Okay…I have a confession. I’m a super messy person and I always eat in bed. No, I’m not just telling you this to clear my conscience. The reason I’m telling you is that that’s the reason I started my hunt for the best mattress protector in the UK.
I was sick of spilling water (wine) on my bed and it staining and ruining my mattress. And so, the hunt begins…
Quick Answer:
- Best All-Rounder – Perlux Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Best Budget – Silentnight Quilted Mattress Protector
- Best For Hot Sleepers – Utopia Bamboo Mattress Protector
- Best Luxury – Emma SmartSleeve Mattress Protector
- Best Waterproof – Dreamzie Protection + Waterproof Mattress Protector
- Best For Allergies – Velfont Anti-Dustmite Quilted Mattress Protector
- Best Deep Protector – Utopia Bedding Quilted Mattress Protector
- Best Eco-Friendly – Recci Premium Bamboo Mattress Protector
- Best For Babies/Toddlers – The Little Green Sheep Organic Waterproof Cot Mattress Protector
Mattress Protectors Buyers Guide
There are a few things you need to know before buying a mattress protector to ensure you get one that will fit your needs. Before you will find out quick-hit buyers guide to protectors.
What Does a Mattress Protector Do?
Exactly what is says on the tin. A mattress protector goes over your mattress and under your sheet as another layer of protection for your mattress. It should ensure your mattress lasts longer or at least has less damage done to it!
What Is The Best Type of Mattress Protector?
The best mattress protector for you will depend on your own requirements. You can get waterproof mattress protectors, anti-allergy mattress protectors and cooling mattress protectors. You can get ones that are super comfy, smell good or are silky. There are tons to choose from.
What Is The Difference Between a Mattress Topper and Protector?
Mattress toppers act as an extra protective-element to your mattress. They’re thicker than a sheet, usually a couple of inches at least, and they add cushioning or some other property you’re missing from your current mattress. Similar to mattress protectors, they can be waterproof or anti-allergenic.
How Much Does a Mattress Protector Cost?
You can get budget mattress protectors or luxury ones; it all depends on your budget and what you want to get from your protector. For the purpose of this article, we will class the protector into three categories:
- Budget (£) up to £19.99
- Moderate (££) from £20-£39.99
- Luxury (£££) from £40.00+
To figure out which is the best mattress protector for you, you’ll need to consider the price, what it’s made of, whether it’s machine-washable, the sizes it’s available in, as well as any extra features you want it to have. Hopefully, we can cover all those bases for you so your mattress protector hunt can run a little smoother.
Let’s take a look at some awesome mattress protectors available in the UK:
1. Best All-Rounder: Perlux Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector
| Best For: | All-round |
| Size(s): | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Depth: | Up to 45cm |
| Materials: | Eucalyptus Tencel Fibers, Polyurethane Laminate |
| Price Range: | ££ |
| Pros: | + Waterproof
+ Hypoallergenic + Good for sensitive skin + Cooling + 10-year warranty |
| Cons: | − A Little Noisy |
The price of mattresses seems to be ever-increasing which is great when it brings with it better-quality products and therefore better sleep, however it can be daunting when you think about how to protect this huge investment. A waterproof mattress protector is probably a good idea.
If you’re as clumsy as I am then there would have been countless times where you’ve spilt coffee, water, your dinner and god knows what else in your bed. With the Perlux Waterproof Mattress Protector, this is a worry of the past. They incorporate a polyurethane laminate layer which prevents spills seeping through. This layer additionally acts as a hypoallergenic barrier, keeping out those nasty dust mites and allergens.
Some people have complained about how thin the mattress protector is, however this is a purposeful design which ensures you can still feel all the benefits of your mattress; no-one wants to spend thousands on a fancy memory foam mattress only to not be able to feel the benefits of it. You’ll love the feel of this mattress protector thanks to the softer-than-silk Tencel fibres used. If you’re a hot sleeper, you will appreciate Tencel even more given that it’s cooler than linen and more absorbent than cotton.
If you’re looking for ease-of-use, this protector is well-equipped for that with elastic corners that tuck the protector neatly under your mattress. If (or when) you have a spill or it gets a bit dirty just chuck it in the washing machine with your other washing!
