HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Zippered Encasement: The Best for Incontinence Care
- 10. GOPOONY Premium Waterproof Protector: The Best for Extra-Deep Mattresses
- How to Choose a Mattress Protector That Fits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of mattress protector is the best?
- What is the highest rated mattress protector?
- What is the best waterproof mattress protector for hot sleepers?
- What is the best noiseless waterproof mattress protector?
- Do waterproof mattress protectors make noise?
- Do mattress protectors protect against bed bugs?
- Is a mattress encasement better than a mattress protector?
- Are mattress protectors worth it?
- How often should you wash a mattress protector?
- When is the best time to buy a mattress protector?
- What size mattress protector do I need for an adjustable bed?
- The Best Mattress Protectors to Buy in 2026
Top 3 Mattress Protectors in 2026
These are the three that earned the most confidence across categories. The SafeRest is the one we would put on almost any bed, the Utopia encasement is the only pick here that genuinely stops bed bugs, and the Linenspa is the sensible low-cost fitted sheet if you want a protector without spending much.
SafeRest Waterproof Queen
- Cotton-blend terry top with polyurethane backing
- 18 inch depth
- Machine washable
- installs like a fitted sheet
Utopia Zippered Encasement
- 360 degree six-sided zip enclosure
- Fits mattresses up to 15 inch deep
- TPU backing on every side
Linenspa Waterproof Fitted
- Fits 8 to 14 inch mattresses
- Vinyl-free polyurethane backing
- 10 year manufacturer warranty
Every Pick at a Glance in 2026
All ten products below are queen size, waterproof, and machine washable. The differences that actually change your experience are how deep the skirt reaches, whether the whole mattress is sealed, and whether the membrane is quiet under movement.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SafeRest Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector |
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Check Latest Price |
| Utopia Bedding Waterproof Zippered Mattress Encasement |
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Check Latest Price |
| Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector Queen |
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Check Latest Price |
 Utopia Bedding Waterproof Protector up to 17 Inch Deep |
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 Utopia Bedding Bamboo Viscose Waterproof Protector |
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Check Latest Price |
 PlushDeluxe Bamboo Waterproof Mattress Protector |
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Check Latest Price |
 BEDLORE Waterproof Mattress Protector Queen |
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Check Latest Price |
 SureGuard Waterproof Mattress Protector Queen |
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Check Latest Price |
 HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Zippered Mattress Encasement |
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Check Latest Price |
 GOPOONY Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector |
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Check Latest Price |
1. SafeRest Waterproof Queen Protector: The Best All-Rounder
SafeRest Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector
Cotton blend terry top
Polyurethane laminate backing
Fits up to 18 inch
870 g
Pros
- Truly waterproof barrier keeps the mattress completely dry
- Quiet and breathable with no plastic crinkling
- Installs like a fitted sheet and stays put
- Terry surface helps keep regular sheets from sliding
- Machine washable and durable enough to last years
Cons
- Polyurethane laminate makes it fairly thin
- Takes longer to dry and needs low heat
SafeRest is the pick we keep coming back to because it does the ordinary things well. It is a fitted sheet style cover with stretchable pockets, so it goes on the way you would put on a sheet and it does not need to be wrestled into place.
The build is a cotton blend terry sleep surface, a 100 percent polyurethane laminate lining, and a polyester skirt. That combination is why it stays quiet. There is no thick crinkly shell, just a thin laminate under a terry cloth face that absorbs rather than crackles.
Owners overwhelmingly buy it for a specific accident and then keep it. Pet mishaps, toddler spills and incontinence care show up again and again in the reviews, and the consistent report is that the mattress underneath stays completely dry.
The listed dimensions are 80 by 60 by 18 inches, which covers a lot of modern mattresses on its own. It also carries a machine wash care instruction, and the terry face is warm enough that your regular fitted sheet does not slide off it.
Why it works for most people
The single reason this one ranks where it does is that it avoids the two complaints that ruin cheaper covers. It is genuinely waterproof without sounding like a plastic bag, and it is thin enough that you do not notice it between you and the mattress.
For anyone with kids, pets or a mattress still inside a sleep trial, that balance matters more than any spec on the label. A stain during a trial period is exactly the situation that can cost you a return.
