Best mattress protectors in New Zealand - summary
- It is important to select a mattress protector based on your specific protection needs, such as waterproof options for spill protection or non-waterproof for general wear and tear.
- Waterproof mattress protectors provide a robust barrier against spills and allergens, whereas water-resistant protectors offer lighter protection.
- TENCEL fabric offers softness and absorbency, making it a popular choice for many mattress protector brands.
- Sleepyhead's mattress protectors provide excellent mattress protectors with naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-balancing technology.
What does a mattress need protection from? What level of protection do you need?
It really depends on what's happening to your mattress. Do you sweat a lot during the night? Have a growing family? Do you eat in bed? Or do you just want to make sure the guest bed stays fresh? For general wear and tear protection, a simple non-waterproof mattress protector might be a cost effective solution. But for hardier wearing and impregnable protection, then a waterproof mattress protector is your best option!
We've created a list of best mattress protectors for you to compare, so you can discover which brand to look for and what mattress protector will suit your needs. But before we get to our recommendations, here's a brief explanation of some industry terminology to help you understand the technologies.
Waterproof mattress protection
You'll see this claim when a waterproof barrier is applied to a soft material layer. It is the most common feature used in mattress protectors and acts as a barrier against spills, accidents and damage.
Water resistant mattress protection
A water resistant mattress protector is good for light wear and tear. It's a light protective layer against small spills and sweat. It isn't waterproof and so may not fully protect your mattress if a larger accident were to happen.
Polyurethane (PU) membrane
Polyurethane is used everywhere and serves as a waterproof membrane that's still breathable. It's the best protection we have against spills.
TENCEL
TENCEL is a sustainable fibre that is used for its softness and naturally absorbent qualities. In a mattress protector, it is softer than cotton and more durable. It has become the material of choice for most brands.
Sleep surface
The sleep surface is the material that your body and skin touches. This doesn't include the filling of a padded mattress protector nor the skirting. Comfort is essential for this mattress protector area and it affects sleep quality and how you feel.
Fitted skirt/skirting
The fitted skirt, or skirting, is the material that wraps around the edges of your mattress protector. It keeps your protector in place and comes in different lengths for different mattress heights. Often it is used with an elasticated band for a better fit.
Top 5 mattress protector brands:
#1 Sleepyhead
The Sleepyhead Hush Luxury Mattress Protector is a premium protector designed to feel as good as it protects, the Hush Luxury Mattress Protector features a luxurious wool and TENCEL™ blend surface layer that offers natural breathability, softness, and temperature regulation, helping to create a comfortable and balanced sleep environment. Beneath the surface, an ultra-thin, waterproof and breathable membrane provides discreet protection against spills and accidents, without changing the feel or performance of your mattress. Finished with a 100% cotton skirt for enhanced airflow and a secure fit, it is treated with Ultra-Fresh® to maintain freshness and hygiene night after night. It's machine washable and backed by Sleepyhead's 10 Year Stain-Proof Promise for ultimate luxury and peace of mind.
Sleepyhead's TENCEL® Protector is a breathable and soft mattress protector. It is constructed to be naturally moisture wicking and temperature balanced with TENCEL®. This is a waterproof mattress protector that uses a 2-way polyurethane membrane for increased protection. The thin and silent backing doesn't feel like it's there but protects against accidental spills, moisture buildup and allergy causing nasties. It's designed to keep your mattress and bedding feeling fresh night after night. To keep this mattress protector allergy-friendly, we've treated it with Ultra-Fresh, an antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould, mildew and fungi for lasting freshness. This mattress protector's durability and quality protection is backed with our 10 year No Stain Promise. It's the ultimate protection for your mattress that will last the lifetime of your mattress.
