Shield Your Bed From Spills, Stains, and Dust With the Best Mattress Protectors

Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit ‘add to cart.’ That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

A good night’s sleep is priceless, so why cut corners after you’ve gone to great lengths to find the perfect bed? A mattress protector doesn’t look particularly chic—it’s basically a white or beige piece of fabric—but its purpose outweighs design. Think of it like an iPhone case: While it might not be at the top of your to-do list, it’s essential for protection. The best mattress protectors act as a barrier between your bed and you—including daily wear, moisture, and humidity—all of which can erode its integrity over time. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we put together a list from our favorite brands, below. 

Our Favorites

• Best overall: Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector
• Best value: Linenspa Cotton Terry Mattress Protector
• Best organic: Ettitude Bamboo Mattress Protector 
• Best cushion: Tuft & Needle Mattress Protector
• Best breathable: Parachute Cotton Mattress Protector
• Best splurge: Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Mattress Protector

Best Overall: Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector

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Materials: cotton and polyurethane | Size: Fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep  | Closure: Slip on | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty 

Why we chose it: A waterproof barrier that doesn’t feel like rubber. 

A whisper-thin piece of polyurethane lined with organic cotton (Fair Trade Certified—would you expect anything less from Saatva?) means no harm, no foul if you happen to spill a glass of wine while binging Netflix in bed. Not only does this cover promise to wick away moisture, but invisible-to-the-eye perforations help keep you cool while catching z’s. And if you happen to toss and turn, the silicone elastic band keeps it in place. Customers repeatedly give it rave feedback due to its exceptionally soft top layer (re: it doesn’t feel cheap) but if you don’t love it, you can always send it back for a full refund within 45 days. 

Best Value: Linenspa Cotton Terry Mattress Protector

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Material: cotton terry top, polyurethane and vinyl | Size: fits mattresses up to 22 inches deep | Closure: slip on | Warranty: 10-year limited warranty

Why we chose it: A basic pick under $15 that gets the job done. 

This budget-friendly protector is so affordable, we can’t help but to recommend adding more than one to your cart (especially if you happen to have a vacation house). Not only is this option breathable and hypoallergenic, it’s also 100 percent waterproof, so you’ll never have to worry again if the kids sneak milk and cookies into bed. It’s hard to believe the price knowing it’ll protect against any spills thrown its way and is so thin you won’t even notice it’s there, especially paired up with a 10-year limited warranty (yes, you read that right). 

Best Organic: Ettitude Bamboo Mattress Protector 

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Material: bamboo lyocell | Size: fits most standard mattress depths | Closure: slip on | Warranty: N/A

Why we chose it: An organic night’s sleep never felt so good. 

Bamboo may not sound comfortable but when turned into pulp and spun into yarn, it becomes soft and silky. This protector is 300 thread count in the bamboo world, which is like 1,000 thread count in the cotton world since it requires way less water and energy to be made. But we love that this protector is more than just a sheet of fabric. It’s box-stitched cushioning is just the right amount of thickness, fans note, and won’t make any noise as you flip flop between sleeping positions throughout the night.  And while Ettitude doesn’t offer a warranty, the brand does provide a 30-night sleep trial period, which should give you plenty of time to learn its nuances. 

Best Cushion: Tuft & Needle Mattress Protector

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Materials: Polyurethane and polyester blend | Size: Fits mattresses up to 14 inches deep | Closure: Slip on | Warranty: 2-year warranty  

Why we chose it: A quick fix that cushions and protects a too-firm mattress.

No matter if you went with the wrong firmness level or inherited a rock hard bed, mattress pads aren’t the only way to add an extra layer of cushion. Tuft & Needle combines the best of both worlds with two inches of contouring foam—all you’ll need to make that slightly firm mattress more pillow-like—and a waterproof, stain-proof film. Similar to the best foam mattress, the protector caters to the avid side sleeper as it takes pressure off of areas where the most weight is distributed. And because it’s knit, sheets won’t bunch up in the middle of the night.  