Where it falls short
The polyurethane laminate is the whole design, which means the cover is thin. If you were hoping for a softer, cushioned surface, this is not that product, and you would be better served by a quilted pick.
Drying is the other friction point. Reviewers report it takes longer than ordinary bedding and recommend low heat to protect the coating. Budget extra time on laundry day or keep a second cover to rotate.
2. Utopia Bedding Waterproof Zippered Encasement: The Best Bed Bug Barrier
Utopia Bedding Waterproof Mattress Protector Queen Size, Zippered Mattress Encasement Bed Bug and Dust Mite Proof, Absorbent Six-Sided Mattress Cover
360 degree zip enclosure
Fits 15 inch deep
100 percent polyester knit
Pros
- Fully encases the mattress with a secure zippered closure
- Smooth knitted polyester surface is quiet with no crunchy noise
- TPU backing stopped spilled coffee from reaching the mattress
- Deep stretchy sides fit thick pillow-top mattresses
- Velcro tab over the zipper helps block dust mites
Cons
- Sleeve design takes effort to put on
- Extra fabric to tuck on very thin mattresses
A fitted sheet protector leaves the sides and underside of your mattress exposed. That is fine for spills and useless for bed bugs, which live and lay eggs in exactly those seams. This Utopia encasement closes the gap by zipping the entire mattress inside.
It is a 360 degree six-sided cover with a wrap-around zipper and TPU backing on all sides. The face is 100 percent knitted polyester, which reviewers describe as laying flat and staying quiet instead of crunching.
Spill performance holds up too, not just pest sealing. Owners report a full cup of coffee stopped dead at the surface, and the elastic sides stretch enough to handle thick pillow-top mattresses without riding up.
It also works as a cover for a box spring, which is useful if bed bugs are already in the room. A velcro tab sits over the zipper to close that gap for dust mites.
When this is the only correct answer
If you have had bed bugs, are in a multi-unit building, or are dealing with dust mite driven allergies, a fitted protector is the wrong product. Only a fully zippered enclosure creates the sealed environment that treatment depends on.
Short-term rental and guest room beds benefit from the same reasoning. Guests bring baggage you cannot inspect, and turnover cleaning is far easier when the whole mattress goes into a washer.
What you give up
Installation takes real effort. It is a sleeve you stretch over the entire mattress and then zip, and on a queen that is a two-person job the first few times.
On a thinner mattress you will have surplus fabric to tuck under, and one reviewer reported a small tear near the zipper edge during installation. Handle the zipper track gently and it is not a recurring problem.
3. Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector: The Best Budget Fitted Cover
Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector, Queen Size – Fitted Sheet Style, Breathable, Machine Washable & Dryer Safe, White
Brushed polyester face
Polyurethane backing
Fits 8 to 14 inch
16 ounces
Pros
- Thin quiet surface that does not change the mattress feel
- Fitted sheet style goes on easily and stays in place
- Vinyl-free waterproof backing stays breathable
- Machine washable and dryer safe on low heat
- 10 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Top-only protection leaves the mattress sides exposed
- Not deep enough for mattresses thicker than 14 inches
The Linenspa is the straightforward fitted protector with nothing to figure out. Brushed polyester on top, 100 percent polyurethane backing, elasticized corners, and a construction thin enough that you will forget it is there.
It fits mattresses between 8 and 14 inches thick, which covers most conventional beds. Anything taller and the corners will not reach, which is the main limitation of this design.
What makes it a genuinely good value pick is the warranty. A 10 year manufacturer warranty against defects is longer than most competitors in this category offer, and the cover is both washer and dryer safe on low heat.
Owners like that it is vinyl-free. That keeps the material from feeling rubbery, and reviewers repeatedly call out how little it changes the feel of the mattress underneath.
Why buyers pick this one
It covers the two most common needs. Sweat protection for everyday use, and a barrier for the occasional spill on a standard depth mattress, at a fraction of what encasements cost.
It also weighs 16 ounces, so it is easy to wash with regular bedding and easy to swap when one goes into the machine. Buying two and rotating them is the practical move here.
