9 best waterproof mattress protectors to buy in 2025
These mattress protectors are your personal bodyguards against bacteria, bed bugs and other unwanted house guests.
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A mattress protector might be one of the most underrated staple items in the home.
It acts like a personal bodyguard for your mattress, blocking against everything from night-time accidents and bed bugs to residue from makeup, skincare products and our skin’s natural oils. This not only prevents unpleasant odours, bacteria and mould from growing, but it’s also an easy investment to prolong the lifespan of your mattress.
Looking for bargain? The Heritage Allergy Sensitive Mattress Protector is now on sale for half price, dropping from $119.95 to just $71.97. Shoppers can’t help but rave about the “total value for money” buy, with many impressed about the quality and comfortable feel.
Or if the warmer weather is ruining your slumber, the MiniJumbuk Sleep Cool Mattress Protector is like a love child between a mattress topper and mattress pad. The wool makes it naturally cooling and great at wicking away moisture, as well we being deliciously soft.
*Please note our prices reflect the pricing of queen size models, unless stated otherwise.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST MATTRESS PROTECTOR OVERALL
Heritage Cotton Quilted Mattress Protector, $89.97 (down from 149.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Are you a hot sleeper? Stay cool while slowing down the everyday wear and tear of your mattress with the Heritage quilted cotton mattress protector. This lightweight and breathable option has a 40cm fully fitted skirt and is filled with Australian superfine cotton, plus treated with Purafresh to guard against bacteria and dust mites.
“They are very comfortable to sleep on and the cotton helps to maintain a cool surface for a good night’s sleep. The quality is also top notch. All of my family members have bought for themselves after sleeping on them when visiting. I wouldn’t use anything else,” raved a customer on the Myer website.
BEST WATERPROOF MATTRESS PROTECTORS
Sheridan Outlet Waterproof Cotton Mattress Protector Queen, $118.99 (down from 169.99) at Sheridan
What You Need To Know
The Sheridan Outlet Waterproof Cotton Mattress Protector is designed to provide a comfortable and protective barrier against spills, moisture, and allergens. Made with a breathable cotton top layer, it offers a soft and smooth sleep surface while ensuring waterproof protection to extend the life of your mattress.
Available in various sizes — including Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King, and Super King — this mattress protector ensures a secure and snug fit for various mattress types.
As one of Australia’s leading luxury bedding, homewares, and loungewear brands, Sheridan is renowned for its high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship and timeless designs. When it comes to bedroom essentials, you can’t go wrong with Sheridan — offering both comfort and durability in every product.
Bedecor Mattress Protector, $38.99 at Amazon
What You Need To Know
With over 12,000 reviews, the Bedecor Waterproof Mattress Protector strikes the perfect balance between protection, comfort, and affordability. Designed for durability, it offers a waterproof and hypo-allergenic solution without sacrificing breathability.
The top layer is made from 100 per cent cotton terry, providing a soft, breathable, and noiseless sleep surface for a cool and comfortable night’s rest. Its waterproof membrane backing effectively shields against spills, moisture, and stains while allowing airflow to prevent heat build-up.
Plus, it’s machine washable and dryer-safe on low heat, ensuring easy maintenance without compromising its protective qualities.
Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protector, $185 at Koala
What You Need To Know
For those with sensitive skin, this option from Koala is worth checking out. The mattress protector is fully encased in a zipped machine washable cover to help reduce contact between you and any dust mites, pet dander, allergens and potential bed bugs that often appear on mattresses.
The Koala mattress protector additionally comes with a silicone print on the bottom to stop it from sliding, similar to some mattress toppers. Other features include a six-sided Tencel lyocell fabric cover to help you stay cool and dry, and a water resistant TPU layer to prevent spills and stains from ruining your mattress.
“This is my second time purchasing a Koala mattress protector, now for our guest bed. It is easy to put on, fits the mattress perfectly and doesn’t have a loud or plastic-like texture. Would highly recommend,” raved a fan. “I like that the whole mattress is protected, even the bottom,” a second shopper reviewed.
BEST COOLING MATTRESS PROTECTOR
MiniJumbuk Sleep Cool Wool/Cotton Mattress Protector, $329.99 at Myer
What You Need To Know
For those willing to splurge on a mattress protector that masters comfort, cooling and protection – like a hybrid between a mattress topper and mattress pad – check out this machine washable MiniJumbuk mattress protector.
Similar to cooling mattress pads, it features soft wool to help dissipate heat away from the body and natural cooling properties from cotton to help prevent overheating and improve temperature regulation. It has also been treated with Ultra-Fresh to keep dust mites at bay and help the mattress protector stay clean for longer.
“It is cooling and doesn’t make you sweat like other mattress protectors,” a Myer shopper reviewed.
“I love the softness and comfort of this mattress cover. The natural fibres enable you to stay cool and prevent you from being hot and sticky on these hot nights. Worth the expense,” agreed another.
