Accidents happen, but when said mishap takes place in the same spot as where you sleep, it’s easy for the red mist to descend.
Knocked-over bedside carafes of water, spilt wine when you’re having a decadent movie marathon and over-zealously squeezed bottles of moisturiser can turn your haven into a headache.
Even if it’s not your bed in question - say you’re toilet training your toddler or want extra protection for elderly relatives - the worst case scenario could see you shelling out hundreds for a brand new mattress to replace a soiled one.
Disaster can be averted with a simple additional purchase which comes at a snip of the price of a new mattress. A waterproof mattress protector.
What is a mattress protector?
First things first; a mattress protector is designed to prolong the life of your mattress, defending it from dust, dirt, sweat and spills. A good one will keep the mattress underneath hygienic and fresher for longer.
Who should use a waterproof mattress protector?
Waterproof coverings are ideal for kids, the elderly, and homes with pets or whose occupants have a penchant for breakfasts-in-bed. They allow accidents to be dealt with easily, just by chucking a sheet in the wash.
Shopping for a waterproof protector adds an extra security feature to a piece of bedding designed for shielding expensive mattresses - and that’s no bad thing in our book.
If you’re looking for a waterproof mattress protector to keep your bed nice and dry, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the best performing models on the market to narrow down the search, picking leading brands as well as undercover gems. We’ve chosen to price double bed sizes, but if you’re fitting out a smaller or larger bed, expect prices to fluctuate accordingly.
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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 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 £39.00, 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 £94.00, Emma 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 £16.99, Amazon
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 £55.00, The White Company
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 £22.00, John Lewis
Soak & Sleep Waterproof Bamboo Double Mattress Protector
There is a misconception that a waterproof protector automatically means a hot or noisy one. One sleep on this bamboo design will put paid to all that.
Made to resist moisture, dust and dirt, sustainably harvested bamboo and recycled polyester fibres keep the protector feeling breathable and climate-regulating. You'll barely hear it rustle underneath you either with elasticated corners to offer a snug fit over your bed.
Buy now £25.00, Soak & Sleep
Silentnight Waterproof Mattress Protector - Double
Got a double bed that needs protecting? Silentnight to the rescue.
The brand is well-established in the sleep space and amongst its sizeable collection, includes this waterproof mattress protector. Finished with a moisture-deflecting 100 per cent polypropylene cover, it comes with an elasticated skirt and can be washed at 40°C when needed.
Skip the tumble dryer though; all this sheet needs is to line dry.
Buy now £16.00, Argos
Caroline Shatuik 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector Double
An Amazon bestseller with thousands of glowing reviews, this protector comes in all standard UK bed sizes. Whichever option you choose boasts a water-impervious cover in ultra-soft OEKO-TEX Certified cotton terry, adding a delightful layer of cosiness to your nest.
Elastic runs throughout the edges (not just the corners), offering a secure, non-slip cap that won't budget even for the most fidgety of sleepers. It's good for deep mattresses too, comfortably covering depths of 30cm.
Best review? "You could literally throw a bucket of water on it, and nothing will leak through". We're sold.
Buy now £10.90, Amazon
HIGH LIVING Waterproof Mattress Protector
Given the low cost of a mattress protector, it doesn't make sense to head to bed without one. From Amazon comes this model at just shy of £13 and covered with an Aloe Treatment for additional antioxidant and antibacterial properties while reducing erythema (redness of the skin).
The cover is made from Polyurethane to form a protective waterproof shield over your mattress while remaining breathable - no sweaty sleeps here. It's low noise and can fit mattresses up to 30cm high.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