Where the protection stops
This is a top-only design. A spill that runs off the side of the mattress reaches the foam, because the sides and bottom are not covered. If you have incontinence, bed wetting or a pet that sleeps on the edge, that matters.
The 14 inch ceiling is the other limit. Pillow-top and modern thick mattresses will leave gaps at the corners, and a protector that does not reach is a protector that moves all night.
4. Utopia Bedding Waterproof Protector up to 17 Inch Deep: The Best Deep Pocket Fit
Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector fits Upto 17″ Deep Pocket
Fits 60 by 80 by 17 inch
200 GSM surface
TPU backing
1.8 pounds
Pros
- Soft terry top is quiet with no loud plastic crinkling
- 17 inch pockets stretch and stay secure
- TPU backing kept liquid out through multiple accidents
- Washes well on cold and keeps its fit
- Flexible skirt goes on without tugging
Cons
- Top surface fabric can stain even when the mattress stays dry
- Waterproof backing degrades with hot water
- Material feels thinner than expected
Depth is where most fitted protectors fail. This one measures 60 by 80 by 17 inches with deep fitted pockets, which is deep enough for a thick pillow-top mattress without the loose fabric you get on a shallow cover.
The surface is 200 GSM soft polyester, breathable and absorbent, with a TPU backing doing the waterproof work. At 1.8 pounds it has a bit more body than the flattest covers without feeling heavy.
Owners on thicker mattresses report that the skirt stays put rather than migrating upward through the night. That is the practical difference between a protector you keep and one you stop using.
Care instructions are specific: machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry low, no ironing and no bleach. Several reviewers make the same point, that hot water wears the waterproof layer out faster than anything else.
Who should measure before buying
If your mattress is 14 inches or taller, this is the minimum depth worth considering. Anything shallower and the elastic will sit high on the side, which is both a leak risk and a noise source as you move.
Measure from the top of the mattress to the bottom of the seam where the ticking ends, not the advertised height. Manufacturers round up, and the difference matters here.
The trade-off
The top fabric can still show a stain even when the mattress underneath is completely clean. You may need to replace the protector after a messy accident rather than just washing it.
Some buyers also feel the material reads as thinner and less premium than the spec sheet implies. If hand feel is the priority, a bamboo viscose construction is a better direction.
5. Utopia Bedding Bamboo Viscose Protector: The Best for Hot Sleepers
Bamboo Viscose Waterproof Mattress Protector Queen Size, 17″ Deep Pocket
80 percent polyester 20 percent bamboo
200 GSM
Fits 17 inch deep
Pros
- Cool smooth bamboo-viscose surface without trapped heat
- Deep sides stay in place on 15 inch tall mattresses
- Waterproof layer stopped a child nighttime accident
- Washes and dries well and looks new
- Quiet coating that is not plastic under a sheet
Cons
- Only 20 percent bamboo viscose in the blend
- Deep sides can ride up after sleep
- Slow to dry and can hold dampness
Most protectors make a hot sleeper warmer. This one is the exception, because the face fabric is a bamboo viscose blend that feels cool to the touch and smooth rather than slick. Queen size measures 60 by 80 inches and fits up to 17 inches deep.
The blend is 80 percent polyester and 20 percent viscose derived from bamboo at 200 GSM. That ratio is worth knowing before you buy, because bamboo-forward marketing tends to overstate what is in the blend.
Even so, the cooling effect is real in practice. Owners describe sleeping cooler than on a bare mattress and no longer waking up damp, which is the outcome hot sleepers are actually looking for.
The waterproof layer holds. One long-term review describes it stopping a child nighttime accident from ever reaching the mattress, and the cover came out of the wash looking new.
The cooling case
Hot sleepers usually get burned by two things: a plastic membrane that traps heat, and a quilted pad that adds warmth. This avoids both. It is a flat construction with a smooth plant-based face, so air moves through it better than a quilted layer.
It is also quiet. A thin laminate under a smooth knit does not rustle when you turn over, which matters for anyone whose heat problem is really a partner waking problem.
What to watch
Print markings can show through white sheets, which is annoying on a bed you look at every night. A darker sheet set solves it completely.
The deep sides can ride up after a night of sleep and need pulling back down in the morning. It is a minor annoyance, but it is the thing owners mention most often, along with slow drying.
6. PlushDeluxe Bamboo Waterproof Protector: The Most Versatile
PlushDeluxe Bamboo Waterproof Mattress Protector, Queen Size, Ultra Soft
Bamboo viscose
Fits up to 18 inch
Silent breathable membrane
Pros
- Ultra-soft bamboo viscose surface wicks moisture and regulates heat
- Completely silent with no crinkling sound
- Resists water spills sweat and urine
- 18 inch depth suits thick modern mattresses
- Works with memory foam latex and spring mattresses
Cons
- One of the higher priced covers in the category
This is the one to buy when the protector has to disappear. The face fabric is bamboo viscose with a breathable membrane that wicks moisture and regulates heat, and there is no plastic feel anywhere in the construction.
It fits any mattress depth up to 18 inches, which handles almost every non-adjustable bed on the market. It also works with memory foam, latex and spring mattresses, so the construction is not tied to one type.
Silence is the headline. Owners describe it as completely silent, with no crinkling at all, even on a mattress that is not a foam model. For a light sleeper sharing a bed, that is the feature that decides it.
The waterproofing handles the messy use cases too, including incontinence, potty training and caring for a sick pet. The membrane wicks instead of sitting in a puddle.
Why pay more for this one
You are paying for a plant-based face fabric that does not feel like a medical product, and for a depth range wide enough that you will not have to buy again. Both of those are real costs once a protector fails early.
For anyone who dislikes the sensation of sleeping on a membrane, this is the version that works. The softness is what makes the waterproofing acceptable rather than annoying.
The honest drawback
It is one of the higher priced covers in the category, and the specification does not compensate for that beyond feel. If your only requirement is spill containment, cheaper picks do the same job.
There is no encasement here. If bed bugs are a possibility, sealing all six sides still beats softness.
7. BEDLORE Waterproof Mattress Protector: The Best Quilted Comfort
BEDLORE Waterproof Mattress Protector, Queen Size Mattress Pad Noiseless
Quilted brushed microfiber
TPU layer
Fits 6 to 18 inch
Pros
- Classic quilted design locks in filling for even support
- Upgraded TPU layer fully blocks liquids
- Noiseless brushed microfibre that stays soft in motion
- 360 degree elastic skirt fits up to 18 inch and resists slipping
- Machine washable with a low tumble dry
Cons
- Quilted construction adds bulk compared with flat protectors
Flat protectors are the standard, and the BEDLORE is the alternative worth knowing about. It uses a classic quilted design where the filling is locked into channels, which gives even support across the surface and helps regulate temperature.
That quilting is the point. It turns a protective layer into a slightly cushioned one, so if you wanted protection but did not want a bare mattress feel, this is the compromise most people actually want.
The waterproofing comes from an upgraded TPU layer that blocks liquids from spills and accidents, and the brushed microfibre face is described as quiet and soft even in motion. The 360 degree elastic skirt is what keeps it from shifting.
Depth is 6 to 18 inches, which is one of the wider ranges on a fitted design. That makes it a safe pick for thin dorm beds and thick modern mattresses alike.
Who should choose a quilted cover
Anyone on a firm mattress who finds a flat protector too thin, and anyone who wants to add a small amount of softness without buying a full topper. It is a comfort upgrade and a protection upgrade in one item.
Older adults and anyone with pressure points on a firm bed get a reasonable middle ground here. Just keep expectations straight, this is cushioning, not a 3 inch foam layer.
What the quilting costs you
Bulk. A quilted protector is thicker than a flat one, so on a very soft mattress you will notice the edge of it and the bed will feel a fraction different in feel.
It is also not an encasement, so the same six-sided limitation applies. If pest control is the goal, quilting does not help.
