After thorough research and vetting, our No. 1 pick is the Parachute Cotton Mattress Protector, which offers extra cushioning and breathability in addition to protecting your mattress. No matter your budget or needs, here are the best mattress protectors available today. Parachute’s mattress protector is available in a variety of sizes and can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches thick. It can be tossed in a standard washing machine with the rest of your bedding, so you can keep everything fresh and clean. One note is that this option doesn’t have a waterproof barrier. If you find that your mattress needs protection from spills, kids, or pets, you should layer it with another waterproof product. It is made of polyester, so expect things to be a little bit hotter than with other options. The zippered enclosure can also be tricky to maneuver on larger beds, making it a better option for kids’ or twin-sized mattresses. With no extra cushioning or support, this protector may feel more like a sheet than a mattress pad. However, if you’re just looking for a waterproof barrier, it’s one of the better options. It passed our spill test in The Lab, keeping the mattress fully protected from liquids. Suitable for mattresses up to 15 inches deep, the Organic Mattress Pad has a quilted top layer that provides a soft, cushiony feel. It isn’t advertised as waterproof, but it provides enough protection from spills or accidents if cleaned up immediately. When testing it in The Lab, we were impressed with how well it absorbed liquid without letting it touch the mattress. And when laundry day does roll around, you can toss it in your washing machine with like colors. The mattress pad isn’t completely waterproof and is quite pricey—even more than some mattresses. If you want a mattress pad for short-term use, it probably isn’t worth the cost. But if you want something that will last and keep you comfortable for years, the organic mattress protector from Avocado is great. While one of the pricier options on our list, this mattress protector is cheaper than buying a waterproof layer and mattress pad separately. Plus, it’s machine-washable, which can be hard to find in a cushioned pad. There isn’t any added cushion with this mattress protector, but it can be easily layered with a mattress pad of your choice. Just note that it’s designed to work best with Casper mattresses. While this protector works great for deep mattresses, you may find that you need to keep adjusting it for regular mattresses. It’s advertised to work on mattresses as low as 8 inches, but the elastic enclosure will be noticeably looser and could come untucked over time. It also doesn’t provide any extra cushion—it’s best used as a mattress protector rather than a mattress pad.
Sizing
Most mattress protectors come in standard mattress sizes. You should match your mattress protector to the size of your mattress. You will need to pay close attention to depth since this can vary by brand and product. If you have a plush mattress or use an additional topper, you may need to look for a mattress protector that fits deep mattresses.
Temperature Regulation
Mattress protectors can be cooling but don’t generally have the same high-tech cooling design as a mattress or topper. Look for one that is made with breathable fabrics, such as cotton. Polyester tends to hold the most heat unless specifically designed for airflow. Thicker mattress protectors are usually hotter than thin barriers as well.
Certifications
Look for a mattress protector that discloses all of the materials used. Industry certifications such as GOTS, Made Safe, or OEKO-TEX shows that the company has taken extra steps to ensure that its product is made safely. These certifications can also demonstrate that the manufacturing process is environmentally-friendly and sustainable.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. With three small children and pets, she is familiar with the need for a high-quality mattress protector—and over the past three years, she has personally tested and used multiple products from this list. To compile the most comprehensive recommendations, she researched industry certifications, tester reviews, and the top features needed in a mattress protector.
