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Best Protective Cover For Mattress: Fitted vs Zippered Options Compared

Updated 10 min read

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Guide at a glance

  • 5products compared
  • 10minute read
  • Side-by-side comparison table
  • Who each pick suits best
  • What to check before you buy

A mattress protector can help guard against spills, stains, dust, and everyday wear, but the right style depends on how much coverage you need. A fitted protector covers the sleeping surface, while a zippered encasement surrounds the mattress on all sides. The options below include both designs, with differences in materials, mattress-depth fit, and care instructions to help you choose a cover that suits your bed.

Quick Comparison

ProductStyleWaterproofBest for
PlushDeluxe Bamboo Waterproof Mattress ProtectorFitted protectorYesSoft, quiet surface protection
Utopia Bedding Queen Zippered Mattress ProtectorFull encasementYesAll-around coverage for mattresses up to 15 inches deep
DreamField Linen Bamboo Mattress Protector with ZipperFull encasementYesBamboo-blend feel with zippered coverage
Utopia Bedding Premium 6-Sided Mattress ProtectorFull encasementYesQueen mattresses up to 12 inches deep
AllerEase Maximum Waterproof Allergy Mattress ProtectorFull encasementYesWaterproof coverage with allergy-focused design

Our Picks: Best Protective Cover For Mattress reviews

1. PlushDeluxe Bamboo: A Soft, Quiet Fitted Protector

The PlushDeluxe is a fitted-style mattress protector with a bamboo-derived viscose surface and a waterproof layer. Unlike a zippered encasement, it covers the top and sides but does not surround the bottom of the mattress. Its simpler design is convenient if you mainly want to protect the sleeping surface from spills, sweat, or routine wear.

The queen-size version measures 60 by 80 inches and is designed to fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep. The product description emphasizes a soft, breathable feel and a noiseless design. That makes it a practical option if you dislike the crinkly feel sometimes associated with waterproof bedding. It is also described as suitable for memory foam, latex, and spring mattresses.

This cover may suit households managing occasional spills, potty training, nursing care, or pets on the bed. It provides a smooth layer between you and the mattress, but it is not the choice for shoppers who want full coverage around every side. If you need an encasement, consider one of the zippered options below instead.

Pros:

  • Waterproof protection against spills and bodily fluids
  • Fitted design accommodates mattresses up to 18 inches deep
  • Bamboo-derived viscose surface is described as soft and breathable
  • Designed to stay quiet rather than crinkle with movement

Cons:

  • Does not fully enclose the mattress
  • Check the fit carefully if your mattress is deeper than 18 inches

Verdict: Choose the PlushDeluxe if you want a soft, waterproof fitted cover and do not need zippered, all-around mattress coverage.

2. Utopia Bedding Zippered Protector: Full Coverage for Deeper Mattresses

This Utopia Bedding model is a zippered encasement made to cover all sides of a queen mattress. Its listed fit is 60 by 80 inches for mattresses up to 15 inches deep. A wraparound zipper encloses the bed, while stretchy knitted polyester is intended to make the cover easier to position and less likely to shift.

The protector has a TPU waterproof backing on all sides, so the coverage extends beyond the top panel. That design can be useful if you want to protect the mattress sides as well as its sleeping surface. The product is also described as quiet and machine washable, with tumble drying on low heat recommended.

Compared with a fitted protector, this encasement takes more effort to put on because you need to close the zipper around the mattress. In return, it offers more complete coverage. Its maximum listed depth is less than the PlushDeluxe’s, so measure your mattress before choosing between them.

Pros:

  • Encloses all sides of a queen mattress
  • Waterproof backing covers the full encasement
  • Fits mattresses up to 15 inches deep
  • Machine washable and designed to be quiet

Cons:

  • Installing a full encasement can take more effort than fitting a top-cover style
  • Not listed for mattresses deeper than 15 inches

Verdict: This is a strong fit if you want waterproof coverage around a queen mattress and its depth is 15 inches or less.

