Do you need a mattress protector?
Hi, we’re John and Mimi. “Do I really need a protector?” is one of the questions we get most, usually right after someone picks out a new mattress. Our honest answer is yes for almost everyone, and the reason is written right on the mattress listings: liquid damage isn’t covered by the warranty. This page explains what a protector does and doesn’t do, compares the three mattress protectors we carry, and shows which one fits your mattress’s thickness, with today’s prices.
The short answer
- Yes, get one, and put it on the day the mattress arrives. Our mattress listings say a protector is “recommended, but not required,” and they also say “liquid damage of any kind does not qualify for a warranty replacement.” A protector is the inexpensive way to keep one spilled glass of water from costing you a mattress.
- Match it to your mattress’s thickness. Our Terry Cloth and Quilted Cotton protectors list a fit up to 11", so they’re made for 6" to 10" mattresses. For a 12" or 14" mattress, the Premium Bamboo protector is the one listed to fit, up to 16".
- Pick the feel you like. Terry Cloth is the simple value pick, Quilted Cotton adds a plush quilted top, and Bamboo is the soft, stretchy one with 5-sided spill protection.
- Buy the same size as your mattress, or a split set if you sleep on a split king.
What a mattress protector does (and doesn’t do)
A mattress protector is a thin, fitted layer that goes on the mattress like a fitted sheet, under your regular sheets. It isn’t meant to change how the bed feels. Each of our protectors is described as “maintaining the feel of your mattress” and as not crinkling or making noise while you sleep.
Here’s what our protectors are listed as helping with:
- Liquid spills. Coffee, juice, a pet accident or a kid’s bad night. This is the big one, because of the warranty.
- Sweat and everyday wear. They’re described as made with a strong elastic fabric that resists perspiration and keeps the mattress clean from normal wear and tear.
- Dust mites, allergens and pet dander. All three list protection against these, which is a nice extra if anyone in the house has allergies or the dog sleeps on the bed.
- Bed bugs. They’re listed as helping guard against bed bugs. To be clear, a protector isn’t a treatment: if you already have bed bugs, call a pest professional first.
What a protector isn’t:
- It isn’t a topper. A topper is a thick layer that makes a bed softer or firmer. A protector is thin and just protects. We don’t sell toppers. If your bed feels wrong, our mattress firmness guide can help you find the right feel instead.
- It isn’t the mattress’s own cover. Many of our mattresses have a zip-off, machine-washable cover. That cover is part of the mattress, and the care instructions still say liquid damage isn’t covered, so the protector goes on top of it.
- It isn’t a fix for an old, sagging bed. If your mattress already dips or you wake up stiff, see how long a mattress lasts and signs it’s time to replace it.
Why it matters for your warranty
Every mattress we sell comes with the manufacturer’s 10-year limited warranty for defects. The mattress listings spell out the catch: “Liquid spills do not qualify for warranty claims,” and they recommend “a waterproof mattress protector … to prevent liquid spills from penetrating the mattress.” The care instructions also say not to let moisture saturate the mattress. So a protector does two jobs: it keeps the foam clean and dry, and it keeps your warranty useful if you ever need it for a real defect.
If a spill happens anyway, the care instructions say to remove the cover right away and let the area dry before putting the cover back on. Warranty details are on our Purchase Policy & Warranty page.
Our three mattress protectors compared
| Protector | Fits mattresses up to | Material | Spill protection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terry Cloth (MATPROC1) | 11" | 80% cotton, 20% polyester | Protects the sleep surface | The simple value pick for 6" to 10" mattresses |
| Quilted Cotton (MATPROC2) | 11" | 100% cotton top, 100% polyester sides | Protects the sleep surface | A plush quilted feel on a 6" to 10" mattress |
| Premium Bamboo (MATPROB1) | 16" | 85% viscose from bamboo, 15% spandex | 5-sided protection | 12" and 14" mattresses, and anyone who wants the softest, stretchiest fit |
All three list protection against dust mites, allergens and pet dander, a no-crinkle fabric, and the manufacturer’s 5-year limited warranty. That protector warranty doesn’t cover fading, ripping, pilling or shrinkage, so follow the care label on the protector when you wash it.
Which protector fits your mattress?
The “fits up to” number is the most important spec, because a protector that’s too shallow pops off the corners. Here’s how it lines up with the mattresses we sell:
| Your mattress | Terry Cloth (up to 11") | Quilted Cotton (up to 11") | Premium Bamboo (up to 16") |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6" (Essentials Firm) | Fits | Fits | Fits |
| 8" (Daisy, Essentials, Gel Comfort Reactive) | Fits | Fits | Fits |
| 10" (Rose, EcoCore, ActiveAlign Copper, Gel Comfort Reactive, Essentials) | Fits | Fits | Fits |
| 12" (Copper, ActiveAlign Zoned, Ananda, Lavender Firm, iSwitch, Gel Plush, EcoCore Hybrid Deluxe, Essentials Plush) | Too deep | Too deep | Fits |
| 14" (ActiveAlign Zoned Hybrid, Hybrid Copper-Gel) | Too deep | Too deep | Fits |
Not sure how thick your mattress is? Measure the height of the mattress at its edge, from the bottom to the top, not in the middle. Our mattress thickness guide explains what each thickness is good for.
