Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission, but we’ll only ever publish an honest review. Find out more.
Best mattress protectors: leaks, dust and night sweats - sorted
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 & Rebecca Roberts | Last updated Dec 30, 2025
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 pillows, best mattress toppers and the best bed sheets.
Keep reading to find our chosen best mattress protectors for 2026.
Mattress protectors, at a glance
Best overall mattress protector: Hippychick Tencel Fitted Waterproof Mattress Protector - rustle-free waterproofing, soft top, sizes from cot to super king, machine-washable.
Best budget mattress protector: Bed’Ore 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector - breathable bamboo-viscose top, deep skirt, quiet to sleep on, easy care.
Best cooling mattress protector: Soak & Sleep Waterproof Coolmax Pillow and Mattress Protectors - quilted, waterproof layer, elasticated skirt, washes at 60°C.
Best cot bed mattress protector: Panda Bamboo Mattress Protector - dust-mite barrier around the whole mattress; pair with hot washes.
Best mattress protector for incontinence: Crowndy Incontinence Washable Bed Pad - soft top, secure fit, machine-washable; sized for cot/cot bed.
Best mattress protector for king-size beds: Fogarty Soft Touch Mattress Protector - thick quilted comfort, washes well and stays put (note: not fully waterproof).
Best disposable mattress protector: Huggies DryNites Bed Mats - single-use, full-width mats with sticky tabs; quick, no-laundry backup.
Best mattress protector for a toddler bed: Velfont Waterproof Mattress Protector - soft terry top with waterproof PU layer; wide size range and aloe-treated surface.
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.
Best mattress protector - which one is for you?
Best overall mattress protector
Hippychick Tencel Fitted Waterproof Mattress Protector, was from £44, now from £40
No rustling whatsoever
Comes in almost every size
Super soft
Environmentally friendly materials
Pricey
Key specs
Price on writing: was from £44, now from £40 | Material: Tencel | Sizes: cot, cot bed, single, double, kingsize, super kingsize | Waterproof?: Yes | Machine washable?: Yes
What Mumsnet users say
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 budget mattress protector
Bed’Ore 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector, was from £10, now from £7
Bargain price
Available in 4 sizes
Washes well
No king size option
Some reviewers say it’s not 100% waterproof
Key specs
Price on writing: Was from £10, now from £7 | 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
Key specs
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 cot bed mattress protector
Panda Bamboo Mattress Protector, was from £24, now from £20
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
Key specs
Price on writing: was from £24, now from £20 | 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.
Best mattress protector for incontinence
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
Key specs
Price on writing: was from £8, now from £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 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
Key specs
Price on writing: from £14 | Material: Polyester | Sizes: Single, double, king, super king | Waterproof?: No | Machine washable?: Yes
What Mumsnet users say
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.
Best disposable mattress protector
No mess, no fuss
Sticks to mattress or sheet
Durable between accidents
Single-use
Key specs
Price on writing: from £8 | Material: Polypropylene | Sizes: one size | Waterproof?: yes | Machine washable?: no
What Mumsnet users say
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
Key specs
Price on writing: from £15 | Material: Cotton + polyester | Sizes: 60 x 120cm - 200 x 200cm (see link for full list) | Waterproof?: yes | Machine washable?: yes
What Mumsnet users say
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 do I choose the right 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.
Do I actually need a mattress protector?
If your mattress gets stained, some brands can refuse a return. A fitted, waterproof protector keeps the surface clean without changing the feel much, and it’s cheaper to wash a protector than to deep-clean a mattress.
How often should I wash my mattress protector?
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.
Always follow the label when washing your protector - many waterproof protectors are 40 to 60°C machine-washable and low-heat tumble-dryable.
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’s the difference between fitted, encasement and pads?
Fitted is the everyday choice (as they're easy to get on and off). On the other hand, encasements are best for allergy control and full-coverage hygiene. Washable bed pads (on top of the sheet) are a handy back-up for potty training or occasional leaks.
Will a mattress protector make me hot or crinkly?
Look for a soft knit or bamboo/Tencel top with a TPU waterproof layer (quiet and breathable) rather than old-school plastic/vinyl. Mesh sides and thinner quilting also help hot sleepers get comfortable.
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.
Can I use a protector with an electric blanket or mattress topper?
Yes, you can. Place your topper first, then your mattress protector and then your sheets. Deep-fitting sheets will help keep everything stay put if you choose a topper. For electric blankets, these should be used above your protector and sheets - and make sure you check the blanket's manual for heat settings and if there's an auto shut-off.
What size/depth of mattress protector should I buy?
When choosing your mattress topper, you should match the mattress size then choose a skirt or fitted sheet that’s a few centimetres deeper than your mattress. If you’ve added a topper, you may need a deep-fit mattress protector (e.g., 35–40cm), as a too-shallow skirt may pop off and bunch up.
Are waterproof protectors safe for babies and toddlers?
Yes, they are - so long as they provide a firm, flat surface. A waterproof option is also recommended. Make sure your protector is snug-fitting to your baby's cot or cot-bed and make sure to wash it promptly after accidents during naptime or the night.
Always avoid loose pads that could bunch up under a small baby and keep the sleep space clear.
Which protector is best for allergies or asthma?
A zip-around encasement is the gold standard because it seals the whole mattress, blocking dust mites and their allergens. Soft tops like bamboo, Tencel or microfibre feel lovely, but what really matters is full enclosure and washing at a suitably hot temperature.
What’s the best option for bedwetting or home births?
Double up: put a fitted waterproof protector on the mattress, then add a washable bed pad (or disposable) on top of the sheet. When accidents happen, you can whip off the pad in seconds and get back to sleep — keep two sets so one can always be in the wash.
Do protectors change the feel of a mattress?
Choose a thin, non-quilted waterproof style if you want the protector to disappear under your sheet. Quilted versions add a touch of plushness (and warmth). If you’re after a big comfort upgrade, you’ll need a mattress topper rather than just a protector.
How long do mattress protectors last?
Most last two to five years, depending on quality and care. Gentle cycles and low-heat drying will help your waterproof layer last longer - but do make sure to replace it if the backing cracks, peels or starts to leak.
Are disposable bed mats worth it?
For occasional use, yes - they’re speedy and low-mess, brilliant for travel, illness or the wobbly stage of potty training. They don’t replace a proper protector and they do create waste, but as a backup they can be a sanity-saver.
How many mattress protectors should I own?
Aim for two per bed so you’ve always got one clean while the other’s drying. For little ones or frequent accidents, add a third and a couple of washable pads to stay ahead of the laundry.
Can I tumble-dry a waterproof protector?
Usually low heat is fine, but always check the care label. High heat can damage TPU layers so after washing, try to line-dry yours first then run a short tumble to soften - this helps to keep your protector in better shape.
Do protectors void or protect my mattress warranty?
They generally help because a clean, unstained mattress makes any claim straightforward - some brands even expect you to use one. Keep your receipt and follow the care instructions so you’re covered if you need to swap the mattress later.
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).
About the authors
Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She researches and reviews the products Mumsnetters swear by, with a particular focus on home essentials, laundry and fans. From a highly-recommended retractable washing line to the best quiet fans money can buy, and Mumsnet's favourite dehumidifier to the steam generator iron that'll cut your ironing time in half, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the very best products on the market.
Rebecca Roberts is a Senior Content Editor at Mumsnet. As a mum of two (plus two dogs), she spends her days testing products that promise to make family life easier - from bedding to beauty tech. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her at a PTA meeting, in a coffee shop or walking the dogs around the Yorkshire countryside.