A waterproof mattress protector is a cover that sits between the mattress and the bottom sheet and keeps liquid from reaching the mattress itself. Styles differ in how they fit, what the top fabric is and what the waterproof layer is made of. This guide compares them so you know what to check before you buy.
What a waterproof mattress protector does
A mattress is hard to wash and slow to dry, so the protector takes the hit instead. It is a permanent layer: it stays on the bed while sheets and pads come and go. Think of it as a barrier for night-time leaks, spills and damp, whether the bed is a child's, an adult's or a guest's.
A protector is mainly a barrier. Many are not meant to absorb much, so liquid can reach the sheet and run toward the edges before you notice. That is why some households add an absorbent pad on top.
A protector looks after the bed, not the cause of a leak. If leaks are new, sudden or changing, check with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Fitted, zippered encasement and flat pad styles
| Style | How it fits | What it covers | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitted | Elastic skirt pulls over the corners, like a fitted sheet | Top and sides | Pocket depth must suit the mattress |
| Zippered encasement | The mattress slides inside and the cover zips shut | All sides, including the underside | Takes more effort to put on and take off |
| Flat pad | Lies on top of the mattress; some have straps or elastic corners | The top surface only | Can shift without a way to anchor it |
Product titles show the style. The Vinyl Mattress Protector, Zippered, Twin and the Mattress Protector Zipper Vinyl 36" x 80" x 6.5" are both zippered vinyl listings. The Universal Mattress Cover with Defined Perimeter, Fits 42" Width - 1 Each is listed by width, not by a bed name, so read its description for the material, the fit and whether it is waterproof. A fitted style comes off like a fitted sheet when you need to wash it, while a zippered cover means unzipping it and peeling it off the mattress.
Surface fabrics and waterproof layers
A protector has two working parts: the surface you lie on and the waterproof layer behind it.
- Surface: common top fabrics include terry, knit and quilted polyester, and some listings mention cotton or bamboo. Terry and knit tops feel like fabric, while a plain vinyl top is a plastic film.
- Waterproof layer: this can be a thin polyurethane film bonded to the back of the fabric, or a vinyl (plastic) sheet. Both zippered titles above name vinyl.
Some sleepers notice a plastic surface more than a fabric one, including warmth and rustling. If comfort matters, read the description for how the top feels and what the word "breathable" means for that maker.
Getting the size and pocket depth roughly right
Start with three numbers from your own mattress: length, width and thickness. On a fitted style, the pocket has to be deep enough to wrap under the corners, or it tends to spring off. A zippered encasement wraps every side, so its length, width and thickness all need to be close to your mattress.
Write these down before you shop:
- the length and width of the mattress top;
- the thickness from bottom to top, measured at the side;
- any topper or pillow-top that will go inside the cover;
- the units in the listing, inches or centimetres.
A size name narrows the search, and the measurements in the listing settle it.
How a protector works alongside underpads
A protector covers the whole mattress and stays on the bed. An underpad is a separate absorbent pad, smaller than the bed, that lies over the sheet where leaks land and is quick to swap. Using both can mean the protector needs washing less often. Browse washable underpads and bed pads and disposable underpads if you want that layer.
Care instructions to check before you buy
Care steps can decide whether a protector suits your household, so read them before you order, not after the first leak. Look for:
- machine washable or wipe-clean, since some styles are wiped down instead of washed;
- whether it can go in a dryer, which matters if you have no room to hang a large cover indoors in winter;
- the wash temperature the maker allows, compared with the cycle you normally use for bedding;
- any products the maker rules out, such as bleach or fabric softener;
- whether its bulk suits the size of your washer.
How many protectors to own
Two is a sensible start for a bed in nightly use: one on the bed and one clean spare, so the mattress is not left bare while a thick cover dries. A guest bed may only need one.
A zippered encasement takes effort to remove, so some households leave it on and add a fitted protector over it as the layer that gets washed. If leaks are frequent, a pad on top can reduce how often you strip the bed.
Shop this guide
- BEDLORE 2 Pack Queen Waterproof Mattress Protector,Deep Pocket 6"-18",White
- Waterproof Twin Mattress Protector, Mattress Pad Fits Up to 16 in Deep Pocket (ships via Amazon)
- Quilted Crib Mattress Protector, 2 Pack, White
- Beddora Queen Mattress Protector Zippered Encasement Waterproof
- See all: Waterproof Mattress & Furniture Protectors
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Is a waterproof protector the same as a waterproof sheet?
Not always. Some makers use the two terms for similar items, so read the listing to see where it sits on the bed and how it fits.
Will a protector make the bed feel hot or noisy?
It depends on the top fabric and the waterproof layer. Plastic-faced covers can feel warmer or rustle more than fabric-faced ones, so check the product description.
Do I still need a fitted sheet?
Yes. The sheet goes over the protector, so you sleep on fabric and the protector stays clean.
Is a mattress protector the same as a mattress pad or topper?
No. A topper or quilted mattress pad adds cushioning and is not waterproof unless the listing says so. A waterproof protector is there to keep liquid out, and many add very little padding.
Not sure which style fits your bed? Send us your mattress measurements through our contact page, and we will reply within one business day.