Get our weekly Home and Garden email for tips, advice and interior inspiration
Get our weekly Home and Garden email for tips, and interior inspiration
Mattresses don’t come cheap. While everyone’s first priority is to find one that’s supportive, comfortable and durable, it’s just as important to keep that mattress in the best possible condition once it’s on your bed. They do cost a small fortune after all.
The best mattress protectors will help prolong the life of your mattress, guarding it against spills, sweat, dust mites and allergens. Some can even help regulate body temperature or provide added comfort – although, you’ll need a mattress topper if you’re really looking for extra support and cosiness.
Before buying, you’ll need to decide what material you’d like your protector to be made out of. Synthetic materials such as polyester will be the most affordable but a mattress protector made of cotton is likely to be better quality and more breathable if you tend to overheat at night. There are now also more eco-friendly materials available, such as bamboo and Tencel.
Check carefully if the mattress protector is waterproof, too, as not all are. If you intend to use one on a child’s bed or want to cuddle up with your dog at night, it’s a good idea to choose a waterproof version. Waterproof mattress protectors are also great for those who suffer from night sweats. You might also prefer to look for a hypoallergenic protector if you suffer from allergies or want to ensure protection against dust mites.
Whatever your preferences, we’ve rounded up the best mattress protectors on the market, for all budgets.
How we tested the best mattress protectors
We tested all these mattress protectors in our own home, to check for fit, comfort and that all-important rustle factor that often comes with waterproof versions. We checked to make sure each protector didn’t move during the night, and whether or not it helped to keep us cool. We even poured water on every mattress protector, to test just how waterproof they were. Finally, we washed and dried each protector according to the manufacturer’s instructions, to see how easily and quickly each one could be cleaned. Unless stated otherwise, prices included for every protector are for double-size versions.
The best mattress protectors for 2024 are:
- Best mattress protector overall – Nectar mattress protector: £45,
- Best budget mattress protector – Staydrynights terry towelling waterproof mattress protector: £14.40, Dunelm.com
- Best temperature-regulating mattress protector – The White Company temperature balance quilted mattress protector: £125, Thewhitecompany.com
- Best waterproof mattress protector – Emma mattress protector: £94, Emmasleep.co.uk
- Best mattress protector for kids – Silentnight waterproof mattress protector, single: £12, Amazon.co.uk
