The best mattress protectors aren't the most exciting thing you'll buy for your bedroom, but they could be one of the smartest. You'll probably never think about them until a child has an accident, someone spills a cup of tea or your morning coffee ends up in the wrong place and you find yourself praying you don’t need to fork out for a new mattress.
As a mum of four, I wouldn't be without one. Between potty-training accidents, the occasional bout of sickness and children who inevitably end up climbing into my bed during the night, our mattresses have seen just about everything. A mattress protector acts like an insurance policy, protecting against spills, sweat and everyday wear while helping to keep the mattress cleaner and in good condition for longer.
Considering a quality mattress can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds, it's a small investment that could save you a much bigger expense down the line. To find the best mattress protectors, I tested a range of waterproof and quilted designs, comparing comfort, breathability, fit, durability and overall value for money to see which are genuinely worth buying.
Read more: 10 best pillows, reviewed for every kind of sleeper
The best mattress protectors for 2026 are:
- Best overall – M&S quited waterproof extra deep mattress protector: £30, Marksandspencer.com
- Best budget option – IMFAA fully zipped encased mattress protector: £16.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best cooling mattress protector – Simba tripleshield tencel cool mattress protector: £99, Simbasleep.com
- Best for kids – Family Bedding 100% waterproof terry cotton mattress protector: £10.99, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: 13 best mattresses, tried and tested
M&S quited waterproof extra deep mattress protector
Best: mattress protector overall
Why we love it
- Comfortable quilted top
- Quiet waterproof backing
- Secure extra-deep fit
- Excellent value
Take note
- Lacks cooling technology
Finding a mattress protector that gets everything right is surprisingly difficult. Some are soft but aren't waterproof, while others do a brilliant job of protecting your mattress but leave the bed feeling hot or noisy. The M&S sleep solutions waterproof quilted mattress protector struck the best balance of any I tested.
The cotton-rich quilted top added a touch of extra comfort without changing the feel of my mattress, while the waterproof backing gave me complete peace of mind against family mishaps. Better still, it never made the bed feel plasticky and didn’t rustle every time I turned over.
The 38cm deep elasticated skirt was one of the roomiest and fitted securely around my mattress without riding up during the night. I also liked that it came out of the washing machine looking just as good as when it went in. At around £30 for a king size, it's also exceptional value, costing significantly less than many premium protectors while delivering comparable performance.
There are protectors here with more specialist features, such as Simba’s cooling technology, but if you simply want a comfortable, reliable mattress protector that protects your mattress without compromising your sleep, this is the one I'd recommend.
Key specifications
Buy now £26, Marksandspencer.com
IMFAA fully zipped encased mattress protector
Best: budget mattress protector
Why we love it
- Protects all six sides
- Fully waterproof
- Stays securely in place
- Affordable
Take note
- Difficult to fit
- Less soft than quilted protectors
The IMFAA fully zipped mattress protector takes a different approach to most of the protectors I tested. Instead of fitting like a fitted sheet, it completely encloses the mattress with a zip, protecting all six sides from spills, stains, dust mites and everyday wear. I really liked the extra reassurance that accidents were far less likely to seep in from the sides or underneath, while the fully enclosed design also helps stop dust, dirt and skin cells building up inside the mattress over time.
Getting it on was a bit of a workout, as I had to wiggle the mattress into the cover before zipping it closed. Once it was fitted, though, it stayed perfectly in place. I never had to straighten the corners or pull it back into position, unlike the Ikea elasticated protector.
Another win is that its fully waterproof, making it an excellent choice for homes with kids or pets. It isn't the plushest protector in this guide, but at less than £17, it offers an impressive level of protection for the price.
Key specifications
Buy now £16.95, Amazon.co.uk
Simba tripleshield tencel cool mattress protector
Best: cooling mattress protector
Why we love it
- Noticeably cooling
- Breathable Tencel surface
- Quiet waterproof layer
- Deep fit
Take note
- Expensive
As someone who occasionally wakes up feeling too warm, I'm always slightly wary of waterproof mattress protectors because they often trap heat. The Simba tripleshield does the opposite. Its naturally breathable Tencel sleep surface and Stratos cooling technology kept my bed feeling noticeably fresher, without sacrificing the waterproof protection underneath.
