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This article was updated in November to reflect the latest prices. We also added two new tried-and-tested products.
We will also be updating this article throughout the month with the best Black Friday deals on GHI approved products.
Replacing your mattress can be an expensive task, so it’s important to look after yours for as long as possible. One of the best ways to keep a mattress in shop-bought shape is by investing in a mattress protector, which will keep it safe from all manner of spills and stains.
Finding the best mattress protector for your set-up is just as important as finding the right duvet or pillow, and should be considered an essential part of your bedding. Luckily, the Good Housekeeping Institute has made things easy, by testing the leading brands on the market.
Here are our top 15 recommendations, but keep scrolling for our detailed reviews and expert guide on what to look for – from fabrics to design.
At the GHI, we tested 23 mattress protectors, assessing each one on fit, security and comfort. We also tested any waterproofing claims made by brands.
We checked whether each protector rustled when moving sleep positions, and we monitored any cooling properties by seeing if our temperature stayed level overnight.
Finally, we put each mattress protector through a series of wash tests to make sure there was no shrinkage or damage.
These are the ones that came out on top.
Prices shown below are for a size UK double.
Easy-fitting, wonderfully smooth and straightforward to wash, this Simba mattress protector got rave reviews across the board, and it’s designed with a generous 40cm depth, which makes it compatible with other mattresses. Our testers found it rustle-free, allowing them to get a comfortable and peaceful night’s sleep.
Although it doesn’t have a waterproof layer, it did protect our mattress from dirt and accidental spills, while providing an extra layer of comfort that helped to regulate our tester’s temperature throughout the night.
Made from 70% sustainably sourced bamboo and, like the Simba model above, boasting a rare perfect score, this waterproof protector balanced green credentials with immaculate performance.
Despite its thin design, it blocked any spills from seeping through, leaving our mattress bone dry even when we poured a glass of water directly onto it! It didn’t rustle at all, can be machine washed and tumble dried, and it also comes in a cot size for sleepy tots.
Our runner-up mattress protector is designed with comfort and hygiene in mind. Featuring a hypoallergenic “miracle membrane”, which acts as a protective shield against common allergens, as well as clever moisture-wicking fabrics, you’ll get a comfortable night’s sleep, free from overheating.
While there was some rustling of the fabric, it was mainly as a result of extreme movements during testing; otherwise, this protector was rated highly by our testers as a reliable, well-fitting and effective layer of protection.
This Tencel mattress protector is easy to fold down and takes up minimal storage space, making it handy for making up a bed when guests come to stay.
It didn’t let a drop of liquid through, which surprised us given its feathery thinness, and it stayed extremely quiet all night. It’s dust mite-resistant to boot, but the skirting is so delicate that we worry it may tear.
This high-end mattress protector offers extra comfort with its thick, quilted layer. It fitted like a glove, felt like it was made to last, and its moisture-wicking properties kept us from overheating.
It comes with a three-year guarantee, reflecting the brand’s confidence in its product, but note that it isn’t waterproof. Our only qualm was that the prominent stitching could be felt through a standard bed sheet.
The Nectar’s seamless design provided plenty of protection for our mattress, without bunching or adding any extra bulk to our bedding, even after washing.
If we’re being picky, there was a little rustling when our tester rolled over in bed and it can’t be tumble dried, but overall it’s a solid buy – especially given its reasonable price.
If you’re looking for that premium feel on a budget, turn to trusty M&S. Its well-made protector fitted our test mattress perfectly, even after washing, and folded down to a compact size for storage. A little extra cushioning would have been appreciated, but it’s an otherwise reliable buy.
It’s unusual to find a protector that offers waterproofing and a quilted finish, but this one does both successfully. It kept our mattress pleasingly dry while also providing a barrier against dust mites.
It fitted well, even after repeated washing and drying, and folded down neatly for easy storage. Slightly thicker quilting would have bumped this mattress protector up to a higher score, but that was the only (minor) niggle.
This protector scored full marks for comfort, thanks to the 1cm-deep cotton filling, which felt soft and luxurious. It’s quiet to sleep on too, stays secure (even with tossing and turning), and can fit deeper mattresses.
This luxury does come at a higher price point, but we think it’s worth the extra investment. There are bespoke size options available, too.
This quilted protector is hypoallergenic, making it a great option for allergy sufferers. It offers good coverage too, with the skirt fitting over the corners of our test mattress with ease. The quilted finish gives it a high quality feel, but doesn’t provide much additional comfort.
Made from a combination of microfibre and silk, you’ll sleep like a king or queen with this protector under your sheets. It’s luxuriously soft and comfy to lie on, with testers reporting a cosy night's sleep. We did notice some slight bobbling underneath after continued use, though, which reduces its otherwise quality finish.
This synthetic, quilted protector felt particularly soft and silky compared to the competition. However, the fit was a little baggy, even after tumble drying, which meant it wasn’t the most secure. That said, it’s a great price considering the overall quality. A deeper mattress option is also available (up to 35cm).
Greenfibres aims to create products that are kind to the environment and you, which is why this stretchy protector is made from organic cotton.