Sizes, split kings and adjustable beds
- Buy the same size as the mattress. All three come in twin, Twin XL, full, queen, king and California king. If you’re unsure which size you have, our mattress size chart has every measurement.
- Split king beds. A split king is two Twin XL mattresses side by side, so each side needs its own fit. Terry Cloth and Bamboo come as King Split and Cal King Split sets. Quilted Cotton comes as a Cal King Split set. Bamboo also has King Split Head and Cal King Split Head versions. If you’re not sure which split you have, text John a photo of the bed. More on split beds in our split king guide.
- On an adjustable base, a fitted protector simply moves with the mattress. Matching the depth matters even more here, so the corners stay put when the head goes up.
Who needs one most
- Families with kids. Juice, bedtime accidents and sick nights. See our best mattress for kids guide.
- Pet owners. Dander, muddy paws and the occasional accident.
- Coffee-in-bed and breakfast-in-bed people, especially on an adjustable base where you sit up to eat, read or watch TV.
- Guest rooms. A protector keeps dust off between visits. See our guest room mattress guide.
- Anyone with allergies, since all three list protection against dust mites and allergens.
- Anyone who sleeps warm and sweats at night. The fabrics are described as resisting perspiration. For cooler sleep overall, see our hot sleepers guide.
Don’t forget the pillows
Pillows soak up sweat and skin oils every night, so they’re worth protecting too. We carry a Bamboo Viscose Pillow Protector (zippered, queen or king, listed with liquid spill protection) and a Terry Cloth Pillow Protector.
Mattress protector prices today
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Twin XL | Queen | King | Split king |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terry Cloth (fits up to 11") | Value pick for 6"–10" mattresses | MATPROC1-TL |
$31 | $34 | $36 | $52 |
| Quilted Cotton (fits up to 11") | Plush quilted top for 6"–10" mattresses | MATPROC2-TXL |
$32.99 | $41.99 | $46.99 | — |
| Premium Bamboo (fits up to 16") | 12" and 14" mattresses; 5-sided spill protection | MATPROB1-TXL |
$61 | $69 | $76 | $102 |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included.
Terry Cloth Mattress Protector - MATPROC1
The simple, low-cost way to protect a 6" to 10" mattress from spills, sweat and everyday wear.
- Fits mattresses up to 11" thick
- Protects the sleep surface against liquid spills
- Guards against dust mites, allergens and pet dander
- 80% cotton, 20% polyester; no crinkling sound
- Split king and split cal king sets available
From $31 (Twin) · Queen $34 · See sizes & details
Premium Bamboo Viscose Mattress Protector - Waterproof & Hypoallergenic
The one to get for a 12" or 14" mattress, with the softest, stretchiest fabric we carry.
- Fits mattresses up to 16" thick
- 5-sided protection against liquid spills
- 85% viscose from bamboo, 15% spandex
- Guards against dust mites, allergens and pet dander
- Split king, split cal king and split head versions
From $60 (Twin) · Queen $69 · See sizes & details
Shop this guide
For a 6" to 10" mattress, start with Terry Cloth, or Quilted Cotton if you want a plusher top. For a 12" or 14" mattress, go with Bamboo.
- Terry Cloth Mattress Protector - MATPROC1, from $31. Value pick; fits mattresses up to 11".
- Fitted Quilted 100% Cotton Mattress Protector - Waterproof & Hypoallergenic, from $32.99. Quilted plush cotton top; fits up to 11".
- Premium Bamboo Viscose Mattress Protector - Waterproof & Hypoallergenic, from $60. Fits up to 16" with 5-sided spill protection.
Questions we hear a lot
Do I really need a mattress protector?
For almost everyone, yes. Our mattress listings say a protector is recommended but not required, and they also say liquid damage of any kind does not qualify for a warranty replacement. A protector is the inexpensive way to keep a spill, a pet accident or a kid’s bad night from ruining a new mattress.
Does a mattress protector void or affect the warranty?
No. The mattress listings actually recommend a waterproof mattress protector to keep liquid spills from penetrating the mattress, because liquid spills do not qualify for warranty claims. Using one helps keep the warranty useful if you ever need it for a real defect.
Which mattress protector fits a 12 or 14 inch mattress?
Our Premium Bamboo protector, which is listed to fit mattresses up to 16 inches thick. The Terry Cloth and Quilted Cotton protectors list a fit up to 11 inches, so they are made for 6 to 10 inch mattresses.
Will a mattress protector change how my bed feels?
It shouldn’t. Our protectors are described as maintaining the feel of your mattress and as not crinkling or making noise while you sleep. The Quilted Cotton one adds a light quilted plush top. A protector is not a topper, so it will not make a bed noticeably softer or firmer.
What protector do I need for a split king?
A split king is two Twin XL mattresses, so get a split set. Terry Cloth and Bamboo come as King Split and Cal King Split sets, Quilted Cotton comes as a Cal King Split set, and Bamboo also has split head versions. Text John a photo of the bed at 805-617-6878 if you are not sure which one you need.
Not sure which one?
Text John your mattress model or a photo of the label, and he’ll tell you which protector and size fits. Text or call 805-617-6878, 6 AM to 9 PM Pacific, or try the 60-second mattress quiz if you’re still choosing the mattress itself.
Written by John & Mimi Venti, MimiJohn. Specs and warranty wording from the manufacturer’s product listings; prices update automatically.