Quilted: Quilted mattress protectors are made with a layer of hollowfibre or cotton filling. The aim of this is to provide an extra (albeit thin) layer of protection. However, as we’ve said, if comfort is your priority then you might be better off looking for a mattress topper. Key features – Material: Tencel; Waterproof? Yes; Sizes available: Single – super king; Washing instructions: Machine washable at 90°C, do not tumble dry; Hypoallergenic? Not specified, but Tencel is naturally hypoallergenic; Warranty: 2 years Yes. A protector acts as a barrier between you and your mattress, so it makes sense to take good care of it. When it comes to the question of how often you should wash it, there’s no hard and fast rule. Some recommend washing your protector whenever you change your sheets, but doing so every week is probably excessive. Bed retailer Dreams recommends washing your mattress protector every two months (with exceptions in the case of spillages and if you allow pets onto the bed). Thankfully, the vast majority of mattress protectors are machine washable. How much should I spend on a mattress protector? If you’ve read our review, you’ll know that we’re big fans of the 365-night trial period Nectar offers on its mattress. Unfortunately, this trial isn’t extended to its bedding, but you do get a two-year warranty on the protector. The best mattress protectors you can buy in 2023 1. Nectar Mattress Protector: Best overall mattress protector

As the name suggests, a mattress protector is designed to protect your mattress from stains, damage and wear and tear. Aside from this, a mattress protector can also be: Panda’s mattress protector, being made from a blend of cotton and bamboo, is naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. And by developing its own non-toxic biodegradable material called “Nano TPU”, Panda has made its protector waterproof as well as lightweight and quiet when you move around on it. It has a deep skirt of 32cm so it will easily fit over your mattress, as well as a topper if you have one, and is available in a wide range of sizes (including cot and cot bed sizes). Hypoallergenic: This is another common feature of protectors and bedsheets alike. Hypoallergenic mattress protectors form a barrier against those pesky dust mites that can wreak havoc for those with allergies while also potentially causing breathing problems. It’s machine washable at up to 40°C, although this can result in shrinkage and the padding “bobbling” up, so we would recommend washing at the lowest temperature. That said, the topper is designed to be large enough to accommodate some shrinkage. Fit: Another thing to consider is how your new mattress protector will fit your mattress. Many will have an elasticated ‘skirt’ and fit the mattress like a fitted sheet, while some protectors are designed to completely encase it. Alternatively, some protectors will have corner straps to fasten around your mattress. Unless you’re opting for the latter, it’s important to take into account the depth of your mattress as well as the size. What features do I need to consider?Finding an “all natural” protector isn’t always an easy task, but this quilted protector from John Lewis is made from 100% cotton, including the skirt and the filling. This makes it more breathable than its synthetic counterparts, and ideal for people who get too hot in bed. Cotton is also naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic.

If you’re prone to snuffles and sneezes at night time, then it could be time to invest in anti-allergy bedding. Our anti-allergy mattresses and pillow protectors offer protection from dust mites and bacteria and are perfect for those who suffer from allergies. Available in single, double or king size, so great for children’s bedrooms too. Easy care toppers and protectors Made from 100% polyester, Silentnight’s anti-allergy fibres are approved by the British Allergy Foundation, and this protector comes with a two-year guarantee. It doesn’t fit with a skirt (as with the other protectors we’ve featured here), but instead has elasticated corner straps which keep it in place. Material: Just like bedding sheets, mattress protectors can come in a range of materials and fabrics. Synthetic materials such as polyester are a common and affordable option, but not the best as far as quality is concerned. Other materials include wool, cotton, Tencel and (in keeping with the latest green fashions) bamboo. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Key features – Material: Bamboo (70%), cotton (30%), polyester skirt; Waterproof? Yes; Sizes available: Cot – king; Washing instructions: Machine washable at up to 50°C, hang dry or tumble dry on cool setting; Hypoallergenic? Yes; Warranty: 2 years

The best mattress protectors for 2023 are:

Key features – Material: Cotton; Waterproof? No; Sizes available: Small single – super king; Washing instructions: Machine washable at up to 40°C, tumble dry on low heat; Hypoallergenic? Not specified, but cotton is naturally hypoallergenic; Warranty: 2 years Breathable: Depending on the materials used, some protectors will be more breathable than others. If you’re worried about getting hot in bed, there are plenty of mattress protectors available that are designed to keep you cool.