Why Do You Need A Mattress Protector And How To Choose The Best One?

Cleaning the mattress is time-consuming and tedious, but it’s not impossible. If you spill water on your mattress, you can dry it with your hairdryer. If your mattress is dirty, you can clean it with baking soda or enzyme cleaner. If there are sweat stains, you can use a bleach laundry detergent to get rid of them.
Or, you can simply buy a mattress protector and avoid doing all that.

Mattress protector does just what it sounds like: protects the mattress from dirt, spills, body fluids, and damage, thus keeping it in good condition longer. Protectors can be washed in a machine, they are affordable and extremely useful. Here, we’ll tell you all you need to know about them.
FAQ about protectors: Koala’s answering
Do I need a mattress protector for a memory foam mattress?
Yes, you do. Memory foam mattresses accumulate dust mites and mold just like all the other mattresses, and you can spill water on a memory foam mattress as well as on any other mattress. That eventually will get you more serious problems. Hopefully, we know how to solve them and shared the solution in this article. But we can recommend choosing a protector with the surface that can absorb excessive moisture, such as sweat, as foam mattresses are not the best option for hot sleepers; but if you still want a soft comfortable mattress, you can just buy a protector that will provide you with even more comfort and enough breathability.
How often should I replace the mattress protector?
Most mattress protectors should be replaced once a year. If you wash it more often than once per 2 weeks, it's recommended to replace the mattress protector every 4-6 months, but it depends on how much it wears down.
What is the most popular mattress cover material?
Most mattress covers are made from polyester and cotton. Polyester-based covers are more affordable then covers made from cotton and they are perfect for people with allergies. Cotton covers are more comfy and more durable.

How comfortable is a waterproof cover for a memory foam mattress?
The waterproof mattress covers are not 100% comfortable. Actually, the mattress protectors are not that comfortable unless they have a soft top layer — it’s polyester and polyurethane that make them waterproof, but these materials are not that comfy.
Should I put a sheet over a mattress protector?
Yes, you should. Even the most luxurious mattress protectors aren’t very comfortable, as they are usually made of synthetic materials that have to protect your mattress from liquids and dirt. To feel even more comfy, you need to put a bed sheet on it. Putting a sheet over the protector will also make the latter last longer.
Koala’s list of best mattress protectors
Now, when you know why you need a protector and know the answers to the most common questions related to the topic, we offer you to look at our top of the best mattress protectors.
Name | LINENSPA Premium Smooth Fabric Mattress Protector | SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector Vinyl Free | UtopiaDeals Bed Bug Proof & Waterproof Mattress Encasement | Tempur Mattress Protector | Tuft&Needle Mattress Protector | Leesa Mattress Protector | Casper Mattress Protector | Nectar Mattress Protector | Allerease Ultimate Zippered Mattress Protector |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Briefly about | Main features: It has elastic around the whole pad, so it "hugs" the mattress — it's very easy to put the protector on the mattress and it doesn't come off unintentionally. It's quiet, soft, and it really protects the mattress from spills. Pros:
Cons:
| Main features: It's a hypoallergenic protector that is both breathable (because of a breathable membrane) and waterproof. Thanks to the soft surface design it's also quite comfy and noiseless. Pros:
Cons:
| Main features: This polyester encasement protects all the sides of the mattress. It's breathable, water-resistant, and soft; it protects from dust mites and contains no toxic chemicals. A perfect mattress protector for the price. Pros:
Cons:
| Main features: This protector is made of polyester fabric with a polyurethane laminate that protects the mattress from liquids. It's breathable, soft, and easy to care for (can be washed without any damage). Pros:
Cons:
| Main features: Liquid-proof, soft, lightweight — it's one of the best mattress protectors by one of the best mattress brands. It's super easy to wash and dry and it also protects the mattress against dust mites. According to the manufacturer, this protector has no feeling of plastic, as some cheap protectors have. Pros:
Cons:
| Main features: This is a 5-sided mattress protector that is both water-resistant and anti-microbial. It's made of very lightweight fabric, that's why it doesn't change the feel of the mattress. As it's very thin, it doesn't add any cushioning or softness. Pros:
Cons:
| Main features: Waterproof, breathable, elastic — this Casper protector works exactly as expected, it fits the mattresses that are up to 16 inches thick, and it's very soft and comfy. It’s easy to wash and it fits almost any mattress like a glove. Pros:
Cons:
| Main features: Topped with cotton cover, this mattress protector provides that silky feeling and cooling. Of course, it's machine washable, it's very stretchy, and it can protect the mattress from both liquid and dust mites. Pros:
Cons:
| Main features: This mattress protector is a great choice if you worry about dust mites, mold, and allergens. It's a zippered encasement that fits up to 14 inches mattresses (up to 17 inches if you have a Queen or a King-sized mattress). Pros:
Cons:
|
Price for Twin size | $15 | $50 | $15 | $69 | $50 | $69 | $85 | $99 | $39 |
Price for Queen size | $16 | $70 | $19 | $230 | $70 | $79 | $95 | $99 | $49 |
Mattress protector vs mattress pad vs topper: What’s the difference and what to buy?

