The majority of folks know how crucial a good night's kip is for health - mental and physical - as well as well-being, and yet, banking a solid eight hours can be elusive.
Myriad reasons can be responsible for getting in the way of your shut-eye and leaving you cursing the ceiling well into the early hours. Doomscrolling on your phone or tablet before lights out certainly doesn't help, nor does excessive drinking which can wreak havoc with your REM.
But if it's your sleep setting that's the cause of restless nights, the good news is that it's something that can easily be changed for the better.
The foundation is, of course, a decent mattress. Always spend as much as you can comfortably afford on a mattress because you'll spend as much as a third of your life laying on one.
There are plenty to choose from - from fully memory foam, pocket spring and hybrid models - and the best ones almost always tip into the triple figures. Have no doubt, they're a big-ticket investment, but an oh-so necessary one.
While you should always try to replace one that's no longer supporting you properly, one way you can increase your mattress’s lifespan is by introducing a mattress protector into the equation.
What is a mattress protector?
A mattress protector is designed to add longevity to your mattress and prolong its shelf-life. It shields your bed from dust, dirt, sweat and allergens, keeping it hygienic and fresher for longer. There are also waterproof versions that are ideal for kids to the elderly, not to mention pets and the odd breakfast-in-bed mishap.
If you’re a hot sleeper or have a human radiator as a bed buddy, there are plenty of breathable and lightweight protectors that boast a cooling effect to turn down the temperature. Typically stitched from cotton, these barriers wick moisture away from the body, leaving you comfortable until it’s time to get up.
Can you wash a mattress protector?
All the mattress protectors in our roundup below can be slung into a washing machine, helping keep them fresh and clean for longer. The ideal temperature for killing dust mites is 60 degrees but pay special attention as some protectors fare better in 40 degree cycle.
We’ve gathered the best mattress protectors below for all sizes.
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The Nectar Mattress Protector
The point of this protector is to buy it, and then forget all about it. The mattress-boosting barrier is a silent thing despite containing a PU layer to make it entirely waterproof.
It also uses Tencel, a more eco-friendly alternative to cotton, to keep you cool as a cucumber as you snooze. The silky top layer is just what you want when there's a heatwave, but is comfortable to lay upon for all seasons. Tencel is also naturally hypoallergenic, so sneezy mornings will soon be a thing of the past for allergy sufferers. It can be machine washed but must be air-dried, so one to sling in with morning loads.
Buy now £48.98, Nectar Sleep
The Emma Mattress Protector
There’s a reason why the Emma Mattress is one of the best-rated bed brands on the market. Whether you opt for the Original, Hybrid or Original Hybrid, the models hit that sweet spot between comfort and support – and this extends to its mattress protector too.
Made from Purotex-treated polyester (Purotex is a hypoallergenic natural fibre that shields against allergens), this model is both waterproof and spill-proof, guarding your bed against everyday accidents. It’s one for allergy sufferers too, stopping hair, dust and allergens from getting into the mattress’s fibres.
It may be waterproof, but that doesn’t mean it’s a noisy thing. This machine-washable layer will lay stealthily between your mattress and sheets so there’s nothing stopping you from getting the rest you need.
It has a depth of 25cm and is available for single, small double, double, king and super king.
Buy now £51.80, Emma Sleep
Panda London Bamboo Mattress Protector
Bamboo has become a main player in the bedroom. Little wonder; one of the quickest-growing sustainable resources on the planet is naturally hypoallergenic, and antimicrobial, making it a top choice for bedding like mattress protectors.
Panda London's design is super thin and comes with a waterproof layer of Nano TPU to spare your mattress from spills, stains and general moisture. It fits neatly over corners with no bunching or gathering and is available in all standard UK and EU bed sizes, as well as a cot option for babies.
Buy now £30.00, Panda London
The White Company Luxury Cotton Rich Quilted Waterproof Mattress Protector
For luxe bedding, make a digital beeling for The White Company where you can find this quilted mattress protector packed with a plush cotton filling for cloud-like levels of comfort.
