Your mattress is probably one of the top 10 most expensive single items within your home. Not only that, but it is also one of the most frequently used items that you own, so wouldn’t it make sense to look after it and protect it?
Many people admit to having the odd cup of tea or snack in bed. This can often result in unwanted spillages and soiling that your base sheet simply might not be able to protect your mattress against. This is why another line of defence is needed.
Why buy a mattress protector?
A mattress protector gives you the extra line of defence that you need in order to protect your investment. If used correctly, a mattress protector will protect your mattress from the everyday abuse that gets thrown at it. It will also prolong the life of your mattress.
To get the most out of your mattress protector, it’s important to get one that is of good quality. You can’t go far wrong if you purchase your mattress protector from the same company that you’re your mattress.
A mattress protector shouldn’t be conufsed with a mattress topper. If you’re looking for the best mattress topper in the UK, read my review.
Comparison of the best mattress protectors
If you’re like me, then you prefer to see a proper side-by-side comparison of the best mattress protectors in the UK, so here goes:
Feature | Emma Mattress Protector | Simba Performance Mattress Protector | OTTY Waterproof Mattress Protector |
---|---|---|---|
Material | Polyester | 200-thread cotton | 150-thread cotton |
Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Breathability | Good | Excellent | Good |
Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year |
Price (Single size) | £129.00 | £99.00 | £89.99 |
Here are some of the best mattress protectors that I’ve seen recently in the UK.
1. Simba Performance mattress protector – from £99
The Simba mattress protector is almost double the price some of the cheaper brands I’ve reviewed below. This makes it a more difficult purchase to justify at first, but it’s a great way to protect your mattress, even if you’ve purchased a mattress from a company other than Simba.
The texture and feel of the Simba mattress protector has been designed in such a way that you won’t even feel or notice it when you are asleep. It’s made from a unique mix of materials which includes Tencel microfibres, and cotton. This not only helps with temperature regulation, but also means that the mattress protector stays breathable.
The Tencel mircofibre material is not only responsible for the breathability of the Simba mattress protector, it is also a sustainable fabric, so you can do your part to save the planet by sleeping on it.
The key layer in offering protection to your mattress is that it’s made partly of bamboo, and this is why it’s so pricey. The Emma mattress protector cover is made from . It’s this layer that protects your mattress from spillages, dirt and moisture that would otherwise damage your mattress.
It’s an expensive purchase – before any discount – as prices start at £99 currently. That’s a lot, but it’s worth it.
2. Nectar mattress protector – from £45
If you need a mattress protector that offers great value for money, then look no further than Nectar. Known for offering the same great value with their mattress, the Nectar mattress protector is also a great buy.
Because it’s made by Nectar, the Nectar mattress protector comes with a 2-year warranty so you can have complete peace of mind when you purchase. If that’s not enough to give you the confidence to pull the trigger, then why not read a few of the thousands of excellent reviews that Nectar have received for their products on Trustpilot.
The Nectar mattress protector has a top later made from Tencel jersey, which is not only super-soft but also breathable. This works by effectively creating a layer between your body the mattress, so you’re comfortable when you sleep. As with all of the best mattress protectors, the Nectar mattress protector will also help to regulate your body temperature for a comfortable night’s sleep.
So why isn’t this my number 1? Because in my testing, I noticed it was quite a noisy protector. And I’m not alone, a few folk have reported to me that their Nectar mattress protector can make a rustling or crinkling noise when moving on it, which can be disruptive for some sleepers. As it comes with a free trial, it’s worth a gamble.
3. Emma mattress protector – from £129
Emma is widely regarded as one of the best mattresses that money can buy, and the mattress protector is acceptable – though I don’t know why it’s so expensive. Those who have taken the plunge and purchased the Emma mattress will only want to protect their investment with the best possible mattress protector. This is why Emma make their own but it’ll fit any similar-size brand of mattress.
You don’t have to own an Emma mattress to buy an Emma mattress protector. The Emma mattress protector comes in various sizes so it’s simply a case of finding the right size for your mattress.
One of the great things about Emma is their level of customer service. When you buy a Mattress from Emma, you will get the same 200-night trial period that you will get if you buy the Emma mattress. This means that you will have plenty of time to get used to your Emma mattress protector and make sure that it is right for you. It’s not often that you expect to buy bedding and get complete peace of mind with it.
