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Best Mattress Protectors for Bedwetting – Top Picks and Buying Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a medical condition that primarily affects children ages seven and younger. Adults experiencing urinary incontinence due to age or a pre-existing medical condition may also be prone to wetting the bed. In addition to physical discomfort and embarrassment for the individual, bedwetting can also permanent stain the mattress and lead to persistent odors. Unfortunately, mattress warranties do not consider these issues to be defects and will not cover costs for replacing or repairing the bed.

Mattress protectors can be a smart investment for households with juvenile or adult bedwetters. Typically made from materials like polyester or nylon, these waterproof and stain-resistant layers offer full protection from urine damage. They can also be effective at safeguarding the bed from pet-related stains. Most protectors are reasonably priced, and some are backed by a sleep trial and/or warranty.

This guide looks at common designs and materials for mattress protectors, some important considerations for shoppers, and additional strategies for bedwetters. Below you’ll find our top five mattress protectors for bedwetters sold today. These picks are based on verified customer and owner experiences, along with our own product research and analysis.

Best Mattress Protectors for Bedwetting

Best Mattress Protectors for Bedwetting – Reviewed

Best OverallBrooklyn Bedding Mattress Encasement

Best Overall – Brooklyn Bedding Mattress Encasement

Highlights

  • 100% polyester
  • 6 sizing options
  • Machine washable
  • Zipper enclosure provides complete coverage
  • 30-night sleep trial
Get a Brooklyn Bedding Mattress Encasement at the lowest price.
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Best OverallBrooklyn Bedding Mattress Encasement

brooklynbedding.com

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Most protectors cover the mattress like a fitted sheet, with elasticated corners to hold the layer in place. These corners can be problematic because they tend to lose their grip, resulting in bunchiness beneath the topsheet. The Brooklyn Bedding Mattress Encasement, on the other hand, fits around the entire mattress. A zipper opening allows owners to slip their bed inside and cover it from top to bottom, resulting in full protection for the mattress.

The Mattress Encasement is made from polyester with a crisper feel than many competing protectors, making it more comfortable and “sheet-like” for sleeping. The fabric is also resistant to shrinkage in the wash. Brooklyn Bedding offers the encasement in six sizes corresponding to standard mattress dimensions, meaning most customers can find a suitable size for their bed. The material is also hypoallergenic to protect the bed from dust mites, bacteria, and bed bugs.

Priced at less than $100 in any size, the Brooklyn Bedding Mattress Encasement is a high-value product with a reasonable lifespan. Brooklyn Bedding offers a 30-night trial, with full refunds and free shipping for all returns.

Runner-Up PickCasper Mattress Protector

Runner-Up Pick – Casper Mattress Protector

Highlights

  • Polyester, spandex, and nylon blend
  • 6 sizing options
  • Machine washable
  • Relatively quiet
  • 100-night sleep trial, 1-year warranty
Our readers can buy a Casper Mattress Protector at the lowest price.
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Runner-Up PickCasper Mattress Protector

casper.com

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Designed to cover the mattress like a fitted sheet, the Casper Mattress Protector has a pocket depth of 16 inches and should fit most beds sold today. It’s constructed with a knit top of polyester spandex, along with skirting made from polyester, spandex, and nylon polyethylene. These materials give the protector exceptional durability, helping it withstand wear and tear even after numerous wash cycles.

The material is ventilated to allow for strong air circulation, which helps keep the mattress cool without exposing the bed to moisture. As a result, the protector is especially well-suited to hot sleepers. Many protectors produce loud rustling sounds that can disrupt sleep, The Casper Mattress Protector is much quieter by comparison. Casper offers six sizes for the protector that correspond to normal mattress dimensions.

Free shipping is available to all customers in the contiguous. Casper also backs the protector with a 100-night sleep trial, including free shipping on returns, as well as a one-year warranty.

Best ValueSafeRest Mattress Protector

Best Value – SafeRest Mattress Protector

Highlights

  • Cotton surface with waterproof backing
  • 6 sizing options
  • Machine washable
  • Seamless layering won't affect sleep surface
  • 10-year warranty
Buy the SafeRest Mattress Protector at the lowest price.
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Best ValueSafeRest Mattress Protector

amazon.com

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Mattress protectors typically cost at least $50, and for high-end models, larger sizes frequently exceed the $100 mark. The Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector from SafeRest is a notable exception. This protector is available in the six standard mattress sizes, all of which cost less than $35. However, the SafeRest Mattress Protector safeguards against spills and stains as well as – and in some cases, better than – its more expensive competitors.

The protector has a surface made from soft, breathable cotton terry, which sleeps fairly cool. The backing is a waterproof, PCV-free membrane that prevents urine, sweat, and other bodily fluids from permeating the surface. In addition to being completely waterproof, the SafeRest Mattress Protector is also very quiet. Its pocket depth of 18 inches ensures the elasticated corners will fit over most mattresses sold today, as well.

SafeRest backs this protector with a non-prorated 10-year warranty, which is much longer than average. Amazon Prime members can also save on shipping when they order this item from Amazon.com.

Best FitNectar Mattress Protector

Best Fit – Nectar Mattress Protector

Highlights

  • Quilted cotton surface with waterproof backing
  • 6 sizing options
  • Machine washable
  • Exceptional pocket depth
  • 50-night sleep trial, 5-year warranty
Get the Nectar Mattress Protector at the lowest price.
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Best FitNectar Mattress Protector

nectarsleep.com

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A common issue with mattress protectors is insufficient pocket depth, particularly for people with thicker-than-average beds. The elasticated corners can easily come loose, creating a lumpy and uncomfortable sleep surface that requires middle-of-the-night adjustments. The Nectar Mattress Protector should not cause this issue. The protector has a pocket depth of 22 inches in all six sizes, ensuring it will remain secure throughout the night – even for those with exceptionally thick mattresses.

The Nectar Mattress Protector is also very comfortable. A quilted cotton surface offers a soft feel and consistent breathability, allowing the sleeper to remain cool throughout the night. A waterproof membrane backing helps protect the mattress from liquids and fluids. The protector is designed to withstand years of wash cycles. Nectar offers a five-year warranty in case a defect develops.

Priced at less than $100 in all sizes, the Nectar Mattress Protector is also a top-value pick. The company also offers free delivery in the contiguous U.S., as well as a 50-night trial with full refunds and free shipping on all returns.

Best OrganicPlushBeds Organic Cotton Mattress Protector

Best Organic – PlushBeds Organic Cotton Mattress Protector

Highlights

  • GOTS-certified organic cotton with waterproof backing
  • 8 sizing options
  • Machine washable
  • Breathable material sleeps cool for most
  • 5-year warranty
Get a PlushBeds Organic Cotton Mattress Protector at the lowest available price.
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Best OrganicPlushBeds Organic Cotton Mattress Protector

plushbeds.com

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Organic mattress protectors are a great option for eco-conscious shoppers. Due to their natural breathability, these protectors may also be suitable for hot sleepers. The PlushBeds Organic Cotton Mattress Protector is constructed with a surface made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and a non-toxic polyurethane backing for superior fluid protection. Additionally, the protector comes in biodegradable packaging made from hemp and corn film. No dyes, harsh chemicals, or toxins are used in the manufacturing process.

With a pocket depth of 14 inches, the protector should fit most mattresses sold today, though it may not be deep enough for some high-profile models. PlushBeds offers six standard mattress sizes, as well as split king and split California king. Comparatively, most protector manufacturers do not provide options for split mattresses. The protector can be washed and dried in conventional machines, as well.

Although the price-point is fairly high for the PlushBeds Organic Cotton Mattress Protector, PlushBeds backs it with a non-prorated five-year warranty. Unused protectors can also be returned at any time for a full refund.

Buying Guide – How to Choose a Mattress Protector for Bedwetting

Bedwetting affects children and adults alike. Although there is no known cure for bedwetting, sleepers prone to wetting the bed can take precautions to safeguard their mattress against permanent stains and fluid damage. For many, the most effective course of action is to use a waterproof mattress protector, a thin, machine-washable layer that prevents liquids from seeping onto the bed.