2. Best Budget Mattress Protector: Silentnight Quilted Mattress Protector
| Best For: | Budget All-Rounder |
| Size(s): | Single, Double, King, Super King |
| Depth: | Up to 30cm |
| Materials: | Polyester, Cotton, Hollowfibre |
| Price Range: | £ |
|
Pros: |
+ Quilted
+ Hypoallergenic + Machine Washable + Cushioning Layer + Well-Known Brand Name |
| Cons: | − Elasticated Corners Not the Best |
Silentnight is a well-known bed brand in the UK, which can give you some level of confidence in this product. They’ve been around for 70 years now, which would not be the case if they were dishing out dodgy beds now would it!
The Silentnight Quilted Mattress Protector is not waterproof; however, it will add an extra layer of protection and keep your mattress from wear-and-tear as well as discolouration. They’ve packed the protector with hollow fibre to give it a little extra cushioning and make it feel even better to sleep on.
Personally, I always look at how easy something is to use and maintain because I’m a little lazy in this department. I love the look of the Silentnight protector because it has a fitted sheet fit and is machine washable.
It seems to do exactly what it says on the tin, keep your mattress protected and be soft and comfortable to sleep on.
3. Best Mattress Protector for Hot Sleepers: Utopia Bamboo Mattress Protector
| Best For: | Hot Sleepers |
| Size(s): | Single, Double, King, Super King |
| Depth: | Up to 30cm |
| Materials: | Polyester, Viscose Rayon from Bamboo |
| Price Range: | £ |
|
Pros: |
+ Cooling Properties
+ Durable + Machine Washable + Can Tumble Dry + Waterproof |
| Cons: | − Pattern May Show Through Sheets |
For those who have trouble sleeping because you’re too hot, the Utopia Bamboo Mattress Protector could be the answer to your dreams. It combines a unique combination of ultra-tech polyester (70%), which acts as a cooling layer, and viscose rayon from bamboo (30%) which has thermo-regulating properties.
Not the most glamorous thing to talk about, but if you’re a hot sleeper you probably know what it’s like to wake up and have the bed drenched in sweat…not ideal! Utopia has developed its protector with an effective waterproof barrier. It’s a polyurethane membrane which is impermeable to bodily fluids BUT it’s still breathable, hence the cooling properties. Best of both worlds if you ask us.
The waterproofing and cooling technology used in this protector are not the only aspects to get excited about. If you suffer from any allergies, you’ll be pleased to know it is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant. It has a firm fit that hugs your mattress and keeps skin cells from falling into the mattress and attracting those pesky mites. Also, thanks to this firm fit, if you’ve got a wriggler in the bed, they won’t be able to pull the mattress protector off!
Not a bad all-round mattress protector too. It’s hypoallergenic, waterproof, soft, fits well AND it’s also machine-washable and tumble dry proof (as long as it’s on low!).
4. Best Luxury Mattress Protector: Emma SmartSleeve Mattress Protector
| Best For: | Taste of Luxury |
| Size(s): | Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King |
| Depth: | Up to 23cm |
| Materials: | Emma’s Cairfull Material, Purotex Technology |
| Price Range: | £££ |
|
Pros: |
+ Antibacterial
+ Anti-allergy + Probiotic + Machine Washable + Waterproof + Luxury Feel + 100 Night Trial |
| Cons: | − More Expensive |
Emma manufactures some truly awesome mattresses which have won tons of awards, so it’s easy to see why they also want to create the best mattress protectors to keep them in tip-top condition. The Emma SmartSleeve Protector does just this; with its waterproof properties, you can rest easy knowing that any accidental spills or accidents won’t ruin your lovely new mattress!
This luxurious mattress protector fits a range of mattresses (not just Emma’s!) with five sizes to choose from and fitting a mattress as deep as 23cm. If you or your family suffers from allergies, this could be a good pick for you. With 89.3% fewer dust mites and allergens than regular mattress protectors, this could be a real game-changer.
Also, to protect against this the material used is probiotic meaning it harbours teeny microorganisms that prevent the protector from becoming damp. Allergens LOVE a damp arena so this is a great way to keep them at bay and keep your mattress fresh.
This SmartSleeve looks great has all the bells and whistles you can think of AND it’s machine washable up to 60 degrees. Usually, companies don’t offer any kind of warranty with a mattress protector, but Emma is different. They offer a 100-night trial as well as a 10-year warranty so even if you’re unsure, give it a go and return it if it’s not for you!