Underneath, there's a waterproof membrane to protect against spills and accidents, alongside tripleshield treatment that's designed to defend against bacteria, dust mites and allergens. Thankfully, all that technology doesn't come at the expense of comfort. It never rustled when I turned over, didn't make my mattress feel plasticky and the 40cm deep elasticated skirt stayed securely in place throughout testing.
The only drawback is the price. It's one of the most expensive mattress protectors I tested, so it probably feels like overkill for a guest room or children's bed. But if you've invested in a premium mattress and tend to overheat at night, I think it's money well spent. It protects your mattress while helping you stay cooler and more comfortable, which isn't something every waterproof protector can claim.
Key specifications
Buy now £89, Amazon.co.uk
Family Bedding 100% waterproof terry cotton mattress protector
Best: mattress protector for kids
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Excellent waterproofing
- Quick to wash and dry
- Secure fit
Take note
- Lacks quilting
- Not cooling
When you're buying mattress protectors for several children's beds, the cost soon adds up. At just £10.99 for a single, the Family Bedding terry mattress protector keeps your mattresses protected for less. I tested the 90 x 200cm size on my children's bunk beds, where it fitted securely and stayed in place without slipping or bunching.
It doesn't have the plush quilting or cooling technology of some of the premium protectors in this guide, but my children never complained that they were missing out. Crucially, they never moaned that it was uncomfortable or noisy either, and it didn’t disrupt a minute of their precious sleep.
The waterproofing also impressed me. When I poured 100ml of water onto the surface, it simply pooled on top without a drop reaching the mattress underneath. It also washed and dried quickly, which is great if you're dealing with an accident and need to get it straight back on the bed the same day.
Key specifications
Buy now £9.99, Amazon.co.uk
Tempur thermoregulating mattress protector
Best: 2-in-1 mattress protector with sheet
Why we love it
- Replaces a sheet and protector
- Luxurious Tencel surface
- Cooling
- Machine washable at 60C
Take note
- Very expensive
Changing the bed is never anyone's favourite job, so I liked the idea of replacing both the fitted sheet and mattress protector with a single product. The Tempur thermoregulating mattress protector is a two-in-one mattress protector and sheet, so you can sleep directly on top of it, and it fits mattresses up to 32cm deep.
The silky-soft Tencel surface felt far more luxurious than I expected from a mattress protector. It felt cool to the touch as soon as I slipped between the covers, which Tempur say is down to thermic microcapsules woven into the fabric. The waterproof perlam membrane underneath protected well against liquids, keeping my mattress bone dry during testing.
At £149, it's undeniably expensive, and you'll probably want a second one for wash days, but the price is easier to swallow if you consider it gives you two products in one. Rather than simply protecting the mattress, it made the whole bed feel cooler, tidier and more luxurious every night.
Key specifications
Buy now £85.92, Amazon.co.uk
Dusk luxury quilted mattress protector
Best: mattress protector for comfort
Why we love it
- Soft and comfortable
- Breathable cotton
- Available in two depths
- Excellent value
Take note
- Not waterproof
If your mattress already feels supportive but you'd like it to feel a little more luxurious, the Dusk luxury quilted mattress protector is a great place to start. The thick quilted cotton top added just enough cushioning to make my bed feel cosier without masking the feel of the mattress underneath. It was one of the softest protectors I tested.
It also stayed cool and breathable throughout the night, with none of the rustling or stiffness you sometimes get from thicker protectors. The deep elasticated skirt kept it securely in place, and I liked that it's available in both standard and deep-fit versions to suit different mattresses.
If your priority is making your bed feel that little bit more comfortable while protecting your mattress from everyday wear, this is an excellent choice that punches well above its price point.
Key specifications
Buy now £20, Dusk.com
Ikea sotnatfjaril waterproof mattress protector
Best: waterproof mattress protector
Why we love it
- Excellent waterproofing
- Thick and comfortable
- Fits mattresses up to 42cm deep
Take note
- Sides are not protected
- Corner straps can shift
If your main priority is keeping your mattress protected from water, you need the Ikea sotnatfjaril. I poured water onto the surface and watched it bead up rather than soaking through, giving me plenty of time to wipe it away before it could reach the mattress. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised as from first impressions, it looks like it’s built for comfort rather than practicality.
