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5 Best Mattress Protectors of 2026: Tested and Approved
The top performers excelled in cooling, fit and waterproofing
Products and services featured here are independently researched and tested. AARP may earn commissions from affiliate links, which support our mission and do not influence our objective reviews. Brand references do not imply endorsement by AARP. Learn more about how we test.
AARP Smart Picks
Life can get messy. And our beds aren’t immune. Over time, mattresses can accumulate dust mites, dead skin cells, oil from our bodies, sweat and more. This can be bad for our health. Dust mites can worsen asthma, even in people who were not already sensitive to the little pests. To shield your bed from these common nuisances, consider a mattress protector.
This removable bedding accessory forms a barrier between your mattress and spills, sweat, nighttime accidents, allergens and other substances, while also helping to safeguard it against general wear.
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But the best mattress protectors need to do more than just guard against spills and other contaminants — they need to be comfortable. Overall comfort ranked as the top priority for 80 percent of the respondents to our October 2025 survey of older adults who had bought a mattress in the previous three years when making their purchase.
To help you find the best mattress protectors that will preserve your bed without sacrificing comfort, our AARP Smart Picks team assessed several models with testers ages 60 to 66. They reviewed the protectors on criteria like waterproofing performance, cooling, ease of fit, material quality and care. The picks below held up across all those categories while also being comfortable to sleep on.
Keep reading for the top picks based on our testing.
All models were fitted queen-size and tested on the same 12-inch-tall bed for consistency.
Our top mattress protector
- Stellar scores for fit and ease of care
- Excellent cooling performance
- Top-tier waterproofing
The best mattress protectors in 2026
- Bear GlacioTex Protector: Best Overall
- Coop Ultra-Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector: Best Value
- Nolah GlacioTex Cooling Mattress Protector: Best Cooling
- Birch Waterproof Mattress Protector: Best Organic
- Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector: Best Fit
Comparing the best mattress protectors
Best Mattress Protector Overall: Bear GlacioTex Protector
Courtesy of Bear
- Pros and cons
- Features
Pros
High all-around performance in testing
Standout cooling
Perfect waterproofing
Cons
Pricey
No third-party certifications
Materials: 50/50 polyester and polyethylene blend
Waterproof: Yes
Care: Machine wash cold or warm, gentle cycle; tumble dry low
Key takeaways from our testing
The Bear GlacioTex Protector earned some of the most consistently high marks of any protector we tested, making it a clear choice for best overall. It earned standout scores in key performance areas, including fit, ease of care and waterproofing. “I love the feel,” said Donna, a 60-year-old tester. “It’s very silky and smooth.” Gerianne, a 66-year-old tester, had similarly high praise. “It feels very cooling. The stitching feels strong and well crafted,” she said.
Donna immediately noticed the cooling effect of the Bear GlacioTex Protector when she reclined on it, and she said the feeling didn’t fade. And it gained a perfect score in our cooling gun test. In this assessment, our lab team measures the protector’s initial temperature and compares it to the temperature after a tester lies on the protector for one minute. This model retained only 4.5 degrees, the best performance in our roundup. For older adults who sleep hot or experience hot flashes, that could provide solid relief. Another plus? It aced our water spill test, in which testers pour a glass of water in the middle of the protector and assess how quickly it wicks away the liquid. “The water beads up a little on the protector’s surface and then soaks in. I think it does a really good job keeping the moisture away,” Gerianne said.
Tester Donna said it didn’t take a lot of effort to put the Bear GlacioTex Protector (seen here) on the mattress, resulting in a perfect score for fit.
AARP Smart Picks
Tester Donna said it didn’t take a lot of effort to put the Bear GlacioTex Protector (seen here) on the mattress, resulting in a perfect score for fit.
This mattress protector is the most expensive on the list, retailing for $250, although it’s often less expensive during sales. At the time of writing, we found the queen size available online for $175. But that’s still costlier than most of our other picks. The protector’s blend of polyester and polyethylene, both of which are types of plastic, is also not certified by any third-party organization. Donna still gave it a very good score for material quality but said she was disappointed that it had no certifications. It’s not the only protector on this list without third-party certifications that attest to fabric quality but we like when models do have them, since they provide peace of mind and eliminate guesswork.
