Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors of 2023 – CNET
Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors of 2023 - CNET
Mattress protectors are one of the most overlooked sleep essentials. Not only can they add a layer of comfort, but they also protect your mattress from dirt, allergens and moisture. That simple layer of fabric can add years to your mattress’s life.
I have plenty of experience testing sleep products and forming recommendations based on my time with them. I tried some of the best waterproof mattress protectors in the only way you can: by pouring water on them. Here’s how my picks felt and performed while I tested them.
What’s the best waterproof mattress protector?
When testing the waterproof mattress protectors, there were a lot of great options I came across. The best overall mattress protector was the Saatva mattress protector. It’s a heavy-duty mattress protector made from 100% organic cotton with a layer of polyurethane that keeps spills from getting through. It was the thickest protector I tested, not because it has padding but because it’s made from high-quality materials.
In my testing experience, I found it extremely comfortable and fit beds well. It does an excellent job of repelling liquid, so you know your mattress will be protected.
Best waterproof mattress protectors of 2023
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The Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector is a thick, heavy-duty bed protector with an almost canvas-like feel. It’s heavier than other mattress protectors, but the stretchy sides make it easy to put on the mattress. Liquids sit on top of the mattress protector and slowly seep in without going through, thanks to the waterproof barrier.
I will say that the Saatva mattress protector is a little big when you first take it out of the packaging, but that is often the case with mattress protectors. You should expect them to shrink a little when you wash them. That said, if you use it straight out of the packaging, the top protector layer could easily shift and leave some of your mattress vulnerable with only the siding to protect it.
Pros:
- Liquid slowly absorbs, giving you time to wipe it away
- Durable, canvas-like fabric
- Silicone elastic band to keep it in place
Cons:
- The protector top can easily shift off the surface of the bed
- Not for people on a budget
Additional features:
- Material: Natural cotton, polyurethane
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 16 inches thick
- Trial: 45-day free returns
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $$
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The Sleep Number Total Protection Mattress Pad gives your mattress an extra dose of luxury with a unique wavy texture and cooling feel. It might be a little pricier than other options, but you won’t be disappointed with the quality of this bed protector. It has a buttery, soft feel that I can’t imagine anyone would dislike.
It snags the best cooling waterproof mattress protector because it is cool to the touch while being extremely comfortable. It isn’t ice-cold by any means, but the sensation is there. If you’re a hot sleeper but don’t have the budget to invest in a cooling topper or mattress, this bed protector can help you from overheating at night. The textured top gives the mattress pad a little added cushion. However, I did notice that the texture did change when the fabric absorbed the water. It didn’t let any water get through, but it did leave the protector with a wet spot. Other options that repel spills give you enough time to wipe spills away.
Pros:
- Textured top extends over the sides
- Extremely comfortable
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification
Cons:
- Expensive
- Absorbs water while others repel it
Additional features:
- Material: Polyester, cotton, spandex
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 16 inches thick
- Trial: 100-day free returns
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
- Price: $$$
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Coop Home Goods is your best bet if you’re looking for a no-fuss waterproof mattress protector that you won’t feel at night. This waterproof mattress protector is a budget choice that melts into your bedding like it’s not even there. It’s waterproof, machine washable and has a simple striped texture.
The Coop Home Goods protector might not have the bells and whistles that other waterproof mattress protectors do, like cooling technology or a nice texture, but it’s a solid protector that will extend the life of your mattress. For the price, it’s a great choice.
Pros:
- Green Guard Gold and OEKO-TEX® certification
- Fits mattresses up to 18 inches thick
- Plush feel
Cons:
- Thin mesh sides
- Discoloration may happen when you wash it
- Sleeps warm
Additional features:
- Material: Viscose rayon
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 18 inches thick
- Trial: 45-day free returns
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $
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From mattress company Naturepedic, the Happsy Organic Mattress Protector Pad is a great choice if you’re looking for an organic waterproof mattress protector. It’s made from soft organic cotton and is extremely stretchy, which makes it a breeze to put on the mattress. While testing, I found this waterproof mattress pad soft and comfortable. It’s not something that you would feel through your sheets.
I was surprised by how well the Happsy Organic Mattress Pad repelled liquid. Instead of slowly sinking into the fabric like Sleep Number, the water sat on the Happsy mattress protector. This will give you plenty of time to clean up spills before they get a chance to get to your mattress. This also provides extra confidence for this protector to keep out dirt and debris.
Pros:
- Certified organic cotton
- GOTS and MADE SAFE certified
- Liquid doesn’t penetrate quickly
Cons:
- Loose fit on mattress
- Unclear warranty information
Additional features:
- Material: Certified organic cotton and polyurethane film
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 15 inches thick
- Trial: 30-day free returns
- Warranty: NA
- Price: $$
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The Nectar mattress protector has a simple quilted design meant to blend into your sheets, so you can’t feel it when you sleep on it. It achieves that thanks to the elastic band around the bottom to keep it in place and a padded top for extra comfort. Most waterproof mattress protectors aren’t padded, so it’s nice to see one that is. That’s why Nectar takes the spot for the best padded mattress protector.
Another huge benefit of the Nectar mattress protector is that it fits taller mattresses, which is essential if you have a fluffy pillow top or luxury mattress that boasts many layers. It has a polyurethane backing that keeps spills from getting to your bed. This is pretty standard in the mattress protector market, but it also sometimes feels like you’re sleeping on a tarp. Thankfully, that’s not the case with the Nectar mattress protector. It won’t crinkle or make noise as you roll around on it.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Same price for all sizes
- Fits taller mattresses
Cons:
- Thin sides
- Doesn’t regulate temperature
Additional features:
- Material: Cotton, poly-fill, polyurethane
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 22 inches thick
- Trial: 50-day free returns
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $
