How to Choose a Mattress Protector in the UK

How to Choose a Mattress Protector in the UK
Lisa Norberg
7 October, 2026

How to choose a mattress protector

The best mattress protector matches the main risk, fits securely and can be washed as needed. Choose a waterproof model for spills and accidents, a quilted or breathable protector for everyday use, and a complete zipped encasement when the priority is enclosing the whole mattress.

A mattress protector sits beneath the sheet. It helps shield the mattress from spills, sweat, stains, dirt and everyday wear, while being easier to remove and clean than the mattress itself. Eve describes a protector as optional, but recommends one for protection against spills, stains, dirt and moisture. You can compare the basic role of different types in IKEA’s mattress protector guide.

Start by identifying the main problem: moisture, heat, allergens, wear or bed bugs. Then choose the construction, check the mattress size and depth, and confirm the washing instructions.

Mattress protector types: which one suits your needs?

Choose a quilted protector for general protection and a softer, more breathable feel; choose waterproofing when liquid is the main concern. A full zippered encasement is a separate category because it surrounds the mattress rather than simply covering its sleeping surface.

Type Best for What to check
Quilted cotton or wool Everyday use and people who sleep warm Breathability, surface feel and a secure fitted edge
Waterproof mattress protector Spills, children, incontinence and moisture Waterproof layer, surface, washable construction and depth
Breathable protector Reducing heat and preserving a lighter bed feel Material, quilting and whether it includes waterproofing
Cooling protector People who become hot during the night Cooling material, depth and care requirements
Anti-allergy protector Reducing exposure to allergens and dust mites Whether it is a fitted cover or a complete encasement
Zipped mattress encasement Covering the entire mattress, including its sides A functioning zip and closure around the whole mattress

Ideal Home identifies quilted cotton or wool as the most breathable choice for people who become hot, while recommending waterproof protection for spills and accidents. It also distinguishes a zipped mattress encasement from an ordinary fitted protector: the encasement covers the whole mattress and is more relevant when allergens, dust mites or bed bugs are the concern.

Waterproof mattress protector: when is it worth buying?

A waterproof mattress protector is worth choosing whenever liquid could reach the mattress. It normally uses a waterproof layer to stop liquid passing into the filling. That makes it useful for young children, illness, incontinence, drinks in the bedroom and any bed where preventing stains matters more than having the lightest possible cover.

Waterproofing does not tell you everything about comfort. Look for a soft or cotton sleeping surface, a fitted edge that stays in place and a depth suitable for your mattress. IKEA groups its protectors into waterproof, breathable and quilted designs, which is a useful starting point when deciding whether you need liquid protection or everyday comfort.

A thin waterproof barrier may feel different from a quilted cotton protector. If heat is the main issue and spills are unlikely, a quilted cotton or wool option may be more suitable. If you need both moisture protection and a softer surface, look for a waterproof model with cotton or towelling on top.

The Eve Ultimate Mattress Protector combines a cotton surface, anti-allergy filling, waterproof protection, a 34 cm deep elasticated edge and machine washing. It is available in Single, Small Double, Double, King and Super King. It cost £30 on offer, with a stated previous price of £59, when checked on 8 September 2026.

Mattress protector sizes: Single, Double, King and Super King

Buy the protector for the mattress size, then check its pocket depth. The standard UK dimensions listed by Eve are Single 90 × 190 cm, Double 135 × 190 cm, King Size 150 × 200 cm and Super King 180 × 200 cm. A protector that matches the width and length can still fit badly if its depth is too shallow.

UK size Listed mattress dimensions Buying point
Single 90 × 190 cm Check that the protector is designed for a Single mattress.
Double 135 × 190 cm Measure the mattress depth, especially if a topper is fitted.
King Size 150 × 200 cm Do not substitute a Double; both width and length differ.
Super King 180 × 200 cm Measure the depth before buying; extra-deep options are available.

Measure the mattress width, length and depth, including any topper that will remain underneath the protector. Measure depth from the mattress base to the highest sleeping surface. An extra-deep protector is useful when the mattress and topper together are taller than a standard fitted edge can accommodate: Eve’s model has a 34 cm elasticated edge, while M&S lists one Body Temperature Control Extra Deep protector for mattresses up to 38 cm deep. Soak & Sleep gives 180 × 200 cm as the usual UK Super King size and recommends measuring depth before purchase.

Top seven mattress protector options in the UK

The table brings together options with different constructions, sizes and price points.

Option Best suited to Verified price or feature
Eve Ultimate Mattress Protector Waterproof protection with a deeper fitted edge £30 on offer; 34 cm edge; machine washable
IKEA LUDDROS Low-cost everyday protection in Double £10 in Double
IKEA GRUSNARV Low-cost waterproof protection in Single £13 in Single
IKEA SOTNÄTFJÄRIL Waterproof protection in larger sizes £15 in Double; £20 in Super King
Tesco Waterproof Towelling Protector Waterproofing with a towelling surface £11 Single, £13 Double, £15 King
M&S Quilted Waterproof Extra Deep Waterproofing for deeper mattresses £18–£34 by size; cotton top and polyester-based waterproof barrier
M&S Body Temperature Control Extra Deep Temperature-focused protection on a deep mattress £39.50–£59; fits mattresses up to 38 cm deep

The IKEA SOTNÄTFJÄRIL waterproof protector costs £15 in Double and £20 in Super King. IKEA also lists the LUDDROS at £10 in Double and the GRUSNARV waterproof protector at £13 in Single.

