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Written by
Daniel Noyed
Bedwetting is quite common. Some studies indicate it may occur in up to 20% of children under 5 and 10% of children under 10. Additionally, adults with urinary incontinence may also experience bedwetting. As a medical condition, bedwetting is also known as nocturnal enuresis.
While bedwetting is common, it is often stigmatized. It can affect a child’s self-esteem and impact family relationships. Children typically grow out of bedwetting as they gain more control over their bodies, but in the meantime, parents may want to simplify their lives and protect the child’s mattress by using a waterproof mattress protector.
Moisture can permanently damage a mattress, leading to lingering stains and smells. Some warranty policies may even be voided if evidence of bedwetting is present. A mattress protector for bedwetting is an easy and typically affordable solution that makes cleanup easier without significantly altering the feel of the bed.
Below you’ll find our best mattress protector for bedwetting picks for mattress protectors for bedwetting. This guide will also take a closer look at factors that can impact the performance, comfort, and convenience of a mattress protector for bedwetting.
Best Overall
The Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector is composed of organic cotton, making it softer and more breathable than a lot of competing protectors. The polyurethane moisture barrier is also ventilated with small holes to promote extra airflow. As a result, this protector is a great option for people who normally sleep warm on this type of bedding.
A thick, silicone elastic band wraps the entire perimeter to keep the layer in place throughout the night. The pocket depth is 16 inches, so the protector will be compatible with the majority of mattresses sold today.
The protector is completely machine washable and holds up well over time, even if you need to frequently launder it. Six sizes ranging from twin and twin XL to king and California king are available. Saatva produces this protector in a factory that has earned Fair Trade certification, giving shoppers peace of mind about the company’s working conditions.
Ground shipping is free of charge for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Saatva also offers a 45-night sleep trial that includes free return shipping if you decide not to keep the protector.
Best Value
The Sweet Zzz Cooling Mattress Protector is composed of Tencel, a naturally breathable fabric derived from bamboo. Tencel protectors can be fairly pricey, but this model’s sticker price is quite approachable by comparison. A luxuriously soft feel and 100% waterproof construction further elevate this protector above competing models within the same price range.
Tencel also has moisture-wicking properties to keep sleepers dry and comfortable, even if they reside in hot or humid locales. The smooth fabric is also a good option for sleepers with acne and other conditions that cause sensitive skin. A pocket depth of 14 inches makes the protector compatible with most mattresses sold today. When the protector needs to be cleaned, Sweet Zzz recommends machine-washing on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble-drying on low heat. Washing with bleach or ironing the protector will void the warranty.
Sweet Zzz offers free ground delivery within the contiguous U.S. to save you even more on your purchase. The protector comes with a 50-night sleep trial, though returns will not be accepted if you or anyone else in your household uses it more than once. If you decide to keep the protector, you’ll receive a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers certain structural defects.
Best Cooling
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A common complaint about mattress protectors is that they offer limited airflow due to their moisture barriers and sleep uncomfortably hot as a result. The Cooling Mattress Protector from Brooklyn Bedding lives up to its name thanks to an infusion of phase-change material, which is engineered to draw heat away from your body and maintain a comfortable surface temperature. The protector feels cool to the touch and is a good option for people who run hot in bed or reside in warmer climates.
The outer material consists of cotton terry with a very soft hand-feel, while a thin polyurethane layer acts as an effective moisture barrier without hindering airflow. The protector is also designed to be hypoallergenic and stave off dust mites, as well as bacteria, bed bugs, and other contaminants. A pocket depth of 14 inches makes it compatible with most of today’s mattresses.
For easy and convenient care, the protector can be washed and dried in your machines at home. Brooklyn Bedding offers all six standard mattress sizes.
Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states. Your purchase includes a sleep trial that allows you to test out the protector for up to 30 days and return it if you aren’t satisfied. Those who keep their protector will receive a 3-year warranty.
Most Comfortable
Most mattress protectors provide a waterproof barrier but won’t change the feel of your sleep surface – a characteristic that distinguishes protectors from mattress pads. The Nectar Mattress Protector is an exception to this trend. The surface is composed of quilted cotton that delivers a luxuriously plush surface feel while safeguarding your mattress from stains and liquid damage. The cotton is also highly breathable and shouldn’t trap too much body heat.
The protector’s pocket depth is another notable feature. An ultra-stretchy perimeter makes it compatible with any mattress measuring up to 22 inches thick, a range that encompasses virtually every model sold today. The protector is also easy to care for, as it can be washed and dried in any household machine. Choose from six sizes that correspond to standard mattress dimensions.