“Love this mattress protector. We have a memory foam mattress which is super comfortable but hot. I was tossing and turning all night in summer, trying to find a cool spot. As soon as we added MiniJumbuk sleep cool protector it’s so much cooler … Plus it’s easy to get on and off,” a third praised.
RELATED: Best Cooling Mattress Pads
BEST HYPOALLERGENIC MATTRESS PROTECTOR
Tontine Classics Allergy Sensitive Mattress Protector, $150.95 at Myer
What You Need To Know
Machine washable mattress protectors (and other types of bedding, really) are great if you have allergies or sensitivities since they’re easy to keep clean and reduce bacteria build-up. This Tontine option has also been treated with an antimicrobial treatment to inhibit the growth of dust mites, mould and other nasties.
The addition of the natural cotton cover also means the protector is fairly breathable, which is good for reducing the risk of bad smells and bacteria forming as a result of the natural oils, sweat and dead skin cells we naturally release while we sleep.
Heritage Allergy Sensitive Mattress, $71.95 (down from $119.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Featuring a quilted cotton cover and polyester filling, the Heritage Allergy Sensitive Mattress Protector is another machine washable option that’s lightweight and breathable enough to suit all seasons. It has been treated with Purafresh to protect you against dust mites and bacteria, and help maintain overall freshness.
One impressed Myer shopper said “wash and wear (is) no problem”, with other customers agreeing on the “very good quality” and “total value for money”.
While another thrilled reviewer pointed out the mattress protector “has substantial elastic banding and generous size walls on the skirt for tucking under the mattress”.
BEST BUDGET MATTRESS PROTECTOR
Tontine Comfortech Dry Sleep Waterproof Mattress Protector, $39 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Not all mattress sizes are made based on the exact same measurements, so a king single size sheet from one brand might be different dimensions to another. This makes shopping for a fitted mattress protector extra tricky since some options aren’t forgiving.
Thankfully, there are adjustable options like the Tontine Comfortech Dry Sleep Waterproof Mattress Protector.
Praised as “comfortable”, “good quality” and “10/10” by reviewers, this option has a 40cm fitted skirt which can stretch up to 50cm, giving enough wiggle room to suit various queen size mattresses. It also features a non-crinkle waterproof layer and a soft terry towelling cover with waterproof polyurethane backing to prevent any night-time accidents from seeping through.
Linen House Comfy Mattress Protector, $38.49 (down from $54.99) at Linenhouse
What You Need To Know
Strap this Linen House quilted protector on and keep your mattress feeling and looking fresher for longer. It features a 120gsm polyester fill and has four easy to attach elastic straps to secure it to the mattress.
This option is available in sizes king single, double, queen and king.
Shoppers call it “good value for money” and “a good solid mattress protector”.
“Easy to fit on the bed (and) comfy to sleep on,” a Myer reviewer posted, rating it five stars.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A MATTRESS PROTECTOR
Not all mattress protectors are created equal. Here are several factors we considered when rounding up our top picks for the best mattress protectors.
What you want to guard against
Mattress protectors work to protect your mattress against a variety of things. They absorb different quantities of liquids and contain properties that cater to specific needs, such as hypo-allergenic and electric blanket safe.
• Allergies and asthma: If you have allergies or asthma, look for a mattress protector with the Sensitive Choice program sticker. Also opt for protectors with a machine washable cover and a cover that encases the entire mattress, rather than one that simply fits over the top.
• Bed-wetting, incontinence, period blood and other spills and stains: A waterproof mattress protector is the best way to ensure any bed-wetting, sweat, makeup residue and other types of soiling doesn’t soak into the mattress. This aviods it becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, mildew and bad smells. It’s also much easier to clean than a mattress, especially when mattresses can’t be chucked into the washing machine.
• Bed bugs: A good way to get rid of these critters and any allergens from dust mites and pet dander is to use a fully-encased cover, so you can wash it regularly at high temperatures.
• Getting too warm when sleeping: Hot sleepers will need a mattress protector with temperature regulating and cooling features. These help circulate air and pull heat away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable.
• Wear and tear: If you don’t want a specialised option, you can still extend the lifespan of your mattress by keeping it clean with a standard cover. These can still protect against dust and light stains (such as those made from our body’s natural oils) – but it won’t be as ‘heavy duty’ and effective at guarding against spills as a waterproof mattress protector, and hot sleepers may find it warmer than a cooling mattress protector.
Type of mattress protector
A mattress protector can be waterproof, cooling, quilted or zippered (or a mix of different types).
Zippered designs are usually more common with waterproof proof protectors, while quilted covers typically feature in covers made to protect against everyday wear but want to provide extra comfort.
Size
Make sure to double check the exact measurements of your current mattress versus the protector. Mattresses vary in heights and can still have slightly different measurements despite being labelled a particular size. This means some skirts can accommodate deep pocket mattresses while others offer very limited stretch.