Best Value Mattress Protector: Coop Ultra-Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector
Courtesy of Coop
- Pros and cons
- Features
Pros
Wallet-friendly
Easy to put on
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified
Cons
Retains heat
Testers spotted some loose threads
Materials: 60% polyester, 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon; 100% polyurethane waterproof backing
Waterproof: Yes
Care: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle with no bleach or fabric softener; tumble dry low
Key takeaways from our testing
Retailing for $59 for the queen size, the Coop Ultra-Tech Mattress Protector is the most budget-friendly option on our list — and it still delivered above-average performance in testing. It offers very good waterproofing performance at a fraction of other competitors' prices. In our water spill assessment, tester Donna confirmed that no liquid passed through to the mattress.
The water pooled briefly and absorbed into the fabric without leaking through. Gerianne had the same results. “When I checked under the protector, no water had leaked and it didn't even feel like it was cold from the water,” she said. “It’s very waterproof overall and I’m impressed.”
The protector also features a stretchy skirt, which made it noticeably easier to put on than other protectors we tested. Donna called it “probably the easiest one I’ve tested so far,” requiring minimal pulling to get it around each mattress corner. That makes it a practical choice for older adults managing hand strength or dexterity issues.
Tester Donna said that during the water spill test, water pooled on the Coop Ultra-Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector (seen here) and then soaked into the fabric without leaking through to the bed.
AARP Smart Picks
Tester Donna said that during the water spill test, water pooled on the Coop Ultra-Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector (seen here) and then soaked into the fabric without leaking through to the bed.
The Coop Ultra-Tech carries the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification, which verifies that it’s passed safety tests for the presence of more than 1,000 harmful substances. This is impressive, since more expensive options on our list don’t carry this certification (or any). Donna also described the mattress protector as breathable and lightweight, with a silky texture that doesn’t add noticeable bulk under a sheet.
In our cooling gun test, this model retained 10.2 degrees of heat, the worst result on our list for temperature regulation. For comparison, the Bear GlacioTex held onto 4.5 degrees of heat and the Nolah GlacioTex Waterproof protector 5.1 degrees. For older adults who run warm, those may be better options. Donna also noted loose threading on the top layer of the Coop Ultra-Tech, despite it being new. These imperfections might have been unique to the protector we obtained for our testing, but it’s worth pointing out since this may affect its durability.
Best Cooling Mattress Protector: Nolah GlacioTex Cooling Mattress Protector
Courtesy of Nolah
- Pros and cons
- Features
Pros
Outstanding cooling performance
Plush, silky feel with a well-stitched surface
Secure fit
Cons
Not third-party certified
Expensive
Materials: 50/50 polyester and polyethylene blend
Waterproof: Yes
Care: Machine wash cool or warm; tumble dry low; no bleach
Key takeaways from our testing
The Nolah GlacioTex retained about 5 degrees of heat in our cooling gun test — second only to the Bear GlacioTex, our best overall mattress protector. Donna confirmed that it felt cool to the touch and specifically noted that older adults who sleep hot “should definitely consider this option.
The Nolah GlacioTex Cooling Mattress Protector (seen here) retained only 5.1 degrees of heat during testing, which resulted in a top-notch score for its cooling abilities.
AARP Smart Picks
The Nolah GlacioTex Cooling Mattress Protector (seen here) retained only 5.1 degrees of heat during testing, which resulted in a top-notch score for its cooling abilities.
Tester Gerianne described the exterior of the Nolah GlacioTex as “sleek and wonderfully stitched,” with a slightly plush surface and smooth top. When she put the protector on a 12-inch mattress, she said its deep pockets fit flatly and securely, without bunching or requiring much effort to stretch around the corners.
For people who prioritize independently verified materials — particularly those with allergies or sensitivities — no certifications could be a deal-breaker. Without third-party verifications, it’s harder to know what’s present or absent in the fabric. While this protector’s coolness and easy fit made it a standout in our roundup, material transparency is one area where it falls short. Another knock? It’s on the pricier side at $209.
