The Best Mattress Encasem*nts of 2023 – Expert Tested & Reviewed (2024)

A new mattress is an investment and an essential part of your everyday life. A mattress encasem*nt can help you get the most out of your mattress by preventing the buildup of dust mites, allergens, and other irritants.

When it comes to mattress encasem*nts and protectors, there is a sizable selection on the market, and choosing the best one for you may seem overwhelming. Some are designed specifically to reduce your exposure to allergens or resist bed bugs, while others feature waterproof elements to prevent spills from seeping into your mattress.

We’ll highlight some of the best mattress encasem*nts, based on extensive product research, testing, and verified customer feedback. We’ll also explain what to look for when shopping for a mattress encasem*nt, and how to select one that suits your individual needs.

Our Recommendations

The Bear Encasem*nt is affordable, durable, and effective at safeguarding your mattress from different types of damage. Six-sided coverage with a wraparound zipper ensures minimal entry points for bed bugs, dust mites, and other contaminants. The encasem*nt is also equipped with a waterproof barrier to protect against water, urine, and other liquids that can permanently damage your mattress.

Jersey-knit fabric gives the encasem*nt a soft hand-feel and also makes it fairly breathable, making it a good choice for those who tend to feel overly hot with waterproof protectors. The fabric also has a fair amount of stretch to keep the material smooth and taut, which prevents wrinkles from producing wrinkles that make your sleep surface feel uneven. This elasticity also allows you to use the encasem*nt on mattresses with profiles between 10 and 15 inches, a range that encompasses most models sold today. You can wash and dry the encasem*nt in any household machine.

The Bear Encasem*nt is reasonably priced and shipping is free of charge for all orders in the contiguous U.S. You can return the encasem*nt within 30 days of the delivery date. If you decide to keep it, Bear backs your purchase with a manufacturer’s warranty covering material defects for up to 10 years.

A common complaint about mattress encasem*nts is that they absorb and trap heat, warming the sleep surface to an uncomfortable degree. This is usually attributed to the polyurethane membranes used for waterproofing. The Layla Full Encasem*nt Mattress Protector combats heat retention with a 140 GSM polyester composition that makes it more breathable than many competing protectors. The encasem*nt still repels liquid effectively, and can also be used to keep bed bugs out of your sleep area.

A pocket depth of 14 inches allows you to use the encasem*nt with a wide range of mattresses, including many high-profile models that are not compatible with standard protectors. Overlocking corners help secure the elastic band and prevent bunching during the night. You may wash and dry the encasem*nt in any household machine.

The Full Encasem*nt Mattress Protector is competitively priced and shipping is free for all orders within the contiguous U.S. Layla backs each purchase with a 30-night trial and a 1-year warranty against structural defects.

Waterproof mattress encasem*nts tend to sleep hot, as the membrane material used to repel liquid can absorb and trap heat during the night. The Brooklyn Bedding Mattress Encasem*nt mitigates this issue thanks to its fabrication. A knit polyester shell promotes airflow to help you stay cool and comfortable while you sleep, but the encasem*nt’s waterproof membrane still protects your mattress from spills, stains, and liquid damage. The protector is particularly well suited to children who frequently wet the bed and adults with incontinence.

The encasem*nt has elasticated edges designed to fit snugly over the corner of your mattress. A pocket depth of 13 inches makes the protector compatible with most mattresses sold today, but we recommend measuring your bed just in case. You can wash and dry the encasem*nt in any household machine. Simply wash in cold water, then tumble dry on low heat. The fabric is designed to resist shrinkage. You can choose from six sizes, all of which correspond to standard mattress dimensions.

The Mattress Encasem*nt carries an approachable price-point and Brooklyn Bedding offers free standard shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a sleep trial spanning 30 nights in length. Should you decide to keep the encasem*nt after the trial period ends, you’ll also receive a 3-year warranty against material defects.

Effective mattress encasem*nts can be somewhat coarse, especially if they include waterproofing materials. The Company Store’s Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector is an exception to this rule. The shell is made of pure cotton in a percale weave, an initially crisp fabric that gradually softens over time as the fibers relax. This weave also promotes air circulation, so the encasem*nt shouldn’t trap excessive amounts of body heat.

The Company Store offers the protector in pocket depths of 9, 12, and 16 inches. This range covers the vast majority of mattresses sold today, ensuring a proper fit no matter how thick your current bed is. You can wash and dry the protector in any household appliance whenever a cleaning is needed. Simply wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low heat. Six sizes are available.

The Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector is reasonably priced and ground delivery is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Your purchase also includes a sleep trial that runs for 90 nights. If you aren’t satisfied with the protector, The Company Store issues a full refund and covers the cost of return shipping.

Made from high-quality polyester, the SpineAlign Mattress Encasem*nt has a soft, thin profile that lays flat on the mattress with minimal to no noise. It’s free from vinyl, phthalates, PVC, fire retardants, and other potentially harmful chemicals.

The SpineAlign comes in standard mattress sizes, twin to California king, and it accommodates adjustable beds. An edge zipper seals the encasem*nt around the mattress for a secure fit. This will help protect your mattress from dust mites, bacteria, bed bugs, allergens, and other contaminants.

To help prevent stains, mildew, and mold, the SpineAlign Mattress Encasem*nt wicks away moisture. Since the encasem*nt has a thin profile and breathable construction, it helps promote airflow and prevents heat buildup.

The SpineAlign encasem*nt can be machine washed in cold or warm water, and tumble dried on low or no heat with other bed linens. The SpineAlign encasem*nt is designed to resist shrinking with proper care.

Many encasem*nts sold today offer limited depth, meaning they are only compatible with low- or medium-profile mattresses. The 6-Sided Mattress Encasem*nt from Linens & Hutch is a notable exception. With a depth of 18 inches, the encasem*nt will fit the vast majority of mattresses sold today, including luxury pillow-tops and other exceptionally tall models. The microfiber fabric is stretchy enough to accommodate mattresses with lower profiles, as well.

The microfiber fabric won’t squeak or crinkle when you move on the mattress, making the encasem*nt quieter and less disruptive to sleep than most protectors made of plastic. This material also has a smooth feel and doesn’t significantly change how your sleep surface feels. A waterproof membrane provides full protection against liquid damage from spills and bedwetting episodes.

The encasem*nt is available in six sizes that correspond with standard mattress dimensions. A micro-zipper closure allows you to apply and remove the encasem*nt with relative ease, and also forms a tight seal to stave off bacteria, bed bugs, dust mites, and other contaminants. You can launder the encasem*nt in any household machine. Machine wash in cold water, then tumble dry on low heat. The microfiber is wrinkle-resistant, so you should never need to iron the encasem*nt.

The 6-Sided Mattress Encasem*nt is reasonably priced compared to other waterproof encasem*nts. Linens & Hutch permits returns for any reason within 101 nights of the purchase date.

What is a Mattress Encasem*nt?

A mattress encasem*nt is a six-sided barrier that completely covers every part of your mattress. The purpose of a mattress encasem*nt is to protect your mattress from contaminants, including moisture, mildew, mold, pet dander, and dust mites.

The difference between a mattress encasem*nt and a mattress protector, which performs a similar function, is that a mattress encasem*nt covers the entire mattress, including the underside. This provides full coverage against contaminants. A mattress protector, which may also be called a mattress cover, is usually five-sided and is applied to the bed like a fitted sheet. Its main purpose is to protect the mattress surface from spills or stains.

It is important to note that mattress protectors and mattress encasem*nts differ from mattress pads and mattress toppers. Mattress pads and mattress toppers are primarily added to adjust the comfort or firmness of the mattress, rather than to protect against contaminants.

How to Choose a Mattress Encasem*nt

Once you have decided that a mattress encasem*nt is right for you, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. Though mattress encasem*nts serve the same primary purpose, they differ when it comes to fit, price, waterproofing, and other characteristics. We’ll highlight these differences to help you choose a mattress encasem*nt that suits your needs.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Mattress Encasem*nt

Focusing on the following factors when shopping for a mattress encasem*nt will help you narrow down your search. Mattress companies have a tendency to use buzzwords to market their products, which may not tell you what you need to know before making a purchase. Knowing what to look for will help ensure that the product you’re considering matches your individual needs, as different encasem*nts may be better for certain mattresses and situations.

Whether you are shopping online or at a brick-and-mortar location, product information should be readily available. There are several essential qualities to consider, including the fit, waterproofing, noise potential, and quality of materials. We’ll break down these and other important elements to keep in mind when shopping.

Waterproofing

One of the main purposes of a mattress encasem*nt is to keep moisture, including spills, sweat, and other liquids, off of the mattress. This can help prevent stains, mold, and mildew.