This guide looks at the primary reasons why children and adults wet the bed. We’ll also cover how mattress protectors are made, some pros and cons of using, how to care for these products, and some additional tips for protecting beds against fluid damage.

Please note: Tuck.com is not a medical website, and our product recommendations should never substitute advice from a licensed physician or medical professional. If you or a loved one are experiencing bedwetting and would like to learn more about symptoms, causes, and treatment options, please consult your doctor for more information.

Why Do Sleepers Wet the Bed?

According to the Mayo Clinic, bedwetting – also known as nocturnal enuresis – mostly affects children under the age of five. By the time they reach five years, most children are fully toilet-trained. However, bedwetting often persists through age seven. Although there is no known cause or cure for juvenile bedwetting, medical experts have pinpointed the following common factors for children:

  • An exceptionally small bladder that cannot hold larger quantities of urine during the night.
  • The body’s inability to recognize the bladder is full, often due to issues with the child’s nervous system.
  • A hormonal imbalance that reduces production of the anti-diuretic hormone that suppresses the need to urinate while asleep.
  • A urinary tract infection. In addition to bedwetting, symptoms of this include daytime loss of bladder control, frequent and/or painful urination, and red/pink urine.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea. In children, OSA typically occurs due to excessively large tonsils or adenoids.
  • Juvenile diabetes. For some children, bedwetting is the first indication to doctors they are diabetic.

Additionally, there are known risk factors for childhood bedwetting. These include a family history of bedwetting, stress or anxiety disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

For adults who wet the bed, the condition known as urinary incontinence is most often to blame. There are several types of incontinence, all of which lead to loss of bladder control and involuntary urination. Stress incontinence is triggered by sudden bodily movements, such as coughing and sneezing. Overflow incontinence is characterized by continuous dribbling, even after urination. Those with urge incontinence frequently have sudden needs to urinate, especially through the night, and cannot reach their bathroom before their bladder releases.

Many conditions and factors can lead to urinary incontinence. These include:

  • The consumption of foods and drinks that are considered diuretics, especially before bed. These include alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, chocolate, and spicy, sugary, or acidic foods. Certain heart and blood pressure medications, as well as vitamin C, are considered diuretics.
  • A treatable medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection or chronic constipation.
  • Pregnancy and childbirth, as well as complications from menopause or a hysterectomy procedure. Women are more likely to experience urinary incontinence than men.
  • Prostate cancer, or an enlarged prostate.
  • Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or a stroke.

For adults, the primary risk factor for urinary incontinence is age. Many older people have less strength in their urethra and bladder muscles, which can make holding urine difficult. Other factors include smoking and obesity.

Bedwetting can cause physical complications, namely painful infections, rashes, and sores where the skin is exposed to urine. Incontinence can also make adults more vulnerable to urinary tract infections. Additionally, bedwetting can have serious psychological implications for children and adults. Episodes can lead to embarrassment and anxiety, which in turn affects socialization and personal relationships.

Although there is no cure for bedwetting, sleepers can prevent permanent damage to their bed by using a mattress protector. In the next section, we’ll look at how these products are made and intended to function.

Bedwetting Mattress Protectors: Common Materials and Designs

Most mattress protectors resemble fitted sheets. They have four elasticated corners that hook over the mattress, allowing the layer to remain in place throughout the night. These protectors typically have a pocket depth of at least 14 inches, allowing them to be used on most mattresses sold today, and many have loops for added stability.

Alternatively, mattress encasements have a zippered opening that allows them to fit around the entire mattress.
Looking at material construction, mattress protectors usually have two key components:

  • Surface: The surface of a mattress protector can be made of any fabric. Manufacturers often use softer, more comfortable materials such as cotton, down, or polyester. Many also have spandex or elastane to give the material some extra stretch.
  • Backing: The backing is the protector’s waterproof component. It prevents liquid from seeping through the layer and damaging the mattress. Common materials for the backing include vinyl-free polyurethane and polyethylene.