#2 Protect-A-Bed
Protect-a-bed's Tencel Signature Jacquard Fitted Waterproof Mattress Protector is a bit long winded to say but worth the tongue-twister. It's a waterproof protector with a unique quilting and silky smooth sleep surface. It features a Miracle Layer™ which is a silent, breathable and 100% waterproof skin that protects your mattress and shields against allergens. Using TENCEL and a wood-based fibre filling, this mattress protector is breathable, cooling and more absorbent than cotton. It can even be used with an electric blanket so it protects your bed all year round. It's design is similar to a fitted sheet style so that it stays in place but is easy to remove. Their Expandall® fitted skirt is suitable for all standard and extra depth mattresses and Protect-a-bed's waterproof mattress protector fits all mattress sizes so anyone in the family can sleep worry free.
Protect-A-Bed's TENCEL waterproof mattress protector is the closest to ours but with a plushier feel. However, it's Australian made and isn't treated with Ultra-Fresh – an antimicrobial treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
#3 Bambi
Bambi has an Ecorenew TENCEL Mattress Protector that is eco-friendly naturally hypoallergenic, silky soft and fits snuggly to your mattress. It's an excellent quality non-waterproof mattress protector that protects your mattress from minor marks and small stains. It's made with sustainable Tencel and features a 100% Australian cotton cover that is renewable and locally sourced. It's quilted layer uses tencel fill as its hypoallergenic and lighter than wool. With an elasticated fitted skirt that stretches 55cm deep for a snug mattress fit. Backed with a 5 year guarantee, the Bambi TENCEL mattress protector will maintain and protect the appearance of your mattress.
How it differs from the Sleepyhead TENCEL Waterproof mattress protector is fairly obvious. Although also made with TENCEL, our mattress protector is waterproof and is 100% made here in New Zealand. It has a 2-way waterproof PU membrane that is soft, breathable and protects against sweat, mould, mildew and other nasties. You'll extend the life of your mattress using a more waterproof protector like ours.
#4 Emma
Emma's Mattress Protector is designed to keep your bed healthy and clean. It's waterproof and antibacterial to efficiently protect your mattress from dust mites, mould and mildew. It's machine washable for easy cleaning if an accidental spill occurs. The Emma Mattress Protector contains microcapsules of natural probiotics which release with friction, multiplying exponentially and creating a micro-climate that doesn't allow allergens to grow. Emma has even made this a cooling mattress protector with a top layer made for temperature regulation. Enjoy a constant temperature throughout the night as sweat is wicked away and evaporated quickly. With a tight skirting, this mattress protector will stay wrinkle and crinkle free.
The Sleepyhead mattress protector may not be cooling but it is waterproof, antimicrobial and moisture wicking. It's made with TENCEL which is soft and silky smooth for a breathable thin layer that you'll barely notice when put on your bed. We back our protector with a 10 year warranty because we know it'll last!
#5 BrollySheets
BrollySheets is a New Zealand owned brand that's known for kid friendly waterproof mattress protectors. These have a unique waterproof backing with a soft comfort layer and a sustainable quilted cotton top for a plush feel. The protector is environmentally friendly and non-toxic for peace of mind, and it's machine washable for fuss-free cleaning. With a stretch skirting it will keep you protected all night long.
Unlike the BrollySheet protector, Sleepyhead's mattress protector is made with TENCEL which is softer and more absorbent than cotton. Additionally we've treated ours with Ultra-Fresh to further protect against allergens. We're also a New Zealand owned brand but we make our mattress protectors locally. It reduces our carbon footprint and keeps things Kiwi as.
Protecting your mattress is about safeguarding your health, comfort, and expensive mattress investment. While basic options guard against general wear, a high-quality waterproof protector using modern, silent polyurethane membranes paired with breathable TENCEL® provides complete protection against spills, sweat, dust mites, and allergens without compromising on comfort.
Whether you choose the everyday performance of Sleepyhead's TENCEL® Waterproof Protector or upgrade to the all-in-one comfort of the Hush Luxury Set, our New Zealand-made range combines natural temperature regulation with Ultra-Fresh® antimicrobial protection, all backed by our 10 Year Stain-Proof Promise to keep your sleep surface fresh, clean, and comfortable night after night. A quality mattress protector is simply a smart investment!