Damage control is all part of everyday life, but there are some crucial places where prevention is better than cure: a good mattress to nip back pain in the bud, for example. And when it comes to keeping that mattress in tip-top condition, even in the face of medical conditions and little ones, the best waterproof mattress protectors make the best secret weapon.
More interested in cushiony softness than waterproof capabilities? Check out our best mattress toppers.
While waterproofing is obviously the main attraction when it comes to our pick of the protectors, each of our top five has something that makes it special. Whether it’s a discreet design, comfortable quilting or extra protection against allergens, there’s something for all sorts of sleepers.
Our top pick for children is the Hippychick Fitted Mattress Protector for its low-key and comfortable design that won’t make them feel like they’re sleeping on a waterproof layer, while our best bet for adults is the John Lewis Specialist Quilted Mattress Protector, which does all that with the inclusion of comfortable quilting.
Don’t let the cute name mislead you, because this kids’ mattress protector means serious business. Available in cot bed and single sizes, it fits seamlessly into your child’s overall bedding scheme for an undercover look that won’t leave them feeling sheepish or, most importantly, uncomfortable. The breathable waterproof layer doesn’t crinkle, and never gets over-warm, leaving them to a solid, and silent, night’s sleep. The brushed cotton cover is breathable too, as well as skin-soft, machine-washable, and tumble dry-safe.
Our best mattress protector for adults, this superb specialist layer is just as low-key as the Hippychick protector, and reviewers have nothing but rapturous praise for its combination of fantastic leak-proofing and comfort. Employing the same waterproofing technology as our first pick, a breathable polyurethane membrane, it’s not noisy, and it doesn’t hold heat, it’s simply the best for a comfortable night’s sleep. As an added bonus for those with deep mattresses, it also has extra-long sides to accommodate larger than average sleeping platforms.
You’re already taking steps to preserve your mattress by going in search of a waterproof sheet, so it sort of goes without saying that you’ll want to be able to get the best out of it in other ways too. Intelligent polyurethane (there’s that magnificent polymer again!) forms a layer between you and your sleeping surface that keeps it moisture and stain-free, one that’s capable enough for peace of mind, but not so thick as to miss out on the benefits of your carefully selected mattress, making it our best mattress protector for memory foam.
This cot bed mattress protector is superb for nervous parents on more than one front thanks to its Allergy UK seal, which means it’s certified worry-free when it comes to dust mites, bed bugs, and anything else that might cause sensitive little ones to fret, sniffle or itch in the night. Reviewers loved the tangible quality of the protector itself both pre- and post- washing, saying it felt well-constructed and durable, with an ultra-soft cotton cover so as not to irritate small’s skin.
Rather than the fitted sheet style of our other picks, this innovative flat sheet mattress protector leaves lots of room for different sizes of mattress, so if you’re a fidgety sleeper and worry about protectors coming loose or shifting during the night, this looks to be a good option. The quality, reviewers say, is top-notch, with a construction of incredibly soft cotton flannel that feels pre-worn-in, but stays like new upon washing, with no pilling or worn patches.