Best Breathable: Parachute Cotton Mattress Protector

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Material: Cotton  | Size: Fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep | Closure: Slip on | Warranty: 3-year warranty

Why we chose it: One of the only protectors out there made of just cotton. 

Most protectors are full of synthetics—and rightfully so, as they’re necessary to provide a waterproof level of protection—but Parachute’s version is 100 percent au naturel. Airy, soft, and breathable are all reasons to adore it. But the top layer is also box quilted and stuffed with cotton for extra cushioning, which should still keep you cool all night long. 

Best Splurge: Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Mattress Protector

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Material: Wool and cotton | Sizes: Fits most standard mattress depths | Closure: Slip on | Warranty: N/A 

Why we chose it: We love a good splurge when it involves even better sleep. 

A wool mattres protector in the dead of summer? It might sound hot, but this material is actually often tapped for its naturally moisture wicking capabilities. So, if you’re looking to cool-down, Woolroom is where it’s at. This protector has the ability to absorb up to 70 percent of the heat you’re projecting to keep your body at a comfortable temperature. And here’s why the price is worth it: natural fibers don’t come cheap, and this British wool is 100 percent traceable and washable. When paired with cotton, it’s great at not only wicking away moisture, but repelling mico-critters like dust mites. 

How We Chose These Products

The best mattress protectors are often a cast-aside layer of your bedding assembly, but they’re essential to extending the lifetime of your mattress. After taking a deep dive into the topic and vetting product based on materials, price, consumer reviews, and brand reputation, we found six to suitable for various sleepers and budgets. We then tapped the Sleep Foundation’s product expert, Keith Cushner, to outline what to seek out when shopping online. In the end, it’s all about comfort, quality, and improving sleep while protecting your mattress, which is why we made sure to highlight any warranties and sleep trials.

Our Shopping Checklist

Design

“You’ll want to ensure your mattress topper doesn’t make any sound or feel uncomfortable underneath your sheets,” shares Cushner. You’ll also want to check to see if the protector has a cooling or heating capability, depending on your preference.” But mattress protectors go way beyond just everyday wear and tear protection—so, depending on your needs, you can narrow down the options despite the wide price range. 

Size

“A mattress protector is usually thin and engineered to shield your mattress, while a mattress pad or cover adds a bit of cushioning but is not built for protection,” explains Cushner. Sizing is usually categorized by mattress size (twin, full, queen, king) and pocket-depth, which is especially important if your protector slips on like a fitted sheet rather than with straps. 

Returns and Warranty

Many brands offer risk-free sleep trials that allow you to get acquainted with how your protector feels. In general, those periods aren’t as long as they are with, say, mattresses, but on average are about 30 days, if at all. Pro tip: Specific mattresses also require a protector in order to keep a valid warranty, and this is something to look into when you purchase a mattress. 

Ask Domino

Q: Is a mattress protector the same as a mattress topper?

While they sound similar, a protector and topper are actually two completely different products. “Mattress toppers offer more cushioning while a mattress protector shields the sleeper from germs, allergens, and sweat,” offers Cushner. A topper can be just as expensive as a protector, so it’s wise to consider a product that offers both cushioning and protection.

Q: Will my fitted sheet work over a mattress protector? 

Yes. With the best mattress protectors, you shouldn’t have to wrestle with the corners when putting on a fitted sheet since they’re designed to slip onto the mattress like a glove. If you’re concerned, though, we recommend deep-pocket sheets. And remember, spills or slip ups may stain your bedding, but the protector will guard the mattress. 

Q: How often should you wash a mattress protector?

“Most protectors can be machine washed every two months,” says Cushner. It goes without saying that if you spill something, it’s wise to remove and wash it immediately. To note: some have different drying instructions based on the materials. 

The Last Word

The best mattress protectors are essential to guarding your bed against stains, moisture, and dust. Our favorites are either so thin they won’t interfere with your bedding setup at all, or act as a topper and protector in one with a bit more cushion. If you’re still not sure which you prefer from our list, we recommend trying out Saatva for a barely-there feel or Tuft and Needle’s foam; they both offer sleep trials that allow you to take them for a test run before committing.