Best Organic Mattress Protector: Birch Waterproof Mattress Protector
Courtesy of Birch
- Pros and cons
- Features
Pros
Only organic option in this roundup
Outstanding material quality
Excellent waterproofing
Cons
Significant heat buildup
Slight bunching
Materials: 100-percent organic fair-trade jersey knit cotton with a waterproof layer
Waterproof: Yes
Care: Machine wash cold, no bleach, gentle cycle; tumble dry low;large-capacity washer and dryer recommended
Key takeaways from our testing
The Birch Waterproof Mattress Protector is the only option on our list made with organic material. It’s formed with two layers of 100-percent organic cotton and a polyurethane-based waterproof film sandwiched between them. Some of the other models we tested have waterproofing applied to the exterior, so the fabric may feel crinkly. But tester Gerianne said this one feels more like a regular sheet.” It is also one of the few products in this roundup to earn a perfect score for material quality and have a third-party certification (for its Fair Trade cotton).
Tester Donna said the Birch Waterproof Mattress Protector (seen here) has a soft, fuzzy texture that she said “feels pretty cozy.
AARP Smart Picks
Tester Donna said the Birch Waterproof Mattress Protector (seen here) has a soft, fuzzy texture that she said “feels pretty cozy.
Cotton isn’t an obvious material choice for a waterproof protector, but this model’s layered design delivered a perfect waterproofing score in our water spill test. Gerianne noted that the water pooled on the surface and rolled around without being absorbed. The mattress underneath remained completely dry, she said.
The Birch Waterproof Mattress Protector retained about 9 degrees in temperature testing. That heat level is on the higher end of the models on this list. Donna described it as having a “cozy, soft texture” rather than a “sleek, cooling one.” Older adults who sleep hot may find that this protector adds too much warmth. Testers also experienced some issues with the fit. Donna noted slight bunching and wrinkling across the surface and at the corners, though the deep pockets accommodated the standard 12-inch-tall mattress and it was easy to put on.
Best Mattress Protector Fit: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector
Courtesy of Brooklyn Bedding
- Pros and cons
- Features
Pros
Exceptional fit
Longest warranty
First-rate cooling
Cons
Missing third-party certifications
Required some pulling during installation
Materials: Polyethylene
Waterproof: No, water-resistant
Care: Machine wash cool, no bleach; tumble dry low
Key takeaways from our testing
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector earned a perfect fit score. Donna said “it fits like a glove,” and there was no bunching, no crumpling and no excess fabric to tuck in. It stayed completely smooth on the mattress in our testing — a trait that didn’t apply to every protector on this list. For older adults who have dealt with protectors that shift and cause discomfort, a precise fit can mean the difference between waking up from bunched-up sheets or sleeping through the night. The company also backs this protector with a 3-year warranty, the longest in this roundup.
Tester Donna said the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector (seen here) had a perfect fit because the fabric didn’t bunch, and it was “very easy” to put on.
AARP Smart Picks
Tester Donna said the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector (seen here) had a perfect fit because the fabric didn’t bunch, and it was “very easy” to put on.
This mattress protector retained 6 degrees of heat during testing, placing it third in cooling performance behind the Bear and Nolah models — our best overall and best cooling picks, respectively. Donna noted that it felt immediately cold on her skin and stayed cool, making it ideal for older adults who run hot. Its silky texture earned a perfect score for material feel.
Donna said this protector required some pulling to stretch it around the mattress corners. She noted that the effort wasn’t excessive, but it did involve some exertion. Gerianne had the same experience. “I had to stretch it around the corners, and work a little harder, but it wasn’t bad,” she said.
Like several others in this roundup, this mattress protector is made from polyethylene and carries no third-party certifications, which may matter for older adults prioritizing material transparency. For those who want materials that are verified as safe, the Coop Ultra-Tech may be the best alternative in this group.
How we test mattress protectors
We started our process by researching the market. Which mattress protectors are popular and why? Which companies have the best customer reviews, and are the reviews legitimate? After completing our research and speaking with medical experts, we narrowed our list of products to test.
To identify each mattress protector’s strengths and weaknesses, we conducted controlled tests to assess features such as cooling ability, waterproofing, fit, ease of installation, feel and material quality. We then recruited older adult testers to provide unbiased feedback. They answered questions like: How easy is it to install the protector onto the mattress? Does your body heat up as you lay on top of the mattress protector? Did the protector keep moisture away from the mattress surface? The models that excelled in our tests made our list of the best mattress protectors.
