The best mattress protectors to keep your expensive mattress in top-condition

• Fogarty Soft Touch Mattress Protector, £18; Score: 86/100 - This well-priced mattress protector was soft and silky on test, although some wished the fit was slightly more secure.
• Greenfibres Organic Cotton Mattress Protector, £117; Score: 86/100 - The elasticated corners made it easy to secure to our mattress, while it maintained its shape and softness after our wash tests. Though it's worth noting that sizing is European, meaning there’s excess material.
• Flaxby Quilted Pure Cotton Mattress Protector, £65; Score: 84/100 - One for the bed-wrigglers, this protector will stay securely in place thanks to the extra deep corner straps.
• Next Collection Luxe Mattress Protector, £45; Score: 84/100 - Made from 100% cotton, this 200-thread protector 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.
• IKEA LUDDROS, £10; Score: 72/100 - This budget-friendly mattress protector didn't rustle through the night, and proved to be 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.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, we've tested 53 mattress protectors to date, assessing each one on fit, security and comfort. We also check any waterproofing claims made by brands and whether the protectors rustle when you move sleep positions. We monitored any cooling properties by seeing if our temperature stayed level overnight.

Finally, we put each mattress protector through a series of wash tests to make sure there was no shrinkage or damage.

We’ve been testing household products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years, and review thousands of sleep buys a year as part of our annual Sleep Awards, from the best mattresses to the best pillows.

Our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, has led these tests for a number of years. She develops the strict protocols we test every mattress protector against, ensuring we analyse them against their claims. She also writes the detailed questionnaire for our reader panel and collates and analyses the results.

Our lifestyle writer, Madeleine Evans, uses both sets of data to inform her product write ups. She is always looking to improve her sleep and asks a lot of questions to make sure we’re including all the information you need to buy the best for your budget.

Types of mattress protector

There are three main types of mattress protector, and finding the right one for you will depend on the level of protection you’re looking for.

Fitted (skirted) – This is the most common design. It features an elasticated skirt that fits under the four corners of the mattress and leaves the top and sides completely covered. Be sure to measure the depth of your mattress before you buy. If your mattress is too deep to fit the average skirting depth, there are certain protectors that offer a deeper mattress design.

Elastic straps – This is a more basic design that only covers the top of the mattress and is attached by an elastic strap on each corner. This leaves the sides of the mattress exposed, so it is naturally less protective and secure.

Encased – As the name suggests, this design completely encases the mattress and is sealed with a zip. It’s the ultimate protection against bed bugs and dust mites. There aren’t too many on the market, which is why none feature in our list.

Types of material and their benefits

Mattress protectors can be made from various materials. Each one has its pros and cons, and the right fabric for you will depend on several factors such as your budget, if you suffer from allergies and your preferred sleeping temperature.

Here are the main materials to consider.

Cotton – This tends to be more expensive than synthetic, as it's more breathable and better at regulating temperature. Cotton mattress protectors also come in hypoallergenic or anti-allergy options. If your mattress protector is quilted with cotton filling, they will probably be soft and quiet to lie on. However, cotton tends to shrink after your first wash.

Synthetic – While this material isn’t the best for breathability, or for keeping you cool at night, it is a cost effective option. Hypoallergenic and waterproof designs are available - with the latter featuring an additional layer such as polyurethane to keep spills at bay, but these are usually more expensive. It’s also worth noting that pure synthetic protectors will not be as durable or long-lasting as cotton.

Wool – If you’re looking for firm but comfortable support then wool is a good choice. While it’s not overly common, it’s growing in popularity because of its green credentials. It’s a biodegradable, all-natural option that will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Wool protectors tend to be quite heavy and thick, making them harder to fold away and store. They can also smell a bit “sheepish” at first!

Design features to consider

As well as how it fits your bed and the fabric you'd like, it's worth deciding what you'd like the top of your mattress protector to be like.

Quilted – If you’re looking for added comfort then a quilted mattress protector is probably the best option for you. Some can provide as much as 1cm of extra cushioning through their soft filling.

Waterproofing – Accidents happen, and when they do, a waterproof mattress protector really comes in handy. Any spills will simply bead up and run off, rather than damage the mattress. However, these options tend to lack breathability and can grow overly hot.

They can also be loud and rustle when you move around during the night, disturbing your sleep. Most waterproof designs tend to be a thin sheet, but some quilted options are available.

Hypoallergenic/anti-allergy – The difference between hypoallergenic and anti-allergy is that hypoallergenic is designed to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction, whereas anti-allergy has been specifically treated to prevent a reaction. If preventing allergy symptoms is your top priority, it’s better to look for an anti-allergy protector.

Other features to look out for

Finally, once you've settled on the design you'd like, consider whether there are any other features that are high on your wish-list.

Cooling - If excess heat is hampering your efforts to get a good night’s sleep then a mattress protector with cooling properties may be able to help, particularly on hot summer nights. Some feature Outlast material, which was originally developed by NASA for optimal temperature regulation. This makes them feel cool to the touch.

Eco - More sustainable options are available if you want to go green. If wool is not for you, consider Panda's bamboo protector, as bamboo is another more environmentally friendly fibre thanks to the plant's fast-growing nature.

Wash instructions - Mattress protectors should be washed regularly to keep your bedding set-up feeling fresh, so check to see if each product is machine-washable. Also, to save yourself plenty of time and space on the washing line, keep an eye out for protectors that can be tumble dried.

Guarantee - It’s worth looking for a mattress protector that comes with a guarantee or a trial period, just in case things don’t work out.

With perfect 100/100 scores, our testers couldn’t find fault with our joint winners. Simba’s Performance Mattress Protector offered a generous 40cm of extra plush comfort and was easy to fit on the mattressand wash.

Sharing the top spot is Panda’s Bamboo Waterproof Mattress Protector, which successfully kept our mattress dry during our waterproof test. It’s a more eco-friendly choice too, as it’s made from 70% sustainably sourced bamboo.

For those on a bedding budget, the well-made M&S Pure Cotton Mattress Protector scored a healthy 88/100 and is easy to wash and store.