The 9 Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors, Tested

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Preserve the longevity of your mattress with these waterproof mattress protectors.

Parents / Henry Wortock

Accidents happen from newborns to big kids, but having a waterproof mattress protector under the sheets can ensure their mattress stays dry and clean for years. “A high-quality waterproof mattress pad should offer complete protection against spills, sweat, and other fluids to ensure the longevity of your mattress,” says Isabella Gordan, sleep science coach and co-founder of Sleep Society.

Mattress protectors can help prevent stains and moisture buildup that can degrade your kid's mattress. They also reduce potential irritants and allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold, and lessen the buildup of dirt and debris, such as dead skin cells. Best of all, they can make overnight bedding changes easier, so your little one can get back to sleep quicker.

To find the best waterproof mattress protectors, we spoke to experts and parents about what to look for and what to avoid. We then tested two dozen mattress protectors in our lab, assessing each one’s effectiveness, comfort, durability, noise, and ease of cleaning. Our list has picks for a range of budgets and a variety of sizes, from cribs to king-size beds.

Soft objects and loose bedding have no place in an infant's crib, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This includes mattress toppers that don’t fit tightly or are heavily padded.

“Parents should be sure that the mattress pad lays flat and fits as snugly as possible on the mattress, especially for the infant stage,” says Allison Jandu, owner & founder of Potty Training Consultant. Look for picks free of potentially harmful substances, such as PVC and phthalates. "These can be very dangerous for kids and give off strong odors,” Jandu cautions.

Overheating is another concern, which can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). “Mattress pads are often made of synthetic materials that aren't as breathable as natural fibers, leading to a warmer sleep environment,” explains Gordan. Choosing a material like cotton or bamboo can help prevent overheating.

A soft feel and easy-to-install design earned the Coop high marks in our testing. It’s designed like a fitted sheet, making it easy to stretch over most standard mattresses and helping it stay in place. Testing showed that the polyester and bamboo-derived rayon topper absorbed liquids, while the polyurethane layer prevented liquid from seeping through.

Our tester felt this mattress protector was ideal for children who wake easily since the material was whisper-quiet. It held up well after being washed multiple times. This mattress protector is Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified, which means it’s free of potentially harmful substances.

“This protector does a great job at keeping liquids from seeping through. I have a toddler who wets the bed sometimes, and this mattress protector appears to work better than ours at home.” –Rebecca

Our tester noted that this pick was slightly more expensive than average.

The Details:

The Margaux & May crib mattress protector features deep pockets to fit a wider range of crib mattresses. It’s easy to install and features a soft rayon-blend material that’s comfortable for sensitive skin. In testing, it prevented any liquids from passing through to the crib mattress while providing excellent absorption on the topside.

Our testers appreciated that this was a fairly affordable mattress protector. It’s also easy to care for since you only need to machine wash it on cold water in a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low.

“The fit of the protector was amazing. It fit the mattress well with no bunching.” –Tammy

This mattress pad makes a bit of a crinkling noise. However, our tester felt this wasn’t a dealbreaker, adding that it wasn’t loud enough to be an issue for a sleeping child.

The Details:

Twin XL is a specialty mattress size that can make life tricky when you’re trying to find bedding. This pick is available in regular and specialty sizes including twin XL and California king. It works differently than many competitors since the material initially repels liquid before absorbing it. Yet it still prevents any wetness from penetrating through to the mattress.

Our tester appreciated the deep pockets, which can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches. Another great feature is that the skirt extends well underneath the mattress. This ensures not just a good fit, but that if there are accidents along the edge of the mattress, the underside doesn’t absorb any liquid.

“I liked the softness of the topper and the lack of crunchy sounds. I also liked how well it didn’t leak!” –Hannah

This is one of the pricier options, even considering the specialty size. Our tester mentioned that the fabric was a little rough to the touch. However, most people don’t lay directly on it but rather place it under a regular fitted sheet.

The Details:

This is a solid contender for caregivers seeking a reliable solution that prevents liquids from being absorbed into a mattress. Our tester appreciated that this option was slightly thinner. So, if a mattress has more substantial features, such as a pillow top, cooling gel, responsive memory foam, etc., those aren’t impeded by the waterproof protector.

The Purple protector also earns high marks for incorporating labels. This might not seem like a big deal, but knowing which part to secure to the ends versus the sides makes getting it onto a mattress significantly easier. Another area where this pick wowed us was noise, or rather, lack thereof.

“The sound of the protector was better than the others that I tested. It was also softer and more comfortable to the touch.” –Shawnie

The smooth surface made our tester worry about liquid running off the side of the bed. They wished it had a border along the top edges to prevent liquids from running off the bed. Also, this is one of the pricier options we tested.

