When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreThe best mattress protectors keep your mattress safe from liquids, allergens, and dust mites. Full encasements can even protect from bed bugs.Lightstar59/Getty ImagesA mattress protector is a non-negotiable, a safeguard against liquid damage, sweat, allergens, and pet accidents while keeping your mattress warranty intact. The best mattress protectors provide a completely waterproof barrier that stays quiet, cool, and undetectable beneath your sheets. To find covers that offer complete protection without sacrificing sleep quality, we tested 27 mattress protectors and encasements. Each model underwent rigorous testing: we poured 8 ounces of blue-dyed water onto each protector, let it sit for 2 hours, then checked whether any liquid passed through, both before and after 5 full wash cycles. We also measured thermal retention with laser thermometers and evaluated noise level, fabric breathability, and pocket depth. Get to the point: Our top pick overall is the Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Mattress Protector—an under-$60 option that localized liquid without leaks while remaining virtually silent. For hot sleepers, we recommend the Helix Waterproof Mattress Protector, which stayed cool, exhibited excellent heat dissipation, and kept liquid from penetrating. Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.Our top picks for the best mattress protectorsBest overall mattress protector: Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Mattress Protector - See at Coop Sleep GoodsBest budget mattress protector: SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector - See at AmazonBest cooling mattress protector: Helix Mattress Protector - See at HelixBest organic mattress protector: Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector - See at AvocadoBest deep-pocket mattress protector: Lucid Terry Top Mattress Protector - See at AmazonBest waterproof mattress protector: Tuft & Needle Mattress Protector - See at AmazonBest mattress encasement: Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement - See at AmazonBest overallUnmatched waterproofing at an accessible price point. At under $60 for a queen, the Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech is our top pick because it combines impressive waterproofing with barely-there comfort. The Coop passed our leakage tests with flying colors. There was absolutely no blue dye or water on the paper towel under the protector. Rather than letting liquid pool and run off the edges, its bamboo-blend fabric absorbed the spill.Coop's protector fits mattresses up to 18 inches thick and has stretchy elastic sides for a secure fit.Kinsley Searles/Business InsiderSilent, breathable feel with top-only barrier coverage. The bamboo-blend top surface is virtually undetectable beneath standard fitted sheets, eliminating the plastic crinkling noises and heat retention typical of cheaper polyurethane covers. It clings to mattresses up to 18 inches like a fitted sheet and doesn't shift at night. I barely noticed that the protector was there during testing. However, keep in mind that waterproofing is strictly limited to the top sleeping surface; the side skirts are made of breathable stretch fabric and will not block lateral spills.Generous trial and warranty — if you follow care rules. Coop backs the protector with a 100-night trial and a one-year warranty. Note that warranty coverage is strictly contingent on following the care tag: wash on a cold cycle, tumble dry on low heat, and ensure the polyurethane backing faces inward during drying to avoid damaging the membrane and voiding your warranty.Best budgetOur top budget performer. Of the five mattress protectors we tested that cost less than $50, the SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector was the best at remaining leak-free while also staying cool and regulating temperature.Snug 18-inch fit with top-only barrier coverage. The SafeRest protector fits mattresses up to 18 inches thick and provides good, secure coverage all the way to the edges, even after five cycles in the washer and dryer. As with many protectors, the waterproof part that rests on top of your mattress is made of a different material than the skirt around the sides, which will not block spills.The budget-friendly SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector fits mattresses up to 18 inches thick.James Brains/Business InsiderNoticeable noise and texture, but reliable accident protection. The main trade-off for its low price is tactile comfort. Its cotton-terry surface creates friction against fitted sheets, preventing them from gliding smoothly, and generates audible crackling noises when you shift positions. While coarser and louder than higher-cost options, the noise level is manageable and won't disrupt sleep, making it a dependable, cost-effective safeguard to keep on your bed in case of an accident.Best coolingUnmatched thermal dissipation for hot sleepers. The Helix Mattress Protector is the best cooling m
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