Waterproof mattress protectors are an often-overlooked sleep essential that saves your bed from spills, sweat or other accidents. But if you deal with frequent spills that stain your bed, then you know how vital the best mattress protectors are for adding years to the life of your bed.
I’ve been testing sleep products and mattresses for years, offering recommendations based on my hands-on experience. During that time, I’ve developed plenty of opinions on what’s worth your money, and I can say without a doubt, you need a mattress protector. Below are my insights on how the best mattress protectors felt and performed during testing.
What's the best waterproof mattress protector?
Based on my tested experience, the best overall mattress protector was the Saatva mattress protector. It's a heavy-duty waterproof cotton protector made from 100% organic cotton. A layer of polyurethane kept water from getting through during my water spill testing. It was the thickest protector I tested, not because it has padding but because it's made from high-quality materials. It does an excellent job of repelling liquid, so you know your mattress will be protected.
What We Updated: July 2025
Updated listicle format. List selections have been unchanged.
Added comparison table.
Best waterproof mattress protectors of 2026
What we like: The Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector is a thick, heavy-duty bed protector with an almost canvas-like feel. It's heavier than other mattress protectors, but the stretchy sides make it easy to put on the mattress. Thanks to the waterproof barrier, liquids sit on top of the mattress protector and slowly seep in without going through.
I will say that the Saatva mattress protector is a little big when you first take it out of the packaging, but that is often the case with mattress protectors. You should expect them to shrink a little when you wash them. If you use it straight out of the packaging, the top protector layer could easily shift and leave some of your mattress vulnerable with only the siding to protect it.
Who should get this: People who want a durable mattress protector and are willing to pay for it will like Saatva.
Who shouldn’t: While I didn’t really feel the Saatva mattress protector through my sheets, some people might. You might feel it if you have a really soft bed or use silky sheets.
Pros:
- Liquid slowly absorbs into fabric, giving you time to wipe it away
- Durable, canvas-like fabric
- A silicone elastic band to keep it in place
Cons:
- The protector top can easily shift off the surface of the bed
- Not for people on a budget since it costs $195 for a queen
Additional features:
- Material: Natural cotton, polyurethane
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 16 inches thick
- Trial: 45-day free returns
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $$
What we like: The Sleep Number Total Protection Mattress Pad gives your mattress an extra dose of luxury with a unique wavy texture and cooling feel. I think it’s an excellent choice for hot sleepers. It might be a little pricier than other options, but you won't be disappointed with the quality of this bed protector. It has a buttery, soft feel that I can't imagine anyone would dislike. It’s the mattress protector that’s on my bed right now. The textured top gives the mattress pad a little added cushion.
Who should get it: Sleep Number snags the best cooling waterproof mattress protector because it is cool to the touch while being extremely comfortable. It isn't ice-cold by any means, but the sensation is there. If you're a hot sleeper but don't have the budget to invest in a cooling topper or mattress, this bed protector won’t add heat at night.
Who shouldn’t: There’s no way around it -- the Sleep Number protector is expensive, at $240. I don’t think it’s worth the money if you're not a hot sleeper. Also, I noticed that the texture changed when the fabric absorbed the water. It didn't let any water get through, leaving the protector with a wet spot. Other options that repel spills give you enough time to wipe spills away.
Pros:
- Textured top extends over the sides so if it shifts, you don't have a texture difference
- Extremely comfortable and slightly cooling
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic is good for people with allergies
- Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification
Cons:
- Expensive at $240 for a queen
- Absorbs water while others repel it
Additional features:
- Material: Polyester, cotton, spandex
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 16 inches thick
- Trial: 100-day free returns
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
- Price: $$$
What we like: The Coop Home Goods protector might not have the bells and whistles that other waterproof mattress protectors do, like cooling technology or a nice texture, but it's a solid protector that will extend the life of your mattress. Where it shines is the price. At only $60, it’s the most affordable protector on the list. It’s not the cheapest option, but I was pleased with the quality. Some mattress protectors, especially the ultra-cheap ones, can be thin and tear or not absorb spills.
Who should get it: Coop Home Goods is your best bet if you're looking for a no-fuss waterproof mattress protector that you won't feel at night. This budget choice melts into your bedding like it's not even there. It performed well during the water spill test, is machine washable and has a simple striped texture.
Who shouldn’t: I wouldn’t recommend this to hot sleepers because I noticed it gets warm when testing it.
Pros:
- Green Guard Gold and Oeko-Tex certification
- Fits mattresses up to 18 inches thick, which is more than others
- Plush feel
Cons:
- Thin mesh sides that could potentially rip over time
- Discoloration may happen when you wash it
- Sleeps warm
Additional features:
- Material: Viscose rayon
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 18 inches thick
- Trial: 45-day free returns
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $
What we like: From mattress company Naturepedic, the Happsy Organic Mattress Protector Pad is an excellent choice if you're looking for an organic waterproof mattress protector. It's made from soft organic cotton and is extremely stretchy, which makes it a breeze to put on the mattress. While testing, I found this waterproof mattress pad soft and comfortable. It's not something that you would feel through your sheets.
Who should get it: I recommend this protector to anyone who deals with a lot of spills, like parents with kids or people with pets. I was surprised by how well the Happsy Organic Mattress Pad repelled liquid. Instead of slowly sinking into the fabric like Sleep Number, the water sat on the Happsy mattress protector. I had plenty of time to wipe the water before it soaked into the fabric. This also provides extra confidence in this protector's ability to keep out dirt and debris.
