19 best mattress protectors to buy in 2025, tested by experts

Score: 100/100

Easy-fitting, wonderfully smooth and straightforward to wash, this Simba mattress protector got rave reviews across the board. It’s designed with a generous 40cm depth, which makes it compatible with other mattresses, and our testers found it rustle-free, allowing them to get a comfortable and peaceful night’s sleep.

Although it doesn’t have a waterproof layer, it did protect our mattress from dirt and accidental spills, while providing an extra layer of comfort that helped to regulate our tester’s temperature throughout the night.

Score: 100/100

Made from 70% sustainably sourced bamboo and, like the Simba model above, boasting a rare perfect score, this waterproof protector balanced green credentials with immaculate performance.

Despite its thin design, it blocked any spills from seeping through, leaving our mattress bone dry even when we poured a glass of water directly onto it! It didn’t rustle at all, can be machine washed and tumble dried, and it also comes in a cot size for sleepy tots.

Score: 96/100

Our runner-up mattress protector is designed with comfort and hygiene in mind. Featuring a hypoallergenic “miracle membrane”, which acts as a protective shield against common allergens, as well as clever moisture-wicking fabrics, you’ll get a comfortable night’s sleep, free from overheating.

While there was some rustling of the fabric, it was mainly as a result of extreme movements during testing; otherwise, this protector was rated highly by our testers as a reliable, well-fitting and effective layer of protection.

Score: 95/100

Fitting your mattress like a sheet, Purecare claims this protector provides a five-sided defence against any spills, stains, dust mites or allergens.

It performed well on test, scoring full marks for its waterproof properties, and it stayed securely in place, even when we moved around. It didn't shrink during our wash tests, either. And with its smooth finish, this is a reliable buy.

Score: 91/100

This high-end mattress protector offers extra comfort thanks to its thick, quilted layer. It fitted like a glove, felt like it was made to last, and its moisture-wicking properties kept us from overheating.

It comes with a three-year guarantee, reflecting the brand’s confidence in its product, but note that it isn’t waterproof. The prominent stitching could be felt through a standard bed sheet, but that was our only qualm.

Score: 90/100

Not only does this protect your mattress, but it also helps look after the environment, according to Scooms. It comes in a drawstring cotton bag that’s convenient for storage and is delivered in plastic-free, recyclable packaging. It's also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which means the fabric has been tested for (and is free from) harmful substances.

Although it isn’t waterproof, it has additional light padding that offers an extra layer of protection for your mattress, and it’s quiet to sleep on. It's also naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, ensuring you stay fresh and comfortable all night.

Score: 90/100

This premium protector is filled with traceable British wool, and the cover is made with 200 thread count organic cotton for a little added luxury. Despite the extra cushioning, it doesn't rustle at night either.

It’s breathable and fitted our mattresses securely. There’s a wide range of sizes to choose from, all the way up to a large emperor if you’re lucky enough to have that amount of sleep space.

Score: 90/100

Nectar’s seamless design provided plenty of protection for our mattress, without bunching or adding any extra bulk to our bedding, even after washing.

If we’re being picky, there was a little rustling when our tester rolled over in bed and it can’t be tumble dried, but overall it’s a solid buy – especially given its reasonable price.

Score: 90/100

Cushioned, yet discreet under bed linen, this topper impressed in our tests. The elasticated skirt helped keep it secure (even after we bounced around on the bed) but we noticed the fit was quite tight, with the material stretching across the middle of a double mattress.

The anti-allergy filling is a welcome addition for sensitive sleepers, helping to reduce exposure to dust mites and allergens for better Zs. It’s machine washable and tumble dryer-safe (a big win for busy households), washing well without signs of wear and tear, and folding away neatly for easy storage.

It does lack waterproof protection – something to bear in mind for younger children, or those looking for added spill resistance. It also doesn’t cater to all UK mattress sizes, with no options for small double or long single beds. Still, for comfort, quality and practicality, this protector ticks a lot of boxes – especially for allergy-conscious sleepers looking for an unfussy, reliable layer of protection.

