Mattress protectors: which type you need and how to choose one
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Fitted waterproof mattress protector with a cotton or bamboo-derived top. Best for: Most adults who want to keep spills, sweat and stains off a mattress. See options on Amazon
- Zippered bed bug and allergen encasement. Best for: Bed bug prevention or control, and dust mite allergies. See options on Amazon
- Water-resistant breathable protector. Best for: Hot sleepers who mainly want to keep sweat and dust off the mattress. See options on Amazon
- Box spring encasement. Best for: Completing bed bug protection on a bed with a box spring. See options on Amazon
- Zippered pillow encasements. Best for: Dust mite allergy, alongside a mattress encasement. See options on Amazon
Protector or encasement: the main choice
Protect-A-Bed's maker pages show a useful distinction between its fitted protector and full encasement:
| Type | Coverage and use | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted protector | The top sleep surface, held with an elastic skirt or band Spills, sweat, stains and everyday dust | Not intended to protect against bed bugs |
| Zippered encasement | The whole mattress, including the underside Bed bugs and allergens such as dust mites and pet dander | Set dimensions, and hard to put on and take off a heavy mattress |
Fitted protectors stretch to fit a wide range of mattress depths, which helps with very thick or very thin beds. Encasements come in set sizes, so check the depth range before you buy.
Waterproof vs water resistant
Waterproof and water-resistant describe different levels of liquid protection; compare the exact listing and care instructions. Protect-A-Bed describes its Essential protector as a fitted waterproof top layer, while its AllerZip encasement has a waterproof layer on all sides. A fitted waterproof top does not mean the mattress sides and underside are sealed.
- Choose a stated waterproof barrier when liquid accidents are your main concern. Check which surfaces it covers and whether the maker excludes certain liquids or misuse.
- For hot sleepers, compare the whole construction. Top fabric, membrane, quilting and the mattress underneath all matter; breathable or moisture-wicking marketing alone does not prove one cover will sleep cooler.
- Read care instructions before buying. An easy-to-wash cover and a spare can matter more than a fabric name if accidents are frequent.
Bed bugs: what an encasement can and cannot do
The EPA recommends encasements for mattresses and box springs because they eliminate many bed bug hiding spots. It suggests choosing a durable cover that will not tear easily, notes that a light-colored encasement makes bed bugs easier to see, and says to check the cover regularly for holes. Choose an encasement specifically described for bed-bug protection, with an intact closure; a waterproof claim alone is not evidence it blocks bed bugs.
An encasement is one part of bed bug control and is not enough on its own to end an infestation. The EPA also advises reducing clutter, vacuuming often, checking secondhand furniture before bringing it home, and using a dryer on high heat for items that can take it. Keep the encasement intact and follow your pest professional's control plan rather than assuming trapped insects die promptly. For an active infestation, consider a pest management professional.
Dust mite allergy: encase the bed, then wash and dry
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) says dust mites and their particles collect in pillows, mattresses, carpets and upholstered furniture. It recommends zippered dust-proof covers for mattresses and pillows with pores too small for mites to pass through, washing sheets, blankets and other bedding weekly in hot water, and keeping indoor humidity below 50%.
A fitted protector alone does not seal the mattress, so for allergies choose a full encasement and add matching pillow encasements. See our down alternative pillow guide for washable pillow options.
How to size and care for a mattress protector
- Match the bed size (twin, full, queen, king or California king) and measure your mattress depth, including any topper, before ordering.
- Check the depth range. A fitted skirt should tuck under the mattress edge; an encasement must zip fully closed without straining.
- Follow the care label for any washing before first use and routine cleaning. High heat can damage some waterproof layers, so read the dryer setting carefully.
- Keep a spare if spills or accidents are likely, so the bed is never unprotected while one is in the wash.
- Inspect regularly for tears, as the EPA advises for encasements.
If you also use a topper or pad, see mattress pad vs topper for how the layers stack.
Concrete fit examples from Protect-A-Bed: its Essential fitted protector is listed for mattresses up to 18 inches deep. Its AllerZip encasement offers 6 to 11 inch and 11 to 18 inch depth options. These are examples, not universal sizes; match the selected listing to your measured mattress. Follow that product's washing and drying instructions rather than applying a generic high-heat setting to every cover.
What to look for when you buy
Fitted waterproof mattress protector with a cotton or bamboo-derived top
Best for: Most adults who want to keep spills, sweat and stains off a mattress
A fitted waterproof top layer targets everyday liquid spills. Protect-A-Bed's Essential model is one example, listed for mattresses up to 18 inches deep; confirm the coverage and care instructions on the specific listing.
Watch out: A fitted cover does not seal the underside for bed-bug control. Breathability claims are not a guarantee of cooling.
See options on AmazonZippered bed bug and allergen encasement
Best for: Bed bug prevention or control, and dust mite allergies
It fully encloses the mattress. The EPA says encasements eliminate many bed bug hiding spots, and ACAAI recommends zippered dust-proof covers for mite allergy.
Watch out: Set sizes, so check depth; hard to fit on a heavy mattress. Check it for tears regularly.
See options on AmazonWater-resistant breathable protector
Best for: Hot sleepers who mainly want to keep sweat and dust off the mattress
Compare a light, washable cover if liquid accidents are unlikely. Check whether the maker calls it water-resistant or waterproof rather than treating moisture-wicking as equivalent to a liquid barrier.
Watch out: A large spill or accident can soak through. Not the right choice for bed-wetting or incontinence.
See options on AmazonBox spring encasement
Best for: Completing bed bug protection on a bed with a box spring
The EPA recommends encasing both the mattress and box spring. Choose the separately labeled box-spring size rather than assuming a mattress encasement will fit.
Watch out: Match the box spring dimensions and closure; do not assume it is interchangeable with a mattress cover.
See options on AmazonZippered pillow encasements
Best for: Dust mite allergy, alongside a mattress encasement
ACAAI recommends zippered dust-proof covers for pillows as well as mattresses.
Watch out: They protect the pillow but do not replace washing; ACAAI advises washing bedding weekly in hot water.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do I need a waterproof mattress protector?
- If you have children, pets on the bed, incontinence, or want liquid protection, waterproof is the more relevant category. Hot sleepers who mainly want to block sweat may prefer a breathable water-resistant cover.
- Will a mattress protector stop bed bugs?
- A top-only fitted protector is not intended to. A zippered encasement that fully encloses the mattress and box spring removes many hiding spots, which is what the EPA recommends.
- Does a mattress protector help with dust mite allergies?
- A full zippered encasement with pores too small for mites is what ACAAI recommends, along with weekly hot washes of bedding and indoor humidity below 50%.
- Do mattress protectors make you hot?
- They can change how your bed feels. Compare the fabric, membrane and quilted layers, and check the return policy. A breathable or cooling label alone does not establish that it will feel cooler on your mattress.
- How do I pick the right size for a queen or king?
- Buy the size that matches your bed and check that the protector's depth range covers your mattress plus any topper.
Sources
- Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs (epa.gov), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Dust Allergy (acaai.org), American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
- Essential Mattress Protector (protectabed.com), Protect-A-Bed (maker)
- AllerZip Mattress Encasement (protectabed.com), Protect-A-Bed (maker)