Waterproof vs Breathable Mattress Protectors: Which Do You Actually Need?
If you're choosing between a waterproof mattress protector and a breathable one, the good news is that you may not have to pick a side. Modern protectors can block spills and still feel cool and comfortable to sleep on. The right one for you depends on who's using the bed, how warm you sleep and how much cushioning you'd like on top of your mattress. We'll help you work that out below.
Why A Protector Is Worth Having
A mattress protector is a fitted layer that sits between your mattress and your sheet. It shields the mattress from spills, staining and everyday wear, and it's one of the easiest ways to keep a mattress feeling new for longer. You can take it off and wash it, which is much simpler than trying to clean a mattress.
Many of our own mattresses have removable, machine-washable covers, and we still recommend using a protector with them. It makes sure all the comfort technology inside stays fully protected, and it means a knocked-over cup of tea is a two-minute job to sort out. However, do note that covers on our Natural Hybrid® Source, Escape and Apex mattresses cannot be removed.
What A Waterproof Protector Does
A waterproof protector has a barrier layer that stops liquid reaching the mattress. It's the most complete form of protection, and it's especially useful if:
- you have young children, or children who sometimes climb into your bed
- a pet likes to sneak up for a nap
- you enjoy a drink or breakfast in bed
- you're protecting a brand new mattress and you'd like it to stay spotless
- the bed is in a guest room or a rental, where lots of different people use it
Today's waterproof protectors are quiet and comfortable, so you won't know there's one on the bed.
What A Breathable Protector Does
A breathable protector is made from fabrics that let air and moisture move through them. The aim is to keep the surface of your bed feeling fresh, which matters most if you tend to sleep warm. Breathable protectors are often quilted, so they add a little extra cushioning as well.
Natural and plant-derived fibres are popular here. Cotton is soft and familiar, bamboo has a smooth, cool feel, and TENCEL™ is known for feeling airy against the skin.
Can You Have Both?
Yes, and this is where it gets easier. A protector can have a waterproof barrier underneath and a cool, comfortable fabric on top, so you get full protection without giving up the fresh feel.
That's the approach we've taken with our TripleShield protectors with breathable properties. They have waterproof TripleShield layers to guard the mattress, a soft top surface for comfort, a protective side skirt and a snug, anti-slip fit.
Our Three Mattress Protectors
TripleShield Bamboo Mattress Protector
This is our most wallet-friendly option, and it's a great match for families and pet owners. It's whisper-quiet, and it has a soft bamboo jersey top surface that feels smooth and cool, with waterproof TripleShield layers underneath that protect against stains, spills and heat.
TripleShield Tencel Cool Mattress Protector
If you sleep warm, this is the one to look at. The cooling TENCEL™ top surface feels superbly cool, airy and velvet-soft, and the waterproof TripleShield layers protect against moisture, dust, and wear and tear.
Quilted Performance Mattress Protector
This is our most premium protector. It has a soft cotton top surface and 200gm of quilted cushioning, so it adds a plush, luxurious layer of comfort to your bed. It also has a wash-resistant treatment that helps to soothe allergies.
A Simple Way To Decide
Ask yourself these three questions.
- Is there a real chance of spills? If you have children, pets, or a morning coffee habit, choose one of the waterproof TripleShield protectors.
- Do you get warm at night? If so, the Tencel Cool gives you waterproof protection with the coolest, airiest top surface of the three.
- Would you like your bed to feel a little more cushioned? The Quilted Performance adds cushioning comfort along with anti-allergy protection.
If more than one of those applies, start with the one that matters most to you. For most households, that's spill protection.
Getting The Rest Of The Bed Right
Your protector sits underneath everything else, so what you put on top of it affects how fresh the bed feels too. Breathable sheets and duvet covers in cotton or linen let air move freely, and they work well with any of the protectors above.
Caring For Your Protector
Wash your protector regularly, following the instructions on the care label, and straight away after any spill. Having a second protector is handy, because you can put the clean one on while the other is in the wash.
You’ll also want to make sure that the protector is completely dry before you put it back on the bed.
FAQs
A thin protector such as the Bamboo or Tencel Cool is designed to sit snugly on the mattress without changing its feel. The Quilted Performance adds a layer of cushioning, which you'll notice as a slightly plusher surface.
We recommend one. A washable cover is great for freshening up, and a protector stops spills reaching the mattress in the first place. It also means all the comfort technology inside the mattress stays fully protected.
Yes, when stock is available. Mattress protectors are part of our Simba-certified Refurbished range. Every refurbished product is cleaned, inspected and sanitised before it's sold.
Our protectors come in Single, Small Double, Double, King and Super King. All of them fit mattresses up to 40cm deep and have a snug, anti-slip fit.
Yes. Order before 1pm and we'll deliver the next working day to most UK postcodes, free of charge. That applies to all three protectors.
A washable barrier between you and your mattress is helpful for keeping dust at bay. The Quilted Performance protector also has a wash-resistant anti-allergy treatment. All three of our protectors are machine washable, which makes regular washing easy.