Score: 88/100

With its quilted, geometric design, this mattress protector almost looks too good to cover up. Our expert found it soft and cushioned, adding an extra layer of comfort to your mattress and protecting it at the same time. The filling also remained evenly distributed after washing.

It’s made with cotton that boasts a temperature-regulating coating (using technology developed by NASA), which our tester said helped them feel somewhat cooler. It also fitted our test bed perfectly, with no slippage or disruptive rustling sounds.

Score: 88/100

If you’re looking for that premium feel on a budget, turn to trusty M&S. Its well-made protector fitted our test mattress perfectly, even after washing, and folded down to a compact size for storage. A little extra cushioning would have been appreciated, but it’s an otherwise reliable buy.

Score: 88/100

It’s unusual to find a protector that offers waterproofing and a quilted finish, but this one does both successfully. It kept our mattress pleasingly dry while also providing a barrier against dust mites.

It fitted well, even after repeated washing and drying, and folded down neatly for easy storage. Slightly thicker quilting would have bumped this mattress protector up to a higher score, but that was the only (minor) niggle.

Score: 88/100

This protector scored full marks for comfort, thanks to the 1cm-deep cotton filling, which felt soft and luxurious. It’s quiet to sleep on too, stays secure (even with tossing and turning), and can fit deeper mattresses.

This luxury does come at a higher price point, but we think it’s worth the extra investment. There are bespoke size options available, too.

Score: 88/100

This quilted protector is hypoallergenic, making it a great option for allergy sufferers. It offers good coverage too – the skirt fitted over the corners of our test mattress with ease. The quilted finish gives it a high quality feel, although it doesn't provide any discernible additional comfort.

We also tested The Fine Bedding Company's Allergy Defence Mattress Protector, which scored 87/100 and protects sleepers against the four most common allergens in bedding: pollen, dust mites, dog and cat allergens.

Score: 87/100

Made from a combination of microfibre and silk, you’ll sleep like a king or queen with this protector under your sheets. It’s luxuriously soft and comfy to lie on, with testers reporting a cosy night's sleep. We did notice some slight bobbling underneath after continued use, though, which reduces its otherwise quality finish.

Score: 86/100

This synthetic, quilted protector felt particularly soft and silky compared to the competition. However, the fit was a little baggy, even after tumble drying, which meant it wasn’t the most secure. That said, it’s a great price considering the overall quality. A deeper mattress option is also available (up to 35cm).

Score: 84/100

The extra deep corner straps on this protector mean that it's going nowhere, no matter how much you might wriggle in your sleep.

It’s not waterproof but provides light, quilted padding, which our testers found comfortable. It’s hypoallergenic and has an anti-bacterial layer to protect your mattress and keep your bedding fresh. It didn’t rustle at night, and it held its shape outstandingly after our wash tests.

Score: 84/100

Made from 100% cotton, this 200-thread topper lives up to its luxe name. Super soft with no scratchy stitching and reassuringly rustle-free, it went onto our test mattress easily and stayed securely in place once fitted – perfect if you find yourself tossing and turning during the night.

It’s also a practical pick, with the bonus of being machine washable and tumble-dry safe. Impressively, it held its shape well during washing and drying, coming out exactly as it went in, without bunching, shrinking or visible wear.

While the protector isn’t waterproof, it serves well as a comfortable, breathable layer for those who prioritise softness over spill resistance. It comes in all standard UK sizes and folds away easily for storage, making it an excellent all-rounder for everyday use.

Score: 72/100

IKEA’s LUDDROS mattress protector is a no-frills, budget-friendly option that fits fairly easily (though it can run snug, particularly on deeper mattresses). While it stayed in place during our bounce test, it shrank by 4cm while washing and became more difficult to refit. Despite this, it remained secure once on, and the stitching and fabric held up well, showing no signs of wear or damage.

It was quiet throughout the night (no rustling or crinkling sounds here) and, although it wasn’t padded for extra comfort, it proved a hygienic barrier between the mattress and sleeper. It’s easy to care for – it’s machine washable, tumble dryer-safe, and air dries quickly if needed – so, for short-term use or guest beds, this protector is a practical and affordable choice.