8. SureGuard Waterproof Mattress Protector: The Best for Allergy Sufferers
SureGuard Waterproof Mattress Protector, Queen Size Mattress Cover
Premium cotton terry
500 thread count
Fits 6 to 20 inch
GreenGuard Gold
Pros
- Pure cotton terry top wicks moisture and stays silent
- No vinyl PVC or phthalates and no off-gassing
- Lab tested waterproof barrier for perspiration and bed wetting
- Stretchable skirt fits 6 to 20 inch depths
- GreenGuard Gold certified for low chemical emissions
Cons
- Fitted sheet style is not a full zippered encasement
- Among the more expensive covers here
For allergy and asthma households, what touches the skin matters as much as what blocks the dust. This one is built around a premium cotton terry top at 500 thread count, with no vinyl, no PVC, no phthalates and no fire retardants anywhere in the build.
It is independently lab tested and GreenGuard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. For someone whose symptoms are triggered by what is off-gassing near their face, that is not a marketing line, it is the whole reason to pick it.
Moisture handling is strong for a cotton face. The terry wicks perspiration away rather than holding it against you, and reviewers describe the surface as soft and completely silent.
Depth is the standout spec: a stretchable skirt that fits anything from 6 to 20 inches, which is the widest range among fitted covers in this list. It will stay on a pillow-top and a thin dorm mattress.
Built for sensitive households
The cotton terry surface blocks dust, dirt and pet dander on the top side, and it can be washed and dried regularly without worrying about off-gassing returning. That combination suits asthma and allergy households particularly well.
It comes with a 10 year quality guarantee, which is longer than most warranties in this category and worth something if you expect to keep it for a decade.
Where it stops short
It covers the top and sides but it does not zip. If bed bugs are a live concern, you need a true encasement, and this is not one.
It also sits at the expensive end of the fitted covers here. Budget-wise it competes with the premium bamboo options rather than the value picks.
9. HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Zippered Encasement: The Best for Incontinence Care
HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Mattress Encasement – Zippered Bed Bug Dust Mite Proof Hypoallergenic – Sleep Defense System – Queen – Waterproof – Stretchable – Standard 12″ Depth – 60″ W x 80″ L
Six-sided waterproof barrier
12 to 18 inch depth
2000 thread count
Pros
- Full six-sided zippered encasement that seals the mattress
- Extra-soft polyester knit face stays cool and breathable
- Stretches to fit 12 to 18 inch mattress depths
- Lab tested waterproof barrier on all six sides
- 5 year limited manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Encasing style takes more effort than a fitted sheet
- Outer knit can discolor slightly after washing
Incontinence and bed wetting care puts a protector through more, and far wetter, accidents than a typical bedroom. This encasement is built for that. A lab tested waterproof barrier covers all six sides, with a polyester knit face over a polyurethane lining.
It stretches to fit queen mattresses from 12 to 18 inches deep, so it works across a wide range of standard beds. The closure is a zipper, which is what makes it a true seal rather than a cover.
Breathability was clearly designed in. The face is described as cool and comfortable, and the membrane is built not to trap heat, which matters a great deal when the sleeper cannot change the bedding mid-night.
It is also positioned for allergy households, reducing airborne substances that can reach the sleeper and disrupt respiratory function. It carries a 5 year limited manufacturer warranty.
Why care situations favor encasements
When the accident is frequent and large, a fitted protector fails on the sides. Sealing all six sides means a soak that reaches the cover is contained, and the whole thing goes straight into the wash.
For adult incontinence, caregiving and a child still bed wetting, the ability to wash the entire mattress surface is the feature that matters most. It is also reusable, which matters over years of use.
The compromises
Encasing a mattress is more work than pulling on a fitted sheet, and you will be doing it often if it is in a care situation. Budget for that reality.
The outer knit can show slight discoloration after washing depending on water quality. The brand notes this does not affect function and it is not covered by the warranty, so it is cosmetic only.
10. GOPOONY Premium Waterproof Protector: The Best for Extra-Deep Mattresses
Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector Queen Size, Noiseless Deep Pocket
TPU backing with bamboo viscose
8 to 21 inch depth
Silent 3D air fabric
Pros
- Completely noiseless despite the internal waterproof layer
- TPU backing blocked a saturated accident from the mattress
- Stays tucked over thick mattresses and toppers
- Holds waterproofing through repeated weekly washing
- Soft cool bamboo blend surface with no chemical smell
Cons
- Thin construction may wear faster than heavier covers
- Runs slightly warmer than a bare mattress
- Takes longer to dry after washing
Most fitted protectors top out around 18 inches. This one stretches from 8 to 21 inches deep, which is the widest range of any pick here and covers the thickest mattresses and thick topper stacks.
