SUMMER might be fading, but the heatwaves aren’t done with us — and if you’re heading to uni halls or setting up a new house share, a protector is a small upgrade that pays off fast.
Between sweaty nights, spilt coffees and the odd thunderstorm through an open window, your mattress needs a reliable extra layer.
We’ve tested the top options to find the ones that actually keep beds fresher for longer without adding rustle or trapping heat.
The right cover can help regulate temperature on sticky nights, stop stains before they set in, and keep your mattress in top condition — ideal if you’ve invested in a new bed or you’re kitting out student digs on a budget.
Prefer a quilted mattress protector for a little plushness? Want a cotton mattress protector with a soft, breathable feel?
We’ve got picks for waterproofing, cooling, and comfort — including pure cotton tops backed by discreet barriers for those inevitable spills.
Investing in a mattress protector now will help you get a better night’s sleep all term long.
How we test
At The Sun Shopping, we don’t just talk the talk – we sleep on every mattress protector in our own homes.
Our testing routine is thorough and real-world because your bed deserves nothing less!
We check each protector for fit across different mattress depths, timing how long it takes to put on (because who needs bedding that fights back?).
We sleep on them for multiple nights, noting comfort, noise, and heat retention.
For waterproof claims, we put them to the ultimate test – deliberately pouring water to check for leakage.
Each protector gets washed and dried according to instructions multiple times to assess durability and shrinkage.
Price is always factored into our final verdict, ensuring value matches performance.
We also rigorously test bedding beyond protectors — explore our expert guides to the best mattresses and best mattress toppers for a complete sleep upgrade.
Best mattress protectors at a glance
- Best waterproof: Otty
- Best for hot sleepers: Nectar
- Best for the elderly: Panda
- Best cooling: Tempur
- Best for bedwetting: Otty
- Best anti-allergy: Simba
- Best breathable: Emma
- Most affordable: Nectar
The best mattress protectors in 2025, tried and tested
1. Panda Mattress Protector
Panda Mattress Protector, from £30
Pros: ‘Barely-there’ feel with waterproof protection; hypoallergenic and antimicrobial bamboo blend; silent
Cons: Delicate elasticated skirt requires careful handling; needs special washing care (separate from items with zips/buttons)
Rating: 5/5
This might just be my favourite mattress protector ever.
Thanks to the bamboo-cotton nanotechnology, it manages to have a ‘barely-there’ feel whilst also having a waterproof layer, which is unheard of in the world of mattress protectors.
Usually, I find there’s an almost plastic-y feeling and sound when a protector has a waterproof layer, but I didn’t even notice this was on the bed.
It fits snuggly and comfortably and wraps around the mattress (and topper if you have one) without any overhang, due to the 32cm depth and fully elasticated skirt.
If I had one bug-bear, it would be that the elasticated skirt feels kind of fragile and like it could tear if you got heavy-handed with it.
To mitigate risk, I recommend washing this separately from any garment with zips, clips or buttons.
It’s naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, which is great if you’re an allergy sufferer like me and can’t sleep properly if there’s even a speck of dust about.
From a design standpoint, the slightly bevelled edges leave a great finish and ensure that bed sheets have a little more structure when on.
2. Nectar Mattress Protector
Nectar Mattress Protector, from £39
Pros: Thin and breathable, and easy to fit onto the mattress
Cons: Not as secure a fit around the mattress as others
Rating: 4.5/5
This mattress protector from Nectar is a great all-rounder that won’t break the bank.
Made from a breathable Tencel jersey with a SmartSeal PU film, this waterproof protector fits easily into the mattress.
It’s perfect if you live alone or are the designated bed-maker in your household, as you can put it on alone without any trouble.
Keeping you cool all through the night, it’s lightweight and doesn’t budge when you sleep, which is important – there’s really nothing more annoying than when it slips off the edge!
It washes really well and isn’t too bulky to fit in the washing machine, meaning it’s easy to keep clean.
It’s not tumble-dry safe, but I left it out in the garden on a sunny afternoon, and it dried within a couple of hours, so don’t let that deter you.
Setting you back just £45 for a double, it’s ideal for those who don’t want to spend lots but are after good quality.
3. Otty Waterproof Mattress Protector
Otty Waterproof Mattress Protector, from £89.99
Pros: Waterproof, cushioned, comfortable, fits perfectly on the mattress, very easy to wash
Cons: Holds heat (I’ve been feeling hotter in bed since I started using it)
Rating: 4.5/5
This product ticks a lot of my boxes when it comes to mattress protectors.