A mattress protector will save your mattress in case of spills, accidents, bedbugs, and dust mites. The protectors don’t actually add much comfort — they are waterproof, and what makes them waterproof is usually the reason why they are not that comfortable. The main problem of the mattress protectors is that many of them feel a bit like plastic, are too noisy, and can make your mattress warmer — that's just how a waterproof/water-resistant polyurethane membrane works.
A mattress topper mitigates the shortcomings of the protector. In most cases, a mattress topper is made of soft material which makes a mattress more comfortable and enhances the support. In short, if you want to add another layer of comfort and support to your old mattress or if you are going to buy a mattress protector, you need a topper. What's the main problem of a mattress topper? Just as a mattress protector, it will most likely move around and bunch up — once you roll over, there will be ridges and bumps. Further information on the difference between mattress topper and protector you can find here.
A mattress pad provides a finishing touch. It adds a thin layer of padding and has that elastic skirt that doesn't move around the mattress. Besides, it will stop your mattress from sliding. If you want the mattress protector to be kept in place and the mattress topper to not bunch up under the sheet, you need to purchase a mattress pad. It will keep everything together.
How to buy the best mattress protector: key factors to consider
Type of the protector

There are 2 types of mattress protectors: encasement and fitter. Encasement protectors are 6-sided which means they cover the whole sides of the mattress. They work best for allergy sufferers and for those who worry about bed bugs/dust mites. Fitted protectors must be installed like a fitted sheet and they don't cover the bottom side. Unlike 6-sided protectors, the fitted ones are super easy to install and perfect for those who are going to wash the protector every 1-2 weeks. They usually don't protect the sides of the mattress, only the top surface.
Size
The main problem here is that most protectors are too large and don't stay in place/bunch up, so your mattress protector has to be of the same size as your mattress.
Warranty
When you buy a mattress, there is usually a trial period and a 10-25 year warranty. When you buy a mattress protector, there is usually no such thing as a trial period (which is quite obvious), but in most cases, the manufacturers offer at least a 1-year warranty. Of course, you should choose a protector that comes with a warranty — at least a warranty that protects against manufacturer malfunctions or defects.
Breathability
Everyone wants to feel cool at night, but the thing is: something can't be 100% waterproof and 100% breathable at the same time. Yes, some mattress protectors are very breathable, but this only means that they don't fully protect your mattress from liquids. If you really want to both protect your mattress and feel cool at night, buy a cooling mattress topper and put it over the protector.

Comfort
The majority of mattress protectors are not that comfy, especially if they are 100% waterproof. If you want to find the most comfortable product that will also protect the mattress from spills, choose the one with the soft top layer.
Ease of washing
If you're going to wash your mattress protector every 1-2 weeks, choose a 5-sided (fitted) protector. Such protectors are much easier to add and to remove.
Conclusion
The mattress protectors are cheap, lightweight, and extremely important because they make the mattresses last longer, save them from spills, accidents, and dust mites. However, they are not too comfortable and they are often too noisy — but that's the price you pay for waterproofness. You can solve the comfort problem quite easily — just buy a comfortable mattress topper and put it over the protector. That’s how you will get all three — protection, additional comfort, and support.