The Nectar Mattress Protector is competitively priced and ground shipping is free of charge for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Each purchase is backed by a 50-night return period, during which you may return it unopened and unused. Those who keep it also receive a 5-year warranty.
Best Luxury
The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper offers strong contouring as well as waterproof protection. The thoughtful construction makes this a good fit for people who want a luxury topper that not only keeps the bed dry but also prioritizes comfort.
The topper has a 3-inch thickness and is made of memory foam that conforms closely to your body, providing excellent pressure relief. The deep contouring is ideal for adults and kids who sleep on their sides, since this sleep position tends to put extra pressure on the shoulders and hips. The foam also has a zoned design that provides different firmness levels for various areas of the body — with enhanced support around the midsection and softer cushioning around the shoulders, head, and legs.
The foam is infused with a cooling gel and also has a channeled design that helps air circulate along the surface, which can mitigate some of the heat retention that foam is known for. The waterproof cover is made with Ghost Ice fabric, which is engineered to feel cool to the touch. It is also designed to be softer and quieter than competing waterproof covers. The cover is removable and machine washable. GhostBed recommends a gentle wash cycle with warm water and tumble drying on a low setting.
GhostBed ships the topper for free within the contiguous U.S. Returns are not accepted, but the topper does come with a 5-year warranty.
Softest
Waterproof mattress protectors can sometimes feel overly stiff, but the Nolah Bamboo Mattress Protector is designed to feel softer than many competing protectors.
The protector is made with a polyester and viscose fabric derived from bamboo. In addition to its softness, the fabric is also designed to sleep cool and wick moisture from your body. Protectors made with plastic tend to produce noise, but this fabric is much quieter to lay on and will not crinkle when you move around at night. Due to its thinness, the protector will not change the feel of your mattress surface.
The protector fits snugly over beds like a fitted sheet and is designed to accommodate mattresses up to 15 inches thick. Shoppers can pick from six standard sizes – twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. The protector is machine washable for easy home care.
Nolah allows customers to return protectors within 30 days. The protector also includes a limited 10-year warranty. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S.
Best for Kids
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Many protectors effectively safeguard your mattress against a wide range of contaminants, including urine and other fluids that can cause liquid damage, but the Peejamas Peel-Away Pad is specifically designed for children who frequently wet the bed. The inner lining contains more than 50 ounces of absorbent fiber fill, ensuring the mattress won’t be harmed even when exposed to copious amounts of liquid. The one-size-fits-all construction is intended for twin size mattresses.
Rather than covering the entire sleep surface, the pad is designed to lie beneath the midsection. Elasticated corners allow the pad to be stretched around the mattress much like a fitted sheet, and cotton wings at each end can be tucked beneath both sides to prevent shifting or clumping during the night. The pocket depth is 14 inches, so the pad should be compatible with the vast majority of children’s mattresses as well as many adult-friendly models.
The pad is composed of a cotton shell with a polyurethane waterproof barrier, making it fairly breathable compared to other protectors. When it needs to be cleaned, simply untuck the wings on each side. For optimal performance, Peejamas recommends machine-washing the pad at least five times before first use. This will loosen the fill to increase absorbency. For regular cleaning, wash on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low. Turning the bottoms inside out should decrease the drying time.
The Peel-Away Pad is quite affordable and suited to parents shopping on a budget. Peejamas also allows returns of unused and unwashed pads within 60 days or the original purchase. Shipping is free for U.S. orders of $80 or more.
The right mattress protector for bedwetting can prevent damage and extend the bed’s lifespan. However, mattress protectors vary in their styles, materials, and performance, so selecting the best mattress protector for your family’s needs requires some consideration and research. Below, we’ll detail the most critical factors to take into account when making your choice.
Mattress protectors come in different styles. Main differences include protector thickness and how the protector fits. Each style has potential pros and cons that may make it better or less suited to some customers. The best choice for you will depend on your needs and preferences.
Fitted Protector: A fitted mattress protector covers the bed’s corners like a fitted sheet, with elastic around the perimeter to secure it in place. These protectors typically fit a wide range of mattress profiles, and are easy to remove for cleaning. However, fitted protectors traditionally only protect the surface of the mattress, leaving the other five sides exposed. Another downside is lack of cushioning for most. They may not be ideal if you’re hoping to adjust the feel of a mattress.
Fitted Pad: A fitted pad mattress protector secures to the bed with an elastic perimeter, making it easy to put on and remove for cleaning. The main difference between a fitted mattress protector and a fitted pad is that the pad, by definition, adds cushioning to adjust the feel of a sleep surface. Like fitted protectors, however, a fitted pad will typically only protect the top of the bed.
