Best mattress protector 2021: seven options for keeping your mattress looking like new

If you've recently bought a new mattress then you're going to want to protect it from little spills and stains for as long as possible. And sure, even a mattress up to the age of seven years (the recommended amount of time to sleep on one mattress for) can still benefit from some level of protection.

The best thing for this? The best mattress protector, of course. These are available in a selection of materials and sizes to suit your requirements, and is something which can be easily fitted too. They'll protect your mattress from whatever life throws at it, shield you from bed bugs and even help the warmer sleeper to keep temperatures under control as they try to get some kip. You'll also find that some mattress covers – as they're also known as – will provide some relief for allergy sufferers who react to dust.

To help you find the best mattress protector for your mattress we've done some research, just for you. We've even tried out one or two so you can hear it straight from us about just how good they really are. Keep scrolling for our top seven choices for the year ahead, and beyond.

Want some new pillows to go with your new mattress protector? No worries: we have a best pillows buyer's guide which can help with choosing one (or two) of these, too.

Best mattress protector 2021

This is the best luxury mattress protector you can buy, which is why it's claimed our number one spot. It says all the right things, and it certainly does a good job.

What are the main features?
This mattress cover is 100 per cent probiotic and made from Innovative Cairfull® material for a comfortable, temperature-regulated night's sleep. It's not just breathable and waterproof – thanks to the EmmaGuard layer which acts as a barrier to spills, crumbs and other unwanted nasties – but antibacterial, too.

Thanks to revolutionary AllergyShield technology, it's clinically proven to protect you from dust mites, and pet hair allergens, which is a sobering thought.

Ease of care
In terms of keeping this mattress protector clean, it's machine washable at 60°C so it's easy enough to wash any accidents away. Just DO NOT put in the tumble dryer.

What else? 
As with all Emma products, the Emma mattress protector comes with a 200-night guarantee, so if you don't get on with it, you'll get your money back. 

If you want the most sustainable option to protect your mattress then we can highly rate the Avocado organic waterproof mattress protector.

What are the main features?
The Avocado organic waterproof mattress protector abides by the company's strict sustainability standards. It has two layers of soft GOTS-certified organic cotton which sandwich a thin, waterproof polyurethane film for breathable protection as you sleep. As a side note, the waterproof polyurethane doesn’t have a plastic-like crinkle or rubbery noise, and you won’t overheat, because of the the lovely cotton around it.

Ease of care
This one is meant to be washed first before first use because the GOTS organic certified cotton will shrink. It would be best to pop this in the washing machine using an eco-conscious laundry detergent. For any future washes, spot clean or machine wash, and tumble dry on low. Do not bleach.

What else?
The mattress protector is designed for Avocado mattresses, but will fit most mattresses between 6" - 16" deep. 

The perfect buy alongside a TEMPUR memory foam mattress, this ultra thin mattress protector from Tempur will ensure that your mattress remains protected yet comfortable.  

What are the main features?
Despite being thin, the clever combination of a 100 per cent Tencel surface and 100 per cent polyurethane membrane ensures that it'll keep your bed fresh and dry. It's also dust mite resistant which will keep any allergies (and concerns) at bay.

Ease of care
For easy washing, it can be put through the washing machine at 60ºC and can be tumble dried at a normal temperature, so keeping it fresh and dust mite free is easy – and a quick bed change turn around is perfectly possible.  

What else?
This one comes with a three year guarantee meaning that any (unlikely) defects are covered off. 

If you don't have a TEMPUR mattress then the Saatva organic cotton mattress pad is a good option to consider. In addition to being organic, it's made from Fair Trade Certified Cotton.

What are the main features?
The plush layers of comfortable organic cotton will add a wonderful extra layer of your mattress to your mattress, without removing any firmness. The natural cotton material has moisture wicking properties which will help create a barrier that protects the mattress underneath, and quilted stitching ensures the fill stays plump and even.

It's also fitted with an extra-wide elastic band to keep it securely in place

Ease of care
Machine wash and tumble dry, or take to the dry cleaner for even better results.

What else?
It comes with a 45-day free returns which although is not the longest returns period, it is enough for you to get a good feel for it's qualities.

If you want to keep cool and cosy whilst keeping your mattress in tip-top condition, then this cotton mattress protector from DUSK should be one you seriously consider.

What are the main features?
Filled with 180gsm 100% Cotton and covered in 100 per cent cotton, this mattress protector is naturally breathable and is one which will add a layer of luxury as you rest.

It also has an elasticated microfibre skirt which will hold the protector in place so you don't need to worry about refitting it every morning.

Ease of care
Machine wash at 30-40ºC but DO NOT tumble dry, however tempting that may be.

What else?
It's available in all the standard UK mattress sizes – Single, Double, King Size, Super King – so finding one which fits will be easy.

The Casper waterproof mattress protector is one which we have recently been fortunate to review, and we are super impressed.

What are the main features?
Made from the same waterproof material used in premium outdoor gear, it'll keep spills out but large enough to let air in. It doesn't feel crinkly like a waterproof jacket, either. It feels more like terrycloth and is designed to cling firmly to your mattress (even deep ones up to 15"). It's also pretty thin so if you love the feel of your mattress, this one won't alter it one bit. 

Ease of care
Machine wash on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent and then tumble dry it on a low setting for use on the same day.

What else?
There's a 100-night free trial, but we don't think you'll need it.

This mattress product from The White Company takes temperature regulation to the next level, with some science to back it.

What are the main features?
Covered in cotton with Outlast® technology which has been developed by NASA, the fabric will store excess heat until your body temperature decreases before, then, slowly releasing the heat to provide a more consistent temperature. This out-of-this-world tech will then in a way create it's own microclimate which is tailored to you, whilst remaining soft and comfortable.

Ease of care
It's machine washable so it can be cleaned when you've stripped the bed.

What else?
The sizes available are true to size for UK mattresses.

What is the best mattress protector?

After scrolling through our list you may want a recap on what is the best mattress protector. We've given our top spot to the Emma Mattress Protector. Available in the UK and US, it says all the right things and does a really good job at keeping your mattress free from any spills.

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