The Details:

We found that the SafeRest absorbed liquids quickly and didn’t allow them to penetrate through to the mattress. If you have multiple kids whose beds need protecting or just don’t want to spend a lot on a mattress protector, this is also a relatively affordable option. It tested well compared to other median and premium choices we tried out.

You’ll also get a nearly noiseless material that’s easy to keep clean. Our tester especially appreciated that this protector was more low-profile, which, is a great bonus if you don’t want to miss out on any specialty benefits from your actual mattress.

“This protector is thinner and yet still more absorbent than similar mattress protectors.” –Kat

Be prepared to work a bit harder to get this mattress protector on. Our tester said it was a struggle to determine the right orientation and noted it could have benefited from labels. Also, the brand touts that this protector can block dust mites, but since it doesn’t offer 360-degree coverage this claim seems dubious.

The Details:

If you’ve got a hot sleeper who always wakes up sweaty or a house that gets warm during nap time, you’ll love this cooling option from Serta. It features special cooling technology and nylon spandex cool-to-the-touch knit fabric. Deep pockets, a sturdy fit, and effective liquid repellent make the Serta a smart, affordable option from a trusted brand for sleep solutions.

In testing, we found that this pick absorbed liquids and didn’t let them penetrate through to the mattress. Our tester also noted that the protector is quiet and has minimal noise. Along with stain resistance, this protector has antimicrobial protection. With 15-inch pockets, this protector will fit most mattresses. Our tester liked that the Serta protector was easy to apply and fit snugly.

Serta claims this mattress protector is breathable, but our tester questioned this.

The Details:

If you’re in the midst of potty training or have an older kid who has occasional accidents, this is a great option. It effectively protects mattresses and stays in place. One of the standout features our tester noted was that the 22-inch pockets meant this mattress protector offered full coverage for the sides and edges of your mattress—ensuring that any spills along the edge of the mattress won’t slide down the side and soak the bottom.

Our tester appreciated that it absorbed liquids quickly without allowing anything to penetrate, and didn’t shift around. Plus, it’s available in an uncommon specialty size—the full XL—in addition to twin through king and specialty twin XL and California king sizes. If you have a full XL mattress, this may be one of the few products available.

This protector does come with trade-offs. While it’s set at an affordable price point, the material isn’t quiet. In testing, the polyurethane lining made significant noise when touched. Also, the top side was a little scratchy. Still, since most people don’t sleep directly on a mattress protector, the texture shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

The Details:

Eco-conscious caregivers will appreciate this pick, which boasts GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and UL Greenguard Gold certification. These ensure high-quality organic fibers, ethical and ecological production practices, and products free from potentially hazardous substances. The organic cotton is sourced from Oeko-Tex-certified suppliers, ensuring it has fewer emissions and no harmful chemicals.

Our tester confirmed that this mattress protector effectively prevents liquid from seeping through the polyurethane barrier and that it was easy to install, remove, and clean. Best of all, it’s super comfy thanks to the jersey organic cotton. With 14-inch pockets, this option should fit most standard mattresses. This pick also protects against allergens and dust mites and is available in standard, crib, and specialty sizes.

“I like the feel of the fabric. It’s so soft I wouldn’t even feel the need to put another sheet over top.” –Hannah

It took quite a while for the liquid to absorb into the top layer of fabric. Our tester shared that “it took about a minute for it to absorb all the liquid. It was running around and dripped off the testing table.” While the liquid was eventually absorbed, your child may be lying in a puddle for a minute or two before that happens.

The Details:

This simple mattress protector is easy to install and has very deep pockets that can fit mattresses up to 18 inches. The pull-on closure makes this easy to apply or remove, and simple cleaning instructions ensure easy care. This mattress protector was the quietest and most lightweight protector we tested. Our testers noted that they also found it breathable and liked that it had a fully banded sidewall.

This mattress protector doesn’t absorb any liquid even though it has a polyester textile top. Instead, the liquid just sits on top and must be cleaned up manually.

The Details:

To test for the best waterproof mattress protectors, we took to the lab to check each product’s efficacy, ease of use, comfort, and other attributes. Testers placed the protector over the mattress, noting how easy it was to install and how well it fit. After placing paper towels underneath the protector, they poured a quarter cup of colored water on top. After five minutes, the testers removed the mattress protector.

We spoke with potty training and sleep experts to learn more about how to shop for and use mattress protectors for kids:

Yes! A waterproof mattress protector can help extend the life of your mattress while preventing bacteria and odors from building up in the mattress. It will also help keep your little one drier and more comfortable should an accident happen.

Mattress protectors range from $10 to $90, with the average price being around $30.

A mattress protector should be washed once every 1–2 months, in addition to each time it’s soiled.

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a commerce, health, and parenting writer at Parents, and a mom of one daughter, who uses mattress protectors on all the beds in her home. For herself, she has a cooling mattress protector while for her daughter, she uses a zippered mattress protector for added peace of mind.

How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023.