The exterior casing is also made with breathable cotton which encourages airflow making it ideal for those who like to slip onto a cool bed at the end of a long day.
It is also treated with antimicrobial technology to prevent bacteria and odours from forming, making your bed a much healthier and happier place to be. Layer the machine washable protector under your bed sheet and you’re good to go.
It’s suitable for mattresses that are 34cm in depth and is available in sizes that will fit cot beds, single, double, king, super king and emperor.
Buy now £35.00, The White Company
John Lewis & Partners Natural Cotton Quilted Mattress Protector
Calling all hot sleepers! Sweet cooling relief is here in the form of John Lewis’s mattress protector which works to cool you down with a breathable pure cotton filling. While padded and comfortable, it helps regulate body temperature through the night to stop you from waking up a hot mess.
Kind to the skin and the planet, materials have been sustainably sourced taking into consideration the fair rights of the cotton farmers and the efficient use of water. The design is completed with a special Micro-Fresh technology that minimises bacterial growth to keep it 99.9 per cent free from germs.
It slips onto your mattress and can be machine-washed. It’s available in small single, single, small double, double, king and super king. The price listed is for a double size.
Buy now £25.00, John Lewis
Silentnight Anti-Allergy Mattress Protector
Make sleeping through allergy season a breeze with the help of Silentnight and this mattress protector, designed specifically to eliminate common allergies from your night routine.
Approved by the British Allergy Foundation, it is made from polyester – for both the filling and the microfiber cover – that is anti-bacterial and guards against dust and bacteria from entering your mattress.
It’s good quality, easy to fit and wash as it can be chucked into the washing machine. There’s no disruptive rustling noise and it will keep you cosy and warm throughout the night.
The mattress protector has a two-year guarantee and comes in single, double, king and super king.
Buy now £14.00, Argos
John Lewis Specialist Synthetic Waterproof Terry Towelling Mattress Protector, Double
A bestseller at John Lewis, this mattress protector is waterproof yet blissfully silent - no crinkly noises here.
The protector is made from a cotton terry towelling top layer that’s cosy and soft to the touch and has an added layer of natural peppermint treatment. Don’t worry: it won’t smell like chewing gum. The peppermint is there to act as antimicrobial protection against bacteria and dirt to keep both the mattress and the protector itself fresh and clean.
It’s 32cm in depth and available for small single, single, double, king and super king.
Buy now £14.40, John Lewis
Soak & Sleep Quilted Cotton Double Mattress Protector
Sleeping in sweltering conditions is no one's idea of a good time, but this protector promises to turn your bed into less of a sweatbox with 200-thread count cotton to flop upon.
There's a lightly quilted effect on the top, but it's a fairly flat sheet with elasticated corners to fit snugly over mattresses with two depths to choose from.
It's not completely waterproof though (there’s only a light absorbent layer for minor levels of moisture), so that’s something to keep in mind if that's a deal-breaker.
As for sizes, it comes in single, small double, double, king, and super king, plus selected Euro sizes.
Buy now £34.00, Soak & Sleep
ADVENT Quilted Waterproof Mattress Protector
Highly rated on Amazon, this waterproof design not only protects your bedroom's biggest investment from moisture but will act as a barrier against germs, odours and bed bugs too, making it easier to eradicate ad-hoc issues instead of having to replace an entire mattress.
The double size will fit beds that are 30cm in depth and promises a comfortable and noiseless experience. The top layer is made from lightly quilted cotton for an extra level of comfort. Machine washable, but must be air-dried.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
M&S Home Cosy & Light Mattress Protector
Currently on sale at a bargain price that won't make you think twice about adding to your online basket, M&S's mattress protector is perfect for budget-conscious buyers. Also available in single, king and super king sizes, M&S has used partly recycled fibres in this design, giving it an eco edge.
It offers elasticated corners for a taut fit across your mattress and a seamless appearance once you've added a bedsheet to the top. Keep it smelling daisy-fresh by adding it to the wash with the rest of your bedding.
For hot sleepers, the Comfortably Cool Extra Deep Mattress Protector might be a better bet.
Buy now £12.50, M&S