The face is a 3D air fabric, a blend of 60 percent polyester with a TPU laminate and 40 percent bamboo viscose on top, with 100 percent polyester on the sides. The marketing calls it an 18 inch deep pocket; the stated fit runs deeper.
The genuinely surprising part is how quiet it is. Owners with a plastic internal layer report complete silence, and the surface stays soft and cool with no chemical smell on a new product.
Durability is the other strong point. Several long-term owners report no visible wear after months of nightly use, and the waterproofing has held through repeated weekly machine washing.
For the thickest beds
If you have a 20 inch mattress, a pillow-top stack or a thick topper, this avoids the most common fitting failure. The stretchy sides stay tucked in place and do not shift over a heavy mattress.
It is also a good choice if you keep a protector on a bed that takes a beating. Weekly washing has not compromised the membrane for the owners who reported on it.
What to be aware of
The construction is thin, and a few buyers think it may not hold up to long-term daily use as well as a heavier cover. If you want maximum longevity, a thicker option may serve you better.
Some owners also find it runs slightly warmer than a bare mattress and takes longer to dry, and a few question the cooling claim. If you sleep hot, test it through a warm week before committing to a second one.
How to Choose a Mattress Protector That Fits
Pick the depth before anything else. A protector that does not reach the bottom seam of your mattress will ride up, leak at the sides and make noise all night. Measure the mattress height at the thickest point, from the top surface to the bottom of the ticking.
8 to 12 inch mattresses – standard traditional beds. Almost every fitted protector on the market handles this range.
14 to 18 inch mattresses – modern foam and hybrid beds. Look for a stated pocket depth above your measured height, not a match.
20 to 22 inch mattresses – thick pillow-tops and stacked toppers. Few covers reach this, so verify the stated maximum before ordering.
Adjustable and split king beds – generic king and queen covers do not work here. A split setup needs a protector designed for two independent halves that flex at the top, and the depth has to account for the raised head position.
Next, understand why waterproof protectors make noise. The noise comes from the membrane, not the fabric. A thick TPU or vinyl laminate flexes with every movement and snaps back with an audible crackle, and cheaper constructions are the worst offenders.
Constructions that stay quiet share three traits: a thin laminate rather than a thick sheet, a soft textile face over the membrane to absorb the movement, and a knit or brushed finish rather than a slick one. Bamboo viscose and quilted cotton faces are consistently quiet in owner reports, and every pick on this list that claims to be silent is one of those constructions rather than a thin plastic bag.
Breathability is the other half of the sleep experience. A protector that traps heat will leave a hot sleeper sweating more than sleeping bare, which is the most common reason people stop using theirs. Bamboo viscose blends and micro-perforated membranes move heat better than solid laminates, and the encasements on this list are specifically designed to avoid trapping heat.
Wash care is where protectors get ruined. Most manufacturers cap the cycle at cold or 40C, and that is not hot enough to kill dust mites, so a protector alone cannot solve an allergy problem. Wash on cold, tumble dry low, skip fabric softener, and never iron a membrane. Two protectors on rotation is the single best habit here, since it lets you keep one on the bed while the other dries.
Finally, think about the warranty and the sleep trial. A stain on a new mattress can make you ineligible for a return, so putting a protector on before the first night is the cheapest insurance available. For long-term ownership, a 5 to 10 year warranty is a reasonable benchmark and only two of the picks here meet it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mattress protector is the best?
A fitted mattress protector with a quiet, thin waterproof membrane is the best type for most people. It installs like a sheet, blocks spills, sweat and stains, and washes in a normal laundry cycle without changing how the mattress feels. Choose a full zippered encasement instead only when bed bugs or dust mites are the concern, since a fitted cover leaves the sides and underside exposed.
What is the highest rated mattress protector?
Among the protectors we compared, the SafeRest Waterproof Queen Protector carries the strongest combination of rating and review volume, sitting at 4.6 stars across more than 280,000 ratings. Other highly rated options include the Utopia Bedding zippered encasement and the Linenspa fitted cover, both also at 4.6 with six-figure review counts.
