A loose fit provides more opportunities for bugs, mites, and liquid to penetrate through to your mattress and it can make the protector noisier when you move around at night. Mattress fit: It’s important to choose a protector that will fit your mattress tightly.

Some protectors can check off all those boxes, while others focus on one function more than others. You might need a waterproof protector to keep a child’s mattress dry while potty training, a hypoallergenic protector (which means that it is made of material that is unlikely to cause allergic reactions), or a bedbug-resistant protector that will fully encase your mattress instead of covering just the top of it.

Protective qualities: Similar to mattress toppers, your mattress protector can serve more than one purpose. Bamboo blends are better for hot sleepers or those looking for more sustainably sourced materials. Cotton is quieter and a little more breathable but slightly less durable than polyester. Polyester is stretchy and durable but can be noisy. Beyond that, the material you choose is mostly a personal preference. “Vinyl covers aren’t breathable and rip very easily because they have no stretch,” says Matthew Moers, co-owner of EZ Pest Exterminating. However, the experts we spoke to when reporting specifically on anti-bedbug mattress protectors suggested avoiding vinyl. If you know what type of mattress protector you’re searching for, use the links below to jump ahead, or read on to find out what to look for as you shop.īest overall | Best less expensive | Best cooling | Best for bedbugs | Best encased | Best for kids | Best bamboo | Best wool | Best for cribs | Best organicįabric: Mattress protectors are generally made from cotton, polyester, vinyl, and (sometimes) bamboo blends. To find the best mattress protectors, we talked to six experts who specialize in bedbug removal, pest control, and sleep. And for city dwellers, a secure mattress protector can keep bedbugs from getting to your mattress and help you detect a possible infestation before it becomes a bigger problem. By providing a layer of waterproof, sometimes hypoallergenic fabric between you and your very expensive mattress, a mattress protector can help ensure that you never have to fall asleep on a weird, smelly wet spot and your mattress stays looking its best (and that its warranty remains intact). The point of a mattress protector is to keep your sleep space clean and stain-free. If you spend any time relaxing in or working from your bed - or if you have pets or kids - you know that spills are inevitable. Photo-Illustration: Courtesy of the retailer

Lucid mattress