For a full breakdown of our evaluation criteria, see our sleep accessories testing methodology.
How to choose the best mattress protector
A mattress protector may seem straightforward on paper — it goes over the mattress and keeps things dry or blocks contaminants from the bed’s surface — but the differences between various options can matter considerably for older adults who seek a comfortable and supportive sleep environment.
Based on our testing experience, it’s important to look for a mattress protector that shields against moisture without making the bed hot, stiff or noisy. The sections below cover the factors that came up most in both testing and our research when searching for the best mattress protector.
Waterproofing and breathability
We found breathability to be a key marker of a quality mattress protector. A fully waterproof layer that doesn’t breathe traps heat and can create the crinkly, plastic-like feel of hospital-grade covers. Many protectors on the market today use thin plastic membranes or layered cotton, like the Birch model’s sandwiched waterproof layer. This can achieve genuine waterproofing without sacrificing breathability.
Material composition and certifications
Since a mattress protector lies between the sleeper and the mattress, it may help to prioritize looking for the materials that feel most comfortable to you. For older adults managing allergies or chemical sensitivities, third-party certifications like the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, which Coop holds, verify that the product has been independently tested for harmful substances.
Ease of placement and maintenance
For older adults managing reduced hand strength, grip issues or limited mobility, the ease of putting on a cover is critical. The exertion required to fit a mattress protector over a bed can range from easy to genuinely difficult. In our testing, the Coop earned the highest ratings for being easy to put on, followed closely by the Birch and Brooklyn Bedding.
Ease of upkeep is also important. A protector that requires special care or can’t be regularly laundered is harder to maintain over time. All five protectors in this roundup are machine washable.
The allergy case for a mattress protector
Beyond keeping a mattress clean, a protector can reduce dust mite allergen exposure. About 20 million people in the U.S. are allergic to dust mites, which thrive on mattresses. A barrier you can regularly launder gets rid of the pests far more effectively than surface cleaning alone. For older adults managing allergies or asthma, or simply wanting a cleaner sleep environment, a protector is often the most underused tool in a bedding setup.
When to replace your mattress protector
A mattress protector doesn’t last forever, and an aging one can quietly stop doing its job without you noticing. The waterproof membrane — typically a thin plastic layer — can break down over time with repeated washing and drying, especially if you use high heat or don’t follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. If fluid starts soaking through to the mattress, that’s one of the clearest signs the protector needs replacing.
A one- to two-year replacement window is a reasonable baseline. Some higher-quality options with more durable construction may last longer with proper care. Replacing a protector before it degrades keeps the mattress protected and the sleep environment comfortable. If you’re also interested in replacing your mattress, AARP’s guide to the best mattresses is a helpful resource.
How much do the best mattress protectors cost?
Mattress protectors in this roundup range from $59 to $250. These prices reflect average queen-size retail pricing.
FAQs
What type of material is best for a mattress protector?
The best type depends on what you’re protecting against. For moisture and spills, a fitted waterproof protector with a breathable membrane may be the most practical choice. For allergen reduction, a tightly woven cotton or certified material option provides a reliable barrier. For cooling, look for protectors using GlacioTex-type blends or similar temperature-regulating materials (the Bear and Nolah performed well here). Older adults whose primary concern is fabric quality should look into certified options like Coop or Birch, as they both offer material transparency.
How often should you wash a mattress protector?
Under normal conditions, every one to two months is reasonable. Wash more frequently if there are spills, allergies or pets involved. All five protectors in this roundup are machine washable, which makes regular care manageable. Follow the care instructions for each product: Most call for laundering with cold or cool water and no bleach on a gentle cycle and tumble drying on a low heat setting.
Are mattress protectors 100 percent waterproof?
Most waterproof protectors offer a reliable barrier against spills, sweat and light moisture. In testing, all five protectors in this roundup prevented water from reaching the mattress in a controlled spill test. That said, any protector's performance can degrade over time with repeated washing or if you don’t follow the care instructions.
Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.
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