Material
Not all fabrics contain the same properties, so it’s worth thinking about what you want out of a mattress protector.
• Wool: Warm and breathable enough to make it suitable all-year round, and offers some soft cushioning for comfort.
• Cotton: Durable, soft to touch, lightweight, breathable and naturally cooling.
• Bamboo: An eco-friendly material that’s naturally hypo-allergenic, antibacterial and odour resistant.
• Tencel: Another eco-friendly material, it’s suitable for sensitive skin and great at absorbing moisture.
• Man-made fabrics: Synthetic materials are typically made from polyester or microfibre. These are generally more affordable and easy to clean.
How to attach your mattress protector to the bed
Some mattress protectors work like a fitted sheet, while others are attached using elasticated straps. Here are several different ways protectors can fit mattresses.
• Zippered mattress protector: If you’re worried about the mattress protector coming off, zippered options are the best since they fully encase the mattress and are secured with a zip.
• Strap mattress protector: These are easy to use and quickly attach to your mattress with elastic straps.
• Fitted mattress protector: Fitted mattress protectors cup the mattress and have less wiggle room than skirt mattress protectors. Make sure to double check the measurements to ensure it fits your particular mattress size.
• Skirt mattress protector: For those who prefer a certain bed size, such as queen or double, skirt mattress protectors are great because they go on similar to flat sheets and can easily adjust.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A MATTRESS PROTECTOR?
A mattress protector provides a barrier between your mattress and the fitted sheet. It helps reduce exposure to allergy triggers such as dust mites and dander that inevitably appear. It also prevents any spills and stains from leaking into the mattress, which can end up producing bacteria, bad odours and other unwanted nasties. A mattress protector is also great for improving the longevity of your mattress.
However, if you’re looking for a cooling pad dedicated to regulating temperature, keep in mind a mattress protector is different to a mattress topper. Mattress toppers are designed to add comfort and support, while mattress protectors act as a barrier between you (and any spills) and your mattress.
You might also see the term ‘mattress pad’, which is used to adjust the bed’s firmness for a softer or firmer feel. While some mattress pads and mattress toppers are partly designed to offer some level of protection, these are more geared towards improving your comfort rather than maintaining your mattress.
WHICH TYPE OF MATTRESS PROTECTOR IS BEST?
A mattress protector can be waterproof, cooling, quilted or zippered (or a mix of different types). Zippered designs are usually more common with waterproof proof protectors, while quilted covers typically feature in covers made to protect against everyday wear but want to provide extra comfort.
ARE MATTRESS PROTECTORS REALLY NECESSARY? IS IT WORTH GETTING A WATERPROOF MATTRESS PROTECTOR?
It’s definitely worth getting a waterproof mattress protector, especially if you’re regularly washing your sheets due to issues like bed-wetting or incontinence. A mattress protector is also generally great for helping extend the lifespan of your mattress, which isn’t exactly the cheapest item to buy.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF A MATTRESS PROTECTOR?
One of the main downsides of using a mattress protector is that it can get warm, which isn’t ideal if you already tend to overheat. Don’t worry, you can find many options tailored to warm sleepers. You can also add a specialised mattress topper, such as a cooling mattress pad with cooling gel or other active cooling properties that wick away moisture, regulate temperature and promote lots of airflow.
For those in the market for a waterproof protector, you may need to spend extra time reading reviews get an idea of a noisy it can be and how it would feel on your body. These are usually made with a polypropylene layer, which can feel a bit ‘plastic-like’ and produce a crinkling sound whenever you move.
WHAT TYPE OF MATTRESS PROTECTOR IS BEST FOR HOT SLEEPERS?
You should generally aim to look for something made from Tencel, bamboo or cotton as they are great for staying dry.
Cotton is the one of the best fabrics because it’s easy to clean, naturally hypo-allergenic and cooling, and absorbs moisture really well to help your skin breathe. It also doesn’t stick to your body like some synthetic fabrics, trap bad smells or require you to splurge a chunk of your hard earned cash.
Bamboo is another sustainable option with super soft fibres, plus it’s naturally antibacterial and great for inhibiting bacteria, mould, mildew and other nasties that thrive on humidity.
Tencel is similarly eco-friendly and offers great breathability and has a soft and silky feel, plus doesn’t crinkle and wrinkle like other materials.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN A MATTRESS PROTECTOR
More Coverage
The care instructions vary between each mattress protector, so make sure you familiarise yourself with instructions on the label before throwing it into the washing machine. Most protectors are machine washable, although some brands recommend regularly air drying it outside to reduce the need for frequent washing.
Looking for the best cooling mattress pad or bamboo mattress pad? Or just want to know which type of mattress is better for your sleeping position? Browse through our guides, such as best mattresses and best mattress toppers.
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