A mattress protector is the least glamorous thing on your bed, however, one of the most useful. It sits between your mattress and your sheet, it catches the spills and everyday wear that would otherwise reach the mattress, and it can be removed and washed with no hassle. A good one keeps a mattress feeling new for years. A poor one crackles, overheats and slides about. Here’s what to check before you buy.
Check One: Waterproof Or Breathable, Or Both
The first decision is what you need the protector to do.
A waterproof protector has a barrier layer that stops liquid reaching the mattress. If you have young children, pets that sneak onto the bed, a morning coffee habit or a brand new mattress you’d like to keep spotless, waterproof is the sensible choice.
A breathable protector is made from fabrics that let air and moisture pass through, which keeps the surface of the bed feeling fresh. It matters most if you tend to sleep warm.
The good news is that you rarely have to choose. The better protectors put a waterproof barrier underneath a cool, breathable top layer, so you get full protection without a warm or noisy surface.
Check Two: The Top Fabric
The fabric you lie on decides how the protector feels night after night.
- Bamboo jersey is smooth, soft and cool, and it’s a good all-rounder for most bedrooms.
- TENCEL™ feels airy and velvet-soft, and it’s the one to look at if you get warm at night.
- Cotton is familiar and breathable, and it’s often used on quilted protectors that add cushioning.
- Polyester is durable and inexpensive, and it can feel warmer than the natural and plant-derived options.
If you’d like the protector to add a little comfort as well as protection, look for a quilted design. Simba’s Quilted Performance mattress protector has a cotton top and 200gm of quilted cushioning, along with a wash-resistant treatment that helps to soothe allergies.
Check Three: Depth And Fit
A protector has to fit the mattress the way a fitted sheet does. Measure the depth of your mattress, and add the depth of any topper you use, then check that the protector’s skirt will reach. Deep mattresses are common now, so a protector that fits up to 40cm is a safe choice for most beds. Simba’s protectors fit mattresses up to 40cm deep, which covers every mattress the brand makes as well as most others.
Check Four: Noise
Older waterproof protectors had a reputation for rustling every time you turned over. Fabric technology has moved on a long way, and a well-made protector should be silent. If a product page or the packaging mentions a quiet or whisper-quiet design, that’s a good sign.
Check Five: Washability
You’ll want to wash the protector regularly, and straight away after any spill, so it needs to be machine washable and quick to dry. Check the care label before you buy. It’s worth having two, so a clean one can go on while the other is in the wash.
Check Six: Allergies
A washable barrier between you and the mattress is helpful for keeping dust at bay on its own. If allergies are a particular concern, look for a protector with an anti-allergy treatment that survives washing.
Which Type Suits Which Home
- Families and pet owners need waterproof first and foremost. A bamboo-topped waterproof protector is comfortable, cool and quick to wash.
- Warm sleepers should choose a waterproof protector with the coolest top fabric they can find, such as TENCEL™.
- Anyone who’d like extra comfort will enjoy a quilted protector, which adds a plush layer on top of the mattress.
- Guest rooms and rentals benefit from a waterproof protector that can be washed between every visitor.
Simba makes one protector for each of those needs. The TripleShield Bamboo is the most wallet-friendly, the TripleShield Tencel Cool is the coolest, and the Quilted Performance is the most cushioned. All three are machine washable, fit up to 40cm deep and come in Single, Small Double, Double, King and Super King. Along with sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases in cotton, linen and muslin, Simba’s bedding collection has everything that goes on top of the mattress in one place.
Do You Need One If Your Mattress Has A Washable Cover?
Yes. Many modern mattresses, including all of Simba’s Hybrid® range, have a cover that zips off for washing, which is great for freshening up. A protector stops spills reaching the mattress in the first place, and it’s much quicker to wash a protector than a full mattress cover. Using a protector is also one of the conditions of most mattress guarantees, including Simba’s 10-year guarantee.
A Quick Pre-Purchase Checklist
- Waterproof, breathable or both, based on who uses the bed
- A top fabric that suits how warm you sleep
- A skirt deep enough for your mattress plus any topper
- An anti-slip, elasticated fit
- A quiet design
- Machine washable, with a care label you’ve read
- An anti-allergy treatment if you need one
FAQs
How often should I wash a mattress protector?
Regularly, following the care label, and straight away after any spill. Many people wash theirs every month or two, alongside a bedding change. Having a second protector makes this easy.
Does a protector go over or under a mattress topper?
Over the topper, so it protects both layers. Measure the combined depth of the mattress and topper first and check the protector’s skirt will reach.
Will a waterproof protector make me hot?
A well-designed one shouldn’t. Look for a breathable top fabric such as bamboo or TENCEL™ over the waterproof layer, which keeps the surface feeling cool while the barrier does its job underneath.
Do I need a protector for a child’s bed?
Yes, and waterproof is the type to choose. Simba’s protectors come in Single and Small Double, which cover most children’s beds, and they go straight in the washing machine.
Can a protector be tumble dried?
It depends on the product, so check the care label. Some waterproof layers are damaged by high heat, and a low setting or air drying is often recommended.