First of all, it does what it states: it’s actually waterproof.
I tested it by pouring a glass of water on the protector, and I was pleased to see that it did not transfer to the mattress.
I previously owned a waterproof mattress protector, and the most annoying feature was the crinkling sound it made when I turned around in bed.
This protector makes no sounds, which is the main reason why it scored so highly for me.
It’s easy to manage, as it fits perfectly on the Otty Hybrid Mattress and is very lightweight.
It states on the website that it protects against dust mites, bacteria and allergens – but it’s important to wash it within a few hours if you spill something on the mattress protector, to avoid any stains developing.
Another reason the mattress protector scored highly is due to how comfortable I found it: even though it’s 100% polyester, it’s extremely soft.
I’ve noticed that even though Otty states that the material is breathable, I found that I was getting hotter in bed since using the waterproof mattress protector – hence why I removed 0.5 points from the score.
It’s not a big concern for me, as winter is fast approaching and I’m hoping it will help keep me warm when the nights get colder.
Overall, the price for the mattress protector is reasonably priced at £119.99 for a king-size bed.
If you need a mattress protector that is actually waterproof, then this is the one for you.
4. Emma Mattress Protector
Emma Mattress Protector, from £62
Pros: Fits snugly to the mattress, meaning it won’t slip or easily untuck
Cons: Quite thick and elasticated edges make it a little tricky to put on the mattress alone
Rating: 4/5
The Emma Sleep mattress protector is one of the most secure protectors I’ve seen, and most definitely used.
With a fully elasticated edge, it fits snugly to the mattress, meaning it doesn’t budge at all while you sleep – perfect if you get fidgety during the night.
As much as I love how well it fits the mattress, it did take a little more effort than usual to fit the mattress.
It wasn’t immediately clear which edges were which, and the snug fit meant I really had to stretch it across (I think it would be much easier if you’re making the bed with someone else, but I am the designated bed maker in my house).
Made from 100% polyester, it’s breathable but still water-repellent, which keeps the mattress clean and protected.
It’s a little bit pricer at £94 full price for a double, so if you’re serious about your sleep, it’s one for you.
5. Simba Mattress Protector
Simba Mattress Protector, from £99
Pros: Cushioned, perfect fit, dust-mite resistant
Cons: Not waterproof
Rating: 4/5
The Simba Performance Mattress Protector has to be one of the most luxurious protectors that I have ever tried.
It’s made from breathable cotton with an anti-dust mite treatment, so if like me, allergies are not your friend (looking at you, hayfever and dust) then it’s the perfect companion for your mattress.
It has cushioning of 200gm, so it feels more like a super-thin topper than a protector.
It also has bound edges, which means it looks really premium on any mattress up to 40cm thick.
The biggest pitfall for me is the lack of a waterproof liner, which is more of a problem if you have little ones who are prone to accidents, or you like to have a glass (bottle) of wine in bed.
I have no little ones except an impeccably trained Labrador, so it wasn’t a huge concern for me – but it was good to know.
It’s machine-washable at 40 degrees and can go on a cool tumble, so it’s an easy protector to wash when you do your bedding.
Bargain-hunters looking to save cash should keep in mind the brand runs frequent sales and price drops across its items – head to our Simba mattress sale to see what’s reduced right now.
6. Tempur Cooling Mattress Protector
Tempur Cooling Mattress Protector, from £119
Pros: Very thin, breathable, water resistant, well-made, doubles as a fitted sheet
Cons: Not as snug fitting as expected, expensive, slippery
Rating: 3.5/5
The Tempur mattress protector is a 2-in-1 design, meaning it can double up as a bottom sheet.
This is a great feature if you dislike putting sheets on the bed and don’t want to spend even more money on a bottom sheet.
I personally chose to add a fitted sheet on top, as the waterproof nature of the protector means it has a slightly slippery surface, which I wasn’t too keen on.
This slippery texture, however, does make it feel cool to the touch, and if you’re a fan of silk sheets, you will probably like it.
Both the mattress protector and the mattress I tested it on were Tempur, so I had expected the protector to fit like a glove; however, there was slight puckering around the edges.
This being said, compared to other mattress protectors I’ve tested, the fit was still superior.
To test the waterproofness of the protector, I poured some water onto the sheet, and despite it looking like it was seeping through the sheet, the mattress underneath did, in fact, stay dry.
The protector fared well in the wash, and the waterproofing remained unaffected.