As well as a strong waterproof membrane, this mattress protector has a top layer of wadding, which made my sleeping surface a lot more comfortable. I’d go so far as to say it does the job of a mattress protector and a mattress topper in one.
The only downside is that it fits to the mattress with elastic over the corners, so it doesn’t offer any protection to the sides, unlike fitted sheet style protectors like the Panda London and SIMBA ones. However, this does mean it fits mattress up to 42cm deep, making it the most versatile in this guide.
Key specifications
Buy now £35, Ikea.com
Panda London bamboo mattress protector
Best: mattress protector for durability
Why we love it
- Soft and breathable
- Stays in place
- Washes well
- Reusable packaging
Take note
- Cooling effect depends on sheet used on top
Made from 70 per cent sustainable bamboo and 30 per cent cotton, Panda London’s mattress protector feels like it’s built to last. It has a deep elasticated skirt to fit mattresses up to 35cm deep, so I was never wrestling with it over a corner, and the fabric stayed soft and breathable after repeated washing.
Bamboo fabric is naturally breathable and hypoallergenic, and Panda London claims this helps to regulate temperature while creating a barrier against dust mites and other common allergens. I don’t suffer from allergies, but I could feel that this mattress protector was softer and cooler than cheaper options like the IMFAA zipped up protector. However, to increase the benefits, I’d advise making sure you have a cooling sheet as you won’t experience the cooling properties of this protector if your sheet isn’t breathable.
Another highlight is that it arrives in a reusable bamboo storage bag rather than unnecessary plastic packaging, which is a thoughtful finishing touch.
Key specifications
Buy now £30, Amazon.co.uk
Dunelm Fogarty quilted mattress protector
Best: quilted mattress protector
Why we love it
- Thick and comfortable
- Waterproof
- Retains its shape after washing
Take note
- Only fits mattresses up to 30cm
- Limited size range
I’m constantly looking for ways to add some hotel luxury to my bedroom and I felt that Dunelm delivered this at a wallet-friendly price. While their own-brand Fogarty mattress protector is not as cheap as the ones I tested from Dusk or IMFAA, it provides a noticeably thick and padded sleep surface at a third of the price of the Simba or Tempur offerings. I liked that it was soft, comfortable and made the bed look plumper.
Unlike some protectors that rely entirely on polyester, the Fogarty's polycotton cover felt noticeably more breathable and natural against the mattress. For me, it struck a lovely balance between comfort and practicality, helping the bed stay fresh overnight while still offering waterproof protection underneath. It also washed well, holding onto its shape and quilting after several trips through the washing machine.
My only issue is that it fits mattresses up to 30cm deep, which is not a lot if you have a layered hybrid mattress or one with multiple layers of springs.
Key specifications
Buy now £30, Dunelm.com
Your questions about mattress protectors answered
What is the best mattress protector?
After testing several mattress protectors, I found the M&S sleep solutions waterproof quilted mattress protector struck the best balance of comfort, waterproofing, breathability and value for money. It was soft, without being hot, and it never slipped or rustled under my sheets.
If you tend to sleep hot, the Simba tripleshield tencel cooling mattress protector is worth the extra investment, while the Ikea sotnatfjaril gave me the greatest confidence when it came to waterproofing. For children's bedrooms, I'd save some money and opt for the Family Bedding terry mattress protector, which is just £10.99 for a single.
How I tested mattress protectors
I tested each mattress protector at home over several weeks on a variety of mattresses, including my own bed and my children's beds. As a family of six, they experienced everything from everyday sleep and warm summer nights to inevitable spills and frequent washing, giving me a realistic picture of how each one performs in a busy household.
I compared each mattress protector for:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Zoe Griffin is a seasoned product reviewer who has been testing and recommending the best buys for IndyBest since 2021, and has put everything from duvets to steam irons through their paces. Always based on real-world testing, all IndyBest reviews are thorough, honest and fair . As well as having years of product review experience, Zoe is also a mum in a family home, and knows what matters for a busy household.
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