The elasticated corners made it easy to secure to our mattress, while it maintained its shape and softness after our wash tests. The downside? The sizing is European, meaning there’s excess material, which may annoy some.
Looking for a reliable waterproof protector? Consider this one. It aced our waterproofing tests and didn’t shrink in the wash. The skirt struggled to fully cover the sides of the mattress, leaving it exposed, but it covered the top area securely.
We noticed some slight crinkles when changing sleep positions but that’s a minor niggle, especially considering its reasonable price.
The only wool option on our list, this mattress protector’s premium finish is highlighted by the high-quality piping around its edge.
It showed minimal signs of shrinkage after washing and felt comfortable yet supportive to sleep on. It’s smooth to the touch too, meaning you can’t feel the stitching through a standard bed sheet, but it is a little noisy if you’re prone to tossing and turning.
There are three main types of mattress protector, and finding the right one for you will depend on the level of protection you’re looking for.
Fitted (skirted) – This is the most common design. It features an elasticated skirt that fits under the four corners of the mattress and leaves the top and sides completely covered. Be sure to measure the depth of your mattress buy. If your mattress is too deep to fit the average skirting depth, there are certain protectors that offer a deeper mattress design.
Elastic straps – This is a more basic design that only covers the top of the mattress and is attached by an elastic strap on each corner. This leaves the sides of the mattress exposed, so it is naturally less protective and secure.
Encased – As the name suggests, this design completely encases the mattress and is sealed with a zip. It’s the ultimate protection against bed bugs and dust mites. There aren’t too many on the market, which is why none feature in this list.
Mattress protectors can be made from various materials. Each one has its pros and cons, and the right fabric for you will depend on several factors such as your budget, if you suffer from allergies and your preferred sleeping temperature.
Here are the main materials to consider.
Cotton – This tends to be more expensive than synthetic, as it's more breathable and better at regulating temperature. Cotton mattress protectors also come in hypoallergenic or anti-allergy options. If your mattress protector is quilted with cotton filling, they tend to be soft and quiet to lie on. However, cotton tends to shrink after your first wash.
Synthetic – While this material isn’t the best for breathability, or for keeping you cool at night, it is a cost effective option. Hypoallergenic and waterproof designs are available - with the latter featuring an additional layer such as polyurethane to keep spills at bay, but these are usually more expensive. It’s also worth noting that pure synthetic protectors will not be as durable or long-lasting as cotton.
Wool – If you’re looking for firm but comfortable support then wool is a good choice. While it’s not overly common, it’s growing in popularity because of its green credentials. It’s a biodegradable, all-natural option that will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Wool protectors tend to be quite heavy and thick, making them harder to fold away and store. They can also smell a bit “sheepish” at first!
As well as how it fits your bed and the fabric you'd like, it's worth deciding what you'd like the top of your mattress protector to be like.
Quilted – If you’re looking for added comfort then a quilted mattress protector is probably the best option for you. Some can provide as much as 1cm of extra cushioning through their soft filling.
Waterproofing – Accidents happen, and when they do a waterproof mattress protector really comes in handy. Any spills will simply bead up and run off, rather than damage the mattress. However, these options tend to lack breathability and can grow overly hot.
They can also be loud and rustle when you move around during the night, disturbing your sleep. Most waterproof designs tend to be a thin sheet, but some quilted options are available.
Hypoallergenic/anti-allergy – The difference between hypoallergenic and anti-allergy is that hypoallergenic is designed to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction, whereas anti-allergy has been specifically treated to prevent a reaction. If preventing allergy symptoms is your top priority, it’s better to look for an anti-allergy protector.
Finally, once you've settled on the design you'd like, consider whether there are any other features that are high on your wish-list:
Cooling - If excess heat is hampering your efforts to get a good night’s sleep then a mattress protector with cooling properties may be able to help, particularly on hot summer nights. Some feature Outlast material, which was originally developed by NASA for optimal temperature regulation. This makes them feel cool to the touch.
Eco - More sustainable options are available if you want to go green. If wool is not for you, consider something like Panda’s Bamboo Mattress Protector that’s made using bamboo, another more environmentally friendly fibre thanks to the plant's fast-growing nature.
Wash instructions - Mattress protectors should be washed regularly to keep your bedding set-up feeling fresh, so check to see if each product is machine-washable. Also, to save yourself plenty of time and space on the washing line, keep an eye out for protectors that can be tumble dried.
Guarantee - It’s worth looking for a mattress protector that comes with a guarantee or a trial period, just in case things don’t work out.
Hannah is our senior homes writer, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys. Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah helps to uncover the best cleaning hacks too, with a focus on easy, natural solutions. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more. Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe. You can find Hannah on Instagram on @sewnbyhan
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market. When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her cooking, running and exploring London’s foodie hotspots – or trying to make friends with every dog she passes. Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall and on X @megan_geall
Blossom is our Senior Homes Tester. Passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for our readers, she has tested everything from blenders to pizza ovens. Blossom enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols for hundreds of items. Innovative items like robot vacuum cleaners and wine coolers are among her favourite tests to date, and her most notable accomplishment is toasting 360 slices of bread in a determined bid to find the best toaster. In her free time, Blossom openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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