What is the best waterproof mattress protector for hot sleepers?
A protector with a smooth plant-based face fabric is the safest choice for hot sleepers, because it moves heat instead of trapping it. The Utopia Bedding Bamboo Viscose Protector is our pick here, with an 80 percent polyester and 20 percent bamboo viscose surface that owners report feels cool to the touch and does not hold dampness overnight. Avoid thick quilted covers if overheating is your main problem.
What is the best noiseless waterproof mattress protector?
Quiet protectors use a thin laminate under a soft textile face rather than a thick plastic membrane. The PlushDeluxe Bamboo Waterproof Protector is the quietest option we found, described by owners as completely silent with no crinkling. The SureGuard cotton terry model and the Utopia zippered encasement are also consistently reported as quiet, because knit and terry faces absorb movement instead of snapping back.
Do waterproof mattress protectors make noise?
Some do, and the cause is the membrane rather than the fabric. Thick TPU and vinyl laminates flex with every movement and produce a crackling rustle, which is the single most common complaint in this category. Constructions that stay quiet pair a thinner membrane with a knit, brushed or quilted face that absorbs the movement, so material choice matters more than price.
Do mattress protectors protect against bed bugs?
A standard fitted protector does not. Bed bugs live and lay eggs in the seams, piping and underside of a mattress, all of which a fitted sheet style cover leaves exposed. Only a fully zippered encasement that seals all six sides creates the airtight environment needed to trap and treat them, and it has to stay zipped for the duration of treatment.
Is a mattress encasement better than a mattress protector?
An encasement is better for one specific job: sealing the entire mattress against bed bugs, dust mites and allergens. It is worse for everything else, because installation takes more effort, the surface usually feels thinner, and it costs more. For general spill and sweat protection, a fitted protector is the more practical choice.
Are mattress protectors worth it?
Yes, especially on a new mattress. Foam stains are permanent, a protector keeps perspiration from breaking down the upholstery, and it stops dust mites and allergens reaching the surface. It also protects your warranty and sleep trial, since a stain during a trial period can make you ineligible for a return. The protector is the cheapest part of a mattress setup and the hardest thing to replace.
How often should you wash a mattress protector?
Wash it every two months in normal use, and any time it has been soiled. Use a cold or 40C cycle, tumble dry on low, and skip fabric softener, which can coat the membrane. Note that these temperatures are not hot enough to kill dust mites, so allergy sufferers should also treat the mattress itself and use an encasement.
When is the best time to buy a mattress protector?
Before the mattress arrives, always. Putting a protector on during a sleep trial is the single most useful thing you can do, because a stain in the first weeks can cost you the return. The same applies to a new mattress bought outside a trial, since it starts accruing wear and perspiration from night one.
What size mattress protector do I need for an adjustable bed?
An adjustable bed needs a protector made for it, not a standard king. If you have a split king, you need two independent covers that fit each half and allow the head section to raise without the fabric pulling loose. Measure the mattress depth with the head raised, because the raised position is where a generic cover stops fitting. Never use one continuous king cover across a split setup.
The Best Mattress Protectors to Buy in 2026
The SafeRest Waterproof Queen Protector is the one we would put on most beds. It is quiet, genuinely waterproof, fits up to 18 inches, and carries more than 280,000 ratings of evidence behind it. If you want a sealed mattress, the Utopia Bedding zippered encasement is the only correct answer, and the Linenspa fitted cover is the sensible low-cost route for a standard depth bed.
The rest of the list maps cleanly to a need: the Utopia 17 inch model for deep mattresses, the bamboo viscose pick for hot sleepers, PlushDeluxe for silence, BEDLORE for a quilted feel, SureGuard for allergy households, the HOSPITOLOGY encasement for incontinence care, and GOPOONY for anything thicker than 19 inches.
Whichever you choose, measure your mattress depth first, put it on before the first night, and wash it on cold. Those three habits matter more to how long a protector lasts than anything printed on the box. Our game room equipment guide covers the electrical side of protecting the rest of your setup.