Many mattress encasem*nts are waterproof or water-resistant. These types of encasem*nts may appeal to shoppers who want to protect their mattresses from sweat, urine, or humidity. Some encasem*nts are designed to wick away moisture or repel water without being fully waterproof.

The type of waterproofing used will determine how effective the encasem*nt is at preventing water damage to the mattress. Waterproof encasem*nts may include polyurethane membranes or liners for more complete protection.

Price

Like all products, mattress encasem*nts come in a range of prices, depending on factors like size and type of material. Encasem*nts with waterproofing or other features may be more expensive than models with simple fabrications.

Noise

Most mattress encasem*nts are made with polyester or cotton, which are typically silent. Some waterproofing materials can cause a rustling or crinkling noise, which may be bothersome to sleepers.

When shopping for a mattress encasem*nt in-store, you may be able to feel the fabric prior to purchasing to see if it makes a rustling noise. If you are shopping online, customer reviews often provide insight into any noise the encasem*nt makes when the user is moving around on it.

Quality Materials

The materials used to make a mattress encasem*nt affect its performance and durability. Mattress encasem*nts can be made out of a wide variety of materials. The most popular ones include:

• Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber that is soft, breathable, and absorbent. Tighter weave patterns, such as percale, may be more suitable for acting as a barrier to allergens and other contaminants.
• Polyester: This common synthetic fabric is easy to clean, which helps prevent the buildup of allergens. It is also moisture-wicking and durable. Though it may not be as breathable as cotton, it is less permeable, which can make it more effective as a barrier.
• Lyocell: Lyocell is a specific type of rayon derived from wood pulp, which is then further treated. It is soft to the touch, moisture-wicking, and sleeps cool, but it may be more expensive than cotton or polyester options.

Ease of Care

To prevent stains or the buildup of allergens, mattress encasem*nts will likely need to be cleaned regularly. A couple of factors will indicate how easy it is to care for a particular mattress encasem*nt, including how easy it is to remove and how easy it is to clean.

Almost all encasem*nts include a zipper closure to make removal and application easier. Some mattresses are quite heavy, which could potentially make an encasem*nt harder to remove. Depending on the encasem*nt and the size of your mattress, it may take two people to remove the encasem*nt for cleaning.

Most washable encasem*nts have relatively simple cleaning instructions. Many of them are machine-washable, and can be tumble dried with low or no heat.

That said, some encasem*nts have specific care requirements to protect the fabric or waterproofing elements. These may include specific temperatures or settings when using the washing machine or dryer. Following the care instructions from the manufacturer will help keep the encasem*nt from losing effectiveness.

Before purchasing an encasem*nt, look into the specific cleaning instructions and make sure the required care regimen suits your needs.

Fit

Most mattress encasem*nts are produced in standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king. Most will also accommodate mattresses with standard profiles, up to 12 inches thick. Shoppers with low- or high-profile mattresses will want to confirm that the pocket depth of the encasem*nt will fit the mattress comfortably.

If you have an adjustable bed, you may also want to consider whether or not the encasem*nt is flexible enough to move along with it. Some encasem*nts are designed with additional stretch to accommodate the different positions of an adjustable bed.

What Are the Benefits of a Mattress Encasem*nt?

There are several benefits of a mattress encasem*nt, as it can be used to protect your mattress from damage and help prevent wear and tear. We’ll highlight the main benefits of this type of bedding to help you decide if a mattress encasem*nt is right for you.

Prevents Damage to the Mattress: One of the main purposes of a mattress encasem*nt is to protect the mattress from things that might damage it, such as moisture, liquids, and dust mites. This helps your mattress maintain its structural integrity, and reduces your exposure to contaminants.

Increases the Lifespan of the Mattress: By preventing damage, an encasem*nt may increase the lifespan of the mattress. A new mattress is often a large investment, and protecting it from wear and tear can prevent needing to replace it prematurely.

Prevents the Buildup of Allergens: Those who suffer from allergies, chemical sensitivities, or mold sensitivities know how essential it is to keep the sleeping area free of irritants and allergens. Exposure to elements that trigger allergies and/or sensitivities can negatively impact sleep quality. Mattress encasem*nts are one of the best lines of defense against allergen and irritant buildup, especially when cleaned and maintained as recommended.

Helps Protect Against Bed Bugs: Mattress encasem*nts are one of the best preventative measures you can take against a bed bug infestation. It makes the mattress less hospitable to bed bugs, making an infestation less likely.