Mattress Encasement: A mattress encasement covers all size sides of the bed for 360-degree protection. To apply the encasement, prop up the mattress, lower the encasement over it, and zip it closed. While encasements generally offer unmatched protection, the process involved in getting them on and off may deter some customers. They can also be expensive compared to protectors and pads.
Pad: A pad protector rests on the surface of the mattress without elastic corners to keep it in place. Instead, it typically relies on the fitted sheet to anchor it. This can be one of the most convenient options when it comes to cleanup and making the bed, but it may shift during the night and leave areas of the surface exposed.
Several different materials may be used to construct a mattress protector. Many use a two-layer design with a soft, absorbent top layer and a waterproof bottom layer to balance comfort and protection.
Waterproof Backing Materials
The waterproof backing is an important factor for parents to consider when selecting a mattress protector for a bedwetting child. While parents want to protect the mattress, they should also ensure the protector is safe for their children.
Vinyl: While some manufacturers use vinyl backing, many now avoid it due to concerns over phthalates, which have been linked to health conditions like asthma, kidney damage, liver damage, and cancer. Vinyl typically contains a relatively high percentage of phthalates, so many parents prefer to select a vinyl-free mattress protector.
Polyurethane: Polyurethane is the most common backing material. It shields the bed from fluids and is associated with fewer known health risks than vinyl. IPolyurethane is often used in medical applications, as well.
Top Layer Materials
Cotton: Cotton is a natural material popular for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking. These traits make it quite common in mattress protectors for bedwetting.
Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic polymer material. The resulting fabric is typically durable and quick-drying, so it is often used in mattress protectors.
Rayon: Rayon uses cellulose fiber from natural sources, like wood. This fabric tends to absorb more liquid than cotton, which is why some mattress protector manufacturers use it. Since rayon is often derived from bamboo, many manufacturers list it as such in their marketing materials, but it should not be confused with pure bamboo fibers.
Lyocell: Lyocell is a type of rayon also made up of cellulose fiber. The main difference is in the processing. Lyocell is typically soft, smooth, and moisture-wicking. Like rayon, lyocell may be listed as bamboo in marketing materials. You may also see it listed as Tencel, which is a popular brand of lyocell.
Blends: Blended fabrics contain two or more types of the materials described above. This type of fabric could have the benefits and/or drawbacks of any of the components it contains.
Breathability: Breathability refers to how well air can circulate through the mattress protector. In some cases, waterproofing could limit airflow and cause heat to build up on the sleep surface. Most manufacturers take breathability into account to ensure protection against fluides without cutting off air circulation.
Noise Potential: Depending on the material, some waterproof mattress protectors make crinkling or rustling sounds when a sleeper moves or changes positions. This might be problematic for sleepers who awaken easily. However, many manufacturers craft their mattress protectors to be virtually silent.
Warranty & Returns: Each company has its own warranty and return policies. Most have warranties that protect against defects in manufacturing and craftsmanship. Some also have return policies that allow customers to return unused mattress protectors in their original packaging. However, due to the personal nature of waterproof mattress protectors, they are almost never returnable if used.
Bed Bugs & Allergen Protection: Since the surface of the mattress is covered by a protective layer, most waterproof mattress protectors also offer protection against allergens and dust mites. Encasement protectors also often protect against bed bugs by trapping them inside and preventing them from coming into contact with the mattress. Trapped bed bugs typically die from starvation.
Do I Need a Mattress Protector?
Whether or not you choose to use a mattress protector is a personal decision, but many people would benefit from a protector even if they don’t wet the bed. Many mattress warranties are voided if the mattress is stained or has signs of water damage, so a waterproof protector could prevent you from inadvertently voiding your warranty.
Additionally, mattress protectors often also shield against allergens, mold, and dust mites, so the right mattress protector could help you maintain a hygienic sleep surface and extend the lifespan of your mattress.
How Do I Wash a Mattress Protector?
Mattress protector care instructions vary by model, but most are machine washable and dryable. Always follow the care instructions that come with the protector to safeguard its quality and longevity.
Are All Mattress Protectors Waterproof?
Not all mattress protectors are waterproof. Some merely shield the mattress from surface-level discoloration, while others provide extra protection against allergens and other contaminants. If you’re looking for a waterproof mattress protector, read the product description carefully.
What is the Difference Between a Mattress Protector and a Mattress Pad?
A mattress protector typically shields the mattress without significantly changing its feel, while a mattress pad is usually thicker to add cushioning to the sleep surface.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