For a lower purchase price, the IKEA and Tesco options cover common sizes. The Tesco mattress protector range lists its Waterproof Towelling Protector at £11 in Single, £13 in Double and £15 in King. Tesco’s Soft Touch protector costs £7 in Single and £9 in King, with a Clubcard price of £5.25 for Single stated as valid until 14 September 2026.

For a deeper mattress, the M&S Quilted Waterproof Extra Deep Mattress Protector costs £18–£34 depending on size. It has a pure cotton top and a polyester-based waterproof barrier, and is available in Single, Double, King Size and Super King. M&S also lists a Body Temperature Control protector at £29.50–£49.50 and a Stay Cool Extra Deep protector at £40–£60, both in the main UK sizes.

Mattress protector prices by retailer and size

Prices range from basic protectors to waterproof, cooling and extra-deep models.

Product Size Price
IKEA LUDDROS Double £10
IKEA GRUSNARV waterproof Single £13
IKEA SOTNÄTFJÄRIL waterproof Double £15
IKEA SOTNÄTFJÄRIL waterproof Super King £20
Tesco Waterproof Towelling Single £11
Tesco Waterproof Towelling Double £13
Tesco Waterproof Towelling King £15
Tesco Soft Touch Single £7
Tesco Soft Touch King £9
Tesco Soft Touch Clubcard Single £5.25
M&S Simply Protect Single, Double, King Size and Super King £12–£25
M&S Quilted Waterproof Extra Deep Single, Double, King Size and Super King £18–£34
Eve Ultimate Single, Double, King and Super King £30 on offer

The prices above were stated on the retailer pages when checked on 8 September 2026, so check the product page before ordering.

Mattress cover with zip: when do you need an encasement?

Choose a mattress cover with a zip when you need the whole mattress enclosed. A normal fitted protector covers the top and usually uses elasticated sides; a zipped encasement surrounds the top, sides and base area with a closure around the mattress.

This distinction matters for allergens, dust mites and bed bugs. A full encasement is the relevant format when exposure around the sides of the mattress must also be addressed. For a waterproof mattress cover with a zip, the zip must close completely and the cover must be designed for the mattress depth. A zip alone does not prove that a product is a complete encasement.

How to buy the right mattress protector

Match the construction to the way the bed is used, then check the product’s care instructions and fastening.

  1. Choose the main protection. Select waterproof for liquid, quilted cotton or wool for breathability, cooling for heat, and a full encasement for whole-mattress coverage.
  2. Check the edge. Confirm the pocket depth or elasticated edge covers the mattress and any topper underneath it. Eve’s stated 34 cm edge and M&S’s 38 cm extra-deep limit show why this specification matters.
  3. Check the surface. Cotton or towelling can provide a softer contact layer; a waterproof protector needs a barrier beneath that surface.
  4. Check care instructions. A protector that can be machine washed is easier to maintain. Eve specifically states that its Ultimate model is machine washable.
  5. Choose an encasement for bed bugs. A standard waterproof protector is not the same as a complete zipped cover around the mattress.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a good idea to use a mattress protector?

Yes, for most beds it is a practical way to reduce the risk of spills, stains, sweat, dirt and everyday wear reaching the mattress. It is easier to remove and clean than the mattress itself. Eve calls a protector optional but recommends one for protection against moisture and everyday marks.

What type of mattress protector is best?

Choose waterproof protection for spills, children or incontinence; quilted cotton or wool for a more breathable everyday layer; cooling material if heat is the main concern; and a full zipped encasement for whole-mattress coverage linked to allergens, dust mites or bed bugs. Fit and depth are as important as the material.

Which are the best mattress protectors?

Eve Ultimate is a strong waterproof option when you need a 34 cm elasticated edge and machine washing. IKEA and Tesco provide lower-priced standard and waterproof choices. M&S offers extra-deep, cooling and allergy-focused alternatives, including a waterproof extra-deep model with a cotton top. Soak & Sleep also offers waterproof, cooling and anti-bed-bug encasement options in Super King.

Do mattress protectors work for bed bugs?

An ordinary mattress protector is not the relevant type for a bed-bug problem. Choose a complete zipped mattress encasement that covers the whole mattress and has a secure working closure; a standard waterproof protector does not provide the same full enclosure.

Relaterade artiklar

Best fixed rate isa for large deposits

Best fixed rate isa for large deposits

  • Nyheter
Explore the best fixed rate ISA UK for large deposits over £20,000 in 2025. Secure up to 4.27% AER tax-free with FSCS protection up to £85,000—ideal for high-balance savers.
Compare ISA rates: Best UK options

Compare ISA rates: Best UK options

  • Nyheter
Compare ISA rates in the UK to find the best cash, fixed, junior, and lifetime options up to 4.92% AER. Discover top providers like Nationwide and HSBC, tax-free savings tips,…
Copyright @ 2026