A properly constructed mattress protector stops urine from reaching the bed’s surface, and many control odor to some degree. They also safeguard the mattress from other types of stains, including sweat and food spills. And because most protectors are hypoallergenic, they can prevent the spread of bed bugs and dust mites.

As effective as mattress protectors are, there are some downsides associated with them. Next we’ll look at some of their most notable pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of Using a Mattress Protector

  • They provide effective protection against all fluids and liquids
  • Durable materials help the protector withstand wear and tear
  • Most models are machine washable
  • Protectors are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of a new mattress

Cons

  • Most mattress protectors sleep cool – excessively cool for some
  • Protectors can cause clumping beneath the topsheet, leading to an uneven and uncomfortable sleep surface
  • Depending on the material, some protectors may produce noticeable rustling or squeaking sounds during the night

Mattress Protector Care and Maintenance

For added convenience, most mattress protectors sold today can be washed and dried in a machine. Owners should always defer to the care instructions for their protector. However, most can be machine-washed in cold or warm water using non-bleach detergent, then tumble-dried on a low setting.

Owners should ensure the protector is completely dry before reapplying it to the mattress in order to prevent water damage on the bed. Additionally, some protectors may shrink over time. This can affect the fit, and may lead to lumpiness if excessive shrinkage occurs. When not in use, mattress protectors should be stored in a dry space where they won’t be exposed to excess moisture or humidity.

The expected lifespan of a mattress protector varies by brand or model, but most perform for at least three to five years before they need to be replaced. Surface materials like cotton and down tend to deteriorate faster than polyester and other synthetics. The backing material can also break down, causing liquids to seep through the protector more easily.

Additionally, washing and drying protectors can cause wear and tear. For this reason, a bedwetter who experiences weekly or nightly episodes – and must wash their protector more frequently – may not enjoy the same lifespan as someone with more sporadic episodes.

Important Considerations for Mattress Protector Shoppers

When shopping for a new mattress protector and comparing different brands and models, here are a few important factors to take into account:

  • Price: The average mattress protector costs between $50 and $70 in a queen-size. Low-end models may cost as little as $30 to $35, while more expensive protectors – including organic options – can cost up to $200 in the same size.
  • Protector or encasement?: Protectors provide good overall coverage for the mattress surface. However, those seeking full protection may want to opt for an encasement that zips around the entire bed.
  • Surface material: The protector’s surface material is often tied to price-point. Premium fabrics like certified organic cotton and down may drive up the cost, but these materials also offer unmatched softness and breathability. On the other hand, cheaper fabrics like polyester-spandex brands often translate to lower costs.
  • Backing material: Most protectors have waterproof backing made of polyurethane or polyethylene. The key consideration here is whether or not the membrane has vinyl, which has been linked to certain health risks. Many protector manufacturers do not use vinyl in their backing for this reason, but customers should always check if this is a primary concern.
  • Pocket depth: Pocket depth refers to how far the elasticated corners will reach, and is used to determine if a protector will fit over a mattress based on its thickness profile. Most protectors offer a pocket depth of at least 14 inches, which is suitable for the majority of mattresses sold today. There are also deeper options for those with exceptionally thick beds – up to 22 inches, in some cases.
  • Cleaning and care: Most protectors can be washed and dried in machines, though some recommend dry cleaning instead. The latter can lead to significant costs for owners, especially if their bedwetter has frequent episodes.
  • Sleep trial: Sleep trials are commonly available for mattress protectors. These trial periods typically span up to 90 nights. However, customers should be sure to read the fine print, as some brands only offer returns on unused protectors.
  • Warranty: Warranty options vary significantly for mattress protectors. Some do not come with a warranty, while others are backed by warranties spanning 10 years or longer. Buying a protector with a strong warranty can help ensure a longer lifespan for the product.

Additional Resources

For more information about mattress protectors and bedwetting, please check out the following guides on Tuck.com:

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