3. DreamField Linen Bamboo Zippered Cover: Full Encasement with a Softer Surface

The DreamField Linen protector combines a bamboo-based fabric blend with a zipper that goes around the mattress. The queen size measures 60 by 80 inches, and the product is described as suitable for latex, memory foam, and innerspring mattresses. Its encasement style covers the top and bottom as well as the sides, offering more complete coverage than a fitted protector.

The fabric blend is described as soft and breathable, with a waterproof layer intended to block liquids. The company also describes the cover as noiseless. For care, the instructions call for a cold, gentle machine wash and low-heat tumble drying; bleach and dry cleaning are not recommended.

This model is worth considering if you want an encasement but prefer a bamboo-blend surface. The listing does not specify a maximum mattress depth, so check the product details or confirm the fit before ordering if your mattress is especially thick. Compared with the Utopia Bedding encasement, it offers a different surface material and care instructions, but the supplied details provide less specific depth guidance.

Pros:

  • Zippered design provides coverage around the mattress
  • Waterproof and described as quiet
  • Bamboo and polyester blend is designed for a soft, breathable feel
  • Listed for memory foam, latex, and innerspring mattresses

Cons:

  • Maximum mattress depth is not specified in the supplied product details
  • Care instructions rule out bleach and dry cleaning

Verdict: Pick the DreamField Linen if you want a full zippered cover with a bamboo-blend surface and can confirm that it fits your mattress depth.

4. Utopia Bedding 6-Sided Encasement: A Snug Fit for 12-Inch Mattresses

This Utopia Bedding encasement is designed for queen mattresses measuring 60 by 80 inches and up to 12 inches deep. It uses a zipper to close around the mattress, giving it six-sided coverage. The product description also identifies it as waterproof and designed to help protect against bed bugs and dust mites.

The smooth knitted fabric is described as breathable, soft, and quiet. Its more limited depth range can be an advantage if your mattress is 12 inches deep or less and you want a snug fit; it may be unsuitable for a taller mattress. Like the other zippered choices, it covers more of the mattress than a fitted protector but takes more care to install.

This model is a straightforward option for shoppers who want a waterproof encasement and value the listed bed bug and dust mite protection. Those claims describe the product’s intended design, so follow its care and installation instructions to keep the enclosure in place.

Pros:

  • Six-sided zippered coverage
  • Waterproof design
  • Described as protecting against bed bugs and dust mites
  • Machine washable and made with smooth knitted fabric

Cons:

  • Maximum listed mattress depth is 12 inches
  • Full encasement takes more effort to put on than a fitted cover

Verdict: This is a suitable choice if your queen mattress is no more than 12 inches deep and you want a waterproof, zippered encasement.

5. AllerEase Maximum Waterproof Protector: An Allergy-Focused Encasement

The AllerEase Maximum is a zippered mattress encasement with a soft top fabric backed by a waterproof layer. Its allergy-focused design makes it a relevant option for shoppers looking for an enclosed cover, while its waterproof construction is intended to protect against spills and stains.

The listed sidewall construction fits queen and king mattresses up to 15 inches deep. The care instructions are more specific than those for some other options: machine wash hot with nonchlorine bleach when needed, then tumble dry separately on the lowest setting. The product also includes a lifetime warranty, according to its description.

As with any encasement, check the size and depth before ordering, and expect installation to take longer than putting on a fitted cover. The supplied details do not give a queen mattress’s exact length and width, so confirm the size information on the listing if a precise fit is important to you.

Pros:

  • Waterproof layer helps guard against spills and stains
  • Enclosed design with sidewalls sized for queen mattresses up to 15 inches deep
  • Soft, quiet top fabric
  • Product description includes a lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Requires careful washing and low-heat drying
  • Full encasement is less convenient to remove than a fitted protector

Verdict: Consider AllerEase if you want a waterproof, allergy-focused encasement and your queen mattress is no deeper than 15 inches.

How to Choose a Protective Mattress Cover

Decide Between a Fitted Protector and a Full Encasement

A fitted protector covers the top and sides of the mattress and is usually simpler to put on or remove. It can be a good match for everyday spills and stains when you do not need bottom coverage. A zippered encasement surrounds the mattress on all sides, offering more complete coverage but typically requiring more effort to install. Choose the style that matches the level of protection you need.