The mattress protector is pretty expensive, in my opinion.
However, it’s also worth noting that if you order a mattress of a certain size directly from the Tempur website, you can receive one for free.
Mattress protector FAQs
What’s the point of using a mattress protector?
A cover acts as a barrier against sweat, spills, body oils and dust, helping your mattress last longer and stay hygienic.
It can also add an extra layer that feels softer and more breathable — especially useful if your bed runs warm in summer.
As Theresa Schnorbach, a sleep scientist at Emma, explains: “Mattress protectors, similar to mattress toppers, can prolong the lifespan of your mattress.
“They are usually made from impermeable or water-resistant materials.
“I’d recommend a mattress protector to those who want to prolong the lifespan of their mattress,” she adds.
Protector vs topper — which should I buy?
- Protector: Slim, protective layer designed to guard against spills, stains and allergens without changing the feel of your mattress.
- Topper: Adds comfort — great if your bed is too firm/too soft or just needs a refresh. For the best of both worlds, use a topper for comfort and a protector over the top for defence.
What types are available?
- Waterproof: A breathable membrane (often polyurethane) blocks liquids without crinkling like old-school plastic.
- Cooling: Lightweight, airy fabrics that help you stay comfortable on hot nights.
- Anti-allergy: Designed to reduce exposure to allergens.
- Quilted mattress protector: Lightly padded for a touch of cushioned comfort without the bulk of a topper.
What material is best for waterproofing?
Look for a soft top (cotton or pure cotton, or bamboo) paired with a thin, breathable waterproof layer such as polyurethane.
This combo keeps things quiet, comfortable and dry.
Cheaper plastic coatings can be hot and noisy — worth avoiding if you’re a light sleeper.
“When made from the right material, mattress protectors can keep you fresh and cool throughout the night by providing another breathable layer on top of your mattress,” Theresa agrees.
“This helps to regulate your body’s temperature, giving you a comfortable sleep all night long.”
Is it worth buying an expensive mattress protector?
If you want full waterproofing, cooling features or premium finishing (deep pockets, secure elastic, silent barrier), spending a little more can make a noticeable difference.
If you just want basic hygiene, a solid mid-range option will suffice.
Theresa says it’s best to “consider the comfort and any sleep concerns of the person you’re buying for: are you buying for a child who wets the bed, or are you looking to improve your sleep on an old mattress?
“Let the needs of the sleeper guide what kind of mattress protector (and perhaps topper) you’re looking to purchase.”
The right fit is just as important, too, as it will “prevent potential disturbances like the rustling of excess material or your protector pinging off under your sheet as you move in the night”.
How often should I wash my mattress protector?
Every 1–2 months is a good baseline.
Wash more frequently if you’re prone to night sweats, have pets or little ones.
Trust us, some of our water-pouring tests revealed just how much liquid these protectors can absorb before reaching capacity!
Always follow the care label — hot washes or harsh cycles can damage waterproof layers.
Some premium options maintained perfect performance after five cycles, while budget choices began to degrade noticeably.
New protector? Absolutely wash it before first use – straight-from-packaging chemicals aren’t what you want against your skin all night!
What is the life expectancy of a mattress protector?
A good mattress protector can last anywhere from two to five years, depending on how well you treat it.
If you’re washing it regularly (but not too harshly) and it’s not battling daily coffee spills or pet accidents, it’ll stick around for a while.
Like any regularly used item, though, it will eventually show signs of wear – so you can expect some thinning, a little less waterproofing magic or small tears.
If it starts looking worn out or it’s not doing its job, it’s time to let it retire.
Keep it happy, and it’ll keep your mattress safe for years!
Will mattress protectors go on sale for Black Friday?
Absolutely!
Many retailers selling mattress protectors are known to join the Black Friday sales frenzy, so you can definitely snag a deal.
Big retailers love slashing prices on bedding, and mattress protectors are no exception.
Whether you’re eyeing a high-end waterproof protector or a simple comfy one, chances are you’ll find discounts.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times for upgrading your sleep setup without breaking the bank, so if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to grab a protector (or two!), get ready to pounce on the best Black Friday deals.
Your mattress will thank you (and so will your wallet).
Where to buy mattress protectors
Head to our shopping mattress hub for more deals, reviews and recommendations.
Don't miss out...
Visit The Sun’s shopping home and garden hub for more news, deals and tips.
For more discounts and recommendations from the Sun Shopping team, sign up to our newsletter and join the WhatsApp group.