Who shouldn’t: I did find this mattress protector to be loose on the mattress, which could spell trouble for people who move around at night. If you tend to sleep rough, there’s a chance this cover could get bunch up under your sheet or pull off tonight.
Pros:
- Certified organic cotton is good for eco-friendly shoppers
- GOTS and Made Safe certified
- Liquid doesn't penetrate quickly so you can wipe it away
Cons:
- Loose fit on the mattress means it could shift at night
- Unclear warranty information
Additional features:
- Material: Certified organic cotton and polyurethane film
- Style: Sheet style
- Fits: Mattress up to 15 inches thick
- Trial: 30-day free returns
- Warranty: NA
- Price: $$
Compare the best waterproof mattress protectors
| Material | Price (Queen) | Fits | Trial | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector | Natual cotton, polyurethane | $195 | Mattresses up to 16 inches | 45-day free returns | 1-year limited warranty |
| Sleep Number Total Protection Mattress Pad | Polyester, cotton, spandex | $240 | Mattresses up to 16 inches | 100-day free returns | 10-year limited warranty |
| Coop Home Goods Waterproof Mattress Cover | Viscose rayon | $59 | Mattresses up to 18 inches | 45-day free returns | 1-year limited warranty |
| Happsy Organic Mattress Pad | Certified organic cotton and polyurethane film | $79 | Mattresses up to 15 inches | 30-day free returns | Unspecified |
How we tested the best waterproof mattress protectors
Our CNET sleep team has years of experience testing mattresses and sleep products. We've rolled around on just about every bed that you can buy. With each product, we use tests and assessments to determine the quality, performance and our recommendation. For waterproof mattress protectors, the key factors I used while testing are as follows:
Noise: When you think about mattress protectors, you probably imagine the loud, plastic-like encasements you may have had in your dorm or the last Airbnb you stayed in. The best waterproof mattress protectors are far beyond that now. Nearly all of them have a polyurethane backing that keeps liquids from seeping through your mattress. This introduces the potential for noise as you roll around at night. No one wants to be woken up at night by the sound of crinkling. Noise was noted while testing every mattress protector on this list.
Waterproof properties: Just because something says it's waterproof doesn't mean it does it well. Assessing the waterproof performance of each mattress protector was essential during our testing process. I did this by pouring water on each protector, noting if it repelled or absorbed water, and if it did absorb it, how long it took.
Specifications: Like mattresses, bed protectors generally have warranties and trials attached to them. For each product, the warranty, trial and certifications were noted in the reviews. Extra features like cooling technology were also included.
Read more on how we test mattresses at CNET.
Things to consider when shopping for a mattress protector
Mattress protectors aren't something you should skip. Not only will it save you cleaning time, but it will also extend the life of your bed by protecting the layers of foam inside and it can protect you from things like dust mite allergies.
There are a lot of waterproof mattress protectors on the market, varying by price, quality and performance. That makes it challenging to narrow down which mattress protector is best for you. To simplify it, we've narrowed down some critical factors to remember when shopping for the best waterproof mattress protector.
Style
There are several styles of waterproof mattress protectors. Some are full encasements that zip around the entirety of your bed, while others are pads that sit on top with straps that anchor it to the bed. The most common type of mattress protector looks like a fitted sheet. They are stretchy and easy to put on, although they can shift at night.
Material
Another thing to consider when shopping for the best waterproof mattress protectors is what it's made of. Some protectors boast organic certifications like Oeko-Tex that confirm the product is free of harmful substances.
Also, decide what type of texture you want from a bed protector. Some, like Sleep Number, have elaborate textures you can feel through a sheet. Others are designed to blend in, so you don't even know they are there.
- Cotton: Many people seek out cotton waterproof mattress protectors because cotton is breathable and easy to care for. It’s a classic choice for comfort and moisture-wicking.
- Tencel: Waterproof mattress protectors made from Tencel are silky smooth when you touch them. Tencel is often included in cooling mattress protectors because it has a natural cooling effect.
- Terry cloth: Terry cloth is comfortable and great for waterproof mattress protectors because it quickly absorbs the spill rather than leaving it to pool on top as some quilted tops do.
Budget
They're cheaper than mattresses, but mattress protectors can still run you a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the features and brand of the product. Thankfully, there are good options for every budget. Establishing how much you want to spend on a mattress protector will help narrow down your options.
Best mattress protector FAQs
What is a mattress protector?
A mattress protector is a sleep accessory that extends the life of your mattress by repelling liquid, dirt and debris. They're typically thin layers of fabric that blend into your existing bedding setup, so you don't even notice they're on your bed.
Do you really need a mattress protector?
Mattress protectors are a small investment when you think about the significant return they give. Whether it's sweat, dead skin cells or spills, there are a lot of things that collect in your mattress. The best mattress protectors protect your bed from allergens and debris and limit moisture that could break down the adhesive between foam layers.
Are there disadvantages of a waterproof mattress protector?
As with any sleep product, there are disadvantages to be aware of. Some report that adding a waterproof mattress cover makes them sleep hot because of the polyurethane barrier. If that's something that concerns you, look for a bed protector that is made from breathable material like cotton.
How do I protect my mattress from urine?
The best waterproof mattress protectors can help protect your mattress from urine. They're designed to absorb spills before they can reach your mattress. You can also add a waterproof underpad for extra protection.