A mattress is one of the biggest purchases in your home. A good waterproof cover protects that investment — and if you have kids, pets, or allergies, it's not optional, it's essential.
The right protector blocks liquid, dust mites, pet dander, and allergens without making your bed feel like a plastic tarp. This guide covers five solid options available at LA Mattress Store, with honest pros and cons for each.
Even if you're careful, mattresses accumulate moisture over time — from sweat, humidity, and the occasional spill. That moisture creates the perfect environment for dust mites, bacteria, and mold to grow. Once liquid reaches the foam or fiber layers of your mattress, there's no recovering it.
A waterproof protector:
If your household includes children who wet the bed, pets that sleep with you, or anyone with allergies or asthma, a protector is the single highest-value accessory you can buy alongside your mattress.
Best for: Households wanting soft, breathable protection for deep mattresses (up to 20").
This fitted-sheet style protector features a soft cotton terry cloth top layer with a PU waterproof membrane backing. It's quiet, breathable, and fits mattresses from 8 to 20 inches deep — one of the widest depth ranges available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely waterproof without crinkle noise | May shrink slightly — follow care instructions |
| Breathable cotton surface keeps you cool | Higher price than basic protectors |
| Deep-pocket fit (up to 20") | — |
Best for: Everyday protection on standard to thick queen mattresses at a mid-range price.
This protector combines a soft cotton-poly knit top with a TPU waterproof barrier. The four-way stretch design fits well on mattresses up to 18 inches and is completely free of PVC and vinyl.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Soft, breathable top layer | Top surface only — sides not waterproofed |
| Quiet and flexible fit | TPU can retain some heat |
| Easy to wash; hypoallergenic | — |
Best for: Standard-depth queen mattresses (10–14") with solid everyday protection needs.
A straightforward fitted terry cloth protector with a 100% waterproof backing. Reliable daily protection against spills, allergens, and moisture without the premium price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong protection at accessible price | Limited to mattresses up to 14" deep |
| Terry surface is soft and quiet | Fitted cover only — edges not enclosed |
| Supports mattress warranty compliance | — |
Best for: Sleepers who want a trusted brand with proven protection, quiet performance, and allergy defense.
Protect-A-Bed is a well-established name in mattress protection. This model uses their proprietary Miracle Membrane® — a waterproof, breathable barrier beneath a cotton terry top. It offers excellent protection with minimal feel change.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable brand; well-reviewed performance | Mid-range price point |
| Comfortable cotton top; quiet | May need refitting after washing |
| Durable for regular washing cycles | — |
Best for: Hot sleepers who want cooling protection; also excellent for allergy sufferers and households with kids or pets.
The best option for temperature-sensitive sleepers. The Tencel top layer wicks moisture and sleeps noticeably cooler than cotton terry. Paired with the Miracle Membrane® backing, it delivers full waterproof protection from 8 to 20 inches deep.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best option for hot sleepers | Higher price point |
| Excellent allergen and moisture protection | Specific care instructions to maintain fit |
| Fits very deep mattresses (up to 20") | — |
| Product | Material | Max Depth | Best For | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Cotton Terry | Cotton Terry + PU | 20" | Deep mattresses, everyday use | $$$ |
| Dimple Cotton Cloth | Cotton-Poly + TPU | 18" | Mid-range everyday use | $$ |
| All-American Safeguard | Terry Cloth | 14" | Standard mattresses, budget buy | $$ |
| Protect-A-Bed Premium | Cotton Terry + Miracle Membrane | 15" | Trusted brand, reliable protection | $$ |
| Protect-A-Bed Cool Tencel | Tencel + Miracle Membrane | 20" | Hot sleepers, allergy sufferers | $$$ |
Browse all available options in our mattress protector collection. Need help choosing? Stop by any of our 5 LA Mattress showrooms — our team can help you match the right protector to your mattress.
Modern ones generally aren't. Look for covers with TPU or PU membranes rather than vinyl. Products from Protect-A-Bed and the cotton terry options listed above are designed to be silent.
Yes — all five options above are machine washable. Follow the care instructions to avoid damaging the waterproof membrane.
A well-made cover adds minimal feel change. Cotton terry and Tencel options are soft and thin enough that most sleepers don't notice them. Avoid thick padded covers if you want to preserve your mattress's feel.
For full protection — especially against bed bugs and allergens on all sides — yes. Fitted covers are easier to use and sufficient for most households. If you have a documented bed bug issue or severe allergies, a full encasement is worth it.
Vinyl-backed ones can. TPU and PU membranes are more breathable. For hot sleepers, the Protect-A-Bed Cool Tencel is specifically designed for cooling.
Every 1–2 years, or sooner if it shows wear or loses its waterproofing effectiveness. Regular washing is important — it removes allergens but also gradually wears down the waterproof barrier.
Many mattress warranties require it. Stains from liquids can void a warranty, so using a protector from day one is the safest approach.
Yes. Use a breathable cover (cotton or Tencel) to avoid trapping heat, which can affect memory foam's feel and performance.
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