Best Mattress Protectors

A mattress protector is a layer of bedding designed to safeguard your mattress from stains, spills, and physical damage, as well as dust and other allergens. The protector should be placed between your mattress and fitted sheet. Most protectors have elastic pockets to stretch around the corners of your mattress. Encasement protectors have a zipper that wraps around the side, and are intended to fit around the entire mattress.

Most mattress protectors can be washed and dried in household machines. Check your protector’s care instructions for water temperature, detergent type, spin cycle, and other specific requirements.

No, you don’t need a mattress protector, but using one can be an inexpensive way to prevent different types of damage, keep allergens out, and preserve your mattress over time. If you have young children who aren’t potty-trained, we highly recommend using a protector to keep their mattress safe from liquid damage. Pet owners can also benefit from using a protector that prevents damage from paws and claws.

Some mattress protectors that fully encase the mattress can prevent bed bugs. Standard protectors that only cover the top surface and sides may not stop bed bugs from entering your sleep space. If you’re concerned about bed bugs, there are mattress protectors on the market specifically designed to prevent bed bug infestation.

For a standard one-sided protector, strip your bed and place the protector on your bare mattress. Secure each corner pocket around the mattress, much like you’d do with a fitted sheet, until the protector is firmly in place. If you have an encasement protector, first unzip it and then lift your mattress, placing the bottom half around the mattress base. Most mattresses are heavy, so we recommend putting on an encasement protector with a partner.