Mattress protectors
A mattress protector is a washable layer between your sheet and your mattress, so sweat, dust and small spills land on something you can wash. A waterproof protector stops liquid soaking through. Choose your mattress size, with a skirt deeper than the mattress.
Read our buying guideNothing here yet
New mattresses are on the way. In the meantime, have a look at the full range.
Shop all mattressesDo I need a mattress protector?
You don't have to use a mattress protector, but it's the easiest way to keep a mattress clean, because a protector goes in the washing machine and a mattress doesn't.
An adult mattress typically lasts around 7 to 10 years, and over that time sweat, skin and the odd spilt drink all work their way down into it. A protector catches them first. On a child's bed, a waterproof protector turns a night-time accident into a change of bedding rather than a mattress that has to be cleaned and left to dry.
Waterproof or standard: which mattress protector should I get?
Choose a waterproof mattress protector if liquid might reach the bed, from a child's accident to a spilt cup of tea, and a standard protector if you mainly want a soft, washable layer over an adult mattress.
| Type | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | A thin waterproof backing under a soft top stops spills, sweat and accidents reaching the mattress | Children's beds, guest beds and anyone who sweats a lot at night |
| Standard | A washable fabric layer, sometimes quilted for a little softness, that catches sweat and dust but lets liquid through | Adult beds where spills are rare |
| Bamboo top | A soft, smooth top fabric made from bamboo, with or without a waterproof backing | Anyone who likes a smooth feel; check whether it's waterproof |
Modern waterproof layers are quieter and more breathable than the old plastic sheeting many of us remember. If you'd rather have the waterproofing built in, our waterproof mattresses have it in the cover, so there's nothing extra to put on.
What size mattress protector do I need?
You need a mattress protector in the same size as your mattress, such as a single protector for a 90 x 190 cm single, with a skirt deeper than the mattress so it tucks right underneath.
Check the depth too. Mattresses run from about 10 to 16 cm deep for low profile, through about 18 to 25 cm for standard, to 25 cm and over for deep, and a skirt that's too shallow for yours will keep pinging off the corners. Choose a protector made for deep mattresses if yours is 25 cm or more, and measure the mattress and topper together if you use one.
European sizes need their own protectors. A European double is 140 x 200 cm, 5 cm wider and 10 cm longer than a UK double, so a protector made for 135 x 190 cm won't fit it properly. Check your size in our mattress size guide before you order.
Mattress protector or topper: what's the difference?
A mattress protector keeps a mattress clean and adds almost no height, while a mattress topper is a thicker layer that changes how the bed feels, usually making it softer.
You can use both. Put the topper on the mattress, the protector over both, then the sheet, so the protector keeps the topper clean too. Choose a protector with a skirt deep enough for the two together. Our mattress toppers page explains how to choose one.
Can you use a mattress protector on a bunk bed?
A thin mattress protector is fine on a bunk bed, but on the top bunk the mattress and everything on it must stay at or below the maximum mattress line marked on the frame.
On beds made to BS EN 747, staying at or below the line leaves at least 16 cm of guard rail above the mattress. A slim waterproof protector barely changes the height, but a thick quilted one, or a topper, can take the surface over the line. On children's beds, a waterproof protector is the simplest way to deal with accidents and spilt drinks. Our guides to bunk bed mattresses and kids mattresses cover depth and fit in more detail.
While you're making the bed, our guide to pillows explains which height suits how you sleep. If you're not sure which protector fits your mattress, send us its size and depth and we'll point you to the right one.
Mattress protectors: your questions answered
Can't see your question? Ask us and we'll get back to you.
How often should you wash a mattress protector?
Wash a mattress protector every few weeks, more often on a child's bed or if you sweat a lot at night, and straight away after any spill or accident. Follow the care label, especially for drying, because high heat can damage some waterproof layers. A second protector means the bed isn't left bare while the first one is in the wash.
Will a mattress protector change how my bed feels?
A thin waterproof mattress protector barely changes how a bed feels, because it's a slim fabric layer with a waterproof backing. A quilted protector adds a little softness. Neither changes the support underneath, so if your mattress feels too firm or too soft, a topper or a different mattress will make more difference than a protector.
Are waterproof mattress protectors noisy?
Modern waterproof mattress protectors are quieter than the crinkly plastic sheets many people remember. The waterproof layer is a thin, flexible backing bonded to a soft fabric top, so it moves with the mattress instead of rustling on top of it. A fitted skirt that holds the protector snugly also stops it shifting when you turn over.
Do waterproof mattress protectors make you hot?
A waterproof mattress protector can feel a little warmer than a plain fabric one, because the waterproof layer lets less air through, though modern ones are more breathable than old plastic sheeting. If you sleep hot, keep the bedroom around 16 to 18°C, which The Sleep Charity suggests, and try lighter bedding before ruling a waterproof protector out.
What is a bamboo mattress protector?
A bamboo mattress protector has a top fabric made from bamboo, usually turned into viscose, which feels soft and smooth. Some bamboo protectors have a waterproof backing and some don't, so check the product description if you need one that's waterproof. Wash a bamboo protector as its care label says.
Is a waterproof mattress protector good for bedwetting?
Yes. A waterproof mattress protector stops urine soaking into the mattress, so an accident means changing the sheet and protector rather than cleaning the mattress. Keeping a spare protector and sheet by the bed makes a night-time change quicker and calmer for everyone. If accidents happen most nights, a waterproof mattress is worth considering too.
Is a fitted or strap mattress protector better?
A fitted mattress protector is usually better for everyday use: its skirt wraps the sides of the mattress like a fitted sheet, so it stays put and protects the sides too. A protector with elastic corner straps is quicker to put on, but it can slide about and only covers the top of the mattress.
When should you replace a mattress protector?
Replace a mattress protector when the waterproof layer starts letting liquid through, the backing cracks or peels, the fabric wears thin or the elastic stops holding it in place. Check the back of a waterproof protector now and then after washing, and if you're unsure, pour a little water on it over a towel to test it.
Not sure which mattress?
Tell us about your bed and how you sleep, and we'll suggest a few that fit.