5. Best Waterproof Mattress Protector: Dreamzie Protection + Waterproof Mattress Protector
| Best For: | Waterproof |
| Size(s): | 20+ Sizes |
| Depth: | Up to 30cm |
| Materials: | Cotton, Polyurethane |
| Price Range: | ££ |
|
Pros: |
+ Waterproof
+ Fitted + Hypoallergenic + Bi-Ome Treated (Against Allergens) + Machine Washable + 10-Year Warranty + Made in Europe |
| Cons: | − Super King Size Comes Up a Little Small |
This Dreamzie Waterproof Protector is super popular and that must be for a reason, right? We’ve looked into it and it seems to be a very decent mattress protector at a reasonable price too. People love the waterproofing properties and most swear by it protecting their mattress from pets, children’s accidents and adult incontinence.
The polyurethane layer is impenetrable by sweat and bodily fluids BUT it’s still breathable, meaning you shouldn’t overheat like you would on a plastic protector. This is also aided by the 100% cotton layer on the sleeper’s side of the protector. Any waterproof protector is going to have an element of “plastic-like” material that is not comfy to sleep on so you want to make sure there’s a nice soft layer for your comfort.
Dreamzie uses a Bi-Ome protection treatment against allergens, dust mites and fungi, so your mattress will not give you allergy problems anymore. Protecting your mattress from these elements will help keep it fresher for longer too. You shouldn’t need to worry about your protector lasting a long time though, because it has a comforting 10-year warranty!
It comes in over 20 sizes so we’re fairly confident you’ll find one to fit your bed, your child’s bed and any other bed that needs protecting in the house!
This is just a mattress protector that fits like a sheet, but you can also get full mattress protectors that zipper all the way around. If you’re worried about the protector coming off the bed, this is also a great option.
6. Best Mattress Protector for Allergies: Velfont Anti-Dustmite Quilted Mattress Protector
| Best For: | Allergy Sufferers |
| Size(s): | Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King |
| Depth: | Up to 30cm |
| Materials: | Polyester Microfiber, Polyester Hollow Conjugated Fiber |
| Price Range: | ££ |
|
Pros: |
+ Natural Acarsan Anti-Dustmite Treatment
+ Reversible + Quilted + Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal + Extra Soft + Wash-Resistant + Certified by the British Allergy Foundation |
| Cons: | − Check the Size Dimensions Before Purchasing |
For those of you that suffer from allergies, it can be frustrating to go to bed only to be woken up multiple times a night coughing and sneezing. With a good-quality anti-allergy mattress protector like the Velfont protector, this could become a nightmare of the past!
Velfont uses a natural Acarsan anti-dust mite treatment throughout the filling, keeping mites away and your sleep restful and undisturbed. If you’re not convinced, this mattress protector has been endorsed by the British Allergy Foundation to say it’s been scientifically proven to reduce dust mites, fungus and bacteria.
This isn’t the only reason people like this protector though. It’s been made with super-soft and silky feeling microfiber all around so it’s possible to reverse the protector and use it on the other side too. They’ve packed it with a top-quality fibre filling also to give it some extra padding and you some extra comfort.
For those wriggly sleepers, Velfont has incorporated an all-round elasticated border so the protector shouldn’t move around while you sleep.
7. Best Deep Mattress Protector: Utopia Bedding Quilted Mattress Protector
| Best For: | Deep Mattresses |
| Size(s): | Single, Double, King |
| Depth: | Up to 38cm |
| Materials: | Brushed Microfiber, Polyester |
| Price Range: | £ |
|
Pros: |
+ Diamond Stitch Quilting
+ Elasticated Border + Deep Corners + 360° Bed Protection + Noiseless + Breathable + Machine Washable |
| Cons: | − Machine Wash Cold Only |
If you have a particularly deep mattress then, firstly, good for you! There’s nothing like treating yourself to a bit of luxury, especially when it comes to somewhere you spend a third of your life! Finding a mattress protector for these especially deep mattresses can be tricky though. The Utopia Quilted Mattress Protector is here to save the day.
It can fit any single, double or king mattress up to 38cm deep! To give you an extra layer of comfort on top of your mattress, they’ve used a high-loft fiberfill made of polyester. It should fluff up to give a nice little cushioning all night long.
Utopia is not just a pretty face; they’ve also used a diamond-pattern quilted design to prevent the fill from shifting around and creating those uncomfortable little clumps that can sometimes occur. They’ll be no princess and the pea complaints where this protector is involved.