What we like about the Emma mattress protector is the fact that it is 100% waterproof. This means that you can have that guilt-free cup of tea in bed in the morning. The Emma mattress protector is also anti-allergy, so it will help to protect you against dust mites and the like.
4. Eve mattress protector – from £49
You can’t talk about great-value mattresses without mentioning Eve, so naturally you can’t talk about the best mattress protectors without mentioning the Eve mattress protector. If you already have an Eve mattress then it’s a no-brainer. The Eve mattress protector can be used on any other mattress though – just check the sizing.
Unlike a lot of other mattress protectors, Eve’s contender is made from cotton. This means that it is soft, comfortable and – above all – breathable.
The top layer is treated with Neotherm. This is the way in which the Eve mattress protector is waterproofed. The Neotherm is also responsible for temperature regulation.
Like the Simba mattress protector, the Eve protector has been designed to be non-invasive, so when it’s fitted you probably won’t even know it’s there.
In order to get the most from your mattress protector, Eve recommend that you wash it once per month. Washing the Eve mattress protector is a doddle – just pop it in the washing machine at 40 degrees.
5. Panda Bamboo mattress protector – from £37
The Panda Bamboo mattress protector isn’t designed specifically for any one mattress. Therefore it’s a great all-rounder if you don’t want to shell out more cash buying a mattress protector from the same company that made your mattress.
It’s available in a wide range of standard UK sizes from Single to Superking. You can also buy a Panda Bamboo mattress protector in the most common EU sizes. They even have sizes for cots and cotbeds, so you can even protect your investment in the kid’s room too.
To give you some peace of mind with your purchase, the Panda Bamboo mattress comes with a 2-year guranatee complete with free delivery to anywhere in the UK.
The Panda Bamboo mattress protector has a waterproof layer which features Nano TPU technology. You probably don’t know what tht means, understandably. But essentially it means it keeps moisture and spillages off of the mattress beneath it, while also preventing bacteria and allergens. This makes for a comfortable, uninterrupted night’s sleep. The top layer is made from – as the name suggests – bamboo. This is a naturally antibacterial product, so the Panda Bamboo mattress protector is a good shout if you suffer from allergies.
Why buy a mattress protector anyway?
A mattress protector is an essential accessory for anyone looking to protect their pricey mattress from spills, stains, and other types of damage. It is a thin layer that sits on top of the mattress and provides a barrier between the mattress and the sleeper.
Gone are the days of buying a cheap, thin protector for £10 and hoping it’ll do anything – clue, it won’t.
Here are some reasons why you should consider buying a mattress protector:
- Protection: A mattress protector can protect your mattress from spills, stains, and other types of damage. This can help to extend the lifespan of your mattress and save you money in the long run.
- Hygiene: A mattress protector can sometimes help to keep your mattress clean and hygienic by preventing the build-up of dust, dirt, and allergens. All of the mattress protectors on this page are hypoallergenic.
- Comfort: Some mattress protectors are designed to provide additional comfort and support, for example if made of high-quality cotton, which can help to improve your sleep quality.
How much do mattress protectors cost?
In the UK, the cost of a mattress protector can vary depending on the size and type of protector.
Generally, a basic mattress protector can cost around £20 to £40, while a more advanced protector with additional features such as waterproofing, organic material or cooling technology can cost upwards of £75…
So it’s important to choose a high-quality mattress protector that is the right size for your mattress and meets your specific needs. Investing in a mattress protector can help to protect your mattress and improve your sleep hygiene as well as your own comfort.
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How we reviewed this article:
Edit History:
Our experts continually monitor the mattress & sleep tech space, and we update our reviews & articles when new information becomes available.
- 27th March 2023
Current Article - By Carrie Taylor - 22nd February 2024
Checked & Reviewed - By Morag Park, Ph.D. - 5th March 2023
Copy Edited - By Carrie Taylor - 5th July 2024
Reviewed - By Anthony Maxwell
WhatMattress has strict sourcing guidelines and we try to rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations where possible.
- https://simbasleep.com/products/simba-mattress-protector
- https://simbasleep.com/
- https://www.nectarsleep.co.uk
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- https://www.emma-mattress.co.uk/the-emma-mattress-protector/
- https://www.evesleep.co.uk
- https://www.evesleep.co.uk/products/the-mattress-protector
- https://mypandalife.com/product/bamboo-mattress-protector/