Measure Your Mattress Size and Depth

Check both the mattress dimensions and its depth before ordering. The listed queen models vary in their depth limits: the PlushDeluxe fits up to 18 inches, the Utopia Bedding zippered model and AllerEase fit up to 15 inches, and the Utopia Bedding 6-sided encasement fits up to 12 inches. The DreamField Linen listing does not specify a maximum depth in the supplied details, so confirm its fit before buying.

Match the Cover to Your Main Concern

If spills and stains are your main concern, look for a waterproof layer. If you want coverage around the mattress, choose a zippered model. Some product descriptions also identify protection from bed bugs or dust mites, as with the Utopia Bedding 6-sided encasement. Compare the specific claims and coverage design rather than assuming that every protector offers the same features.

Think About Feel and Noise

A protector sits between you and the mattress, so its surface can affect how the bed feels. The PlushDeluxe and DreamField Linen options describe bamboo-based surfaces, while the Utopia Bedding encasements use knitted polyester. Several are described as quiet or noiseless. If sound and surface feel matter to you, consider the listed materials and whether you prefer a fitted cover or an encasement.

Check the Care Instructions

Waterproof bedding needs care that helps preserve its barrier. The products here have different instructions, including low-heat tumble drying, cold gentle washing, or hot washing with nonchlorine bleach. Read the care label and product directions before laundering; using a higher heat setting than recommended may damage the protector.

Consider How Often You Will Remove It

If you plan to wash the cover often, a fitted style may be more convenient to take off and put back on. An encasement gives more complete coverage, but its zipper and full-wrap design can make routine removal slower. Weigh convenience against coverage before deciding which format works best for your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a mattress protector and a mattress encasement?

A fitted mattress protector usually covers the top and sides of the bed. A mattress encasement uses a zipper to surround the mattress on all sides. An encasement offers more complete coverage, while a fitted style is generally simpler to remove.

Do these mattress covers protect against liquid spills?

All five products are described as waterproof. The specific construction and coverage differ, so check whether a model protects only the top and sides or encloses the mattress on all sides.

How do I know whether a protector will fit my mattress?

Check the mattress size and measure its depth, including any permanent padding. Compare those measurements with the product’s listed dimensions and maximum depth. A cover that is too small or shallow may not fit securely.

Are zippered mattress covers noisy?

Several options in this guide are described as quiet or noiseless, including both fitted and zippered styles. Noise can depend on the materials and how the cover fits, so check the product details if a quiet sleeping surface is a priority.

Can I use a mattress protector on memory foam?

The PlushDeluxe and DreamField Linen descriptions list compatibility with memory foam. The DreamField Linen is also listed for latex and innerspring mattresses. For other models, confirm compatibility in the product details before ordering.

Can I machine wash a waterproof mattress cover?

The products listed here include machine-wash care instructions, but their settings vary. Some call for low-heat drying, while others specify a gentle cold wash or hot wash with nonchlorine bleach. Follow the instructions for your specific cover.

Which type is better for bed bug protection?

A zippered encasement is the relevant style if you want coverage around the entire mattress. The Utopia Bedding 6-sided model is specifically described as designed to protect against bed bugs and dust mites. Read the product’s installation and care directions, and check the listing for details about its intended protection.

Final Recommendation

For a soft, quiet fitted cover with a generous listed depth range, the PlushDeluxe Bamboo Waterproof Mattress Protector is a practical pick. If you want full coverage, consider a zippered encasement instead: the Utopia Bedding model fits mattresses up to 15 inches deep, while its 6-sided option is designed for mattresses up to 12 inches. Compare your mattress measurements, preferred feel, and care needs before choosing.

Author

  • Emily

    Emily is the editor of YourModernLiving, where she helps readers make informed decisions about home, kitchen, family, and everyday products. She focuses on researching product features, comparing available options, and creating practical buying guides to help readers find products that suit their needs, preferences, and budgets.

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