Their Smooth Grip system basically means they’ve used elastic all around the bottom on the skirt of the protector to make sure it grips to your mattress and doesn’t move around in the night.
Utopia are very specific with their washing requirements, stating it has to be cold water, you can’t use a strong detergent and it will take 2-3 hours to dry on a cold tumble (probably best to hang it out in the sun if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere sunny!).
Overall, it seems to be a good all-round mattress protector if you have a deep mattress. They can be hard to come by and this one is a particularly budget-friendly option.
Alternatively, if your mattress is larger than this you might be more interested in the High Living Extra Deep Mattress Protector which can fit a mattress up to 40cm!
8. Best Eco-Friendly Mattress Protector: Recci Premium Bamboo Mattress Protector
| Best For: | Environmentally Friendly |
| Size(s): | Single, Double, King, Super King |
| Depth: | Up to 35cm |
| Materials: | Bamboo Fiber |
| Price Range: | ££ |
|
Pros: |
+ 100% Bamboo Fabric
+ Cooling Properties + Waterproof + Fits a Deep Mattress + Doesn’t Move Around + 10-Year Warranty + No Harmful Materials |
| Cons: | − Retains Water When Washed
− Not as Deep as Stated |
With all the news about climate change and the effects we’re having on our planet, a lot more people are becoming more environmentally conscious and making smarter decisions. If you’re one of these people, you might want to look into getting an eco-friendly mattress protector. Some companies, like the Natural Bed Company have caught onto this niche and now focus on creating organic and vegan bed products.
If you want to take it one step further, you can get an entire vegan mattress and sleep like a baby knowing you’re not harming any animals or the environment with your comfort.
For now, it’s pretty hard to find a vegan mattress protector, but some, like the Recci Bamboo Mattress Protector, are manufactured with natural materials, like bamboo. Using bamboo makes this protector super soft and smooth too.
Great for the summer, Recci has used a unique weaving technique which prevents you overheating. This coupled with the cooling fabric of bamboo and you’re looking at a comfortable night's sleep, no matter what the temperature.
If you’re known for being a bit clumsy, you have any pets or kids, you’ll be pleased to learn this protector is also waterproof! You’re protected against any accidents, including those involving urine or perspiration. No more stains!
Recci will give you 30-days to decide whether it’s the right one for you or not, no questions asked.
9. Best Mattress Protector for Babies/Toddlers: Organic Waterproof Cot Mattress Protector
| Best For: | Babies & Toddlers |
| Size(s): | 11 Sizes |
| Depth: | Suitable for Standard Cots and Cribs |
| Materials: | Organic Cotton, Oeko-Tex Class 1 Waterproof Membrane |
| Price Range: | ££ |
|
Pros: |
+ Organic
+ Waterproof + Machine Washable + Tumble Dryer Safe + Dust Mite Barrier + Breathable + Not Crunchy |
| Cons: | − Flat, not Fitted |
Looking for a mattress protector for your child can be tough. It needs to be waterproof of course in case of any accidents but you don’t want it to have that plastic feel and be uncomfortable. Well, welcome to the best of both worlds with The Little Green Sheep company. Their mattress protectors boast organic cotton material, making sure your little one gets the very best.
The waterproof membrane uses Oeko-Tex Class 1 materials which means they’re baby-safe. The cotton absorbs the moisture rather than letting it sit on the surface, so your baby will stay dry and comfortable all night long.
If you’re worried about allergens irritating your child during their sleep, you will be happy this protector also provides a barrier against nasty dust mites. If you don’t want to take the companies word for how good their product is, we get it. Take the word from the independent awards they received instead; the Mother & Baby Award 2016 and the Loved By Parents Best Nursey Bedding award.
Of course, there will be accidents and when they happen you can simply throw the protector into the wash and then into the tumble dryer after that! If you’re looking for value for money too, this protector has a flat design, not fitted so it can be used on mum’s bed as well before the baby is born to protect against waters breaking. Having a flat design, however, might mean your toddler moves it around in their sleep.
How Do I Choose the Best Mattress Protector for Me?
There we have it. Of course, choosing a mattress protector is a very personal matter. You’ll want to sit down and figure out exactly what you want from it and how much you’re willing to spend before you can find the right one for you.
We’ve given you a great contender from each category but that doesn’t mean they’re the best mattress protector of all time. There are plenty more awesome protectors out there like ones infused with aloe vera or ones with a towelling material on top.
